julilili42/papers huggingface dataset:
Aquaporin-2 and -4: Single nucleotide polymorphisms in Ménière's disease patients
2010-01-01

The endolymphatic hydrops seen in Ménière's disease (MD) results from an inner ear fluid disequilibrium that has a suspected inherited component. Aquaporin-2 and aquaporin-4 (AQP2 and AQP4) water transport proteins may contribute to abnormal fluid homeostasis seen in MD. Our objective was to screen for sequence alterations in AQP2 and AQP4 genes in a northern European population with MD. Amplification for AQP2 (n = 18) and AQP4 (n = 30) was performed for patients with MD. Sequences were screened with denaturing high powered liquid chromatography (DHPLC) and confirmed with sequencing. Allele frequencies were compared with previously reported normal populations. We found that DHPLC failed to identify sequence alterations in any sample. Sequencing identified three intronic and one 3’ untranslated region polymorphism in AQP2, and one polymorphism upstream from the start codon in AQP4. Two of the AQP2 intronic allele frequencies showed an A and C allele enrichment, respectively, compared with a reported mixed population (0.389 A vs. 0.00 A; 0.389 C vs. 0.00 C, p<0.001). The remaining polymorphism showed statistical difference from three non-Caucasian populations (0.611 A vs. 0.389 A, 0.375 A, and 0.280 A, p<0.05). The AQP4 allele frequency in the MD population was statistically different from a previously published Japanese population (0.800 G vs. 0.620 G, p = 0.0053) but not from a reported Caucasian population. We concluded that aquaporin polymorphisms may contribute to MD. Additional studies are needed to confirm these findings in well-defined population isolates and to determine if these polymorphisms lead to altered AQP protein function or levels.
Virtual Reality 2.0 and Its Application in Knowledge Building
2010-01-01

In this chapter, we will point out the impact of user-generated online virtual realities on individual learning and knowledge building. For this purpose, we will first explain some of the central categories of virtual realities (VRs) such as presence and immersion. We will also introduce the term virtual reality 2.0 (VR 2.0), which refers to those new types of VRs that are characterized by typical features of the Web 2.0, such as the opportunity that exists for users to create content and objects themselves. We will explain why we think the term VR 2.0–as a combination of Web 2.0 and VR–is a good label for currently existing user-generated online VRs. This chapter will also explain the concept of knowledge building, both in general terms and in the Web 2.0 context. The main emphasis of the chapter is on the significance of knowledge building for online VRs. In this context, we will describe the visualization of educational content, learner-object interaction, as well as personal, social, and environmental presence as its main features. We will also describe online VRs as a toolbox for user-generated content, and explain why the integration of different tools and seeing “living and learning” in context are relevant for applying user-generated online VRs in educational contexts. In conclusion, we will look at future trends for VR 2.0 environments.
Simulations of X-Ray Telescopes for eROSITA and IXO
2010-01-01

We report on the development of a generic X‐ray instrument simulator to be used in simulations of future X‐ray missions. Based on a Monte Carlo approach the code generates photon events for sources in an X‐ray source catalogue such as the ROSAT all sky survey or the XMM‐Newton slew surveys and then models the imaging and detection process based on the available calibration files (e.g., point spread functions for the imaging). The output of the program are event lists, which can be analysed using standard software such as xselect. Due to its modular concept the simulation software can be easily adapted to different concepts of imaging detectors.As examples for the potential use of the simulation we present our studies for eROSITA and show results of simulations of the detector performance for the High Time Resolution Spectrometer and the Wide Field Imager on the International X‐ray Observatory.
Evolutionary parameter optimization of a fuzzy controller which is used to control a sewage treatment plant
2010-01-01

