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Can they get along without us? Sustainability of donor-supported health projects in Central America and Africa.

This article presents a synthesis of five country studies of the sustainability of U.S. government-funded health projects in Central America and Africa. The studies reviewed health projects with a comparative framework to determine which project activities had continued after the donor funding ceased. This review found that health projects in Africa were less firmly sustained than those in Central America. The studies then evaluated context factors and project characteristics that were related to the sustainability of the projects. The weak economic and political context of the African cases was found to inhibit sustainability in those countries, suggesting that broader development issues be addressed before donors expect significant sustainability of health projects in Africa. Even in Central America it was found that the strength of the institution implementing the project was an important variable for sustainability, suggesting that donor attention also be shifted toward strengthening institutional development in order to assure sustainability. In addition to context factors, several project characteristics were related to sustainability in most cases and suggest sustainability guidelines for project design and implementation. The article concludes that projects should be designed and managed so as to: (1) demonstrate effectiveness in reaching clearly defined goals and objectives; (2) integrate their activities fully into established administrative structures; (3) gain significant levels of funding from national sources (budgetary and cost-recovery) during the life of the project; (4) negotiate project design with a mutually respectful process of give and take: and (5) include a strong training component.

Africa↗

Efferent projections of the basolateral amygdala in the opossum, Didelphis virginiana.

The autoradiographic anterograde axonal transport technique was used to study efferent projections of the opossum basolateral amygdala. All nuclei of the basolateral amygdala send topographically organized fibers to the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BST) via the stria terminalis (ST). Injections into rostrolateral portions of the basal nuclei label fibers that surround the commissural bundle of the ST, cross the midline by passing along the outer aspect of the anterior commissure, and terminate primarily in the contralateral BST, anterior subdivision of the basolateral nucleus (BLa), ventral putamen, and olfactory cortex. Each of the basal nuclei project ipsilaterally to the anterior amygdaloid area, substantia innominata and topographically to the ventral part of the striatum and adjacent olfactory tubercle. The posterior subdivision of the basolateral nucleus (BLp), but not the basomedial nucleus (BM), projects to the ventromedial hypothalamic nucleus. BLa and BLp have projections to the nucleus of the lateral olfactory tract and also send fibers to the central nucleus, as does the lateral nucleus (L). The lateral nucleus also has a strong projection to BM and both nuclei project to the amygdalo-hippocampal area. BLa and BLp send axons to the ventral subiculum and ventral lateral entorhinal area whereas L projects only to the latter area. The lateral nucleus and BLp project to the perirhinal cortex and the posterior agranular insular area. The BLa sends efferents to the anterior agranular insular area. Rostrally this projection is continuous with a projection to the entire frontal cortex located rostral and medial to the orbital sulcus. All of the nuclei of the basolateral amygdala project to areas on the medial wall of the frontal lobe that appear to correspond to the prelimbic and infralimbic areas of other mammals. Despite the great phylogenetic distance separating the opossum from placental mammals, the projections of the opossum basolateral amygdala are very similar to those seen in other mammals. The unique frontal projections of the opossum BLa to the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex appear to be related to the distinctive organization of the mediodorsal thalamic nucleus and prefrontal cortex in this species.

Amygdala↗

Efferent projections from the parabrachial nucleus demonstrated with the anterograde tracer Phaseolus vulgaris leucoagglutinin.

Efferent projections from the parabrachial complex (PBN) were studied in the rat using the anterograde tracer, Phaseolus vulgaris leucoagglutinin (PHA-L). Projections to the hypothalamus (ventromedial, dorsomedial, paraventricular, and supraoptic nuclei) originate primarily in the lateral PBN (1PBN). The amygdalar central nucleus (ACE) receives strong projections from all parts of the PBN although the external 1PBN projects primarily to the lateral ACE. Whereas the projections to the lateral bed nucleus of the stria terminalis, median preoptic nucleus, diagonal band of Broca, and lateral preoptic area originate primarily from the 1PBN, those to the insular cortex arise from the medial PBN (mPBN). The mPBN projects to the ventral posteromedial thalamus and the 1PBN and mPBN project to the zona incerta. Descending projections from the mPBN and Kölliker-Fuse area target the commissural nucleus tractus solitarius (NTS); the mPBN projects to the more rostral NTS. Similarly, the caudal parvicellular reticular formation (RF) receives projections from the mPBN and 1PBN, whereas input to the rostral RF arises from the former. All compartments of the PBN project to the ventrolateral medulla, although the projections arising from the 1PBN are densest. Finally, the raphe nuclei and periaqueductal gray receive some projections from most PBN divisions. These pathways provide a potential means whereby autonomic information can be relayed through the PBN to other structures important in regulating autonomic functions.

