cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
2009 Special Issue: Neural dynamics of idea generation and the effects of priming

Idea generation is a fundamental attribute of the human mind, but the cognitive and neural mechanisms underlying this process remain unclear. In this paper, we present a dynamic connectionist model for the generation of ideas within a brainstorming context. The key hypothesis underlying the model is that ideas emerge naturally from itinerant attractor dynamics in a multi-level, modular semantic space, and the potential surface underlying this dynamics is itself shaped dynamically by task context, ongoing evaluative feedback, inhibitory modulation, and short-term synaptic modification. While abstract, the model attempts to capture the interplay between semantic representations, working memory, attentional selection, reinforcement signals, and modulation. We show that, once trained on a set of contexts and ideas, the system can rapidly recall stored ideas in familiar contexts, and can generate novel ideas by efficient, multi-level dynamical search in both familiar and unfamiliar contexts. We also use a simplified continuous-time instantiation of the model to explore the effect of priming on idea generation. In particular, we consider how priming low-accessible categories in a connectionist semantic network can lead to the generation of novel ideas. The mapping of the model onto various regions and modulatory processes in the brain is also discussed briefly.
Marrow Stem Cell Potential within a Continuum

: On the basis of our studies of the fluctuation of the hematopoietic stem cell phenotype with cell cycle trnsit, we hypothesize that the ability of marrow stem cells to convert to nonhematopoietic cells will also vary at different points in the cell cycle. The new biology of stem cells has an impact on many fields including developmental biology and stem cell biology and the clinical potential is enormous.
63 LANGUAGE DEVELOPMENT AT 2 YEARS OF AGE IN LOW BIRTH WEIGHT (LBW)(<1500 GRAMS) INFANTS

Early delays in language development are related to subsequent learning difficulties. Previous studies have shown LBW infant survivors are at increased risk for learning disability. We hypothesized that receptive and expressive language skills, an early measure of learning, may be delayed in 2 y.o. LBW survivors. 18 appropriate-for-gestation (AGA) (B.WT. 1281±207 gm; Gest 29±2 wks), 9 small-for-gestation (SGA) (B.WT 1282±150 gm; Gest 33±2 wks) LBW and 15 term (B.WT 3489±59 gms; Gest 40 wks) infants were studied. Both LBW AGA and SGA infants lagged significantly at 2 yrs in Bayley MDI (corrected for gestation) and Mullen language scores when compared with term infants. LBW AGA infants also lagged significantly when compared with SGA LBW infants. Linear regression analysis indicated the language scores correlated directly with gestation (p<.01), Hollingshead SES score (p<.05), and abnormal neurological status at 8 months (<.05). We conclude that language delay is observed in LBW infants at 2 yrs, particularly those who are of low gestation at birth, low SES, and ↑ abnormal or suspect neurological findings at 8 months.
SOYWEED: A Simulation Model of Soybean and Common Cocklebur Growth and Competition

(...) The objective of this study was to develop a simulation model of crop/weed competition which could be used to investigate the effects of environmental conditions on weed and crop growth. A previously developed soybean crop growth model was used to simulate the growth of soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.]. A weed growth model was developed and coupled with the soybean model to describe growth of weed and soybean growing together and competiting for resources. Published data from a field experiment were used to determine model parameters for common cocklebur (Xanthium strumarium L.) (...)
Tannic acid synergizes the cytotoxicity of chemotherapeutic drugs in human cholangiocarcinoma by modulating drug efflux pathways.

Background/Aims Tannic acid is an orally active plant polyphenol with potential for use as an anti-cancer agent for cholangiocarcinoma. To determine the potential use of tannic acid as an adjunct therapy, we sought to evaluate the interaction between tannic acid and chemotherapeutic agents. Methods Cytotoxicity was assessed in malignant human cholangiocytes. Interactions between tannic acid, mitomycin C, 5-fluorouracil and gemcitabine were quantitated by calculating the combination index and dose reduction index. Cellular efflux pathways were assessed by calcein retention assays, and expression of membrane pumps was assessed by Western blots and real-time PCR. Results Tannic acid and the three agents decreased growth of malignant cholangiocytes to a similar extent. Tannic acid had a synergistic effect to mitomycin C and 5-fluorouracil, but not gemcitabine. However, the structurally related polyphenol gallic acid did not have a synergistic interaction with any of the agents. Tannic acid decreased calcein efflux and the expression of PGP, MRP1 and MRP2 membrane efflux pumps. Conclusions Tannic acid has a synergistic effect with selected chemotherapeutic drugs by a mechanism involving modulation of drug efflux pathways. Thus, tannic acid will be a useful adjunct to improve the effectiveness of chemotherapeutic agents in the treatment of cholangiocarcinoma.
Parents' cigarette smoking and childhood cancer

In our recent study of childhood rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) we found an increase in the risk of RMS among children whose fathers smoked cigarettes. However, there was no association between RMS and mothers' smoking. We hypothesize that differential germ cell damage from cigarette smoking underlies our observations and that this risk of germ cell damage from cigarette smoking and from other environmental exposures is greater for men than for women. The increased susceptibility for male germ cells may be due to the number and timing of meiotic and mitotic cell divisions. In males, germ cells undergo large numbers of meiotic and mitotic divisions throughout the reproductive years. In contrast, in females, generally only one oocyte matures and completes meiosis each month of the reproductive years. Thus, there are very large male-female differences in the number of rapidly dividing germ cells during the reproductive years, and it is rapidly proliferating cells which are most susceptible to genetic damage. We conclude that fathers' environmental exposures before conception of their children may play a role in the etiology of childhood cancer.
Altered ovarian sterol carrier protein expression in the pregnant streptozotocin-treated diabetic rat.

