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At least 145 records · Page 8Linked to original sources

Visual motion detection circuits in flies: peripheral motion computation by identified small-field retinotopic neurons.

Giant motion-sensitive tangential neurons in the lobula plate are thought to be cardinal elements in the oculomotor pathways of flies. However, these large neurons do not themselves compute motion, and elementary motion detectors have been proposed only from theory. Here we identify the forms, projections, and responses of small-field retinotopic neurons that comprise a well known pathway from the retina to the lobula plate. Already at the level of the second and third synapses beneath the photoreceptor layer, certain of these small elements show responses that distinguish motion from flicker. At a level equivalent to the vertebrate inner plexiform layer (the fly's outer medulla) at least one retinotopic element is directionally selective. At the inner medulla, small retinotopic neurons with bushy dendrites extending through a few neighboring columns leave the inner medulla and supply inputs onto lobula plate tangentials. These medulla relays have directionally selective responses that are indistinguishable from those of large-field tangentials except for their amplitude and modulation with contrast frequency. Centrifugal neurons leading back from the inner medulla out to the lamina also show orientation-selective responses to motion. The results suggest that specific cell types between the lamina and inner medulla correspond to stages of the Hassenstein-Reichardt correlation model of motion detection.

Animals↗

Lifestyle support through efficient ECG acquisition and analysis.

People are becoming more aware of their health and the lifestyles they live. As people use computers more and more in a wide variety of occupations, they would find it desirable to monitor their lifestyle without having to leave their desk. Through the analysis of the Electrocardiogram (ECG), it is possible to obtain a person's heartrate and diagnose a number of conditions associated with abnormal heart function. To obtain an accurate heartrate, the ECG signals have to be analysed and calculations performed to find occurrences of the QRS complex, a major component of the ECG signal. This research entailed creating the software required to interpret ECG signals recorded from an innovative computer peripheral allowing recordings from the user's forearms as they operate the computer. The user could therefore effortlessly monitor their lifestyle during normal computer usage.

Computer Communication Networks↗

[Microcomputer and rehabilitation of cognitive cerebral performance disorders].

Clinical neuropsychology has so far mostly been concerned with theoretical aspects of the brain-behavior relationship, as well as the diagnosis of cognitive deficits after brain damage. Only very recently has cognitive rehabilitation of the brain injured patient become a major area of interest in neuropsychology, and computer-assisted therapy of higher cortical functions is playing an increasing role especially in the United States. A survey found that 73% of the rehabilitation centers included were using computers in delivering their cognitive rehabilitation therapy, major areas of computer-assisted therapy being deficits of eye-hand coordination, attention, concentration, orientation, visual-spatial processing, memory, discrimination, problem solving, and concept formation. Treatment of speech disorders using computers is so far limited but will improve when more efficient language analyzers and synthesizers become available. More powerful microcomputers will lead to both computer-assisted and computer-managed cognitive programs, which allow for maximum flexibility and individualization of treatment. Computer use in cognitive rehabilitation should be subject to supervision by a therapist, and the following requirements should be met: 1) detailed diagnostic analysis of the differential cognitive performance pattern of a patient; 2) individual adaptation of computer peripherals to achieve optimum patient-computer-interaction; 3) selection and adaptation of therapy software to match the individual cognitive performance profile of a patient. Cognitive computer therapy appears to be most profitable in the rehabilitation phase and in post-rehabilitation treatment.

Brain Damage, Chronic↗

[High-resolution computed tomography of peripheral facial paralysis].

High resolution computer tomographic examinations of the petrous bones were performed on 19 patients with confirmed peripheral facial nerve paralysis. High resolution CT provides accurate information regarding the extent, and usually regarding the type, of pathological process; this can be accurately localised with a view to possible surgical treatment. The examination also differentiates this from idiopathic paresis, which showed no radiological changes. Destruction of the petrous bone, without facial nerve symptoms, makes early suitable treatment mandatory.

Facial Paralysis↗

Effects of negatively sloped keyboard wedges on risk factors for upper extremity work-related musculoskeletal disorders and user performance.

