Electrophysiological correlates of masked orthographic and phonological priming in Chinese-English bilinguals.

Extensive behavioral and electrophysiological evidence has demonstrated that native translations are automatically activated when bilinguals read non-native words. The present study investigated the impact of cross-language orthography and phonology on Chinese-English bilingual lexicons with a masked priming paradigm. The masked primes and targets were either translation equivalents (TE), orthographically related through translation (OR), phonologically related through translation (PR), or unrelated control (UC). Participants retained the targets in memory and decided whether the delayed catch words matched the targets. ERP data showed significant masked translation priming effects, as reflected by decreased ERP amplitudes in the TE condition in the 300-600 ms time window from frontal to parietal electrode clusters. Importantly, compared with the UC condition, the PR rather than OR condition elicited less negative ERP waveforms in the 300-500 ms time window with a frontal distribution. Taken together, these temporal and spatial dynamics suggested an automatic cross-language co-activation at the phonological and semantic levels for different-script bilinguals.

Sweep frequency method with variance weight probability for temperature extraction of the Brillouin gain spectrum based on an artificial neural network.

The development of optical fiber sensors has led to the possibility of accumulating vast, real-time databases of acoustic and other measurements throughout fiber networks, which brings even more widespread concern on improving the sampling effectiveness. In this paper, we present two kinds of sweep frequency methods based on using a neural network to extract temperature from the Brillouin gain spectrum (BGS). Gauss centralization and variance weight probability methods are proposed to compare with the uniform sweep frequency method. By analyzing formulas of the ideal BGS model, we find the gain near the peak of Brillouin gain spectrum has greater correlation with temperature extraction than other positions. Therefore, the Gaussian centralized sweep method is proposed. We further investigate the variation of the weights in the neural network and Brillouin data distribution in different positions and find that the variance is positively correlated with the weights in hidden layers. So, we propose the sweep frequency method based on variance weight probability and make a complement to interpret the rationality of this method in neural network. In all the aforementioned approaches, 281 points are obtained between the 9.07 GHz to 9.35 GHz range under the same condition. The data of each method is trained ten times and tested through the same neural network structure. All the RMSE of each test stage covers all data collecting the passage. The result shows that the RMSE of variance weight probability sweep frequency method is 0.5277, which is superior to the Gauss centralization sweep frequency method that was 0.6864 and the uniform sweep frequency method that was 0.9140.

[Effects of Yangjing capsule on the ultrastructure of seminal vesicles in aged rats].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effects of Yangjing Capsule (YJC) on the ultrastructure of seminal vesicles in aged male rats, and explore its mechanism of improving the secretion of seminal vesicles. METHODS: Fifty male SD rats aged 18 -20 months were randomly and equally divided into a control group, a testosterone undecanoate group, and a high-dose, a medium-dose and a low-dose YJC group, all fed intragastrically for 30 days. Then the seminal vesicles of the rats were removed and the seminal fluid squeezed into the test tube to be weighed and measured for the concentration of seminal vesicle fluid fructose, and the bilateral seminal vesicles were placed in formaldehyde and glutaraldehyde fixatives for histological observation. RESULTS: The seminal vesicle gland viscera coefficient, seminal vesicle fluid weight and fructose concentration of the rats were (1164.5 +/- 212.6) g/g x 10(6), (0.83 +/- 0.30) g and (4.35 +/- 0.31) mg/ml in the control group, (1510.5 +/- 313.1) g/g x 10(6), (0.82 +/- 0.25) g and (5.35 +/- 0.71) mg/ml in the testosterone undecanoate group, (1484.3 +/- 262.7) g/g x 10(6), (1.14 +/- 0.18) g and (5.30 +/- 0.45) mg/ml in the high-dose YJC group, (1396.6 +/- 268.9) g/g x 10(6), (0.83 +/- 0.24) g and (4.71 +/- 0.41) mg/ml in the medium-dose YJC group, and (1475.0 +/- 305.2) g/g x 10(6), (0.74 +/- 0.28) g and (4.50 +/- 0.23) mg/ml in the low-dose YJC group. Compared with the control, high-dose YJC significantly improved seminal vesicle secretion (P < 0.05), while medium- and low-dose only achieved a trend of improvement. After HE staining, the YJC groups showed more active epithelial hyperplasia, increased cellular layers, rich and transparent cytoplasm with abundant secretory granules, fat droplets and lipofuscin, blurred glandular cavity edge, and eosinophilic intraluminal secretions, as compared with the control group. The structural change was most significant in the high-dose group. Statistically significant differences were observed in the numerical density and bulk density of the secretory granules between the YJC and control groups (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Yangjing Capsule can improve the secretion of seminal vesicles by increasing the secretory granules of the main

