cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Emetine myopathy: two case reports with pathobiochemical analysis.

We report two female patients with a history of alcohol abuse presenting with proximal painful muscle weakness following aversion therapy with emetine hydrochloride. Muscle biopsy of Case 1 showed a reversible floccular-shaped loss of myosin ATPase and dehydrogenase, and accumulation of PAS positive material, and a normal lipid content. Repeat biopsy showed core change with no focal loss of myosin ATPase. In Case 2, muscle biopsy was taken 1 month after commencement of emetine therapy and revealed similar but milder changes to Case 1. Electron microscopy revealed Z-band streaming with a decrease or loss of mitochondria. Sarcotubular systems appeared normal in shape and size. Anaerobic glycolysis on homogenate from the initial biopsy of Case 1 showed generalized reduction of lactate formation, which returned to normal in the repeat biopsy.
Inflammatory proteins: chemical and biological aspects.

Mediators of the inflammatory system can be broadly described as those that pre-exist and are released by active secretory mechanisms from storage granules (as in the case of vasoactive amines within cytoplasmic granules of mast cell), those that are biosynthetically generated de novo (as in the case of prostaglandins) and those that are produced by enzymatic cleavage of a precursor protein. With regard to the last category, cleavage of the precursor protein releasing a biologically active fragment occurs following activation of a plasma proenzyme or the release of a stored protease from within a cell.
Intra-molecular reactions as a new approach to investigate bio-radical reactivity: a case study of cysteine sulfinyl radicals

Herein, we demonstrated the use of gas-phase intra-molecular reactions facilitated by collisional activation to investigate bi-molecular reactions with inherent low reactivity. Reactions between sulfinyl radicals (–SO˙) toward free thiol (–SH) were employed as a model system. A new reaction channel, i.e. sulfinyl exchange with thiol, was observed under beam-type collision-induced dissociation (CID), which was not detectable from traditional ion/molecule reactions.
Rad54p is a chromatin remodeling enzyme required for heteroduplex DNA joint formation with chromatin

In eukaryotic cells, the repair of DNA double-strand breaks by homologous recombination requires a RecA-like recombinase, Rad51p, and a Swi2p/Snf2p-like ATPase, Rad54p. Here we find that yeast Rad51p and Rad54p support robust homologous pairing between single-stranded DNA and a chromatin donor. In contrast, bacterial RecA is incapable of catalyzing homologous pairing with a chromatin donor. We also show that Rad54p possesses many of the biochemical properties of bona fide ATP-dependent chromatin-remodeling enzymes, such as ySWI/SNF. Rad54p can enhance the accessibility of DNA within nucleosomal arrays, but it does not seem to disrupt nucleosome positioning. Taken together, our results indicate that Rad54p is a chromatin-remodeling enzyme that promotes homologous DNA pairing events within the context of chromatin.
Situated Language Understanding as Filtering Perceived Affordances

We introduce a computational theory of situated language understanding in which the meaning of words and utterances depends on the physical environment and the goals and plans of communication partners. According to the theory, concepts that ground linguistic meaning are neither internal nor external to language users, but instead span the objective-subjective boundary. To model the possible interactions between subject and object, the theory relies on the notion of perceived affordances: structured units of interaction that can be used for prediction at multiple levels of abstraction. Language understanding is treated as a process of filtering perceived affordances. The theory accounts for many aspects of the situated nature of human language use and provides a unified solution to a number of demands on any theory of language understanding including conceptual combination, prototypicality effects, and the generative nature of lexical items. To support the theory, we describe an implemented system that understands verbal commands situated in a virtual gaming environment. The implementation uses probabilistic hierarchical plan recognition to generate perceived affordances. The system has been evaluated on its ability to correctly interpret free-form spontaneous verbal commands recorded from unrehearsed game play between human players. The system is able to "step into the shoes" of human players and correctly respond to a broad range of verbal commands in which linguistic meaning depends on social and physical context. We quantitatively compare the system's predictions in response to direct player commands with the actions taken by human players and show generalization to unseen data across a range of situations and verbal constructions.
Erythropoietin is a JAK2 and ERK1/2 effector that can promote renal tumor cell proliferation under hypoxic conditions

