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Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) is primarily a respiratory disease, however, an increasing number of reports indicate that SARS-CoV-2 infection can also cause severe neurological manifestations, including precipitating cases of probable Parkinson’s disease. As microglial NLRP3 inflammasome activation is a major driver of neurodegeneration, here we interrogated whether SARS-CoV-2 can promote microglial NLRP3 inflammasome activation. Using SARS-CoV-2 infection of transgenic mice expressing human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (hACE2) as a COVID-19 pre-clinical model, we established the presence of virus in the brain together with microglial activation and NLRP3 inflammasome upregulation in comparison to uninfected mice. Next, utilising a model of human monocyte-derived microglia, we identified that SARS-CoV-2 isolates can bind and enter human microglia in the absence of viral replication. This interaction of virus and microglia directly induced robust inflammasome activation, even in the absence of another priming signal. Mechanistically, we demonstrated that purified SARS-CoV-2 spike glycoprotein activated the NLRP3 inflammasome in LPS-primed microglia, in a ACE2-dependent manner. Spike protein also could prime the inflammasome in microglia through NF-κB signalling, allowing for activation through either ATP, nigericin or α-synuclein. Notably, SARS-CoV-2 and spike protein-mediated microglial inflammasome activation was significantly enhanced in the presence of α-synuclein fibrils and was entirely ablated by NLRP3-inhibition. Finally, we demonstrate SARS-CoV-2 infected hACE2 mice treated orally post-infection with the NLRP3 inhibitory drug MCC950, have significantly reduced microglial inflammasome activation, and increased survival in comparison with untreated SARS-CoV-2 infected mice. These results support a possible mechanism of microglial innate immune activation by SARS-CoV-2, which could explain the increased vulnerability to developing neurological symptoms akin to Parkinson’s disease in COVID-19 infected individuals, and a potential therapeutic avenue for intervention.

Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) is primarily a respiratory disease, however, an increasing number of reports indicate that SARS-CoV-2 infection can also cause severe neurological manifestations, including precipitating cases of probable Parkinson’s disease. As microglial NLRP3 inflammasome activation is a major driver of neurodegeneration, here we interrogated whether SARS-CoV-2 can promote microglial NLRP3 inflammasome activation utilising a model of human monocyte-derived microglia. We identified that SARS-CoV-2 isolates can bind and enter microglia, triggering inflammasome activation in the absence of viral replication. Mechanistically, microglial NLRP3 could be both primed and activated with SARS-CoV-2 spike glycoprotein in a NF-κB and ACE2-dependent manner. Notably, virus- and spike protein-mediated inflammasome activation in microglia was significantly enhanced in the presence of α-synuclein fibrils, which was entirely ablated by NLRP3-inhibition. These results support a possible mechanism of microglia activation by SARS-CoV-2, which could explain the increased vulnerability to developing neurological symptoms akin to Parkinson’s disease in certain COVID-19 infected individuals, and a potential therapeutic avenue for intervention.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTSevere acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) principally affects the lungs, however there is evidence that the virus can also reach the brain and lead to chronic neurological symptoms. In this study, we examined the interaction SARS-CoV-2 with brain immune cells, by using an ex-vivo model of human monocyte-derived microglia. We identified robust activation of the innate immune sensor complex, NLRP3 inflammasome, in cells exposed to SARS-CoV-2. This was dependent on spike protein-ACE2 receptor interaction and was potentiated in the presence of α-synuclein. We therefore identify a possible mechanism for SARS-CoV-2 and increased vulnerability to developing neurological dysfunction. These findings support a potential therapeutic avenue for treatment of SARS-CoV-2 driven neurological manifestations, through use of NLRP3 inflammasome or ACE2 inhibitors.