Amygdala↗

Organization of anterior cingulate and frontal cortical projections to the anterior and laterodorsal thalamic nuclei in the rat.

The anterior and laterodorsal thalamic nuclei provide massive projections to the anterior cingulate and frontal cortices in the rat. However, the organization of reciprocal corticothalamic projections has not yet been studied comprehensively. In the present study, we clarified the organization of anterior cingulate and frontal cortical projections to the anterior and laterodorsal thalamic nuclei, using retrograde and anterograde axonal transport methods. The anteromedial nucleus (AM) receives mainly ipsilateral projections from the prelimbic and medial orbital cortices and bilateral projections from the anterior cingulate and secondary motor cortices. The projections from the anterior cingulate cortex are organized such that the rostrocaudal axis of the AM corresponds to the rostrocaudal axis of the cortex, whereas those from the secondary motor cortex are organized such that the rostrocaudal axis of the AM corresponds to the caudorostral axis of the cortex. The ventromedial part of the anteroventral nucleus receives ipsilateral projections from the anterior cingulate cortex and bilateral projections from the secondary motor cortex, in a topographic manner similar to the projections to the AM. The ventromedial part of the laterodorsal nucleus (LD) receives ipsilateral projections from the anterior cingulate and secondary motor cortices. The projections are roughly organized such that more dorsal and ventral regions within the ventromedial LD receive projections preferentially from the anterior cingulate cortex. The difference in anterior cingulate and frontal cortical projections to the anterior and laterodorsal nuclei may suggest that each thalamic nucleus plays a different functional role in spatial memory processing.

Animals↗

Immunocytochemical characterization of hippocamposeptal projecting GABAergic nonprincipal neurons in the mouse brain: a retrograde labeling study.

The neurochemical contents of hippocamposeptal projecting nonprincipal neurons were examined in the mouse brain by using retrograde labeling techniques. We used the immunofluorescent multiple labeling method with a confocal laser-scanning microscope. First of all, the hippocamposeptal projecting nonprincipal neurons were glutamic acid decarboxylase 67-immunoreactive (IR), i.e., these hippocamposeptal projecting nonprincipal neurons were immunocytochemically GABAergic in the mouse brain. Next, most (93.0%) of the hippocamposeptal projecting GABAergic neurons were somatostatin-like immunoreactive (SS-LIR). The SS-LIR hippocamposeptal projecting neurons were frequently found in the stratum oriens of the CA1 and CA3 regions, and were also occasionally found in the stratum radiatum, stratum lucidum, and stratum pyramidale of the CA3 region. They were also frequently found in the dentate hilus. On the other hand, at least 40.6% of SS-LIR neurons in the hippocampus projected to the medial septum. Next, 38.0% of hippocamposeptal projecting GABAergic neurons were calbindin D28K (CB)-IR. Although the distribution of the CB-IR hippocamposeptal projecting neurons was generally similar to that of the SS-LIR projecting neurons in Ammon's horn, they were never seen in the dentate hilus. At least 22.1% of CB-IR GABAergic neurons in the hippocampus projected to the medial septum. Furthermore, 5.8% of hippocamposeptal projecting GABAergic neurons were parvalbumin-IR, which were most always found in Ammon's horn. Finally, no hippocamposeptal projecting GABAergic neurons were neuronal nitric oxide synthase-IR nor calretinin-IR. These results indicate that the SS-LIR neurons play a crucial role in the hippocamposeptal projection of the mouse brain, and they are also assumed to be involved in the theta oscillation of the mouse hippocampus.