Erythropoietin (EPO) provides an alternative to transfusion for increasing red blood cell mass and treating anemia in cancer patients. However, recent studies have reported increased adverse events and/or reduced survival in patients receiving both EPO and chemotherapy, potentially related to EPO-induced cancer progression. Additional preclinical studies that elucidate the possible mechanism underlying EPO cellular growth stimulation are needed. Using commercial tissue microarray (TMA) of a variety of cancers and benign tissues, EPO and EPO receptor immunohistochemical staining was performed. Furthermore using a panel of human renal cells (Caki-1, 786-O, 769-P, RPTEC), in vitro and in vivo experiments were performed with the addition of EPO in normoxic and hypoxic states to note phenotypic and genotypic changes. EPO expression score was significantly elevated in lung cancer and lymphoma (compared to benign tissues), while EPOR expression score was significantly elevated in lymphoma, thyroid, uterine, lung and prostate cancers (compared to benign tissues). EPO and EPOR expression scores in RCC and benign renal tissue were not significantly different. Experimentally, we show that exposure of human renal cells to recombinant EPO (rhEPO) induces cellular proliferation, which we report for the first time, is further enhanced in a hypoxic state. Mechanistic investigations revealed that EPO stimulates the expression of cyclin D1 while inhibiting the expression of p21cip1 and p27kip1 through the phosphorylation of JAK2 and ERK1/2, leading to a more rapid progression through the cell cycle. We also demonstrate an increase in the growth of renal cell carcinoma xenograft tumors when systemic rhEPO is administered. In summary, we elucidated a previously unidentified mechanism by which EPO administration regulates progression through the cell cycle, and show that EPO effects are significantly enhanced under hypoxic conditions.
Improved approaches for cost-effective traffic grooming in WDM ring networks: ILP formulations and single-hop and multihop connections

Traffic grooming is the term used to describe how different traffic streams are packed into higher speed streams. In a synchronous optical network-wavelength division multiplexing (SONET-WDM) ring network, each wavelength can carry several lower-rate traffic streams in time division (TDM) fashion. The traffic demand, which is an integer multiple of the timeslot capacity, between any two nodes is established on several TDM virtual connections. A virtual connection needs to be added and dropped only at the two end nodes of the connection; as a result, the electronic add-drop multiplexers (ADMs) at intermediate nodes (if there are any) will electronically bypass this timeslot. Instead of having an ADM on every wavelength at every node, it may be possible to have some nodes on some wavelength where no add-drop is needed on any timeslot; thus, the total number of ADMs in the network (and, hence, the network cost) can be reduced. Under the static traffic pattern, the savings can be maximized by carefully packing the virtual connections into wavelengths. In this work, we allow arbitrary (nonuniform) traffic and we present a formal mathematical definition of the problem, which turns out to be an integer linear program (ILP). Then, we propose a simulated-annealing-based heuristic algorithm for the case where all the traffic is carried on directly connected virtual connections (referred to as the single-hop case). Next, we study the case where a hub node is used to bridge traffic from different wavelengths (referred to as the multihop case). We find the following main results. The simulated-annealing-based approach has been found to achieve the best results, so far, in most cases, relative to other comparable approaches proposed in the literature. In general, a multihop approach can achieve better equipment savings when the traffic-grooming ratio is large, but it consumes more bandwidth.
Sweet Bing Cherries Lower Circulating Concentrations of Markers for Chronic Inflammatory Diseases in Healthy Humans

A limited number of studies have demonstrated that some modulators of inflammation can be altered by the consumption of sweet cherries. We have taken a proteomics approach to determine the effects of dietary cherries on targeted gene expression. The purpose was then to determine changes caused by cherry consumption in the plasma concentrations of multiple biomarkers for several chronic inflammatory diseases in healthy humans with modestly elevated C-reactive protein (CRP; range, 1-14 mg/L; mean, 3.5 mg/L; normal, <1.0 mg/L). Eighteen men and women (45-61 y) supplemented their diets with Bing sweet cherries (280 g/d) for 28 d. Fasting blood samples were taken before the start of consuming the cherries (study d 7), 28 d after the initiation of cherry supplementation (d 35), and 28 d after the discontinuation (d 63). Of the 89 biomarkers assessed, cherry consumption for 28 d altered concentrations of 9, did not change those of 67, and the other 13 were below the detection limits. Cherry consumption decreased (P < 0.05) plasma concentrations of extracellular newly identified ligand for the receptor for advanced glycation end products (29.0%), CRP (20.1%), ferritin (20.3%), plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (19.9%), endothelin-1 (13.7%), epidermal growth factor (13.2%), and IL-18 (8.1%) and increased that of IL-1 receptor antagonist (27.9%) compared with corresponding values on study d 7. The ferritin concentration continued to decrease between d 35 and 63 and it was significantly lower on d 63 than on d 7. Because the participants in this study were healthy, no clinical pathology end points were measured. However, results from the present study demonstrate that cherry consumption selectively reduced several biomarkers associated with inflammatory diseases.
Matrix metalloproteinases and tumor necrosis factor α in glaucomatous optic nerve head

