Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
How do Genes and Environment cause Autism?

Available evidence points to synaptic formational and functional abnormalities as a possible common pathway in the etiology of autism. The pivotal role of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in this process could explain most known risk factors for autism. DHA supplies are limited by risk factors including male gender, certain lipid metabolism gene defects, unsupplemented baby formula and some breast milk, emigration from seashores, prematurity, multiplicity, gestational diabetes, maternal smoking, and oxidative stress. Hundreds of genes are associated with autism but none have sizable effects and most of them are either related to lipid metabolism and/or synaptic membrane issues. A significant number of autistic children may not even have a genetic influence other than gender. The gender difference may be secondary to hormonally regulated DHA production issues. Diet and/or supplementation of nutrients like DHA may be helpful in preventing ASD.
Developing 3-D Spatial Visualization Skills.

This article brings up the point that 3-D spatial visualization skills are vital to graphics education. Instructors of graphics education, even though they have highly advanced spatial skills, rarely have the proper training on what spatial skills are or how the development of spatial skills takes place. As a result one must try to have a better understanding of spatial abilities. There are many interpretations as to what spatial skills really are and there is in therefore no one universal definition. As a way to better understand spatial abilities, Maier places them into five categories. The categories are spatial perception, spatial visualization, mental rotations, spatial rotations, and spatial orientation. These categories are vast. As a result of their vastness many of the categories overlap. Another step towards better understanding spatial skills involves differentiating how spatial skills are used while completing a task. Tartre makes a classification for how spatial skills are used while performing a task. The spatial skills are either used as spatial visualization that involves mentally moving the object, or as spatial orientation, which involves mentally moving the object. If the task involves spatial visualization then mental rotation can take place, which involves the entire object, or mental transformation can occur, which only involves part of an object. Visual thinking is a way to understand spatial skills. McKim offers the viewpoint that visual thinking occurs by three kinds of imagery. They are what one sees, what one can imagine, and what one can draw. All of these images interact with one another. Spatial skills are developed primarily in three different stages. This can be see be Piaget's theory on development. In the first stage, two dimensional, topological, skills are acquired. In the second stage, an understanding of 3-D objects, projective skills, from different viewpoints is achieved. Finally in the third stage, there is an understanding of area, volume, distance, translation, rotation and reflection, which is combined with projective skills. Spatial skills are evaluated in a variety of ways. There are tests that assess a person's projective skill level. Examples of these would be the Mental Cutting Test and the Differential Aptitude Test: Spatial Relation. Other tests assess mental rotation. Examples of mental rotation tests are the Purdue Spatial Visualization Test and the Mental Rotation Test. Results of these evaluations show mixed results as to whether there are gender differences in spatial skills. In order to enhance spatial skills, one must not only work with 3-D images, but they must also use concrete models and sketching. Overall I thought this article was very informative. It presented the information in a clear and concise manner. I summarized the information that I thought was especially useful for this class. The article really made me think how important it is not only to have spatial skills, but also to have an understanding of them.
Differential effects of ketoconazole, itraconazole and voriconazole on the pharmacokinetics of imatinib and its main metabolite GCP74588 in rat

Abstract The aim of the study was to develop a high performance liquid chromatography method for simultaneous determination of imatinib and CGP74588 in rat serum and study the inhibition effects of ketoconazole, itraconazole and voriconazole on pharmacokinetics of imatinib and CGP74588 in rats. In our study, we found that ketoconazole caused a significant increase (63.4%) in the AUC of imainib and a 28.8% increase in Cmax, which was greater than that of itraconazole but lower than that of voriconazole. When co-administered with voriconazole, pharmacokinetic parameters of imatinib were not significantly altered except for a 36.8% increase in the Cmax of imtinib. The Cmax of CGP74588 was decreased by 55.8% and AUC(0–∞) 49.7%, while the Vz/F and CLz/F values were increased by 1.7-fold and 1.1-fold, respectively. Itraconazole did not significantly influence the pharmacokinetic parameters of imatinib and CGP74588. The difference may be related to the different variation of inhibition sites of the three azole antifungal agents on CYP3A4 and P-gp. In clinical, when imatinib was co-administrated with ketoconazole or voriconazole, dose adjustment of imatinib should be taken into account.
Psychiatric Comorbidity in Women with Chronic Pelvic Pain