Animals↗

Alternative projections of mortality and disability by cause 1990-2020: Global Burden of Disease Study.

BACKGROUND: Plausible projections of future mortality and disability are a useful aid in decisions on priorities for health research, capital investment, and training. Rates and patterns of ill health are determined by factors such as socioeconomic development, educational attainment, technological developments, and their dispersion among populations, as well as exposure to hazards such as tobacco. As part of the Global Burden of Disease Study (GBD), we developed three scenarios of future mortality and disability for different age-sex groups, causes, and regions. METHODS: We used the most important disease and injury trends since 1950 in nine cause-of-death clusters. Regression equations for mortality rates for each cluster by region were developed from gross domestic product per person (in international dollars), average number of years of education, time (in years, as a surrogate for technological change), and smoking intensity, which shows the cumulative effects based on data for 47 countries in 1950-90. Optimistic, pessimistic, and baseline projections of the independent variables were made. We related mortality from detailed causes to mortality from a cause cluster to project more detailed causes. Based on projected numbers of deaths by cause, years of life lived with disability (YLDs) were projected from different relation models of YLDs to years of life lost (YLLs). Population projections were prepared from World Bank projections of fertility and the projected mortality rates. FINDINGS: Life expectancy at birth for women was projected to increase in all three scenarios; in established market economies to about 90 years by 2020. Far smaller gains in male life expectancy were projected than in females; in formerly socialist economies of Europe, male life expectancy may not increase at all. Worldwide mortality from communicable maternal, perinatal, and nutritional disorders was expected to decline in the baseline scenario from 17.2 million deaths in 1990 to 10.3 million in 2020. We projected that non-communicable disease mortality will increase from 28.1 million deaths in 1990 to 49.7 million in 2020. Deaths from injury may increase from 5.1 million to 8.4 million. Leading causes of disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) predicted by the baseline model were (in descending order): ischaemic heart disease, unipolar major depression, road-traffic accidents, cerebrovascular disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lower respiratory infections, tuberculosis, war injuries, diarrhoeal diseases, and HIV. Tobacco-attributable mortality is projected to increase from 3.0 million deaths in 1990 to 8.4 million deaths in 2020. INTERPRETATION: Health trends in the next 25 years will be determined mainly by the ageing of the world's population, the decline in age-specific mortality rates from communicable, maternal, perinatal, and nutritional disorders, the spread of HIV, and the increase in tobacco-related mortality and disability. Projections, by their nature, are highly uncertain, but we found some robust results with implications for health policy.

Adolescent↗

Effect of the number of projections collected on quantitative perfusion and left ventricular ejection fraction measurements from gated myocardial perfusion single-photon emission computed tomographic images.

BACKGROUND: Gated myocardial perfusion single-photon emission computed tomographic (SPECT) imaging is currently performed by step-and-shoot detector rotation, resulting in acquisition dead time and lengthened study duration compared with nongated SPECT imaging with continuous or pseudocontinuous rotation. Dead time is particularly undesirable in new fast-gated SPECT imaging protocols with inotropic pharmacologic stress. METHODS AND RESULTS: This article evaluated the influence of projections' angular spacing on quantitative measurements of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and perfusion from postexercise 99mTc-labeled sestamibi images. Gated 60-projection data sets from 30 patients were compacted into 30- and 15-projection sets. The three sets (corresponding to 3-, 6-, and 12-degree spacing over 180 degrees) were reconstructed into gated and ungated short-axis image sets. LVEFs were measured from the gated images according to a previously described automatic algorithm, whereas perfusion was assessed from the ungated images by a 20-segment division of their maximal pixel polar maps. LVEF values were essentially unchanged between 60- and 30-projection images (y = 0.37 + 0.996x; r = 0.999; standard error of the estimate = 0.56) and 60- and 15-projection images (y = 1.35 + 0.987x; r = 0.999; standard error of the estimate = 0.77) in the 30 patients. Overall, 30- and 15-projection polar maps differed by 1.87% +/- 1.24% and 4.38% +/- 2.25% from the 60-projection polar maps, respectively. Segmental perfusion score agreement between 60- and 30-projection images and between 60- and 15-projection images was 93% (kappa = 0.92; p < 0.001) and 83% (kappa = 0.81; p < 0.001), respectively. Sixty- and 30-projection images were visually undistinguishable, whereas loss of image resolution was noticed in many 15-projection gated and ungated images. CONCLUSIONS: Thirty-projection gated SPECT imaging is a practical, accurate, and time-saving approach in standard gated protocols and, potentially, fast-gated protocols. Fifteen-projection gated SPECT imaging is not generally recommended and should be considered only for LVEF assessment in conjunction with fast-gated protocols.