Several changes to computer peripherals have been developed to reduce exposure to identified risk factors for musculoskeletal injury, notably in keyboard designs. Negative keyboard angles and their resulting effects on objective physiological measures, subjective measures and performance have been studied, although few angles have been investigated despite the benefits associated with their use. The objective of this study was to quantify the effects of negative keyboard angles on forearm muscle activity, wrist posture, key strike force, perceived discomfort and performance and to identify a negative keyboard angle or range of keyboard angles that minimizes exposure to risk factors for hand/wrist injuries. Ten experienced typists (four males and six females) participated in a laboratory study to compare keyboard angles ranging from 0 degrees to -30 degrees , at 10 degrees increments, and a keyboard with a 7 degrees slope, using a wedge designed for use with standard QWERTY keyboards. Repeatability of exposures was examined by requiring participants to complete two test sessions 1 week apart. Dependent variable data were collected during 10 min basic data entry tasks. Wrist posture data favoured negative keyboard angles of 0 degrees (horizontal) or greater, compared to a positive keyboard angle of 7 degrees , especially for the flexion/extension direction. In general, the percentage of wrist movements within a neutral zone and the percentages of wrist movements within +/-5 degrees and +/-10 degrees increased as keyboard angle became more negative. Electromyography results were mixed, with some variables supporting negative keyboard angles whilst other results favoured the standard keyboard configuration. Net typing speed supported the -10 degrees keyboard angle, whilst other negative typing angles were comparable, if not better than, with the standard keyboard. Therefore, angles ranging from 0 degrees to -30 degrees in general provide significant reductions in exposure to deviated wrist postures and muscle activity and comparable performance.

Adult↗

[Rehabilitative intervention after a myocardial infarct].

The purpose of the present review was to determine whether exercise training improves cardiac function in patients with prior myocardial infarction. Home exercise programs for patients with myocardial infarction effectively improve their ability to exercise as well as quality of life. A computer-based, automated, telemetry system comprising central and peripheral computers and telephone line was developed. Myocardial infarction patients were evaluated for peak oxygen uptake and anaerobic threshold. Some studies have in fact suggested that using echocardiography, exercise training in patients with reduced left ventricular function after a myocardial infarction leads to further myocardial damage, including wall thinning, infarct and expansion. A more recent analysis by these investigators suggested that training actually has a beneficial effect on the remodeling process. Many factors appear to influence the extent of the remodeling process, including attenuation by Ace inhibition therapy, extent and site of the infarction, hypertension and continued ischemia. Some results suggest early physical training may be safe and improve the autonomic nerve balance and exercise tolerance in patients with acute myocardial infarction.

Age Factors↗

[Computer-aided reading of ECG (author's transl)].

Computer-aided reading of 12-lead scalar ECGs was performed in 1800 cardiovascular patients with a tracing-and processing-system of IBM, Periphere Computer Systeme and Schwarzer using the Bonner analysis program. After analog-to-digital conversion and storage on a floppy disk the ECG data were transferred by telefone during night because of lower rates to the IBM computer at Munich. In the same way the prints were received from there. The review by a cardiologist showed correct interpretations in about 90%. False negative and other inadequate readings were found in 6% while false positive results were obtained in almost 1%, the remaining percents belonged to technical troubles.

Diagnosis, Computer-Assisted↗

[Computer-assisted ECG evaluation in polyclinic patients].

Computer-aided reading of 12-lead scalar ECGs was performed in 2.883 out-patients with a tracing- and processing-system of IBM, Periphere Computer Systeme and Schwarzer using the Bonner analysis-program version 2. After analog-to-digital conversion and storage on a floppy disk the ECG data were transferred by telephone to an IBM-computer at Munich. It the same way the prints were received from there. The review by a cardiologist showed correct interpretation in 95%. The accuracy was calculated as follows: Sensitivity 96%, specificity 96%. The same program can now be used in an ECG-cart with a built in microprocessor, a so-called stand-alone version.

Arrhythmias, Cardiac↗

Role of NO pathway, calcium and potassium channels in the peripheral pulmonary vascular tone in dogs.

Because hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction occurs mainly in the small pulmonary arteries, the authors investigated the effects of drugs acting on the nitric oxide (NO) pathway and the calcium and potassium channels in the peripheral pulmonary circulation, without interference with the overall pulmonary or systemic circulation. Mixed venous blood was infused in wedged areas to study the pressure/flow relationship and to compute peripheral pulmonary vascular resistance (PPVR). The authors studied the effects of Nomega-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME), an NO synthase inhibitor, sodium nitroprusside (SNP, an NO donor), the calcium channel blockers verapamil, nifedipine and nicardipine, and the potassium channel opener levcromakalim, during normoxia and acute mild normocapnic hypoxia. In the peripheral pulmonary circulation, L-NAME caused an increase in PPVR during normoxia (+95%; p<0.001) and hypoxia (+60%; p<0.01). Following the increase by L-NAME, SNP decreased PPVR during normoxia (-24%; p<0.05) and hypoxia (-23%; p<0.05). Verapamil, nifedipine and nicardipine did not modify PPVR during normoxia but during hypoxia they decreased PPVR (-28%, nonsignificant; -27%, p<0.01 and -33%, p<0.05, respectively). Levcromakalim did not modify PPVR during normoxia or hypoxia. In conclusion, the nitric oxide pathway and voltage-dependent calcium channels, and not adenosine triphosphate sensitive potassium channels, play an important role in the control of peripheral pulmonary circulation in dogs.

