bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Neural Basis of Vivid Memory Is Patterned on Perception
Authors: Buchsbaum Bradley R. , Lemire-Rodger Sabrina , Fang Candice , Abdi Hervé 
Published: May 2012

Abstract
When we have a rich and vivid memory for a past experience, it often feels like we are transported back in time to witness once again this event. Indeed, a perfect memory would exactly mimic the experiential quality of direct sensory perception. We used fMRI and multivoxel pattern analysis to map and quantify the similarity between patterns of activation evoked by direct perception of a diverse set of short video clips and the vivid remembering, with closed eyes, of these clips. We found that the patterns of distributed brain activation during vivid memory mimicked the patterns evoked during sensory perception. Using whole-brain patterns of activation evoked by perception of the videos, we were able to accurately classify brain patterns that were elicited when participants tried to vividly recall those same videos. A discriminant analysis of the activation patterns associated with each video revealed a high degree (explaining over 80% of the variance) of shared representational similarity between perception and memory. These results show that complex, multifeatured memory involves a partial reinstatement of the whole pattern of brain activity that is evoked during initial perception of the stimulus.
FM-selective Networks in Human Auditory Cortex Revealed Using fMRI and Multivariate Pattern Classification
Authors: Hsieh I-Hui , Fillmore Paul , Rong Feng , Hickok Gregory , Saberi Kourosh 
Published: May 2012

Abstract
Frequency modulation (FM) is an acoustic feature of nearly all complex sounds. Directional FM sweeps are especially pervasive in speech, music, animal vocalizations, and other natural sounds. Although the existence of FM-selective cells in the auditory cortex of animals has been documented, evidence in humans remains equivocal. Here we used multivariate pattern analysis to identify cortical selectivity for direction of a multitone FM sweep. This method distinguishes one pattern of neural activity from another within the same ROI, even when overall level of activity is similar, allowing for direct identification of FM-specialized networks. Standard contrast analysis showed that despite robust activity in auditory cortex, no clusters of activity were associated with up versus down sweeps. Multivariate pattern analysis classification, however, identified two brain regions as selective for FM direction, the right primary auditory cortex on the supratemporal plane and the left anterior region of the superior temporal gyrus. These findings are the first to directly demonstrate existence of FM direction selectivity in the human auditory cortex.
Predictive value of early molecular response in patients with chronic myeloid leukemia treated with first-line dasatinib
Authors: Marin David , Hedgley Corinne , Clark Richard E. , Apperley Jane , Foroni Letizia , Milojkovic Dragana , Pocock Christopher , Goldman John M. , O'Brien Stephen 
Published: May 2012

Abstract
Dasatinib is effective therapy for newly diagnosed patients with chronic myeloid leukemia, but not all patients respond well. We analyzed the outcome of patients treated with dasatinib as first-line therapy to identify patients who are more likely to fare poorly. The 8.6% of patients who at 3 months had a BCR-ABL1/ABL1 ratio > 10% had a significantly worse 2-year cumulative incidence of complete cytogenetic response (58.8% vs 96.6%, P < .001) and molecular responses than the remaining patients with a lower transcript levels. The predictive value of the 3-month transcript level could be improved using the dasatinib-specific transcript level cut-offs, namely, 2.2%, 0.92%, and 0.57% for complete cytogenetic response, 3 log and 4.5 log reductions in the transcript level, respectively. The study was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as #NCT01460693.
Modeling gene regulatory network motifs using statecharts
Authors: Fioravanti Fabio , Helmer-Citterich Manuela , Nardelli Enrico 
Published: May 2012

Abstract

Background
Gene regulatory networks are widely used by biologists to describe the interactions among genes, proteins and other components at the intra-cellular level. Recently, a great effort has been devoted to give gene regulatory networks a formal semantics based on existing computational frameworks.
For this purpose, we consider Statecharts, which are a modular, hierarchical and executable formal model widely used to represent software systems. We use Statecharts for modeling small and recurring patterns of interactions in gene regulatory networks, called motifs.

Results
We present an improved method for modeling gene regulatory network motifs using Statecharts and we describe the successful modeling of several motifs, including those which could not be modeled or whose models could not be distinguished using the method of a previous proposal.
We model motifs in an easy and intuitive way by taking advantage of the visual features of Statecharts. Our modeling approach is able to simulate some interesting temporal properties of gene regulatory network motifs: the delay in the activation and the deactivation of the "output" gene in the coherent type-1 feedforward loop, the pulse in the incoherent type-1 feedforward loop, the bistability nature of double positive and double negative feedback loops, the oscillatory behavior of the negative feedback loop, and the "lock-in" effect of positive autoregulation.

