julilili42/papers huggingface dataset:
UV exposure in cars
2003-08-01

Background: There is increasing knowledge about the hazards of solar and ultraviolet (UV) radiation to humans. Although people spend a significant time in cars, data on UV exposure during traveling are lacking. The aim of this study was to obtain basic information on personal UV exposure in cars. Methods: UV transmission of car glass samples, windscreen, side and back windows and sunroof, was determined. UV exposure of passengers was evaluated in seven German middle‐class cars, fitted with three different types of car windows. UV doses were measured with open or closed windows/sunroof of Mercedes‐Benz E 220 T, E 320, and S 500, and in an open convertible car (Mercedes‐Benz CLK). Bacillus subtilis spore film dosimeters (Viospor) were attached to the front, vertex, cheeks, upper arms, forearms and thighs of ‘adult’ and ‘child’ dummies. Results: UV wavelengths longer than &gt;335 nm were transmitted through car windows, and UV irradiation &gt;380 nm was transmitted through compound glass windscreens. There was some variation in the spectral transmission of side windows according to the type of glass. On the arms, UV exposure was 3–4% of ambient radiation when the car windows were shut, and 25–31% of ambient radiation when the windows were open. In the open convertible car, the relative personal doses reached 62% of ambient radiation. Conclusions: The car glass types examined offer substantial protection against short‐wave UV radiation. Professional drivers should keep car windows closed on sunny days to reduce occupational UV exposure. In individuals with polymorphic light eruption, produced by long‐wave UVA, additional protection by plastic films, clothes or sunscreens appears necessary.
In Vitro Simulation of Stance Phase Gait Part I: Model Verification
2003-08-01

An in vitro simulator was developed to reproduce the kinematics and kinetics of stance phase gait on cadaver foot specimens. Ground reaction force was applied by a tilting angle- and force-controlled translation stage upon which a pressure measuring platform was mounted; tibial rotation was reproduced by a servomotor. Force was applied to nine tendons of the foot flexor and extensor muscle groups, and three-dimensional hind- and forefoot motion was measured. The model was verified based on in vivo kinematic and kinetic measurements. It was found to be in good general agreement with some exceptions which include a slightly more lateral gait line.
CloR, a Bifunctional Non-heme Iron Oxygenase Involved in Clorobiocin Biosynthesis
2003-08-01

The aminocoumarin antibiotics novobiocin and clorobiocin contain a 3-dimethylallyl-4-hydroxybenzoate (3DMA-4HB) moiety. The biosynthesis of this moiety has now been identified by biochemical and molecular biological studies. CloQ from the clorobiocin biosynthetic gene cluster in Streptomyces roseochromogenes DS 12976 has recently been identified as a 4-hydroxyphenylpyruvate-3-dimethylallyltransferase. In the present study, the enzyme CloR was overexpressed in Escherichia coli, purified, and identified as a bifunctional non-heme iron oxygenase, which converts 3-dimethylallyl-4-hydroxyphenylpyruvate (3DMA-4HPP) via 3-dimethylallyl-4-hydroxymandelic acid (3DMA-4HMA) to 3DMA-4HB by two consecutive oxidative decarboxylation steps. In 18O2 labeling experiments we showed that two oxygen atoms are incorporated into the intermediate 3DMA-4HMA in the first reaction step, but only one further oxygen is incorporated into the final product 3DMA-4HB during the second reaction step. CloR does not show sequence similarity to known oxygenases. It apparently presents a novel member of the diverse family of the non-heme iron (II) and alpha-ketoacid-dependent oxygenases, with 3DMA-4HPP functioning both as an alpha-keto acid and as a hydroxylation substrate. The reaction catalyzed by CloR represents a new pathway for the formation of benzoic acids in nature.
Prior Knowledge about Display Inversion in Biological Motion Perception
2003-08-01