Animals↗

Information workstations in clinical pathology.

Multitasking operating systems and expanding networks now permit smooth access to remote computers, peripherals, data, and information resources. Graphic user interfaces and productivity-enhancing software packages reduce the need for training and memorization of commands. New models of desktop computers based on "data-centered" software architecture can enhance workstation usefulness even more. Pathologists need to consider how these tools might improve access to and management of information and knowledge.

Computer Systems↗

Vascularization of peripheral neurilemomas: angiographic, computed tomographic, and histologic studies.

The vascularization of peripheral neurilemoma was studied in 17 patients, in eight by angiography and in 16 by computed tomography (CT) using contrast enhancement. Angiographically the degree of vascularity varied from scarcity to abundance of vessels. In two patients, arteries connected to the proximal and distal poles of the tumor could be identified as nutrient arteries of the affected nerve, and in three patients some of the veins draining the tumor followed the course of the nerve. All 16 tumors examined by CT showed lower density than skeletal muscle. They were well delineated and at least partially surrounded by adipose tissue. With contrast enhancement the density increased focally, reflecting the distribution of vessels in the tumors. Histologic examination showed that Antoni-A tissue was rich in small (below 15 micron) and medium-sized vessels, whereas large vessels (above 100 micron) were more frequently seen in Antoni-B tissue. Medium-sized and large vessels often tended to be arranged along the border between Antoni-A and Antoni-B tissues.

Adult↗

Volumetric and projective bone mineral density.

Projectional bone mineral density measurement so far used extensively in radiogrammetry and single and dual source absorptiometry is confronted with a serious limitation for the accurate evaluation of true density artifactually providing higher values along with the increase of body size and bone depth on account of the omission of one dimension. Computed tomography is capable of measuring true volumetric density and also accomplishes a separate measurement of trabecular and cortical bone especially on application to the distal and mid-radius with abundant cortical bone in peripheral computed tomography (pQCT). New lines of information may be obtained by such separate trabecular and cortical bone measurement in decreases of bone density due to various causes, estrogen withdrawal, corticosteroid, diabetes mellitus, renal failure, etc. Dynamic analysis of the result of pQCT may also make it possible to assess bone strength and resistance to fracture.

Journal Article↗

Segmental bone regeneration using a load-bearing biodegradable carrier of bone morphogenetic protein-2.

Segmental defect regeneration has been a clinical challenge. Current tissue-engineering approach using porous biodegradable scaffolds to delivery osteogenic cells and growth factors demonstrated success in facilitating bone regeneration in these cases. However, due to the lack of mechanical property, the porous scaffolds were evaluated in non-load bearing area or were stabilized with stress-shielding devices (bone plate or external fixation). In this paper, we tested a scaffold that does not require a bone plate because it has sufficient biomechanical strength. The tube-shaped scaffolds were manufactured from poly(propylene) fumarate/tricalcium phosphate (PPF/TCP) composites. Dicalcium phosphate dehydrate (DCPD) were used as bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2) carrier. Twenty-two scaffolds were implanted in 5mm segmental defects in rat femurs stabilized with K-wire for 6 and 15 weeks with and without 10 microg of rhBMP-2. Bridging of the segmental defect was evaluated first radiographically and was confirmed by histology and micro-computer tomography (microCT) imaging. The scaffolds in the BMP group maintained the bone length throughout the duration of the study and allow for bridging. The scaffolds in the control group failed to induce bridging and collapsed at 15 weeks. Peripheral computed tomography (pQCT) showed that BMP-2 does not increase the bone mineral density in the callus. Finally, the scaffold in BMP group was found to restore the mechanical property of the rat femur after 15 weeks. Our results demonstrated that the load-bearing BMP-2 scaffold can maintain bone length and allow successfully regeneration in segmental defects.

Animals↗