What does it mean to be an allied health professional working in rural Aotearoa New Zealand? A qualitative study

OBJECTIVE

Building health services and workforce that are both well supported and fit for purpose is a key consideration for improving health outcomes in rural populations. Achieving this requires an understanding of the roles and practice characteristic of each professional group, including allied health professionals. This study explores what it means to be an allied health professional practicing in rural Aotearoa New Zealand.

DESIGN

A qualitative study design was used, involving individual semi-structured interviews with 13 rural allied health professionals in the Otago and Northland regions. The interviews explored participants journey into rural practice, their experiences working rurally, and their views on rural practice.

FINDINGS

Four main themes were derived: Identity; Connectedness; Expectations; and Providing Care.

DISCUSSION

Proud of being rural, these allied health professionals are immersed within their community, intertwining their professional and personal identities. The unique nature of this dual identity while empowering for some, can also isolate rural allied health professionals from their professional bodies and urban peers. This leads to a sense of vulnerability and feeling undervalued and invisible. In response, rural allied health professionals choose to form strong connections to their local interprofessional team and their community. The connections they forge, and the breadth of their skills cumulate to enable allied health professionals to provide dynamic and responsive health services for their rural communities.

CONCLUSION

This study provides the first insight into experiences and perspectives of allied health professionals within rural Aotearoa New Zealand. Despite the challenges, a sense of pride is associated with practicing rurally for allied health professionals.

Variability of the Cervical Branch Depending on the Facial Nerve Branching Pattern and Anthropometric Type of the Head

(1) Background: Considering that the specialty literature supplies only general data about the variability of the cervical branch of the facial nerve, this study aimed to determine this branch's variation and individual peculiarities depending on the nerve branching pattern and anthropometric type of the head. (2) Methods: The study was conducted on 75 hemifaces of adult formalized cadavers. Ahead of anatomical dissection, each head was measured to establish the anthropometric type, according to Franco and colleagues. The branching patterns were then distributed according to the Davis classification. (3) Results: The number of cervical branches (CB) of the facial nerve varied from one to five branches, with the following rate: 1 CB (61.3%), 2 CB (28%), 3 CB (6.7%), 4 CB (2.7%), and 5 CB (1.3%). Seven branching patterns of the facial nerve were revealed: Type I in 18.7%, Type II in 14.7%, Type III in 20%, Type IV in 14.6%, Type V in 5.3%, Type VI in 18.7%, and Type NI in 8% (bizarre types). According to the branching pattern, the mean numbers of the cervical branches were as follows: Type I-1.6 ± 1.02; Type II-1.4 ± 0.50; Type III-1.4 ± 0.50; Type IV-1.4 ± 0.67; Type V-2.0 ± 1.41; Type VI-1.8 ± 1.12; and Type-NI-1.8 ± 0.75; p = 0.599. According to the anthropometric type of the head, the mean number of CB in the mesocephalic type (MCT) was 1.5 ± 0.82, in the dolichocephalic type (DCT), 1.7 ± 0.87, and in the brachycephalic type, (BCT) 1.8 ± 1.04; p = 0.668. (4) Conclusions: The cervical branch of the facial nerve varies depending on the facial nerve branching pattern and the anthropometric type of the head. The highest degree of variation was characteristic of BCT and Type V and the lowest, of MCT and Types II, III, and IV.

The dorsal stream of visual processing and action-specific domains in parietal and frontal cortex in primates

This review summarizes our findings obtained from over 15 years of research on parietal-frontal networks involved in the dorsal stream of cortical processing. We have presented considerable evidence for the existence of similar, partially independent, parietal-frontal networks involved in specific motor actions in a number of primates. These networks are formed by connections between action-specific domains representing the same complex movement evoked by electrical microstimulation. Functionally matched domains in the posterior parietal (PPC) and frontal (M1-PMC) motor regions are hierarchically related. M1 seems to be a critical link in these networks, since the outputs of M1 are essential to the evoked behavior, whereas PPC and PMC mediate complex movements mostly via their connections with M1. Thus, lesioning or deactivating M1 domains selectively blocks matching PMC and PPC domains, while having limited impact on other domains. When pairs of domains are stimulated together, domains within the same parietal-frontal network (matching domains) are cooperative in evoking movements, while they are mainly competitive with other domains (mismatched domains) within the same set of cortical areas. We propose that the interaction of different functional domains in each cortical region (as well as in striatum) occurs mainly via mutual suppression. Thus, the domains at each level are in competition with each other for mediating one of several possible behavioral outcomes.

'I can see what's going on without being nosey…': What matters to people living with dementia about home as revealed through visual home tours

OBJECTIVES

This paper considers home from the perspective of people living with dementia supporting ongoing discourse around ageing in place and the significance of creating more inclusive communities.

METHODS

Forty-six home tour interviews led by people living with dementia were conducted in England and Scotland to better understand the connectivity between home and neighbourhood for people living with dementia. These interviews used a range of participatory and creative approaches including video, photographic images and in situ interviews. Data were analysed via reflexive thematic analysis.

RESULTS

Three themes were identified in data analysis. 1. Connected home and neighbourhood, where participants revealed the dynamic relationship between home and neighbourhood; 2. Practices of home, where participants discussed the everyday nature of their homes and routines; and 3. Displaying home and family, which reflected participant's biographical homes in the context of living with dementia.

DISCUSSION

The findings show that home holds multiple meanings for people living with dementia. For example, home is understood as a part of the neighbourhood and an extension of the home space into gardens and backyards, thus extending existing discourses that solely focus on the inside of people's homes. For people living with dementia, homes are also sites of negotiation and renegotiation where new meanings are created to reflect the changing nature and context of the home. There is not one fixed solution to these issues. Support and understanding for people living with dementia will need to evolve to adapt to the shifting dynamics and multiple meanings of home.

A Finite Element Analysis of Stress Allocation around Three Types of Abutment-Implant Interfaces

Objectives

This study examined the effects of stress distribution at three abutment-implant interfaces on various implant systems.

Materials and Methods

Group I: tri-channel internal connection (Nobel Biocare), Group II: 1.5-mm deep internal hex (BioHorizons Co. Birmingham, USA), and Group III: ADIN Touareg, to create computerized models of implants and mandibular modeling software, close fit WP, ANSYS Version 14.0 for finite element analysis (FEA), Hypermesh 12 for meshing and CATIA were used. A top-notch scanner was used to scan the implant. CATIA software created computerized models using all the aforementioned data. By applying bonded state on the abutment-implant borders and four various load conditions within the implant system, finite element method modeling was carried out. The computerized model was imported into the ANSYS program. To compare the groups, a statistical analysis was conducted.

Result

Through the use of three-dimensional FEA, the samples were assessed. Stress was found to be utmost in Group I, followed by Group III and Group II, at 80 N, 80 N with a 15° tilt, 250 N, and 250 N with a 15° tilt, and the divergence was statistically inconsequential.

Conclusion

The tri-channel internal connection displayed the highest stresses compared to the internal hex within the constraints of the current study.