Abstract Chronic pain syndromes are often treatment refractory and pose an enormous burden of suffering for the individual. Chronic pelvic pain (CPP) is generally defined as noncyclic pain of at least 6 months duration and severe enough to require medical care or cause disability. CPP has been estimated to have a prevalence of 15% among women of reproductive age. Women are at increased risk for both major depression and chronic pain syndromes such as CPP, and are more likely to report antecedent stressful events, have higher rates of physical and sexual abuse, and subsequently develop posttraumatic stress disorder. High rates of sexual and physical abuse and other trauma have been shown among women with CPP, including symptoms of dyspareunia (pain during intercourse), dysmenorrhea (pain during menstruation), and vulvar pain. A detailed and comprehensive evaluation of the patient with CPP should include a thorough gynecologic exam and a full mental health assessment. Treatment of CPP must include an integrated approach targeted at both the psychiatric comorbidity and pain symptoms. A multidisciplinary treatment team offers the best chance for success with CPP, and it is critical to suggest psychiatric treatment (psychopharmacology and/or psychotherapy) in addition to traditional medical and surgical approaches.
Effect of temporal interval between scan acquisitions on quantitative vascular parameters in colorectal cancer: implications for helical volumetric perfusion CT techniques.

OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to determine how the temporal interval between scan acquisitions influences quantitative perfusion CT vascular parameters in colorectal cancer. SUBJECTS AND METHODS Forty-five patients with colorectal adenocarcinoma prospectively underwent a 65-second single-anatomic-level perfusion CT study. Blood flow, blood volume, transit time, and permeability-surface area product for a 2-cm tumor coverage were determined with commercial software based on distributed parameter analysis for four temporal intervals (1, 2, 3, and 4 seconds) between acquisitions. Mean vascular values obtained for these intervals were compared by use of analysis of variance with posttesting by the Bonferroni method. Statistical significance was set at 5%. RESULTS Mean +/- SD blood flow, volume, transit, and permeability-surface area product were 71.5 +/- 34.8 mL/min/100 g tissue, 6.33 +/- 1.96 mL/100 g tissue, 10.8 +/- 5.54 seconds, and 14.9 +/- 3.51 mL/min/100 g tissue, respectively, at 1 second; 86.6 +/- 40.6 mL/min/100 g tissue, 6.30 +/- 2.53 mL/100 g tissue, 10.7 +/- 7.12 seconds, and 14.5 +/- 3.55 mL/min/100 g tissue at 2 seconds; 97.8 +/- 42.7 mL/min/100 g tissue, 5.98 +/- 1.72 mL/100 g tissue, 8.11 +/- 4.37 seconds, and 14.5 +/- 3.58 mL/min/100 g tissue at 3 seconds; and 108.8 +/- 46.0 mL/min/100 g tissue, 6.69 +/- 3.46 mL/100 g tissue, 7.12 +/- 3.54 seconds, and 13.9 +/- 3.49 mL/min/100 g tissue at 4 seconds. Blood flow was overestimated (p = 0.0002) and transit underestimated (p = 0.03) with lengthening acquisition interval. Posttesting revealed that in a comparison with 1-second data, this difference was significant for 3- and 4-second data for blood flow and 4-second data for transit. CONCLUSION Increasing the temporal interval from 1 to 4 seconds leads to overestimation of tumor blood flow and underestimation of blood transit in distributed parameter analysis. Use of the helical perfusion CT techniques being developed may lead to inaccurate assessment unless the acquisition interval is shorter than 3 seconds.
Effects of soil moisture on cotton root length density and yield under drip irrigation with plastic mulch in Aksu Oasis farmland

Effects of soil moisture on cotton root length density (total root length per unit soil volume) and yield under drip irrigation with plastic mulch were studied through field experiments. The results indicate that spatial distributions of root length density of cotton under various water treatments were basically similar. Horizontally, both root length densities of cotton in wide and narrow rows were similar, and higher than that between mulches. Vertically, root length density of cotton decreased with increasing soil depth. The distribution of root length density is different under different irrigation treatments. In conditions of over-irrigation, the root length density of cotton between mulches would increase. However, it would de- crease in both the wide rows and narrow rows. The mean root length density of cotton increased with in- creasing irrigation water. Water stress caused the root length density to increase in lower soil layers. There is a significant correlation between root length density and yields of cotton at the flower-boll and wadding stages. The regression between irrigation amount and yield of cotton can be expressed as y =
AUDITORY CUES FOR GESTURAL CONTROL OF MULTI-TRACK AUDIO

This paper presents a study undertaken to evaluate user ratings on auditory feedback of sound source selection within a multi-track auditory environment where sound placement is controlled by a gesture control system. Selection confirmation is presented to the participants via changes to the audio mixture over the stereo loudspeakers or feedback over a single ear bluetooth headset. Overall five different methods are compared and results of our study are presented. A second task in the study was given to evaluate a preselection method to help find sound sources before selection, the participant altered a width control of the pre-selection that was heard in the bluetooth headset. Results indicate a specific value irrespective of genre that the pre-selection should be set to whilst the selection confirmation can be perceived to be dependant on genre and instrumentation.
Abstract 627: The Smooth Muscle-selective RhoGAP Graf3 Is A Critical Regulator Of Vascular Tone And Hypertension