Purpose. To determine the hardness and Young’s moduli of both commercial and experimental vinyl poly siloxane (VPS). Methods. The purpose of this study was to develop a medium-bodied experimental (Exp-I, II, III, IV, and V) VPS impression materials and to analyse their effects on hardness and Young’s modulus and compare them with three commercial VPS materials (Aquasil, Elite, and Extrude) using Shore A hardness tester. Measurements were recorded after 1, 24, 72, and 168 hours of mixing. The results were analysed with one-way ANOVA and post hoc Tukey’s test using the SPSS PASW statistical 22 software. Results. Commercial and experimental vinyl polysiloxane exhibited higher Shore A hardness values with time (i.e., 1 hour after mixing, 24 hours after mixing, 72 hours after mixing, and 1 week after mixing). All Comml and Exp VPS demonstrated a significant increase (ANOVA, p < 0.05 ) in hardness at increasing time points. Generally, all commercial VPS exhibited significantly higher values for Shore A hardness compared to all Exp formulations. For commercial products, Elt M presented significantly highest values at all-time points followed by Aq M then Extr M. Exp-I was significantly harder than all other Exp VPS at all-time points. Young’s modulus values were directly related to Shore A hardness; materials with higher Shore A hardness values had higher Young’s moduli. Conclusion. Continued polymerisation of elastomeric impression materials results in increased hardness over time. Hardness, Young’s moduli, and rigidity of the set commercial and experimental VPS materials were within the required limits. Shore A hardness and Young’s moduli were directly proportional to each other, and commercial and experimental materials had enough rigidity to contain the stone during pouring.

Realigning the interrelationship between documentation, choreography and the lived moment of performance, this article asks how choreographic documentation practices can be reimagined to articulate deeper layers of embodied knowledge beyond a focus on movement patterns or gestures. Entrusting the dancer to drive the process, accentuating their expertise in perceiving and analysing bodily sensation, the article proposes a series of experimental documentation methods. These include the use of verbal language, the breaking down of choreographic continuity and linear phrasing, and ‘enactive’ filming, with repetition as an exploratory tool. Developed through practice, these methods consider the use of available technologies (laptops, smartphones, etc.), informed by theories of enactive perception. By relieving the tension between the immediacy of performance and choreography as a framework of previously defined choices and limits, the article focuses on the dancer as the primary asset in the documentation process, advocating their agency in articulating interior knowledge and lived bodily experience in documented forms.

Five Unmanned Surface Vehicles (USVs) were deployed off the west coasts of the U.S. and Canada in summer 2018 as a first step toward evaluating the effectiveness and efficacy of USVs as survey/research platforms. The Saildrone USVs (Saildrone, Inc.) surveyed a total of 5,400 nmi along 124 transects between Vancouver Island, BC and the Southern California Bight, CA, mirroring the transect design of the Coastal Pelagic Species Survey conducted with the NOAA Fisheries Survey Vessel (FSV) Reuben Lasker. Such a survey design allowed the comparison of USV and FSV acoustic data while also evaluating the operational feasibility and navigational performance of the USVs. Acoustic data were analyzed and their quality evaluated. The potential applications of using USVs to conduct quantitative ecosystem acoustic surveys will also be discussed.

Background: Resistance to antipsychotic treatment is a significant clinical problem in patients with schizophrenia. The Social Learning Inpatient Program at New York—Presbyterian, Westchester Division is a specialized inpatient program based on a social learning model which includes interventions such as social skills training, cognitive remediation, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) for Psychosis and other token economy-based interventions. The goal of our study was to determine if treatment at our program was associated with lower re-hospitalization rates after discharge and to look for predictors of successful community tenure.

OBJECTIVES: One hundred years after the Flexner report remade medical education in North America, many countries are reviewing the purpose and organisation of medical education. In Canada, a national study is being undertaken to define important issues and challenges for the future of medical education. The objectives of this paper are to describe the process of conducting an empirical environmental scan at a national level, and to present the research findings of this scan. METHODS: Thirty national key informant interviews were conducted, transcribed and coded to identify key themes. Interview data were triangulated with data sourced from 34 commissioned literature reviews and a series of national focus groups. RESULTS: Ten key issues or priorities were identified and used to generate detailed review papers used by the Association of Faculties of Medicine of Canada to create a blueprint for the evolution of medical education. The new priorities have major implications for areas ranging from admissions, curriculum content, educational process and the need to articulate the purpose and responsibilities of medical schools in society. DISCUSSION: This research provides a case study of how an empirical research approach can be used to identify and validate priorities for changes in medical education at a national level. This approach may be of interest in other countries.