Possible rodent equivalent of the posterior cingulate cortex (area 23) interconnects with multimodal cortical and subcortical regions

Posterior cingulate cortex (area 23, A23) in human and monkeys is a critical component of the default mode network and is involved in many diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, autism, depression, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and schizophrenia. However, A23 has not yet identified in rodents, and this makes modeling related circuits and diseases in rodents very difficult. Using a comparative approach, molecular markers and unique connectional patterns this study has uncovered the location and extent of possible rodent equivalent (A23~) of the primate A23. A23 ~ but not adjoining areas in the rodents displays strong reciprocal connections with anteromedial thalamic nucleus. Rodent A23 ~ reciprocally connects with the medial pulvinar and claustrum as well as with anterior cingulate, granular retrosplenial, medial orbitofrontal, postrhinal, and visual and auditory association cortices. Rodent A23 ~ projects to dorsal striatum, ventral lateral geniculate nucleus, zona incerta, pretectal nucleus, superior colliculus, periaqueductal gray, and brainstem. All these findings support the versatility of A23 in the integration and modulation of multimodal sensory information underlying spatial processing, episodic memory, self-reflection, attention, value assessment and many adaptive behaviors. Additionally, this study also suggests that the rodents could be used to model monkey and human A23 in future structural, functional, pathological, and neuromodulation studies.

'I want him to tell me he loves me': A smart audio device, Tochie, for resident-family connection in long-term care

BACKGROUND

Older people living in long-term care homes are particularly susceptible to loneliness and social isolation, which the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated further. 'Tochie' is a smart audio device that allows family members to remotely record and send messages, such as daily reminders and comforting recordings, to their loved ones in LTC settings. The purpose of this study was to assess the feasibility and acceptability of using Tochie to improve resident-family connections, and to investigate user experience, impact and lessons learned.

METHODS

Participants included 10 residents, nine family members and six care staff from two LTC homes in British Columbia, Canada. A Tochie was provided to each resident to use with their family members over a 4-week intervention period. The research team provided support and gathered feedback from family members and care staff through weekly phone and email correspondence. Qualitative descriptive design was used, including pre- and post-intervention focus groups and interviews held via Zoom and phone to gather participants' experiences with Tochie. Themes were identified through thematic analysis.

RESULTS

Three themes were identified: (1) Facilitating emotional connection, (2) Using the device in creative and personalised ways and (3) Structural challenges and supports. Based on these findings, recommendations for future research and practice are provided.

CONCLUSION

The COVID-19 pandemic has prompted a rethinking of what it means to 'stay in touch' with loved ones in LTC settings. This study found that Tochie has opened up new opportunities for family connection and provided emotional support for residents. The results of this study offer valuable insights into the implementation of assistive technology in LTC homes to support resident care.

Distribution and Ultrastructural Features of Telocytes in the Pars Distalis of the Rat Pituitary Gland

Telocytes (TCs), a novel type of interstitial cells, are characterized by their smaller cellular body and extremely long, thin processes which are called telopodes (Tps). They have been described in multiple organs from diverse animals. Currently, the existence of TCs in rat pars distalis (PD) has remained unexplored. This investigation was undertaken to visualize the distribution and structural features of TCs in the PD using immunofluorescence (IF) and further validated by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). HE staining revealed the presence of interstitial cells in the peri-sinusoidal vessels spaces of the PD. Using IF, CD34/vimentin double-positive interstitial cells were identified as TCs in accordance with identification standards. TEM further verified the presence of TCs based on their unique ultrastructural features. TCs exhibited communication structures including cell connections and extracellular vesicles (EVs). Interestingly, TCs were in close proximity to the nerves. Most importantly, Tps extended toward the nerves, blood vessels, and glandular cells. TCs could be the structural foundation of a third regulatory system in rat PD according to the tight connections of TCs with sinusoid vessels, glandular cells, EVs and most crucially the nerves. Taken together, these morphological and structural findings demonstrate that TCs are vital components of the rat PD.

Contextuality with Disturbance and without: Neither Can Violate Substantive Requirements the Other Satisfies

Contextuality was originally defined only for consistently connected systems of random variables (those without disturbance/signaling). Contextuality-by-Default theory (CbD) offers an extension of the notion of contextuality to inconsistently connected systems (those with disturbance) by defining it in terms of the systems' couplings subject to certain constraints. Such extensions are sometimes met with skepticism. We pose the question of whether it is possible to develop a set of substantive requirements (i.e., those addressing a notion itself rather than its presentation form) such that (1) for any consistently connected system, these requirements are satisfied, but (2) they are violated for some inconsistently connected systems. We show that no such set of requirements is possible, not only for CbD but for all possible CbD-like extensions of contextuality. This follows from the fact that any extended contextuality theory T is contextually equivalent to a theory T' in which all systems are consistently connected. The contextual equivalence means the following: there is a bijective correspondence between the systems in T and T' such that the corresponding systems in T and T' are, in a well-defined sense, mere reformulations of each other, and they are contextual or noncontextual together.

Contextuality and Informational Redundancy

A noncontextual system of random variables may become contextual if one adds to it a set of new variables, even if each of them is obtained by the same context-wise function of the old variables. This fact follows from the definition of contextuality, and its demonstration is trivial for inconsistently connected systems (i.e., systems with disturbance). However, it also holds for consistently connected (and even strongly consistently connected) systems, provided one acknowledges that if a given property was not measured in a given context, this information can be used in defining functions among the random variables. Moreover, every inconsistently connected system can be presented as a (strongly) consistently connected system with essentially the same contextuality characteristics.

Connections of the Dentate Nucleus with the Amygdala: Experimental Rat and Human 3-Tesla Tractography Study

Background: The role of the cerebellum in motor function is well recognized. However, its role in higher nervous system activities such as cognition, emotion, endocrine, and autonomic activities is less known. The present study aims to show direct dento-amygdala projections using a biotinylated dextran amine (BDA) tracer in rats and 3-tesla (T) high-resolution diffusion tensor imaging (DTI)-based tractography in humans. Materials and Methods: The BDA tracer was pressure injected into the dentate nucleus of the cerebellum of Wistar albino rats. Labeled cells and axons were documented. High-resolution 3-T tractography data were obtained from the Human Connectome Project database. Dento-amygdala tracts were analyzed using diffusion spectrum imaging (DSI) Studio software. Results: The experimental study showed bilateral projections between the dentate nucleus and the central and basal nuclei and ipsilateral projections between lateral nuclei of the amygdala. The fibers from the dentate nucleus reached the amygdala through the superior cerebellar peduncle (SCP), and the contralateral fibers crossed in the decussation of SCP at the midbrain. The dento-amygdala results of the experimental study corresponded with the 3-T tractography findings on humans. Additionally, DTI findings showed that most of the dentate fibers passed through the hypothalamus before reaching the amygdala, and the amygdalae of the two sides are connected through the anterior commissure. Discussion: The 3-T DTI data of adult humans showed both direct dento-amygdala and indirect dento-hypothalamo-amygdala projections. Thus, this may indicate cerebellar contribution in modulation of emotional and autonomic functions. Furthermore, this can explain the emotional and cognitive deficits that occur in patients with cerebellar or SCP damage. Impact statement The present study showed direct dento-amygdala connections in the rat brain and human brain, which may provide evidence for cerebellar contribution in modulation of emotional and autonomic functions.

Experimental Investigation of the Failure Scenario of Various Connection Types between Thin-Walled Beam and Sandwich Panel

The paper presents failure scenarios for various types of connections between a thin-walled beam and a sandwich panel. In addition to standard connections used in civil engineering applications, that is, self-drilling fasteners for sandwich panels, the study examined the use of bolts, blind rivets, and double-sided acrylic tape applied linearly and pointwise. The connections were subjected to the horizontal load applied with constant eccentricity with respect to the plane of the connection surface. This load arrangement simulates the behaviour of a free flange of the thin-walled beam in bending while lateral-torsional buckling occurs. In this way, the research covers the determination of the lateral stiffness of the thin-walled beam-free flange, while the other flange is connected to the sandwich panel using various connection systems.

