julilili42/papers huggingface dataset:
How can audiovisual pathways enhance the temporal resolution of time-compressed speech in blind subjects?
2013-01-01

In blind people, the visual channel cannot assist face-to-face communication via lipreading or visual prosody. Nevertheless, the visual system may enhance the evaluation of auditory information due to its cross-links to (1) the auditory system, (2) supramodal representations, and (3) frontal action-related areas. Apart from feedback or top-down support of, for example, the processing of spatial or phonological representations, experimental data have shown that the visual system can impact auditory perception at more basic computational stages such as temporal signal resolution. For example, blind as compared to sighted subjects are more resistant against backward masking, and this ability appears to be associated with activity in visual cortex. Regarding the comprehension of continuous speech, blind subjects can learn to use accelerated text-to-speech systems for "reading" texts at ultra-fast speaking rates (>16 syllables/s), exceeding by far the normal range of 6 syllables/s. A functional magnetic resonance imaging study has shown that this ability, among other brain regions, significantly covaries with BOLD responses in bilateral pulvinar, right visual cortex, and left supplementary motor area. Furthermore, magnetoencephalographic measurements revealed a particular component in right occipital cortex phase-locked to the syllable onsets of accelerated speech. In sighted people, the "bottleneck" for understanding time-compressed speech seems related to higher demands for buffering phonological material and is, presumably, linked to frontal brain structures. On the other hand, the neurophysiological correlates of functions overcoming this bottleneck, seem to depend upon early visual cortex activity. The present Hypothesis and Theory paper outlines a model that aims at binding these data together, based on early cross-modal pathways that are already known from various audiovisual experiments on cross-modal adjustments during space, time, and object recognition.
Object-Based Integration of Motion Information during Attentive Tracking
2013-01-01

How do observers track multiple moving objects simultaneously? Previous work has shown that adding conflicting texture motion to the tracked objects impairs tracking performance. Here, we test whether texture motion is integrated with object motion in an object-based manner, or whether adding conflicting texture motion to a display causes global interference effects. We added a moving texture onto the surface of tracked objects with the texture moving either in the same or opposite direction to the objects. In the critical trials, we presented both types of texture motion. In these trials, we found a selective impairment for the objects with opposite texture motion, suggesting that multiple motion information sources are integrated in an object-based manner during tracking. The integrated motion signals might be used to anticipate prospective object locations in order to enhance tracking.
Smooth Orthogonal Layouts
2013-01-01

We study the problem of creating smooth orthogonal layouts for planar graphs. While in traditional orthogonal layouts every edge is made of a sequence of axis-aligned line segments, in smooth orthogonal layouts every edge is made of axis-aligned segments and circular arcs with common tangents. Our goal is to create such layouts with low edge complexity, measured by the number of line and circular arc segments. We show that every biconnected 4-planar graph has a smooth orthogonal layout with edge complexity 3. If the input graph has a complexity-2 traditional orthogonal layout, we can transform it into a smooth complexity-2 layout. Using the Kandinsky model for removing the degree restriction, we show that any planar graph has a smooth complexity-2 layout.
Expression and Regulation of Interferon-Related Development Regulator–1 in Cystic Fibrosis Neutrophils
2013-01-01

A genome-wide association study identified interferon-related development regulator-1 (IFRD1), a protein expressed by neutrophils, as a key modifier gene in cystic fibrosis (CF) lung disease. Here, we investigated the expression and regulation of IFRD1 in CF neutrophils. IFRD1 expression was quantified in peripheral blood and airway neutrophils from patients with CF, patients with non-CF lung disease, and healthy control subjects. The regulation of IFRD1 expression was analyzed using isolated neutrophils and ex vivo stimulation assays with CF airway fluids. IFRD1 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were analyzed in a CF cohort (n = 572) and correlated with longitudinal lung function and IFRD1 expression. Patients with CF expressed higher protein levels of IFRD1 in peripheral blood neutrophils compared with healthy or non-CF disease control subjects. Within patients with CF, IFRD1 protein expression levels in neutrophils were lower in airway fluids compared with peripheral blood. High IFRD1 expression was positively associated with the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in CF neutrophils. In vitro regulation studies showed that CF airway fluid and the CF-characteristic chemokines CXCL8 and CXCL2 down-regulated IFRD1 expression in neutrophils, an effect that was mediated through CXCR2. Genetic analyses showed that three IFRD1 SNPs were associated with longitudinal declines in lung function, and modulated IFRD1 expression. These studies demonstrate that IFRD1 expression is systemically up-regulated in human CF neutrophils, is linked to the production of ROS, and is modulated by chemokines in CF airway fluids, depending on the IFRD1 genotype. Understanding the regulation of IFRD1 may pave the way for novel therapeutic approaches to target neutrophilic inflammation in CF.
A vermal Purkinje cell simple spike population response encodes the changes in eye movement kinematics due to smooth pursuit adaptation
2013-01-01