Display inversion severely impedes veridical perception of point-light biological motion (Pavlova and Sokolov, 2000 Perception &amp; Psychophysics62 889–899; Sumi, 1984 Perception13 283–286). Here, by using a spontaneous-recognition paradigm, we ask whether prior information about display orientation improves biological motion perception. Participants were shown a set of 180° inverted point-light stimuli depicting a human walker and quadrupeds (dogs). In experiment 1, one group of observers was not aware of the orientation of stimuli, whereas the other group was told beforehand that stimuli will be presented upside down. In experiment 2, independent groups of participants informed about stimulus orientation saw the same set of stimuli, in each of which either a moving or a static background line was inserted. The findings indicate that information about display inversion is insufficient for reliable recognition of inverted point-light biological motion. Instead, prior information facilitates display recognition only when it is complemented by additional contextual elements. It appears that visual impressions from inverted point-light stimuli remain impenetrable with respect to one's knowledge about display orientation. The origins of orientation specificity in biological motion perception are discussed in relation to the recent neuroimaging data obtained with point-light stimuli and fragmented Mooney faces.
Expression of the B7‐related molecule ICOSL by human glioma cells in vitro and in vivo
2003-08-01

Abstract Human glioblastoma is a highly lethal tumor known for its capability of interfering with effective antitumor immune responses. Costimulatory signals are of critical relevance in both the inductive and effector phases of immune responses. Inducible costimulator‐ligand (ICOSL), a member of the B7 family of costimulatory molecules related to CD80/CD86, regulates CD4 as well as CD8 T‐cell responses via interaction with its receptor, ICOS, on activated T cells. We report the expression of ICOSL by glioma cells in vitro and in vivo. In contrast to CD80 (B7.1) and CD86 (B7.2), ICOSL protein and mRNA was expressed in 7 of 12 glioma cell lines. ICOSL expression is upregulated by the inflammatory cytokine, tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α), whereas interferon‐γ (IFN‐γ) has no such effect. Further, immunohistochemical analysis of human brain tumors demonstrates the expression of ICOSL in three of four tissue samples. ICOSL expression is functional in that a neutralizing ICOSL antibody (HIL‐131) reduces Th1 and Th2 cytokine levels in cocultures of peripheral blood lymphocytes or T‐cell subsets (CD4 and CD8) with glioma cells. However, ICOSL gene transfer into glioma cells does not alter their immunogenicity under primary or secondary alloreactive coculture assays. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Inverse Response of Leukocyte Heat Shock Proteins and DNA Damage to Exercise and Heat
2003-08-01

Elevated ambient temperature may exert an additional impact on the exercise-induced expression of heat shock proteins (HSP) and DNA damage in leukocytes. The protective functions of HSP include antioxidative and antiapoptotic effects and may prevent damage to DNA. Twelve athletes completed a continuous run (75% VO2max) on the treadmill, six at 28 degrees C and six at 18 degrees C room temperature. Leukocyte expression of HSP27 and inducible HSP70 was analyzed on mRNA- (RT-PCR) and protein-level (flow cytometry), while DNA damage was quantified by the comet assay. High ambient temperature induced an additional accumulation of HSP-mRNA and -protein in leukocytes compared with the exercise-induced expression at 18 degrees C. HSP27 showed a special heat sensitivity. Surprisingly, the increase of DNA damage was less pronounced after exercise at 28 degrees C compared to 18 degrees C although heat shock in vitro clearly induced DNA damage. The inverse relation between HSP and DNA damage may indicate functions of HSP which protect against exercise-induced DNA-damage in terms of thermotolerance or apoptosis.
In Vitro Simulation of Stance Phase Gait Part II: Simulated Anterior Tibial Tendon Dysfunction and Potential Compensation
2003-08-01

The diagnosis of anterior tibial tendon tear is often missed. The ability of the remaining ankle extensor muscles to compensate for lost anterior tibial force was thus investigated. The effect of tibialis anterior deficiency on tarsal bone motion and plantar pressure was measured during in vitro simulated stance phase gait on eight cadaver specimens. Increased internal rotation, plantarflexion, and inversion of the talus and calcaneus ( p ≤ .001), as well as significant reductions of plantar pressure on the heel ( p ≤ .04) were observed during the first half of the stance phase. The observed drop foot was partly compensated by increased extensor muscle force.
Mutant Analysis of the Escherichia coli FhuA Protein Reveals Sites of FhuA Activity
2003-08-01