Objective To study expression and location of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) in glaucomatous optic nerve heads, which are known to be secreted in response to a variety of neuronal injury. Methods Four postmortem eyes from patients with primary open-angle glaucoma, 7 eyes from patients with normal-pressure glaucoma, and 4 eyes from age-matched normal donors were studied by immunohistochemistry. The sections of the optic nerve heads were examined after immunostaining with antibodies to MMPs (MMP-1, MMP-2, and MMP-3), TNF-α, or TNF-α receptor 1. Results The intensity of the immunostaining and the number of stained cells for MMPs, TNF-α, or TNF-α receptor 1 were greater in the glaucomatous optic nerve heads, particularly in eyes with normal-pressure glaucoma compared with age-matched controls. Positive immunostaining was observed in all regions of the glaucomatous optic nerve heads, but most prominently in the postlaminar region. Immunostaining was observed mainly in glial cells and their processes around the axons and blood vessels and in pial septae. Conclusion There is increased immunostaining for MMPs, TNF-α and TNF-α receptor 1 in the glaucomatous optic nerve head, which suggests increased expression of these proteins in glaucoma and thereby implies a role in the tissue remodeling and degenerative changes seen in glaucomatous optic nerve heads. Clinical Relevance The MMPs and TNF-α may be components of astroglial activation that occurs in glaucomatous optic nerve heads. The biological alterations in the expression of these proteins may play a role in the progression of glaucomatous optic neuropathy.
Moving Beyond Nondestructive Examination to Proactive Management of Materials Degradation

There is growing interest in life extensions to enable longer term operation (LTO) for both existing nuclear power plants (NPPs) and proposed new NPPs. In order to justify an initial license extension for the 40-60 year period, new non-destructive examination (NDE) approaches have been developed and deployed by NPP operators in their Aging Management Programs (AMPs). However, to achieve the goals of even longer term operation, and specifically for the USA in looking at methodologies to support subsequent license renewal periods (i.e., 60-80 years, and beyond), it is necessary to understand the capabilities of current NDE methods to detect, monitor and trend degradation and hence enable timely implementation of appropriate corrective actions. This paper discusses insights from past experience, the state-of-the-art, and current activities in the move towards providing a capacity for proactive management of materials degradation (PMMD) to support NPP LTO.
Depression and cardiovascular disease: have a happy day—just smile!

The relationship between cardiovascular disease and depression poses intriguing research questions, particularly for co-morbid treatment. Preliminary studies have indicated that patients with early-onset depression are at a significantly increased risk for developing cardiovascular disease (CVD) after correcting for cardiovascular risk factors, and this effect occurs even in the absence of a diagnosis of major depression.1 Depression increases the risk of coronary artery disease by 1.5–2 times in otherwise physically healthy individuals.2 In addition, patients with CVD such as myocardial infarction, stroke, heart failure, and atrial fibrillation are at increased risk of developing depression and, when depression develops, cardiovascular risk is exacerbated further.2,3 Patients with treatment-resistant depression (failure to respond to a single trial of antidepressant) after an acute coronary syndrome are at even greater cardiovascular risk.4 The use of antidepressants, such as selective serotonin uptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), does not appear to mitigate cardiovascular risk associated with depression, despite altering one or more of the physiological abnormalities linking CVD to depression such as increased inflammatory cytokines, a decreased circulation of endothelial progenitor cells, and a deficiency in nitric oxide availability.5–7 Nor does the combination of an SSRI and n-3 fatty acids appear to reduce mood-associated cardiovascular risk.8 Instead, a recent report of >99 000 … *Corresponding author. Tel: +1734 936-5260, Fax: +1 734 9365256, Email: bpitt{at}umich.edu
Computing Virtual Nesting Controls for Network Revenue Management Under Customer Choice Behavior

We consider a revenue management, network capacity control problem in a setting where heterogeneous customers choose among the various products offered by a firm (e.g., different flight times, fare classes, and/or routings). Customers may therefore substitute if their preferred products are not offered. These individual customer choice decisions are modeled as a very general stochastic sequence of customers, each of whom has an ordered list of preferences. Minimal assumptions are made about the statistical properties of this demand sequence. We assume that the firm controls the availability of products using a virtual nesting control strategy and would like to optimize the protection levels for its virtual classes accounting for the (potentially quite complex) choice behavior of its customers. We formulate a continuous demand and capacity approximation for this problem, which allows for the partial acceptance of requests for products. The model admits an efficient calculation of the sample path gradient of the network revenue function. This gradient is then used to construct a stochastic steepest ascent algorithm. We show the algorithm converges in probability to a stationary point of the expected revenue function under mild conditions. The algorithm is relatively efficient even on large network problems, and in our simulation experiments it produces significant revenue increases relative to traditional virtual nesting methods. On a large-scale, real-world airline example using choice behavior models fit to actual booking data, the method produced an estimated 10% improvement in revenue relative to the controls used by the airline. The examples also provide interesting insights into how protection levels should be adjusted to account for choice behavior. Overall, the results indicate that choice behavior has a significant impact on both capacity control decisions and revenue performance and that our method is a viable approach for addressing the problem.
Phenylpropanoid metabolism and phenolic composition of soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] leaves following exposure to ozone

with effects characteristic of the browning reaction and wound responses. Plants treated with the air pollutant, ozone (O 3 ), often respond with increased transcript levels and activities Key words: Phenolics, lignin, ozone, soybean, air pollution. of enzymes in the general phenylpropanoid and lignin pathways. This suggests that increased biosynthesis
Selective cortical interneuron and GABA deficits in cyclin D2-null mice

