julilili42/papers huggingface dataset:
Individual response differences in spider phobia: Comparing phobic and non-phobic women of different reactivity levels
2008-09-09

In contrast to previous stress research, studies concerning phobic disorders have never systematically investigated individual response differences between phobic participants integrating numerous different response measures. The aim of this article is to clarify the existence of significant individual response differences in psychophysiological responses (e.g., heart rate, skin conductance responses (SCR), corrugator, cortisol), subjective ratings (e.g., valence, arousal), and avoidance behavior in 46 spider phobic and 44 non-phobic women when exposed to 20 phobic and 20 neutral pictures. Previous studies that did not attend to individual response differences showed that, during phobic stimulation, phobic individuals have increased psychophysiological responses (heart rate, SCR, and corrugator responses), more negative valence rating, and more subjective arousal than non-phobic individuals. These results were confirmed by our data. With regard to individual response uniqueness, 1/3-2/3 of spider-phobic women with low responsiveness in heart rate, cortisol, and avoidance behavior were indistinguishable from non-phobic women during phobic stimulation. With SCR, corrugator EMG, and subjective ratings, no individual response uniqueness was found. Based on the findings, exposure therapy might be improved by tailoring interventions to individuals with a therapeutic focus on those psychophysiological measures that show the highest individual responsivity.
Patterns and traceability in teaching software architecture
2008-09-09

Courses on software architecture and software engineering need to explain the role of non-functional properties in software design, and they often use student projects to highlight their interrelations. Despite its critical importance in software development, the property of traceability has so far been mostly neglected.This paper examines the role of traceability for teaching software architecture and describes the objectives and structure of two consecutive courses given by the author at the University of Tubingen. The courses build on architectural patterns as blueprints for achieving particular non-functional properties. The vehicle for improving traceability is a sequence of small-scale projects, each of which includes the phases of requirements analysis, design, and implementation. This iterative approach allows students to learn from their experiences and to integrate the feedback on their solutions into the next project.
Controlling Josephson dynamics by strong microwave fields
2008-09-09

We observe several sharp changes in the slope of the current-voltage characteristics CVCs of thin-film&#13;\\nramp-edge Josephson junctions between YBa2Cu3O7− and Nb when applying strong microwave fields. Such&#13;\\nbehavior indicates an intriguing Josephson dynamics associated with the switching from a parametric excitation&#13;\\nregime induced by the magnetic field of the microwave via oscillations of the Josephson critical current to&#13;\\nan ac-current-excitation regime triggered by the electric field of the microwave. We propose a model, which&#13;\\ndescribes the observed features on the CVC in terms of microwave-induced multiple switching between&#13;\\nrunning and locked solutions of sine-Gordon equation.
An expeditious and environmentally friendly synthesis of 3-substituted isocoumarins using microwave irradiation
2008-09-10

A microwave-assisted, environmentally friendly, high-yielding, time-saving synthesis of medicinally important 3-substituted isocoumarins was carried out in a single step by direct condensation of homophthalic acid with aryol and acyl chlorides under solvent-free conditions without any solid support. The synthesised isocoumarins were structurally characterised by microanalysis, 1H NMR, EI, IR and UV.
Association of lens opacities, intraocular straylight, contrast sensitivity and visual acuity in European drivers
2008-09-11

Abstract. Purpose: To study the relationship between lens opacity and intraocular straylight, visual acuity and contrast sensitivity. Methods: We investigated 2422 drivers in five clinics in different European Union (EU) member states aged between 20 and 89 years as part of a European study into the prevalence of visual function disorders in drivers. We measured visual acuity [Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) chart], contrast sensitivity (Pelli–Robson chart) and intraocular straylight (computerized straylight meter). Lens opacities were graded with the Lens Opacities Classification System III (LOCS) without pupillary dilation. Participants answered the National Eye Institute Visual Functioning Questionnaire – 25. Results: Intraocular straylight was related more strongly to LOCS score than to both visual acuity and contrast sensitivity. Visual acuity and contrast sensitivity were correlated to each other well, but to intraocular straylight to a much lesser extent. Self‐reported visual quality was best related to contrast sensitivity; night driving difficulty was best related to visual acuity. Conclusion: Straylight is found to have added value for visual function assessment in drivers, whereas if visual acuity is known contrast sensitivity has limited added value.
Transcriptional upregulation of p21/WAF/Cip1 in myeloid leukemic blasts expressing AML1-ETO
2008-09-11