Smooth pursuit adaptation (SPA) is an example of cerebellum-dependent motor learning that depends on the integrity of the oculomotor vermis (OMV). In an attempt to unveil the neuronal basis of the role of the OMV in SPA, we recorded Purkinje cell simple spikes (PC SS) of trained monkeys. Individual PC SS exhibited specific changes of their discharge patterns during the course of SPA. However, these individual changes did not provide a reliable explanation of the behavioral changes. On the other hand, the population response of PC SS perfectly reflected the changes resulting from adaptation. Population vector was calculated using all cells recorded independent of their location. A population code conveying the behavioral changes is in full accordance with the anatomical convergence of PC axons on target neurons in the cerebellar nuclei. Its computational advantage is the ease with which it can be adjusted to the needs of the behavior by changing the contribution of individual PC SS based on error feedback.
Practising the Diffusion of Organizational Routines
2013-01-01

Ever since Nelson and Winter published their Evolutionary Theory of Economic Change in 1982 there has been lively debate in the fields of organizational theory and evolutionary economics about the characteristics and effects of organizational routines. The authors discuss a practice-based perspective on routines in connection with diffusion processes. An approach is developed by placing Feldman and Pentland's concept of routines, which draws on structuration and actor network theories, in relation to a knowing in practice perspective. Within a relational approach, the authors propose taking a practice-based perspective to the diffusion of organizational routines, with (i) knowing, (ii) collaborations, and (iii) policy relevance being the critical categories.
On the interrelation of multiplication and division in secondary school children
2013-01-01

Each division problem can be transformed into as a multiplication problem and vice versa. Recent research has indicated strong developmental parallels between multiplication and division in primary school children. In this study, we were interested in (i) whether these developmental parallels persist into secondary school, (ii) whether similar developmental parallels can be observed for simple and complex problems, (iii) whether skill level modulates this relationship, and (iv) whether the correlations are specific and not driven by general cognitive or arithmetic abilities. Therefore, we assessed performance of 5th and 6th graders attending two secondary school types of the German educational system in simple and complex multiplication as well as division while controlling for non-verbal intelligence, short-term memory, and other arithmetic abilities. Accordingly, we collected data from students differing in skills levels due to either age (5th < 6th grade) or school type (general < intermediate secondary school). We observed moderate to strong bivariate and partial correlations between multiplication and division with correlations being higher for simple tasks but nevertheless reliable for complex tasks. Moreover, the association between simple multiplication and division depended on students' skill levels as reflected by school types, but not by age. Partial correlations were higher for intermediate than for general secondary school children. In sum, these findings emphasize the importance of the inverse relationship between multiplication and division which persists into later developmental stages. However, evidence for skill-related differences in the relationship between multiplication and division was restricted to the differences for school types.
Influence of Body Mass Index, Surgical Approach and Lymphadenectomy on the Development of Symptomatic Lymphoceles after Radical Prostatectomy
2013-01-01

&lt;b&gt;&lt;i&gt;Purpose:&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/b&gt; Identification of factors influencing lymphocele formation requiring intervention after radical prostatectomy. &lt;b&gt;&lt;i&gt;Methods:&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/b&gt; 302 patients undergoing radical retropubic prostatectomy (RRP, n = 174) or transperitoneal robot-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy (RALP, n = 128) by the same surgeon were retrospectively reviewed. Incidence of symptomatic lymphoceles (SLC) was compared with clinical and pathological data (contingency analyses, Wilcoxon-Kruskal-Wallis test). &lt;b&gt;&lt;i&gt;Results:&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/b&gt; Sixteen patients (5.3%) developed SLC. SLC occurred significantly more frequently after RRP compared to RALP (8.0 vs. 0.8%, p = 0.0008). Patients with SLC had more lymph nodes (LN) removed median (17 vs. 13, p = 0.009) and a significantly lower BMI (median 24.4 vs. 26.4, p = 0.0008). Presence of LN metastases (n = 18 patients, 6.0%) showed no statistical impact on SLC. In a multivariate analysis surgical method, the number of resected LN and the BMI remained independent predictors of SLC formation. &lt;b&gt;&lt;i&gt;Conclusions:&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/b&gt; The lower incidence of SLC after RALP compared to RRP probably results from peritoneal drainage of lymphatic fluid. The correlation of removed LN and SLC might be explained by increased injury of lymphatic vessels during more extended LN dissection. Why patients with lower BMI are more prone to develop SLC still remains unclear. However, early postoperative mobilization in nonobese patients might be a contributing factor.
The Host and the Flora
2013-01-01

