julilili42/papers huggingface dataset:
Off on the Wrong Foot: Local Features in Biological Motion
2009-01-01

Biological-motion perception consists of a number of different phenomena. They include global mechanisms that support the retrieval of the coherent shape of a walker, but also mechanisms which derive information from the local motion of its parts about facing direction and animacy, independent of the particular shape of the display. A large body of the literature on biological-motion perception is based on a synthetic stimulus generated by an algorithm published by James Cutting in 1978 ( Perception7 393–405). Here we show that this particular stimulus lacks a visual invariant inherent to the local motion of the feet of a natural walker, which in more realistic motion patterns indicates the facing direction of a walker independent of its shape. Comparing Cutting's walker to a walker derived from motion-captured data of real human walkers, we find no difference between the two displays in a detection task designed such that observers had to rely on global shape. In a direction discrimination task, however, in which only local motion was accessible to the observer, performance on Cutting's walker was at chance, while direction could still be retrieved from the stimuli derived from the real walker.
Pollen sources of the orchid bee Euglossa annectans Dressler 1982 (Hymenoptera: Apidae, Euglossini) analyzed from larval provisions
2009-01-01

In order to analyze the pollen resources used by the orchid bee Euglossa annectans, samples of larval provisions from cells under construction were taken from 12 different trap nests (wooden boxes) on Santa Catarina Island, southern Brazil. The 43 samples collected between 2002 and 2005 represented all months except December. Overall, 74 pollen types from 24 families were distinguished. Among the 26 pollen types that reached more than 10% in monthly means, the families Melastomataceae, Bromeliaceae, Ochnaceae, Fabaceae, and Myrtaceae were most frequently represented. The Shannon-Weaver diversity index H' for the 43 brood cells varied from 0.10-1.65 and the annual diversity was 0.98. Similarity indices ranged from 0 to 0.87 and were highest during spring and summer. The results characterize E. annectans as a polylectic species. Based on these data, we can conclude that Euglossa females may act as pollinators of many forest species.
Gender Equality and Inequality in Numeracy: The Case of Latin America and the Caribbean, 1880–1949
2009-01-01

ABSTRACT This article outlines the development of gender disparities in education for 28 Latin American and Caribbean countries for the period from 1880 to 1949, using age heaping techniques. We explore in particular the hypothesis of a U-shaped development of women's education during economic development, i.e., a decrease in gender equality at lower levels of overall education, and increasing gender equality at higher levels. For the downward sloping part, we find some evidence, although this part is relatively small. The upward sloping part is strongly confirmed. We also find that non-Hispanic Caribbean countries had substantially lower gender inequality rates than Latin American countries. A second major contribution is to document the development of average numerical abilities (of both genders) in these 28 countries.
Reflectometric Interference Spectroscopy
2009-01-01

Reflectometry is classified in comparison to the commercialized refractometric surface plasmon resonance. The advantages of direct optical detection depend on a sophisticated surface chemistry resulting negligible nonspecific binding and high loading with recognition sites at the biopolymer sensitive layer of the transducer. Elaborate details on instrumental realization and surface chemistry are discussed for optimum application of reflectometric interference spectroscopy (RIfS). A standard protocol for a binding inhibition assay is given. It overcomes principal problems of any direct optical detection technique.
Role of IDO in Organ Transplantation: Promises and Difficulties
2009-01-01

Induction of donor-antigen-specific immunological tolerance still remains the "holy grail" in organ transplantation. Recently, Indoleamine-2,3 Dioxygenase (IDO)--a tryptophan degrading enzyme--has been shown to be implicated in one of nature's most impressive examples of tolerance, which is maternal acceptance of the semi-allogeneic foetus. Although many experimental findings propose IDO as a key player in induction and maintenance of peripheral tolerance, scepticism exists as to whether IDO represents a promising therapeutic target with clinical relevance. In this review article we will discuss the role of IDO in transplantation and take a critical look at IDO-based therapeutic strategies.
Differential effects of prolonged work on performance measures in self-paced speed tests
2009-01-01