UK clinical and community psychology: Exploring personal and professional connections

This paper explores the personal and professional connections between clinical psychologists in the United Kingdom (UK) and critical/community psychology (CCP). Specifically, it asks how clinical psychologists define the area, how they relate to it and how they apply it in their work. Twenty clinical psychologists responded to an online survey, 12 of whom went on to take part in a follow-up telephone interview. Data were analysed using inductive thematic analysis. The results are divided into three sections: i. "describing CCP": social justice and a questioning stance are considered, ii. "relating to CCP": an interplay between lifespan events and personal responses are described and iii. "applying CCP": a dynamic between role-specific applications and reality checks that either enable or constrain is illustrated. Although the continued need for a CCP is described, the results highlight both challenges and tensions of practising CCP within clinical psychology.

Networks of Neuropsychological Functions in the Clinical Evaluation of Adult ADHD

This study applied network analysis to explore the relations between neuropsychological functions of individuals in the clinical evaluation of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in adulthood. A total of 319 participants from an outpatient referral context, that is, 173 individuals with ADHD (ADHD group) and 146 individuals without ADHD (n-ADHD group), took part in this study and completed a comprehensive neuropsychological assessment. A denser network with stronger global connectivity was observed in the ADHD group compared to the n-ADHD group. The strongest connections were consistent in both networks, that is, the connections between selective attention and vigilance, and connections between processing speed, fluency, and flexibility. Further centrality estimation revealed attention-related variables to have the highest expected influence in both networks. The observed relationships between neuropsychological functions, and the high centrality of attention, may help identify neuropsychological profiles that are specific to ADHD and optimize neuropsychological assessment and treatment planning of individuals with cognitive impairment.

Phytoplankton Composition and Their Related Factors in Five Different Lakes in China: Implications for Lake Management

In this paper, two trophic lakes: Lake Taihu and Lake Yanghe, and three alpine lakes: Lake Qinghai, Lake Keluke, and Lake Tuosu, were investigated to discover the connections between environmental factors and the phytoplankton community in lakes with differences in trophic levels and climatic conditions. Three seasonal data, including water quality and phytoplankton, were collected from the five lakes. The results demonstrated clear differences in water parameters and phytoplankton compositions in different lakes. The phytoplankton was dominated by Bacillariophyta, followed by Cyanobacteria and Chlorophyta in Lake Qinghai, Lake Keluke, and Lake Tuosu. It was dominated by Cyanobacteria (followed by Chlorophyta and Bacillariophyta in Lake Yanghe) and Cyanobacteria (followed by Chlorophyta and Cryptophyta in Lake Taihu). The temperature was an essential factor favoring the growth of Cyanobacteria, Chlorophyta, and Bacillariophyta, especially Cyanobacteria and Chlorophyta. The pH had significantly negative relationships with Cyanobacteria, Chlorophyta, and Bacillariophyta. Particularly, a high pH might be a strong and negative factor for phytoplankton growth in alpine lakes. A high salinity was also an adverse factor for phytoplankton. Those results could provide fundamental information about the phytoplankton community and their correlated factors in the alpine lakes of the Tibetan Plateau, contributing to the protection and management of alpine lakes.

Domains of spirituality and their importance to the health of 75 533 adolescents in 12 countries

Spirituality is an ancient concept with many contemporary applications to the field of health promotion. While recognized in the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child as a basic human right, definitional misunderstandings about what spirituality is, and is not, and the mechanisms by which it affects the health of young people, remain. In this cross-national analysis involving >75 000 adolescents from 12 countries, we examined the relative importance of each of four spiritual health domains (connections to self, others, nature and the transcendent) in the lives of young people, and how these connections relate to a standard indicator of positive mental health status. Descriptive and applied regression analyses confirmed two major findings: (i) boys and girls in all 12 countries ranked the importance of each of the four domains in the same order, with 'connections to self' identified as most important; and (ii) both direct and indirect pathways are evident that connect the remaining three domains to positive mental health status, but through strong connections to self. Based on our scale items, fostering a strong connection to self, which involves cultivating a sense of meaning, purpose and joy in the lives of adolescents, appears most fundamental to fostering optimal mental health. This may be achieved directly or, dependent upon context and culture, indirectly with emphasis on the connections afforded by the other three domains. Such findings provide important insights to guide the content of adolescent health promotion interventions.

Seeking and maintaining connections: A grounded theory study of maintaining spirituality in residential aged care facilities

BACKGROUND

Moving to a residential aged care facility involves living far from family and a familiar environment, and leaving behind the social support system of relatives, friends, and society. The pressure to find and develop new and meaningful connections in a residential aged care facility can be significant for older adults.

OBJECTIVE

To provide a theoretical explanation of how older adults seek and maintain connections in a residential aged care facility.

METHODS

A grounded theory study was conducted. A total of 17 residents were recruited from two Nepalese residential aged care facilities using theoretical sampling. Face to face in-depth, semi-structured interviews and observation within interviews were conducted. Data analysis included the process of open, axial, selective coding, and constant comparative analysis as per Corbin and Strauss' variant of grounded theory.

RESULTS

This study identified that the process of seeking connections in a residential aged care facility was forward-moving, and involved "identifying sources," "developing connections," and "appraising responses." By seeking connections, residents built new connections. Similarly, the study found that maintaining connections was a continuous process of "sustaining connections with co-residents," "preserving connections with nurses/caregivers," and "continuing connections with inner-self and higher being/s." Maintaining connections led residents to balance shifting connections. Furthermore, it was found that the process of seeking and maintaining connections was conditional on facility arrangement i.e. the way residents were placed, rules, regulations, co-residents' language, gender, religious affiliation, attitudes, the attitudes and practices of nurses/caregivers, decreasing physical abilities of residents, increasing illness of residents, illness or death of co-residents, and retirement or resignation of nurses/caregivers.

CONCLUSION

The current study provides unique insights into the process of seeking and maintaining connections in a residential aged care facility. Facility arrangement, rules, regulations, and caregiving practices should resonate with residents' socio-cultural expectations and spiritual belief system to support their process of seeking and maintaining connections.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

The findings can be beneficial for managers, nurses, caregivers, and spiritual advisors in developing interventions that promote the development of meaningful connections in a residential aged care facility.

Adrenal Myelolipoma: 369 Cases From a High-Volume Center

Background: Adrenal myelolipoma (AML) is a nonfunctional benign neoplasm from the adrenal cortex, composed of mature fat and hematopoietic tissue. Usually, patients have no symptoms. However, some patients with hypertension and blood pressure normalize after AML surgery, indicating some connections between AML and hypertension.

Materials and Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study of 369 patients diagnosed with AML from September 2008 to December 2018 collected in the Urology Department of West China Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan, China. We collected clinical records of patients before surgery. Postoperative follow-up was also carried out for those with hypertension and whether patients needed to take antihypertensive drugs and postoperative blood pressure were recorded. We aim to explore the characteristics of both patients with AML having hypertension and having remission of hypertension in 1 year after surgery.

Results: There were 369 patients with AML included in the study, 156 men and 213 women, aged 49.86 ± 11.61 years old. Among them, 121 (32.8%) patients presented with hypertension. Body mass index was significantly higher in the hypertension group than that in the nonhypertension group, even after adjusting other variables (26.26 ± 3.43 vs. 24.28 ± 3.38 kg/m², P < 0.001 for both univariate and multivariate analyses). Sixty patients were followed up for 1–9 years, with a median follow-up of 52 months. The duration of hypertension in the remission group was shorter than that in the non-remission group (P = 0.020), and the tumor lateralization was significantly different between the two groups (P = 0.005).