In contrast to cyclin D1 nulls ( cD1 -/-), mice without cyclin D2 ( cD2 -/-) lack cerebellar stellate interneurons; the reason for this is unknown. In the present study in cortex, we found a disproportionate loss of parvalbumin (PV) interneurons in cD2 -/- mice. This selective reduction in PV subtypes was associated with reduced frequency of GABA-mediated inhibitory postsynaptic currents in pyramidal neurons, as measured by voltage-clamp recordings, and increased cortical sharp activity in the EEGs of awake-behaving cD2 -/- mice. Cell cycle regulation was examined in the medial ganglionic eminence (MGE), the major source of PV interneurons in mouse brain, and differences between cD2 -/- and cD1 -/- suggested that cD2 promotes subventricular zone (SVZ) divisions, exerting a stronger inhibitory influence on the p27 Cdk-inhibitor (Cdkn1b) to delay cell cycle exit of progenitors. We propose that cD2 promotes transit-amplifying divisions in the SVZ and that these ensure proper output of at least a subset of PV interneurons.
Reduced white matter integrity and verbal fluency impairment in young adults with bipolar disorder: a diffusion tensor imaging study.

Background Clinical evidence shows that bipolar disorder (BD) is characterized by white matter (WM) microstructural abnormalities. However, little is known about the biological mechanisms associated with these abnormalities and their relationship with cognitive functioning.
Numerical Relationships between Geniculocortical Afferents and Pyramidal Cell Modules in Cat Primary Visual Cortex

An analysis has been made of the quantitative data available on the number of pyramidal cell modules of layer IV neurons, and of geniculocortical axons and their synapses in cat striate cortex. It is found that the convergence of geniculocortical afferents upon any one pyramidal cell module is enormous, since in any one location there is overlap between 360-540 X-axons and 300-540 Y-axons. In total, the X- and Y-axonal arbors provide some 1640 x 10(6) synapses to area 17, which is equivalent to a ratio of 160-200 synapses per layer IV neuron. These values assume that geniculocortical terminals synapse only with the spiny stellate cells of layer IV. The values are reduced to 100-125 per spiny stellate cell when account is taken of the synapses that involve the dendrites that enter layer IV from neurons with cell bodies in other layers. Since each layer IV neuron receives some 2500 asymmetric synapses, this means that only 5% of the total excitatory input to a layer IV neuron seems to be provided by the geniculocortical afferents. Further, if the boutons in the geniculocortical axonal arbors are distributed homogeneously across layer IV, each axon could only provide one synapse to about one in four of the layer IV neurons encompassed by its plexus. It may be, however, that instead of being spread evenly, boutons in individual arbors converge upon individual neurons to supply a number of synapses to them. But even so, it seems unlikely that any individual geniculate axon could dominate the activity of a particular cortical neuron.
The Power of Mind: What if the Game Is Bigger Than We Think

This essay invites you to entertain the possibility that our current ideas about the human mind and its supposed limitations may themselves be limited. What if organizational realities were more malleable than we believe? What if organizational members could alter their physical surroundings even just occasionally through focused mental attention? We review evidence from numerous fields suggesting that the human mind may be capable of affecting physical reality from a distance and into the past and the future. Although not all studies have provided universal support, the evidence for the impact of focused mental attention is sufficiently compelling and the potential implications sufficiently important that we believe it is time to explicitly examine the organizational implications of the power of the human mind.
Epipelagic and mesopelagic fishes in the southern California Current System: Ecological interactions and oceanographic influences on their abundance

article i nfo We use zooplankton and ichthyoplankton data from the ~60-year CalCOFI time series to examine relationships of mesopelagic (i.e. midwater) fishes in the California Current System with midwater predators, potential com- petitors (epipelagic planktivorous fishes) and zooplankton prey, within the context of local and basin-scale oceanography. Equilibrium-based near-steady state models and the "wasp-waist" paradigm for eastern bound- ary currents predict tightly-coupled trophic interactions, with negative correlations between the abundance of planktivorous competitors and between dominant planktivores and their prey. Testing these hypotheses with the CalCOFI time series, we found them to be generally invalid. Potential competitors within the mesopelagic community (planktivorous vertical migrators (VMs) and non-migrators (NMs)) were highly positively correlat- ed, as were these groups with the mesopelagic piscivores (e.g. dragonfishes) that prey on them. In addition, the abundance of VMs was mostly positively correlated with that of epipelagic planktivores, such as anchovy, mack- erels and hake. The VMs and epipelagic planktivores were negatively correlated with key potential planktonic prey groups, indicating a lack of bottom-up forcing. However, neither do these negative correlations appear to signify top-down forcing, since they seem to be mediated through correlations with key environmental drivers, such as the Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO), sea surface temperature, and the relative strength of the California Current. We suggest that the web of correlations linking key meso- and epipelagic planktivores, their predators and prey is mediated through common links with basin-scale oceanographic drivers, such as the PDO and ENSO cycles. Thus, the abundance of mesopelagic fishes in the California Current is closely tied to variation in the oxygen minimum zone, whose dynamics have been linked to the PDO. The PDO and other drivers are also linked to the transport of the California Current System, which influences the abundance of many dominant taxa off southern California that have broad biogeographic distributions linked to water masses that extend to the north (Transition Zone/sub-Arctic faunas) or the south (tropical/subtropical faunas).
Transverse stability of the carpus. An analytical study