Time-related changes in the speeded performance of complex cognitive tasks are considered to arise from the combined effects of practice and mental fatigue. Here we explored the differential contributions of practice and fatigue to performance changes in a self-paced speeded mental addition and comparison task of about 50 min duration, administered twice within one week's time. Performance measures included average response speed, accuracy, and response speed variability. The results revealed differential effects of prolonged work on different performance indices: Practice effects, being more pronounced in the first session, were reflected in an improvement of average response speed, whereas mental fatigue, occurring in both sessions, was reflected in an increase of response speed variability. This demonstrates that effects of mental fatigue on average speed of performance may be masked by practice effects but still be detectable in the variability of performance. Therefore, besides experimental factors such as the length and complexity of tasks, indices of response speed variability should be taken into consideration when interpreting different aspects of performance in self-paced speed tests.
Protein Microarrays: Effective Tools for the Study of Inflammatory Diseases
2009-01-01

Inflammation is a defense reaction of an organism against harmful stimuli such as tissue injury or infectious agents. The relationship between the infecting microorganism and the immune, inflammatory, and coagulation responses of the host is intricately intertwined. Due to its complex nature, the molecular mechanisms of inflammation are not yet understood in detail and additional diagnostic tools are required to clarify further aspects. In recent years, protein microarray-based research has moved from being technology-based to application-oriented. Protein microarrays are perfect tools for studying inflammatory diseases. High-density protein arrays enable new classes of autoantibodies, which cause autoimmune diseases, to be discovered. Protein arrays consisting of miniaturized multiplexed sandwich immunoassays allow the simultaneous expression analysis of dozens of signaling molecules such as the cytokines and chemokines involved in the regulation of the immune system. The data enable statements to be made on the status of the disease and its progression as well as support for the clinicians in choosing patient-specific treatment. This chapter reviews the technology and the applications of protein microarrays in diagnosing and monitoring inflammatory diseases.
Long QT Syndrome-associated Mutations in the Voltage Sensor of I<sub>Ks</sub> Channels
2009-01-01

The plateau phase of the ventricular action potential is the result of balanced Ca2+ influx and K+ efflux. The action potential is finally terminated by repolarising K+ currents. Under beta-adrenergic stimulation the slowly activating component of the human cardiac delayed rectifier K+ current I(Ks) provides the major repolarising component. I(Ks) channels are heteromeric channels composed of KCNQ1 and KCNE1. Mutations in the voltage sensor S4 of KCNQ1 are associated with long-QT syndrome 1 (LQTS1). Here, we study the effects of the mutations S225L, I235N and L239P located in S4. The respective channels were expressed in Xenopus oocytes and analyzed by dual electrode voltage clamp. As a result all mutants shifted the voltage dependence of activation to the right and reduced the voltage dependence of deactivation kinetics. The activation kinetics were differently affected in homomeric mutant channels compared to wild type KCNQ1. All three mutations reduced KCNQ1/KCNE1 channel currents in a dominant-negative manner when the mutants were coexpressed with wt subunits suggesting reduced I(Ks) as the molecular basis of LQT1.
The Serum and Glucocorticoid-Regulated Kinase 1 in Hypoxic Renal Injury
2009-01-01

The serum- and glucocorticoid-inducible kinase 1 (SGK1) is a serine threonine protein kinase activated through the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3-kinase) pathway and counteracting apoptosis. Protein expression and activation of SGK1 are increased in various models of cell stress. The present study explored the role of SGK1 in renal hypoxia/ischemia induced apoptosis. HEK 293 cells were exposed in vitro to hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R), which increased SGK1 transcript levels, SGK1 protein abundance and SGK1 phosphorylation. H/R injury further enhanced the percentage of apoptotic cells, an effect significantly blunted by prior SGK1 overexpression. In vivo renal ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury increased SGK1 transcript levels and SGK1 protein abundance. I/R enhanced apoptosis, an effect significantly more pronounced in gene targeted mice lacking SGK1. In conclusion, SGK1 is up-regulated and counteracts apoptosis following H/R in vitro and ischemia In vivo.
Association Analysis of Genes Involved in the Maintenance of the Integrity of the Extracellular Matrix with Intracranial Aneurysms in a Japanese Cohort
2009-01-01

