julilili42/papers huggingface dataset:
Physical Activity, Affect, and Cognition in Children With Symptoms of ADHD
2013-07-26

Objective: To examine the role of physical activity in determining the affect and executive functioning of children with symptoms of ADHD. Method: In Study 1, the association between physical activity and affect in the daily lives of children with varying degrees of hyperactivity was examined. In Study 2, children with ADHD were randomly assigned a physical activity or a sedentary task before working on a task requiring executive control. Results: Lack of physical activity was shown to relate to depressed affect, more strongly in participants with severe hyperactivity symptoms (Study 1). The physically active participants showed improved executive functioning after only 5 min of vigorous activity; the sedentary control participants showed no improvement (Study 2). Conclusion: These results indicate that interventions to increase the level of physical activity in children with and without ADHD might improve affect and executive functioning.
β1-Integrin Is Essential for Vasoregulation and Smooth Muscle Survival In Vivo
2013-07-26

Objective— Integrins contribute to vascular morphogenesis through regulation of adhesion and assembly of the extracellular matrix. However, the role of β1-integrin in the mature vascular wall is less clear. Approach and Results— We sought to determine the function of β1-integrin in mature smooth muscle cells in vivo using a loss of function approach by crossing a tamoxifen-inducible sm22αCre line to a floxed β1-integrin transgenic line. Adult mice lacking smooth muscle β1-integrin survived only 10 weeks post induction. The deletion of β1-integrin resulted in profound loss of vasomotor control. Histological analysis revealed progressive fibrosis in arteries with associated apoptosis of smooth muscle cells, which was not rescued by adventitial stem cells. Smooth muscle cell apoptosis was detected in arteries with dead cells replaced primarily by collagen. Despite the catastrophic effects on vascular smooth muscle, the deleted visceral smooth muscle remained viable with the exception of a short portion of the colon, indicating that vascular but not visceral smooth muscle is particularly sensitive to changes in β1-integrin. Conclusions— This study reveals an essential function of β1-integrin in the maintenance of vasomotor control and highlights a critical role for β1-integrin in vascular, but not visceral, smooth muscle survival.
Robust Optode-Based Method for Measuring in Situ Oxygen Profiles in Gravelly Streambeds
2013-07-26

One of the key environmental conditions controlling biogeochemical reactions in aquatic sediments like streambeds is the distribution of dissolved oxygen. We present a novel approach for the in situ measurement of vertical oxygen profiles using a planar luminescence-based optical sensor. The instrument consists of a transparent acrylic tube with the oxygen-sensitive layer mounted on the outside. The luminescence is excited and detected by a moveable piston inside the acrylic tube. Since no moving parts are in contact with the streambed, the disturbance of the subsurface flow field is minimized. The precision of the distributed oxygen sensor (DOS) was assessed by a comparison with spot optodes. Although the precision of the DOS, expressed as standard deviation of calculated oxygen air saturation, is lower (0.2-6.2%) compared to spot optodes (<0.1-0.6%), variations of the oxygen content along the profile can be resolved. The uncertainty of the calculated oxygen is assessed with a Monte Carlo uncertainty assessment. The obtained vertical oxygen profiles of 40 cm in length reveal variations of the oxygen content reaching from 90% to 0% air saturation and are characterized by patches of low oxygen rather than a continuous decrease with depth.
The frontal space measurement in euploid and aneuploid pregnancies at 11–13 weeks' gestation
2013-07-26

ABSTRACT Objective The aim of this study is to evaluate whether the measurement of the frontal space (FS) improves first trimester combined aneuploidy screening. Methods We have presented a retrospective study including 2D images of the nuchal translucency measurement of 300 euploid and 133 trisomic fetuses that were seen at the prenatal department at the University of Tuebingen, Germany. For the FS measurement, a mandibulo‐maxillary line (MML) was created by connecting the anterior edge of the mental protuberance and anterior edge of the maxilla. The MML was then extended upwards. A measurement was taken perpendicular from the MML to the skin line over the point of largest excursion of the fetal forehead. After transformation into z ‐scores based on the crown rump length, the FS distribution in fetuses with trisomy 21, 18, and 13 was compared with the euploid group by using a student's t ‐test. Results The mean FS in euploid fetuses was 1.25 mm. In fetuses with trisomy 21, 18, and 13, the mean FS measurements were 2.96, 3.22, and 2.03 mm. In euploid and trisomy 21, 18, and 13 pregnancies, FS measurements were above the 95th centile in 5.3%, 41.1%, 34.3%, and 12.5% of the cases. The mean z ‐scores were significantly higher in trisomy 21 and 18. Conclusion First trimester FS measurement may improve first trimester combined screening. © 2013 John Wiley &amp; Sons, Ltd.
5-[1-(1,3-Dimethyl-2,4,6-trioxohexahydropyrimidin-5-yl)-2-oxopropyl]-1,3-dimethylpyrimidine-2,4,6(1H,3H,5H)-trione
2013-07-26

