julilili42/papers huggingface dataset:
Constraints for weakly interacting light bosons from existence of massive neutron stars
2009-06-23

Theories beyond the standard model include a number of new particles some of\\nwhich might be light and weakly coupled to ordinary matter. Such particles\\naffect equation of state of nuclear matter and can shift admissible masses of\\nneutron stars to higher values. The internal structure of neutron stars is\\nmodified provided the ratio between coupling strength and mass squared of a\\nweakly interacting light boson is above .\\nWe provide limits on the couplings with the strange sector, which cannot be\\nachieved from laboratory experiments analysis. When the couplings to the first\\nfamily of quarks is considered the limits imposed by the neutron stars are not\\nmore stringent than the existing laboratory ones. The observations on neutron\\nstars give evidence that equation of state of the -equilibrated nuclear\\nmatter is stiffer than expected from many-body theory of nuclei and nuclear\\nmatter. A weakly interacting light vector boson coupled predominantly to the\\nsecond family of the quarks can produce the required stiffening.\\n
Quantifying finite-temperature effects in atom-chip interferometry of Bose-Einstein condensates
2009-06-23

We quantify the effect of phase fluctuations on atom chip interferometry of\\nBose-Einstein condensates. At very low temperatures, we observe small phase\\nfluctuations, created by mean-field depletion, and a resonant production of\\nvortices when the two clouds are initially in anti-phase. At higher\\ntemperatures, we show that the thermal occupation of Bogoliubov modes makes\\nvortex production vary smoothly with the initial relative phase difference\\nbetween the two atom clouds. We also propose a technique to observe vortex\\nformation directly by creating a weak link between the two clouds. The position\\nand direction of circulation of the vortices is subsequently revealed by kinks\\nin the interference fringes produced when the two clouds expand into one\\nanother. This procedure may be exploited for precise force measurement or\\nmotion detection.\\n
Relaxometric, Thermodynamic and Kinetic Studies of Lanthanide(III) Complexes of DO3A‐Based Propylphosphonates
2009-06-23

Abstract Two DO3A‐based ligands appended with the propylphosphonate side arm and their Ln 3+ complexes were investigated. Proton relaxometric in vitro studies at 20 MHz and 60 MHz and 37 °C of the Gd 3+ complex containing free acid exhibited relative changes of up to 56 % in r 1 relaxivity when the pH of the medium was changed from 4 to 7. This change is explained by the decrease in the number of coordinated water molecules from two to one. Temperature‐dependent relaxivity and NMRD profiles of Gd 3+ complexes showed a fast water exchange and a slightly increased rotational correlation time, which is characteristic of phosphonate‐containing compounds. Thermodynamic and kinetic studies of the Gd 3+ and Eu 3+ complexes were performed by means of potentiometry and luminescence spectroscopy. The results indicate that the thermodynamic stability and kinetic inertness of these complexes are sufficient for their in vivo application. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH &amp; Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2009)
How does breeding system variation modulate sexual antagonism?
2009-06-24

The study of sexually antagonistic (SA) traits remains largely limited to dioecious (separate sex), mobile animals. However, the occurrence of sexual conflict is restricted neither by breeding system (the mode of sexual reproduction, e.g. dioecy or hermaphroditism) nor by sessility. Here, we synthesize how variation in breeding system can affect the evolution and expression of intra- and inter-locus sexual conflicts in plants and animals. We predict that, in hermaphrodites, SA traits will (i) display lower levels of polymorphism; (ii) respond more quickly to selection; and (iii) involve unique forms of interlocus conflict over sex allocation, mating roles and selfing rates. Explicit modelling and empirical tests in a broader range of breeding systems are necessary to obtain a general understanding of the evolution of SA traits.
Variations of Apgar score of very low birth weight infants in different neonatal intensive care units
2009-06-25

Abstract Objective: The Apgar score should be an objective method to assess the state of newborns; however, its applicability in preterm infants is hampered by large variations among different observers. The study tested whether physicians that give low scores to written case descriptions also apply lower scores to preterm infants. Patients and Methods: Descriptions ( BMJ 2004; 329: 143–4) were sent to 14 neonatal units. Physicians were asked to evaluate the Apgar (case score). From seven units Apgar scores of all very low birth weight infants (VLBW) born between January 2004 and December 2006 were obtained from charts (clinical score). Results: In total, 121 physicians from 14 institutions (median 9, range 3–15) replied: 24 residents with &lt;6‐month and 28 with &gt;6‐month neonatal experience, and 69 consultants. The assessment of the case scores was very heterogeneous with large variations in respiration, muscle tone and reflexes. Clinical scores were obtained from 1000 VLBW infants. The score depended on the gestational age, with a median of 4 at 24 and 7 at 27 weeks. With one exception, centres that assigned low case scores had also low clinical scores. Conclusion: There is considerable variation in assigning Apgar scores. Definitions are required to apply the Apgar score to infants under clinical conditions such as preterm delivery, resuscitation or artificial ventilation.
Highly Sensitive Cardiac Troponin I Assay Leads to Lowered Specificity
2009-06-25