This research was conducted in response to a brief from NEMLAC requesting a review of the development of the People's Network in the North East region's public libraries with a view to the preparation of an Action Plan. The methodology involved interviews with key contacts in each of the 12 authorities in the North East, questionnaires distributed to users of the PN and brief interviews with customers using the PN in libraries within each authority. An Expert Day was held to which PN managers from the 12 authorities were invited to discuss and contribute to the research findings.

The provision of timely and optimal patient care is a priority in pediatric academic health science centres. Timely access to care is optimized when there is an efficient and consistent referral system in place. In order to improve the patient referral process and, therefore, access to care, an innovative web-based system was developed and implemented. The Ambulatory Referral Management System enables the electronic routing for submission, review, triage and management of all outpatient referrals. The implementation of this system has provided significant metrics that have informed how processes can be improved to increase access to care. Use of the system has improved efficiency in the referral process and has reduced the work associated with the previous paper-based referral system. It has also enhanced communication between the healthcare provider and the patient and family and has improved the security and confidentiality of patient information management. Referral guidelines embedded within the system have helped to ensure that referrals are more complete and that the patient being referred meets the criteria for assessment and treatment in an ambulatory setting. The system calculates and reports on wait times, as well as other measures.

PurposeTo present the results of a study of the public library system in Japan and contrast it with that of the UK and the other G8 countries.Design/methodology/approachMakes comparisons under the headings: libraries per head of population; library use; reference and enquiry services; funding; social capital and social inclusion.FindingsPerformance measurement is by its nature culturally dependent, with societies measuring what is important to them at any one time. Social cohesion and inclusion issues are not the same in Japan as in the UK; therefore the services needed from the public library systems are different. The statistics prove that Japan has the busiest public libraries of the G8 countries, but far fewer of them. It is a very densely populated country, with more than 50 per cent of the population concentrated in only 2 per cent of the land mass. Book borrowing in the UK overall is much higher than in other G8 countries, but has fallen in recent years. The culture of public library management is very different in Japan from that of the UK and each has many lessons to learn from the other.Originality/valueBecause of the differences in the two cultures, public libraries fulfil differing needs. Thus the systems used to measure and improve performance will differ. As measuring performance informs strategic development, both countries need to be aware of the wider issues and have much to learn from each other.

(2002). Bidding for Records: Local authority archives and competitive funding. Journal of the Society of Archivists: Vol. 23, No. 1, pp. 35-503.

Effective participation in the competitive bidding arena is one of the main vehicles for securing the necessary additional funds to maintain and develop UK public library services. This paper documents the extent and scale of bidding by public libraries and presents areas of good practice emerging from research into the effects that the bidding culture has had on the development of English local government archive, library and museum services. Key findings suggest that approaches to external funding should be strategy‐driven taking place within a framework of purpose and rationale; that success is often highly dependent on the leadership and networking skills of library managers; and that partnership working should be encouraged and adopted. Successful proposals should demonstrate the benefits and credibility of proposers to deliver; provide evidence of properly resourced project management including methods of monitoring and evaluation; explicitly address the relevant funding criteria and be well‐researched and carefully planned.

This paper presents some of the findings from research into the effects that the emergent bidding culture has had on the development of English local government archive, library and museum services. The project was funded by Resource and undertaken by the Information Management Research Institute at the University of Northumbria at Newcastle. The research revealed that the extent of involvement by archives and record management services in competitive bidding for external funds was dependent on a number of factors including the level of existing resource bases of archive services; the geographical and cognitive locations of archives; and the focus of external funding opportunities. However, the need for archives and records management services to engage in effective bidding is not likely to disappear, and it is suggested that these organisations must adopt a dynamic approach to bidding and marketing, asserting that their needs – ‘sexy’ or otherwise – deserve appropriate funding.