Reproductive dysfunction in the diabetic female rat is associated with impaired folliculogenesis, reduced corpus luteum progesterone output, and spontaneous abortion. The underlying mechanism for reduced steroid production remains unresolved. In this study we examined whether or not diabetes alters levels of P450 side-chain cleavage enzyme (P450scc), 3 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3 beta-HSD), or the cholesterol transport proteins, steroidogenic acute regulatory (StAR) protein and sterol carrier protein-2 (SCP2), leading to lower progesterone levels and pregnancy loss. Rats (Day 3 pregnant) received an injection of streptozotocin (STZ, 60 mg/kg; i.v.) to induce a diabetic state; P450scc, 3 beta-HSD, and SCP2 were examined by Western and Northern blot analysis in ovarian tissue 12 days after injection of STZ (diabetic rats, n = 12) or vehicle (nondiabetic rats, n = 12). Serum progesterone, triglyceride, and beta-hydroxybutyrate (beta-HBA) levels were also examined. Results indicate that diabetic rats that aborted (diabetic-fetus [Ft], n = 6) had significantly lower progesterone levels (7.04 +/- 2.6 ng/ml; p < 0.004) than nondiabetic animals (108.6 +/- 5.15 ng/ml) and diabetic +Ft animals (74.3 +/- 8.9 ng/ml, n = 6). Western blot analysis of ovarian P450scc and 3 beta-HSD in the nondiabetic rats and the diabetic rats with fetuses indicated no significant difference. In contrast, ovaries from diabetic animals without fetuses had significantly lower SCP2 levels (p < 0.017) compared to controls. Concomitant with the reduction in SCP2, a 58-kDa SCP2-immunoreactive protein, referred to as sterol carrier protein-X (SCPx), increased significantly (p < 0.001). The C-terminal sequence of SCPx is identical to SCP2, while its N-terminal region is homologous with 3-oxoacyl coenzyme A thiolase, an enzyme involved in fatty acid metabolism. Increased SCPx expression coincided with increased serum triglyceride and beta-HBA levels, suggesting that the enhanced SCPx level may coincide with an ovarian shift to fatty acid metabolism. When SCPx steady-state mRNA levels were measured using an SCPx-specific riboprobe (280-bp protected fragment) in a ribonuclease protection assay, ovarian SCPx mRNA levels in the diabetic animals were increased 4.2-fold compared to control SCPx mRNA levels. Ovarian StAR mRNA levels were increased slightly in the diabetic animals, and ovarian P450scc and 3 beta-HSD mRNA levels were increased 3-fold in the diabetic animals that aborted relative to the nondiabetic animals and the +Ft diabetic animals. Results of this study confirm that SCPx mRNA levels are elevated following diabetes onset and that StAR, P450scc, and 3 beta-HSD mRNA levels do not correspond with the reduced steroid hormone profile associated with diabetes. These results are concordant with the possibility that reduced steroid levels in the diabetic animals reflect a loss of SCP2-mediated cholesterol transport capacity as SCPx/3-oxoacyl coenzyme A thiolase expression is enhanced.
Posterolateral intertransverse lumbar fusion in a mouse model: surgical anatomy and operative technique.

BACKGROUND CONTEXT: Animal models are frequently used for studying the effect of bone graft substitutes or allogeneic materials on osterolateral lumbar fusion. Transgenic technology in the mouse provides a unique opportunity to further understand the biology of spine fusion. PURPOSE: To describe pertinent lumbar spine anatomy and formulate a surgical protocol for posterolateral fusion in the mouse model. STUDY DESIGN: Diagnostic model: development of an animal model for biologic evaluation of posterolateral spine fusion. METHOD: Ten mice were killed to study relevant lumbar spine anatomy and develop a protocol for lumbar spine fusion. The L4–L6 fusion protocol was validated in 46 mice for ease of exposure, preparation of the posterolateral fusion bed, introduction of bone inductive agents, and perioperative care. RESULTS: Anatomy and surgical technique for posterolateral intertransverse lumbar fusion in the mouse model are described. A paraspinal approach allows exposure of the transverse processes, decortication, and graft placement at the L4–L6 intertransverse fusion site. Decortication alone did not result in fusion, whereas the use of bone graft resulted in satisfactory fusion rates. Perioperative morbidity and mortality rates were low. CONCLUSION: The mouse posterolateral lumbar spine fusion model is reproducible, inexpensive, and has low complication rates. Knowledge of the relevant anatomy and adherence to a well-defined surgical protocol provides a reliable and reproducible experimental spine fusion model. 2007 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Effect of Nutrient Addition and Environmental Factors on Prophage Induction in Natural Populations of Marine Synechococcus Species