Conclusions
We present a Statecharts-based approach for the modeling of gene regulatory network motifs in biological systems. The basic motifs used to build more complex networks (that is, simple regulation, reciprocal regulation, feedback loop, feedforward loop, and autoregulation) can be faithfully described and their temporal dynamics can be analyzed.
Undetectable Sensitive Serum Thyroglobulin (&lt;0.1 ng/ml) in 163 Patients with Follicular Cell-Derived Thyroid Cancer: Results of rhTSH Stimulation and Neck Ultrasonography and Long-Term Biochemical and Clinical Follow-Up
Authors: Chindris A. M. , Diehl N. N. , Crook J. E. , Fatourechi V. , Smallridge R. C. 
Published: May 2012

Abstract

Context:
Surveillance of patients with differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) is achieved using serum thyroglobulin (Tg), neck ultrasonography (US), and recombinant human TSH (rhTSH)-stimulated Tg (Tg-stim).

Objective:
Our primary aim was to assess the utility of rhTSH Tg-stim in patients with suppressed Tg (Tg-supp) below 0.1 ng/ml using a sensitive assay. Our secondary aims were to assess the utility of US and to summarize the profile of subsequent Tg-supp measures.

Design:
This is a retrospective study conducted at two sites of an academic institution.

Patients:
A total of 163 patients status after thyroidectomy and radioactive iodine treatment who had Tg-supp below 0.1 ng/ml and rhTSH Tg-stim within 60 d of each other were included.

Results:
After rhTSH stimulation, Tg remained below 0.1 ng/ml in 94 (58%) and increased to 0.1–0.5 in 56 (34%), more than 0.5–2.0 in nine (6%), and above 2.0 ng/ml in four (2%) patients. Serial Tg-supp levels were obtained in 138 patients followed over a median of 3.6 yr. Neck US were performed on 153 patients; suspicious exams had fine-needle aspiration (FNA). All positive FNA were identified around the time of the initial rhTSH test. Six of seven recurrences were detected by US (Tg-stim &gt;2.0 ng/ml in one, 0.8 in one and ≤0.5 in four). One stage IV patient had undetectable Tg-stim.

Conclusion:
In patients with DTC whose T4-suppressed serum Tg is below 0.1 ng/ml, long-term monitoring with annual Tg-supp and periodic neck US are adequate to detect recurrences. In our experience, rhTSH testing does not change management and is not needed in this group of patients.
Pediatric Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension and Hyperthyroidism: A Potentially Fatal Combination
Authors: Trapp Christine M. , Elder Robert W. , Gerken Adrienne T. , Sopher Aviva B. , Lerner Shulamit , Aranoff Gaya S. , Rosenzweig Erika B. 
Published: May 2012

Abstract

Context:
Patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) who develop hyperthyroidism are at risk for acute cardiopulmonary decompensation and death.

Cases and Setting:
We present a series of eight idiopathic PAH/heritable PAH pediatric patients who developed hyperthyroidism between 1999 and 2011. Institutional Review Board approval was obtained; informed consent was waived due to the retrospective nature of the series. All eight patients were receiving iv epoprostenol; five of the eight patients presented with acute cardiopulmonary decompensation in the setting of hyperthyroidism. In the remaining three patients, hyperthyroidism was detected during routine screening of thyroid function tests. The one patient who underwent emergency thyroidectomy was the only survivor of those who presented in cardiopulmonary decline.

Evidence Synthesis:
Aggressive treatment of the hyperthyroid state, including emergency total thyroidectomy and escalation of targeted PAH therapy and β-blockade when warranted, may prove lifesaving in these patients. Prompt thyroidectomy or radioactive iodine ablation should be considered for clinically stable PAH patients with early and/or mild hyperthyroidism to avoid potentially life-threatening cardiopulmonary decompensation.