The title compound, C15H18N4O7, is a product of the substitution reaction of 5,5-di-bromo-1,3-di-methyl-barbituric acid with sodium sulfide in aqueous acetone. In the crystal, mol-ecules display neither inter-molecular nor intra-molecular hydrogen bonding and the two barbiturate rings adopt the keto form.
Harnessing Our Very Life
2013-07-27

The Aristotelian ideas of nature (physis) and technology (techné) are taken as a starting point for understanding what it would mean for technology to be truly living. Heidegger's critique of the conflation of scientific and technological thinking in the current era is accepted as demonstrating that humanity does not have a deep enough appreciation of the nature of life to harness its essence safely. Could the vision of harnessing life be realized, which we strongly doubt, living technology would give selected humans transforming powers that could be expected to exacerbate, rather than solve, current global problems. The source of human purposefulness, and hence of both technology and ethics, is identified in nature's emergent capability to instantiate informational representations in material forms. Ethics that are properly grounded in an appreciation of intrinsic value, especially that of life, demand that proposals to give humanity the capabilities of living technology address the social, political, economic, and environmental problems inherent in its development and potential deployment. Before any development is embarked on, steps must be taken to avoid living technology, whatever the term eventually designates, becoming available for destructive or antisocial purposes such as those that might devastate humanity or irrevocably damage the natural world.
Impact of State Policy on Diffusion of Solar PV in the U.S.: An Empirical Analysis
2013-07-28

Overview Solar photovoltaic (PV) technology has attracted a lot of attention in the policy circles over the past decade due to its positive impacts on the environment, energy security, and industrial competitiveness (Barbose et al., 2010; Croucher, 2010). Given that solar is not cost competitive with most conventional energy sources yet (NREL, 2010), a lot of solar installations have been due to policies (Sherwood, 2010). The creation of such rapidly expanding markets has led the solar industry to achieve unprecedented economies of scale as well as learning-by-doing, encouraging global trade, and resulting in significant cost reductions (Nemet, 2006; Schaeffer et al., 2004).
Mining the mutanome: developing highly personalized Immunotherapies based on mutational analysis of tumors
2013-07-29

T cells can mediate remarkable tumor regressions including complete cure in patients with metastatic cancer. Genetic alterations in an individual's cancer cells (the mutanome) encode unique peptides (m-peptides) that can be targets for T cells. The recent advances in next-generation sequencing and computation prediction allows, for the first time, the rapid and affordable identification of m-peptides in individual patients. Despite excitement about the extended spectrum of potential targets in personalized immunotherapy, there is no experience or consensus on the path to their successful clinical application. Major questions remain, such as whether clinical responses to cytokine therapy, T cell transfer, and checkpoint blockade are primarily mediated by m-peptide-specific reactivity, whether m-peptides can be effectively used as vaccines, and which m-peptides are most potently recognized. These and other technological, immunological and translational questions will be explored during a 1-day Workshop on Personalized Cancer Immunotherapy by the Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer, directly before the Annual Meeting, on November 7, 2013 at the National Harbor, MD near Washington, DC.
Galectin-3 Induces Clustering of CD147 and Integrin-β1 Transmembrane Glycoprotein Receptors on the RPE Cell Surface
2013-07-29

Proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) is a blinding disease frequently occurring after retinal detachment surgery. Adhesion, migration and matrix remodeling of dedifferentiated retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells characterize the onset of the disease. Treatment options are still restrained and identification of factors responsible for the abnormal behavior of the RPE cells will facilitate the development of novel therapeutics. Galectin-3, a carbohydrate-binding protein, was previously found to inhibit attachment and spreading of retinal pigment epithelial cells, and thus bares the potential to counteract PVR-associated cellular events. However, the identities of the corresponding cell surface glycoprotein receptor proteins on RPE cells are not known. Here we characterize RPE-specific Gal-3 containing glycoprotein complexes using a proteomic approach. Integrin-β1, integrin-α3 and CD147/EMMPRIN, a transmembrane glycoprotein implicated in regulating matrix metalloproteinase induction, were identified as potential Gal-3 interactors on RPE cell surfaces. In reciprocal immunoprecipitation experiments we confirmed that Gal-3 associated with CD147 and integrin-β1, but not with integrin-α3. Additionally, association of Gal-3 with CD147 and integrin-β1 was observed in co-localization analyses, while integrin-α3 only partially co-localized with Gal-3. Blocking of CD147 and integrin-β1 on RPE cell surfaces inhibited binding of Gal-3, whereas blocking of integrin-α3 failed to do so, suggesting that integrin-α3 is rather an indirect interactor. Importantly, Gal-3 binding promoted pronounced clustering and co-localization of CD147 and integrin-β1, with only partial association of integrin-α3. Finally, we show that RPE derived CD147 and integrin-β1, but not integrin-α3, carry predominantly β-1,6-N-actyl-D-glucosamine-branched glycans, which are high-affinity ligands for Gal-3. We conclude from these data that extracellular Gal-3 triggers clustering of CD147 and integrin-β1 via interaction with β1,6-branched N-glycans on RPE cells and hypothesize that Gal-3 acts as a positive regulator for CD147/integrin-β1 clustering and therefore modifies RPE cell behavior contributing to the pathogenesis of PVR. Further investigations at this pathway may aid in the development of specific therapies for PVR.
Gold Nanoparticle-Conjugated Anti-Oxidized Low-Density Lipoprotein Antibodies for Targeted Lipidomics of Oxidative Stress Biomarkers
2013-07-29

Oxidized low-density lipoproteins (OxLDLs), in particular, oxidized phosphatidylcholines (OxPCs), are known to be involved in pathophysiological processes such as cardiovascular diseases and are described as potential biomarkers, for example, for atherosclerosis. In our study, we used the specific affinity of anti-OxLDL antibodies (Abs) conjugated to gold nanoparticles (GNPs) for extraction and enrichment of OxPCs via selective trapping of OxLDLs from plasma combined with the sensitive detection by liquid chromatography/tandem-mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Successful bioconjugation chemistry of Abs via a bifunctional polyethylene glycol (PEG) spacer and protein G linkage, respectively, was controlled by measuring the surface plasmon resonance (SPR) spectra, size, and zeta potentials. Furthermore, the amount of Ab immobilized onto GNP via the PEG linker was determined. With the optimized immobilization chemistry, the ability and potential of the GNP-based extraction procedure was used for the determination of the dissociation constant, K(d), of the OxLDL binding to the GNP-Ab conjugate. Moreover, apparent K(d)'s were determined for individual PCs and their oxidation products using the compound-specific selected reaction monitoring mode, which allows the characterization of the Ab affinity and, thus, assessment of the potential antigenicity of (Ox)PCs bound to OxLDLs. In summary, the application of GNP-based bioanalysis for selective targeting of OxLDLs and the fast and sensitive detection by LC-MS/MS offers new possibilities for targeted lipidomics in lipoproteins as well as for oxidative stress lipid biomarker screening.
Effects of stimulus order on duration discrimination sensitivity are under attentional control.
2013-07-29

When participants are asked to discriminate between a fixed-magnitude standard stimulus and a variable comparison stimulus, discrimination performance is typically better when the standard precedes rather than follows the comparison. To date it is unclear whether this Type B effect is the sign of an automatic process or whether it is under participants' control. In a series of three experiments, participants compared the duration of two successively presented intervals. At the beginning of each trial, a symbolic cue either indicated the temporal position of the comparison validly or it was neutral with respect to comparison position. With neutral cues, a strong Type B effect was observed in all experiments. With valid cues, however, this effect was reduced. This pattern of results suggests that the Type B effect is, at least in part, under participants' control. Recently, we have shown that the Type B effect might be due to the formation of an internal reference that is dynamically updated from trial to trial. Within this framework, the attention-based reduction of the Type B effect might be explained by a flexible weighting mechanism that regulates the level of integration of remote stimulus information.
Klotho Sensitivity of the Neuronal Excitatory Amino Acid Transporters EAAT3 and EAAT4
2013-07-29