The stabilizing structures of the transverse carpal arch were studied utilizing an analytical model based on a rigid body spring model theory. This method was used to calculate the relative motion between carpal bones, the distribution of compressive forces in the intercarpal joints, and the tensions in the ligaments under simulated dorsopalmar compression. The contribution of each ligament against the effect of compression was determined by removing ligaments from the model. A multivariate analysis of variance disclosed that sectioning the flexor retinaculum alone does not significantly modify the distribution of forces in ligaments and joints (p = 0.33), and decreases dorsopalmar carpal stiffness by only 7.8%. In contrast, isolated removal of the palmar hamate-capitate ligament causes a pronounced weakening of the carpal structure, from an average of 232 to 131 N/mm (p less than 0.01). If the flexor retinaculum is removed in addition to releasing one palmar intercarpal ligament, a gross instability of the carpal arch is created.
SYMAN: a symmetry analyzer

A description is given of the construction of a symmetry analyzer. Examples using SYMAN on both real and synthetic images are shown. SYMAN's combination of both global and local methods is discussed. The derivation of a global analytic solution for the skew axes when the degree of skew symmetry is known is described. A local tangent-based algorithm which has advantages over previous methods is presented. >
The effect of electrical stimulation on a normal skin blood flow in active young and older adults.

BACKGROUND Electrical stimulation (ES) shows promising results in increasing healing of decubitus ulcers. Recent studies show that skin blood flows (SBFs) are enhanced if the subject is exposed to a warm environment during treatment. The purpose of this investigation was to determine if blood flow would increase with ES in a physically active older population without wounds in a warm environment. MATERIAL/METHODS Twenty-two healthy physically active males were divided into a young group (YG) (N=15, age= 32.1+/-8.3 years) and an older group (OG) (N=8, age= 64.5+/-6.2 years). ES (30 Hz, pulse width 250 microsec and maximum current of 15 mA) was applied on the right thigh for 15 minutes with the subject in a thermoneutral (25+/-0.5 degrees C) and a warm (35+/-0.5 degrees C) environment on two days. Skin blood flow was monitored by Laser Doppler Imager. Tympanic temperature, sweat rates, and skin temperatures were monitored on the forehead, chest, and both thighs during the experiment to assess autonomic stress. RESULTS The skin temperatures and sweat rates were significantly higher in the YG than OG in the warm environment, with no differences found in the thermoneutral environment. In the warm environment, the SBFs were significantly different between pre, during, and post ES in both groups, and no difference was found between the two groups in either environment. CONCLUSIONS The environment temperatures modulate the SBF response to ES. Global heat improves the SBF response to ES in non wounded skin in active young and old groups.
Evaluation of Progressive Changes in Elastomer Properties during Vulcanization

Abstract An apparatus and method are described for evaluating state of cure, optimum cure time, rate of cure, induction time for cure, scorch time, induction time for reversion, reversion rate and degree of reversion of elastomeric compounds. Coincident with these determinations vulcanizate specimens are prepared on which more conventional physical test data may be obtained; e.g., compression modulus, compression set, hardness, specific gravity, tensile modulus and elongation. In essence, the method described provides a progressive measure of modulus change during cure or reversion through the change in deformation of a periodically loaded plunger, one end of which is embedded into the specimen. Typical results are given which show application of the apparatus to screening tests, millroom control, reversion studies and to compounds which are too stiff for conventional test methods. Demonstrated advantages for the apparatus include time saving, stock saving and better cure information on a wider range of p...
Local Environmental Regulation in the Mountain West

This book chapter will be part of a collection of essays about the last twenty-five years of development planning, which will be published by the Rocky Mountain Land Use Institute. The chapter begins by considering the appeal of local environmental regulation to Mountain West local governments. The chapter then considers a broad array of local environmental regulations developed and flourished within the last twenty-five years. These include policies within the rubrics of living with and protecting the environment; recognizing and planning for nature's hazards; greening urbanism for climate change and sustainability; the interplay between the "old west" and the "new west" industries; and efforts at regionalism. The chapter concludes with a focus on what the next twenty-five years may bring for local environmental regulation in the Mountain West.
Where Do Functions Come From