I read with great interest the article of Kavsak et al. (1) on the utility of a next-generation high-sensitivity Beckman Coulter cardiac troponin I (cTnI) assay with a 20% CV at 2.95 ng/L. This approach demonstrated a higher diagnostic sensitivity (81% vs 62%) for myocardial injury with a changing pattern of cTnI values, compared with the AccuTnI® assay cleared by the US Food and Drug Administration (1). This high-sensitivity assay had an unexpectedly high prevalence (3%) for interfering heterophilic antibodies compared with the 0.05% prevalence ...
P2‐196: Decreased G‐CSF plasma levels in patients with early Alzheimer's disease ‐ contribution to a deficient hematopoietic brain support?
2009-06-25

Alzheimer`s disease (AD) is characterized by massive neuronal cell loss in the brain. Granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) is a hematopoietic growth factor (HGF) that also promotes neuroprotective effects and supports neurogenesis in the brain. Recent experimental studies with animal models of AD indicate a potential therapeutic role of G-CSF in AD. In the present study, we examined in 50 early AD patients and 50 age-matched healthy controls G-CSF plasma levels by ELISA. We found significantly decreased G-CSF plasma levels in early AD patients in comparison with age-matched healthy controls. In AD patients, G-CSF levels showed a significant inverse correlation with amyloid-beta 1-42 CSF levels, but not with tau protein CSF levels and MMSE scores. In addition, G-CSF plasma levels were significantly inversely correlated with age in AD patients and healthy controls. Decreased G-CSF plasma levels in early AD patients may contribute to a deficient hematopoietic brain support with putative pathogenic relevance. Whether a modulation of HGFs such as G-CSF could be a promising new therapeutic strategy for AD, future studies are called to prove.
O1‐03‐07: Progranulin correlates with dense‐core plaque burden in Alzheimer's disease mouse models
2009-06-25

Dense-core amyloid-β (Aβ) plaques and congophilic amyloid angiopathy are pathological hallmarks of Alzheimer's disease (AD). In addition, innate inflammatory responses mediated by microglia are integral to the pathogenesis of AD. Interestingly, only dense-core plaques and not diffuse plaques are associated with neuritic and inflammatory pathology in AD patients as well as mouse models of AD. However, the precise neuropathological changes that occur in brain in response to amyloid deposition are largely unknown. To study the molecular mechanism(s) responsible for Aβ-mediated neuropathology, we performed gene expression analysis on laser-microdissected brain tissue (PALM MicroBeam, Zeiss) from Tg2576 and APPPS1-TgN plaque-depositing transgenic mouse AD models that are characterized by different types of plaques on different genetic backgrounds. Data were validated by image analysis on different ages of Tg2576, TgN and BRI-Aβ42 mouse AD models. Consistent to an important role of inflammatory responses, we identified progranulin (PGRN) as one of the top upregulated molecules in Tg2576 (≈4-fold increased) and TgN (≈2-fold increased) mice compared to their age-matched littermate controls. In addition, PGRN levels significantly correlated with amyloid load, especially the dense-core plaque pathology (P < 0.001). We further showed that PGRN is upregulated in microglia located around plaques and vessels and also in neurons, but not in astrocytes or oligodendrocytes, as has been shown in AD patients. Our data strongly support the ongoing use of these mouse models in drug trials including anti-inflammatory compounds. Moreover, increased PGRN in different stages suggests that PGRN could be utilized as diagnostic and/or prognostic biomarker for Alzheimer's disease. Because PGRN has recently been shown to cause frontotemporal dementia and also serves as a risk factor for AD, a strong PGRN reactivity around dense-core plaques indicates an important role of these plaques in AD pathogenesis.
P4‐029: Formation and maintenance of β‐amyloid plaques in the absence of microglia
2009-06-25

In Alzheimer's disease β-amyloid plaque deposits are accompanied by an inflammatory reaction involving microglia, which are the primary phagocytotic immune cells of the brain. Microglia cells are attracted to and surround amyloid plaques, suggesting a role in plaque formation and/or restricting unlimited plaque growth. Amyloid precursor protein transgenic mouse models (APPPS1 and APP23) have been crossed with CD11b-HSVTK transgenic mice. These mice allow 30% and >90% microglia depletion upon systemic and intracerebroventricular ganciclovir application, respectively, for up to 4 weeks. Opposite to expectations, results show that amyloid plaque formation can occur in the absence of microglia and that microglia depletion in amyloid-bearing mice does not influence amyloid plaque load.
S3‐02‐03: Selective increase in neuronal activity in the vicinity of amyloid plaques in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease
2009-06-25