A series of experiments were conducted with samples collected in both Tampa Bay and the Gulf of Mexico to assess the impact of nutrient addition on cyanophage induction in natural populations of Synechococcus sp. The samples were virus reduced to decrease the background level of cyanophage and then either left untreated or amended with nitrate, ammonium, urea, or phosphate. Replicate samples were treated with mitomycin C to stimulate cyanophage induction. In five of the nine total experiments performed, cyanophage induction was present in the non-nutrient-amended control samples. Stimulation of cyanophage induction in response to nutrient addition (phosphate) occurred in only one Tampa Bay sample. Nutrient additions caused a decrease in lytic (or control) phage production in three of three offshore stations, in one of three estuarine experiments, and in a lysogenic marine Synechococcus in culture. These results suggest that the process of cyanophage induction as an assay of Synechococcus lysogeny was not inorganically nutrient limited, at least in the samples examined. More importantly, it was observed that the level of cyanophage induction (cyanophage milliliter−1) was inversely correlated to Synechococcus and cyanophage abundance. Thus, the intensity of the prophage induction response is defined by ambient population size and cyanophage abundance. This corroborates prior observations that lysogeny in Synechococcus is favored during times of low host abundance.
Steerable wedge filters for local orientation analysis

Steerable filters have been used to analyze local orientation patterns in imagery. Such filters are typically based on directional derivatives, whose symmetry produces orientation responses that are periodic with period /spl pi/, independent of image structure. We present a more general set of steerable filters that alleviate this problem.
The vapor phase infrared spectra of hydroquinone, pyrocatechol, and resorcinol

Abstract The i.r. vapor phase spectra of hydroquinone, pyrocatechol and resorcinol have been examined between 4000 and 625 cm−1 at temperatures that ranged from 150–200°C and total pressures of less than one atmosphere. With the aid of calculated and observed bands contours, most of the spectral features have been assigned.
Pancreatogastrostomy as Reconstruction for Pancreatoduodenectomy: Review

A summary of 733 reported cases of pancreatogastrostomy (PG) as a reconstructive procedure following pancreatoduodenectomy and the traumatically severed pancreas indicates an aggregate leakage rate of 4% over a 52-year period. Although mortality rates have declined over this period, the reported high correlation of leak with mortality seems to indicate the greater safety of PG over other methods for treating the residual pancreatic duct. The lower rate of complications related to pancreatocutaneous fistula from PG should correlate with shorter and less expensive hospital stays for patients treated with this technique. Several questions regarding technique must await further investigation.
Commentary: Zinc and child growth

Zinc is an essential nutrient which is required to maintain the normal structure and/or function of multiple enzymes including those that are involved in transcription and translation of genetic material and ultimately therefore in cell division. Early research in experimental animals demonstrated the critical importance of zinc for normal dietary intake and physical growth. These results suggested that zinc nutriture might also influence the growth of young children particularly in resource-poor countries where dietary intake or absorption of zinc may be inadequate and/or excessive zinc losses may occur due to frequent enteric infections. Nevertheless the lack of simple objective biomarkers of zinc status has hindered the ability to implicate zinc nutriture unequivocally as a cause of growth failure in humans. (excerpt)
Scene recognition by jointly modeling latent topics

We present a new topic model, named supervised Mixed Membership Stochastic Block Model, to recognize scene categories. In contrast to previous topic model based scene recognition, its key advantage originates from the joint modeling of the latent topics of adjacent visual words to promote the visual coherency of the latent topics. To ensure that an image is only a sparse mixture of latent topics, we use a Gini impurity based regularizer to control the freedom of a visual word taking different latent topics. We further show that the proposed model can be easily extended to incorporate the global spatial layout of the latent topics. Combined together, latent topic coherency and sparsity can rule out unlikely combinations of latent topics and guide classifier to produce more semantically meaningful interpretation of the scene. The model parameters are learned using Gibbs sampling algorithm, and the model is evaluated on three datasets, i.e. Scene-15, LabelMe, and UIUC-Sports. Experimental results demonstrate the superiority of our method over other related methods.
MBE Growth and Ultrahigh Temperature Processing of High-Quality AlN Films

Molecular beam epitaxial growth of AlN on sapphire and 6H-SiC has been performed utilizing mono-energetic activated nitrogen ion beams (2-80 eV kinetic energies). The growth temperature of AlN in MBE is found to be limited by the sticking coefficient of incident reactants. The combination of elevated growth temperatures (1050-1150°C), high kinetic-energy reactive nitrogen (>40 eV) and post-growth thermal processing (1150-1350°C) produces high-quality AlN thin-f ilms with narrow rocking curve widths (<2 arcmin) and low dislocation densities (<∼3×108cm−2). In contrast, the use of in-situ step anneals during synthesis did not achieve similar quality materials.
Involvement, Development, and Retention: Theoretical Foundations and Potential Extensions for Adult Community College Students.

The aim of this article is to orient those interested in adult community college student research to a wide array of discourses and theoretical tools that can help us understand the underlying complexity of the problems faced by this often-marginalized group. Reviewed are categories of theory about student involvement and engagement, student development, and adult learning that should inform how we educate adult community college students. This article concludes with a discussion of how all these theories, taken together, can improve adult education in community colleges.
The Dichotomy of Tumor Exosomes (TEX) in Cancer Immunity: Is It All in the ConTEXt?