Aged↗

Segment-specific pattern of sympathetic preganglionic projections in the chicken embryo spinal cord is altered by retinoids.

Sympathetic preganglionic neurons exhibit segment-specific projections. Preganglionic neurons located in rostral spinal segments project rostrally within the sympathetic chain, those located in caudal spinal segments project caudally, and those in midthoracic segments project either rostrally or caudally in segmentally graded proportions. Moreover, rostrally and caudally projecting preganglionic neurons are skewed toward the rostral and caudal regions, respectively, of each midthoracic segment. The mechanisms that establish these segment-specific projections are unknown. Here we show that experimental manipulation of retinoid signaling in the chicken embryo alters the segment-specific pattern of sympathetic preganglionic projections and that this effect is mediated by the somitic mesoderm. Application of exogenous retinoic acid to a single rostral thoracic somite decreases the number of rostrally projecting preganglionic neurons at that level. Conversely, disrupting endogenous synthesis of retinoic acid in a single caudal thoracic somite increases the number of rostrally projecting preganglionic neurons at that level. The number of caudally projecting neurons does not change in either case, indicating that the effect is specific for rostrally projecting preganglionic neurons. These results indicate that the sizes of the rostrally and caudally projecting populations may be independently regulated by different factors. Opposing gradients of such factors along the longitudinal axis of the thoracic region of the embryo could be sufficient, in combination, to determine the segment-specific identity of preganglionic projections.

Animals↗

Information cascade from primary auditory cortex to the amygdala: corticocortical and corticoamygdaloid projections of temporal cortex in the rat.

Corticocortical and corticoamygdaloid connections of temporal cortext and perirhinal cortex (PRh) were examined in the rat with the anterograde tracer Phaseolus vulgaris leucoagglutinin (PHA-L). Iontophoretic injections of PHA-L into area TE1 resulted in columnar axonal terminations in surrounding and contralateral regions of temporal neocortex and in the striatum, but not in the amygdala. Within temporal neocortex, labeled fibers were present locally in adjacent regions of TE1, as well as in TE2d, TE1v, TE3v, and TE2c. Injection of cortical areas TE1v, TE3v, and TE2c, which received projections from TE1, or injections of perirhinal periallocortex, which received projections from TE1v, TE2v, and TE3v, resulted in projections to the amygdala. The pattern of corticocortical and corticoamygdaloid projections differed among the divisions of auditory cortex. TE1 exhibited extensive ipsilateral and contralateral projections to temporal cortical regions and no projections to the amygdala. In contrast, areas of temporal neocortex ventral and posterior to TE1, including TE1v, TE3v, TE2c, and PRh, had more limited ipsi- and contralateral corticocortical projections but had an increased connectivity with the subcortical forebrain, especially the lateral nucleus of the amygdala (AL). There was a topographic organization to the AL afferents. The dorsal subdivision of AL received projections from TE1v, TE3v, TE2c, and PRh, while the ventrolateral division received projections from TE3v, TE2c, and PRh. The ventromedial division received projections only from PRh, which, unlike other temporal cortical areas, also projected to the basolateral and basomedial nuclei of the amygdala. These findings define the complete sequence of connections linking primary auditory cortex with the amygdala in the rat. In addition, the findings indicate that the ventral portion of TE1, designated TE1v, has connections that distinguish it from dorsal TE1, namely, dense projections to AL and a diminished number of corticocortical projections ipsilaterally and contralaterally. Finally, the results suggest a topographic organization to the cortical terminations within the amygdala.