Conclusions: Nearly one-third of patients with AML suffered from hypertension in our study, and there existed some potential links between AML and hypertension. To be more specific, AML-related hypertension was more likely to result from obesity and renal compression by perirenal fat than from endocrine disorders or blood vessels compression. Patients with AML and with more than 3 years of hypertension might have less possibility to recover.

Craving Empathy: Studying the Sustained Impact of Empathy Training on Clinicians

Evidence is sparse when it comes to the longitudinal impact of educational interventions on empathy among clinicians. Additionally, most available research on empathy is on medical trainee cohorts. We set out to study the impact of empathy and communication training on practicing clinicians' self-reported empathy and whether it can be sustained over six months. An immersive curriculum was designed to teach empathy and communication skills, which entailed experiential learning with simulated encounters and didactics on the foundational elements of communication. Self-reported Jefferson Scale of Empathy (JSE) was scored before and at two points (1-4 weeks and 6 months) after the training. Overall, clinicians' mean self-empathy scores increased following the workshop and were sustained at six months. Specifically, the perspective taking domain of the empathy scale, which relates to cognitive empathy, showed the most responsiveness to educational interventions. Our analysis shows that a structured and immersive training curriculum centered on building communication and empathy skills has the potential to positively impact clinician empathy and sustain self-reported empathy scores among practicing clinicians.

Cerebral Modifications in Glaucoma and Macular Degeneration: Analysis of Current Evidence in Literature and Their Implications on Therapeutic Perspectives

Glaucoma and macular degeneration are leading causes of irreversible blindness, significantly compromising the quality of life and having a high economic and social impact. Promising therapeutic approaches aimed at regenerating or bypassing the damaged anatomical-functional components are currently under development: these approaches have generated great expectations, but to be effective require a visual network that, despite the pathology, maintains its integrity up to the higher brain areas. In the light of this, the existing findings concerning how the central nervous system modifies its connections following the pathological damage caused by glaucoma and macular degeneration acquire great interest. This review aims to examine the scientific literature concerning the morphological and functional changes affecting the central nervous system in these pathological conditions, summarizing the evidence in an analytical way, discussing their possible causes and highlighting the potential repercussions on the current therapeutic perspectives.

Mouvement de passage: Creating connections through movement among persons with dementia

One of the challenging consequences of dementia is the change in relationships that can co-occur with the progression of this condition. Despite this well-documented change, few arts-based interventions target the relational dimension of dementia. This study aims to explore the effects of one arts-based relational intervention: a movement program designed to foster connections within a group of persons with dementia. We used ethnographic methods—including participant observations and informal interviews—to understand the relational effects of this program conducted by two dancers and a musician. The movement sessions were video recorded, and participant movement trajectories were analyzed for different ways in which they created connections. We identified two types of connections—nonreciprocal and reciprocal—and four subtypes of connections—connection to exercise/music, connection to participant, interpersonal connection, and group connection—that participants engaged in during the movement program. Despite most participants not remembering the previous movement sessions, they experienced increasing numbers of connections over the course of the program, particularly reciprocal interpersonal connections. Participants explored new forms of moving and creatively transformed the movement structures proposed by the dancers. The results demonstrate the effectiveness of this program in augmenting connections and fostering exploration and creativity in individuals with dementia, providing a template for further developments of interventions targeting the relational dimensions of dementia. This study also highlights the potential of combining ethnographic methods and video analysis to include the perspectives of persons with dementia in research.

Changes to Family Caregiving of Older Adults and Adults with Disabilities during COVID-19

The strict restrictions to reduce the spread of COVID-19 have disrupted the lives of many at-risk people and their family caregivers. This study explored how family caregivers perceived that family caregiving had changed during COVID-19 and the strategies they used to cope with these changes. We conducted 52 semi-structured interviews with family caregivers of adults over age 65 or adults with disabilities and analyzed the data through an inductive thematic analysis. Caregivers perceived the largest COVID-19-related caregiving changes to be limited social and physical contacts, changed caregiving tasks, reduced services and supports, and a new focus on vigilance and safety. Caregivers made numerous changes to caregiving, including keeping connected, keeping relatives occupied, getting support and services in new ways, and reducing caregiver stress.

Anatomical variations and interconnections of the superior peroneal retinaculum to adjacent lateral ankle structures: a preliminary imaging anatomy study

Aim

This imaging anatomy study aimed at detecting anatomical variations and potential interconnections of the superior peroneal retinaculum to other lateral stabilizing structures.

Materials and methods

We retrospectively reviewed the imaging archives of 63 patients (38 females, 25 males, mean age 32.7, range 18–58 years) with available ankle US, MR and CT images to detect whether US and MR can detect the presence of interconnections between the superior peroneal retinaculum and the anterior talofibular ligament, inferior extensor retinaculum and peroneal tendon sheath. We evaluated the presence of common anatomical variations including low peroneus brevis muscle belly, peroneal tubercle, os peroneum, and retromalleolar fibular groove shape in relation to the presence of superior peroneal retinaculum connections.

Results

The connections of the superior peroneal retinaculum can be revealed on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and ultrasound (US). The connection to the anterior talofibular ligament was located (a) inferior to the lateral malleolus, (b) at the level of the lateral malleolus and (c) on both levels, respectively (a) 49.2% on MRI and 39.7% on US, p <0.05, (b) 44.4% and 58.7%, p <0.05, 36.5% and (c) 27%, p <0.05. Superior peroneal retinaculum–inferior extensor retinaculum (MRI 47.6%, US 28.6% p <0.001) and superior peroneal retinaculum–peroneal tendon sheath (MRI 22.2%, US 25.4% p >0.05) connections were also found both on MR and US.

Conclusion

Ankle US and MR revealed interconnections between the superior peroneal retinaculum and the anterior talofibular ligament, inferior extensor retinaculum, and superior peroneal retinaculum. Our results are a starting point for further studies on the connections of the superior peroneal retinaculum and the applicability of ultrasound and MRI in assessing their occurrence. Knowledge of the anatomical connections of the superior peroneal retinaculum may help radiologists with the assessment of lateral ankle injuries, and surgeons with treatment planning.

Proffering Connections: Psychologising Experience in Psychotherapy and Everyday Life

Conversation analytic research has advanced understanding of the psychotherapeutic process by understanding how psychotherapy is organised over time in and through interaction between clients and therapists. This study progresses knowledge in this area by examining how psychological accounts of experience are progressively developed across a range of helping relationships. Data include: (1) approximately 30 h of psychotherapy sessions involving trainee therapists; (2) approximately 15 h of psychotherapy demonstration sessions involving expert therapists; and (3) approximately 30 h of everyday conversations involving close friends or family members. This article reports an analysis of techniques that are used to bring together two experiences that were discussed separately, to proffer a candidate connection between them. This proffering of candidate connections was recurrently used in psychotherapy. If confirmed by a client, a proffered connection could be used to develop a psychological account of a client’s experiences, which could then warrant some psychological intervention. In contrast, the proffering of connections was observed in only one of the everyday conversations included in the current study, where it was used to develop psychological accounts of experience. This shows that although proffering candidate connections is an everyday interactional practice, it appears to be used with greater frequency in psychotherapy, to advance its specific institutional aims.