Exosomes are virus-sized nanoparticles (30–130 nm) formed intracellularly as intravesicular bodies/intralumenal vesicles within maturing endosomes (“multivesicular bodies”, MVBs). If MVBs fuse with the cell’s plasma membrane, the interior vesicles may be released extracellularly, and are termed “exosomes”. The protein cargo of exosomes consists of cytosolic, membrane, and extracellular proteins, along with membrane-derived lipids, and an extraordinary variety of nucleic acids. As such, exosomes reflect the status and identity of the parent cell, and are considered as tiny cellular surrogates. Because of this closely entwined relationship between exosome content and the source/status of the parental cell, conceivably exosomes could be used as vaccines against various pathologies, as they contain antigens associated with a given disease, e.g., cancer. Tumor-derived exosomes (TEX) have been shown to be potent anticancer vaccines in animal models, driving antigen-specific T and B cell responses, but much recent literature concerning TEX strongly places the vesicles as powerfully immunosuppressive. This dichotomy suggests that the context in which the immune system encounters TEX is critical in determining immune stimulation versus immunosuppression. Here, we review literature on both sides of this immune coin, and suggest that it may be time to revisit the concept of TEX as anticancer vaccines in clinical settings.
Residual efficacy of deltamethrin and β-cyfluthrin against Trogoderma variabile and Trogoderma inclusum (Coleoptera: Dermestidae)

Abstract Trogroderma variabile Ballion, warehouse beetle, and Trogoderma inclusum LeConte, larger cabinet beetle, are dermestid pests of stored products. A series of laboratory bioassays were conducted to evaluate residual toxicity of the pyrethroids deltamethrin and β-cyfluthrin, applied on a concrete surface substrate for control of adults and larvae of both species, to provide initial baseline susceptibility data for dermestids. Commercial formulations were applied at calculated deposition rates of 8, 16, and 24 mg active ingredient [AI] per m2 for deltamethrin and 10 and 20 mg active ingredient [AI] per m2 for β-cyfluthrin. Ten adults or larvae of either species were introduced to individual untreated and treated arenas at 0, 0.5, 1, 2, and 3 mo post-treatment. Adult mortality was evaluated after 4 d of exposure with no food provided, and larval mortality was assessed 30 d after exposure with provision of food. Adult mortality of both species exposed to both insecticides ranged from 72.4 ± 6.9 to 100% depending on exposure interval. Larval mortality ranged from 18.3 ± 5.4 to 96.7 ± 2.1% on arenas treated with deltamethrin, and was significantly lower than adult mortality (P
Correlations between DNA methylation levels and nucleosome enrichment in the human genome

Next generation sequencing studies have contributed further evidence that the methylation of CpG dinucleotides can alter protein-DNA interactions, and this epigenetic mechanism is thought to play a critical role in the control of gene expression in higher eukaryotic organisms. Recent analyses of high resolution nucleosome maps have revealed novel relationships between DNA methylation and localization of nucleosomes [1,2]. In our latest work, we conducted high-throughput nucleosome reconstitution experiments on 572 KB of human DNA that was unmethylated or methylated by bacterial CpG methyltransferase in order to investigate the effects of this epigenetic modification on the positioning and stability of nucleosomes in vitro[2]. The results demonstrated that a subset of nucleosomes positioned by nucleotide sequence was sensitive to methylation where the modification increased the affinity of these sequences for the histone octamer. The features that distinguished these nucleosomes from the bulk of the methylation-insensitive nucleosomes were an increase in the frequency of CpG dinucleotides and a unique rotational orientation of CpGs such that their minor grooves tended to face toward the histones in the nucleosome rather than away. These methylation-sensitive nucleosomes were preferentially associated with exons as compared to introns while unmethylated CpG islands near transcription start sites became enriched in nucleosomes upon methylation. In order to provide additional validation for these findings, we examined the influence of CpG methylation levels [3] on the genome-wide distributions of nucleosomes reconstituted in vitro [4] derived from leukocyte DNA. Within DNA sequence contexts of high G+C and CpG content, nucleosome occupancy was found not only to be enriched but also strongly correlated with levels of DNA methylation, and these optimal sequence environments were particularly accommodated by exons and CpG islands over other genomic components. Additionally, throughout the predominantly methylated genome, the minor grooves of methylated CpG dinucleotides favoured to lie inwards relative to the histone surface while unmethylated CpGs displayed no rotational orientation. The results in this report support our previous proposal, suggesting that DNA methylation is more directly involved in dictating nucleosome organization, especially in exons and CpG islands. Current efforts entailing comparisons of nucleosome assembly in cells to methylomes are underway to evaluate the effects of DNA methylation on the positioning and stability of nucleosomes in vivo.
Social Networks Over the Lifecycle, and the Relationship between Human Capital and Social Capital

