julilili42/papers huggingface dataset:
Testing Measurement Invariance Across Spanish and English Versions of the Physical Self-Description Questionnaire: An Application of Exploratory Structural Equation Modeling
2014-03-31

Test of measurement invariance across translated versions of questionnaires is a critical prerequisite to comparing scores on the different versions. In this study, we used exploratory structural equation modeling (ESEM) as an alternative approach to evaluate the measurement invariance of the Spanish version of the Physical Self-Description Questionnaire (PSDQ). The two versions were administered to large samples of Australian and Spanish adolescents. First, we compared the CFA and ESEM approaches and showed that ESEM fitted the data much better and resulted in substantially more differentiated factors. We then tested measurement invariance with a 13-model ESEM taxonomy. Results justified using the Spanish version of the PSDQ to carry out cross-cultural comparisons in sport and exercise psychology research. Overall, the study can stimulate research on physical self-concept across countries and foster better cross-cultural comparisons.
MULTIPLICITY AND DEVELOPMENT OF ACHIEVEMENT MOTIVATION: A COMPARATIVE STUDY BETWEEN GERMAN ELITE ATHLETES WITH AND WITHOUT A DISABILITY
2014-03-31

While achievement motivation influences success in elite sports, the empirical knowledge on its manifold aspects and its development is quite rudimentary, especially in disability sports.This study analyzes motivation of athletes with a disability (N=73) as opposed to athletes without a disability (N=156).We surveyed these German elite athletes (N=229) in a 2x3 design retrospectively, regarding various facets of achievement motivation during three career phases (initiation, development and mastery).Results showed that enjoying the sport and improving one's personal performance level have great relevance for athletes with a disability, whereas incentives such as career opportunities and earning money are less important.MANOVAs revealed differences between athletes with and without a disability regarding incentives as well as personal factors.For the latter, nearly all personal factors developed significantly over the career phases.These results provide empirical knowledge for new implications regarding psychological consultations in elite disability sports.
Low power readout electronics for a UV MCP detector with cross strip anode
2014-03-31

After the shutdown of the Hubble Space Telescope in a few years, new astronomical missions for the ultraviolet (UV) wavelength range between 91 and 300 nm with improved optics and detectors will be necessary. This fact drives our development of solar blind photon counting microchannel plate (MCP) UV detectors with high quantum efficiency, high spatial resolution, and low power readout electronics. We plan to use a cross-strip anode (XSA), which has a high spatial resolution and additionally allows a low gain operation of the MCPs which leads to an increased lifetime of the MCPs compared to detectors with other anode types. The main difficulty in implementing an XSA in a detector for space applications is the need for a (pre-) amplifier, a shaper, and an ADC for each of the strips, which means large power consumption and spatial requirements. The solution we are studying is the application of the so-called Beetle chip. This allows for an implementation of a readout electronics for an XSA with a power consumption of less then 10 W. For the tests of our readout electronics prototype, and for the burn-in of the MCPs, we recently finished a setup in a vacuum chamber that is similar to the configuration in the final detector. We present a brief overview of our detector design and details of the readout electronics setup as well as details of the setup in our vacuum chamber.
EQUVALENCE PRINCIPLE IMPLIES A GRAVITATIONAL-REDSHIFT PROPORTIONAL SPACE DILATION AND HENCE GLOBAL CONSTANCY OF c
2014-03-31

The equivalence principle, Einstein’s famous 1907 paradigm of the constantly accelerating extended long rocketship in outer space, has a new implication. The constant recession speed of the bottom relative to the tip causes not only a “gravitational time dilation ” (redshift) whereby the distance paradoxically remains invariant; it in addition also causes a proportional blowup of size valid downstairs – “gravitational space dilation.” This result implies a return to the global constancy of the speed of light c of special relativity in the equivalence principle and therefore in gravitation. The consequences are staggering (no global space expansion, no gravitational waves, no Hawking evaporation, no incompatibility between gravitation and quantum mechanics). A global-c transform of the Einstein equation is preprogrammed.
MLL5 as Disease Contributing Gene in Classical Pediatric and Adult Hodgkin Lymphoma
2014-03-31

Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) affects children as well as adults with every tenth patient being a child. The molecular pathogenesis of HL is still poorly understood and it's still unclear whether pediatric and adult HL represents the same entity. The fact that Hodgkin/Reed-Sternberg cells signify only about one percent of cells of an affected lymph node may account for the difficulty to molecularly dissect the two diseases. In order to help to clarify the molecular pathology of HL we collected single Reed-Sternberg cells by laser micro-dissection from pediatric and adult HL. After full transcriptome amplification microarray analysis was performed to identify genes that were differentially expressed in comparison to single CD77+ germinal center B-cells. 286 genes were differentially expressed in adult HL and 540 in pediatric HL in comparison to CD77+ cells. No gene was differentially expressed between adult and pediatric HL. We identified MLL5 (mixed lineage leukemia 5), a trithorax group family member, as a disease-contributing factor in adult as well as pediatric HL. MLL5 encodes a protein with an N-terminal PHD zinc finger and a central SET domain. We confirmed overexpression of MLL5 by RT-PCR in Hodgkin cell lines as well as in pediatric and adult primary HL. siRNA mediated knockdown of MLL5 in HL cell lines resulted in a significantly decreased proliferation and an increased apoptosis after growth factor withdrawal. Interestingly, knockdown of MLL5 resulted in a global reduction of activating chromatin modifications, indicating a role of MLL5 in the epigenetic regulation of gene expression of HL. We conclude that MLL5 could play an important role in the pathogenesis of classical HL and may be a promising target for a tumor-specific therapy approach.
Leucine-Rich Repeat Kinase 2 Binds to Neuronal Vesicles through Protein Interactions Mediated by Its C-Terminal WD40 Domain
2014-04-01

Mutations in the leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 gene (LRRK2) are associated with familial and sporadic Parkinson's disease (PD). LRRK2 is a complex protein that consists of multiple domains, including predicted C-terminal WD40 repeats. In this study, we analyzed functional and molecular features conferred by the WD40 domain. Electron microscopic analysis of the purified LRRK2 C-terminal domain revealed doughnut-shaped particles, providing experimental evidence for its WD40 fold. We demonstrate that LRRK2 WD40 binds and sequesters synaptic vesicles via interaction with vesicle-associated proteins. In fact, a domain-based pulldown approach combined with mass spectrometric analysis identified LRRK2 as being part of a highly specific protein network involved in synaptic vesicle trafficking. In addition, we found that a C-terminal sequence variant associated with an increased risk of developing PD, G2385R, correlates with a reduced binding affinity of LRRK2 WD40 to synaptic vesicles. Our data demonstrate a critical role of the WD40 domain within LRRK2 function.
Phenobarbital Induces Cell Cycle Transcriptional Responses in Mouse Liver Humanized for Constitutive Androstane and Pregnane X Receptors
2014-04-01

The constitutive androstane receptor (CAR) and the pregnane X receptor (PXR) are closely related nuclear receptors involved in drug metabolism and play important roles in the mechanism of phenobarbital (PB)-induced rodent nongenotoxic hepatocarcinogenesis. Here, we have used a humanized CAR/PXR mouse model to examine potential species differences in receptor-dependent mechanisms underlying liver tissue molecular responses to PB. Early and late transcriptomic responses to sustained PB exposure were investigated in liver tissue from double knock-out CAR and PXR (CAR(KO)-PXR(KO)), double humanized CAR and PXR (CAR(h)-PXR(h)), and wild-type C57BL/6 mice. Wild-type and CAR(h)-PXR(h) mouse livers exhibited temporally and quantitatively similar transcriptional responses during 91 days of PB exposure including the sustained induction of the xenobiotic response gene Cyp2b10, the Wnt signaling inhibitor Wisp1, and noncoding RNA biomarkers from the Dlk1-Dio3 locus. Transient induction of DNA replication (Hells, Mcm6, and Esco2) and mitotic genes (Ccnb2, Cdc20, and Cdk1) and the proliferation-related nuclear antigen Mki67 were observed with peak expression occurring between 1 and 7 days PB exposure. All these transcriptional responses were absent in CAR(KO)-PXR(KO) mouse livers and largely reversible in wild-type and CAR(h)-PXR(h) mouse livers following 91 days of PB exposure and a subsequent 4-week recovery period. Furthermore, PB-mediated upregulation of the noncoding RNA Meg3, which has recently been associated with cellular pluripotency, exhibited a similar dose response and perivenous hepatocyte-specific localization in both wild-type and CAR(h)-PXR(h) mice. Thus, mouse livers coexpressing human CAR and PXR support both the xenobiotic metabolizing and the proliferative transcriptional responses following exposure to PB.
Technical and clinical view on ambulatory assessment in Parkinson's disease
2014-04-01

