•Introduce conversion tools for different vendors.•Explain conversion basics.•Present methods to detect and correctproblems.
Clinical imaging data are typically stored and transferred in the DICOM ...format, whereas the NIfTI format has been widely adopted by scientists in the neuroimaging community. Therefore, a vital initial step in processing the data is to convert images from the complicated DICOM format to the much simpler NIfTI format. While there are a number of tools that usually handle DICOM to NIfTI conversion seamlessly, some variations can disrupt this process.
We provide some insight into the challenges faced with image conversion. First, different manufacturers implement the DICOM format differently which complicates the conversion. Second, different modalities and sub-modalities may need special treatment during conversion. Lastly, the image transferring and archiving can also impact the DICOM conversion.
We present results in several error-prone domains, including the slice order for functional imaging, phase encoding direction for distortion correction, effect of diffusion gradient direction, and effect of gantry correction for some imaging modality.
Conversion tools are often designed for a specific manufacturer or modality. The tools and insight we present here are aimed at different manufacturers or modalities.
The imaging conversion is complicated by the variation of images. An understanding of the conversion basics can be helpful for identifying the source of the error. Here we provide users with simple methods for detecting and correcting problems. This also serves as an overview for developers who wish to either develop their own tools or adapt the open source tools created by the authors.
Genetic factors contribute to the risk of thrombotic diseases. Recent genome wide association studies have identified genetic loci including SLC44A2 which may regulate thrombosis. Here we show that ...Slc44a2 controls platelet activation and thrombosis by regulating mitochondrial energetics. We find that Slc44a2 null mice (Slc44a2(KO)) have increased bleeding times and delayed thrombosis compared to wild-type (Slc44a2(WT)) controls. Platelets from Slc44a2(KO) mice have impaired activation in response to thrombin. We discover that Slc44a2 mediates choline transport into mitochondria, where choline metabolism leads to an increase in mitochondrial oxygen consumption and ATP production. Platelets lacking Slc44a2 contain less ATP at rest, release less ATP when activated, and have an activation defect that can be rescued by exogenous ADP. Taken together, our data suggest that mitochondria require choline for maximum function, demonstrate the importance of mitochondrial metabolism to platelet activation, and reveal a mechanism by which Slc44a2 influences thrombosis.
Rock art has long been considered an archaeological artifact reflecting activities from the past, yet it is also a phenomenon with present-day meaning and relevance to both indigenous and ...non-indigenous communities.Relating to Rock Art in the Contemporary Worldchallenges traditional ways of thinking about this highly recognizable form of visual heritage and provides insight into its contemporary significance.One of the most visually striking forms of material culture embedded in landscapes, rock art is ascribed different meanings by diverse groups of people including indigenous peoples, governments, tourism offices, and the general public, all of whom relate to images and sites in unique ways. In this volume, leading scholars from around the globe shift the discourse from a primarily archaeological basis to one that examines the myriad ways that symbolism, meaning, and significance in rock art are being renegotiated in various geographical and cultural settings, from Australia to the British Isles. They also consider how people manage the complex meanings, emotions, and cultural and political practices tied to rock art sites and how these factors impact processes relating to identity construction and reaffirmation today.Richly illustrated