While an extensive literature studies social capital outcomes, the evolution process of social capital remains largely ignored. This paper presents a dynamic model of lifetime decision making of the individual's social capital accumulation. Structural parameters of the model - estimated using the method of simulated moments - explain the observed lifetime variations of social capital stocks and flows. The findings also indicate multiple links between human capital and social capital working in opposite directions: people with more education have higher opportunity costs of time, which increase their costs of investment in social capital. But, at the same time, they also receive greater benefits from their social capital, and because their net benefits are higher we observe higher levels of social capital investment among people with higher education.
Effects of thiotepa on the productivity of male Aedes aegypti

The effects of various concentrations of thiotepa, a chemomutagen, on the genetic fitness of Aedes aegypti males was studied. Oral treatments of 0.025 percent, 0.050 percent and 0.075 percent thiotepa induced sexual sterility in the male mosquitoes. Analyses of total F2 productivity indicate that the mean number of progeny was significantly decreased with exposure to 0.001 percent of the chemomutagen. At 0.001 percent thiotepa only a mean of 198.04 F2 progeny per culture were produced; by comparison the control group gave 315.33.
Tris (2,2′-bipyridyl)ruthenium(II) electrogenerated chemiluminescence in analytical science

Ru(bpy) 3 2+ electrogenerated chemiluminescence (CL) has rapidly gained importance as a sensitive and selective detection method in analytical science. The Ru(bpy) 3 2+ ECL is observed when Ru(bpy) 3 3+ reacts with Ru(bpy) 3 + and yields an excited state Ru(bpy) 3 2+* . ECL emission can also be obtained when a variety of oxidants and reductants react with the reduced or oxidized forms of Ru(bpy) 3 2+ . Either the reductant or the oxidant can be treated as an analyte. The Ru(bpy) 3 2+ ECL is used as a detection method for the determination of oxalate and a variety of amine-containing analytes without derivatization in flowing streams such as flow injection and HPLC. When the ECL format is used as a detector for HPLC, unstable post-column reagent addition can often be eliminated and, the problems of both sample dilution and band broadening can be avoided because the Ru(bpy) 3 3+ species are generatedin situ in the reaction/observation flow cell. Since NADH is sensitively detected with the Ru(bpy) 3 2+ ECL, many clinically important analytes can be detected by coupling them to dehydrogenase enzymes that utilize β-nicotinamide adenine cofactors to convert NAD+ to NADH. Ru(bpy) 3 2+ -derivatives are used as CL labels for immunoassay and PCR assay with Ru(bpy) 3 2+ /tripropylamine ECL system. The Ru(bpy) 3 2+ ECL label can be sensitively determined at subpicomolar concentrations, along with an extremely wide dynamic range of greater than six orders of magnitude. Furthermore, it can eliminate disposal and lifetime problems inherent in radio immunoassays. In this paper, basic principles of the Ru(bpy) 3 2+ ECL are discussed. In addition, analytical applications of the Ru(bpy) 3 2+ ECL are illustrated with examples.
Granulocyte kinetics after thermal injury.

A 30% third-degree burn in rats was used to study granulocyte kinetics after thermal injury. Early postburn leukocytosis, a result of granulocyte demargination and early bone marrow release, was followed by an absolute granulocytopenia, despite elevated concentrations of circulating cells. The total peripheral granulocyte pool was slowly restored to normal in the presence of increased marrow production and release and the re-establishment of a marginating pool.
Weight Changes During Storage of Eggs and Egg Yolks and Change in Rd Values of Yolks from Pullets and Mature Hens

Abstract IT IS A well established fact that an egg is at its highest quality when first laid and that this quality starts to break down soon afterwards. During the loss of quality albumen becomes thin and the yolk enlarges and flattens with the transfer of liquid albumen into the yolk, Sharp and Powell (1930), Hoist and Almquist (1931), Heller, Searcy and Thompson (1932), and Mitchell (1934), and the passage of yolk lipids into the albumen, Smith (1959). The purpose of this study was to determine whether or not shell eggs from pullets and hens decrease in weight and their yolks increase in weight similarly in amount when held up to three weeks of age at room temperature and in an egg cooler at 55°F. and 70–80 percent relative humidity. Also, it was considered desirable to determine the change in Rd value (diffuse reflectance) of yolks from these two different…
Some Analytic Results Pertaining to Stress Redistribution in a Class of Structures Undergoing Primary or Secondary Creep

Upper and lower bounds are derived and various qualitative properties are deduced for solutions of a class of transient creep problems.
Evaluating Heart Structure and Function of Fetuses in Hypertension Disorders During Pregnancy(HDCP) by Echocardiography

Objective To evaluate the heart structure and function of fetuses in hypertension disorders during pregnancy by echocardiography.Methods This group included 30 fetuses of HDCP(hypertension disorders complicating pregnancy),and 65 fetuses of normal pregnancy.Evaluate the heart structure and function of above fetuses by echocardiography.Results Em/Am and S peak of mitral and tricuspid annulus of fetuses of HDCP were lower than that of normal group(P0.05).The traditional E/A had no evident difference between two groups(P0.05).Conclusion The heart structure and function of fetus of HDCP group was transformed.TDI might be a new method and be more sensitive than traditional pulsed Doppler technique to reflect the variation of fetal ventricular diastolic and systolic function.
Resveratrol ameliorates lupus by epigenetic modulation of Foxp3 and IL-17 genes resulting in differential regulation of regulatory T cells and Th17 cells via activation of aryl hydrocarbon receptor (P5129)