&lt;i&gt;Background:&lt;/i&gt; An association between versican &lt;i&gt;(CSPG2)&lt;/i&gt;, perlecan &lt;i&gt;(HSPG2)&lt;/i&gt;, fibrillin 2 &lt;i&gt;(FBN2)&lt;/i&gt; and collagen 4A1 &lt;i&gt;(COL4A1)&lt;/i&gt; gene variants and intracranial aneurysms (IA) has been reported in 2 studies analyzing Dutch IA patients. The aim of this study was to verify these associations in a Japanese IA population. In addition, a meta-analysis on the association of these genes and IA for the combined Dutch and Japanese populations was performed. &lt;i&gt;Methods:&lt;/i&gt; The associated single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in these genes identified in the Dutch study were genotyped in 632 Japanese IA patients and 808 healthy control subjects using TaqMan SNP genotyping assays. &lt;i&gt;Results:&lt;/i&gt; A similar association to that previously found in the Dutch population was found for the &lt;i&gt;CSPG2 &lt;/i&gt;(rs251124) and &lt;i&gt;HSPG2&lt;/i&gt; (rs3767137) SNPs, although both associations were not statistically significant in the Japanese population (&lt;i&gt;CSPG2 &lt;/i&gt;OR 1.18, 95% CI 0.98–1.41, p = 0.08; &lt;i&gt;HSPG2&lt;/i&gt; OR 1.09, 95% CI 0.90–1.32). Combining the Dutch and Japanese data for a meta-analysis showed an overall association between the &lt;i&gt;CSPG2 &lt;/i&gt;SNP and IA (OR 1.29, 95% CI 1.12–1.48, p = 0.0005) and the &lt;i&gt;HSPG2&lt;/i&gt; SNP and IA (OR 1.22, 95% CI 1.08–1.39, p = 0.002). No differences in SNP frequency were observed for &lt;i&gt;FBN2&lt;/i&gt; and &lt;i&gt;COL4A1&lt;/i&gt; between Japanese patients and controls. &lt;i&gt;Conclusions:&lt;/i&gt; By analyzing &lt;i&gt;HSPG2&lt;/i&gt;, &lt;i&gt;CSPG2&lt;/i&gt;, &lt;i&gt;FBN2&lt;/i&gt; and &lt;i&gt;COL4A1&lt;/i&gt;, we were able to replicate the association of &lt;i&gt;CSPG2 &lt;/i&gt;and show that there is a trend for HSPG2 towards association in the Japanese IA population by means of a meta-analysis combining the Dutch and Japanese results. The association of &lt;i&gt;FBN2&lt;/i&gt; and &lt;i&gt;COL4A1 &lt;/i&gt;could not be replicated in the Japanese IA population.
Treatment of Disseminated Granuloma Annulare with Low-dose Fumaric Acid
2009-01-01

While localized variants of granuloma annulare are typically self-limited, disseminated granuloma annulare tends to be chronic and often therapy-resistant. Treatment with fumaric acid esters is effective for severe forms of psoriasis. Disseminated granuloma annulare has also been reported to respond to fumaric acid esters. We treated 8 patients (mean age 64.2 years; 4 men, 4 women) with low-dose fumaric acid esters for 1-18 months. One patient showed complete clearance, 4 marked improvement, one slight to moderate improvement and one no response. One patient discontinued treatment due to nausea after one month and another stopped it after 18 months. Five out of 8 patients tolerated the treatment well. Six patients developed transient, mild leucopaenia and one eosinophilia. None of these blood abnormalities necessitated discontinuation of therapy. Low-dose fumaric acid esters significantly improve disseminated granuloma annulare in approximately 63% of patients. Larger, controlled, prospective studies are needed to evaluate its efficacy and safety in this setting.
Role of the substrate in electronic structure, molecular orientation, and morphology of organic thin films: diindenoperylene on rutile TiO2(110)
2009-01-01

The results of our multitechnique investigation performed on diindenoperylene thin films deposited on rutile TiO2(110) show island growth, with crystallites nucleating preferentially along the [110] substrate crystallographic axis. The findings evidence that the films' properties at the interface are common to those found for a number of organic molecules deposited on the same substrate, revealing that the structural and morphological properties of organic thin films on rutile TiO2(110) are completely driven by its surface morphology.
Dynamics of guest molecules in PHTP inclusion compounds as probed by solid-state NMR and fluorescence spectroscopy
2009-01-01