and geographically diverse,Relating to Rock Art in the Contemporary Worldconnects archaeology, anthropology, and heritage studies. The book will appeal to students and scholars of archaeology, anthropology, heritage, heritage management, identity studies, art history, indigenous studies, and visual theory, as well as professionals and amateurs who have vested or avocational interests in rock art.Contributors: Agustín Acevedo, Manuel Bea, Jutinach Bowonsachoti, Gemma Boyle, John J. Bradley, Noelene Cole, Inés Domingo, Kurt E. Dongoske, Davida Eisenberg-Degen, Dánae Fiore, Ursula K. Frederick, Kelley Hays-Gilpin, Catherine Namono, George H. Nash, John Norder, Marianna Ocampo, Joshua Schmidt, Duangpond Singhaseni, Benjamin W. Smith, Atthasit Sukkham, Noel Hidalgo Tan, Watinee Tanompolkrang, Luke Taylor, Dagmara Zawadzka
Core cross-linked poly(stearyl methacrylate)–poly(benzyl methacrylate)–poly(ethylene glycol dimethacrylate) S31–B200–E20 triblock copolymer nanoparticles were synthesized directly in an industrial ...mineral oil via polymerization-induced self-assembly (PISA). Gel permeation chromatography analysis of the S31–B200 diblock copolymer precursor chains indicated a well-controlled reversible addition–fragmentation chain transfer dispersion polymerization, while transmission electron microscopy, dynamic light-scattering (DLS), and small-angle X-ray scattering studies indicated the formation of well-defined spheres. Moreover, DLS studies performed in THF, which is a common solvent for the S and B blocks, confirmed successful covalent stabilization because well-defined solvent-swollen spheres were obtained under such conditions. Tribology experiments using a mini-traction machine (MTM) indicated that 0.50% w/w dispersions of S31–B200–E20 spheres dramatically reduce the friction coefficient of base oil within the boundary lubrication regime. Given their efficient and straightforward PISA synthesis at high solids, such nanoparticles offer new opportunities for the formulation of next-generation ultralow-viscosity automotive engine oils.
The development of these guidelines is mandated by the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists (AACE) Board of Directors and American College of Endocrinology (ACE) Board of Trustees and ...adheres with published AACE protocols for the standardized production of clinical practice guidelines (CPGs).
Recommendations are based on diligent reviews of the clinical evidence with transparent incorporation of subjective factors, according to established AACE/ACE guidelines for guidelines protocols.
The Executive Summary of this document contains 87 recommendations of which 45 are Grade A (51.7%), 18 are Grade B (20.7%), 15 are Grade C (17.2%), and 9 (10.3%) are Grade D. These detailed, evidence-based recommendations allow for nuance-based clinical decision-making that addresses multiple aspects of real-world medical care. The evidence base presented in the subsequent Appendix provides relevant supporting information for Executive Summary Recommendations. This update contains 695 citations of which 203 (29.2 %) are EL 1 (strong), 137 (19.7%) are EL 2 (intermediate), 119 (17.1%) are EL 3 (weak), and 236 (34.0%) are EL 4 (no clinical evidence).
This CPG is a practical tool that endocrinologists, other health care professionals, health-related organizations, and regulatory bodies can use to reduce the risks and consequences of dyslipidemia. It provides guidance on screening, risk assessment, and treatment recommendations for a range of individuals with various lipid disorders. The recommendations emphasize the importance of treating low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) in some individuals to lower goals than previously endorsed and support the measurement of coronary artery calcium scores and inflammatory markers to help stratify risk. Special consideration is given to individuals with diabetes, familial hypercholesterolemia, women, and youth with dyslipidemia. Both clinical and cost-effectiveness data are provided to support treatment decisions.
