julilili42/papers huggingface dataset:
Decoding Performance for Hand Movements: EEG vs. MEG
2007-08-01

A direct comparison of the decoding performance of EEG and MEG in respect of hand movements is provided in this study. We recorded simultaneously EEG and MEG signals of the human contralateral motor cortex during center-out movements (four targets) and decoded directions by regularized linear discriminant analysis. Similar maximum decoding power (DP) was found for EEG (54%) and MEG (57%) approximately 450ms after movement onset, using EEG+MEG the DP remained at 57%. No significant (p>0.05) difference for the maximum DP between the three signals was found. EEG and MEG provided significant (p<0.05) DP approximately 0ms and approximately -100ms relative to movement onset. In conclusion, EEG and MEG yield approximately the same maximal DP in this paradigm with the MEG allowing for a slightly and significantly (p<0.05) earlier decoding than the EEG.
Spatial receptive field properties of lateral geniculate cells in the owl monkey (Aotus azarae) at different contrasts: a comparative study
2007-08-01

Abstract Several physiological properties of owl monkey lateral geniculate nucleus (LGN) cells were studied to verify whether its nocturnal habit has an influence on the organization of its subcortical visual system. Receptive field (RF) dimensions were measured using drifting gratings and bipartite field stimuli. We found that owl monkey cells LGN have larger RFs and were on average more non‐linear than those of diurnal monkeys. But, as in other anthropoids, there is an increase in RF centre size with increasing eccentricity, and there is a limited correlation between these centre sizes and retinal ganglion cell dendritic tree sizes. The influence of contrast on sizes and peak sensitivities of RF centres and surrounds and on the response phases was studied. Both the sizes and peak sensitivities of the RF centres and surrounds decrease as contrast increases. As a result, the responses to low spatial frequency stimuli saturate with increasing contrast. Estimates of contrasts at half‐maximal responses confirm the presence of saturation. It was found that the magnocellular cells saturate more strongly than parvocellular cells. The response phase increases with increasing contrast. These data resemble those obtained in the common marmoset, indicating that these are basic features of the primate visual system. We conclude that during evolution and as an adaptation to a nocturnal lifestyle, cells in the owl monkey LGN display an increased spatial integration in comparison with diurnal primate species, without a change in the basic organization common to the primate subcortical visual system.
Spinal cord injury–induced expression of the antiangiogenic endostatin/collagen XVIII in areas of vascular remodelling
2007-08-01

Object. Spinal cord injury (SCI) induces the disruption of neural and vascular structures. In contrast to the emerging knowledge of mechanisms regulating the onset of the postinjury angiogenic response, little is known about counterregulatory signals. Methods. Using immunohistochemical methods, the authors investigated the expression of the endogenous angiogenic inhibitor endostatin/collagen XVIII during the tissue remodeling response to SCI. Results. After SCI, endostatin/collagen XVIII + cells accumulated at the lesion site, in pannecrotic regions (especially in areas of cavity formation), at the lesion margin/areas of ongoing secondary damage, and in perivascular Virchow–Robin spaces. In remote areas (&gt; 0.75 cm from the epicenter) a more modest accumulation of endostatin/collagen XVIII + cells was observed, especially in areas of pronounced Wallerian degeneration. The numbers of endostatin/collagen XVIII + cells reached their maximum on Day 7 after SCI. The cell numbers remained elevated in both, the lesion and remote regions, compared with control spinal cords for 4 weeks afterwards. In addition to being predominantly confined to ED1 + -activated microglia/macrophages within the pannecrotic lesion core, endostatin/collagen XVIII expression was frequently detected by the endothelium/vessel walls. Numbers of lesional endostatin/collagen XVIII + endothelium/vessel walls were found to increase early by Day 1 postinjury, reaching their maximum on Day 3 and declining subsequently to enhanced (above control) levels 30 days after SCI. Conclusions. The authors detected that in comparison to the early expression of neoangiogenic factors, there was a postponed lesional expression of the antiangiogenic endostatin/collagen XVIII. Furthermore, the expression of endostatin/collagen XVIII was localized to areas of neovascular pruning and retraction (cavity formation). The expression of endostatin/collagen XVIII by macrophages in a “late” activated phagocytic mode suggests that this factor plays a role in counteracting the preceding “early” neoangiogenic response after SCI.
Comment on “Electron Core-Hole Interaction and Its Induced Ionic Structural Relaxation in Molecular Systems under X-Ray Irradiation”
2007-08-01