Partially deuterated 1,4-distyrylbenzene () is included into the pseudohexagonal nanochannels of perhydrotriphenylene (PHTP). The overall and intramolecular mobility of is investigated over a wide temperature range by (13)C, (2)H NMR as well as fluorescence spectroscopy. Simulations of the (2)H NMR spectral shapes reveal an overall wobble motion of in the channels with an amplitude of about 4 degrees at T = 220 K and 10 degrees at T = 410 K. Above T = 320 K the wobble motion is superimposed by localized 180 degrees flips of the terminal phenyl rings with a frequency of 10(6) Hz at T = 340 K. The activation energies of both types of motions are around 40 kJ mol(-1) which imply a strong sterical hindrance by the surrounding PHTP channels. The experimental vibrational structure of the fluorescence excitation spectra of is analyzed in terms of small amplitude ring torsional motions, which provide information about the spatial constraints on by the surrounding PHTP host matrix. Combining the results from NMR and fluorescence spectroscopy as well as of time-dependent density functional calculations yields the complete potential surfaces of the phenyl ring torsions. These results, which suggest that intramolecular mobility of is only reduced but not completely suppressed by the matrix, are corroborated by MD simulations. Unrealistically high potential barriers for phenyl ring flips are obtained from MD simulations using rigid PHTP matrices which demonstrate the importance of large amplitude motions of the PHTP host lattice for the mobility of the guest molecules.
The absence of angiopoietin-2 leads to abnormal vascular maturation and persistent proliferative retinopathy
2009-01-01

Summary Angiopoietin-2 (Ang-2) antagonises the maturing effect of angiopoietin-1 (Ang-1) on blood vessels, and cooperates with VEGF to induce neovascularisation. In knockout mice,Ang-2 displayed a specific role in postnatal angiogenic remodelling. Here, we demonstrate that mice deficient in Ang-2 fail to form a proper spatial retinal vascular network. The retinal vasculature was characterised by reduced large vessel numbers and defects forming the superficial periphery mostly on the arteriolar site, and the secondary and tertiary deep capillary network. Hypoxia in the retinal periphery induced a four-fold VEGF upregulation and active endothelial proliferation for up to 60 days. Concomitantly, retinal digest preparations showed increased arteriolar (+33%) and capillary diameters (+90%), and fluorescein angiograms revealed leakiness of neovascular front. At one year of age, persistent preretinal vessels were non-leaky in accordance with a relative increase in the ratio of Ang-1 to VEGF.Taken together, the data suggest that Ang-2 has an important function in the spatial configuration of the three-dimensional retinal vasculature. Secondarily, prolonged VEGF activity results in a model of persistent proliferative retinopathy.
How to Convey Perceptual Skills by Displaying Experts’ Gaze Data
2009-01-01

Complex tasks with a visually rich and dynamic component, like classifying locomotion patterns in moving, colorful fish, require the acquisition not only of conceptual but also of perceptual skills. In a previous study expertise differences were examined on a performance and process level by means of eye tracking and verbal protocols. It revealed that experts attended more to relevant aspects of the stimulus compared to novices and used knowledge-based shortcuts for classifying the locomotion patterns. The current study examined a method to convey perceptual skills of a didactically behaving expert to novices by means of showing them a display of the expert’s gaze data recorded while he performed the task. Results show that this type of modeling example influences visual attention and enhances performance.
Scalable discriminative parsing for German
2009-01-01

Generative lexicalized parsing models, which are the mainstay for probabilistic parsing of English, do not perform as well when applied to languages with different language-specific properties such as free(r) word order or rich morphology. For German and other non-English languages, linguistically motivated complex treebank transformations have been shown to improve performance within the framework of PCFG parsing, while generative lexicalized models do not seem to be as easily adaptable to these languages.
Modeling the competition between solid solution formation and cation exchange on the retardation of aqueous radium in an idealized bentonite column
2009-01-01