Resveratrol (RES), a polyphenolic compound found in plant products, possesses anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anticancer properties. We investigated the use of RES for the treatment of lupus using an animal model. RES treatment significantly suppressed Pristane-induced lupus in SJL/J mice. There was significant downregulation of IL-17 but upregulation of FoxP3 expression. RES initiates its early signaling via AhR and recent studies have suggested that AhR may regulate T cell differentiation. We examined the effect of RES on differentiation of Tregs and Th17 cells, microRNA (miR) profile in T cells, and epigenetic modulation of Foxp3 and IL-17 genes. There was a significant difference in the miR profiles in T cells of RES-treated mice, when compared to vehicle-treated mice. Analysis of 609 miRs revealed dysregulation of 112 miRs including downregulation of miRs (miR-31,-490, -217, and -190) that regulate FoxP3 and upregulation of miRs (miR-200, -203, -431, -494, and -495) that regulate IL-17. Upon examination of epigenetic effects of RES on Foxp3 and IL-17 promoters, we observed significant demethylation of Foxp3 promoter but methylation of IL-17 promoter. Culture of T cells in the presence of RES led to significant increase in Tregs but decrease in Th17 cells in vitro and in vivo. Together, these data demonstrated that RES via AhR regulates epigenetic modulation and can have differential effects on T cell differentiation into Tregs/Th17 cells causing suppression of lupus.
ENaC Proteins in Vascular Smooth Muscle Mechanotransduction

Publisher Summary Mechanotransduction influences many aspects of biological function. In the cardiovascular system, mechanotransduction has a significant impact on vascular function. Multiple signal transduction pathways participate in the transmission of biomechanical forces into cellular signals, including integrins, adhesion molecules, cytoskeleton, and activation of membrane-bound transporters and ion channels. This chapter discusses the potential role of a novel family of ion channels with evolutionarily conserved involvement in mechanotransduction, the degenerin/epithelial Na + channel (DEG/ENaC) family. Members of the family are identified in a diverse range of species and tissue types. Most members of the DEG/ENaC family form cation selective ion channels, some of which are believed to form mechanically gated ion channels. While most research has focused on degenerins in sensory neuron mechanotransduction, emerging evidence suggests ENaC proteins may also participate in vascular-smooth-muscle mechanotransduction. The chapter describes the potential role and physiological importance of ENaC proteins as mechanosensors in vascular smooth muscle.
Clinical and Pathologic Correlation of Increased MYC Gene Copy Number in Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma

Abstract Background Only a few studies have investigated the presence of increased MYC gene copy number (ICN) as a prognostic indicator in patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), and the results have been variable. We compared overall survival in patients with ICN to MYC-negative patients and investigated the prognostic significance of increased MYC gene copy number. Patients and Methods Two groups, those with MYC ICN (n = 33) and those with no MYC aberrations (n = 43), identified by fluorescence in-situ hybridization DNA probes for the MYC region at 8q24, were compared for survival (1-9 years), MYC immunohistochemical (IHC) protein expression, and treatment protocol. Comparison of cases of DLBCL with MYC ICN to those with no MYC aberration demonstrated no significant difference in survival (P = .58). Additionally, no difference in survival was found between patients with increased MYC protein expression (IHC MYC ≥ 40%) compared to those with IHC MYC Results Comparison of Ki-67 proliferation rates, stratified into low and high groups, did not achieve statistical significance (P = .67). Patients with MYC ICN showed a slightly increased MYC protein expression (P > .05). Importantly, the majority of patients in both groups (79% of patients with ICN and 81% of patients with no MYC aberrations) were treated with rituximab-based therapies. Conclusion No significant difference in survival was found between patients with DLBCL with MYC ICN and patients with no MYC aberrations (P = .58).
Magnetic resonance imaging is comparable to computed tomography for determination of glenoid version but does not accurately distinguish between Walch B2 and C classifications.

Background Computed tomography (CT) scan is the standard for the preoperative assessment of glenoid version and morphology before total shoulder arthroplasty. However, the capacity of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to visualize bone morphology has improved with advancing technology. The purpose of this study was to compare the accuracy of MRI to CT for assessment of glenoid version and Walch classification. Methods Three fellowship-trained shoulder surgeons assessed glenoid version and Walch classification of 30 patients with primary shoulder osteoarthritis who received both CT and MRI scans before total shoulder arthroplasty. Version measurements, Walch classification, and observer agreement were compared. Results Mean glenoid version was −15.5° and −18.6° by CT and MRI, respectively ( P = .17). Interobserver reliability coefficients were good for both imaging modalities (CT, 0.73; MRI, 0.62). Intraobserver coefficients were good to excellent for CT (range, 0.76-0.87) and good for MRI (range, 0.75-0.79). For Walch classification, interobserver reliability for both modalities was merely fair, whereas intraobserver reliability was moderate to good. Although identification of type A1, A2, and B1 was nearly identical between CT and MRI, there was observer disagreement on type B2 ( P = .001) and C glenoids ( P = .03). Specifically, MRI underidentified type B2 and overidentified type C compared with CT. Conclusions MRI is largely comparable to CT scan for evaluation of the glenoid, with similar measurements of version and identification of less extreme Walch glenoids. However, MRI is less accurate at distinguishing between type B2 and C glenoids.
Successful Treatment of Esophageal Necrosis Secondary to Acute Type B Aortic Dissection