[Regulatory effect of Yangjing Capsule on the expressions of phosphor-Erk1 and phosphor-Akt1 in the corpus cavernosum of aged rats].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of Yangjing Capsule on the expressions of P-Erk1 and P-Akt1 in the corpus cavernosum of aged rats and to explore its action mechanism. METHODS: Forty 24-month-old SD rats were equally randomized into an experimental and a control group, 10 selected from each group for detection of the eNOS expression before medication. The rats in the experimental group (n = 10) were treated intragastrically with Yangjing Capsule, while those in the control with physiological saline, both at 0.5 g per kg body weight per day for 4 weeks. Then all the rats were killed, and the corpus cavernosum tissues harvested for determination of the expressions of eNOS, P-Erk1 and P-Akt1 by HE staining, RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: Obvious distension was observed in the experimental group, but not in the control. The expression of eNOS in the rat corpus cavernosum was significantly higher after treatment than before treatment in the experimental group (24.10 +/- 2.40 vs 18.80 +/- 2.04, P < 0.05), but presented no obvious difference in the control (18.15 +/- 1.98 vs 19.35 +/- 1.50, P > 0.05), and it was remarkably higher in the former than in the latter (P < 0.05). The expression of P-Erk1 was markedly lower in the experimental than in the control rats (0.71 +/- 0.13 vs 0.83 +/- 0.17, P < 0.01), but that of P-Akt1 exhibited no remarkable difference in the same condition of GAPDH between the two groups (0.58 +/- 0.17 vs 0.48 + 0.13, P > 0.01). CONCLUSION: Both P-Erk1 and P-Akt were expressed in the corpus cavernosum of the aged rats. Yangjing Capsule could improve the sexual function of aged rats, which might be associated with the lowered expression of P-Erk1.

[Effects of Yixin Kangtai capsule on spermatogenesis and the levels of superoxide dismutase and malondialdehyde in aged SD rats].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effects of Yixin Kangtai Capsule (YKC) on sperm concentration and motility, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and malondialdehyde (MDA) in aged SD rats, and to explore its possible mechanisms of action. METHODS: We randomly assigned fifty 24-month-old male SD rats to five groups of equal number: blank control, testosterone undecanoate, high-dose YKC, medium-dose YKC and low-dose YKC, and treated them intragastrically with physiological saline at 10 ml/kg, testosterone un-decanoate suspension at 4 mg/kg, and YKC at 0.6 g/kg, 0.3 g/kg and 0.15 g/kg, respectively, once a day for 30 days. Then we harvested the epididymides, which were stripped of fat and envelope, cut into pieces and placed in the saline at 37 degrees C for 10 to 15 minutes. Then we detected the sperm parameters with the Weili CASA sperm analysis system, measured the levels of serum SOD and MDA, and, following HE staining, observed the histomorphological changes of the testicular tissue under the light microscope. RESULTS: Compared with the controls, the rats treated with high-, medium- and low-dose YKC exhibited significantly increased sperm concentration ([152.3 +/- 24.0] x 10(6)/ml vs [334.5 +/- 97.7], [302.7 +/- 158.9] and [221.4 +/- 75.6] x 10(6)/ml, P < 0.05) and markedly improved sperm motility ([26.5 +/- 2.0]% vs [35.5 +/- 5.9], [33.1 +/- 5.4] and [28.4 +/- 2.1]%, P < 0.01). High-dose YKC significantly increased the level of serum SOD ([22.0 +/- 5.3] U/ml, P < 0.01) and reduced the content of MDA ([13.6 +/- 4.6] nmol/ ml, P < 0.01). Testicular histology showed that YKC induced more active proliferation of cells, and increased the number of dividing cells and that of mature sperm in the lumen, with little interstitium, abundant blood vessels, and well-developed stromal cells. CONCLUSION: Yixin Kangtai Capsule can improve spermatogenesis in aged SD rats by regulating the levels of SOD and MDA.

[Yangjing capsule plus low-dose tadalafil for functional anejaculation].

OBJECTIVE: To search for an effective therapy for functional anejaculation (AE). METHODS: Fifty-five AE patients were randomized into a treatment group (n = 30) and a control group (n = 25), the former treated with Yangjing Capsule (once 5 pills, tid) and low-dose tadalafil (5 mg, qd alt, 1 h before bedtime), while the latter with oral ephedrine (25 mg before bedtime). Meanwhile, the patients were advised to expose themselves to sexual stimulation, reduce the frequency of sexual intercourses and quit masturbation. The medication lasted 1-3 months, followed by observation of the therapeutic effects. RESULTS: The total effectiveness rate was 83.34% in the treatment group, 11 cases cured, 8 obviously improved, 6 improved and 5 unimproved, significantly higher than 40.00% in the control group, 4 cases cured, 3 obviously improved, 3 improved and 15 unimproved (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Yangiing Capsule plus low-dose tadalafil is safe and effective for the treatment of functional anejaculation.

[Molecular mechanisms of proliferation and differentiation of spermatogonial stem cells].

Clinically many patients with non-obstructive azoospermia cannot benefit from assisted reproductive technology for absence of spermatozoa. However, the achievement in the studies of spermatogonial stem cells has brought hope to this cohort. This article reviews the molecular mechanisms of the proliferation and differentiation of spermatogonial stem cells, in such aspects as related genes, growth factors, and so on.

[Kidney-tonifying and dampness-expelling Chinese herbal medicine combined with doxazosin for the treatment of chronic epididymitis].