To prevent bacterial overgrowth, colonization of the epithelium and subsequent translocation, the gastrointestinal tract maintains an effective mucosal barrier. Besides mucus the most important components of this protective system are epithelial antimicrobial peptides such as defensins, the cathelicidin LL-37, lysozyme, phospholipase A, and proteins with additional antimicrobial properties such as ubiquicidin, ribosomal proteins or histones. Commensal species may tolerate intestinal antimicrobial peptides, for example &lt;i&gt;Bacteroides&lt;/i&gt; ssp. or &lt;i&gt;Parabacteroides&lt;/i&gt; ssp. as major species in the human colon were highly resistant to the constitutive defensin HBD-1 and only susceptible to the inducible defensin HBD-3. Reduction of disulfide bonds is an important mechanism activating HBD-1. As several studies show, alterations in the expression of antimicrobial peptides directly influence the composition of the intestinal flora. Correspondingly, an increased production of defensins or inhibition of the processing of mouse defensins to their active form led to a quantitative shift of luminal and mucosal bacterial species. On the other hand, microorganisms also modulate the synthesis of host defensins by induction or inhibition of specific peptides. Lactobacilli, the probiotic strain &lt;i&gt;Escherichia coli &lt;/i&gt;Nissle and &lt;i&gt;Salmonella enteritica &lt;/i&gt;stimulate HBD-2 expression&lt;i&gt;, &lt;/i&gt;whereas &lt;i&gt;Shigella flexneri&lt;/i&gt; downregulates the synthesis of HBD-1, HBD-3 and LL-37. Thus, the proper balance between the luminal flora and the mucosa is a permanently dynamic, sensitive and host-specific relationship.
Potent enhancement of transdermal absorption and stability of human tyrosinase plasmid (pAH7/Tyr) by Tat peptide and an entrapment in elastic cationic niosomes
2013-01-01

Enhancement of transdermal absorption through rat skin and stability of the human tyrosinase plasmid (P) using Tat (T) and an entrapment in elastic cationic niosomes (E) were described. E (Tween61:cholesterol:DDAB at 1:1:0.5 molar ratio) were prepared by the freeze-dried empty liposomes (FDELs) method using 25% ethanol. TP was prepared by a simple mixing method. TPE was prepared by loading T and P in E at the T:P:E ratio of 0.5:1:160 w/w/w. For gel formulations, P, TP, PE and TPE were incorporated into Carbopol 980 gel (30 μg of plasmid per 1 g of gel). For the transdermal absorption studies, the highest cumulative amounts and fluxes of the plasmid in viable epidermis and dermis (VED) were observed from the TPE of 0.31 ± 0.04 μg/cm(2) and 1.86 ± 0.24 μg/cm(2)/h (TPE solution); and 4.29 ± 0.40 μg/cm(2) and 25.73 ± 2.40 μg/cm(2)/h (TPE gel), respectively. Only plasmid from the PE and TPE could be found in the receiving solution with the cumulative amounts and fluxes at 6 h of 0.07 ± 0.01 μg/cm(2) and 0.40 ± 0.08 μg/cm(2)/h (PE solution); 0.10 ± 0.01 μg/cm(2) and 0.60 ± 0.06 μg/cm(2)/h (TPE solution); 0.88 ± 0.03 μg/cm(2) and 5.30 ± 0.15 μg/cm(2)/h (PE gel); and 1.02 ± 0.05 μg/cm(2) and 6.13 ± 0.28 μg/cm(2)/h (TPE gel), respectively. In stability studies, the plasmid still remained at 4 ± 2 °C and 25 ± 2 °C of about 48.00-65.20% and 27.40-51.10% (solution); and 12.34-38.31% and 8.63-36.10% (gel), respectively, whereas at 45 ± 2 °C, almost all the plasmid was degraded. These studies indicated the high potential application of Tat and an entrapment in elastic cationic niosomes for the development of transdermal gene delivery system.
Compositional-asymmetry influenced non-linear optical processes of plasmonic nanoparticle dimers
2013-01-01