A Comment on the Letter by Wei Ji, Zhong-Yi Lu, and Hongjun Gao, Phys. Rev. Lett. 97, 246101 (2006). The authors of the Letter offer a Reply.Received 16 February 2007DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.99.059601©2007 American Physical Society
Reconstructive Urology
2007-08-01

Purpose: Management for posterior urethral disruption and concurrent bladder neck incompetence is controversial.Some groups recommend treatment with a Mitrofanoff catheterizable stoma, while others advocate urethral reconstruction with delayed placement of an artificial urinary sphincter.We report our experience with the latter strategy.Materials and Methods: We reviewed the records of all patients with the above injury who were treated with end-to-end urethroplasty followed by delayed bladder neck artificial urinary sphincter placement from 1986 to 2006.Results: Five patients had videourodynamic evidence of bladder neck incompetence coexisting with traumatic posterior urethral disruption.The etiology of bladder neck incompetence in all 5 patients was a known longitudinal tear through the bladder neck that occurred at the time of trauma.Each patient underwent end-to-end urethroplasty.Six to 12 months later the patients had persistent incontinence.Bladder function and urethral patency were documented by urodynamic, radiographic and endoscopic studies.A bladder neck artificial urinary sphincter was subsequently placed.Each operation was technically demanding due to fibrosis in the pelvis and around the bladder neck.All patients were initially continent but erosion of the artificial urinary sphincter into the bladder neck in 4, and the bladder neck and rectum in 1 occurred at a mean of 3 years (range 6 months to 8 years).Conclusions: Placement of a bladder neck artificial urinary sphincter for managing urinary incontinence due to concurrent posterior urethral disruption and bladder neck incompetence is difficult and it risks delayed erosion.In this patient population we would strongly consider urinary diversion with a Mitrofanoff catheterizable stoma.
Functional significance of channels and transporters expressed in the inner ear and kidney
2007-08-02

A number of ion channels and transporters are expressed in both the inner ear and kidney. In the inner ear, K + cycling and endolymphatic K + , Na + , Ca 2+ , and pH homeostasis are critical for normal organ function. Ion channels and transporters involved in K + cycling include K + channels, Na + -2Cl − -K + cotransporter, Na + /K + -ATPase, Cl − channels, connexins, and K + /Cl − cotransporters. Furthermore, endolymphatic Na + and Ca 2+ homeostasis depends on Ca 2+ -ATPase, Ca 2+ channels, Na + channels, and a purinergic receptor channel. Endolymphatic pH homeostasis involves H + -ATPase and Cl − /HCO 3 − exchangers including pendrin. Defective connexins (GJB2 and GJB6), pendrin (SLC26A4), K + channels (KCNJ10, KCNQ1, KCNE1, and KCNMA1), Na + -2Cl − -K + cotransporter (SLC12A2), K + /Cl − cotransporters (KCC3 and KCC4), Cl − channels (BSND and CLCNKA + CLCNKB), and H + -ATPase (ATP6V1B1 and ATPV0A4) cause hearing loss. All these channels and transporters are also expressed in the kidney and support renal tubular transport or signaling. The hearing loss may thus be paralleled by various renal phenotypes including a subtle decrease of proximal Na + -coupled transport (KCNE1/KCNQ1), impaired K + secretion (KCNMA1), limited HCO 3 − elimination (SLC26A4), NaCl wasting (BSND and CLCNKB), renal tubular acidosis (ATP6V1B1, ATPV0A4, and KCC4), or impaired urinary concentration (CLCNKA). Thus, defects of channels and transporters expressed in the kidney and inner ear result in simultaneous dysfunctions of these seemingly unrelated organs.
Linear-scaling method for calculating nuclear magnetic resonance chemical shifts using gauge-including atomic orbitals within Hartree-Fock and density-functional theory
2007-08-03

