julilili42/papers huggingface dataset:
Dorsal and Ventral Stream Interaction: Contributions from Optic Ataxia
2005-03-24

Abstract In monkeys and humans, two functionally specialized cortical streams of visual processing emanating from V1 have been proposed: a dorsal, action-related system and a ventral, perception-related pathway. Traditionally, a separate organization of the two streams is assumed; the extent of functional interaction is unknown. After lesions of the dorsal stream in patients with optic ataxia, it has recently been shown that the ventral perception-related system might contribute to visuo-motor processing if movements rely on remembered target positions. The ventral pathway thus seemed to participate in goal-directed movements, a function that previously has been assigned exclusively to the dorsal stream. We wondered whether different types of pointing movements are controlled by switching between two separated cortical pathways or whether a variable interaction of interconnected systems should be assumed. Our study investigated two acute stroke patients with optic ataxia following lesions of the dorsal stream in a delayed pointing task. The delays ranged from 0 to 10 sec. The patients' pointing error decreased in a linear manner with the length of time. The finding suggests a gradual change between dorsal and ventral control of reaching behavior, rather than a sudden switch between two separated cortical processing streams. Although our observations with two patients require further validation, the results suggest that the ventral and dorsal systems interact closely in the sensorimotor control of reaching behavior.
Preliminary investigation of the three-dimensional structure ofSalmonella typhimuriumuridine phosphorylase in the crystalline state
2005-03-24

Uridine phosphorylase (UPh) catalyzes the phosphorolytic cleavage of the C-N glycosidic bond of uridine to ribose 1-phosphate and uracil in the pyrimidine-salvage pathway. The crystal structure of the Salmonella typhimurium uridine phosphorylase (StUPh) has been determined at 2.5 A resolution and refined to an R factor of 22.1% and an Rfree of 27.9%. The hexameric StUPh displays 32 point-group symmetry and utilizes both twofold and threefold non-crystallographic axes. A phosphate is bound at the active site and forms hydrogen bonds to Arg91, Arg30, Thr94 and Gly26 of one monomer and Arg48 of an adjacent monomer. The hexameric StUPh model reveals a close structural relationship to Escherichia coli uridine phosphorylase (EcUPh).
Susceptibility to Antibiotics and β-Lactamase Induction in Murein Hydrolase Mutants of Escherichia coli
2005-03-25

ABSTRACT The antibiotic susceptibilities and capabilities to induce β-lactamases were studied in multiple Escherichia coli murein (peptidoglycan) hydrolase mutants. E. coli mutants lacking either three amidases, three amidases and one lytic transglycosylase, or six lytic transglycosylases showed higher levels of susceptibility to bacitracin, erythromycin, gallidermin, and vancomycin than the wild type. Mutant cells without three amidases lost viability in the presence of vancomycin and gallidermin, whereas the wild type was resistant to both antibiotics. β-Lactamase induction was studied after introduction of a plasmid carrying the ampC and ampR genes. Upon addition of cefoxitin to the growth medium, the wild type as well as a mutant lacking all known amidases and dd -endopeptidases induced β-lactamase, whereas a mutant lacking all known lytic transglycosylases was unable to induce β-lactamase, showing that lytic transglycosylase activity is essential for β-lactamase induction. Consequently, cells lacking lytic transglycosylase activity lysed in the presence of penicillin, despite the presence of the inducible β-lactamase system. We discuss the potential of murein hydrolase inhibitors for antibiotic therapy.
Influence of the alkyl-chains length on the electronic structure and interface properties of 1,4-octasubstituted zinc phthalocyanines on gold
2005-03-25

We compare the interface properties of various 1,4,8,11,15,18,22,25 octa-alkyl-substituted zinc phthalocyanines [(But)8PcZn,(Hep)8PcZn,(Dec)8PcZn] with those of unsubstituted zinc phthalocyanine (PcZn) on gold using x-ray photoemission spectroscopy and valence band ultraviolet photoemission spectroscopy. Although the separation between the aromatic cores in the evaporated thin films depends clearly on the alkyl-chain length, it is found that the nature of the substituents causes only minor changes of electronic properties, such as optical gap and ionization potential. It is shown that the observed small energetic shifts for film thicknesses larger than the molecule size cannot be understood in terms of a band bending like mechanism.
Remarks on the shape transition from spherical to deformed gamma unstable nuclei
2005-03-25