The influences of compositional asymmetry on the two-photon photoluminescence and the second harmonic generation processes in weakly coupled plasmonic dimers were addressed. Au-Au homodimer and Au-Ag heterodimer arrays produced using electron-beam lithography were investigated using confocal nonlinear optical imaging and spectroscopy. Compared to the Au-Au homodimers, the Au-Ag dimers showed slightly broadened two-photon photoluminescence near the X symmetry point at the first Brillouin zone of Au, whilst that from the L symmetry point stayed the same. Additionally, weakly coupled Au-Ag heterodimers generated strong second harmonic signals which were invisible in the Au-Au homodimers. The observations highlighted the importance of compositional asymmetry in the non-linear optical studies of plasmonic dimers.
Correlation of preoperative magnetic resonance imaging of peritoneal carcinomatosis and clinical outcome after peritonectomy and HIPEC after 3 years of follow-up: preliminary results
2013-01-01

Results of the preoperative MRI correlate well with the surgical PCI, postoperative resection status, and survival time. MRI might be a suitable technique for patient selection when considering peritonectomy and HIPEC. In our patients the outcome seems to correlate well with the extent of peritoneal carcinomatosis found by the preoperative MRI.
Decomposition of abnormal free locomotor behavior in a rat model of Parkinson's disease
2013-01-01

Poverty of spontaneous movement, slowed execution and reduced amplitudes of movement (akinesia, brady- and hypokinesia) are cardinal motor manifestations of Parkinson's disease that can be modeled in experimental animals by brain lesions affecting midbrain dopaminergic neurons. Most behavioral investigations in experimental parkinsonism have employed short-term observation windows to assess motor impairments. We postulated that an analysis of longer-term free exploratory behavior could provide further insights into the complex fine structure of altered locomotor activity in parkinsonian animals. To this end, we video-monitored 23 h of free locomotor behavior and extracted several behavioral measures before and after the expression of a severe parkinsonian phenotype following bilateral 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) lesions of the rat dopaminergic substantia nigra. Unbiased stereological cell counting verified the degree of midbrain tyrosine hydroxylase positive cell loss in the substantia nigra and ventral tegmental area. In line with previous reports, overall covered distance and maximal motion speed of lesioned animals were found to be significantly reduced compared to controls. Before lesion surgery, exploratory rat behavior exhibited a bimodal distribution of maximal speed values obtained for single movement episodes, corresponding to a "first" and "second gear" of motion. 6-OHDA injections significantly reduced the incidence of second gear motion episodes and also resulted in an abnormal prolongation of these fast motion events. Likewise, the spatial spread of such episodes was increased in 6-OHDA rats. The increase in curvature of motion tracks was increased in both lesioned and control animals. We conclude that the discrimination of distinct modes of motion by statistical decomposition of longer-term spontaneous locomotion provides useful insights into the fine structure of fluctuating motor functions in a rat analog of Parkinson's disease.
Trypanosoma Brucei Aquaglyceroporins Facilitate the Uptake of Arsenite and Antimonite in a pH Dependent Way
2013-01-01

Taken together, these results demonstrated that T. brucei aquaglyceroporins can serve as entry routes for As(III) and Sb(III) into the parasitic cell, and that this uptake is pH sensitive. Therefore, aquaporins of protozoan parasites may be considered useful as a vehicle for drug delivery.
Detection of Bioactive Compounds in the Mucus Nets ofDendropoma maxima, Sowerby 1825 (Prosobranch Gastropod Vermetidae, Mollusca)
2013-01-01