Esophageal necrosis after descending aortic dissection has been described but with no reports of successful treatment. A 66-year-old man with aortic dissection extending from the left subclavian artery through the common iliac arteries subsequently experienced esophageal necrosis. He underwent thoracic esophagectomy, cervical end esophagostomy, and open gastrostomy tube placement. Gastrointestinal continuity was established with a gastric tube conduit in the substernal plane. An oral diet was tolerated after reconstruction. Treatment of esophageal necrosis after aortic dissection may require esophageal diversion and esophagectomy. Esophageal continuity can later be restored while avoiding the posterior mediastinum.
Myopericytoma of the Thoracic Spine Causing Myelopathy

Myopericytoma (MPC) is a recently described tumor with perivascular myoid differentiation. It was described for the first time by Granter in 1994. In 2002 the WHO classified amongst the perivascular myoma (Fletcher). This neoplasm is ubiquitous in the skin and subcutaneous soft tissues, especially in the lower extremities.
A Further Study of the Optimum Time for Holding a Swimmer on His Marks

(1940). A Further Study of the Optimum Time for Holding a Swimmer on His Marks. Research Quarterly. American Association for Health, Physical Education and Recreation: Vol. 11, No. 1, pp. 53-56.
Oppositional defiant disorder dimensions: genetic influences and risk for later psychopathology.

Background This study was undertaken to determine how well two oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) dimensions (irritable and headstrong/hurtful) assessed in childhood predict late adolescent psychopathology and the degree to which these outcomes can be attributed to genetic influences shared with ODD dimensions. Methods Psychopathology was assessed via diagnostic interviews of 1,225 twin pairs at ages 11 and 17. Results Consistent with hypotheses, the irritable dimension uniquely predicted overall internalizing problems, whereas the headstrong/hurtful dimension uniquely predicted substance use disorder symptoms. Both dimensions were predictive of antisocial behavior and overall externalizing problems. The expected relationships between the irritable dimension and specific internalizing disorders were not found. Twin modeling showed that the irritable and headstrong/hurtful dimensions were related to late adolescent psychopathology symptoms through common genetic influences. Conclusions Symptoms of ODD in childhood pose a significant risk for various mental health outcomes in late adolescence. Further, common genetic influences underlie the covariance between irritable symptoms in childhood and overall internalizing problems in late adolescence, whereas headstrong/hurtful symptoms share genetic influences with substance use disorder symptoms. Antisocial behavior and overall externalizing share common genetic influences with both the irritable and headstrong/hurtful dimensions.
Pentazole and Ammonium Pentazolate: Crystalline Hydro-Nitrogens at High Pressure

Two new crystalline compounds, pentazole (N5H) and ammonium pentazolate (NH4)(N5), both featuring cyclo-N5– are discovered using a first-principles evolutionary search of the nitrogen-rich portion of the hydro-nitrogen binary phase diagram (NxHy, x ≥ y) at high pressures. Both crystals consist of the pentazolate N5– anion and ammonium NH4+ or hydrogen H+ cations. These two crystals are predicted to be thermodynamically stable at pressures above 30 GPa for (NH4)(N5) and 50 GPa for pentazole N5H. The chemical transformation of ammonium azide (NH4)(N3) mixed with dinitrogen (N2) to ammonium pentazolate (NH4)(N5) is predicted to become energetically favorable above 12.5 GPa. To assist in identification of newly synthesized compounds in future experiments, the Raman spectra of both crystals are calculated and mode assignments are made as a function of pressure up to 75 GPa.
Abstract TP175: Intensification of Statin Treatment is Associated With Improved Mortality Among Patients With TIA and Ischemic Stroke

Introduction: Current guidelines for hyperlipidemia among patients with cerebrovascular disease recommend prescribing moderate/high potency statins rather than intensifying (low/moderate) treatment...
Competing magnetic instabilities in the weak itinerant antiferromagnetic TiAu

The binary intermetallic compound TiAu is distinguished by an extremely sharp and narrow density of states peak at the Fermi level that has been proposed, via scattering between mirrored van Hove singularities, to be the mechanism for antiferromagnetic ordering versus the more fundamental ferromagnetic Stoner instability. Here we study, using density functional theory methods, magnetic tendencies and effects of doping, the latter within the virtual crystal approximation (VCA). Ferromagnetic tendencies are quantified using the fixed spin moment approach, illustrating the strong Stoner instability that does not, however, provide the ground state. Use of VCA results allows the identification of the value of the Stoner exchange constant $\mathcal{I}=0.74\phantom{\rule{0.16em}{0ex}}\mathrm{eV}$ for Ti. Magnetic fluctuations not included with semilocal density functionals are quantified with the procedure provided by Ortenzi and coauthors, with alloy concentrations corresponding to the quantum critical points reduced by a factor of three to five. Our results provide useful guidelines for experimental doping studies of TiAu.
Assessment of a simplified set of momentum closure relations for low volume fraction regimes in STAR-CCM+ and OpenFOAM