Energies and transition probabilities for low lying states in Ba and Ru were calculated within a hybrid model.The ground and the first states are described alternatively as a harmonic and anharmonic vibrator states while the remaining states as states with E(5) symmetry. One concludes that a gradual setting of the 'critical' potential yields a better agreement with the experimental data. Very good agreement with the data is obtained for Ru. Comparing the present results with those of E(5) symmetry, it is conspicuous that the present formalism add corrections to the E(5) formalism by bringing the predictions closer to the experimental data. Analytical relationship between the states with U(5) symmetry and those given by the E(5) description is established.
Lipopolysaccharide-induced changes in mesenteric afferent sensitivity of rat jejunum in vitro: role of prostaglandins
2005-03-25

Bacterial translocation across the intestinal mucosal barrier leads to a macrophage-mediated inflammatory response, visceral hyperalgesia, and ileus. Our aim was to examine how mediators released into mesenteric lymph following LPS treatment influence intestinal afferent sensitivity and the role played by prostanoids in any sensitization. Intestinal lymph was collected from awake rats following treatment with either saline or LPS (5 mg/kg ip). Extracellular multiunit afferent recordings were made from paravascular mesenteric nerve bundles supplying the rat jejunum in vitro following arterial administration of control lymph, LPS lymph, and LPS. Mesenteric afferent discharge increased significantly after LPS lymph compared with control lymph. Peak discharge occurred within 2 min and remained elevated for 5 to 8 min. This response was attenuated by pretreatment with naproxen (10 μM), and restored upon addition of prostaglandin E 2 (5 μM) in the presence of naproxen, but AH6809 (5 μM), an EP 1 /EP 2 receptor(s) antagonist, failed to decrease the magnitude of LPS lymph-induced response. LPS itself also stimulated mesenteric afferent discharge but was unaffected by naproxen. TNF-α was significantly increased in LPS lymph compared with control lymph (1,583 ± 197 vs. 169 ± 38 pg/ml, P &lt; 0.01) but exogenous TNF-α failed to evoke any afferent nerve discharge. We concluded that inflammatory mediators released from the gut into mesenteric lymph during endotoxemia have a profound effect on afferent discharge. These mediators influence afferent firing via the release of local prostaglandins.
Multisensor System for Characterization of Packaging Emissions:  Prediction of Total Solvent Amount and Odor Scores
2005-03-26

This work shows a fast and economic screening of packaging materials for food using a multisensor system. The multisensor system comprises a sampling system (in most cases a headspace sampler), a sensor array, and operation and evaluation electronics. The added value of the inclusion in the sampling system of a separation unit (e.g., chromatographic column) was proved for two different cases. The first is the elimination of a major interfering gas (e.g., water vapor); this was achieved with a short packed polar column that separated water vapor and organic solvents into two peaks. The second case is the extension of the correlation capability to human sensory panels. This was made possible by the use of a long capillary column that separates the high-concentration solvent components, which might not have a strong odorous effect, from the trace odorous ones. The latter are thus detected due to the high sensitivity of the sensor array.
Lateral angle: A method for sexing using the petrous bone
2005-03-28

We report on the results of applying the so-called lateral angle method for sex determination on skeletal remains. The lateral angle denotes the angle of the internal auditory canal in relation to the medial surface of the petrous part of the temporal bone. The method involves making a small cast of the proximal part of the internal acoustic canal and determining the angle at which the canal opens up to the surface of the petrous bone. The method has the great advantage of utilizing one of the sturdiest bone elements of the human skeleton, and may thus be especially suited for analyses of very fragmented skeletal remains or cremated bones, where the petrous bone may still be readily recognizable. The method was tested using a forensic sample of 113 petrous bones with known sex. Intra- and interobserver testing was also performed. We found a statistically significant difference in angle size between males and females (mean angle size of males, 39.3 degrees ; mean angle size of females, 48.2 degrees ; P < 0.001). There was no bilateral difference in angle size. In blind trials, 83.2% of petrous bones were assigned to the correct sex. We also tested the lateral angle method against an archaeological skeletal sample. True sex was not known for this sample; instead, sexing had been carried out by assessing pelvic and cranial morphology in independent trials. We found a higher concordance between the lateral angle and "pelvic" sex than for lateral angle and "cranial" sex. Finally, we note that subadult sexing may also be possible with this method.
Glucose‐6‐phosphate dehydrogenase and NADPH‐consuming enzymes in the rat olfactory bulb
2005-03-28