Clays and clay rocks are considered viable geotechnical barriers in radioactive waste disposal. One reason for this is the propensity for cation exchange reactions in clay minerals to retard the migration of radionuclides. Although another retardation mechanism, namely the incorporation of radionuclides into sulfate or carbonate solid solutions, has been known for a long time, only recently has it been examined systematically. In this work, we investigate the competitive effect of both mechanisms on the transport of radium (Ra) in the near-field of a low- and intermediate level nuclear waste repository. In our idealized geochemical model, numerical simulations show that barium (Ba) and strontium (Sr) needed for Ra sulfate solid solutions also partition to the cation exchange sites of montmorillonite (Mont), which is the major mineral constituent of bentonite that is used for tunnel backfill. At high Mont content, most Ra tends to attach to Mont, while incorporation of Ra in sulfate solid solutions is more important at low Mont content. To explore the effect of the Mont content on the transport of radium, a multi-component reactive transport model was developed and implemented in the scientific software OpenGeoSys-GEM. It was found that a decrease of fixation capacity due to low Mont content is compensated by the formation of solid solutions and that the migration distance of aqueous Ra is similar at different Mont/water ratios.
Pioglitazone Induced Gastric Acid Secretion
2009-01-01

PPARgamma agonists, such as pioglitazone, are widely used in the treatment of diabetes and several further disorders. They enhance transcription of the serum and glucocorticoid inducible kinase SGK1, which could in turn enhance gastric acid secretion by stimulating KCNQ1 K+ channels. The present study explored whether pioglitazone upregulates SGK1 protein expression in gastric glands and thus modifies gastric acid secretion. Food containing the PPARgamma agonist pioglitazone (approximately 25 mg/kg bw/day) was administered to gene-targeted mice lacking SGK1 (sgk1-/-, n=11) and their wild-type littermates (sgk1+/+, n=11). Western blotting was employed to analyze SGK1 expression, BCECF-fluorescence to determine acid secretion in isolated gastric glands and immunohistochemistry to elucidate KCNQ1 and H+/K+-ATPase protein abundance in the parietal cell membrane. Pioglitazone significantly increased SGK1 expression. Cytosolic pH and cellular buffer capacity were not significantly different between sgk1+/+ and sgk1-/- mice and not significantly modified in either genotype by pioglitazone. Without pioglitazone treatment, Na+-independent pH-recovery following an ammonium pulse (DeltapH/min) reflecting H+/K+-ATPase activity was again similar in sgk1+/+ and sgk1-/- mice. Pioglitazone significantly increased DeltapH/min (approximately 3 fold) in sgk1+/+ but not in sgk1-/- mice. H+/K+-ATPase inhibitor omeprazole (100 microM) abolished DeltapH/min in both genotypes irrespective of pioglitazone treatment. Increase in local K+ concentrations to 35 mM (replacing Na+/NMDG) significantly increased DeltapH/min and abrogated the differences between genotypes. KCNQ1 and H+/K+-ATPase protein abundance in the parietal cell membrane was enhanced by pioglitazone treatment in sgk1+/+ but not in sgk1-/- mice. In conclusion, pioglitazone increases gastric acid secretion, an effect at least partially due to stimulation of SGK1 expression and SGK1-dependent upregulation of KCNQ1.
EVOLUTION OF A GENERIC CLAY/CEMENT INTERFACE: FIRST REACTIVE TRANSPORT CALCULATIONS UTILIZING A GIBBS ENERGY MINIMIZATION BASED APPROACH FOR GEOCHEMICAL CALCULATIONS
2009-01-01

The long-term evolution of deep geological repositories for nuclear waste is governed by geochemical processes in conjunction with mass and energy transport. A key role for the design of the multi-barrier system is the knowledge of long term changes at the interfaces between different materials. We investigate the porosity evolution at a generic interface between clay and cement containing materials. We use novel reactive transport codes that couple a Gibbs Energy Minimization (GEM) chemical equilibrium thermodynamic solver with mass transport solvers. Our simulations show that in the cementitious material, the porosity is increased due to the dissolution of portlandite. At the interface, the porosity is strongly reduced in the clay and cement compartment due to calcite precipitation and due to the precipitation of C-S-H solid solution. The time for clogging the interface is highly variable and depends on transport conditions and on the geochemical setup.