julilili42/papers huggingface dataset:
Source Activity Correlation Effects on LCMV Beamformers in a Realistic Measurement Environment
2012-01-01

In EEG and MEG studies on brain functional connectivity and source interactions can be performed at sensor or source level. Beamformers are well-established source-localization tools for MEG/EEG signals, being employed in source connectivity studies both in time and frequency domain. However, it has been demonstrated that beamformers suffer from a localization bias due to correlation between source time courses. This phenomenon has been ascertained by means of theoretical proofs and simulations. Nonetheless, the impact of correlated sources on localization outputs with real data has been disputed for a long time. In this paper, by means of a phantom, we address the correlation issue in a realistic MEG environment. Localization performances in the presence of simultaneously active sources are studied as a function of correlation degree and distance between sources. A linear constrained minimum variance (LCMV) beamformer is applied to the oscillating signals generated by the current dipoles within the phantom. Results show that high correlation affects mostly dipoles placed at small distances (1, 5 centimeters). In this case the sources merge. If the dipoles lie 3 centimeters apart, the beamformer localization detects attenuated power amplitudes and blurred sources as the correlation level raises.
Oligonucleotide and Parylene Surface Coating of Polystyrene and ePTFE for Improved Endothelial Cell Attachment and Hemocompatibility
2012-01-01

In vivo self-endothelialization by endothelial cell adhesion on cardiovascular implants is highly desirable. DNA-oligonucleotides are an intriguing coating material with nonimmunogenic characteristics and the feasibility of easy and rapid chemical fabrication. The objective of this study was the creation of cell adhesive DNA-oligonucleotide coatings on vascular implant surfaces. DNA-oligonucleotides immobilized by adsorption on parylene (poly(monoaminomethyl-para-xylene)) coated polystyrene and ePTFE were resistant to high shear stress (9.5 N/m 2 ) and human blood serum for up to 96 h. Adhesion of murine endothelial progenitor cells, HUVECs and endothelial cells from human adult saphenous veins as well as viability over a period of 14 days of HUVECs on oligonucleotide coated samples under dynamic culture conditions was significantly enhanced (<mml:math xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML"><mml:mrow><mml:mi>P</mml:mi><mml:mo>&lt;</mml:mo><mml:mn>0.05</mml:mn></mml:mrow></mml:math>). Oligonucleotide-coated surfaces revealed low thrombogenicity and excellent hemocompatibility after incubation with human blood. These properties suggest the suitability of immobilization of DNA-oligonucleotides for biofunctionalization of blood vessel substitutes for improved in vivo endothelialization.
Change from Below – student initiatives for universities in sustainable development
2012-01-01

To advance the discussion on how the transformation of universities may lead to sustainable development may be achieved, the authors examine an often-overlooked actor category: student initiatives. By drawing on a case study of the initiative Greening the University e.V. (University of Tübingen, Germany) the authors conceptualize the role of student initiatives for institutional change through the notion of “communicative arena”. The authors argue that student<br/>initiatives are crucial for the transformation process toward a university in sustainable development for three reasons: they facilitate change by acting as (1) an institutional innovator, (2) a “boundary agent”, and (3) creator of social and institutional learning spaces. Further, the authors discuss factors that limit a student initiative’s potential to unfold its transformative power. The article concludes with recommendations for policy-makers, university leaders and<br/>students on how to foster this “change from below”.
Willful Stereotype Control
2012-01-01

Internal motivation to behave nonprejudiced leads to heightened control of stereotype activation. However, it is not clear whether internal motivation to behave nonprejudiced only reduces stereotype activation or whether individuals high internally motivated to behave nonprejudiced are also more successful in intentionally controlling already activated stereotypes. Two studies show that internal motivation to behave nonprejudiced when measured as well as when manipulated leads to more efficient control of activated stereotypes. This underlines the powerful potential of internal motivation to behave nonprejudiced to support the intentional control of previously activated stereotypes.
Comparison of the Diagnostic Performance of Three Natriuretic Peptides in Hemodialysis Patients: Which is the Appropriate Biomarker?
2012-01-01

In hemodialysis patients, the fragments NTproBNP and MR-pro-ANP are largely elevated compared to BNP which is explained by accumulation. The prognostic performance of MR-pro-ANP is similar to that of NT-pro-BNP or BNP.
Perioperative Red Blood Cell Transfusion: Harmful or Beneficial to the Patient?
2012-01-01