ABSTRACT The FhuA outer membrane protein of Escherichia coli actively transports ferrichrome, albomycin, and rifamycin CGP 4832, and confers sensitivity to microcin J25, colicin M, and the phages T1, T5, and φ80. Guided by the FhuA crystal structure and derived predictions on how FhuA might function, mutants were isolated in the cork domain (residues 1 to 160) and in the β-barrel domain (residues 161 to 714). Deletion of the TonB box (residues 7 to 11) completely inactivated all TonB-dependent functions of FhuA. Fixation of the cork to turn 7 of the barrel through a disulfide bridge between introduced C27 and C533 residues abolished ferrichrome transport, which was restored by reduction of the disulfide bond. Deletion of residues 24 to 31, including the switch helix (residues 24 to 29), which upon binding of ferrichrome to FhuA undergoes a large structural transition (17 Å) and exposes the N terminus of FhuA (TonB box) to the periplasm, reduced FhuA transport activity (79% of the wild-type activity) but conferred full sensitivity to colicin M and the phages. Duplication of residues 23 to 30 or deletion of residues 13 to 20 resulted in FhuA derivatives with properties similar to those of FhuA with a deletion of residues 24 to 31. However, a frameshift mutation that changed QSEA at positions 18 to 21 to KKAP abolished almost completely most of FhuA's activities. The conserved residues R93 and R133 among energy-coupled outer membrane transporters are thought to fix the cork to the β-barrel by forming salt bridges to the conserved residues E522 and E571 of the β-barrel. Proteins with the E522R and E571R mutations were inactive, but inactivity was not caused by repulsion of R93 by R522 and R571 and of R133 by R571. Point mutations in the cork at sites that move or do not move upon the binding of ferrichrome had no effect or conferred only slightly reduced activities. It is concluded that the TonB box is essential for FhuA activity. The TonB box region has to be flexible, but its distance from the cork domain can greatly vary. The removal of salt bridges between the cork and the barrel affects the structure but not the function of FhuA.
On the homology of the posteriormost gill arch in polypterids (Cladistia, Actinopterygii)
2003-08-01

Polypterids are unusual among ray-finned fishes in possessing only four rather than five gill arches. We review the two current hypotheses regarding the homology of the last gill arch in polypterids: that it represents (1) the fifth or (2) the fourth arch of other actinopterygians. Arguments for the alternative hypotheses drawn from different anatomical systems are compiled and evaluated. We conclude that in polypterids the last arch represents the fourth arch of other Actinopterygii and the fifth arch is absent.
Investigation of the retention behaviour of steroids with calixarene‐based stationary phases by modern NMR spectroscopy
2003-08-01

Abstract A separation of four structurally similar steroids was performed on two calix[8]arene based stationary phases. It was observed that two of the steroids had a reversed retention order when the columns were changed. This implies that two different retention mechanisms are taking place when the analytes are separated. In order to evaluate the mechanism responsible for the reversal of the retention order an extensive study of the interactions between the stationary phases and the analytes was undertaken. By performing a series of transferred NOESY measurements in the suspended state valuable information was obtained about the strengths of the interactions between the analytes and the stationary phases. The magnitudes of the integrals from the trNOESY measurements showed a good correlation with the k ́ values obtained from the chromatographic evaluation. The retention mechanism is based mainly on hydrophobic interactions. However, the reversal of the elution order was mainly due to an additional π‐π interaction between one of the analytes and the stationary phase.
Temporal variations in immune responses to conserved regions of Plasmodium falciparum merozoite surface proteins related to the severity of a prior malaria episode in Gabonese children
2003-08-01

We measured cellular and humoral responses to conserved regions of Plasmodium falciparum merozoite surface proteins 1 and 2 (MSP-1 and MSP-2) at different times during and after acute infection in matched groups of Gabonese children who presented with either mild or severe malaria. We used an MSP-1(19) recombinant protein and peptides corresponding to conserved epitopes in MSP-1 and MSP-2 N- and C-terminal regions. The prevalences of peptide-induced cell-mediated responses were maximal in both groups when they were healthy, but were consistently higher in the mild malaria group, whereas peptide-specific antibody responses were consistently highest in the severe malaria group. Recombinant MSP-1(19) protein-specific antibody levels in the 2 groups were similar both prior to and 1 month post-treatment but declined later when the children were healthy and parasite-free, to a significantly lower level in those admitted with severe malaria, reflecting the profile of the predominant MSP-1(19)-specific immunoglobulin G1 isotype. This finding implies a defect in the ability of children with a history of severe malaria to maintain an antibody response putatively associated with immunity to P. falciparum malaria.
TOPOLOGY OF CENTER VORTICES
2003-08-01