In order to meet new environmental standards, sewage treatment plants may need to be redesigned or extended. Instead of reconstructing large parts of a sewage treatment plant, which can be very costly, it is in many cases sufficient to install relatively inexpensive equipment, which controls partscof the plant in a new way. Fuzzy controllers are often used for this task. Use of these controllers often leads to an improved water quality. Such fuzzy controllers contain a number of parameters which are determined by a human expert. With this contribution, a dedicated multi-objective evolutionary algorithm is developed to optimize these parameters. The evolutionary algorithm is based on the successful strength pareto evolutionary algorithm 2 (SPEA2). The fuzzy control parameters, which are optimized are continuous parameters. Therefore, an evolution strategy was employed which uses the multi-objective ranking as used by the SPEA2 algorithm. Optimal parameters were first evolved on simulated sewage treatment plants. One set of parameters was also tested on an actual plant. Owing to the enormous computational demands of simulating a sewage treatment plant, it is only possible to work with small population sizes. Nevertheless, it was possible to evolve parameters which were equally well as those found by a human expert indicating that the parameter tuning can be automized.
The Cyprus Conflict and the Ambiguous Effects of Europeanization
2010-01-01

The traditional literature on Europeanization conceptualised the phenomenon as a one-sided socialisation process in which EU rules, norms and policies trickled down to member states. This was especially true for new member states. In the case of Cyprus, this interpretation has been particularly obvious, and not only among academics. Among politicians as well there was a view, even after the Annan Plan had failed, that Cyprus could be socialised into a particular mode of ‘European thinking’, much like Greece had experienced over the decades of its membership, which would allow for a solution to the conflict in the medium- to long-term. While it is empirically too early to say whether this view was right or wrong, the present signs are far from encouraging, and may even point in the direction of a reverse socialisation effect, whereby several member states appear to have internalised the logic of the Republic of Cyprus in its approach towards Turkey’s accession negotiations. Indeed the fact that almost half of the substantive chapters in Turkey’s accession negotiations have been blocked due to the Cyprus impasse cannot be viewed as being the responsibility of the Republic of Cyprus alone, but rather of other – often Turkey-sceptic – member states that have been willingly socialised into accepting the Republic’s discourse over the link between the conflict and Turkey’s accession. At the same time, the one-sided, top-down version of Europeanization has come under intense theoretical debate, and authors increasingly stress the ambiguous nature of Europeanization. In this article we will review this debate in order to demonstrate that the integration process did have an impact on Cyprus, but that this impact changed the political terms of the debate without imposing a particular way forward towards conflict ransformation. It has enabled political actors to alter and strengthen their arguments both in favour and against a solution and allowed the Republic of Cyprus to influence the EU’s stance towards the conflict. This makes the Cyprus conflict a prime example to warn against unidirectional conceptualisations of Europeanization, whether in academia or politics.
Multipole analysis in cosmic topology
2010-01-01

Low multipole amplitudes in the Cosmic Microwave Background CMB radiation can\\nbe explained by selection rules from the underlying multiply-connected\\nhomotopy. We apply a multipole analysis to the harmonic bases and introduce\\npoint symmetry.We give explicit results for two cubic 3-spherical manifolds and\\nlowest polynomial degrees, and derive three new spherical 3-manifolds.\\n
Possible hadronic molecule structure of the Y(3940) and Y(4140)
2010-01-01

In the present article we report on evidence for hadronic molecule structures in the charmonium sector. In particular we discuss the Y(3940) and the recently observed Y(4140) as heavy hadron molecule states with quantum numbers or . The Y(3940) state is considered to be a superposition of and , while the Y(4140) is a bound state of and mesons. We give predictions for both the strong Y(3940) to J/psi omega, Y(4140) to J/psi phi and radiative Y(3940)/Y(4140) to gamma gamma decay widths in a phenomenological Lagrangian approach. The results for the strong hidden charm decay modes clearly support the molecular interpretation of the Y(3940) and Y(4140), while our estimates for the radiative decays provide a sensitive test for the underlying meson structure of the two Y mesons discussed here. The alternative assignment of is also tested, giving similar results for the strong decay widths.
Decay properties of double heavy baryons
2010-01-01

We study the semileptonic decays of double heavy baryons using a manifestly Lorentz covariant constituent three‐quark model. We present complete results on transition form factors between double‐heavy baryons for finite values of the heavy quark/baryon masses and in the heavy quark symmetry limit which is valid at and close to zero recoil. Decay rates are calculated and compared to each other in the full theory, keeping masses finite, and also in the heavy quark limit.
1RXS J180834.7+101041 is a new cataclysmic variable with non-uniform disc
2010-01-01