An inducible model for conditional expression of AML1-ETO in myeloid U-937 cells was generated previously to determine cellular effects of AML1-ETO and to identify target genes. Induction of AML1-ETO expression in U-937 resulted in reduced cell growth, G1 arrest and apoptosis. Microarray analysis showed more genes up-regulated than down-regulated (180 vs. 69). Clustering of AML1-ETO-positive and -negative cell lines was possible based on these differentially expressed genes. p21/WAF/Cip1 (CDKN1A) was up-regulated 4.6-fold upon induction of AML1-ETO which was confirmed in additional experiments. Knock-down of AML1-ETO by siRNA could reduce p21/WAF/Cip1 expression in Kasumi-1 cells. mRNA expression analysis of p21/WAF/Cip1 in a large cohort of acute myeloid leukemia patients demonstrated a significantly higher expression in AML1-ETO-positive leukemia. The increased expression of p21/WAF/Cip1 in primary leukemic blasts suggests that elevated p21/WAF/Cip1 levels may contribute to specific features observed in AML1-ETO positive leukemia.
ChemInform Abstract: Homoleptic Cadmium and Mercury Compounds of Stanna‐closo‐dodecaborate.
2008-09-11

Abstract ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
Interaction of PIN and PGP transport mechanisms in auxin distribution-dependent development
2008-09-12

The signalling molecule auxin controls plant morphogenesis via its activity gradients, which are produced by intercellular auxin transport. Cellular auxin efflux is the rate-limiting step in this process and depends on PIN and phosphoglycoprotein (PGP) auxin transporters. Mutual roles for these proteins in auxin transport are unclear, as is the significance of their interactions for plant development. Here, we have analysed the importance of the functional interaction between PIN- and PGP-dependent auxin transport in development. We show by analysis of inducible overexpression lines that PINs and PGPs define distinct auxin transport mechanisms: both mediate auxin efflux but they play diverse developmental roles. Components of both systems are expressed during embryogenesis, organogenesis and tropisms, and they interact genetically in both synergistic and antagonistic fashions. A concerted action of PIN- and PGP-dependent efflux systems is required for asymmetric auxin distribution during these processes. We propose a model in which PGP-mediated efflux controls auxin levels in auxin channel-forming cells and, thus, auxin availability for PIN-dependent vectorial auxin movement.
Autonomic dysfunction in patients with progressive supranuclear palsy
2008-09-12

Abstract The most important features that characterize and differentiate progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) from other parkinsonian syndromes are postural instability, supranuclear gaze palsy, pseudobulbar palsy, and cognitive disturbances. Although it has been reported that significant autonomic dysfunction is an exclusionary feature for PSP diagnosis, we could demonstrate in this study using semiquantitative clinical interview and cardiovascular testing that both PSP and idiopathic Parkinson's disease (PD) patients can present with significant autonomic dysfunction. The parasympathetic cardiovascular system seems to be involved to a similar extent in PD and PSP patients, whereas sympathetic cardiovascular dysfunction is more frequent and severe in PD patients, but can also be found in PSP patients. Our findings have a profound implication on the diagnosis and treatment of PSP patients. © 2008 Movement Disorder Society
Dilepton production in heavy-ion collisions with in-medium spectral functions of vector mesons
2008-09-12

The in-medium spectral functions of and mesons and the broadening of the nucleon resonances at finite baryon density are calculated self-consistently by combining a resonance dominance model for the vector meson production with an extended vector meson dominance model. The influence of the in-medium modifications of the vector meson properties on the dilepton spectrum in heavy-ion collisions is investigated. The dilepton spectrum is generated for the C+C reaction at 2.0 GeV and compared with recent HADES Collaboration data. The collision dynamics is then described by the T\\"ubingen relativistic quantum molecular dynamics transport model. We find that an iterative calculation of the vector meson spectral functions that takes into account the broadening of the nucleon resonances due to their increased in-medium decay branchings is convergent and provides a reasonable description of the experimental data in the mass region GeV. On the other side, the theoretical calculations slightly underestimate the region GeV. Popular in-medium scenarios such as a schematic collisional broadening and dropping vector mesons masses are discussed as well.
Effects of nonpathogenic gram-negative bacteriumVitreoscilla filiformislysate on atopic dermatitis: a prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical study
2008-09-15