With the progress of technologies of recent years, methods have become available that use wearable sensors and ambulatory systems to measure aspects of--particular axial--motor function. As Parkinson's disease (PD) can be considered a model disorder for motor impairment, a significant number of studies have already been performed with these patients using such techniques. In general, motion sensors such as accelerometers and gyroscopes are used, in combination with lightweight electronics that do not interfere with normal human motion. A fundamental advantage in comparison with usual clinical assessment is that these sensors allow a more quantitative, objective, and reliable evaluation of symptoms; they have also significant advantages compared to in-lab technologies (e.g., optoelectronic motion capture) as they allow long-term monitoring under real-life conditions. In addition, based on recent findings particularly from studies using functional imaging, we learned that non-motor symptoms, specifically cognitive aspects, may be at least indirectly assessable. It is hypothesized that ambulatory quantitative assessment strategies will allow users, clinicians, and scientists in the future to gain more quantitative, unobtrusive, and everyday relevant data out of their clinical evaluation and can also be designed as pervasive (everywhere) and intensive (anytime) tools for ambulatory assessment and even rehabilitation of motor and (partly) non-motor symptoms in PD.
Decimal fraction representations are not distinct from natural number representations â€“ evidence from a combined eye-tracking and computational modeling approach
2014-04-01

Decimal fractions comply with the base-10 notational system of natural Arabic numbers. Nevertheless, recent research suggested that decimal fractions may be represented differently than natural numbers because two number processing effects (i.e., semantic interference and compatibility effects) differed in their size between decimal fractions and natural numbers. In the present study, we examined whether these differences indeed indicate that decimal fractions are represented differently from natural numbers. Therefore, we provided an alternative explanation for the semantic congruity effect, namely a string length congruity effect. Moreover, we suggest that the smaller compatibility effect for decimal fractions compared to natural numbers was driven by differences in processing strategy (sequential vs. parallel). To evaluate this claim, we manipulated the tenth and hundredth digits in a magnitude comparison task with participantsâ eye movements recorded, while the unit digits remained identical. In addition, we evaluated whether our empirical findings could be simulated by an extended version of our computational model originally developed to simulate magnitude comparisons of two-digit natural numbers. In the eye-tracking study, we found evidence that participants processed decimal fractions more sequentially than natural numbers because of the identical leading digit. Importantly, our model was able to account for the smaller compatibility effect found for decimal fractions. Moreover, string length congruity was an alternative account for the prolonged reaction times for incongruent decimal pairs. Consequently, we suggest that representations of natural numbers and decimal fractions do not differ.
Foot deformation during walking: differences between static and dynamic 3D foot morphology in developing feet
2014-04-01

The complex functions of feet require a specific composition, which is progressively achieved by developmental processes. This development should take place without being affected by footwear. The aim of this study is to evaluate differences between static and dynamic foot morphology in developing feet. Feet of 2554 participants (6-16 years) were recorded using a new scanner system (DynaScan4D). Each foot was recorded in static half and full weight-bearing and during walking. Several foot measures corresponding to those used in last construction were calculated. The differences were identified by one-way ANOVA and paired Student's t-test. Static and dynamic values of each foot measure must be considered to improve the fit of footwear. In particular, footwear must account for the increase of forefoot width and the decrease of midfoot girth. Furthermore, the toe box should have a more rounded shape. The findings are important for the construction of footwear for developing feet.
The Enzyme-Like Domain of Arabidopsis Nuclear β-Amylases Is Critical for DNA Sequence Recognition and Transcriptional Activation
2014-04-01