Results of photometric and spectroscopic investigations of the recently\\ndiscovered disc cataclysmic variable star 1RXS J180834.7+101041 are presented.\\nEmission spectra of the system show broad double peaked hydrogen and helium\\nemission lines. Doppler maps for the hydrogen lines demonstrate strongly\\nnon-uniform emissivity distribution in the disc, similar to that found in IP\\nPeg. It means that the system is a new cataclysmic variable with a spiral\\ndensity wave in the disc. Masses of the components (M_WD = 0.8 +/- 0.22 M_sun\\nand M_RD = 0.14 +/- 0.02 M_sun), and the orbit inclination (i = 78 +/- 1.5 deg)\\nwere estimated using the various well-known relations for cataclysmic\\nvariables.\\n
Normal-Weight 14-Year-Old Girl with Acanthosis Nigricans and Markedly Increased Hepatic Steatosis: Evidence for the Important Role of Ectopic Fat Deposition in the Pathogenesis of Insulin Resistance in Childhood and Adolescence
2010-01-01

&lt;i&gt;Background:&lt;/i&gt; A major factor in the development of insulin resistance is obesity. While the contribution of intrahepatic lipids to insulin resistance is well established in adults, there are only few reports in childhood and adolescence. &lt;i&gt;Aim:&lt;/i&gt; To investigate the correlation between ectopic fat deposition and insulin sensitivity in a normal-weight girl with acanthosis nigricans before and after lifestyle intervention. &lt;i&gt;Methods:&lt;/i&gt; Variations in body fat composition and intrahepatic lipids were monitored by means of anthropometric measures and by means of methods based on magnetic resonance imaging and magnetic resonance spectroscopy. &lt;i&gt;Results:&lt;/i&gt; We present the case of a normal-weight 14-year-old Caucasian girl with pronounced hepatic steatosis together with acanthosis nigricans, increased waist-circumference and increased visceral fat. During a 7-month period of lifestyle intervention, the girl lost 7.1 kg in weight. Acanthosis nigricans, whole-body insulin sensitivity index (WBISI) and homeostasis model assessment (HOMA) improved significantly (before intervention: WBISI 0.42, HOMA 22.2; after intervention: WBISI 1.35, HOMA 6.9). Even though all lipid compartments were decreased in size, the intrahepatic lipids showed an extraordinarily great reduction. &lt;i&gt;Conclusion:&lt;/i&gt; This case presentation of a normal-weight girl with acanthosis nigricans and markedly increased hepatic steatosis provides support for the association between intrahepatic fat deposition and insulin resistance in adolescence.
Influence of Dexamethasone on Atrial Ion Currents and Their Early Ionic Tachycardia-induced Electrical Remodeling in Rabbits
2010-01-01

Dexamethasone influenced tachycardia-induced alterations of atrial I(to). Our experiments give evidence that - amongst other anti-inflammatory action - impact of dexamethasone on ion currents and their tachycardia-induced alterations might also play a role in treatment/prevention of AF with steroids.
Impact of Hereditary Hemorrhagic Teleangiectasia on Quality of Life
2010-01-01

Hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT) is an autosomal dominantly inherited disorder of the fibrovascular tissue.The most common symptoms are recurrent nose bleeds and multiple mucocutaneous telangiectases.Arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) are less obvious.Because there is no permanent cure available, patients often suffer from mental stress.Several studies have been performed to assess the quality of life (QoL) of HHT patients.These studies showed that HHT patients rated bodily pain lower than the general population but altogether they had lower health-related QoL.
Identification of a novel Plasmopara halstedii elicitor protein combining de novo peptide sequencing algorithms and RACE-PCR
2010-01-01

Our study demonstrated that identification of proteins within minute amounts of sample material improved significantly by combining sensitive LC-MS methods with different de novo peptide sequencing algorithms. In addition, this is the first study that verified protein prediction from MS data by also employing a second complementary approach, in which RACE-PCR led to identification of a novel elicitor protein in P. halstedii.
Fluorescence Imaging and Spectroscopy of Single Si and SiO[sub 2] Nanoparticles Using Confocal Microscopy
2010-01-01