Connections of the Human Orbitofrontal Cortex and Inferior Frontal Gyrus

The direct connections of the orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) were traced with diffusion tractography imaging and statistical analysis in 50 humans, to help understand better its roles in emotion and its disorders. The medial OFC and ventromedial prefrontal cortex have direct connections with the pregenual and subgenual parts of the anterior cingulate cortex; all of which are reward-related areas. The lateral OFC (OFClat) and its closely connected right inferior frontal gyrus (rIFG) have direct connections with the supracallosal anterior cingulate cortex; all of which are punishment or nonreward-related areas. The OFClat and rIFG also have direct connections with the right supramarginal gyrus and inferior parietal cortex, and with some premotor cortical areas, which may provide outputs for the OFClat and rIFG. Another key finding is that the ventromedial prefrontal cortex shares with the medial OFC especially strong outputs to the nucleus accumbens and olfactory tubercle, which comprise the ventral striatum, whereas the other regions have more widespread outputs to the striatum. Direct connections of the OFC and IFG were with especially the temporal pole part of the temporal lobe. The left IFG, which includes Broca's area, has direct connections with the left angular and supramarginal gyri.

Cortical Afferents of Area 10 in Cebus Monkeys: Implications for the Evolution of the Frontal Pole

Area 10, located in the frontal pole, is a unique specialization of the primate cortex. We studied the cortical connections of area 10 in the New World Cebus monkey, using injections of retrograde tracers in different parts of this area. We found that injections throughout area 10 labeled neurons in a consistent set of areas in the dorsolateral, ventrolateral, orbital, and medial parts of the frontal cortex, superior temporal association cortex, and posterior cingulate/retrosplenial region. However, sites on the midline surface of area 10 received more substantial projections from the temporal lobe, including clear auditory connections, whereas those in more lateral parts received >90% of their afferents from other frontal areas. This difference in anatomical connectivity reflects functional connectivity findings in the human brain. The pattern of connections in Cebus is very similar to that observed in the Old World macaque monkey, despite >40 million years of evolutionary separation, but lacks some of the connections reported in the more closely related but smaller marmoset monkey. These findings suggest that the clearer segregation observed in the human frontal pole reflects regional differences already present in early simian primates, and that overall brain mass influences the pattern of cortico-cortical connectivity.

Anatomy and Connectivity of the Torus Longitudinalis of the Adult Zebrafish

This study describes the cytoarchitecture of the torus longitudinalis (TL) in adult zebrafish by using light and electron microscopy, as well as its main connections as revealed by DiI tract tracing. In addition, by using high resolution confocal imaging followed by digital tracing, we describe the morphology of tectal pyramidal cells (type I cells) that are GFP positive in the transgenic line Tg(1.4dlx5a-dlx6a:GFP)^ot1. The TL consists of numerous small and medium-sized neurons located in a longitudinal eminence attached to the medial optic tectum. A small proportion of these neurons are GABAergic. The neuropil shows three types of synaptic terminals and numerous dendrites. Tracing experiments revealed that the main efference of the TL is formed of parallel-like fibers that course within the marginal layer of the optic tectum. A toral projection to the thalamic nucleus rostrolateralis is also observed. Afferents to the TL come from visual and cerebellum-related nuclei in the pretectum, namely the central, intercalated and the paracommissural pretectal nuclei, as well as from the subvalvular nucleus in the isthmus. Additional afferents to the TL may come from the cerebellum but their origins could not be confirmed. The tectal afferent projection to the TL originates from cells similar to the type X cells described in other cyprinids. Tectal pyramidal neurons show round or piriform cell bodies, with spiny apical dendritic trees in the marginal layer. This anatomical study provides a basis for future functional and developmental studies focused on this cerebellum-like circuit in zebrafish.

Do the Dento-Thalamic Connections of Genetic Absence Epilepsy Rats from Strasbourg Differ from Those of Control Wistar Rats?

The thalamo-cortical circuit is important in the genesis of absence epilepsy. This circuit can be influenced by connecting pathways from various parts of central nervous system. The aim of the present study is to define the dento-thalamic connections in Wistar animals and compare the results with genetic absence epilepsy rats from Strasbourg (GAERS) using the biotinylated dextran amine (BDA) tracer. We injected BDA into the dentate nucleus of 13 (n = 6 Wistar and n = 7 GAERS) animals. The dento-thalamic connections in the Wistar animals were denser and were connected to a wider range of thalamic nuclei compared with GAERS. The dentate nucleus was bilaterally connected to the central (central medial [CM], paracentral [PC]), ventral (ventral medial [VM], ventral lateral [VL], and ventral posterior lateral [VPL]), and posterior (Po) thalamic nuclei in Wistar animals. The majority of these connections were dense contralaterally and scarce ipsilaterally. Contralateral connections were present with the parafascicular (PF), ventral posterior medial, ventral anterior (VA), and central lateral (CL) thalamic nuclei in Wistar animals. Whereas in GAERS, bilateral connections were observed with the VL and CM. Contralateral connections were present with the PC, VM, VA, and PF thalamic nuclei in GAERS. The CL, VPL, and Po thalamic nucleus connections were not observed in GAERS. The present study showed weak/deficit dento-thalamic connections in GAERS compared with control Wistar animals. The scarce information flow from the dentate nucleus to thalamus in GAERS may have a deficient modulatory role on the thalamus and thus may affect modulation of the thalamo-cortical circuit.

Coping strategies of cancer patients in Ukraine

This case study explores the coping strategies of oncology patients and their family members in Ukraine. These coping strategies are seen as an individual-level response to the organizational and financial failures of the Ukrainian health care system. Based on semistructured interviews with medical doctors, patients, representatives of charitable foundations, and policy makers, we identify a variety of coping strategies, including personal connections and informal payments. Unequal access to diagnostic and treatment services is observed: coping strategies are developed by patients and their families taking into account the available financial and social capital. Importantly, we could not identify a typical path for cancer patients as cancer patients act in an environment of great uncertainty-in terms of their prognosis and in terms of the cost of treatment. With a weak state and financial uncertainty, patients and physicians perceive coping strategies rather positively as it may contribute to the chance of life.

Tracing of Afferent Connections in the Zebrafish Cerebellum Using Recombinant Rabies Virus

The cerebellum is involved in some forms of motor coordination and learning, and in cognitive and emotional functions. To elucidate the functions of the cerebellum, it is important to unravel the detailed connections of the cerebellar neurons. Although the cerebellar neural circuit structure is generally conserved among vertebrates, it is not clear whether the cerebellum receives and processes the same or similar information in different vertebrate species. Here, we performed monosynaptic retrograde tracing with recombinant rabies viruses (RV) to identify the afferent connections of the zebrafish cerebellar neurons. We used a G-deleted RV that expressed GFP. The virus was also pseudotyped with EnvA, an envelope protein of avian sarcoma and leucosis virus (ALSV-A). For the specific infection of cerebellar neurons, we expressed the RV glycoprotein (G) gene and the envelope protein TVA, which is the receptor for EnvA, in Purkinje cells (PCs) or granule cells (GCs), using the promoter for aldolase Ca (aldoca) or cerebellin 12 (cbln12), respectively. When the virus infected PCs in the aldoca line, GFP was detected in the PCs’ presynaptic neurons, including GCs and neurons in the inferior olivary nuclei (IOs), which send climbing fibers (CFs). These observations validated the RV tracing method in zebrafish. When the virus infected GCs in the cbln12 line, GFP was again detected in their presynaptic neurons, including neurons in the pretectal nuclei, the nucleus lateralis valvulae (NLV), the central gray (CG), the medial octavolateralis nucleus (MON), and the descending octaval nucleus (DON). GFP was not observed in these neurons when the virus infected PCs in the aldoca line. These precerebellar neurons generally agree with those reported for other teleost species and are at least partly conserved with those in mammals. Our results demonstrate that the RV system can be used for connectome analyses in zebrafish, and provide fundamental information about the cerebellar neural circuits, which will be valuable for elucidating the functions of cerebellar neural circuits in zebrafish.