Conclusions:
Although the association between hyperthyroidism and PAH remains poorly understood, the potential impact of hyperthyroidism on the cardiopulmonary status of PAH patients must not be ignored. Hyperthyroidism must be identified early in this patient population to optimize intervention before acute decompensation. Thyroid function tests should be checked routinely in patients with PAH, particularly those on iv epoprostenol, and urgently in patients with acute decompensation or symptoms of hyperthyroidism.
A Novel Point Mutation in the KCNJ5 Gene Causing Primary Hyperaldosteronism and Early-Onset Autosomal Dominant Hypertension
Authors: Charmandari Evangelia , Sertedaki Amalia , Kino Tomoshige , Merakou Christina , Hoffman Dax A. , Hatch Michael M. , Hurt Darrell E. , Lin Lin , Xekouki Paraskevi , Stratakis Constantine A. , Chrousos George P. 
Published: May 2012

Abstract

Context:
Aldosterone production in the adrenal zona glomerulosa is mainly regulated by angiotensin II, [K+], and ACTH. Genetic deletion of subunits of K+-selective leak (KCNK) channels TWIK-related acid sensitive K+-1 and/or TWIK-related acid sensitive K+-3 in mice results in primary hyperaldosteronism, whereas mutations in the KCNJ5 (potassium inwardly rectifying channel, subfamily J, member 5) gene are implicated in primary hyperaldosteronism and, in certain cases, in autonomous glomerulosa cell proliferation in humans.

Objective:
The objective of the study was to investigate the role of KCNK3, KCNK5, KCNK9, and KCNJ5 genes in a family with primary hyperaldosteronism and early-onset hypertension.

Patients and Methods:
Two patients, a mother and a daughter, presented with severe primary hyperaldosteronism, bilateral massive adrenal hyperplasia, and early-onset hypertension refractory to medical treatment. Genomic DNA was isolated and the exons of the entire coding regions of the above genes were amplified and sequenced. Electrophysiological studies were performed to determine the effect of identified mutation(s) on the membrane reversal potentials.

Results:
Sequencing of the KCNJ5 gene revealed a single, heterozygous guanine to thymine (G → T) substitution at nucleotide position 470 (n.G470T), resulting in isoleucine (I) to serine (S) substitution at amino acid 157 (p.I157S). This mutation results in loss of ion selectivity, cell membrane depolarization, increased Ca2+ entry in adrenal glomerulosa cells, and increased aldosterone synthesis. Sequencing of the KCNK3, KCNK5, and KCNK9 genes revealed no mutations in our patients.

Conclusions:
These findings explain the pathogenesis in a subset of patients with severe hypertension and implicate loss of K+ channel selectivity in constitutive aldosterone production.
Suspicious Cervical Lymph Nodes Detected after Thyroidectomy for Papillary Thyroid Cancer Usually Remain Stable Over Years in Properly Selected Patients
Authors: Robenshtok E. , Fish S. , Bach A. , Domínguez Jose M. , Shaha A. , Tuttle R. M. 
Published: May 2012

Abstract

Context:
The risk of loco-regional recurrence in papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) patients ranges from 15–30%. However, the clinical significance of small-volume loco-regional recurrence detected by highly sensitive ultrasonography is unclear.

Objective:
Our objective was to describe the natural history of abnormal cervical lymph nodes (LN) diagnosed after initial treatment.

Design:
We conducted a retrospective cohort study.

Patients:
166 PTC with patients who had at least one abnormal LN outside the thyroid be on ultrasound and selected for active surveillance were included.

Main Outcome Measure:
LN growth during a period of active surveillance was the primary outcome.

Results:
Most patients had classical PTC (85%) and an intermediate risk of recurrence (77%). The median LN size at the start of the observation period was 1.3 cm (range, 0.5–2.7 cm) in largest diameter, with all nodes having at least one abnormal sonographic characteristic (70% of patients had LN with at least two abnormal features). In almost all patients, the LN were in the lateral neck, primarily in levels 3 (43%) and 4 (58%). After a median follow-up of 3.5 yr, only 20% (33 of 166) grew at least 3 mm, 9% (15 of 166) grew at least 5 mm, and 14% (23 of 166) resolved. None of the clinical or sonographic features were predictive of LN growth (positive predictive value range = 0.21–0.57). There were no local complications (nerve damage or local invasion) related to the abnormal nodes and no disease-related mortality.