Single silicon nanocrystals (Si NCs) and SiO2 nanoparticles (SiO2 NPs) have been studied by confocal laser scanning microscopy with the goal to compare both kinds of NPs and to determine to what extent quantum confinement or surface‐related defect centers are responsible for the strong photoluminescence (PL) of Si NCs. Using special laser polarization techniques, the transition dipole moment (TDM) for the excitation of individual NPs (Si and SiO2) could be shown to be stable and one‐dimensional. The single particle spectra of Si NCs and SiO2 NPs are composed of a zero‐phonon line and one or two phonon bands, which are associated with LO3 phonons in SiO2, and reveal in every detail an amazing similarity. Both systems reflect the same dynamical behavior (blinking, bleaching, and TDM flipping). Spectrally resolved fluorescence decay measurements yield the important result that the direct and phonon‐assisted recombination processes occur on the same nanosecond timescale (∼4 ns). These experimental observations suggest that the PL of the Si NCs observed in this study is governed by defect luminescence.
Hyperhomocysteinemia is Associated with Decreased Erythropoietin Expression in Rats
2010-01-01

Our data show that severe hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy) affects the MP in the renal tissue and lowers EPO expression following CO induced intoxication. This result supports the concept that efficient EPO production requires an unimpaired MP.
Das Anerkennungsprinzip im Kollisionsrechtssystem des internationalen Privatrechts
2010-01-01

Due to the increasing liberality within the European Union, the question arises as to whether the status conferred by a Member State (marriage, civil union, name) has to be recognized by the other states of the European Union. In his work, the author affirms this question and explores how the principle of recognition flowing from the fundamental freedoms can be implemented in the system of conflict of laws.
Butterfly Rash in a Young Boy: A Quiz
2010-01-01

quiz sectionAn 11-year-old boy presented in February 2008 with a facial butterfly rash that persisted for at least one month.Lupus erythematosus was repeatedly suspected and the boy was referred for further examinations.A detailed medical history did not reveal any arthralgia, fever, malaise, exanthema, intense exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light in the period one to three weeks before onset of the rash.Physical examination revealed sharply demarcated homogenous erythema on the cheeks, forehead and nose (Fig. 1a) without scaling, but with considerable accentuation of the outer rim (Fig. 1b).Laboratory tests, including complete blood count, rheumatoid factor, antinuclear antibody (ANA) screening, creatinine kinase, erythrocyte sedimentation rate and Creactive protein (CRP), remained negative.Cefuroxime 125 mg twice a day over 10 days led to complete remission without further symptoms.
Heavy Flavor Hadron Molecules
2010-01-01

We discuss the interpretation of the open charm mesons Ds0*(2317), Ds1(2460) and the hidden charm meson X(3872) as hadron molecules. Using a phenomenological Lagrangian approach we consider strong and radiative decays of the Ds0*(2317) and Ds1(2460) states. The X(3872) is assumed to consist dominantly of molecular hadronic components with an additional small admixture of a charmonium configuration. A potential model based on meson-exchange is able to generate weak binding of the molecular hadronic components. The observed radiative (γJ/ψ and γψ(2s)) and strong (J/ψ2π and J/ψ3π) decays are shown to be consistent with the molecular structure assumption of the X(3872).
The f[sub 0](1370), f[sub 0](1710), f[sub 2](1270), f[sub 2][sup ʹ](1525), and K[sub 2][sup ∗](1430) as dynamically generated states from vector meson-vector meson interaction
2010-01-01

We report on some recent developments in understanding the nature of the low-lying mesonic resonances , , , , and . In particular we show that these five resonances can be dynamically generated from vector meson--vector meson interaction in a coupled-channel unitary approach, which utilizes the phenomenologically very successful hidden-gauge Lagrangians to produce the interaction kernel between two vector mesons, which is then unitarized by the Bethe-Salpeter-equation method. The data on the strong decay branching ratios, total decay widths, and radiative decay widths of these five states, and on related decay processes can all be well described by such an approach. We also make predictions, compare them with the results of earlier studies, and highlight observables that if measured can be used to distinguish different pictures of these resonances.
Spiritual Purification in Islam: The Life and Works of al-Muhasibi, by Gavin Picken
2010-01-01