Abstract Multiphase computational fluid dynamics (M-CFD) modeling approaches provide three-dimensional resolution of complex two-phase flow and boiling heat transfer phenomena, which makes them an invaluable tool for nuclear reactor design applications. By virtue of the Eulerian-Eulerian spatial and temporal averaging framework, additional terms manifest in the phase momentum equations that require closure through prescription of interfacial forces in the stream-wise and lateral flow directions, as well as in the near-wall region. These momentum closures are critical to M-CFD prediction of mean flow profiles, including velocity and volume fraction distributions, and yet while an overwhelming number of them has been developed, no consensus exists on how to assemble them to achieve a simplified set of closures that is numerically robust and extensible to a wide array of flow configurations; further, no consistent demonstration has been shown of the cross-code portability of these closures between CFD softwares. To address these challenges, we propose in this work a simplified set of momentum closures for stream-wise drag and lateral redistribution mechanisms—collectively referred to as the Bubbly And Moderate void Fraction (BAMF) model—and assess its performance by simulation of 12 cases from the Liu and Bankoff experimental database using STAR-CCM+ and OpenFOAM. Both CFD softwares yield mean flow predictions that are in close agreement with the experimental results, and also in close agreement with each other. These results confirm the effectiveness of the BAMF model and its portability between CFD softwares, establishing the foundation upon which future research delving into lateral redistribution and bubble-induced turbulent mechanisms will be constructed.
Hemodynamic Model Inversion by Iterative Extended Kalman Smoother

Hemodynamic model inversion methods are difficult mathematical problems. They require mostly simultaneous system identification and state estimation. This is also true for the model inversion of the functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) data. By use of the blood oxygen level dependent (BOLD) signal, many algorithms were proposed to determine the hemodynamic model parameters. Many of these algorithms require iteration for accurate estimation performance. Interestingly, only few use smoothing in these problems. By incorporating smoother to the usual extended Kalman filter and by use of the iteration we have very good estimation results. The resulting algorithm called iterative extended Kalman smoother (IEKS) was also successful in real data application. We also provided results which show the false view that the extended Kalman type algorithm is poorer in performance compared to particle filters. By extensive simulations, we conclude that the model is weakly nonlinear and IEKS is a good choice for model inversion.
Opto-thermophoretic assembly of colloidal matter

Colloidal matter exhibits unique collective behaviors beyond what occurs at single-nanoparticle and atomic scales. Treating colloidal particles as building blocks, researchers are exploiting new strategies to rationally organize colloidal particles into complex structures for new functions and devices. Despite tremendous progress in directed assembly and self-assembly, a truly versatile assembly technique without specific functionalization of the colloidal particles remains elusive. We develop a new strategy to assemble colloidal matter under a light-controlled temperature field, which can solve challenges in the existing assembly techniques. By adding an anionic surfactant (that is, cetyltrimethylammonium chloride), which serves as a surface charge source, a macro ion, and a micellar depletant, we generate a light-controlled thermoelectric field to manipulate colloidal atoms and a depletion attraction force to assemble the colloidal atoms into two-dimensional (2D) colloidal matter. The general applicability of this opto-thermophoretic assembly (OTA) strategy allows us to build colloidal matter of diverse colloidal sizes (from subwavelength scale to micrometer scale) and materials (polymeric, dielectric, and metallic colloids) with versatile configurations and tunable bonding strengths and lengths. We further demonstrate that the incorporation of the thermoelectric field into the optical radiation force can achieve 3D reconfiguration of the colloidal matter. The OTA strategy releases the rigorous design rules required in the existing assembly techniques and enriches the structural complexity in colloidal matter, which will open a new window of opportunities for basic research on matter organization, advanced material design, and applications.
Colored floaters as a manifestation of digoxin toxicity.

Abstract Purpose Since its report in one patient more than 70 years ago, digitalis-induced colored muscae volitantes have not surfaced again in the literature. We report here a case of digoxin induced colored floaters. Observations An 89-year-old man on 0.25 mg digoxin daily developed visual hallucinations and colored floaters. He had floaters in the past but now they were in various colors including yellow, green, blue and red, though predominantly in yellow. These “weirdly” shaped little particles wiggled around as if in a viscous solution and casted shadows in his vision. He also saw geometric shapes, spirals, and cross hatch patterns of various colors that moved and undulated, especially on wallpaper. Ophthalmic examination revealed reduced visual acuity, poor color vision especially in his left eye, along with central depression on Amsler grid and Humphrey visual field in his left eye. Discontinuation of digoxin resulted in complete resolution of his visual symptoms. On subsequent ophthalmic examination, the patient's visual acuity, field testing and color vision improved and he had normal Amsler grid test results. Conclusions and importance Colored floaters may occur in patients taking cardiac glycosides but this association has not been explored. Unlike optical illusions and visual hallucinations, floaters are entoptic phenomena casting a physical shadow upon the retina and their coloring likely arise from retinal dysfunction. Colored floaters may be a more common visual phenomenon than realized.