(2002). Where Do Functions Come From? The College Mathematics Journal: Vol. 33, No. 2, pp. 107-112.
Investigation of the quality of the drinking water in the rural areas of Rongcheng city of Shandong province

Objective:To know the status of rural drinking water quality of life to provide a scientific basis for rural drinking water management.Methods: In accordance with the GB/T5750-2006 Standard test methods of Drinking Water,to collect,preserve and inspect respectively,through the wet and dry seasons over the project period.To evaluate the drinking water request in accordance with GB5749-2006 Drinking water health standards.Results: There were 240 water samples to be detected.The water sample qualified rate is 33.8%.The bacteriological indicators qualified rate is the lowest.Conclusion: Bacteriological unqualified affecting the safe of drinking water in rural area.The government should take corresponding measures for improving water quality effectively.
Lenin's Criticism of Positivism and the Significance in Modern Times

In order to clarify the philosophical thoughts that confused members of Communist Party,Lenin began his systematic and overall criticism of positivism since 1980.he scientifically expounded the objective basis of cognitive process and the principle of Party spirit cultivation at first,then emphasized that correct understanding of practice are the priority and foundation for epistemology.At last,Lenin stressed materialistic dialectics and criticized the features of modern metaphysics.It is undoubtedly that the criticism not only provided the Party of working class with powerful ideological weapons to understand the world and change it,but also is of great theoretical and practical significance nowadays.
The ratio of CD8 to Treg tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes is associated with response to cisplatin-based neoadjuvant chemotherapy in patients with muscle invasive urothelial carcinoma of the bladder

Introduction: Randomized controlled trials of platinum-based neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) for bladder cancer have shown that patients who achieve a pathologic response to NAC exhibit 5 y survival rates of approximately 80–90% while NAC resistant (NR) cases exhibit 5 y survival rates of approximately 30–40%. These findings highlight the need to predict who will benefit from conventional NAC and the need for plausible alternatives. Methods: The pre-treatment biopsy tissues from a cohort of 41 patients with muscle invasive bladder who were treated with NAC were incorporated in tissue microarray and immunohistochemistry for PD-L1, CD8, and FOXP3 was performed. Percentage of PD-L1 positive tumor cells was measured. Tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL) densities, along with CD8 and Treg-specific TILs, were measured. Results: TIL density was strongly correlated with tumor PD-L1 expression, consistent with the mechanism of adaptive immune resistance in bladder cancer. Tumor cell PD-L1 expression was not a significant predictor of response. Neither was the CD8 nor Treg TIL density associated with response. Intriguingly though, the ratio of CD8 to Treg TIL densities was strongly associated with response (p = 0.0003), supporting the hypothesis that the immune system plays a role in the response of bladder cancer to chemotherapy. Discussion: To our knowledge, this is the first report in bladder cancer showing that the CD8 to Treg TIL density in the pre-treatment tissues is predictive for conventional NAC response. These findings warrant further investigations to both better characterize this association in larger cohorts and begin to elucidate the underlying mechanism(s) of this phenomenon.
Some Passing Remarks on the ‘New’ Hegelian Marxism

It will be clear from the foregoing discussion that what Marx calls Hegel’s ‘Umkehrung’ of subject and predicate is also indeed supposed to be a ‘Yerkehrung’ of the same: a ‘reversal’ which disturbs the rational content of the subject-predicate relation, hence an ‘inversion’. Indeed, in order to lay stress on the point, Marx employs the verymetaphor which would later acquire such fame through its occurrence in his 1873 ‘Afterword’. ‘It is self-evident,’ he writes, ‘The true way is turned upside-down [wird auf den Kopf gestellt - literally: ‘is put on its head’]’ (CHDS, 99-100/242). The puzzle which Marx’s 1843 Critique presents for us here, however, is that it is manifestly the very same Yerkehrung of ‘subject’ and ‘predicate’ to which Marx yet again alludes in ‘the Value-form’. But in ‘the Value-form*, it would seemthat the ‘Yerkehrung’ is no longer to be regarded as the spurious product of a mystifying theoretical treatment, but rather as pertaining to the real nature of the object itself under consideration. Must we conclude, then, that the mature Marx had come to accept as legitimate the very inversion which he once expended such energies to expose as, so to say, the mystical kernel of all of Hegel’s mysticism in his outhful critique?
Domains of fractional powers of the heat–structure operator with viscoelastic damping: regularity and control-theoretic implications

We consider a heat–structure interaction model where the structure is subject to viscoelastic (strong) damping. The system displays high-order boundary coupling at the interface between the two media. If −\({\mathcal{A}}\) is the free dynamic operator, we characterize the domains of fractional powers \({\mathcal{D}(\mathcal{A}^{\theta})}\). Implications include optimal (maximal) regularity of the map: boundary control \({\to}\) solution, where the control acts in the Dirichlet boundary conditions either at the external boundary of the heat domain, or else at the interface between the two domains. The optimal control theory and min-max game theory in Lasiecka and Triggiani (Encyclopedia of mathematics and its applications series. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, 2000) then apply with the parameter \({\gamma = \frac{3}{4}+\epsilon}\).
Making neural encoding robust and energy efficient: an advanced analog temporal encoder for brain-inspired computing systems