4S = Scandinavian Simvastatin Survival Study A1C = glycated hemoglobin AACE = American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists AAP = American Academy of Pediatrics ACC = American College of Cardiology ACE = American College of Endocrinology ACS = acute coronary syndrome ADMIT = Arterial Disease Multiple Intervention Trial ADVENT = Assessment of Diabetes Control and Evaluation of the Efficacy of Niaspan Trial AFCAPS/TexCAPS = Air Force/Texas Coronary Atherosclerosis Prevention Study AHA = American Heart Association AHRQ = Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality AIM-HIGH = Atherothrombosis Intervention in Metabolic Syndrome With Low HDL/High Triglycerides trial ASCVD = atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease ATP = Adult Treatment Panel apo = apolipoprotein BEL = best evidence level BIP = Bezafibrate Infarction Prevention trial BMI = body mass index CABG = coronary artery bypass graft CAC = coronary artery calcification CARDS = Collaborative Atorvastatin Diabetes Study CDP = Coronary Drug Project trial CI = confidence interval CIMT = carotid intimal media thickness CKD = chronic kidney disease CPG(s) = clinical practice guideline(s) CRP = C-reactive protein CTT = Cholesterol Treatment Trialists CV = cerebrovascular CVA = cerebrovascular accident EL = evidence level FH = familial hypercholesterolemia FIELD = Secondary Endpoints from the Fenofibrate Intervention and Event Lowering in Diabetes trial FOURIER = Further Cardiovascular Outcomes Research with PCSK9 Inhibition in Subjects With Elevated Risk trial HATS = HDL-Atherosclerosis Treatment Study HDL-C = high-density lipoprotein cholesterol HeFH = heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia HHS = Helsinki Heart Study HIV = human immunodeficiency virus HoFH = homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia HPS = Heart Protection Study HPS2-THRIVE = Treatment of HDL to Reduce the Incidence of Vascular Events trial HR = hazard ratio HRT = hormone replacement therapy hsCRP = high-sensitivity CRP IMPROVE-IT = Improved Reduction of Outcomes: Vytorin Efficacy International Trial IRAS = Insulin Resistance Atherosclerosis Study JUPITER = Justification for the Use of Statins in Primary Prevention: An Intervention Trial Evaluating Rosuvastatin LDL-C = low-density lipoprotein cholesterol Lp-PLA2 = lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 MACE = major cardiovascular events MESA = Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis MetS = metabolic syndrome MI = myocardial infarction MRFIT = Multiple Risk Factor Intervention Trial NCEP = National Cholesterol Education Program NHLBI = National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute PCOS = polycystic ovary syndrome PCSK9 = proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 Post CABG = Post Coronary Artery Bypass Graft trial PROSPER = Prospective Study of Pravastatin in the Elderly at Risk trial QALY = quality-adjusted life-year ROC = receiver-operator characteristic SOC = standard of care SHARP = Study of Heart and Renal Protection T1DM = type 1 diabetes mellitus T2DM = type 2 diabetes mellitus TG = triglycerides TNT = Treating to New Targets trial VA-HIT = Veterans Affairs High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol Intervention Trial VLDL-C = very low-density lipoprotein cholesterol WHI = Women's Health Initiative.
The continued operation of the Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer (WISE), combined with several ground-based optical transient surveys (e.g., CRTS, ASAS-SN, and PTF), offers an unprecedented ...opportunity to explore the dust structures in luminous active galactic nuclei (AGNs). We use these data for a mid-IR dust reverberation mapping (RM) study of 87 archetypal Palomar-Green quasars at z 0.5. To cope with various contaminations of the photometry data and the sparse time sampling of the light curves, procedures to combine these data sets and retrieve the dust RM signals have been developed. We find that ∼70% of the sample (with a completeness correction up to 95%) has convincing mid-IR time lags in the WISE W1 (∼3.4 m) and W2 (∼4.5 m) bands, and they are proportional to the square root of the AGN luminosity. Combined with previous K-band (∼2.2 m) RM results in the literature, the inferred dust emission size ratios are R K : R W 1 : R W 2 = 0.6 : 1 : 1.2 . Under simple assumptions, we put preliminary constraints on the projected dust surface density at these bands and reveal the possibly different torus structures among hot-dust-deficient, warm-dust-deficient, and normal quasars from the reverberation signals. With multi-epoch Spitzer data and later WISE photometry, we also explore AGN IR variability at 10-24 m over a 5 yr timescale. Except for blazars and flat-spectrum radio sources, the majority of AGNs have typical variation amplitudes at 24 m of no more than 10% of that in the W1 band, indicating that the dust reverberation signals damp out quickly at longer wavelengths. In particular, steep-spectrum radio quasars also lack strong 24 m variability, consistent with the unification picture of radio-loud AGNs.