Although the transfusion of red blood cells (RBCs) is safer than ever regarding infections, it is still associated with several adverse reactions and therefore should only be used on the basis of evidence-based triggers. However, prevention of RBC transfusion and subsequent substitution of blood losses with acellular solutions will inevitably result in dilutional anemia. Acute dilutional anemia can be compensated by the body over a wide range of hemoglobin concentrations without a critical restriction of tissue oxygenation. On the other hand, chronic anemia is known to be a potent cause of morbidity and mortality. As a consequence, the impact of perioperative anemia on mortality is difficult to describe, because anemia, as well as the transfusion of RBCs, can influence the clinical outcome. The resulting 'Gordian knot' cannot be cut easily, and this circumstance forces clinical physicians to make a daily trade-off between transfusion-associated and anemia-associated risks. This review focuses on the physiology of oxygen transport, the hazards of acute anemia, the hazards of RBC transfusion, and the literature putting these problems into perspective.
Management of Holocord Pilocytic Astrocytomas in Children and Adolescents: An Update
2012-01-01

Holocord intramedullary low-grade astrocytomas in children and adolescents - involving most or all of the cervical and thoracic spinal cord - are a rare finding. Most of the tumors seem to be pilocytic astrocytomas. Surgical management strategies might not be as clear as in small and circumscribed intramedullary tumors. On the basis of 20 previously published cases and 3 own patients, we summarize and discuss possible treatment options and their risks and benefits. Surgery should be performed soon after establishment of the diagnosis, which per se is often delayed despite a long-standing presence of attributable symptoms or signs in most cases. Following multilevel laminotomy, excellent results can be achieved by electrophysiologically guided microsurgical tumor removal in a single-staged or multistaged approach. The surgical goal is resection as gross total as possible provided intraoperative monitoring indicates preservation of function. Small tumor remnants often remain stable in the due course. In case of unresectable regrowth or recurrence, chemotherapy or radiotherapy are the adjuvant treatment options.
A low zinc diet leads to loss of Zn in melanosomes of the RPE but not in melanosomes of the choroidal melanocytes
2012-01-01

Long Evans rats were treated by a low-Zinc-Diet (ZD) and the ultrastructure and elemental composition of melanosomes of the RPE and choroidal melanocytes and RPE lipofuscin granules were investigated using Analytical Electron Microscopy (AEM). In controls the Zn mole fraction of melanosomes was 0.05 at% (RPE) and 0.06 at% (choroid), respectively. For ZD-rats the Zn mole fraction of these granules was almost unchanged in the choroid but decreased and was below the detection limit (0.02 at%) in the RPE. ZD-rats produced also giant melanosomes (diameter 1-3 μm) in the choroid and greatly increased amounts of RPE lipofuscin. The giant melanosomes contained about six times as much Cu as control melanosomes. Lipofuscin granules were identified by AEM and could be clearly distinguished from melanosomes by their chemical composition. Thus, changes of the ultrastructure and transition metal storage of melanosomes due to a ZD can be directly traced using AEM.
The Kemer Metamorphic Complex (NW Turkey): A Subducted Continental Margin of the Sakarya Zone
2012-01-01