In this talk I study the topology of mathematically idealised center\\nvortices, defined in a gauge invariant way as closed (infinitely thin) flux\\nsurfaces (in D=4 dimensions) which contribute the power of a\\nnon-trivial center element to Wilson loops when they are n-foldly linked to the\\nlatter. In ordinary 3-space generic center vortices represent closed magnetic\\nflux loops which evolve in time. I show that the topological charge of such a\\ntime-dependent vortex loop can be entirely expressed by the temporal changes of\\nits writhing number.\\n
CloN2, a novel acyltransferase involved in the attachment of the pyrrole-2-carboxyl moiety to the deoxysugar of clorobiocin
2003-08-01

The aminocoumarin antibiotic clorobiocin contains a 5-methylpyrrole-2-carboxylic acid unit, attached via an ester bond to the 3-OH group of the deoxysugar moiety. To investigate candidate genes responsible for the formation of this ester bond, a gene inactivation experiment was carried out in the clorobiocin producer Streptomyces roseochromogenes var. oscitans DS 12.976. An in-frame deletion was created in the coding sequence of the gene cloN2 . The production of secondary metabolites in the wild-type and in the cloN2 mutant was analysed. The wild-type showed clorobiocin as the main product, whereas the cloN2 mutant accumulated a new aminocoumarin derivative, novclobiocin 104, lacking the pyrrole moiety at the 3-OH of the deoxysugar. In addition, free pyrrole-2-carboxylic acid accumulated in the culture extract of the cloN2 mutant. The structures of the metabolites were confirmed by NMR and LC-MS analysis. Clorobiocin production was successfully restored in the cloN2 mutant by introducing a replicative plasmid containing the cloN2 sequence. These results prove an involvement of cloN2 in the formation of the ester bond between the pyrrole moiety and the deoxysugar in clorobiocin biosynthesis. Furthermore, they indicate that the C -methylation at position 5 of the pyrrole moiety occurs after the attachment of pyrrole-2-carboxylic acid unit to the deoxysugar moiety.
Treatment strategies for bronchopulmonary dysplasia with postnatal corticosteroids in Europe: the EURAIL survey*
2003-08-01

Aim : To survey practices in 14 European countries and describe strategies for the prevention and treatment of bronchopulmonary dysplasia with postnatal steroids (PNS). Methods : In 1999–2000 questionnaires covering the use of PNS were sent to every neonatal unit taking very preterm newborns in charge, in population‐based areas covering at least 20000 births annually. One questionnaire was sent to surveyed unit. The participating areas were chosen by an expert from each country participating in the Europe Against Immature Lung (EURAIL) study group. Results : Responses to 331 questionnaires were received; the mean response rate by countries was 84% (range 64–100%). Teaching hospitals accounted for 19% of the responding units. The number of extremely premature newborns (less than 28 wk of gestation) admitted yearly to these units was 0 in 16%, &lt; 20 in 62%, 20–39 in 11% and &gt; 39 in 11%. Overall, 67% of the centres used PNS: 48% initiated treatment in non‐intubated infants and 53% at 7–14 d. Treatment duration was 4–15 d in 62% and &gt; 15 d in 21%. PNS administration was limited to intubated infants less often in smaller units [odds ratio (OR) 0.2, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 0.1–0.6] and more often in non‐teaching hospitals (OR 2.5, 95% CI 2.5–5.0). Conclusions : Although PNS have important side effects, they were still widely used in 1999 to treat or prevent chronic lung disease. Surprisingly, steroids are still prescribed in non‐ventilated infants. PNS use should be based on guidelines derived from the evidence from randomized controlled trials. This evidence should be regularly updated and disseminated.
Effects of magnetic field on two-dimensional superconducting quantum interference filters
2003-08-01

We present an experimental study of two-dimensional (2D) superconducting quantum interference filters (SQIFs) in the presence of a magnetic field B. Although the nonlinear dynamics of the 2D SQIF are much more complex than those of previously studied one-dimensional SQIFs, we found for the 2D SQIF a similar dependence of the voltage V on the magnetic field applied, which is characterized by a unique delta-like dip at B=0. The voltage span of the dip depends on the distribution of areas of the individual loops, and on the bias current, and it scales proportionally to the number of rows simultaneously operating at the same working point. In addition, the voltage response of individual rows of the 2D SQIF is sensitive to the field gradient generated by a control line superimposed on the homogeneous field of a coil. This feature suggests the use of these devices as highly sensitive absolute detectors of spatial gradients of the magnetic field.
Protection of mice against Philadelphia chromosome-positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia by cell-based vaccination using nonviral, minimalistic expression vectors and immunomodulatory oligonucleotides.
2003-08-01