Abstract Plant BZR1-BAM transcription factors contain a β-amylase (BAM)–like domain, characteristic of proteins involved in starch breakdown. The enzyme-derived domains appear to be noncatalytic, but they determine the function of the two Arabidopsis thaliana BZR1-BAM isoforms (BAM7 and BAM8) during transcriptional initiation. Removal or swapping of the BAM domains demonstrates that the BAM7 BAM domain restricts DNA binding and transcriptional activation, while the BAM8 BAM domain allows both activities. Furthermore, we demonstrate that BAM7 and BAM8 interact on the protein level and cooperate during transcriptional regulation. Site-directed mutagenesis of residues in the BAM domain of BAM8 shows that its function as a transcriptional activator is independent of catalysis but requires an intact substrate binding site, suggesting it may bind a ligand. Microarray experiments with plants overexpressing truncated versions lacking the BAM domain indicate that the pseudo-enzymatic domain increases selectivity for the preferred cis-regulatory element BBRE (BZR1-BAM Responsive Element). Side specificity toward the G-box may allow crosstalk to other signaling networks. This work highlights the importance of the enzyme-derived domain of BZR1-BAMs, supporting their potential role as metabolic sensors.
Halogen-Enriched Fragment Libraries as Chemical Probes for Harnessing Halogen Bonding in Fragment-Based Lead Discovery
2014-04-01

Halogen bonding has recently experienced a renaissance, gaining increased recognition as a useful molecular interaction in the life sciences. Halogen bonds are favorable, fairly directional interactions between an electropositive region on the halogen (the σ-hole) and a number of different nucleophilic interaction partners. Some aspects of halogen bonding are not yet understood well enough to take full advantage of its potential in drug discovery. We describe and present the concept of halogen-enriched fragment libraries. These libraries consist of unique chemical probes, facilitating the identification of favorable halogen bonds by sharing the advantages of classical fragment-based screening. Besides providing insights into the nature and applicability of halogen bonding, halogen-enriched fragment libraries provide smart starting points for hit-to-lead evolution.
Thallium geochemistry in the metamorphic Lengenbach sulfide deposit, Switzerland: Thallium-isotope fractionation in a sulfide melt
2014-04-01

The Lengenbach (Switzerland) Pb-As-Tl-Zn deposit was formed from a sulfide melt at about 500 °C during Alpine metamorphism, but details on its formation and especially the source of the metals are still under debate. In this study we present two sample sets to address these questions:
Metabolic Flexibility and Substrate Preference by the Fe(II)-Oxidizing Purple Non-Sulphur BacteriumRhodopseudomonas palustrisStrain TIE-1
2014-04-01

It is unknown to which extent phototrophic Fe(II) oxidation takes place in the simultaneous presence of organic electron donors (e.g., acetate/lactate). Therefore, the photoferrotrophic strain Rhodopseudomonas palustris TIE-1 was inoculated with various combinations of Fe(II), acetate and lactate to understand metabolic substrate preference. When acetate was provided together with Fe(II), TIE-1 consumed acetate first before Fe(II). When provided lactate plus Fe(II), TIE-1 consumed both substrates in parallel. When all three substrates were provided in one culture, TIE-1 used all substrates simultaneously. Our study suggests that the availability of alternative electron donors in addition to ferrous iron limits phototrophic iron oxidation.
Influence of Different Stimulation Parameters on the Somatosensory Evoked Potentials of the Nervus Vagus—How Varied Stimulation Parameters Affect VSEP
2014-04-01

Vagus somatosensory evoked potentials are a method for assessing the function of the vagus nerve, which were shown to be altered in neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease. Various parameters of the stimulation such as the electrode position and the stimulus intensity have already been investigated. In this study, the focus is on the systematic examination of the other parameters of the stimulation of the vagus somatosensory evoked potentials: stimulus duration, interstimulus interval, and, again, the stimulation intensity. Thirty young and healthy subjects were examined using five different sets of stimulation parameters, and 24 were included in the further analysis. The results show that a reduction of the stimulus duration and a decrease in stimulus intensity have a significant effect on the amplitudes. A shortening of the interstimulus interval does not seem to have such an effect, but this stimulation is rated more painful and unpleasant than the standard stimulation. Overall, the standard stimulation used so far seems to be the most preferable condition.
Almost Nothing - Not Even Bariatric Surgery for Obesity - Changes Olfactory Sensitivity
2014-04-01