First paragraph:Ḥārith ibn Asad al-Muḥāsibī (d. 243/857) has not been the subjectof a comprehensive study for half a century; the present book thereforearouses high expectations. The question of where to situate al-Muḥāsibī in the intellectual history of the third/ninth century is anythingbut settled; a new approach might be in order. But the reader isultimately disappointed. The author has delved deeply into al-Muḥāsibī’s works, but he presents the results of his investigation in arather apodictic way and largely omits engaging in a dialogue withprevious research.
Thermodynamics of Scalar-tensor AdS Black Holes Coupled to Nonlinear Electrodynamics
2010-01-01

We construct new numerical solutions describing charged anti‐de Sitter black holes coupled to nonlinear Born‐Infeld electrodynamics within a certain class of scalar‐tensor theories and we study their thermodynamic phase structure. It is shown that for certain charge intervals phase transitions of zeroth and first order exist.
Impact of Radiative Diffusion on the Magnetorotational Instability in Accretion Discs
2010-01-01

We investigate the influence of radiative transport on the growth of the magnetorotational instability (MRI) in accretion discs. A general dispersion relation describing the growth of small disturbances on a homogeneous background shear flow is provided. It includes compressibility and radiative effects in the flux-limited diffusion approximation. All the effects of radiation transport can be subsumed into one single parameter, an effective speed of sound. Radiative diffusion does not affect the region where the MRI operates, but it alters the growth rates of the MRI either by increasing or decreasing them. We report about corresponding numerical simulations, which are also used for a first investigation of the non-linear stage of the MRI in gas-pressure dominated accretion discs with radiation transport included.
MHC I Stabilizing Potential of Computer-Designed Octapeptides
2010-01-01

Experimental results are presented for 180 in silico designed octapeptide sequences and their stabilizing effects on the major histocompatibility class I molecule . Peptide sequence design was accomplished by a combination of an ant colony optimization algorithm with artificial neural network classifiers. Experimental tests yielded nine stabilizing and 171 nonstabilizing peptides. 28 among the nonstabilizing octapeptides contain canonical motif residues known to be favorable for MHC I stabilization. For characterization of the area covered by stabilizing and non-stabilizing octapeptides in sequence space, we visualized the distribution of 100,603 octapeptides using a self-organizing map. The experimental results present evidence that the canonical sequence motives of the SYFPEITHI database on their own are insufficient for predicting MHC I protein stabilization.
Plaque distribution in clopidogrel responders and low responders as determined by multislice computed tomography.
2010-01-01

Via multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) with retrospective electrographic gating, we sought to evaluate whether plaque distribution differs between responders and low responders to clopidogrel treatment. Low response was defined as a post-treatment aggregation of 35% to 70%. In this observational study, we enrolled 62 patients (mean age, 64.8 ± 8.9 yr; 51 men). In addition to determining coronary calcium scores, we performed noninvasive coronary angiography with MDCT before stent implantation. Plaques were visually classified as calcified, mixed, or completely noncalcified. Mean density was measured. Residual platelet aggregation (RPA) was evaluated by aggregometry 6 hr after administration of a 600-mg loading dose of clopidogrel. Patients with an RPA of less than 35% were defined as responders.The median calcium score was 736 Agatston score equivalent (ASE) (range, 0-5,772) and mean platelet inhibition was 35% ± 19% (range, 0-70%). A total of 494 coronary plaques were detected (responders: calcified, 197; mixed, 47, noncalcified, 5; and low responders: calcified, 177; mixed, 65; noncalcified, 3). Responders (n = 35) had significantly lower ASEs and fewer mixed but more calcified plaques than did low responders. In mean plaque density (measured within the noncalcified part of the plaques), no statistically significant difference existed between the 2 patient groups. By use of MDCT, we showed that ASE and plaque distribution were associated with RPA after clopidogrel treatment. Patients with a low coronary plaque burden and a small proportion of mixed plaques were more likely to have low RPA after administration of clopidogrel.
Market Shares in Two-Sided Media Industries
2010-01-01

This paper generalizes the frequently used Hotelling model for two-sided markets in order to determine the equilibrium market shares. We show that advertisement levels depend neither on the media price nor on the location of the media firm. An increase in advertising revenues does not change the location, but only the media price. If the distribution of consumers is asymmetric, market shares will be asymmetric as well, and the media firm with the larger market share charges the higher media price. The larger firm makes a higher profit per reader and in aggregate than does its smaller rival.