julilili42/papers huggingface dataset:
Drilling predation on the clypeasteroid echinoidEchinocyamus pusillusfrom the Mediterranean Sea (Giglio, Italy)
2013-11-18

Drilling predation of cassid gastropods (tonnacean) on echinoids is common in marine environments but is rarely documented. Tests of the minute clypeasteroid Echinocyamus pusillus OF Müller (1776) were collected from the Mediterranean Sea (Isola del Giglio, Italy). Besides general morphology, features pertaining to the morphology and distribution of predatory boreholes were examined. Furthermore, borehole frequencies among different samples sites were compared. Cassid gastropods are assumed to be the originators of the boreholes. A total of 1061 tests were analysed for drilling rates with 15.3% drilled with predominantly single boreholes. The borehole morphology is strongly affected by the microstructure of the skeleton; the borehole outline is irregular if drilled within areas where ambulacral pores are present. Vertical borehole morphology is influenced by stereom density. The size frequencies of non-drilled and drilled specimens show significant differences. Comparisons of borehole size with test size show only a low correlation between predator and prey size. The distribution of boreholes shows a high site selectivity of the predator for the aboral side of the test and the petalodium.
[6,6]‐Open and [6,6]‐Closed Isomers of C70(CF2): Synthesis, Electrochemical and Quantum Chemical Investigation
2013-11-18

Abstract Novel difluoromethylenated [70]fullerene derivatives, C 70 (CF 2 ) n ( n =1–3), were obtained by the reaction of C 70 with sodium difluorochloroacetate. Two major products, isomeric C 70 (CF 2 ) mono‐adducts with [6,6]‐open and [6,6]‐closed configurations, were isolated and their homofullerene and methanofullerene structures were reliably determined by a variety of methods that included X‐ray analysis and high‐level spectroscopic techniques. The [6,6]‐open isomer of C 70 (CF 2 ) constitutes the first homofullerene example of a non‐hetero [70]fullerene derivative in which functionalisation involves the most reactive bond in the polar region of the cage. Voltammetric estimation of the electron affinity of the C 70 (CF 2 ) isomers showed that it is substantially higher for the [6,6]‐open isomer (the 70‐electron π‐conjugated system is retained) than the [6,6]‐closed form, the latter being similar to the electron affinity of pristine C 70 . In situ ESR spectroelectrochemical investigation of the C 70 (CF 2 ) radical anions and DFT calculations of the hyperfine coupling constants provide evidence for the first example of an inter‐conversion between the [6,6]‐closed and [6,6]‐open forms of a cage‐modified fullerene driven by an electrochemical one‐electron transfer. Thus, [6,6]‐closed C 70 (CF 2 ) constitutes an interesting example of a redox‐switchable fullerene derivative.
Search in Real-Time Video Games
2013-11-18

This chapter arises from the discussions of an experienced international group of researchers interested in the potential for creative application of algorithms for searching finite discrete graphs, which have been highly successful in a wide range of application areas, to address a broad range of problems arising in video games. The chapter first summarises the state of the art in search algorithms for games. It then considers the challenges in implementing these algorithms in video games (particularly real time strategy and first-person games) and ways of creating searchable discrete representations of video game decisions (for example as state-action graphs). Finally the chapter looks forward to promising techniques which might bring some of the success achieved in games such as Go and Chess, to real-time video games. For simplicity, we will consider primarily the objective of maximising playing strength, and consider games where this is a challenging task, which results in interesting gameplay.
Does Uncoupling Protein 2 Expression Qualify as Marker of Disease Status in LRRK2-Associated Parkinson's Disease?
2013-11-19