In 1973, the federal government classified psychedelics as schedule I substances, rendering possession illegal, even for research purposes except under tightly regulated circumstances. Although these ...restrictions have hindered research on the therapeutic uses of psychedelics for decades, recent studies have brought increasing attention and enthusiasm to the potential benefits of psychedelic treatment. Accompanying this revival of psychedelic research have been initiatives by states and localities to legalize psychedelic possession and use. Two of the most ambitious measures, in Oregon and California, take different paths to legalization. This Viewpoint reviews these initiatives and the concerns they raise by looking to the cautionary precedents involving the legalization and commercialization of other controlled substances.
In a randomized trial, over 4500 patients undergoing cardiac surgery were assigned to receive tranexamic acid or placebo. There was no difference between groups in the rate of death or thrombotic ...complications. The tranexamic acid group had less bleeding and more seizures.
Excessive bleeding and blood transfusions are common in patients undergoing cardiac surgery,
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and in some of these patients, there is a need for reoperation because of life-threatening bleeding.
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Both blood transfusion and reoperation are strongly associated with poor outcomes after cardiac surgery.
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Antifibrinolytic therapy reduces the risk of blood loss and transfusion among patients undergoing cardiac surgery,
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but it is unclear whether such therapy reduces the risk of reoperation for bleeding.
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Antifibrinolytic agents that have been used in patients undergoing cardiac surgery include aprotinin
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and the lysine analogues tranexamic acid and aminocaproic acid.
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These agents may . . .
The benefits of physical activity are likely universal for all children, including children and adolescents with disabilities (CWD). The participation of CWD in physical activity, including adaptive ...or therapeutic sports and recreation, promotes inclusion, minimizes deconditioning, optimizes physical functioning, improves mental health as well as academic achievement, and enhances overall well-being. Despite these benefits, CWD face barriers to participation and have lower levels of fitness, reduced rates of participation, and a higher prevalence of overweight and obesity compared with typically developing peers. Pediatricians and caregivers may overestimate the risks or overlook the benefits of physical activity in CWD, which further limits participation. Preparticipation evaluations often include assessment of health status, functional capacity, individual activity preferences, availability of appropriate programs, and safety precautions. Given the complexity, the preparticipation evaluation for CWD may not occur in the context of a single office visit but rather over a period of time with input from the child's multidisciplinary team (physicians, coaches, physical education teachers, school nurses, adaptive recreation specialists, physical and occupational therapists, and others). Some CWD may desire to participate in organized sports to experience the challenge of competition, and others may prefer recreational activities for enjoyment. To reach the goal of inclusion in appropriate physical activities for all children with disabilities, child, family, financial, and societal barriers to participation need to be identified and addressed. Health care providers can facilitate participation by encouraging physical activity among CWD and their families during visits. Health care providers can create "physical activity prescriptions" for CWD on the basis of the child's preferred activities, functional status, need for adaptation of the activity and the recreational opportunities available in the community. This clinical report discusses the importance of participation in sports, recreation, and physical activity for CWD and offers practical suggestions to health care providers.
Classic psychedelics and related substances have shown promising initial research results. However, they raise a number of relatively novel ethical and policy challenges in light of their ...psychoactive properties, their emergence from the unregulated “underground” settings in which they have been used, their rapid commercialization, and the means and speed with which they are moving from Schedule 1 status to legalized use. All of these issues are affected by the current limits to the evidence base on use of psychedelics. Here we survey these novel challenges, illustrating the issues raised regarding each, and offering suggestions for how to address them.
This article is part of the Special Issue on ‘Psilocybin Research’.
•Psychedelics raise novel ethical issues due to regulatory considerations & underground use.•Consent is complicated as naïve users may not fully appreciate the effects of psychedelics.•Patenting & cultural appropriation raise questions about who should profit from psychedelics.•New regulatory challenges are arising from the heterogeneity of psychedelic laws & policies.
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