The introduction of the National Vocational Qualifications (NVQs) has been a significant development in vocational education and training in the United Kingdom (UK). This article examines the implications of NVQs on Information and Library Services (ILS). The authors suggest that NVQs have divided the ILS sector with some seeing them as an opportunity to develop staff to national standards while others have expressed concern about the future status of the profession of librarianship. The authors conclude that while there are some legitimate concerns about NVQs' relationship with higher education, the competence approach has a lot to offer the academic curriculum.

Objective The aim of this study was to determine whether there is consistency in the listing and clinical significance ratings of drug-drug interactions in 5 nationally recognized drug information sources. Background The Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1990, which established the Medicaid Drug Utilization Review (DUR) Program, required that the program assess data based on “explicit predetermined standards” including drug-drug interactions and other data specified in the statute. These standards, according to the statute, were to be based on 3 drug compendia and the peer-reviewed literature. This focus on explicit standards, plus a requirement that DUR screening criteria be in the public domain, has provided an opportunity to assess these criteria and the adequacy of the information on which they are based. Methods We compared the listing and clinical significance ratings of drug-drug interactions for a representative sample of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, beta-blockers, benzodiazepines, calcium channel blockers, and nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs presented in US Pharmacopeia Drug Information, American Hospital Formulary Service Drug Information, Hansten's Drug Interactions Analysis and Management, Drug Interaction Facts (Facts and Comparisons), and the Micromedex DRUG-REAX® system. Results In all the drug classes studied, individual drug-drug or drug-class interactions were rarely listed in ⩾ 1 or 2 drug information sources. Furthermore, when particular drug-drug or drug-class interactions were listed in ⩾ 2 of the information sources reviewed, agreement on clinical significance rating generally decreased as the number of information sources in which the interaction was listed increased. Conclusions Results of the study suggest that there are discrepancies in the listing and clinical significance ratings for drugdrug interactions among the leading drug information sources, although the reasons for these discrepancies could not be determined. The study findings also suggest the need to develop methods for resolving discrepancies based on review of the scientific evidence to ensure that DUR is based on high-quality screening criteria.

Objective The aim of this study was to create a methodology for evidence-based assessment of published drug-drug interaction information and presentation of that information in a standardized format. Background Inconsistencies in drug-drug interaction information among major medical compendia have been documented and are of major concern to physicians, pharmacists, drug utilization review (DUR) program operators, and patients. Most compendia fail to document their methodology for listing or rating the potential clinical severity of drug-drug interactions. Inconsistent information about drug-drug interactions can cause prescribing problems and variations, possibly increasing the incidence of morbidity and mortality. Methods The available literature (MEDLINE ® , EMBASE ® , International Pharmaceutical Abstracts) on systematic reviews, methodologic quality assessment of research articles, and causality assessment of adverse drug events was searched to identify the best practices for creation of an evidence-based drug-drug interaction information review process. A suggested format for standardized presentation of this information is described. Results The following 5-step process was created to assess published drug-drug interaction information: (1) search the medical literature for published drug-drug interaction information; (2) assess the relevance of the articles; (3) assess the quality of the articles; (4) assess drug-drug interaction causality; and (5) abstract the findings and present the evidence. Conclusions Evidence-based assessment of published drugdrug interaction information appears to be feasible and would help clinicians, DUR program operators, and patients. Assessment of this information on a large scale, however, will require significant resources and the resolution of a number of technical issues.

Presents the findings of the LOGOPLUS project. The aim of this project was to ascertain to what extent the move to unitary authorities during the 1995‐1998 re‐organisation of local government was seamless for public library users and staff. Case studies were undertaken in nine local authorities. Representatives formed the Steering Group which identified the following significant areas of change to be investigated: politics, finance, integration, co‐operation, staff, communication and users. Research findings have indicated a number of success factors which contributed to seamlessness: councillors and managers who were committed to the provision of excellent services; transitional finance sufficient to cover the process of the change; effective leadership; clear definition of mission and goals; multi‐skilling where appropriate and supportive users. However, some libraries have suffered because councillors or managers did not have a clear vision; there was insufficient finance; managers were not good communicators and there was little or no training for staff.