Details of a new density matrix-based formulation for calculating nuclear magnetic resonance chemical shifts at both Hartree-Fock and density functional theory levels are presented. For systems with a nonvanishing highest occupied molecular orbital–lowest unoccupied molecular orbital gap, the method allows us to reduce the asymptotic scaling order of the computational effort from cubic to linear, so that molecular systems with 1000 and more atoms can be tackled with today’s computers. The key feature is a reformulation of the coupled-perturbed self-consistent field (CPSCF) theory in terms of the one-particle density matrix (D-CPSCF), which avoids entirely the use of canonical MOs. By means of a direct solution for the required perturbed density matrices and the adaptation of linear-scaling integral contraction schemes, the overall scaling of the computational effort is reduced to linear. A particular focus of our formulation is to ensure numerical stability when sparse-algebra routines are used to obtain an overall linear-scaling behavior.
The vasodilator 17,18‐epoxyeicosatetraenoic acid targets the pore‐forming BK α channel subunit in rodents
2007-08-04

17,18‐Epoxyeicosatetraenoic acid (17,18‐EETeTr) stimulates vascular large‐conductance K + (BK) channels. BK channels are composed of the pore‐forming BK α and auxiliary BK β1 subunits that confer an increased sensitivity for changes in membrane potential and calcium to BK channels. Ryanodine‐sensitive calcium‐release channels (RyR3) in the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) control the process. To elucidate the mechanism of BK channel activation, we performed whole‐cell and perforated‐patch clamp experiments in freshly isolated cerebral and mesenteric artery vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) from Sprague–Dawley rats, BK β1 gene‐deficient (−/−), BK α (−/−), RyR3 (−/−) and wild‐type mice. The 17,18‐EETeTr (100 n m ) increased tetraethylammonium (1 m m )‐sensitive outward K + currents in VSMC from wild‐type rats and wild‐type mice. The effects were not inhibited by the epoxyeicosatrienoic acid (EET) antagonist 14,15‐epoxyeicosa‐5( Z )‐enoic acid (10 μ m ). BK channel currents were increased 3.5‐fold in VSMC from BK β1 (−/−) mice, whereas a 2.9‐fold stimulation was observed in VSMC from RyR3 (−/−) mice (at membrane voltage 60 mV). The effects were similar compared with those observed in cells from wild‐type mice. The BK current increase was neither influenced by strong internal calcium buffering (Ca 2 + , 100 n m ), nor by external calcium influx. The 17,18‐EETeTr did not induce outward currents in VSMC BK α (−/−) cells. We next tested the vasodilator effects of 17,18‐EETeTr on isolated arteries of BK α‐deficient mice. Vasodilatation was largely inhibited in cerebral and mesenteric arteries isolated from BK α (−/−) mice compared with that observed in wild‐type and BK β1 (−/−) arteries. We conclude that 17,18‐EETeTr represents an endogenous BK channel agonist and vasodilator. Since 17,18‐EETeTr is active in small arteries lacking BK β1, the data further suggest that BK α represents the molecular target for the principal action of 17,18‐EETeTr. Finally, the action of 17,18‐EETeTr is not mediated by changes of the internal global calcium concentration or local SR calcium release events.
Seamless tangible interaction through selective stylization
2007-08-05

We present a new style of tangible interaction, which provides an improved user experience by seamlessly combining real objects and graphical models. In the tangible user interaction zone of our system, physical objects and virtual models are displayed in the same technical illustration style. Regions outside of the interaction zone, and also the user's hands, are shown unaltered in order to maintain an unmodified visual feedback in these areas. Our example application is a tangible urban planning environment, in which the placement of both real and virtual building models affects the flow of wind and the casting of shadows.
State-of-the-art rendering techniques in real-time architectural visualization
2007-08-05