Building connectomes using diffusion MRI: why, how and but

Why has diffusion MRI become a principal modality for mapping connectomes in vivo? How do different image acquisition parameters, fiber tracking algorithms and other methodological choices affect connectome estimation? What are the main factors that dictate the success and failure of connectome reconstruction? These are some of the key questions that we aim to address in this review. We provide an overview of the key methods that can be used to estimate the nodes and edges of macroscale connectomes, and we discuss open problems and inherent limitations. We argue that diffusion MRI-based connectome mapping methods are still in their infancy and caution against blind application of deep white matter tractography due to the challenges inherent to connectome reconstruction. We review a number of studies that provide evidence of useful microstructural and network properties that can be extracted in various independent and biologically relevant contexts. Finally, we highlight some of the key deficiencies of current macroscale connectome mapping methodologies and motivate future developments.

The role of diffusion MRI in neuroscience

Diffusion-weighted imaging has pushed the boundaries of neuroscience by allowing us to examine the white matter microstructure of the living human brain. By doing so, it has provided answers to fundamental neuroscientific questions, launching a new field of research that had been largely inaccessible. We briefly summarize key questions that have historically been raised in neuroscience concerning the brain's white matter. We then expand on the benefits of diffusion-weighted imaging and its contribution to the fields of brain anatomy, functional models and plasticity. In doing so, this review highlights the invaluable contribution of diffusion-weighted imaging in neuroscience, presents its limitations and proposes new challenges for future generations who may wish to exploit this powerful technology to gain novel insights.

A Consistent Procedure Using Response Surface Methodology to Identify Stiffness Properties of Connections in Machine Tools

Accurate finite element models of mechanical systems are fundamental resources to perform structural analyses at the design stage. However, uncertainties in material properties, boundary conditions, or connections give rise to discrepancies between the real and predicted dynamic characteristics. Therefore, it is necessary to improve these models in order to achieve a better fit. This paper presents a systematic three-step procedure to update the finite element (FE) models of machine tools with numerous uncertainties in connections, which integrates statistical, numerical, and experimental techniques. The first step is the gradual application of fractional factorial designs, followed by an analysis of the variance to determine the significant variables that affect each dynamic response. Then, quadratic response surface meta-models, including only significant terms, which relate the design parameters to the modal responses are obtained. Finally, the values of the updated design variables are identified using the previous regression equations and experimental modal data. This work demonstrates that the integrated procedure gives rise to FE models whose dynamic responses closely agree with the experimental measurements, despite the large number of uncertainties, and at an acceptable computational cost.

Three Decades of Universal Design - Defining Moments

This paper contributes to the growing research on incorporating Universal Design in the Higher Education landscape by presenting a Practitioner's Perspective on Universal Design as delivered in the Institute of Technology, Blanchardstown (ITB) in the first year of a creative digital media degree as part of the first year experience. This first year experience is a transition time for many students and has many complexities; while being an exciting and fulfilling time, the transition can also be challenging and isolating. Through Universal Design, the aim is to enable students to 'Get connected' and 'Stay connected'. Universal Design for Learning is explored through changes in curriculum design as a means of enhancing student engagement [1]. The Universal Design framework is structured into three strands; providing multiple means of representation; providing multiple means of action and expression and providing multiple means of engagements. The broader perspectives of Universal Design are considered at Institutional level. Resources, practices and attitudes, Michael Fullan suggests, are the three critical elements required for change to occur [2]. 'The Power of Moments' [3] and why certain experiences have extraordinary impact, coupled with underpinning Universal Design for Learning guidelines is considered in curriculum design and how they may enable meaningful engagements.The role of creativity and innovation suggests a way of interlacing universal design with the power of moments, acknowledging the critical elements for change to move from UDL exploration to integration. This paper highlights case studies where all these interrelated forces intertwine with emotional learning and how embedding Universal Design enables transformation. These are design models and are still to be evaluated.

Frontal eye field in prosimian galagos: Intracortical microstimulation and tracing studies

The frontal eye field (FEF) in prosimian primates was identified as a small cortical region, above and anterior to the anterior frontal sulcus, from which saccadic eye movements were evoked with electrical stimulation. Tracer injections revealed FEF connections with cortical and subcortical structures participating in higher order visual processing. Ipsilateral cortical connections were the densest with adjoining parts of the dorsal premotor and prefrontal cortex (PFC). Label in a region corresponding to supplementary eye field (SEF) of other primates, suggests the existence of SEF in galagos. Other connections were with ventral premotor cortex (PMV), the caudal half of posterior parietal cortex, cingulate cortex, visual areas within the superior temporal sulcus, and inferotemporal cortex. Callosal connections were mostly with the region of the FEF of another hemisphere, SEF, PFC, and PMV. Most subcortical connections were ipsilateral, but some were bilateral. Dense bilateral connections were to caudate nuclei. Densest reciprocal ipsilateral connections were with the paralamellar portion of mediodorsal nucleus, intralaminar nuclei and magnocellular portion of ventral anterior nucleus. Other FEF connections were with the claustrum, reticular nucleus, zona incerta, lateral posterior and medial pulvinar nuclei, nucleus limitans, pretectal area, nucleus of Darkschewitsch, mesencephalic and pontine reticular formation and pontine nuclei. Surprisingly, the superior colliculus (SC) contained only sparse anterograde label. Although most FEF connections in galagos are similar to those in monkeys, the FEF-SC connections appear to be much less. This suggests that a major contribution of the FEF to visuomotor functions of SC emerged with the evolution of anthropoid primates.

Local Circuits of V1 Layer 4B Neurons Projecting to V2 Thick Stripes Define Distinct Cell Classes and Avoid Cytochrome Oxidase Blobs

Decades of anatomical studies on the primate primary visual cortex (V1) have led to a detailed diagram of V1 intrinsic circuitry, but this diagram lacks information about the output targets of V1 cells. Understanding how V1 local processing relates to downstream processing requires identification of neuronal populations defined by their output targets. In primates, V1 layers (L)2/3 and 4B send segregated projections to distinct cytochrome oxidase (CO) stripes in area V2: neurons in CO blob columns project to thin stripes while neurons outside blob columns project to thick and pale stripes, suggesting functional specialization of V1-to-V2 CO streams. However, the conventional diagram of V1 shows all L4B neurons, regardless of their soma location in blob or interblob columns, as projecting selectively to CO blobs in L2/3, suggesting convergence of blob/interblob information in L2/3 blobs and, possibly, some V2 stripes. However, it is unclear whether all L4B projection neurons show similar local circuitries. Using viral-mediated circuit tracing, we have identified the local circuits of L4B neurons projecting to V2 thick stripes in macaque. Consistent with previous studies, we found the somata of this L4B subpopulation to reside predominantly outside blob columns; however, unlike previous descriptions of local L4B circuits, these cells consistently projected outside CO blob columns in all layers. Thus, the local circuits of these L4B output neurons, just like their extrinsic projections to V2, preserve CO streams. Moreover, the intra-V1 laminar patterns of axonal projections identify two distinct neuron classes within this L4B subpopulation, including a rare novel neuron type, suggestive of two functionally specialized output channels.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT

Conventional diagrams of primate primary visual cortex (V1) depict neuronal connections within and between different V1 layers, but lack information about the cells' downstream targets. This information is critical to understanding how local processing in V1 relates to downstream processing. We have identified the local circuits of a population of cells in V1 layer (L)4B that project to area V2. These cells' local circuits differ from classical descriptions of L4B circuits in both the laminar and functional compartments targeted by their axons, and identify two neuron classes. Our results demonstrate that both local intra-V1 and extrinsic V1-to-V2 connections of L4B neurons preserve CO-stream segregation, suggesting that across-stream integration occurs downstream of V1, and that output targets dictate local V1 circuitry.