Abstract The resistance to oxidative stress is a multifactorial reaction involving the clustering of transcriptionally regulated genes. Because glucose‐6‐phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD), the principal enzyme responsible for reducing power, is highly expressed in the olfactory bulb (OB), it is of interest to verify whether other enzymes utilizing NADPH are also highly expressed. The level and localization of G6PD‐ and NADPH‐consuming enzymes, such as NADPH‐cytochrome P450 oxidoreductase (P450R), glutathione reductase (GR), and NADPH‐diaphorase (NADPH‐d), were analyzed in the rat olfactory bulb (OB) by quantitative histochemistry and immunohistochemistry. The highest concentration of G6PD, P450R, and GR was observed in the olfactory nerve layer (ONL), suggesting a correlation in the expression of these enzymes at the gene level. Correlation in staining intensity between G6PD and NADPH‐d activities occurred only in part of the ONL, some glomeruli, and scattered periglomerular cells. This peculiar distribution of NADPH‐d could reflect a spatial patterning of the nose to bulb projections. Taken together, these results indicate that G6PD expression in the ONL could be related to the importance of generating a substantial supply of NADPH to sustain the detoxifying systems represented by GR and P450R reactions and, only in discrete zones, by NADPH‐d activity. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
XMM-Newtonobservation of the anomalous X-ray pulsar 4U 0142+61
2005-03-29

We present results of an observation of the anomalous X-ray pulsar 4U 0142+61 with the EPIC cameras on XMM-Newton performed on 2003 January 24. The pulse phase averaged spectrum can be best described by the sum of a black body with a temperature of kTBB = 0.395(5) keV and a power law with photon index Γ = 3.62(5). The unabsorbed 2−10 keV flux is ∼7.2 × 10−11 erg s−1 cm−2. No evidence for additional spectral features such as cyclotron lines is present.&#13;\\nThese results are consistent with those from an earlier Chandra observation in 2001 May. Phase resolved spectroscopy over the 8.6882(2) s period (MJD 52 663.93) shows clear variations with pulse phase of Γ, while kTBB shows a small variation of ∼12%. We confirm earlier conclusions by Özel (2001, ApJ, 563, 276) that the emission from AXPs is more likely to originate from neutron stars with one single and magnetically active region on the neutron star. The significantly different behavior of the&#13;\\nsoft and hard spectral components with pulse phase, however, cannot be fully reconciled with the present magnetar emission models.
Fluorinated Naphthalocyanines Displaying Simultaneous Reverse Saturable Absorption at 532 and 1064 nm
2005-03-30

The new materials of napthalocyanines (Nc), 2b,2c,and 3, exhibit optical limting properties at both 532 and 1064 nm when irradated with nanosecond pulse lasers. These compounds show high transparency over a wide range in the UV-vis region when their CS 2 solutions have a linear transmission of 75 percent at 1064 nm. This property makes the use of this class of materials in optical limiters operating in both the UV-vis and near infra red (NIR) regions feasible. It was found that the results can open new applications for the Nc-based materials in the fields of optical limiting and sensor protection.
Discrete choice modelling in airline network management
2005-03-30

Abstract The task of airline network management is to develop new flight schedule variants and evaluate them in terms of expected passenger demand and revenue. Given the industry's trend towards global cooperation, this is especially important when evaluating the potential synergies with alliance partners. From the econometric point of view, this task represents a discrete choice modelling problem in which one has to account for a large number of dependent alternatives. In this paper we discuss the applicability of recently proposed approaches and introduce a new multinomial probit specification designed for the airline network management task. The superior performance of the new model is demonstrated in a real‐world application using airline bookings data. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley &amp; Sons, Ltd.
Numerical analysis of the Cahn-Hilliard equation and approximation for the Hele-Shaw problem
2005-03-31