High-pressure and ultrahigh-pressure metamorphic rocks crop out widely in the northern Aegean. In many instances their ages and tectonic setting are poorly constrained. Here we report newly discovered high-pressure rocks of continental crustal origin and of Late Cretaceous age southwest of the Marmara Sea. They occur at the contact between the Rhodope-Strandja Zone in the north and the Sakarya Zone in the south. The Kemer Metamorphic Complex is composed mainly of mica schist, calcschist and marble with minor metabasite and serpentinite. The mica schists contain garnet, phengite (3.30-3.44 c.p.f.u), (±) paragonite, albite, epidote, calcite, chlorite and titanite. The high-pressure metamorphic origin of the mica schists is shown by the high silica contents of the white micas and by glaucophane inclusions in garnet. In the metabasites the mineral assemblage is garnet, barroisite, epidote, albite, titanite, quartz, phengite and chlorite; no evidence is left for the former presence of high-pressure minerals. Metamorphic conditions are constrained by mineral equilibria: a 560-640°C temperature at a minimum pressure of 10 kbar. The metamorphism is dated at 64-84 Ma by the Rb-Sr phengite-whole rock method. The Kemer Metamorphic Complex is in tectonic contact with an accretionary ophiolitic mélange consisting of limestone, basalt, serpentinite, greywacke, radiolarian chert and metabasite. Some of the metabasites in the mélange contain Na-amphibole and lawsonite, indicating a subduction origin. The ages of the limestone blocks in the mélange range from Late Triassic to Late Cretaceous and that of the radiolarite blocks from Middle Jurassic to Early Cretaceous, indicating an oceanic domain dating back to Late Triassic at least. The Kemer Metamorphic Complex and the Çetmi Mélange are intruded by a granodiorite of Early Eocene (52 Ma) age and are unconformably covered by a Late Eocene volcano-sedimentary succession. The lithology of the Kemer Metamorphic Complex resembles a continental margin rather than an oceanic accretionary complex. This and the presence of a Late Cretaceous magmatic arc in the north (Sredna-Gora-Pontide) suggest that the Kemer metamorphic rocks were initially deposited on the northern passive margin of the Sakarya Zone, which was subducted under the Rhodope-Strandja continental domain.
Increased Susceptibility toYersinia enterocoliticaInfection ofTff2Deficient Mice
2012-01-01

TFF2 is one of the members of the trefoil factor family, known for its role in protection of gastrointestinal epithelia upon injury; however, recent studies suggest that TFF2 could also play an important role in the immune system. In the present study Tff2 deficient and wild type mice were infected by Y. enterocolitica which resulted in a lethal outcome in all Tff2 deficient mice, but not in WT animals. Yersinia invaded Peyer's patches more efficiently as shown by high bacterial titers in the KO mice while wild type mice displayed lower titers and a visible bacterial accumulation in the intestine. Bacterial accumulation in Peyer's patches of Tff2 deficient mice was accompanied by increased recruitment of macrophages. While an increased level of MAC-1 positive cells was observed in the spleens of both Tff2 deficient and WT mice at third day post infection, bacterial dissemination to liver, lung and kidneys was observed only in Tff2 knock-out mice. Analysis of the cellular composition of spleen did not reveal any substantial alteration to WT animals, suggesting possible disregulation of hemopoietic cells involved in immune response to Y. enterocolitica. These new data indicate that Tff2 plays an important role in immune response by protecting the organism from consequences of infection and that Tff2 knock-out mice react adversely to bacterial infections, in this case specifically to Y. enterocolitica.
Postfunctionalization of periodic mesoporous silica SBA-1 with magnesium(ii) and iron(ii) silylamides
2012-01-01

Magnesium silylamide complexes Mg[N(SiHMe(2))(2)](2)(THF)(2) and Mg[N(SiPhMe(2))(2)](2) were synthesized according to transsilylamination and alkane elimination protocols, respectively, utilizing Mg[N(SiMe(3))(2)](2)(THF)(2) and [Mg(n-Bu)](2) as precursors. Cage-like periodic mesoporous silica SBA-1 was treated with donor solvent-free dimeric [Mg{N(SiHMe(2))(2)}(2)](2), [Mg{N(SiMe(3))(2)}(2)](2) and monomeric Mg[N(SiPhMe(2))(2)](2), producing hybrid materials [Mg(NR(2))(2)]@SBA-1 with magnesium located mainly at the external surface. Consecutive grafting of [Mg{N(SiHMe(2))(2)}(2)](2) and [Fe(II){N(SiHMe(2))(2)}(2)](2) onto SBA-1 led to heterobimetallic hybrid materials which exhibit complete consumption of the isolated surface silanol groups, evidencing intra-cage surface functionalization. All materials were characterized by DRIFT spectroscopy, nitrogen physisorption and elemental analysis.
Sleep Characteristics, Sleep Problems, and Associations to Quality of Life among Psychotherapists
2012-01-01