Klotho, a transmembrane protein, which can be cleaved off as β-glucuronidase and hormone, is released in both, kidney and choroid plexus and encountered in blood and cerebrospinal fluid. Klotho deficiency leads to early appearance of age-related disorders and premature death. Klotho may modify transport by inhibiting 1,25(OH)2D3 formation or by directly affecting channel and carrier proteins. The present study explored whether Klotho influences the activity of the Na(+)-coupled excitatory amino acid transporters EAAT3 and EAAT4, which are expressed in kidney (EAAT3), intestine (EAAT3) and brain (EAAT3 and EAAT4). To this end, cRNA encoding EAAT3 or EAAT4 was injected into Xenopus oocytes with and without additional injection of cRNA encoding Klotho. EAAT expressing Xenopus oocytes were further treated with recombinant human β-Klotho protein with or without β-glucuronidase inhibitor D-saccharic acid 1,4-lactone monohydrate (DSAL). Electrogenic excitatory amino acid transport was determined as L-glutamate-induced current (Iglu) in two electrode voltage clamp experiments. EAAT3 and EAAT4 protein abundance in the Xenopus oocyte cell membrane was visualized by confocal microscopy and quantified utilizing chemiluminescence. As a result, coexpression of Klotho cRNA significantly increased Iglu in both, EAAT3 or EAAT4-expressing Xenopus oocytes. Klotho cRNA coexpression significantly increased the maximal current and cell membrane protein abundance of both EAAT3 and EAAT4. The effect of Klotho coexpression on EAAT3 and EAAT4 activity was mimicked by treating EAAT3 or EAAT4-expressing Xenopus oocytes with recombinant human β-Klotho protein. The effects of Klotho coexpression and of treatment with recombinant human β-Klotho protein were both abrogated in the presence of DSAL (10 μM). In conclusion, Klotho is a novel, powerful regulator of the excitatory amino acid transporters EAAT3 and EAAT4.
Assessment of University Gynaecology Clinics Based on Quality Reports
2013-07-29

<b>Introduction:</b> Quality reporting was initially implemented to offer a better means of assessing hospitals and to provide patients with information to help them when choosing their hospital. Quality reports are published every 2 years and include parameters describing the hospital's structure and general infrastructure together with specific data on individual specialised departments or clinics. <b>Method:</b> This study investigated the 2010 quality reports of German university hospitals published online, focussing on the following data: number of inpatients treated by the hospital, focus of care provided by the unit/department, range of medical services and care provided by the unit/department, non-medical services provided by the unit/department, number of cases treated in the unit/department, ICD diagnoses, OPS procedures, number of outpatient procedures, day surgeries as defined by Section 115b SGB V, presence of an accident insurance consultant and number of staff employed. <b>Results:</b> University gynaecology clinics (UGCs) treat 10 % (range: 6-17 %) of all inpatients of their respective university hospital. There were no important differences in infrastructure between clinics. All UGCs offered full medical care and were specialist clinics for gynaecology (surgery, breast centres, genital cancer, urogynaecology, endoscopy), obstetrics (prenatal diagnostics, high-risk obstetrics); many were also specialist clinics for endocrinology and reproductive medicine. On average, each clinic employs 32 physicians (range: 16-78). Half of them (30-77 %) are specialists. Around 171 (117-289) inpatients are treated on average per physician. The most common ICD coded treatments were deliveries and treatment of infants. Gynaecological diagnoses are underrepresented. <b>Summary:</b> UGCs treat 10 % of all inpatients treated in university hospitals, making them important ports of entry for their respective university hospital. Around half of the physicians are specialists. Quality reports offer little information on the differences in competencies or medical specialties. The statutory quality reports are not useful for patients and referring physicians when choosing a clinic.
What Is the Limit of Redundancy Reduction with Divisive Normalization?
2013-07-29