Amygdala↗

Assessment of long-term nipple projection: a comparison of three techniques.

Nipple-areola reconstruction represents the final stage of breast reconstruction, whereby a reconstructed breast mound is transformed into a breast facsimile that more closely resembles the original breast. Although numerous nipple reconstruction techniques are available, all have been plagued by eventual loss of long-term projection. In this report, the authors present a comparative assessment of nipple and areola projection after reconstruction using either a bell flap, a modified star flap, or a skate flap and full-thickness skin graft for areola reconstruction. The specific technique for nipple-areola reconstruction following breast reconstruction was selected on the basis of the projection of the contralateral nipple and whether or not the opposite areola showed projection. Patients with 5 mm or less of opposite nipple projection were treated with either the bell flap or the modified star flap. In patients where the areola complex exhibited significant projection, a bell flap was chosen over the modified star flap. In those patients with greater than 5-mm nipple projection, reconstruction with a skate flap and full-thickness skin graft was performed. Maintenance of nipple projection in each of these groups was then carefully assessed over a 1-year period of follow-up using caliper measurements of nipple and areola projection obtained at 3-month intervals. The best long-term nipple projection was obtained and maintained by the skate and star techniques. The major decrease in projection of the reconstructed nipple occurred during the first 3 months. After 6 months, the projection was stable. The loss of both nipple and areola projection when using the bell flap was so remarkable that the authors would discourage the use of this procedure in virtually all patients.

Female↗

Student research projects and theses: should they be a requirement for medical school graduation?

From 1981 to 1994, 69 fourth-year students at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine participated in a 6-month medical school research project (MSRP) with the same mentor. Students could choose an original project or library project, and were required to prepare a written report suitable for submission to a peer-reviewed journal. In this article, it is assessed whether a mandatory fourth-year MSRP might substitute for traditional clinical electives. Student reactions to the experience were ascertained by using the responses to an open- and closed-ended questionnaire regarding skills gained by doing MSRPs, the impact on their careers, and their relationship to the mentor. Eighty-nine percent of the students responded that MSRPs increased their ability to formulate a hypothesis, 91% reported that this project increased their ability to conduct a literature search, 95% felt that MSRPs increased their knowledge of research techniques, and 91% reported having improved data collection skills after completing these projects. Students also reported that MSRPs increased their ability to critically evaluate the literature (95%) or to work independently (93%), and 89% responded that the project improved their ability to evaluate their individual strengths and weaknesses. Eighty-nine percent reported that the project increased their ability to write a research paper (34% of projects were original research, 35% were literature reviews, and 30% both original research and literature reviews). Thirty-three percent of respondents reported having some kind of problem completing their projects, and 90% of project reports were accepted for publication in peer-reviewed journals. Ninety-one percent of students responded that they had received appropriate guidance from their mentor, and 73% met with him at least once a week. Seventy-three percent described a relationship with the mentor that went beyond project advising. Eighty-five percent responded that the project impacted their careers in medicine, 97% felt that the research experience was a useful replacement for fourth-year electives, and 91% felt they were as well prepared for residency training as their classmates who had regular fourth-year electives without research. Fifty percent of students indicated that completion of an independent research project should not be required for graduation, whereas 18% responded it should be a requirement and 32% were undecided. Incorporating an MSRP in the fourth year appears to increase research skills and is considered to be a useful replacement for traditional elective rotations. The MSRP impacts favorably on future careers; however, many students do not think it should be a mandatory requirement for graduation from medical school.

Academic Dissertations as Topic↗

The development of sensory projection patterns in embryonic chick hind limb.