Conclusions:
Suspicious cervical LN in the lateral neck usually remain stable for long periods of time in properly selected PTC patients and can be safely followed with serial ultrasounds
Sonic hedgehog regulates presynaptic terminal size, ultrastructure and function in hippocampal neurons
Authors: Mitchell Nicholas , Petralia Ronald S , Yao Pamela J. , Currier Duane G. , Wang Ya-Xian , Kim Alvin , Mattson Mark P. 
Published: May 2012

Sonic hedgehog (Shh) signaling is essential to the patterning of the embryonic neural tube, but its presence and function in the postmitotic differentiated neurons in the brain remain largely uncharacterized. We recently showed that Shh and its signaling components, Patched and Smoothened, are expressed in postnatal and adult hippocampal neurons. Here, we ask whether Shh signaling has a function in these neurons. Using cultured hippocampal neurons as a model system, we find that presynaptic terminals become significantly larger in response to the application of Shh. Ultrastructural examination confirms the enlarged presynaptic profiles and also reveals variable increases in the size of synaptic vesicles, with a resulting loss of uniformity.
Furthermore, electrophysiological analyses show significant increases in the frequency, but not the amplitude, of spontaneous miniature excitatory postsynaptic currents (mEPSCs) in response to Shh, providing functional evidence of Shh's selective role in presynaptic terminals. Thus, we conclude that Shh signaling regulates the structure and functional properties of presynaptic terminals of hippocampal neurons.
Transformation Through Health Teaching for Adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Focht-New Ginny 
Published: May 2012

Abstract
Adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities have medical conditions similar to those among the general population but with more complex presentation, a extended life expectancy, and increased risk of morbidity and mortality. These adults' health education has been inadequate. In this qualitative study, the author describes the experiences of 23 registered nurses who provide health teaching to adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, selection of and health topics taught, and teaching activities put into practice. The author used a rigorous descriptive, naturalistic inquiry design with purposive (n  =  22) and snowball (n  =  1) sampling. Data were gathered through individual interviews, focus groups, and nonparticipant observations, and analyzed with a constant comparative method. Findings concerned the educators' developmental process, use of a social context to teach, and health-teaching activities. Registered nurses s described their transformation from insecure, novice health educators to confident and passionate educators of adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Findings apply to multiple disciplines.
Rapid elimination kinetics of free PSA or human kallikrein-related peptidase 2 after initiation of gonadotropin-releasing hormone-antagonist treatment of prostate cancer: potential for rapid monitoring of treatment responses
Authors: Ulmert David , Vickers Andrew J. , Scher Howard I. , Becker Charlotte , Iversen Peter , Frankel David , Jensen Jens-Kristian , Olesen Tine Kold , Lilja Hans 
Published: May 2012

Abstract

Background: The utility of conventional prostate-specific antigen (PSA) measurements in blood for monitoring rapid responses to treatment for prostate cancer is limited because of its slow elimination rate. Prior studies have shown that free PSA (fPSA), intact PSA (iPSA) and human kallikrein-related peptidase 2 (hK2) are eliminated more rapidly after radical prostatectomy. In contrast, all three markers have similarly slow elimination rates after castration induced by gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists, possibly due to the slow onset of castration. Therefore, we assessed elimination rates of tPSA, fPSA, iPSA and hK2 after rapid induction of castration with degarelix (Firmagon®), a novel GnRH antagonist.

Methods: This study included 24 patients treated with degarelix. Blood was taken at 1, 3, 7, 14, 21 and 28 days after injection of degarelix. Free and total PSA were measured with a commercial dual-label assay, and with inhouse research assays of intact PSA and hK2.

Results: Median (interquartile range, IQR) tPSA at baseline was 23.4 (15.8, 59.8). Twenty-two patients (92%) reached castrate levels of testosterone within 24 h of degarelix initiation, and all patients did so within 72 h. All kallikrein forms declined in an exponential fashion after degarelix administration. The median time to 50% reduction in biomarker level was 8–9 days for tPSA or complexed PSA vs. 2–4 days for hK2, iPSA and fPSA. The percentage eliminated at day 3 and day 7 was significantly higher for hK2, iPSA and fPSA than for tPSA (all p<0.02), while tPSA and complexed PSA were similar.