Today, high dynamic range (HDR) imaging, image-based lighting (IBL) and special effects techniques are common features found in many non-real-time rendering systems ("offline renderers"). Although slowly being adopted by game developers, few real-time rendering tools provide a seamless integration and persistent use of these techniques throughout their systems.
Long-Term Quality of Life in Patients with Crohn's Disease and Perianal Fistulas: Influence of Fecal Diversion
2007-08-06

In the investigated population of patients with Crohn's disease, quality of life seems to be similar or potentially superior in diverted patients suffering from perianal fistulas compared with undiverted patients. A diverting stoma, therefore, may improve quality of life in patients with severe perianal Crohn's disease.
Dendritic Cell Vaccination in Allogeneic Stem Cell Recipients: Induction of Human Cytomegalovirus (HCMV)–Specific Cytotoxic T Lymphocyte Responses Even in Patients Receiving a Transplant from an HCMV‐Seronegative Donor
2007-08-06

Vaccination with peptide-loaded dendritic cells (DCs) has been shown to be potent immunostimulatory therapy for the management of serious infections. After allogeneic stem cell transplant (SCT), a prolonged and severe immune deficiency often leads to infectious complications. Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) infection is one such life-threatening complication after allogeneic SCT. A phase 1/2 study including 24 allogeneic SCT recipients at high risk for HCMV disease was performed to analyze the feasibility and efficacy of vaccination with HCMV peptide-loaded DCs. No acute adverse effects were observed, and a significant clinical benefit could be demonstrated in comparison to our historical control group. An induction or expansion of HCMV-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes was observed in 5 patients after DC vaccination.
Antiproliferative Effect of Dihydroxyacetone on Trypanosoma brucei Bloodstream Forms: Cell Cycle Progression, Subcellular Alterations, and Cell Death
2007-08-07

ABSTRACT We evaluated the effects of dihydroxyacetone (DHA) on Trypanosoma brucei bloodstream forms. DHA is considered an energy source for many different cell types. T. brucei takes up DHA readily due to the presence of aquaglyceroporins. However, the parasite is unable to use it as a carbon source because of the absence of DHA kinase (DHAK). We could not find a homolog of the relevant gene in the genomic database of T. brucei and have been unable to detect DHAK activity in cell lysates of the parasite, and the parasite died quickly if DHA was the sole energy source in the medium. In addition, during trypanosome cultivation, DHA induced growth inhibition with a 50% inhibitory concentration of about 1 mM, a concentration that is completely innocuous to mammals. DHA caused cell cycle arrest in the G 2 /M phase of up to 70% at a concentration of 2 mM. Also, DHA-treated parasites showed profound ultrastructural alterations, including an increase of vesicular structures within the cytosol and the presence of multivesicular bodies, myelin-like structures, and autophagy-like vacuoles, as well as a marked disorder of the characteristic mitochondrion structure. Based on the toxicity of DHA for trypanosomes compared with mammals, we consider DHA a starting point for a rational design of new trypanocidal drugs.
The value of bladder-conserving strategies in muscle-invasive bladder carcinoma compared with radical surgery
2007-08-07

Nowadays, the good long-term results after radical cystectomy with the creation of an orthotopic neobladder make the substantial advantage of a bladder-preserving strategy questionable when the patient's quality of life is addressed. Multimodality bladder-conserving strategies are a therapeutic option for selected patients; however, radical cystectomy remains the gold standard of treatment.
Polymorphism in nucleotide excision repair gene XPC correlates with bleomycin‐induced chromosomal aberrations
2007-08-08