This paper concerns numerical approximations for the Cahn-Hilliard equation u t + ∆(ε∆uε -1 f (u)) = 0 and its sharp interface limit as ε 0, known as the Hele-Shaw problem.The primary goal of this paper is to establish the convergence of the solution of the fully discrete mixed finite element scheme proposed in [29] to the solution of the Hele-Shaw (Mullins-Sekerka) problem, provided that the Hele-Shaw (Mullins-Sekerka) problem has a global (in time) classical solution.This is accomplished by establishing some improved a priori solution and error estimates, in particular, an L ∞ (L ∞ ) error estimate, and making full use of the convergence result of [2].The cruxes of the analysis are to establish stability estimates for the discrete solutions, use a spectrum estimate result of Alikakos and Fusco [3] and Chen [15], and establish a discrete counterpart of it for a linearized Cahn-Hilliard operator to handle the nonlinear term.
The dynamics of visual pattern masking in natural scene processing: A magnetoencephalography study
2005-03-31

We investigated the dynamics of natural scene processing and mechanisms of pattern masking in a scene-recognition task. Psychophysical recognition performance and the magnetoencephalogram (MEG) were recorded simultaneously. Photographs of natural scenes were briefly displayed and in the masked condition immediately followed by a pattern mask. Viewing the scenes without masking elicited a transient occipital activation that started approximately 70 ms after the pattern onset, peaked at 110 ms, and ended after 170 ms. When a mask followed the target an additional transient could be reliably identified in the MEG traces. We assessed psychophysical performance levels at different latencies of this transient. Recognition rates were reduced only when the additional activation produced by the pattern mask overlapped with the initial 170 ms of occipital activation from the target. Our results are commensurate with an early cortical locus of pattern masking and indicate that 90 ms of undistorted cortical processing is necessary to reliably recognize a scene. Our data also indicate that as little as 20 ms of undistorted processing is sufficient for above-chance discrimination of a scene from a distracter.
Some Continuous Field Quantizations, Equivalent to the C*-Weyl Quantization
2005-03-31

Starting from a (possibly infinite dimensional) pre-symplectic space (E, σ) , we study a class of modified Weyl quantizations. For each value of the real Planck parameter ħ , we have a C*-Weyl algebra \\mathcal W(E,ħ_σ) , which altogether constitute a continuous field of C*-algebras, as discussed in previous works. For ħ = 0 , we construct a Fréchet–Poisson algebra, densely contained in \\mathcal W(E, 0) , as the classical observables to be quantized. The quantized Weyl elements are decorated by so-called quantization factors, indicating the kind of normal ordering in specific cases. Under some assumptions on the quantization factors, the quantization map may be extended to the Fréchet–Poisson algebra. It is demonstrated to constitute a strict and continuous deformation quantization, equivalent to the Weyl quantization, in the sense of Rieffel and Landsman. Realizing the C*-algebraic quantization maps in regular and faithful Hilbert space representations leads to quantizations of the unbounded field expressions.
CD8+ T cells specific for a potential HLA-A*0201 epitope from Chlamydophila pneumoniae are present in the PBMCs from infected patients
2005-03-31

Infection with the common pathogen Chlamydophila pneumoniae (Cpn, previously Chlamydia pneumoniae) has a high prevalence in patients suffering from arteriosclerosis and may trigger or contribute to heart disease. In mice, CD8-positive T cells are critical for the eradication of the infection and the development of immune memory against Cpn. Although several H2-class I epitopes have been described, no HLA-class I-associated peptides from Cpn are known. In order to define HLA-A*0201 epitopes from Cpn, we focused on the bacterial heat shock proteins (HSP) 60 and 70 which are known to be recognized by the immune system. Using epitope prediction, peptide binding studies and peptide-specific CTLs from HLA-A2 transgenic mice, we could define a potential HSP-70-derived epitope. The study of PBMCs from Cpn-infected individuals using fluorescent MHC tetramers revealed that some patients have CD8(+) T cells capable of recognizing the Cpn HSP-70 HLA-A*0201 epitope. Our studies pave the way to the immunomonitoring of the anti-Cpn CTL immune response present in patients suffering from different diseases potentially linked to Cpn or anti-Cpn immunity.
The biological standard of living in Europe during the last two millennia
2005-04-01