Mutations in leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2) are the most common known genetic cause of late-onset Parkinson's disease (PD). However, the penetrance of the disease is below 50% at 60 years of age. LRRK2 is associated with the mitochondrial membrane, and mutant forms impair the function of the organelle and autophagosome clearance in human cells, including induced pluripotent stem cell-derived neurons. Elevated expression of uncoupling proteins has been identified as the cause of mitochondrial depolarization in human fibroblasts with G2019S LRRK2. To identify factors that contribute to the penetrance of LRRK2 mutations, we studied respiratory chain function, markers of mitochondrial uncoupling, oxidative stress, and autophagy in fibroblasts from affected and unaffected carriers of the G2019S mutation. Independent of disease status, all mutation carriers showed reduced mitochondrial membrane potential, increased proton leakage, and more fragmented mitochondria. However, a significant increase in the expression of uncoupling protein 2 (UCP2) was only detected in affected individuals with the G2019S mutation in LRRK2. Since oxidative stress and autophagic markers were selectively increased in some of the PD patients, we hypothesize that UCP2 expression is upregulated in response to elevated reactive oxygen species generation in affected mutation carriers and that UCP2 mRNA levels might, therefore, serve as markers of disease status in LRRK2-associated PD.
Four new X-ray-selected supernova remnants in the Large Magellanic Cloud
2013-11-19

\\n Aims. We present a detailed multi-wavelength study of four new supernova remnants (SNRs) in the Large Magellanic Cloud (LMC). The objects were identified as SNR candidates in X-ray observations performed during the survey of the LMC with XMM-Newton.\\n Methods. Data obained with XMM-Newton are used to investigate the morphological and spectral features of the remnants in X-rays. We measure the plasma conditions, look for supernova (SN) ejecta emission, and constrain some of the SNR properties (e.g. age and ambient density). We supplement the X-ray data with optical, infrared, and radio-continuum archival observations, which allow us to understand the conditions resulting in the current appearance of the remnants. Based on the spatially-resolved star formation history (SFH) of the LMC together with the X-ray spectra, we attempt to type the supernovae that created the remnants.\\n Results. We confirm all four objects as SNRs, to which we assign the names MCSNR J0508−6830, MCSNR J0511−6759, MCSNR J0514−6840, and MCSNR J0517−6759. In the first two remnants, an X-ray bright plasma is surrounded by very faint [S <sc>ii</sc>] emission. The emission from the central plasma is dominated by Fe L-shell lines, and the derived iron abundance is greatly in excess of solar. This establishes their type Ia (i.e. thermonuclear) SN origin. They appear to be more evolved versions of other Magellanic Cloud iron-rich SNRs which are centrally-peaked in X-rays. From the two other remnants (MCSNR J0514−6840 and MCSNR J0517−6759), we do not see ejecta emission. At all wavelengths at which they are detected, the local environment plays a key role in their observational appearance. We present evidence that MCSNR J0517−6759 is close to and interacting with a molecular cloud, suggesting a massive progenitor.\\n
Missing correlation of retinal vessel diameter with high‐altitude headache
2013-11-19

The most common altitude-related symptom, high-altitude headache (HAH), has recently been suggested to originate from restricted cerebral venous drainage in the presence of increased inflow caused by hypoxia. In support of this novel hypothesis, retinal venous distension was shown to correlate with the degree of HAH. We quantified for the first time retinal vessel diameter changes at 4559 m using infrared fundus images obtained from a state of the art SpectralisTM HRA+OCT with a semiautomatic VesselMap 1® software. High-altitude exposure resulted in altered arterial and venous diameter changes at high altitude, however, independent of headache burden.
Systematic reference sample generation for multiplexed serological assays
2013-11-19

Quality controls of serological assays have to contain defined amounts of human antibodies specific for the targeted antigen. A prevailing issue for array-based antigen assays is that dozens of antigens are targeted within the same assay. Commonly different patient sera are combined and optimal pools are empirically identified. Here, we report a mathematical approach how an optimal sample pool composition can be systematically calculated and accurately compiled. The approach was used to compose suitable quality controls for a 71 plex Tuberculosis antigen bead array using a limited number of positive human sera.
Computational model of the effect of light scattering from cataracts in the human eye
2013-11-19

A model of the human eye has been developed, including scattering from cataracts inside the nucleus of the lens. The cataracts are modeled as spherical particles with refractive index different from that of the surrounding lens medium. Scattering from the retina is also included in the simulations. Variations of scattering particle diameter, number of particles, and wavelength of the illuminating light are investigated. It is shown that particle size is the most important parameter affecting the scattered light, and that the scattering from the retina can mask the effect of the scattering particles, for some range of the parameters.
An Improved Majority-Logic Decoder Offering Massively Parallel Decoding for Real-Time Control in Embedded Systems
2013-11-19