V. filiformis lysate significantly improved AD. This may be in part due to reduction of S. aureus, but seems to relate in most parts to a direct immunomodulatory effect on skin-associated immune responses.
Staphylococcus aureus-Induced Plasmacytoid Dendritic Cell Activation Is Based on an IgG-Mediated Memory Response
2008-09-15

Abstract Type I IFNs represent a major antimicrobial defense mechanism due to their property of enhancing immune responses by priming both innate and adaptive immune cells. Plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDC) are the major source of type I IFN in the human body and represent innate immune cells involved in first-line defense against invading pathogens. Although pDC activation has been extensively studied upon stimulation with synthetic TLR ligands, viruses, and intracellular bacteria, there is only scarce information on extracellular bacteria. In this study we show that the triggering of human pDC-derived IFN-α secretion by Staphylococcus aureus is independent of TLR2 and specific for coagulase-positive staphylococci. Specificity of the pDC response to S. aureus is independent of the bacterial virulence factors protein A and α-toxin but is mediated by Ag-specific IgG and CD32. S. aureus-induced pDC activation can be blocked by inhibitory DNA oligonucleotides and chloroquine, suggesting that engagement of TLR7/9 by bacterial nucleic acids after CD32-mediated uptake of these compounds may play a central role in this process. Altogether, we propose that in marked contrast to nonselective TLR2-dependent activation of most innate immune cells, pDC activation by S. aureus represents an Ag-specific memory response since it requires the presence of class-switched immunoglobulins.
Three-dimensional optical antennas: Nanocones in an apertureless scanning near-field microscope
2008-09-15

A sharp-tipped gold nanocone and the vertically aligned metallic tip of a near-field optical microscope together form a three-dimensional optical antenna with a highly controllable gap. Confocal measurements with different laser modes show the efficient axial excitation of the cones with a longitudinally polarized field. In the antenna configuration, extremely strong field enhancement up to a factor of 100 is obtained by tuning the gap between the two sharp tips down to few nanometers.
Category theorems for stable semigroups
2008-09-15

Abstract Inspired by the classical category theorems of Halmos and Rohlin for discrete measure-preserving transformations, we prove analogous results in the abstract setting of unitary and isometric C 0 -semigroups on a separable Hilbert space. More precisely, we show that, for an appropriate topology, the set of all weakly stable unitary groups (isometric semigroups) is of first category, while the set of all almost weakly stable unitary groups (isometric semigroups) is residual.
Mass spectrometric identification of an HLA-A*0201 epitope from Plasmodium falciparum MSP-1
2008-09-16

Cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) directed against Plasmodium falciparum-derived antigens were shown to play an important role for the protection against malaria. Although several CTL epitopes have been identified from P. falciparum sporozoite-derived antigens, none has been described for the merozoite form. Since the merozoite surface protein (MSP)-1 is a known target of the immune response, we focused on this protein to identify HLA-A*0201-associated epitopes. Using our mass spectrometry-based method [the 'predict-calibrate-detect' (PCD) approach], we were able to identify an MSP-1-derived epitope in the peptide mixture naturally associated with HLA-A*0201 molecules purified from an MSP-1-expressing cell line. CTLs against this epitope were generated from HLA-A*0201 monochain transgenic mice (HHD). They specifically killed MSP-1-expressing HLA-A2-positive target cells. Thus, we describe here the first MHC class I epitope from the merozoite form of P. falciparum. This epitope can be used as a tool for the immunomonitoring of natural or vaccine-induced CTL immune responses against malaria and could eventually be proposed as a component of an anti-malaria peptide-based vaccine.
Human cytomegalovirus infection interferes with major histocompatibility complex type II maturation and endocytic proteases in dendritic cells at multiple levels
2008-09-16

Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) infection suppresses cellular immunity and results in viral persistence. Dendritic cells (DCs) are susceptible to HCMV, and the development and immune function of HCMV-infected DCs are impaired in vitro . HCMV-derived proteins interfere with different aspects of major histocompatibility complex type II (MHC II) maturation and function in genetically engineered cellular models. This study directly analysed the effect of HCMV on the MHC II-associated antigen processing and presentation machinery in HCMV-infected human DCs in vitro . HCMV-infected DCs failed to mature newly synthesized MHC II to the final stage of SDS-stable MHC II αβ dimer/peptide complexes, in contrast to mock-infected controls. MHC II biosynthesis was delayed and reduced, whilst MHC II stability remained unchanged. MHC II surface expression was decreased in the late phase of HCMV infection. In addition, infected DCs decreased the transcription rate of the MHC II-associated proteases cathepsins S, Z, B, H and L and asparagine-specific endopeptidase (AEP). This translated into reduced protein expression of cathepsins H and S, as well as AEP, and less-efficient proteolytic degradation of a peptide substrate by endocytic proteases from HCMV-infected DCs in vitro . Thus, HCMV infection interferes with MHC II biosynthesis and maturation, as well as with the expression and function of endocytic proteases in infected DCs.
The Inhibition of Human Neutrophil Phagocytosis and Oxidative Burst by Tricyclic Antidepressants
2008-09-16

Phagocytosis and intracellular host defense are largely unaffected by antidepressants in concentrations of 10(-4) M and below. Our results confirm that antidepressants are highly toxic to neutrophils in millimolar concentrations. The neurotoxic effects and clinical side effects, but not effects on neutrophil functions, therefore, are likely to be the limiting factors in using antidepressants as analgesics.
(Non-)Sense in note-taking for consecutive interpreting
2008-09-17

The paper applies cognitive theories of text and language processing, and in particular relevance theory, to the analysis of notes in consecutive interpreting. In contrast to the pre-cognitive view, in which note-taking is seen mainly as a memory-supporting technique , the process of note-taking is described as the reception and production of a notation text . Adding the relevance-theoretical constructs of explicature and implicature to the general account of cognitive text processing as coherence building and the construction of a mental representation at local and global levels, this approach allows for the comparison of source, notation and target texts with respect to the underlying propositional representation, and shows how the sense of highly fragmentary notation texts is recovered in consecutive interpreting. The paper is based on an empirical study involving consecutive interpretations (English–German) by five trainee interpreters. The analysis shows that the interpreters operate relatively closely along micropropositional lines when processing the source, notation and target texts, with the explicature regularly having the same propositional form as the corresponding proposition in the source text.
Phenomenological Lagrangian approach to the electromagnetic deuteron form factors
2008-09-17

A phenomenological Lagrangian approach is employed to study the electromagnetic properties of the deuteron. The deuteron is regarded as a weakly bound state of the proton and neutron. We construct a general form for the electromagnetic one- and two-body transition operators formulated in terms of the nucleon fields, which are then used in the calculation of the electromagnetic deuteron form factors. One of the two-body operators is responsible for explaining the quadrupole moment form factor. We show that in our approach the data on the deuteron form factors as well as on the differential cross section of elastic electron-deuteron scattering are well explained.
Grecoketides A and B: New Naphthoquinones from Streptomyces sp. Acta 1362
2008-09-17

Abstract Two novel naphthoquinones were produced by the streptomycete Acta 1362. It was determined by HPLC/diode‐array screening that freshly isolated actinomycete strains from selected European ecosystems produce new compounds. Grecoketides A and B were isolated and their structures determined. Both compounds have the same aglycon grecoketidone with a sugar side‐chain that differs in one of the two attached sugar units. Moreover, the biosynthesis of grecoketidone was studied by feeding singly and fully labelled acetate. The hexaketide formed is cyclized after s‐mode folding. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH &amp; Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2008)
Anisotropic Discriminants
2008-09-17

