Reconfigurable task-dependent functional coupling modes cluster around a core functional architecture

Functional coupling across distributed brain regions varies across task contexts, yet there are stable features. To better understand the range and central tendencies of network configurations, coupling patterns were explored using functional MRI (fMRI) across 14 distinct continuously performed task states ranging from passive fixation to increasingly demanding classification tasks. Mean global correlation profiles across the cortex ranged from 0.69 to 0.82 between task states. Network configurations from both passive fixation and classification tasks similarly predicted task coactivation patterns estimated from meta-analysis of the literature. Thus, even across markedly different task states, central tendencies dominate the coupling configurations. Beyond these shared components, distinct task states displayed significant differences in coupling patterns in response to their varied demands. One possibility is that anatomical connectivity provides constraints that act as attractors pulling network configurations towards a limited number of robust states. Reconfigurable coupling modes emerge as significant modifications to a core functional architecture.     

Ischemic Ventricular Tachycardia Presenting as a Narrow Complex Tachycardia

This report describes a patient presenting with a narrow complex tachycardia in the context of prior myocardial infarction and impaired ventricular function. Electrophysiological studies confirmed ventricular tachycardia and activation and entrainment mapping demonstrated a critical isthmus within an area of scar involving the His-Purkinje system accounting for the narrow QRS morphology. This very rare case shares some similarities with upper septal ventricular tachycardia seen in patients with structurally normal hearts, but to our knowledge has not been seen previously in patients with ischemic heart disease.     

Stingers in a strange land: South American freshwater stingrays (Potamotrygonidae) in Singapore

South American freshwater stingrays of the family Potamotrygonidae have long been popular worldwide as ornamentals in the aquarium trade. Despite this, there have so far not been any reported cases of their establishment elsewhere in the world. Here, we document the ocellate river stingray, Potamotrygon motoro, as having established itself in Singapore. This represents the first alien record of a South American freshwater stingray outside the Neotropics.     

Measuring the lung function in the mouse: the challenge of size

Measurement of the effects of drugs, mediators and infectious agents on various models of lung disease, as well as assessment of lung function in the intact mouse has the potential for significantly advancing our knowledge of lung disease. However, the small size of the mouse presents significant challenges for the assessment of lung function. Because of compromises made between precision and noninvasiveness, data obtained may have an uncertain bearing on the mechanical response of the lung. Nevertheless, considerable recent progress has been made in developing valid and useful measures of mouse lung function. These advances, resulting in our current ability to measure sophisticated indices of lung function in laboratory animals, are likely to lead to important insights into the mechanisms of lung disease.     

Regulation of pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) gene transcription by interleukin-31 via early growth response 1 (EGR-1) in HaCaT keratinocytes

Molecular Biology Reports - Pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) is a large precursor protein of and β-endorphin. POMC expressed in keratinocytes regulates various pathophysiological responses, such as...