Sleep problems, especially insomnia, are a common complaint among adults. International studies have shown prevalence rates between 4.7 and 36.2% for sleep difficulties in general, whereas 13.1–28.1% report insomnia symptoms. Sleep problems are associated with lower social and academic performance and can have a severe impact on psychological and physical health. Psychotherapists are suppliers within the public health system. The goal of this study was to outline sleep characteristics, prevalence of sleep problems, insomnia, and associations of quality of life among psychotherapists. A total of 774 psychotherapists (74.7% women; mean age 46 years) participated in the study. Sleep characteristics, sleep problems, well-being, life satisfaction and workload, as well as specific job demands, were assessed via a questionnaire. Analyses revealed that more than 4.2% of the surveyed psychotherapists have difficulties falling asleep, 12.7% often wake up in the night, and 26.6% feel tired, and 3.4% think that their interrupted sleep affects work performance. About 44.1% of them suffer from symptoms of insomnia. Path models showed that insomnia is significantly related to well-being and life satisfaction.
Al-in-Hornblende Thermobarometry and Sr-Nd-O-Pb Isotopic Compositions of the Early Miocene Alaçam Granite in NW Anatolia (Turkey)
2012-01-01

During and after the closure of the Neo-Tethyan Ocean and progressive collision of the Tauride-Anatolide Platform with the Sakarya Continent, widespread magmatism occurred in NW Anatolia. This magmatism is manifested in a NW-trending belt along the northern border of the Menderes Massif. Due to the complex geodynamic setting of this region, the exact emplacement depth of the granitoids is still a matter of debate. Here we present Al-in-hornblende barometrical data and Sr-Nd-Pb isotope compositions of the Early Miocene Alaçam granite. The results imply a shallow emplacement depth of this granite (4.7±1.6 km) in contrast to previous studies which suggested emplacement along the brittle-ductile boundary of the crust. Furthermore, an evaluation of literature data let us reconsider the general emplacement mechanism of the Alaçam and other Early Miocene granitoids in the region. Initial isotopic signatures of the Alaçam granite are 87Sr/86Sr(I)= 0.70865-0.70915, eNd(I)= -5.8 to -6.4, \\delta^1^8O= 9.5-10.5, 206Pb/204Pb isotope ratios vary between 18.87 and 18.90. These features indicate an assimilation-dominated crustal crystallization and melt derivation from an older middle crustal protolith.
The Impact of the Nature of the Electrode Material on SnO2 Thick Film Sensor Performance: Influence on Oxygen Adsorption
2012-01-01

SnO2 thick film sensors on Al2O3 substrates with two different electrode materials, i.e., gold and platinum, were investigated concerning their sensing properties towards CO and H2 in dry air. Electrical measurements differ significantly in response behavior based on the nature of the electrode. By varying only the oxygen concentrations and measuring the change in resistance, a strong dependence of the interaction of oxygen is detected whether gold or platinum electrodes were used. These observations lead to the conclusion that temperature-dependent oxygen adsorption processes, as well as a direct catalytic conversion of the test gas, catalyzed by the electrode material strongly influence sensor performance characteristics.
Potential roles for Kinesins at the cortical division site
2012-01-01

Spatial control of cytokinesis is critical for cell and plant morphology. The plane of cell division is established at G2/M transition and is initially demarcated at the cortex of the cell by the cytoskeletal preprophase band (PPB) and subsequently throughout mitosis by the cortical division zone (CDZ). Few kinesins, belonging to different classes of the superfamily, either display a distinct spatio-temporal localization at the PPB and CDZ, or genetic evidence proposes a specific function there. Protein phosphorylation and degradation are likely directing the cell cycle-dependent localization and activity of some of these kinesins, as indicated by mutation of respective conserved motifs. Furthermore, kinesins are required for continuous recruitment of CDZ identity markers to the CDZ. This review summarizes the limited current knowledge of kinesins potentially involved in the steps required for correctly oriented division planes, considering localization patterns and genetic evidence, and discussing kinesin function in context with interaction partners and cell cycle regulation.
Impact of endotoxin exposure after exhausting exercise on the immune system in solid organ transplant recipients.
2012-01-01