Our ability to effectively treat hypertensive patients is limited by an incomplete understanding of its origin. Activation of RhoA in vascular smooth muscle cells (SMC) has been implicated in the development of vasoconstrictor-induced hypertension (HTN), but until now, the extent that RhoA contributed to basal BP was unknown and the mechanisms that limit RhoA activity in SMC were undetermined. We identified GRAF3 as a RhoA-GAP expressed specifically in SMC in mice and humans and reported that our novel global GRAF3-deficient mice exhibit significant basal HTN (+ 25 mm Hg) that was fully reversed by treatment with a Rho-kinase inhibitor ( Nature Comm. 2013;4:2910 ). One objective of this new study was to test if elevated RhoA-dependent myogenic tone was causal for HTN in global GRAF3-deficient (GRAF3 gt/gt ) mice. Importantly, normal GRAF3 expression can be permanently restored by Cre recombinase-dependent excision in our model. Thus, we crossed the GRAF3 gt/gt mice to the tamoxifen-inducible SM-specific SM MHC- CreER T2 line and measured BP before and after tamoxifen treatment (1mg i.p. for 5 consecutive days). Tamoxifen induced SMC-GRAF3 re-expression and resulted in a complete reversal of MAP (from 123 mmHg to 95 mm Hg). Moreover, RhoA activity and myosin light chain phosphorylation were elevated 2-fold in GRAF3-depleted SMC in vitro and in vivo and isolated vessel segments from GRAF3-deficient mice showed a 2.5 fold increase in Rho kinase-dependent Ang II-induced contractility. Collectively, these findings provide unequivocal evidence that GRAF3 levels in SMC control basal BP homeostasis and that elevated BP in GRAF3 gt/gt mice is due to an enhanced, reversible, SMC contractile phenotype. A second objective was to determine whether GRAF3 variations are causally linked to cardiovascular outcomes in hypertensive patients. We found a clear and significant increase in minor allele frequency of a hypertensive GRAF3 locus in patients with HTN and coronary artery disease versus healthy volunteers (0.19 versus 0.30; p<0.05; N=920) and this association was significant regardless of race. Our studies provide a potential mechanism for the hypertensive locus identified within GRAF3 and provide the foundation for the future development of innovative HTN therapies.
Cryptosporidiosis surveillance -- United States, 2011-2012.

PROBLEM/CONDITION Cryptosporidiosis is a nationally notifiable gastrointestinal illness caused by extremely chlorine-tolerant protozoa of the genus Cryptosporidium. REPORTING PERIOD 2011-2012. DESCRIPTION OF SYSTEM Fifty state and two metropolitan public health agencies voluntarily report cases of cryptosporidiosis through CDC's National Notifiable Diseases Surveillance System. RESULTS For 2011, a total of 9,313 cryptosporidiosis cases (confirmed and nonconfirmed) were reported; for 2012, a total of 8,008 cases were reported; 5.8% and 5.3%, respectively, were associated with a detected outbreak. The rates of reported nonconfirmed cases were 1.0 and 0.9 per 100,000 population in 2011 and 2012, respectively, compared with an average of 0.0 during 1995-2004, and 0.3 during 2005-2010. The highest overall reporting rates were observed in the Midwest; 10 states reported >3.5 cases per 100,000 population in 2011 and in 2012. During 2011-2012, reported cases were highest among children aged 1-4 years (6.6 per 100,000 population), followed for the first time by elderly adults aged ≥80 years (3.4), and 75-79 years (3.3). Overall, cryptosporidiosis rates were higher among females than males during both years. For specific age groups, rates were higher among males than females aged <15 years and higher among females than males aged ≥15 years. Cryptosporidiosis symptom onset increased 4.4 fold during late summer. INTERPRETATION Cryptosporidiosis incidence rates remain elevated nationally, and rates of nonconfirmed cases have increased. Rates remain highest in young children, although rates among elderly adults are increasing. Transmission of Cryptosporidium occurs throughout the United States, with increased reporting occurring in Midwestern states. Seasonal onset peaks coincide with the summer recreational water season and might reflect increased use of communal swimming venues. PUBLIC HEALTH ACTION Future research is needed to address the evolving epidemiology of cryptosporidiosis cases, with a specific focus on the increase in nonconfirmed cases and increasing incidence rates among elderly adults. National systematic genotyping and subtyping of Cryptosporidium isolates could also help elucidate Cryptosporidium transmission and thus cryptosporidiosis epidemiology in the United States.
Cystic fi broepithelioma of Pinkus: two new cases and cystic changes in classical fi broepithelioma of Pinkus

We report two new cases of cystic fi broepithelioma of Pinkus together with immunohistochemical features and analyze the presence of cystic changes in a series of 16 classical fi broepitheliomas of Pinkus. Our fi ndings show that the formation of cystic spaces is most probably caused by ischemic degeneration of stromal fenestrations, rather than by central tumor cell necrosis. Th is fi nding is supported by lack of CD34 positive blood vessels in edematous and hyalinized stromal fenestrations undergoing transformation into cystic spaces, as opposed to the uninvolved stromal fenestrations. Th erefore, it is probably more accurate to refer to this process as pseudocystic stromal degeneration rather than true cyst formation. Also, two out of 16 classical Pinkus fi broepitheliomas exhibited focal pseudocystic changes in 50 and 10 of the tumor, respectively, demonstrating that this degenerative process can be found, rarely and focally, in classical cases as well.
Managing relationships.