Conclusions: The rapid decline of fPSA, iPSA and hK2 after fast induction of castration with degarelix is similar to that reported after prostatectomy and offers a novel, informative method to monitor rapid onset of therapeutic action targeting signaling of the androgen receptor.
Degrees, class sizes and divisors of character values
Authors: Gallagher Patrick X. 
Published: May 2012

Abstract.In the character table of a finite group there is a tendency either for the character degree to divide the conjugacy class size or the character value to vanish. There is also a partial divisibility where the determinant of the character is not 1. There are versions of these depending on a subgroup, based on an arithmetic property of spherical functions which generalizes the integrality of the values of the characters and the central characters.
Delayed interval delivery in twin and triplet pregnancies: 6 years of experience in one perinatal center
Authors: Reinhard Joscha , Reichenbach Lena , Ernst Tina , Reitter Anke , Antwerpen Isabelle , Herrmann Eva , Schlösser Rolf , Louwen Frank 
Published: May 2012

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to know the outcome of delayed-interval delivery for twin and triplet pregnancies at 22+0 to 25+0 weeks of gestation.

Study design: A retrospective cohort of twin and triplet deliveries at the 23rd to 26th weeks of gestation were managed with delayed interval delivery from 2005 to 2011.

Results: From 2005 until 2011, delayed delivery in five twin pregnancies and two triplet pregnancies were performed. The interval between delivery of the first fetus and the remaining twin/triplets was 1–18 days (mean, 9.7 days). In all cases, the first fetus was born vaginally. Survival of the first twin/triplet was 14.3%, whereas 57.1% of the second born twin/triplets survived. Birth weight gained due to delayed delivery was 131 g on average. No severe maternal complications were observed. When compared with a gestation age-matched group, where the delay was not possible, the delayed twin/triplet had a higher survival rate (57.1% vs. 0%, P=0.05).

Conclusion: In multiple pregnancies with preterm delivery between completed 22 and completed 25 weeks of gestational age, delayed delivery seems to be a useful therapeutic option to achieve a better outcome of the remaining fetus or fetuses.
EPR/PTFE Dosimetry for Test Reactor Environments
Authors: Vehar D. W. , Griffin P. J. , Quirk T. J. 
Published: May 2012

Abstract
In 1992 the Radiation Metrology Laboratory (RML) at Sandia National Laboratories implemented EPR/Alanine capabilities for use in routine and calibration activities at its Co-60 and pulsed-power facilities. At that time it also investigated the usefulness of the system for measurement of absorbed dose in the mixed neutron/photon environments of reactors such as the Sandia Pulsed Reactor and the Annular Core Research Reactor used for hardness testing of electronics. The RML concluded that the neutron response of alanine was a sufficiently high fraction of the overall dosimeter response that the resulting uncertainties in the photon dose would be unacceptably large for silicon-device testing. However, it also suggested that non-hydrogenous materials such as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) would exhibit smaller neutron response and might be useful in mixed environments. Preliminary research with PTFE in photon environments indicated considerable promise, but further development was not pursued at that time. Because of renewed interest in absorbed dose measurements that could better define the individual contributions of photon and neutron components to the overall dose delivered to a test object, the RML has re-initiated the development of an EPR/PTFE dosimetry system. This paper presents a summary of the research, a description of the EPR/PTFE dosimetry system, and recommendations for preparation and fielding of the dosimetry in photon and mixed neutron/photon environments.
A Broad-Group Cross-Section Library Based on ENDF/B-VII.0 for Fast Neutron Dosimetry Using the CPXSD Methodology
Authors: Alpan F. A. 
Published: May 2012

Abstract
A new ENDF/B-VII.0-based coupled 44-neutron, 20-gamma-ray-group cross-section library was developed to investigate the latest evaluated nuclear data file (ENDF) ,in comparison to ENDF/B-VI.3 used in BUGLE-96, as well as to generate an objective-specific library. The objectives selected for this work consisted of dosimetry calculations for in-vessel and ex-vessel reactor locations, iron atom displacement calculations for reactor internals and pressure vessel, and 58Ni(n,γ) calculation that is important for gas generation in the baffle plate. The new library was generated based on the contributon and point-wise cross-section-driven (CPXSD) methodology and was applied to one of the most widely used benchmarks, the Oak Ridge National Laboratory Pool Critical Assembly benchmark problem. In addition to the new library, BUGLE-96 and an ENDF/B-VII.0-based coupled 47-neutron, 20-gamma-ray-group cross-section library was generated and used with both SNLRML and IRDF dosimetry cross sections to compute reaction rates. All reaction rates computed by the multigroup libraries are within ± 20 % of measurement data and meet the U. S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission acceptance criterion for reactor vessel neutron exposure evaluations specified in Regulatory Guide 1.190.