Subsequent to prolonged exhausting exercise a transient immunosuppression is often observed in athletes. This so-called "open window" results in a reduced resistance of the athletes to viral and bacterial infections after an exhaustive exercise bout. Concerning the effect of bacterial endotoxin contact after exhausting exercise in transplant recipients, who are innately immunosuppressed by their medication, no data exists at present. After performing 81 km cycling, including ascending more than 1800 m in altitude, peripheral blood from 10 male kidney transplant recipients and from 10 healthy controls matched for age and gender was obtained. Simulating contact of the athletes with a pathogen post-exercise, the blood samples were incubated with Lipopolysaccharides (LPS). Thereafter microarray analysis was performed. Microarray analysis revealed a markedly oppositional pattern of gene expression in transplant recipients compared with their controls after LPS incubation. Especially immune response genes were significantly over-represented in controls immediately after the exhaustive exercise bout with LPS stimulation, whereas numerous apoptotic genes were over-represented in transplant recipients. Merging our previous data with these recent findings it should be discussed if transplant recipients need to reduce their immunosuppressive medication before performing exhaustive exercise.
Cardiovascular disease in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
2012-01-01

As it affects almost every third individual in the general population in the Western world, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) represents the most common cause of chronic liver disease and the most common cause of liver transplantation. Recently, NAFLD has gained much attention in the metabolic field. A continuously increasing amount of evidence suggests that NAFLD is strongly associated with the obesity epidemic and its complications (e.g. insulin resistance, hypertension and dyslipidemia) and precedes the manifestation of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. However, it remains a matter of debate whether the close relationship to cardiovascular disease is explained because NAFLD simply represents a manifestation of the obesity-related metabolic disorders (collectively called the metabolic syndrome) or whether NAFLD is an independent determinant of metabolic dysfunction leading to cardiovascular disease. Another intriguing issue is the fact that, while the association between NAFLD and cardiovascular disease (CVD) is undisputed, some studies fail to show a similar relationship of NAFLD to incident cardiovascular events. A study by Wong et al [1] addressed these 2 issues by prospectively following 612 consecutive patients who were first screened for fatty liver by ultrasonography and then underwent a coronary angiogram. Significant (defined as ≥50% stenosis in at least one coronary artery) coronary artery disease was present in 84.6% of those with fatty liver and 64.1% of those without, which confirmed a strong association between fatty liver and coronary artery disease. After adjustment for many demographic and metabolic factors in a multiple regression analysis, fatty liver and serum alanine aminotranferase levels remained independently associated with coronary artery disease. The patients with coronary artery disease were then followed for the occurrence of a cardiovascular event, defined as cardiovascular death, non-fatal myocardial infarction and the need for further coronary intervention. After a mean follow-up of about 22 months, there was no difference in the rate of events between patients with and without fatty liver. The authors concluded that fatty liver is an independent determinant of coronary artery disease; however, it cannot be used as a marker to predict clinical events in patients with established coronary artery disease.
Economic Inequality, Poverty, and Tolerance: Evidence from 22 Countries
2012-01-01

Abstract Using multilevel models fitted to data from the World Values Survey and national statistics for 22 countries, this paper explores the relationship between both economic inequality and poverty – both across and within nations – and ethnic and religious tolerance. Consistent with previous research, the results demonstrate a positive relationship between individual-level incomes and tolerance. The results also provide contextual modifications to aspects of Inglehart’s (1987) post-materialist thesis by showing that while tolerance is positively associated with national-level economic prosperity, the relationship is stronger for higher income earners than for those who earn less. Finally, the study also contributes an entirely new finding regarding the influence of poverty on tolerance. Specifically, tolerance tends to be highest in countries with low poverty levels. This finding holds for people throughout the income distribution. The paper concludes with a discussion of the policy implications of these findings.
Facile synthesis of colorimetric histone deacetylase substrates
2012-01-01

Here we report a simple procedure for generating colorimetric histone deacetylase (HDAC) substrates by solid-phase peptide synthesis based on racemization-free couplings of amino acid chlorides. We demonstrate the applicability of these substrates in HDAC assays.
Descending aortic calcification increases renal dysfunction and in-hospital mortality in cardiac surgery patients with intraaortic balloon pump counterpulsation placed perioperatively: a case control study
2012-01-01

Perioperative IABP and DTA atheroma are independent predictors of perioperative AKI and in-hospital mortality. Whether adding an IABP in patients with severe DTA calcification increases their risk of developing AKI and mortality postoperatively cannot be clearly answered in this study. Nevertheless, when IABP and DTA are combined, patients are more likely to develop AKI and to die postoperatively in comparison to patients without IABP and DTA atheroma.