Managing Relationships enables the learner to: • Understand how influence and persuasion can help them get what they want from their working relationships • Generate enthusiasm and buy-in for their ideas and projects • Achieve their objectives through delegation • Understand why some relationships are difficult and how to improve them • Get the most out of their colleagues, even those over whom they have no direct control
Identification and Evaluation of Existing Nursing Homes Quality Indicators

We summarize work done to identify and evaluate existing quality indicators (QIs) for long-term care (LTC) settings. Indicators operationally defined using routinely collected and computerized patient assessments were identified and then aggregated to characterize the performance of the nursing facility over a specific period of time. Of 143 indicators reviewed, only 22 were recommended for use in comparing performance across facilities. Conceptual and technical issues influence the appropriateness of QIs for different audiences.
Venous ultrasonography in symptomatic and asymptomatic patients: an updated review

Purpose of review Venous ultrasound is a major tool in both routine clinical care and clinical research. Since the last review, major attempts have been made to improve its methodological strength, and therefore, its value in assessing diagnostic criteria, risks, and outcomes in venous thromboembolism. Recent findings In symptomatic patients, further evidence has been provided that the approach of a single examination of the entire venous system is feasible and safe. This holds true for patients with suspicion of deep vein thrombosis as well as of pulmonary embolism. In asymptomatic patients, several attempts have been made to validate venous ultrasound against venography. Even if no direct comparison has been made, the results seem to be more promising in medically ill patients than in those early after major orthopaedic surgery. Summary For routine clinical use, the single examination strategy still awaits full recognition and implementation into practice. For clinical trials, there is insufficient data about the accuracy of centrally read ultrasound. This fact directly points to the unmet need of a consensus of standardization of venous ultrasound as an endpoint measure in clinical trials regarding the examination procedure itself, its documentation, and the adjudication process.
Environmental Influences on Visual Cortex Development and Plasticity

The term “plasticity” refers to the ability of the nervous system to reorganize its connections functionally and structurally in response to changes in environmental experience, underlying the adaptive development and remodeling of neuronal circuitry. The primary visual cortex (V1) has been for decades the election model for studying experiencedependent plasticity in the brain. The pioneering experiments performed by Hubel and Wiesel showed how dramatically can early sensory deprivation affect the anatomy and physiology of the visual cortex. They reported that, early in development, reducing the visual input to one eye by means of lid suture, a treatment classically referred to as monocular deprivation (MD), disrupts the ocular dominance (OD) of V1 cells, with a loss of neurons driven by the deprived eye and a strong increment in the number of cells driven by the open eye, and reduces the number of binocular neurons [1]. Anatomically, the imbalance of activity between the two eyes results in the shrinkage of deprived eye ocular dominance columns, regions in V1 layer IV which receive thalamic inputs driven by the closed eye, and in the expansion of open eye ocular dominance columns [2-5], accompanied by a rapid remodeling of cortical horizontal connections [6]. Behaviorally, long-term MD is associated with a poor development of visual acuity (VA) and contrast sensitivity for the deprived eye and a loss of binocular vision. Strikingly, the same manipulation of visual experience appeared to be totally ineffective in the adult [4], leading to the characterization of a classic example or critical period, a time-window early in life in which the brain displays enhanced neural plasticity in response to experience [7-12].
A more realistic representation of overshoot at the base of the solar convective envelope as seen by helioseismology

The stratification near the base of the Sun’s convective envelope is governed by processes of convective overshooting and element diffusion, and the region is widely believed to play a key role in the solar dynamo. The stratification in that region gives rise to a characteristic signal in the frequencies of solar p modes, which has been used to determine the depth of the solar convection zone and to investigate the extent of convective overshoot. Previous helioseismic investigations have shown that the Sun’s spherically symmetric stratification in this region is smoother than that in a standard solar model without overshooting, and have ruled out simple models incorporating overshooting, which extend the region of adiabatic stratification and have a more-or-less abrupt transition to subadiabatic stratification at the edge of the overshoot region. In this paper we consider physically motivated models which have a smooth transition in stratification bridging the region from the lower convection zone to the radiative interior beneath. We find that such a model is in better agreement with the helioseismic data than a standard solar model.