Divisive normalization has been proposed as a nonlinear redundancy reduction mechanism capturing contrast correlations. Its basic function is a radial rescaling of the population response. Because of the saturation of divisive normalization, however, it is impossible to achieve a fully independent representation. In this letter, we derive an analytical upper bound on the inevitable residual redundancy of any saturating radial rescaling mechanism.
Impact of New Shift Models for Doctors Working at a German University Hospital for Gynaecology and Obstetrics Four Years After Implementation. Can They Meet the European Working Time Directive Without Increasing Costs?
2013-07-29

<b>Background:</b> The impact of the European Working Time Directive and subsequent collective wage agreements for doctors from 2006 onwards were substantial. So far, no systematic evaluation of their application in Germany has been performed. We evaluated the impact four years after implementation of new shift models in a University Hospital for Gynaecology and Obstetrics (UHGO). <b>Methods:</b> A new shift model was created together with doctors of Tübingen UHOG in 2007 and implemented in 2008. Documentation of working hours has hence been done electronically. Adherence to the average weekly working time limit (AWTL) and the maximum of 10 h daily working time (10 h-dwt) was evaluated, as well as staffing costs in relation to case-weight points gathered within the German DRG (diagnosis related groups) System. <b>Results:</b> Staff increased from a mean of 44.7 full time equivalent (FTE) doctors in 2007 to 52.5 FTE in 2009, 50.8 in 2010, and 54.5 in 2011. There was no statistically significant difference of the monthly staff expenditures per case-weight between the years 2009 or 2010 vs. 2007. 2011, however, was significantly more expensive than 2007 (p = 0.02). The internal control group (five other departments of the university hospital) did not show an increase during the same period. AWTL were respected by 90, 96, and 98 % in 2009, 2010, and 2011, respectively. Of all shifts 10 h-dwt was exceeded by 7.4 % in 2009, 1.3 % in 2010, and 2.6 % in 2011, with significant differences between 2009 and both, 2010 and 2011 (p < 0.001), and between 2010 and 2011 (p = 0.02). <b>Discussion:</b> AWTL and 10 h-dwt could be continuously respected quite well after implementation of the new shift model without increasing the cost/earnings ratio for the first two years. However, in 2011 the ratio increased significantly (p = 0.02).
Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy in Peyronie's Disease: Results of a Placebo-Controlled, Prospective, Randomized, Single-Blind Study
2013-07-30

ABSTRACT Introduction Extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) for treatment of Peyronie's disease (PD) is controversial. Aim To study the efficacy of ESWT by a placebo-controlled, randomized trial. Methods Patients with PD (n = 102) were randomly assigned (n = 51) to each group (ESWT or placebo). All patients were given 6 weekly treatments. Patients in the ESWT-group received 2,000 shock waves per session, using the Piezoson 100 lithotripter (Richard Wolf, Knittlingen, Germany). Patients in the placebo-group were treated with interposition of a plastic membrane, which prevented any transmission of shock waves. Main Outcome Measures Primary end point was decrease of pain between baseline and after 4 weeks follow-up. Secondary end points were changes in deviation, plaque size, and sexual function. Pain was assessed by a visual analog scale. Deviation was measured by a goniometer after artificial erection using Alprostadil (Viridal®, Schwarz Pharma, Monheim, Germany). Plaque size was measured with a ruler and sexual function assessed by a scale regarding the ability to perform sexual intercourse. Results Overall, only 45 patients experienced pain at baseline. In the subgroup analysis of these patients, pain decreased in 17/20 (85.0%) patients in the ESWT group and 12/25 (48.0%) patients in the placebo group (P = 0.013, relative risk [RR] = 0.29, 95% confidence interval: 0.09–0.87). Penile deviation was not reduced by ESWT (P = 0.66) but worsened in 20/50 (40%) and 12/49 (24.5%) patients of the ESWT and placebo-group, respectively (P = 0.133). Plaque size reduction was not different between the two groups (P = 0.33). Additional, plaque size increased in five patients (10.9%) of the ESWT group only. An improvement in sexual function could not be verified (P = 0.126, RR = 0.46). Conclusions Despite some potential benefit of ESWT in regard to pain reduction, it should be emphasized that pain usually resolves spontaneously with time. Given this and the fact that deviation may worsen with ESWT, this treatment cannot be recommended.