Altered olfactory functions in patients with eating disorders have been reported with obesity, during hunger, following food ingestion and after bariatric surgery, but subsequent data have remained controversial. Methods : We investigated olfactory function (threshold, identification, discrimination) by Sniffin Sticks® in six independent studies: At baseline and 24 h and 48 h after a zero-calorie fasting (Study 1); fasted and after a 3810 kJ mixed meal (Study 2); twice after a 2510 kJ mixed meal supplemented with either 40 g saturated or unsaturated fatty acids (Study 3); prior to and after rotation-induced nausea (Study 4); at baseline and after a 5-day 6° head-down tilt bedrest (HDT-BR) and a high (7.7 mmol/kg BW/d) and low (0.7 mmol/kg BW/d) sodium diet (Study 5). We also compared odor sensitivity before and 12 months after bariatric (sleeve) surgery in patients with morbid obesity (Study 6). Results : Fasting (Study 1) did not alter olfactory functions, and a highcalorie diet (Study 2) moderately improved odor discrimination only; saturated fatty acids (Study 3) marginally improved odor identification, while the induction of nausea (Study 4) did not affect olfaction. HDT-BR (Study 5) significantly reduced the olfactory thresholds as well as the total score, mainly due to the bedrest component. Bariatric surgery (Study 6) did not change odor sensitivity, but some morbidly obese patients exhibited abnormally low olfactory functions prior to and after surgery. Conclusions : Manipulation of the hunger/satiety state has only marginal effects on olfactory functions in normal healthy volunteers and obese patients.
Structural Defects Control the Energy Level Alignment at Organic/Organic Interfaces
2014-04-01

The dependence of the energy level alignment (ELA) on structural defects at an organic/organic heterojunction (OOH) of perfluoropentacene (PFP)‐on‐diindenoperylene (DIP) was investigated using X‐ray scattering and ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy. The density of structural defects near the interface between the PFP and DIP layers was varied by changing the growth temperature of the DIP film. A direct relationship was found between the defect density and the ELA at the OOH; the ELA together with the change in the electrostatic potential (quasi‐interface dipole layer) at the OOH varies systematically with the defect density near the interface. This indicates that a key factor affecting the ELA is the electrostatic potential change across the OOH interface, which is produced by electron transfer from DIP occupied gap states to PFP unoccupied gap states. These gap states originate from the defects and are effectively controlled by adjusting the growth conditions of the organic films. As a result, the ELA at OOH interfaces can be controlled by the density of structural defect, which is important for organic devices employing OOHs, such as organic photovoltaic cells.
Drug Development Against Sleeping Sickness: Old Wine in New Bottles?
2014-04-01

Atoxyl, the first medicinal drug against human African trypanosomiasis (HAT), also known as sleeping sickness, was applied more than 100 years ago. Ever since, the search for more effective, more specific and less toxic drugs continued, leading to a set of compounds currently in use against this devastating disease. Unfortunately, none of these medicines fulfill modern pharmaceutical requirements and may be considered as therapeutic ultima ratio due to the many, often severe side effects. Starting with a historic overview on drug development against HAT, we present a selection of trypanosome specific pathways and enzymes considered as highly potent druggable targets. In addition, we describe cellular mechanisms the parasite uses for differentiation and cell density regulation and present our considerations how interference with these steps, elementary for life cycle progression and infection, may lead to new aspects of drug development. Finally we refer to our recent work about CNS infection that offers novel insights in how trypanosomes hide in an immune privileged area to establish a chronic state of the disease, thereby considering new ways for drug application. Depressingly, HAT specific drug development has failed over the last 30 years to produce better suited medicine. However, unraveling of parasite-specific pathways and cellular behavior together with the ability to produce high resolution structures of essential parasite proteins by X-ray crystallography, leads us to the optimistic view that development of an ultimate drug to eradicate sleeping sickness from the globe might just be around the corner.