We propose an easy-to-implement hard-decision majority-logic decoding\\nalgorithm for Reed-Muller codes RM(r,m) with m &gt;= 3, m/2 &gt;= r &gt;= 1. The\\npresented algorithm outperforms the best known majority-logic decoding\\nalgorithms and offers highly parallel decoding. The result is of special\\nimportance for safety- and time-critical applications in embedded systems. A\\nsimple combinational circuit can perform the proposed decoding. In particular,\\nwe show how our decoder for the three-error-correcting code RM(2,5) of\\ndimension 16 and length 32 can be realized on hardware level.\\n
Reading English with Japanese in mind: Effects of frequency, phonology, and meaning in different-script bilinguals
2013-11-20

Previous priming studies suggest that, even for bilinguals of languages with different scripts, non-selective lexical activation arises. This lexical decision eye-tracking study examined contributions of frequency, phonology, and meaning of L1 Japanese words on L2 English word lexical decision processes, using mixed-effects regression modeling. The response times and eye fixation durations of late bilinguals were co-determined by L1 Japanese word frequency and cross-language phonological and semantic similarities, but not by a dichotomous factor encoding cognate status. These effects were not observed for native monolingual readers and were confirmed to be genuine bilingual effects. The results are discussed based on the Bilingual Interactive Activation model (BIA+, Dijkstra &amp; Van Heuven, 2002) under the straightforward assumption that English letter units do not project onto Japanese word units.
All That Glitters Isn't Gold: A Survey on Acknowledgment of Limitations in Biomedical Studies
2013-11-20

Reporting of limitations in biomedical publications is probably very incomplete. Transparent reporting of limitations may protect clinicians and guideline committees against overly confident beliefs and decisions and support scientific progress through better design, conduct or analysis of new studies.
Evaluation of Fixation Pattern and Reading Ability in Patients With Leber Hereditary Optic Neuropathy
2013-11-20

Background: Leber hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON) is characterized by progressive loss of central vision leading to impaired reading ability. The aim of this study was to evaluate sensory adaptation and reading ability in LHON patients. Methods: This prospective pilot study included 12 male patients with a clinical diagnosis and a positive genetic analysis of LHON, who matched the inclusion criteria of a central scotoma on visual field testing and the use of magnifying aids to read. Examination included best-corrected visual acuity, magnification need, reading speed, and evaluation of fixation by corneal reflexes and by Rodenstock scanning laser ophthalmoscope (SLO). Central scotoma was assessed by conventional perimetry (Tübingen Automated Perimeter) and microperimetry (NIDEK MP1). Results: Mean magnification need was 13.2 ± 7.3-fold (range: 2- to 25-fold). Mean reading speed was 53 ± 18 words per minute (WPM) (range: 24–85 WPM). With automated perimetry, all patients showed central scotomas with a mean radius of 13° ± 7° (range: 1°–30°) in the better eye. Microperimetry in all patients showed fenestrated central scotomas. Eccentric fixation with a preferred retinal locus (PRL) was detected with SLO examination and microperimetry correlated well in 11 of 12 patients. The SLO results showed no systematic pattern in the placement of the PRL; however, 7 of 12 patients (58%) placed their PRL in an unfavorable location left or below the fovea. In 8 of 12 patients, fixation was unstable. Between reading speed and central scotoma size, there was a statistically significant negative correlation ( P = 0.021, r = −0.65). Conclusions: The percentage of unfavorable PRL locations was extremely high compared with other disorders with central scotomas. Unstable fixation and fenestrated central scotomas led to difficulties in reading. Early rehabilitation and, if necessary, eccentric viewing training should be considered in LHON patients.
Spatiotemporal flow of information in the early visual pathway
2013-11-20