The IMPEL2 Project is a JISC‐funded eLib Project based at the University of Northumbria at Newcastle. It has been engaged in a 2‐year (1996‐98) investigation of organisational and cultural change in the increasingly electronic environment in UK Higher Education HE. The selection of Case Study sites was purposive; some had participated in the previous IMPEL1 study. A qualitative methodology, using analysis of documentation, semi‐structured interviews and questionnaires, has been used to examine complex and sometimes sensitive issues. Through Case Studies at 24 Universities and HE Colleges and over 300 interviews, with a range of academic staff, library and information services staff and computer services staff, the Project team has gained insights into the impacts of electronic information provision on academic and student users, the impacts of resource based learning and training, and considered the implications for the training and development of library staff. This article gives some of the fin...

Objectives. Falls are the leading cause of disability, injury, and death in elderly persons. Studies have suggested that fear of falling is a sequelae of falls and leads to self-imposed activity restriction and subsequent functional decline. The purpose of this study was to see if fear of failing in elderly persons in subacute rehabilitation facilities is related to actual balance and gait abilities.Method. Spearman rank order correlations were used to compare scores on the Tinetti Falls Efficacy Scale (FES), a measure of fear of falling, and the Tinetti Balance and Gait Evaluation (Balance and Gait), a measure of balance and gait, for a convenience sample of 39 inpatients in a subacute rehabilitation facility.Results. There were no significant, positive associations between the total scores on the FES and Balance and Gait subtest scores. However, analyses of the associations between subjects' scores on individual activities of the FES and their Balance and Gait subtest scores indicated significant positi...

In a study assessing the nature of folk theories about the causes of sex and race differences and correlates of these theories, 464 undergraduates completed questionnaires concerning (a) causes of sex and race differences (e.g., socialization, opportunities, and biological factors), (b) the ease of eliminating differences, (c) perceptions of variability within and between the sexes, (d) intolerance of ambiguity, and (e) values concerning research on sex differences. Folk theories are similar for sex and race: Both social and biological factors are believed to cause differences, but social factors are considered more influential. Folk theories related to how the sexes were perceived. The more biology was believed to cause sex differences, the more the sexes were seen to differ. Folk theories were weakly correlated with intolerance of ambiguity. Students' values indicated that they believe it is important to detect and report sex differences even if errors occur because nonexistent sex differences are falsely reported.

Ninety-five women and 95 men undergraduates rated each of their closest friends, and rated themselves with each of those friends on a Relationship Grid evaluating both `structural' dimensions (i.e., age, sex, duration of friendship and frequency of contact) and `affective' dimensions (i.e. self-disclosure, appreciation, assistance, empathic understanding, deepening others' self-awareness, shared activity, authenticity, trust, control, responsibility, connectedness, empowerment of others and satisfaction). Results indicated similarity in the rankings of the importance of those dimensions in the friendships of men and women, and that same-sex friendships were more common and of longer duration than cross-sex friendships. Two broad patterns of differences emerged on the `affective' dimensions: (1) relationships with men friends were less reciprocal than relationships with women friends; and (2) men's same-sex relationships were characterized by less giving and receiving. This study suggests similarities and differences in the nature, meaning and perceived function of friendship for women and men, and illustrates the importance of studying people's conceptions of themselves and their friendships in the context of their specific real-life relationships.

The purpose of this study is to review the effluent limitations and monitoring requirements authorized by the Arkansas Department of Pollution Control and Ecology and proposes recomendations to enhance the improvement of the present requirements. The study is done at the city of Fayetteville and it concentrates on three main issues: 1. Sampling methods: Grab Versus Composite Sampling 2. Cost of the Sampling methods 3. Distinction between a fixed monthly average and a moving average. Explanations and suggestions made are based on information from relevant literatures compiled with respect to monitoring of water quality. With the recomendations forwarded, it is hoped to aid the Arkansas Department of Pollution Control and Ecology to better understand the advantages and disadvantages of the Grab and Composite Sampling, realizing the cost involved and the distinction between using a fixed monthly average and a moving average measurement on the discharge limitation.