OBJECTIVE: To study the clinical effects of kidney-tonifying and dampness-expelling Chinese herbal medicine combined with doxazosin in the treatment of chronic epididymitis. METHODS: A total of 64 patients with chronic epididymitis were equally randomized into a treatment and a control group, the former treated with kidney-tonifying and dampness-expelling Chinese herbal decoction combined with doxazosin, and the latter given doxazosin only, both for 4 weeks. The clinical symptoms were measured by Chronic Epididymitis Symptom Index (CESI), Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS) and Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS) before and after the treatment, and the therapeutic effects were evaluated. RESULTS: After 4 weeks of medication, the total mean scores on CESI, pain, and quality of life (QOL) were significantly decreased in both the treatment and the control groups (P < 0.05), even more significantly in the former than in the latter (P < 0.05), and so were the scores on SAS and SDS (P < 0.05), but with no significant differences between the two groups (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Either doxazosin alone or kidney-tonifying and dampness-expelling Chinese herbal decoction combined with doxazosin is obviously effective on chronic epididymitis, but the combined medication produces an even better efficacy.

[Qianlie Beixi capsule for unliquefiable semen: a clinical study of 180 cases].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the efficacy and possible action mechanism of Qianlie Beixi Capsule in the treatment of unliquefiable semen. METHODS: A total of 240 patients with unliquefiable semen were randomly divided into a treatment group (n = 180), treated with Qianlie Beixi Capsule, and a control group (n = 60), given compound tablets of zinc and protein. The treatment lasted two courses of 45 days each, and the seminal changes were observed and recorded. RESULTS: Of the patients in the treatment group, 144 were cured, 12 responded and 24 failed to respond to the medication after the first course; and 158 were cured, 7 responded and 15 failed to after the second course, with the effectiveness rate of 91.67%. Meanwhile, sperm motility was obviously improved, with statistically significant difference from that of the controls (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Qianlie Beixi Capsule is effective for unliquefiable semen by improving the function of the prostate and shortening the time of seminal liquefaction.

[Correlation of premature ejaculation with central lumber intervertebral disc herniation].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the correlation of premature ejaculation (PE) with central lumber intervertebral disc herniation (CLIDH) and the pathogenesis of PE, and to search for a convenient, effective and non-invasive method for the treatment of PE. METHODS: A total of 263 selected PE patients underwent CT, and those that were found with CLIDH were randomized into a treatment group (n=180) and a control (n=60), the former treated by lumbar traction and the latter with sertraline hydrochloride tablets, both for 24 weeks. CIPE-5 scores of all the patients were analyzed, and the ejaculation latency and sexual satisfaction were recorded before and after the treatment. RESULTS: Among the 263 PE patients, CLIDH was confirmed in 240 (91%). After the treatment, CIPE-5 scores, ejaculation latency and sexual satisfaction were markedly improved in the treatment group, with significant statistic difference from pre-treatment (P < 0.01). Significant differences were also observed between the treatment and the control groups after the treatment (P < 0.05), but not in the control group between pre- and post-treatment. CONCLUSION: CLIDH may be one of the important causes of most "unexplainable" PE cases. And lumbar traction, non-invasive, highly effective and easily manipulable, has provided a new access to the diagnosis and treatment of the PE patients with CLIDH.

[The role of seminal vesicles in male reproduction and sexual function].

The present review is intended to give an outlook on the relationship between male reproduction and seminal vesicles, which are an important subsidiary gonad of males and play a key role in male fertility process. Seminal vesicle secretion is important for semen coagulation and may promote sperm motility, increase stability of sperm chromatin, and suppress the immune activity in the female reproductive tract. Furthermore, the sexual function of males is closely related to the swelling degree of seminal vesicles. The abnormal function of seminal vesicles may give rise to sexual dysfunction and infertility of males.

Expression of a novel beta adaptin subunit mRNA splice variant in human testes.

AIM: To identify a novel isoform of adaptin 2 beta subunit (named Ap2beta-NY) and to investigate its relationship with testicular development and spermatogenesis. METHODS: Using a human testis cDNA microarray, a clone (Ap2beta-NY), which was strongly expressed in adult testes but weakly expressed in embryo testes, was sequenced and analyzed. Using polymerase chain reaction (PCR), the tissue distribution and expression time pattern of Ap2beta-NY were determined. RESULTS: Ap2beta-NY was identified and has been deposited in the GenBank (AY341427). The expression level of Ap2beta-NY in the adult testis was about 3-fold higher than that in the embryo testis. PCR analysis using multi-tissue cDNA indicated that Ap2beta-NY was highly expressed in the testis, spleen, thymus, prostate, ovary, blood leukocyte and brain, but not in the heart, placenta, lung, liver, skeletal muscle, kidney and pancreas. In addition, Ap2beta-NY was variably expressed in the testes of patients with spermatogenesis-disturbance and spermatogenesis-arrest but not expressed in those of Sertoli-cell-only syndrome, which implied that, in the testis, Ap2beta-NY was restrictively expressed in germ cells. CONCLUSION: Ap2beta-NY is an isoform of Ap2beta and may be involved in regulating the process of spermatogenesis and testis development.