Journal Article The biological standard of living in Europe during the last two millennia Get access Nikola Koepke, Nikola Koepke University of Tuebingen, Department of Economic History, Mohlstraβe 36, D-72074 Tübingen, Germany Search for other works by this author on: Oxford Academic Google Scholar Joerg Baten Joerg Baten University of Tuebingen, Department of Economic History, Mohlstraβe 36, D-72074 Tübingen, Germany Search for other works by this author on: Oxford Academic Google Scholar European Review of Economic History, Volume 9, Issue 1, April 2005, Pages 61–95, https://doi.org/10.1017/S1361491604001388 Published: 01 April 2005
Stomach-flushing for diet analysis in anurans: an improved protocol evaluated in a case study inAraucariaforests, southern Brazil*
2005-04-01

Abstract Stomach-flushing is a gentle treatment in analysing the diet of vertebrates. We applied this method in the study of seasonal nutrition of anurans of 15 species at an Araucaria forest habitat on the Serra Geral of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Over 500 frogs and toads of different body size were handled in order to evaluate an improved protocol without narcosis using soft infusion tubes in order to avoid negative effects of the flushing procedure. The specimens were treated soon after capture and then returned to the sampling sites. Our results are discussed with reference to the few studies on stomach flushing in amphibians. The improved technique is recommended to avoid killing of numerous animals for nutritional studies, in particular because of the worldwide threatening of amphibian populations. Keywords: Dietstomach-flushingAmphibiaAnurabiodiversity, Araucaria forestBrazil Acknowledgments This research was performed with the long-term cooperation between the University of Tübingen and the PUCRS, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil. We would like to thank the IMA, in particular Jorge A. Villwock, and the MCT, especially Marcos Di-Bernardo, for valuable support. We are grateful to Paul Müller, David Wake and Anne Zillikens for constructive comments on the manuscript. Additional informationNotes on contributorsMirco Solé* Part of the projects DLR-BMBF 01LT0011/7 ‘Araucaria forest’ and DLR/IB-FAPERGS ‘Subsidios para o diagnóstico ambiental do Planalto das Araucárias’.
Pragmatics, prosody, and evolution: Language is more than a symbolic system
2005-04-01

The model presented in the target article is biased towards a cognitive-symbolic understanding of language, thus ignoring its other important aspects. Possible relationships of this cognitive-symbolic subsystem to pragmatics and prosody of language are discussed in the first part of the commentary. In the second part, the issue of a purely social versus biological mechanisms for transition from protolanguage to properly language is considered.
Serum- and Glucocorticoid-Inducible Kinase 1 (SGK1) Mediates Glucocorticoid-Induced Inhibition of Insulin Secretion
2005-04-01

Glucocorticoid excess predisposes to the development of diabetes, at least in part through impairment of insulin secretion. The underlying mechanism has remained elusive. We show here that dexamethasone upregulates transcription and expression of the serum- and glucocorticoid-inducible kinase 1 (SGK1) in insulin-secreting cells, an effect reversed by mifepristone (RU486), an antagonist of the nuclear glucocorticoid receptor. When coexpressed in Xenopus oocytes, SGK1 increases the activity of voltage-gated K+ channel Kv1.5. In INS-1 cells, dexamethasone stimulates the transcription of Kv1.5, increases the repolarizing outward current, reduces peak values of [Ca2+]i oscillations, and decreases glucose-induced insulin release. The latter effect is reversed by K+ channel blockers 4-aminopyridine and tetraethylammonium and by a more selective Kv1.5 channel inhibitor MSD-D. Dexamethasone also increases expression of Kv1.5 in mouse islets and reduces glucose-induced insulin secretion, an effect reversed by MSD-D. In islets isolated from wild-type but not SGK1 knockout mice, dexamethasone significantly blunted glucose-, forskolin-, and phorbol myristic acid-induced insulin release. In conclusion, dexamethasone stimulates the transcription of SGK1, which in turn upregulates the activity of voltage-gated K+ channels. Increased K+ channel activity reduces Ca2+ entry through voltage-gated Ca2+ channels and insulin release.