This project was commissioned by the Round Table on Women's Issues (RTWI) at the 66th IFLA conference. The Round Table on Women's Issues is a sub-division of IFLA which concerns itself extensively with questions and issues that have special relevance for women in the library profession and in the user community. Further it develops programmes designed to enhance the opportunities and the image of these two groups of women. The Round Table on Women's Issues promotes the collection, research, publication and dissemination of information on the status of women in librarianship. Another concern is to identify discrimination in all forms, and disparities in resources, programmes, and opportunities relating to women in librarianship. At the 66th Conference, members of the Round Table discussed the Association of Research Libraries' Annual Salary Survey, 1999-2000 and noted that the average salary for female directors (USD 132,000) in United States university libraries was slightly higher than the average salary of male directors (USD 125,000) (pp. 16-18). There is now the highest number of women in top administrative positions than there has been before: 54 women out of a total of 111 directorships. This was of course the good news.The bad news was that the overall salary for women in research and academic libraries in the USA was still only 94 percent that of men. During the 19 years that statistics have been gathered women have been gradually closing the earnings gap, as in 1980 they earned only 87 percent, but it is a slow process. Overall, men represent only 35 percent of the workforce among professional librarians. The Round Table felt it would be interesting to discover how this compared with salaries in other countries and other sectors. This could form the basis for some comparative statistics if other members of the group could follow up. Although aware that delegates at IFLA conferences were not representative of the profession as a whole, it was felt that it might be possible to conduct a 'snapshot' project of delegates, women officers and committee members at IFLA's 67th conference to ascertain the status of women librarians internationally. Sandra Parker and Pat Gannon-Leary from the Information Management Research Institute, University of Northumbria School of Information Studies, obtained an IFLA small grant to undertake this work and to report on findings at the 68th IFLA conference.

Mesopelagic forage fish species are important components of the Bering Sea ecosystem, but information on species distribution and identity is limited. Using acoustics and optics [LIght Detection And Ranging (LIDAR)], this study compared distribution patterns detected by the two gears. Forage species distribution and quantity differed between shelf (6–100 m) and slope (6–100 m, 100–300 m, 300 m to bottom) regions. Acoustic results suggested that shallow and deep depth zones contained dispersed backscatter while the middle slope layer contained patchy schools associated with the shelf break. Variogram results for repeated LIDAR surveys of the shelf and slope regions indicated that backscatter distribution between 6 and 30 m was dynamic at the scale of days. This result was expected given the strong frontal nature of the area. When LIDAR results were compared with coincident acoustic transects on the shelf and slope, differences were found in gear detection of backscatter. Based on acoustic results, 25%–63% of forage fish in the shelf and slope regions were deeper than the LIDAR detection range. Although both LIDAR and acoustics are constrained to portions of the water column, the utility of remote sampling technologies is dependent on survey objectives. [Funding was provided by the North Pacific Research Board.]Mesopelagic forage fish species are important components of the Bering Sea ecosystem, but information on species distribution and identity is limited. Using acoustics and optics [LIght Detection And Ranging (LIDAR)], this study compared distribution patterns detected by the two gears. Forage species distribution and quantity differed between shelf (6–100 m) and slope (6–100 m, 100–300 m, 300 m to bottom) regions. Acoustic results suggested that shallow and deep depth zones contained dispersed backscatter while the middle slope layer contained patchy schools associated with the shelf break. Variogram results for repeated LIDAR surveys of the shelf and slope regions indicated that backscatter distribution between 6 and 30 m was dynamic at the scale of days. This result was expected given the strong frontal nature of the area. When LIDAR results were compared with coincident acoustic transects on the shelf and slope, differences were found in gear detection of backscatter. Based on acoustic results, 25%–63% ...

Ideas for this month presents two posters. The first features baseball applications of addition, subtraction, and number concepts. The second uses a baseball setting for some problems in logic.