Neural encoder is one of the key components in neuromorphic computing systems, whereby sensory information is transformed into spike coded trains. The design of temporal encoder has attracted a widespread attention in the field of neuromorphic computing in the past few years. The information in the temporal encoding scheme with inter-spike intervals can arise from correlations between spike times, which could not be incorporated in the traditional rate encoding scheme. In this paper, we propose a robust and energy efficient analog implementation of the spiking temporal encoder. We pattern the neural activities across multiple timescales and encode the sensory information using time dependent temporal scales. The concept of iteration structure is introduced to construct a neural encoder that greatly increases the information process ability of the proposed temporal encoder. Integrated with iteration technique and operational-amplifier-free design, the error rate of the output temporal codes is reduced to an extremely low level. A lower sampling rate accompanied by additional verification spikes is introduced in the schemes, which significantly reduces the power consumption of the encoding system. To the best of our knowledge, our proposed neuron circuit is the first analog hardware implementation of the neural encoder that could present the sensory data using inter-spike interval temporal encoding scheme. The simulation and measurement results show the proposed temporal encoder exhibits not only energy efficiency but also high accuracy.
Remote detection of uranium by fs-filamentation laser ablation molecular isotopic spectrometry

We demonstrate remote detection of isotopes of uranium using fs-filamentation laser ablation molecular isotopic spectrometry (F2–LAMIS). The uranium monoxide molecular and uranium atomic emissions were optimized at different uranium-filament interaction points.
COX-2-dependent and independent effects of COX-2 inhibitors and NSAIDs on proatherogenic changes in human monocytes/macrophages

It is the second decade of controversy regarding the cardiovascular effects of cyclo-oxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitors. At this time, celecoxib is the only available COX-2-specific inhibitor for treatment of pain and inflammation. Therefore, the present study was designed primarily to determine the impact of celecoxib on cholesterol handling (uptake via scavenger receptors and efflux from the cells) and foam cell formation in human THP-1 macrophages, followed by comparison to rofecoxib and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). THP-1 human macrophages and peripheral blood mononuclear cells were incubated with: celecoxib, rofecoxib, naproxen (at 5, 10, 25 µM) and acetaminophen (0.5 mM, 1 mM)±oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL, 25 µg/mL). Scavenger receptors: CD36, LOX-1, SR-A1, and CXCL16 and cholesterol efflux proteins: ATP-binding cassette transporter (ABC) A1 and G1, and 27-hydroxylase were detected. The adhesion of monocytes to cultured endothelial cells with/ without COX-2 inhibitors/NSAIDs was also analyzed. The presence of celecoxib and rofecoxib (at high concentrations) significantly decreased expression of 27-hydroxylase and ABCA1, interfering with normal cholesterol outflow from macrophages. Acetaminophen and the non-specific COX inhibitor naproxen had no significant effect on these proteins. Only celecoxib had a profound effect on the class B scavenger receptor CD36 and the class E receptor LOX1. We demonstrate that in contrast to celecoxib, rofecoxib and naproxen increased adhesive properties of monocytes to endothelial cells. This work might contribute to our understanding of multiple mechanisms underlying elevated cardiovascular risk upon the use of COX-2 inhibitors and uncover new possibilities to enhance the safety profile of existing COX-2 inhibitors.
Engineering of GlcNAc-1-phosphotransferase for production of highly phosphorylated lysosomal enzymes for enzyme replacement therapy

Several lysosomal enzymes currently used for enzyme replacement therapy in patients with lysosomal storage diseases contain very low levels of mannose 6-phosphate, limiting their uptake via mannose 6-phosphate receptors on the surface of the deficient cells. These enzymes are produced at high levels by mammalian cells and depend on endogenous GlcNAc-1-phosphotransferase α/β precursor to phosphorylate the mannose residues on their glycan chains. We show that co-expression of an engineered truncated GlcNAc-1-phosphotransferase α/β precursor and the lysosomal enzyme of interest in the producing cells resulted in markedly increased phosphorylation and cellular uptake of the secreted lysosomal enzyme. This method also results in the production of highly phosphorylated acid β-glucocerebrosidase, a lysosomal enzyme that normally has just trace amounts of this modification.
Socially induced plasticity in sensorimotor gating in the African cichlid fish Astatotilapia burtoni