1. The distribution within individual dorsal root ganglia (d.r.g.s) of sensory neurones projecting to different targets in the embryonic chick hind limb was determined using the retrograde transport of horseradish peroxidase (HRP). The segmental pattern of sensory neurone projections was also defined, using retrograde and orthograde HRP labelling and electrophysiological techniques, from the onset of axonal outgrowth into the limb until after the period of sensory cell death. 2. At stage (St.) 29-30, shortly after initial axonal outgrowth into the limb, the large lateroventral neurones in the d.r.g.s projected both to skin and to muscle. At St. 36-37, after cell death in the d.r.g.s, cells from both the lateroventral and mediodorsal populations projected both to skin and to muscle. Thus these two cell populations do not correspond to cutaneous and proprioceptive afferents, respectively. 3. The cells projecting along individual cutaneous nerves or to individual muscles were always widely distributed throughout the ganglia. Thus, sensory neurones cannot be specified to project to particular peripheral targets as a result of their position in the d.r.g. Nevertheless, small clusters of cells were frequently found to project along the same peripheral nerve. 4. Since there is a correlation between position in the d.r.g. and time of origin, neurones projecting to each target have a wide range of birthdates, and, therefore, sensory neurones cannot be specified as a result of their birthdate. 5. At St. 36-38, after cell death, afferents to a given muscle or cutaneous nerve arise primarily from two or three adjacent segments out of the eight lumbosacral segments. For muscles these are the same segments that supply the motoneurones to that muscle. Each d.r.g. sends a characteristic proportion of axons down each of several peripheral nerves in a consistent and orderly pattern. 6. During initial outgrowth, the segmental projection pattern is similar to the pattern found in mature embryos. Thus, extensive projection 'errors' are not made and neither cell death nor retraction of axons is necessary for establishing the appropriate connectivity pattern. The majority of neurones do not send branches down more than one peripheral nerve. 7. Axons projecting to the same target are initially dispersed in the spinal nerves, and gradually segregate out in the plexus region, ultimately to form a separate nerve trunk. Axons projecting to different targets cross each other. Cutaneous and muscle nerves first form at the same stages. Therefore, the particular pathways axons take do not depend in any simple way on either axonal position in the plexus or time of arrival at the base of the limb. Simple timed outgrowth mechanisms and models in which axons maintain constant topographical relationships with each other therefore cannot generate the observed projection pattern. 8...

Animals↗

Corticostriatal transformations in the primate somatosensory system. Projections from physiologically mapped body-part representations.

1. The basal ganglia of primates receive somatosensory input carried largely by corticostriatal fibers. To determine whether map-transformations occur in this corticostriatal system, we investigated how electrophysiologically defined regions of the primary somatosensory cortex (SI) project to the striatum in the squirrel monkey (Saimiri sciureus). Receptive fields in the hand, mouth, and foot representations of cortical areas 3a, 3b, and 1 were mapped by multiunit recording; and small volumes of distinguishable anterograde tracers were injected into different body-part representations in single SI areas. 2. Analysis of labeled projections established that at least four types of systematic remapping occur in the primate corticostriatal system. 1) An area of cortex representing a single body part sends fibers that diverge to innervate multiple regions in the putamen, forming branching, patchy fields that are densest in the lateral putamen. The fields do not form elongated cylindrical forms; rather, they are nearly as extended mediolaterally as they are rostrocaudally. 2) Cortical regions representing hand, mouth, and foot send globally somatotopic, nonoverlapping projections to the putamen, but regions with closely related representations (such as those of the thumb and 5th finger in area 3b) send convergent, overlapping corticostriatal projections. The overlap is fairly precise in the caudal putamen, but in the rostral putamen the densest zones of the projections do not overlap. 3) Regions representing homologous body parts in different SI cortical areas send projections that converge in the putamen. This was true of paired projections from areas 3a and 3b, and from areas 3b and 1. Thus corticostriatal inputs representing distinct somatosensory submodalities can project to the same local regions within the striatum. Convergence is not always complete, however: in the rostral putamen of two cases comparing projections from areas 3a and 1, the densest zones of the projections did not overlap. 4) All projections from SI avoid striosomes and innervate discrete zones within the matrix. 3. These experiments demonstrate that the somatosensory representations of the body are reorganized as they are projected from SI to the somatosensory sector of the primate putamen. This remapping suggests that the striatal representation of the body may be functionally distinct from that of each area of SI. The patchy projections may provide a basis for redistribution of somatosensory information to discrete output systems in the basal ganglia. Transformations in the corticostriatal system could thus be designed for modulating different movement-related programs.

