A spatial covariance (123)I-5IA-85380 SPECT study of α4β2 nicotinic receptors in Alzheimer's disease

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is characterized by widespread degeneration of cholinergic neurons, particularly in the basal forebrain. However, the pattern of these deficits and relationship with known brain networks is unknown. In this study, we sought to clarify this and used 123I-5-iodo-3-[2(S)-2-azetidinylmethoxy] pyridine (1235IA-85380) single photon emission computed tomography to investigate spatial covariance of α4β2 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in AD and healthy controls. Thirteen AD and 16 controls underwent 1235IA-85380 and regional cerebral blood flow (99mTc-exametazime) single photon emission computed tomography scanning. We applied voxel principal component (PC) analysis, generating series of principal component images representing common intercorrelated voxels across subjects. Linear regression generated specific α4β2 and regional cerebral blood flow covariance patterns that differentiated AD from controls. The α4β2 pattern showed relative decreased uptake in numerous brain regions implicating several networks including default mode, salience, and Papez hubs. Thus, as well as basal forebrain and brainstem cholinergic system dysfunction, cholinergic deficits mediated through nicotinic acetylcholine receptors could be evident within key networks in AD. These findings may be important for the pathophysiology of AD and its associated cognitive and behavioral phenotypes

Visual cortical excitability in dementia with Lewy bodies.

Alterations in the visual system may underlie visual hallucinations in dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB). However, cortical excitability as measured by transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) activation of lower visual areas (V1-3) to visual stimuli appear normal in DLB. We explored the relationship between TMS-determined phosphene threshold and fMRI-related visual activation and found a positive relationship between the two in controls but a negative one in DLB. This double dissociation suggests a loss of inhibition in the visual system in DLB, which may predispose individuals to visual dysfunction and visual hallucinations.The research was funded by an Intermediate Clinical Fellowship to J.-P.T. (WT088441MA) and also supported by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Newcastle Biomedical Research Unit based at Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and Newcastle University. The views expressed are those of the authors and not necessarily those of the NHS, the NIHR or the Department of Health.This is the final version of the article. It first appeared from the Royal College of Psychiatrists via http://dx.doi.org/10.1192/bjp.bp.114.15273

Evolution of Systematic Characters in the Ferns

No abstract is available for this item

Analysis of potential for supplemental irrigation in southern Illinois

The aim of this study is to determine the potential for supplemental crop irrigation of the tight subsoil area of Southern Illinois with surface water impounded in small catchment reservoirs. The geographic area of the tight soils (mainly the southern 1/3 of Illinois includes almost 25 percent of the state. Random statistical sampling was used to select topographic quadrangles in this area for investigation of reservoir sites. Costs and water volume were then computed for sites with potential for reservoir siting. The results of the survey of potential reservoirs and cost analysis indicate about 1.2 million acres of land in the claypan area of Southern Illinois can be irrigated under current cost conditions depending on the price of corn and soybeans. From inspection of the best potential reservoir sites, watersheds, and irrigation areas, a specific site was selected for detailed analysis. Site analysis showed the most profitable management practice to be a corn-soybean rotation with reduced tillage, up-and-down slopes plowing, and irrigation. Further analysis was performed concerning the effect of sedimentation on reservoir capacity and, optimal land use. The results indicate that, over a thirty-year period, sedimentation will not have any appreciable effect on reservoir capacity and on land use practice. Finally, the supplemental irrigation system was analysed to determine its overall economic feasibility. A supply curve for irrigation from reservoirs was developed.U.S. Department of the InteriorU.S. Geological SurveyOpe

The Development of Intervention E-Learning Materials and Implementation Techniques For Cyber-Security Behaviour Change

Many organisations show compliance in running security awareness programmes, but this does not necessarily mean end users will change their behavior. This highlights one of the main challenges in cyber security. Providing awareness in a tool is a useful first step but it doesn’t necessarily lead to changing behaviour [3]. In contrast, completing compliance or achieving competence can actually lead people to being more averse to change than before or even partaking in risky behaviour. This paper describes the collaboration between a specialist computer business (LiMETOOLS) and psychology academics to draw on psychology theory (e.g. Social Cognitive Theory, [4]) and pedagogy (e.g. self-directed learning) to create innovative techniques using interactive learning tools resulting in behaviour change. The aim of this article is to show how we have moved beyond developing materials that change awareness, to those that effectively change digital behaviour. We examine methodologies that can be integrated within online learning tools to embed text, video clips, gamification, and quizzes to encourage measurable cyber security behaviour change. A challenge within behaviour change is the maintenance of these behaviours and we are exploring the potential impact of using ‘drip-feed learning’ in the form of a short video magazine with embedded quizzes and ‘nudges’ of behaviour changes that have previously learnt, delivered over a long period of time in very short stimulus packages

EvaluLEAD: A Guide for Shaping and Evaluating Leadership Development Programs

Provides a framework for evaluating leadership development based on values, norms, and performance factors. Explains key concepts of the approach and supplies a step-by-step map for creating a leadership evaluation plan