Abstract The spatial components of a visual scene are processed neurally in a sequence of coarse features followed by fine features. This coarse‐to‐fine temporal stream was initially considered to be a cortical function, but has recently been demonstrated in the dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus. The goal of this study was to test the hypothesis that coarse‐to‐fine processing is present at earlier stages of visual processing in the retinal ganglion cells that supply lateral geniculate nucleus ( LGN ) neurons. To compare coarse‐to‐fine processing in the cat's visual system, we measured the visual responses of connected neuronal pairs from the retina and LGN , and separate populations of cells from each region. We found that coarse‐to‐fine processing was clearly present at the ganglion cell layer of the retina. Interestingly, peak and high‐spatial‐frequency cutoff responses were higher in the LGN than in the retina, indicating that there was a progressive cascade of coarse‐to‐fine information from the retina to the LGN to the visual cortex. The analysis of early visual pathway receptive field characteristics showed that the physiological response interplay between the center and surround regions was consistent with coarse‐to‐fine features and may provide a primary role in the underlying mechanism. Taken together, the results from this study provided a framework for understanding the emergence and refinement of coarse‐to‐fine processing in the visual system.
Endotoxicity of Lipopolysaccharide as a Determinant of T-Cell−Mediated Colitis Induction in Mice
2013-11-21

The endotoxicity of LPS produced by the intestinal microbiota is a determinant of whether mice develop colitis after transfer of CD4(+)CD62L(+) T cells. This finding might aid the design of novel biologics or probiotics to treat inflammatory bowel disease.
Beyond GLMs: A Generative Mixture Modeling Approach to Neural System Identification
2013-11-21

Generalized linear models (GLMs) represent a popular choice for the probabilistic characterization of neural spike responses. While GLMs are attractive for their computational tractability, they also impose strong assumptions and thus only allow for a limited range of stimulus-response relationships to be discovered. Alternative approaches exist that make only very weak assumptions but scale poorly to high-dimensional stimulus spaces. Here we seek an approach which can gracefully interpolate between the two extremes. We extend two frequently used special cases of the GLM-a linear and a quadratic model-by assuming that the spike-triggered and non-spike-triggered distributions can be adequately represented using Gaussian mixtures. Because we derive the model from a generative perspective, its components are easy to interpret as they correspond to, for example, the spike-triggered distribution and the interspike interval distribution. The model is able to capture complex dependencies on high-dimensional stimuli with far fewer parameters than other approaches such as histogram-based methods. The added flexibility comes at the cost of a non-concave log-likelihood. We show that in practice this does not have to be an issue and the mixture-based model is able to outperform generalized linear and quadratic models.
Hydrodynamics of granular gases with a two-peak distribution
2013-11-21

Vibrating walls, frequently employed to maintain the temperature (i.e., average velocity) in a granular gas, modify the system strongly, rendering it dissimilar to a molecular one in various aspects. As evidenced by microgravity experiments employing a quasi-two-dimensional (quasi-2D) rectangular box and by 2D simulations, the one-peak velocity distribution is split into two, rendering the stress both nonuniform and anisotropic-without a shear flow and in the absence of gravitation. To account for this, granular hydrodynamics (as first proposed by Haff and later derived employing the kinetic theory) is generalized by introducing two additional variables, with one accounting for the distance between the two peaks and a second for the difference between the average velocities along different directions. The hydrodynamic theory thus generalized relates the velocity distribution to the stress, yielding results that agree with experiments and simulations.
Paramagnetic Nitronyl Nitroxide Radicals on Al2O3(11–20) Single Crystals: Nanoscale Assembly, Morphology, Electronic Structure, And Paramagnetic Character toward Future Applications
2013-11-21

Aiming at future technological applications, we describe the interface and the thin film processes of a pyrene-substituted nitronyl nitroxide radical deposited on Al2O3(11-20) single crystals. Electronic properties, chemical environment at the interface, and morphology of the thin films have been investigated by a multitechnique approach. Spectroscopic and morphologic analyses indicate a Stranski-Krastanov growth mode and weak physisorption of the molecules on the surface. The deposition does not affect the paramagnetic character of the molecules. The results presented in this paper show not only that the investigated system is a promising candidate as a model for understanding thin film processes in purely organic-based magnets, but its characteristics are worth its future use in electronics, because the radical character of the molecules is completely preserved in the thin films.
Repairing the harm of victims after violent conflict
2013-11-21