Abstract Let F 1,..., F n be homogeneous polynomials of positive degrees in the polynomial algebra A[T] = A[T 0,..., T n ] graded by arbitrary positive integral weights for the indeterminates such that D: = A[T]/(F 1,..., F n ) is a complete intersection of relative dimension 1 over the commutative noetherian ring A. Then Proj D is an affine scheme over A and its algebra B: = Γ(Proj D) of global sections is finite and stably free. A formula for the discriminant d B|A = Discr(F 1,..., F n ) of B over A is given generalizing the well-known formula for the discriminant of an A-algebra of type A[X]/(G), where G is a monic polynomial in one variable. The formula is a special case of a result on discriminants for A-bilinear forms on B derived from linear forms B → A. The general formula uses the description of the linear forms on B with the help of a duality theory for D and the theory of resultants. Key Words: Anisotropic discriminantDiscriminantDuality theoryGraded complete intersectionResultant2000 Mathematics Subject Classification: 13C4013A0213E1014M10 Notes Communicated by W. Bruns.
Predictors of relapse in genotype 1 patients treated with PegIFN-alfa2b and ribavirin due to chronic hepatitis C within a large German multicentric observational study
2008-09-17

Aims: Late treatment failure in chronic hepatitis C (CHC), defined as relapse during follow-up after an end-of-treatment response, occurs in up to 30% of patients treated with a standard combination therapy of pegylated IFN-alfa and ribavirin (Caliceti P, Dig Liver Dis 2004; 36, Suppl. 3: 334–339). Thus far, only hcv-genotype, age, dose of ribavirin and duration of infection have been proposed as predictors of relapse. We sought to identify other potential predictors of relapse in genotype-1 patients who received weight-based PegIFN-alfa-2b and ribavirin within a large ongoing German multicentre observational study.
Selective influence of Tcf-1 and Tcf-4 mediated WNT signaling on intestinal innate immunity of ileal Crohn's disease
2008-09-17

Aims: Ileal Crohn's disease (CD) is characterized by diminished antibacterial activity and a specific decrease of small intestinal Paneth cell α-defensins HD5 and 6. We previously reported a causal link between this decrease and the Wnt pathway transcription factor Tcf-4. Wnt signaling has an important function in intestinal epithelium renewal, regulating stem cell maintenance and their transition to Paneth-cells. To investigate the pathways influence in the disease, we aimed to assess expression of WNT pathway and target genes.
Influence of inflammation and treatment on ileal and colonic antimicrobial defensin expression in active Crohn's disease
2008-09-17

Aims: Crohn's Disease (CD) has been linked to different functional deficiencies of antimicrobial defensins. Ileal CD is characterized by reduced expression of α-defensins (HD5, HD6). The mechanism is a compromised WNT/Tcf4 stem cell differentiation pathway and -in some cases- a mutation in NOD2. Colonic CD is mediated by an attenuated induction of β-defensins (HBD2, HBD3) which is due to a gene copy number polymorphism. Herein, we aimed to address if current treatments of CD influence the defensin expression in clinical samples.
Faculty Opinions recommendation of Optic pathway gliomas in neurofibromatosis-1: controversies and recommendations.
2008-09-17

Optic pathway glioma (OPG), seen in 15% to 20% of individuals with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1), account for significant morbidity in young children with NF1. Overwhelmingly a tumor of children younger than 7 years, OPG may present in individuals with NF1 at any age. Although many OPG may remain indolent and never cause signs or symptoms, others lead to vision loss, proptosis, or precocious puberty. Because the natural history and treatment of NF1-associated OPG is different from that of sporadic OPG in individuals without NF1, a task force composed of basic scientists and clinical researchers was assembled in 1997 to propose a set of guidelines for the diagnosis and management of NF1-associated OPG. This new review highlights advances in our understanding of the pathophysiology and clinical behavior of these tumors made over the last 10 years. Controversies in both the diagnosis and management of these tumors are examined. Finally, specific evidence-based recommendations are proposed for clinicians caring for children with NF1. PMID: 17387725 Funding information This work was supported by: NINDS NIH HHS, United States Grant ID: R35 NS097211 NCI NIH HHS, United States Grant ID: R01 CA195692