Abstract Deficits in prepulse inhibition (PPI), social defeat and social withdrawal are hallmark features of several neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders. However, the link between social environment and PPI i.e., the possible role of social defeat in driving PPI plasticity, is far from clear. Here we explored these questions in the African cichlid fish Astatotilapia burtoni , where males exist as two distinct yet reversible phenotypes. In fish communities, DOMs exhibit frequent aggressive and territorial behaviors, threatening and attacking SUBs, which respond either by engaging in fights and fleeing, or by avoiding interaction with DOMs altogether. Social phenotypes were selected using focal observations of dominant and submissive behaviors. Tests of auditory PPI showed markedly decreased PPI in SUBs as compared to DOMs at prepulse/pulse interstimulus interval of ISI 50 ms. Interestingly, further analysis showed the PPI reduction in SUBs was driven by males with low social interactivity. Testing males before and after social transitions revealed increasing and decreasing PPI in ascending and descending males, respectively. In an open field paradigm, SUBs also showed higher levels of wall hugging (thigmotaxis) and freezing when compared to DOMs i.e., an increase in anxiety-related behavior. Together the results suggest distinct yet reversible behavioral PPI phenotypes in A. burtoni males, and that social defeat drives PPI plasticity. The fact that PPI deficits are readily reversible by status change implies PPI plasticity may reflect an adaptive response to challenges in the social environment.
The Interactions between the Long Non-coding RNA NERDL and Its Target Gene Affect Wood Formation in Populus tomentosa.

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are important regulatory factors for plant growth and development, but little is known about the allelic interactions of lncRNAs with mRNA in perennial plants. Here, we analyzed the interaction of the NERD (Needed for RDR2-independent DNA methylation) Populus tomentosa gene PtoNERD with its putative regulator, the lncRNA NERDL (NERD-related lncRNA), which partially overlaps with the promoter region of this gene. Expression analysis in eight tissues showed a positive correlation between NERDL and PtoNERD (r=0.62), suggesting that the interaction of NERDL with its putative target might be involved in wood formation. We conducted association mapping in a natural population of P. tomentosa (435 unrelated individuals) to evaluate genetic variation and the interaction of the lncRNA NERDL with PtoNERD. Using additive and dominant models, we identified 30 SNPs (P < 0.01) associated with five tree growth and wood property traits. Each SNP explained 3.90–8.57% of phenotypic variance, suggesting that NERDL and its putative target play a common role in wood formation. Epistasis analysis uncovered nine SNP-SNP association pairs between NERDL and PtoNERD, with an information gain of -7.55–2.16%, reflecting the strong interactions between NERDL and its putative target. This analysis provides a powerful method for deciphering the genetic interactions of lncRNAs with mRNA and dissecting the complex genetic network of quantitative traits in trees.
Effect of Curriculum Changes on Student Performance During General Surgical Clerkship.

Introduction Good clinical knowledge of anatomy, taught in medical school, is necessary for practicing physicians. It is a key feature of performance on the United States Medical Licensing Examination Step 1 score. Student performance on anatomy is also an early indicator of overall medical student performance. Unfortunately, curricular time provided for the teaching of anatomy has declined significantly over the last 30 years, leading to growing concerns that the anatomical knowledge of new medical graduates may not be adequate. Data regarding the impact of these changes to the medical school curriculum are lacking, with studies often being limited in number of medical students or time. Methods This study examined the anatomy knowledge of students on third-year clinical rotations at Tulane University Medical School. Oral examinations were administered at the conclusion of the junior surgical clerkship. Data on performance were collected over a 5-year period from 690 medical students tested in their knowledge of anatomy, and the other basic sciences collectively considered as pathophysiology. Results Over the 5-year period, student total scores by year increased in all categories tested. However, during the course of the students’ third-year clerkships, the later in the year the students rotated on surgery, the more their scores progressively declined. Unfortunately, this fall was most severe in the knowledge of anatomy. Discussion Although it is possible to teach anatomy in increasingly shorter periods of time, such that the students achieve high test scores in the standardized short answer examinations, it is clear that their knowledge, as applied to clinical care, rapidly declines the further they get away from Step 1 studying. Further study is necessary to elucidate the weaknesses in the current basic science curricula as they pertain to anatomy and to devise mechanisms to assure retention of this critical science during clinical rotations and beyond into practice.
Variation in behavioral engagement during an active learning activity leads to differential knowledge gains in college students.

There are many pedagogical techniques used by educators in higher education; however, some techniques and activities have been shown to be more beneficial to student learning than others. Research has demonstrated that active learning and learning in which students cognitively engage with the material in a multitude of ways result in better understanding and retention. The aim of the present study was to determine which of three pedagogical techniques led to improvement in learning and retention in undergraduate college students. Subjects partook in one of three different types of pedagogical engagement: hands-on learning with a model, observing someone else manipulate the model, and traditional lecture-based presentation. Students were then asked to take an online quiz that tested their knowledge of the new material, both immediately after learning the material and 2 wk later. Students who engaged in direct manipulation of the model scored higher on the assessment immediately after learning the material ...