Our data indicate that immunization with B7.1/GM-CSF-expressing cell vaccines generated by electroporation and application of double stem-loop immunomodulating oligonucleotide protected mice against a murine Ph(+) ALL challenge. Ultimately, this approach may also lead to clinical benefit in patients with Ph(+) ALL.
Novel Hemoglobin Variant [β66(E10) Lys→Asn], with Decreased Oxygen Affinity, Causes Falsely Low Hemoglobin A1c Values by HPLC
2003-08-01

The lysine in position 66 of the β chain of hemoglobin (Hb) is located within the heme-binding pocket and is functionally important for oxygen binding (1). The lysine is exceptionally prone to glycation (2) and to modification by advanced glycation endproducts. In this journal, Iwamoto et al. (3) recently proposed an automated immunologic assay for Hb that is specifically advanced glycation endproduct-modified at Lys66. Here we report on a novel Hb variant at this position [β66(E10) Lys→Asn] found in a 73-year-old Caucasian patient with a 9-month history of type 1 diabetes mellitus secondary to recurrent necrotizing pancreatitis and choledocholithiasis. He was referred to us because of insufficient metabolic control: in the previous 4-month period, his fasting blood glucose (FBG) had been in the range of 6.3–13.6 mmol/L and his postprandial blood glucose had been in the range of 8.8–17.0 mmol/L. On admission, his FBG was 13.6 mmol/L. The blood smear results, complete blood count, reticulocyte count, and other markers for chronic anemia or hemolysis were within the appropriate reference intervals. HbF (0.6%) and HbA2 (2.1%) were not increased. The initial measurement of HbA1c by cation-exchange HPLC (Tosoh HLC723-GHb A1c Version 2.2; Tosoh/Eurogenetics) gave a markedly low HbA1c value of 6.0% compared with 9.0% measured by the Bayer DCA immunologic method (Bayer Diagnostics). The chromatogram (Fig. 1A⇓ ) obtained with the routinely used 3-min HPLC program showed an abnormal peak interfering with the HbA1c fraction but no other major peak suspicious for a heterozygous Hb variant. Under optimized insulin treatment, the patient remained moderately hyperglycemic. Despite the patient’s persistent mild hyperglycemia, in subsequent HbA1c determinations under 3 and 6 months of optimized insulin treatment, the HPLC method consistently ...
Optimizing a portfolio of power-producing plants
2003-08-01

We address the question of the optimal allocation of electricity production resources among several production technologies. We consider the effect of competition among different power generators on the equilibrium of the real-time electricity market. For this equilibrium optimal strategies of electricity producers are obtained, yielding for each technology the production capacity to be installed.
VORTEX INDUCED CONFINEMENT AND THE IR PROPERTIES OF GREEN FUNCTIONS
2003-08-01

Simulations of SU(2) lattice gauge theory are used to establish a relation\\nbetween the IR properties of Green functions and confinement. Using Landau\\ngauge where the gauge configurations are restricted to the first Gribov regime,\\nresults on the ghost-, gluon form-factor and the running coupling constant are\\npresented. Finally, we discuss the behavior of the ghost form-factor of the\\nde-confined phase at high temperatures.\\n
A computational theory for the classification of natural biosonar targets based on a spike code
2003-08-01

AbstractA computational theory for the classification of natural biosonar targets is developed based on the properties of an example stimulus ensemble. An extensive set of echoes (84 800) from four different foliages was transcribed into a spike code using a parsimonious model (linear filtering, half-wave rectification, thresholding). The spike code is assumed to consist of time differences (interspike intervals) between threshold crossings. Among the elementary interspike intervals flanked by exceedances of adjacent thresholds, a few intervals triggered by disjoint half-cycles of the carrier oscillation stand out in terms of resolvability, visibility across resolution scales and a simple stochastic structure (uncorrelatedness). They are therefore argued to be a stochastic analogue to edges in vision. A three-dimensional feature vector representing these interspike intervals sustained a reliable target classification performance (0.06% classification error) in a sequential probability ratio test, which models sequential processing of echo trains by biological sonar systems. The dimensions of the representation are the first moments of duration and amplitude location of these interspike intervals as well as their number. All three quantities are readily reconciled with known principles of neural signal representation, since they correspond to the centre of gravity of excitation on a neural map and the total amount of excitation.