Geometric decompositions of collective motion

Collective motion in nature is a captivating phenomenon. Revealing the underlying mechanisms, which are of biological and theoretical interest, will require empirical data, modelling and analysis techniques. Here, we contribute a geometric viewpoint, yielding a novel method of analysing movement. Snapshots of collective motion are portrayed as tangent vectors on configuration space, with length determined by the total kinetic energy. Using the geometry of fibre bundles and connections, this portrait is split into orthogonal components each tangential to a lower dimensional manifold derived from configuration space. The resulting decomposition, when interleaved with classical shape space construction, is categorized into a family of kinematic modes-including rigid translations, rigid rotations, inertia tensor transformations, expansions and compressions. Snapshots of empirical data from natural collectives can be allocated to these modes and weighted by fractions of total kinetic energy. Such quantitative measures can provide insight into the variation of the driving goals of a collective, as illustrated by applying these methods to a publicly available dataset of pigeon flocking. The geometric framework may also be profitably employed in the control of artificial systems of interacting agents such as robots.

Combining diffusion magnetic resonance tractography with stereology highlights increased cross-cortical integration in primates

The isocortex of primates is disproportionately expanded relative to many other mammals, yet little is known about what the expansion of the isocortex entails for differences in cellular composition and connectivity patterns in primates. Across the depth of the isocortex, neurons exhibit stereotypical patterns of projections. Upper-layer neurons (i.e., layers II-IV) project within and across cortical areas, whereas many lower-layer pyramidal neurons (i.e., layers V-VI) favor connections to subcortical regions. To identify evolutionary changes in connectivity patterns, we quantified upper (i.e., layers II-IV)- and lower (i.e., layers V-VI)-layer neuron numbers in primates and other mammals such as rodents and carnivores. We also used MR tractography based on high-angular resolution diffusion imaging and diffusion spectrum imaging to compare anterior-to-posterior corticocortical tracts between primates and other mammals. We found that primates possess disproportionately more upper-layer neurons as well as an expansion of anterior-to-posterior corticocortical tracts compared with other mammals. Taken together, these findings demonstrate that primates deviate from other mammals in exhibiting increased cross-cortical connectivity. J. Comp. Neurol. 525:1075-1093, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Delivering compassionate care in intensive care units: nurses' perceptions of enablers and barriers

BACKGROUND

Compassion is core to nursing practice. Nurses' expression of compassion is a complex interaction informed by the nurse, the patient and the practice environment.

AIM

The aim of this study was to identify personal, professional and organizational factors, intensive care nurses, in a major metropolitan facility in Australia, identified as enabling or disabling them to be compassionate.

DESIGN

Intensive care nurses (n = 171) reflected on their experiences during 'compassion cafés' conducted in 2015.

METHOD

Qualitative, reflexive methods were used to explore ICU nurses' perceptions of enablers and barriers. Nurses documented their perceptions, which were thematically analysed. Meanings were subsequently verified with participants.

RESULTS

The findings identified multiple factors both inside and outside the workplace that constrained or enabled nurses' ability to be compassionate. Two main factors inside the workplace were culture of the team, in particular, support from colleagues and congruency in work practices and decision-making, and connections with patients and families. Outside the workplace, nurses were influenced by their values about care and lifestyle factors such as family demands.

CONCLUSIONS

Nurses capacity to be compassionate is a complex interplay between nursing knowledge and expectations, organizational structures and lifestyle factors.

IMPLICATIONS

The responsibility for 'compassionate' care is a shared one. Nurses need to be cognizant of factors that are enabling or inhibiting their ability to be compassionate. Healthcare leaders have a responsibility to provide structural support (staffing, education and space) that assist nurses to deliver compassionate care and where appropriate cater for nurses needs so that they are better able to be compassionate.

Afferent Connectivity of the Zebrafish Habenulae

The habenulae are bilateral nuclei located in the dorsal diencephalon that are conserved across vertebrates. Here we describe the main afferents to the habenulae in larval and adult zebrafish. We observe afferents from the subpallium, nucleus rostrolateralis, posterior tuberculum, posterior hypothalamic lobe, median raphe; we also see asymmetric afferents from olfactory bulb to the right habenula, and from the parapineal to the left habenula. In addition, we find afferents from a ventrolateral telencephalic nucleus that neurochemical and hodological data identify as the ventral entopeduncular nucleus (vENT), confirming and extending observations of Amo et al. (2014). Fate map and marker studies suggest that vENT originates from the diencephalic prethalamic eminence and extends into the lateral telencephalon from 48 to 120 hour post-fertilization (hpf). No afferents to the habenula were observed from the dorsal entopeduncular nucleus (dENT). Consequently, we confirm that the vENT (and not the dENT) should be considered as the entopeduncular nucleus "proper" in zebrafish. Furthermore, comparison with data in other vertebrates suggests that the vENT is a conserved basal ganglia nucleus, being homologous to the entopeduncular nucleus of mammals (internal segment of the globus pallidus of primates) by both embryonic origin and projections, as previously suggested by Amo et al. (2014).

Different Patterns of Cortical Inputs to Subregions of the Primary Motor Cortex Hand Representation in Cebus apella

The primary motor cortex (M1) plays an essential role in the control of hand movements in primates and is part of a complex cortical sensorimotor network involving multiple premotor and parietal areas. In a previous study in squirrel monkeys, we found that the ventral premotor cortex (PMv) projected mainly to 3 regions within the M1 forearm representation [rostro-medial (RM), rostro-lateral (RL), and caudo-lateral (CL)] with very few caudo-medial (CM) projections. These results suggest that projections from premotor areas to M1 are not uniform, but rather segregated into subregions. The goal of the present work was to study how inputs from diverse areas of the ipsilateral cortical network are organized within the M1 hand representation. In Cebus apella, different retrograde neuroanatomical tracers were injected in 4 subregions of the hand area of M1 (RM, RL, CM, and CL). We found a different pattern of input to each subregion of M1. RM receives inputs predominantly from dorsal premotor cortex, RL from PMv, CM from area 5, and CL from area 2. These results support that the M1 hand representation is composed of several subregions, each part of a unique cortical network.