Almost 20 years after the end of the armed conflict in the former Yugoslavia, the debates on how to deal with the past in Serbia are still ongoing. From the very start the international community has put major emphasis on the criminal prosecution and conviction of the persons mostly responsible for the war crimes in the region, both by establishing the International Criminal Tribunal for ex-Yugoslavia and encouraging national prosecutions. In the discussions about transitional justice in the region, little if any attention has been paid to the victimisation of the population in Serbia and repairing the harm incurred during and after the armed conflict. Moreover, the views and expectations of the local population have hardly been the object of any scientific studies. The purpose of this article is to report about the opinions of the population in Serbia in relation to reparation for victims, by drawing on the main findings of a quantitative survey conducted in the country in 2007. It highlights the importance of paying attention to the population’s needs and, in particular, material and non-material forms of reparation.
Parturients Heterozygous for the K Variant
2013-11-21

To the Editor The principal finding of the recently published study by Bretlau et al.1 is that the muscle-relaxing effect of succinylcholine was slightly prolonged in healthy patients expressing heterozygous for the K variant.1 Following the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium law, the heterozygous K variant is estimated at a frequency of 22.3%, while the homozygous expression is predicted only in 1.5% of a random U.S. population.2 Considering the frequency of the heterozygous K variant, comorbidities might be of clinical relevance. Bretlau et al.’s study1 mentioned “pregnancy” and “breast feeding” as exclusion criterion for patient recruitment. It is interesting to note that plasma cholinesterase activity might be compromised in parturients.3–5 A seminal study in 941 pregnant and nonpregnant women showed that the plasma cholinesterase activity was reduced by approximately 30% in the immediate postpartum period.6 Screening the database PubMed for parturients expressing the heterozygous K variant and experiencing prolonged succinylcholine effect, we could identify 2 case reports of prolonged apnea or postoperative residual paralysis in parturients suffering hemorrhage (Table 1).7,8Table 1: Reported Parturients Heterozygous for the K Variant with Prolonged Succinylcholine EffectThere are prior reports that patients undergoing plasmapheresis displayed significantly lower levels of the plasmacholinesterase.5,9 Major blood loss resulting in fluid replacement using crystalloids and colloids might induce a similar situation.7 Thus, the combination of pregnancy, heterozygous K variant, and blood loss might be clinically relevant, and its incidence needs to be elucidated in further studies. Given the incidence of heterozygous K variant (20%2), postpartum hemorrhage (≥1000 mL blood loss; 4%10), or severe postpartum hemorrhage requiring blood transfusion (1.1%11), we would roughly estimate a prolonged succinylcholine effect by the mentioned combination in 1 of 125 to 454 parturients requiring general anesthesia. However, blood and/or fresh frozen plasma transfusion might mask atypical plasma cholinesterase activity so that the clinical appearance might be even lower.7,12,13
The impact of Idealism on Christology: from Hegel to Tillich
2013-11-21

Beginning with a consideration of Hegel's Christology, this essay charts certain stages of Idealism's influence on the Christological debate within the German-speaking world up to the theology of Tillich. Two aims are to the fore. The first is a contribution to historiography. It reconstructs a chapter in the history of theology that is often overlooked in Anglo-American thought, with a particular focus on recent German-language scholarship. The second is a contribution to systematic theology. In the historical positions outlined, problems are raised and solutions are offered that current Christological debate forgets at some cost. This is true as much in questions of methodology as in matters of substance. In debates around Idealism and its impact, it will become clear that Christology is concerned not only with the person and works of Jesus Christ, but also with the very heart of theology, and thus with the categories which form the foundation and core of theological and philosophical thought as a whole. A series of questions comes into view. What are the relations between reason, faith and history, between the absolute and the relative? How are we to reconcile Christianity and other religions? What place can Christianity claim for itself in modernity? In contemporary theology these fundamental questions are rarely considered matters of Christology, but for the Idealist tradition they are, I shall show, essentially bound up with it.