The sessile suspension-feeding wormsnail Dendropoma maxima , Sowerby 1825 (Vermetidae) secretes a mucus net to capture planktonic prey. The nets are spread out over the corals and often have remarkable deleterious effects on them like changes in growth form and pigmentation shifts not uncommonly resulting in tissue necrosis. Until now, there is no explanation for this phenomenon although the indication as well as theories about its genesis is mentioned in several publications. Vermetids are well studied concerning the intraspecific competition with neighboring individuals but not in their interaction with other taxa like corals or fish. We did extensive in situ video recording and observed that fish avoided the plankton-load nets although several specialized taxa are known to be molluscivores, mucivores, and/or feed on plankton. As many molluscs use chemical weapons to combat feeding pressure and to defend themselves against predators, we screened empty and plankton-load mucus nets for potential bioactive metabolites. Bioactivity testing was performed with a recently developed system based on a chromatographic separation (high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC)) and a bioassay with luminescent bacteria Vibrio fischeri . Thus, we found at least two active compounds exclusively accumulated by the wormsnails themselves. This is the first record of bioactive properties in the whole family of Vermetidae.
Towards a more precise neurophysiological assessment of cognitive functions in patients with disorders of consciousness
2013-01-01

Purpose: To analyze the principles that guide inference of covert cognitive functions and consciousness in patients with extremely severe brain damage on the basis of neurophysiological test results. Methods: (1) A quantitative analysis of a range of possible inferences based on neurophysiological findings in low- and non-responsive patients; (2) a logical analysis of the various possible orders of application of neurophysiological tests in such patients. Results: Surprisingly, improvement of neurophysiological test qualities contributes to the improvement of diagnostic results less than some other factors, such as the structure of the patient population, the quality of the previous clinical diagnosis, and the variability of the methods used. Conclusions: A sequential decision procedure is suggested. Different test paradigms should be combined most effectively to arrive at a reliable evaluation of cognitive functions in this patient population.
Upregulation of Intestinal NHE3 Following Saline Ingestion
2013-01-01

&lt;b&gt;&lt;i&gt;Background: &lt;/i&gt;&lt;/b&gt;Little is known about the effect of salt content of ingested fluid on intestinal transport processes. Osmosensitive genes include the serum- and glucocorticoid-inducible kinase SGK1, which is up-regulated by hyperosmolarity and cell shrinkage. SGK1 is in turn a powerful stimulator of the intestinal Na&lt;sup&gt;+&lt;/sup&gt;/H&lt;sup&gt;+&lt;/sup&gt; exchanger NHE3. The present study was thus performed to elucidate, whether the NaCl content of beverages influences NHE3 activity. &lt;b&gt;&lt;i&gt;Methods: &lt;/i&gt;&lt;/b&gt;Mice were offered access to either plain water or isotonic saline ad libitum. NHE3 transcript levels and protein abundance in intestinal tissue were determined by confocal immunofluorescent microscopy, RT-PCR and western blotting, cytosolic pH (pH&lt;sub&gt;i&lt;/sub&gt;) in intestinal cells from 2',7'-bis-(2-carboxyethyl)-5-(and-6)-carboxyfluorescein (BCECF) fluorescence and Na&lt;sup&gt;+&lt;/sup&gt;/H&lt;sup&gt;+&lt;/sup&gt; exchanger activity from the Na&lt;sup&gt;+&lt;/sup&gt; dependent realkalinization following an ammonium pulse. &lt;b&gt;&lt;i&gt;Results: &lt;/i&gt;&lt;/b&gt;Saline drinking significantly enhanced fluid intake and increased NHE3 transcript levels, NHE3 protein and Na&lt;sup&gt;+&lt;/sup&gt;/H&lt;sup&gt;+&lt;/sup&gt; exchanger activity. &lt;b&gt;&lt;i&gt;Conclusions: &lt;/i&gt;&lt;/b&gt;Salt content of ingested fluid has a profound effect on intestinal Na&lt;sup&gt;+&lt;/sup&gt;/H&lt;sup&gt;+&lt;/sup&gt; exchanger expression and activity.
Phonon spectroscopy in a Bi2Te3 nanowire array
2013-01-01

The lattice dynamics in an array of 56 nm diameter Bi2Te3 nanowires embedded in a self-ordered amorphous alumina membrane were investigated microscopically using (125)Te nuclear inelastic scattering. The element specific density of phonon states is measured on nanowires in two perpendicular orientations and the speed of sound is extracted. Combined high energy synchrotron radiation diffraction and transmission electron microscopy was carried out on the same sample and the crystallinity was investigated. The nanowires grow almost perpendicular to the c-axis, partly with twinning. The average speed of sound in the 56 nm diameter Bi2Te3 nanowires is ~7% smaller with respect to bulk Bi2Te3 and a decrease in the macroscopic lattice thermal conductivity by ~13% due to nanostructuration and to the reduced speed of sound is predicted.