The topology of connections between rat prefrontal and temporal cortices

Understanding the structural organization of the prefrontal cortex (PFC) is an important step toward determining its functional organization. Here we investigated the organization of PFC using different neuronal tracers. We injected retrograde (Fluoro-Gold, 100 nl) and anterograde [Biotinylated dextran amine (BDA) or Fluoro-Ruby, 100 nl] tracers into sites within PFC subdivisions (prelimbic, ventral orbital, ventrolateral orbital, dorsolateral orbital) along a coronal axis within PFC. At each injection site one injection was made of the anterograde tracer and one injection was made of the retrograde tracer. The projection locations of retrogradely labeled neurons and anterogradely labeled axon terminals were then analyzed in the temporal cortex: area Te, entorhinal and perirhinal cortex. We found evidence for an ordering of both the anterograde (anterior-posterior, dorsal-ventral, and medial-lateral axes: p < 0.001) and retrograde (anterior-posterior, dorsal-ventral, and medial-lateral axes: p < 0.001) connections of PFC. We observed that anterograde and retrograde labeling in ipsilateral temporal cortex (i.e., PFC inputs and outputs) often occurred reciprocally (i.e., the same brain region, such as area 35d in perirhinal cortex, contained anterograde and retrograde labeling). However, often the same specific columnar temporal cortex regions contained only either labeling of retrograde or anterograde tracer, indicating that PFC inputs and outputs are frequently non-matched.

Anatomical inputs to sulcal portions of areas 9m and 8Bm in the macaque monkey

Neuronal activities recorded from the dorsal bank of the anterior cingulate sulcus have suggested that this cortical area is involved in control of search vs. repetition, goal-based action selection and encoding of prediction error regarding action value. In this study, to explore potential anatomical bases for these neuronal activities, we injected retrograde tracers (CTB-Alexa-488 and CTB-gold) into the dorsal bank of the anterior cingulate sulcus and examined the distribution of labeled cell bodies in macaque monkey brains. The Nissl staining showed that the cortex in the dorsal bank of the anterior cingulate sulcus has consistent layer 4 which means that the cortical region is a part of the granular prefrontal cortex. The injection site belonged to the sulcal portion of area 9m in two cases and the sulcal portion of area 8Bm in one case. In addition to the continuous distribution of labeled cells in the two areas (areas 9m and 8Bm) around the injection site, the labeled cells were densely distributed in the cingulate areas (areas 24, 32, and 23) in all the cases. The dense labeling of cells was also found in other prefrontal areas (areas 46, 10, 11, and 12) in the two cases with injection into the sulcal portion of area 9m, whereas the dense labeling of cells was found in pre-motor areas (F6 and F7) in the case with injection into the sulcal portion of area 8Bm. The dense labeling of cells in the prefrontal and premotor areas was more similar to those previously found after injections into dorsal parts of areas 9 and 8B. Subcortical distribution of labeled cells was found in the mediodorsal nucleus of thalamus, claustrum, and substantia nigra pars compacta in all the cases.

Anatomic organization of the auditory cortex

The auditory cortex is a network of areas in the part of the brain that receives inputs from the subcortical auditory pathways in the brainstem and thalamus. Through an elaborate network of intrinsic and extrinsic connections, the auditory cortex is thought to bring about the conscious perception of sound and provide a basis for the comprehension and production of meaningful utterances. In this chapter, the organization of auditory cortex is described with an emphasis on its anatomic features and the flow of information within the network. These features are then used to introduce key neurophysiologic concepts that are being intensively studied in humans and animal models. The discussion is presented in the context of our working model of the primate auditory cortex and extensions to humans. The material is presented in the context of six underlying principles, which reflect distinct, but related, aspects of anatomic and physiologic organization: (1) the division of auditory cortex into regions; (2) the subdivision of regions into areas; (3) tonotopic organization of areas; (4) thalamocortical connections; (5) serial and parallel organization of connections; and (6) topographic relationships between auditory and auditory-related areas. Although the functional roles of the various components of this network remain poorly defined, a more complete understanding is emerging from ongoing studies that link auditory behavior to its anatomic and physiologic substrates.

The topology of connections between rat prefrontal, motor and sensory cortices

The connections of prefrontal cortex (PFC) were investigated in the rat brain to determine the order and location of input and output connections to motor and somatosensory cortex. Retrograde (100 nl Fluoro-Gold) and anterograde (100 nl Biotinylated Dextran Amines, BDA; Fluorescein and Texas Red) neuronanatomical tracers were injected into the subdivisions of the PFC (prelimbic, ventral orbital, ventrolateral orbital, dorsolateral orbital) and their projections studied. We found clear evidence for organized input projections from the motor and somatosensory cortices to the PFC, with distinct areas of motor and cingulate cortex projecting in an ordered arrangement to the subdivisions of PFC. As injection location of retrograde tracer was moved from medial to lateral in PFC, we observed an ordered arrangement of projections occurring in sensory-motor cortex. There was a significant effect of retrograde injection location on the position of labelled cells occurring in sensory-motor cortex (dorsoventral, anterior-posterior and mediolateral axes p < 0.001). The arrangement of output projections from PFC also displayed a significant ordered projection to sensory-motor cortex (dorsoventral p < 0.001, anterior-posterior p = 0.002 and mediolateral axes p < 0.001). Statistical analysis also showed that the locations of input and output labels vary with respect to one another (in the dorsal-ventral and medial-lateral axes, p < 0.001). Taken together, the findings show that regions of PFC display an ordered arrangement of connections with sensory-motor cortex, with clear laminar organization of input connections. These results also show that input and output connections to PFC are not located in exactly the same sites and reveal a circuit between sensory-motor and PFC.

Influence of Column Axial Load and Heat Affected Zone on the Strength of Aluminium Column Web in Tension

The component method for aluminium joints has been recently introduced in some codes and guidelines. Nevertheless, it is still in need of some development and improvement, as in some cases it was obtained by adapting the existing formulations that are valid for steel. The current paper presents the main outcomes of a parametric analysis carried out by means of finite element (FE) numerical models for determining the influence of both column axial load and heat affected zone—in the case of welded details—on the structural response of the column web in a tension component. The proposed study integrates previous research carried out by the authors, where the influence of the assumed alloy was investigated and interpreted by corrective parameters expressed as a function of both the material strain hardening and ductility.

Feedforward and feedback projections of caudal belt and parabelt areas of auditory cortex: refining the hierarchical model

Our working model of the primate auditory cortex recognizes three major regions (core, belt, parabelt), subdivided into thirteen areas. The connections between areas are topographically ordered in a manner consistent with information flow along two major anatomical axes: core-belt-parabelt and caudal-rostral. Remarkably, most of the connections supporting this model were revealed using retrograde tracing techniques. Little is known about laminar circuitry, as anterograde tracing of axon terminations has rarely been used. The purpose of the present study was to examine the laminar projections of three areas of auditory cortex, pursuant to analysis of all areas. The selected areas were: middle lateral belt (ML); caudomedial belt (CM); and caudal parabelt (CPB). Injections of anterograde tracers yielded data consistent with major features of our model, and also new findings that compel modifications. Results supporting the model were: (1) feedforward projection from ML and CM terminated in CPB; (2) feedforward projections from ML and CPB terminated in rostral areas of the belt and parabelt; and (3) feedback projections typified inputs to the core region from belt and parabelt. At odds with the model was the convergence of feedforward inputs into rostral medial belt from ML and CPB. This was unexpected since CPB is at a higher stage of the processing hierarchy, with mainly feedback projections to all other belt areas. Lastly, extending the model, feedforward projections from CM, ML, and CPB overlapped in the temporal parietal occipital area (TPO) in the superior temporal sulcus, indicating significant auditory influence on sensory processing in this region. The combined results refine our working model and highlight the need to complete studies of the laminar inputs to all areas of auditory cortex. Their documentation is essential for developing informed hypotheses about the neurophysiological influences of inputs to each layer and area.