The one-to-one relationship between whiskers, barrels, and barrel columns described for rat barrel cortex demonstrates that the organization of cortical function adheres to topographical and columnar principles. Supporting evidence is typically based on a single or few whiskers being stimulated, although behaving rats rely on the use of all their whiskers. Less is known about the cortical response when many whiskers are stimulated. Here, we use intrinsic signal optical imaging and supra- and sub-threshold electrophysiology recordings to map and characterize the cortical response to an array of all large whiskers. The cortical response was found to possess a single peak located centrally within a large activation spread, thereby no longer conveying information about the individual identities of the stimulated whiskers (e.g., many local peaks). Using modeling and pharmacological manipulations, we determined that this single central peak, plus other salient properties, can be predicted by and depends on large cortical activation spreads evoked by individual whisker stimulation. Compared to single whisker stimulation, the peak magnitude was comparable in strength and the response area was 2.6-fold larger, with both exhibiting a reduction in variability that was particularly pronounced (3.8x) for the peak magnitude. Findings extended to a different collection (subset) of whiskers. Our results indicate the rat barrel cortex response to multi-site stimulation transcends one-to-one topography to culminate in a large activation spread with a single central peak, and offer a potential neurobiological mechanism for the psychophysical phenomenon of multi-site stimulation being perceived as though a single, central site has been stimulated.

Gout is characterized by high serum uric acid (SUA) levels and arthritis. It is associated with obesity and metabolic syndrome. Bariatric surgery has been associated with decreased SUA levels and overall gout incidence. This meta-analysis aims to summarize the current evidence on bariatric surgery, gout and SUA levels. A literature review was performed on papers published from 2000 up till December 2018.Original studies investigating the impact of bariatric surgery on SUA levels or gout incidence were evaluated. Twenty studies with a total of 5,233 patients were analysed. Majority (n=14) had a follow-up duration of at least 12 months. The mean preoperative body mass index (BMI) was 45.2kg m −2 . The mean preoperative SUA level was 6.5mg dL −1 . Subgroup analysis demonstrated a mean decrease in SUA levels (−0.73mg dL −1 ) from the third postoperative month onwards, which was sustained until the third postoperative year (−1.91mg dL −1 ). There was a rise in SUA levels in the first post-operative month. Meta-regression analyses demonstrated a proportionate linear relationship between the change in BMI and SUA levels. Postbariatric surgery weight loss is associated with reduced SUA levels and decreased incidence of gout attacks. However, this is only evident from the third postoperative month onwards.

alone for preoxygenation followed by HFNO insufflation during the apnoeic period. 5,6 The authors concluded that HFNO 'provided a shorter intubation time and less frequent incidence of desaturation during attempts at fibreoptic tracheal intubation compared with preoxygenation by face-mask ventilation'. Irrespective of the superiority of one method over another, neither of these has been compared with the standard of care of rapid sequence intubation, and both may represent inferior alternatives.

Aerosol generating procedures and risk of transmission of acute respiratory infections to healthcare workers: a systematic review. PLoS One 2012; 7, e35797 7. Wax RS, Christian MD. Practical recommendations for critical care and anesthesiology teams caring for novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) patients.

This paper introduces a structured light system with two projectors and one camera for three-dimensional (3D) shape measurement to alleviate problems created by a single projector such as the shadow problem. In particular, we developed (1) a system calibration framework that can accurately calibrate each such camera-projector system; (2) a residual error correction method based on the system error function; and (3) a data fusion method utilizing the angle between the projection direction and surface normal. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed dual-projector structured light system improves the measurement accuracy besides extending the measurement range of a single projector system.