Abstract Chromosomal aberrations (CAs) are important genetic alterations in the development and progression of the majority of human cancers. The frequency with which such alterations occur depends to a large extent on polymorphisms of DNA‐repair genes and in genes coding for xenobiotic metabolizing enzymes, which are involved in the processes of activation and inactivation of xenobiotics. The frequency of bleomycin (BLM)‐induced CAs is an indirect measure of the effectiveness of DNA repair mechanisms, and a predictor of environment‐related risk of cancer. Our study was conducted on the human peripheral blood lymphocytes of 82 healthy volunteers. The aim of the study was to elucidate whether the frequency of BLM‐induced CAs is correlated with polymorphisms of selected genes involved in different mechanisms of DNA repair such as: XRCC1 [base excision repair]; XPA, XPC, XPG, XPD, XPF, ERCC1 [nucleotide excision repair], NBS1, RAD51, XRCC2, XRCC3, RAD51, and BRCA1 [homologous recombination], as well as in genes encoding xenobiotic metabolizing enzymes, such as CYP1A , CYP2E1, NAT2 , GSTT1, and EPHX (mEH). Our study indicated that, of the polymorphisms studied, only XPC (exon 15 and intron 11) is associated with BLM‐induced CAs, suggesting a role of the NER pathway in the repair of BLM‐induced chromosomal aberrations. Environ. Mol. Mutagen., 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Changes in Chopart joint load following tibiotalar arthrodesis: in vitro analysis of 8 cadaver specimen in a dynamic model
2007-08-08

The increase in imparted force and peak pressure on the medial column of the foot following tibiotalar arthrodesis, as was demonstrated in a dynamic model, biomechanically explains the clinically observed phenomenon of cartilage degeneration on the medial dorsum of the foot in the long term. As a clinical conclusion from the measurements, it would be desirable to reduce the force imparted on the medial column with displacement onto the lateral forefoot, say by suitable shoe adjustment, in order to achieve a more favourable long-term clinical result.
Vision-based robot homing in dynamic environments
2007-08-08

This paper presents a vision-based robot homing method capable to deal with a series of dynamic changes in the environment. First we build a robust and stable representation of the goal location using scale invariant features (SIFT) as visual landmarks of the scene, followed by a matching and a voting scheme. We end up with a description that contains the most repetitive features which best represent the target location. The vision-based homing algorithm used assumes that the images have the same orientation, therefore in the second stage, using the position of the SIFT features we recover the orientation misalignment between the current view and the goal view. Finally, the home vector between these two positions is calculated using the SIFT matches as a correspondence field. Experiments in static and dynamic environment show the suitability of using local invariant features for robot homing in outdoor environments. KEY WORDS Biomimetic robotics, vision-based navigation, outdoor robotics. 1.
Ferrocene Mono- and Di-Sulfonates as Building Blocks in Hydrogen-Bonded Networks
2007-08-08

The structure directing influence of a variety of hydrogen-bonding cations on the arrangement of ferrocene mono- and di-sulfonate anions within the crystalline state is reported. The crystal structures of four different networks of composition A[Fe(η5-C5H5)(η5-C5H4SO3)] (A = imidazolium or N-methylimidazolium) and B2[Fe(η5-C5H4SO3)2] (B = imidazolium or pyridinium) are presented. The imidazolium ions are able to act as hydrogen bond bridges in the generation of layer-type structures similar to those found for guanidinium analogues. Secondary bonding interactions exert a powerful structure-directing influence within these networks even though the individual interactions appear to be rather weak.
Enantioselective Total Synthesis of (+)‐Neosymbioimine (I).
2007-08-08

Abstract ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
Safety Profile of Bevacizumab on Cultured Human Corneal Cells
2007-08-09

Bevacizumab is not toxic to corneal cells of human origin in vitro at doses usually used for treatment of corneal neovascularization, which is 20-fold higher than that used for intravitreal application.
Multifocal lenses in coral reef fishes
2007-08-09

SUMMARY The optical properties of crystalline lenses were studied in eleven species of coral reef fish from the Red Sea in Eilat, Israel. Three species each of diurnal planktivores, nocturnal planktivores and diurnal herbivores constituted three groups of animals with little within-group variability. In addition we studied two predators, which differed with respect to body size,prey preference, hunting method and diel activity period. All species studied have multifocal lenses. There were statistically significant differences in the optical properties of the lenses between the first three groups and between the predatory species. The properties of the lenses correlate well with known complements of visual pigments and feeding habits. Lenticular zones focusing ultraviolet light were found in two diurnal planktivores. The optical properties of the lens seem to be specifically adapted to the visual needs of each species.