Animals↗

Parallel organization of contralateral and ipsilateral prefrontal cortical projections in the rhesus monkey.

BACKGROUND: The neocortical commissures have a fundamental role in functional integration across the cerebral hemispheres. We investigated whether commissural projections in prefrontal cortices are organized according to the same or different rules as those within the same hemisphere, by quantitatively comparing density, topography, and laminar origin of contralateral and ipsilateral projections, labeled after unilateral injection of retrograde tracers in prefrontal areas. RESULTS: Commissural projection neurons constituted less than one third of the ipsilateral. Nevertheless, projections from the two hemispheres were strongly correlated in topography and relative density. We investigated to what extent the distribution of contralateral projections depended on: (a) geographic proximity of projection areas to the area homotopic to the injection site; (b) the structural type of the linked areas, based on the number and neuronal density of their layers. Although both measures were good predictors, structural type was a comparatively stronger determinant of the relative distribution and density of projections. Ipsilateral projection neurons were distributed in the superficial (II-III) and deep (V-VI) layers, in proportions that varied across areas. In contrast, contralateral projection neurons were found mostly in the superficial layers, but still showed a gradient in their distribution within cortical layers that correlated significantly with cortical type, but not with geographic proximity to the homotopic area. CONCLUSION: The organization of ipsilateral and contralateral prefrontal projections is similar in topography and relative density, differing only by higher overall density and more widespread laminar origin of ipsilateral than contralateral projections. The projections on both sides are highly correlated with the structural architecture of the linked areas, and their remarkable organization is likely established by punctuated development of distinct cortical types. The preponderance of contralateral projections from layer III may be traced to the late development of the callosal system, whose function may be compromised in diseases that have their root late in ontogeny.

Animals↗

Cervical enamel projections as an etiologic factor in furcation involvement.

Two thousand molars in 200 East Indian skulls were examined for the occurrence, location, and grade of cervical enamel projections. The relationship between the enamel projections and furcation involvements was studied. Several findings resulted. The incidence of cervical enamel projections in molars was 32.6%. The incidence of cervical enamel projections varied between molars. The mandibular second molars showed the highest incidence of enamel projections (51.0%), followed by the maxillary second molars (45.6%). The lowest incidence was seen in the maxillary first molars (13.6%). Grade 1 enamel projections were the most frequently encountered. Cervical enamel projections occurred most frequently on the buccal surfaces of teeth. There was a positive, statistically significant relationship between tooth surfaces with grade 2 and 3 enamel projections and periodontally involved furcations. However, no etiologic relationship was found between grade 1 projections and furcation involvements. There seems to be a physiologic relationship between bone and enamel projections. The alveolar crest has a tendency to follow the outline of the enamel projection, and a channel much wider than a normal periodontal membrane space accommodates the enamel projection as it extends toward the furcation. The results indicate that when cervical enamel projections are severe enough to approach or enter the furcation area (grades 2 and 3), they may be an etiologic factor in the breakdown of these furcations.

Alveolar Process↗

Angular subtense effects on perception of polar and parallel projections of cubes.

Many authors contend that the perception of 2-D drawings of a 3-D object is governed by polar projective geometry. A problem for this position is that observers accept parallel projections, which are not produced with polar projective geometry, as accurate representations of 3-D objects. In Experiments 1 and 2, we used two different standards of comparison to study the perceptions of three line drawings of cubes--correct polar projections of cubes with subtenses of 15 degrees and 35 degrees, and a parallel projection--at five different angular subtenses. In Experiment 1, 14 observers judged each drawing when it subtended about 35 degrees, 15 degrees, 5 degrees, 4 degrees, and 2 degrees in width. Subjects used an 8-point rating scale to compare each drawing with a correct polar projection of a cube subtending 35 degrees, viewed with the drawing subtending 15 degrees. As predicted, both polar projections had their highest ratings at their correct vantage points. Ratings for the parallel projection were highest at small angular subtenses and decreased when it subtended 35 degrees. These findings were supported by a second experiment in which the 15 degrees polar projection was set at a 5 degrees viewing angle as a standard. In Experiment 3, 15 observers compared the three drawings, viewed at a second set of angular subtenses (30 degrees, 35 degrees, 40 degrees, 45 degrees, and 50 degrees), with a standard, the 35 degrees polar set at 45 degrees. Ratings fell with increases in viewing angle, and the parallel projection was rated lowest. The results indicate that parallel projections are assessed as polar projections that are correct for objects at a small angular subtense. Furthermore, projections at a small angular subtense are robust; that is, they are acceptable over a wide range of angular subtenses. We suggest that robustness can be explained by the modest variability in the proportions of pictures of cubes subtending small angles.

Adolescent↗

Creating project plans to focus product development.

The long-term competitiveness of most manufacturers depends on their product development capabilities. Yet few companies approach the development process systematically or strategically. They end up with an unruly collection of projects that do not match long-term business objectives and that consume far more development resources than are available. Instead of working on important projects, development engineers spend their time fighting fires. Their productivity sinks, and products are invariably late to market. To attack development malaise and reinvigorate the process, companies should put together an "aggregate project plan." The plan helps managers restructure the development process so they no longer think in terms of individual projects but in terms of the "set" of projects. It is the set, not individual projects, that shapes the creation of a successful product line. The aggregate project plan also helps managers allocate resources, sequence projects, and build critical development capabilities. A central element of the aggregate project plan is the project map. The map categorizes projects into five types: breakthrough, platform, derivative, research and development, and partnerships. Each project type has its own unique characteristics and requires a different amount of development time. Companies should have projects in all categories to ensure a robust development process.

Decision Making, Organizational↗

Retinal projections throughout optic nerve regeneration in the ornate dragon lizard, Ctenophorus ornatus.

In goldfish and frog, optic nerve regeneration is successful, with restoration of retinotopic projections in visual brain centres and the return of functional vision within 1-2 months. By contrast, at 1 year after unilateral optic nerve crush in the ornate dragon lizard (Ctenophorus ornatus), the regenerated retinotectal projections lack topographic order, presumably explaining why the lizards are blind via the experimental eye (Beazley et al. [1997] J. Comp. Neurol. 377:105-120). To determine whether other abnormalities are associated with the inability to restore topographic projections in the lizard, we charted anatomically the time course, accuracy, and stability of optic nerve regeneration by examining visual projections with the lipophillic dye 1,1'-dioctadecyl-3,3,3', 3'-tetramethylindocarbocyanine perchlorate (DiI) applied to the optic disk at intervals up to 1 year after optic nerve crush; in addition, DiI tracing of small groups of axons was used to examine the topicity of axons projecting to the tectum. Axons re-innervated visual centres from between 1 and 2 months, a time frame comparable with that in goldfish and frog. However, the projections in lizard were found to differ from those in goldfish and frog in three major ways. First, there was considerable variability within the projection patterns both between individual lizards at any one stage and with time. Second, the projections were inaccurate. As in normal lizards, the major projection was to the contralateral optic tectum, although it lacked detectable retinotopic axon order throughout. Furthermore, misrouting occurred such that regenerating axons formed a persistent projection to the ipsilateral side of the brain that was considerably stronger and more widespread than normal. Minor visual centres also became re-innervated but, in addition, regenerating axons formed persistent projections into the opposite optic nerve and to non-retino-recipient regions such as the nucleus rotundus, hypothalamus, and olfactory nerve, as well as the posterior and tectal commissures. Third, the projections appeared unstable. Projections to both tecta were strongest between 3 and 5 months, but they diminished thereafter. The results suggest that, compared with goldfish and frog, in lizards both pathway and target cues are degraded and/or cannot be read adequately; as a consequence, regenerating axons are unable to navigate exclusively to visual centres and cannot re-form stable connections.

Animals↗