The neurodegeneration observed in Alzheimer's disease (AD) is commonly associated with synaptic dismantling and a progressive decrease in neuronal activity. Anatomical studies support this notion by showing that already early stages of AD are associated with a decrease in the density of cortical synapses and dendritic spines. Furthermore, results obtained in various animal models of the disease show amyloid ß (Aß)-mediated inhibition of synaptic currents, disruption of synaptic plasticity as well as endocytosis of glutamate receptors. To test this hypothesis we combined for the first time amyloid plaque visualization and in vivo two-photon Ca2+ imaging in a mouse model of AD. Our data demonstrate that the functional impairment is more complex than previously anticipated. In line with the 'synaptic failure' hypothesis we observed a 4-fold increase in the number of 'silent' cortical neurons, showing no Ca2+ transients during the recording period. Unexpectedly, however, more than 20% of layer 2/3 cortical cells displayed a marked increase in the frequency of Ca2+ transients reflecting an increased firing of action potentials. These 'hyperactive' neurons were found exclusively in the close vicinity of amyloid plaques (< 60 μm from the plaque border) and only in Aß depositing mice. Their appearance correlated with a distinct impairment of cognitive behavior. We obtained evidence that this hyperactivity is due to a relative decrease in synaptic inhibition in the peri-plaque regions. Our results indicate that amyloid deposition causes a marked redistribution of synaptic drive between silent and hyperactive neurons, rather than an overall decrease in neuronal activity. The clustering of hyperactive neurons in plaque-rich cortical regions may represent the cellular basis for the increased incidence of epileptic seizures in AD patients.
Comparison of three clinical rating scales in Friedreich ataxia (FRDA)
2009-06-26

Abstract To test the validity and reliability of the scale for the assessment and rating of ataxia (SARA) in Friedreich ataxia (FRDA). SARA is limited to eight items and can be performed rapidly. Ninety‐six patients with a molecular genetic diagnosis of FRDA were rated using three different clinical scales, the FRDA Rating Scale (FARS), the International Cooperative Ataxia Rating Scale (ICARS), and SARA. Despite considerable discrepancies in scale size and subscale structure, SARA total scores were significantly correlated with ICARS (r = 0.953, P &lt; 0.0001) and FARS (r = 0.938, P &lt; 0.0001) total scores. SARA total scores also correlated with the activities of daily living (ADL, r = 0.929, P &lt; 0.0001). Although originally developed for the use in dominantly inherited ataxias, which are primarily ataxias of the cerebellar type, SARA can also be used successfully to assess afferent ataxia, which is the predominant form in FRDA. Because SARA is characterized by high interrater reliability and practicability, SARA is applicable and well suited forclinical trials of FRDA. © 2009 Movement Disorder Society
AMBIENT LIGHTING MODIFIES THE FLAVOR OF WINE
2009-06-26

ABSTRACT It is well known that the color of a beverage can influence its flavor. We conducted three experiments to investigate the effect of the ambient room color on flavor, while leaving the color of the beverage unaltered. We chose white wine as the beverage and used several methods to fully explore the potential role of ambient light. First, a group of wine buyers made judgments on flavor and global liking while tasting a Riesling on site at a local winery. Ambient color influenced the subjective value of the wine. Wine tasted better in blue or red environments as compared with green and white. A second group was tested in the laboratory. Ambient color modified the taste, but not the odor of the wine. The influence of ambient color on flavor was confirmed in a third experiment using the method of paired comparisons. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS It has become fashionable in architecture and interior design to abandon the classical white or pastel colors that have traditionally been used for wall paint. Bright red and orange colors may prevail in a hip hair salon or a bar may have pink illuminated walls. As the private and public places where beverages are consumed change in ambient color, we should expect the taste experience to change as well. Additionally, our data show that the subjective value of the wine and consequently, the amount of money consumers are willing to spend for it can be influenced by ambient color. Thus, the interior design of, for example, a wine bar should take these effects into consideration.
Commentary on the 2008 WHO classification of mature T- and NK-cell neoplasms
2009-06-26

In 2008, the World Health Organization (WHO) published a revised and updated edition of the classification of tumors of the hematopoietic and lymphoid tissues. The aims of the fourth edition of the WHO classification was to incorporate new scientific and clinical information in order to refine diagnostic criteria for previously described neoplasms and to introduce newly recognized disease entities. The recognition that T-cell lymphomas are related to the innate and adaptive immune system, as well as enhanced understanding of other T-cell subsets, such as the regulatory T-cell and follicular helper T-cells, has contributed to our understanding of the morphologic, histologic, and immunophenotypic features of T- and NK-cell neoplasms. The purpose of this review is to highlight major changes in the classification of T- and NK-cell neoplasms and to explain the rationale for these changes.
Early improvement as a predictor of remission and response in schizophrenia: Results from a naturalistic study
2009-06-26

Abstract Objective To examine the predictive validity of early improvement in a naturalistic sample of inpatients and to identify the criterion that best defines early improvement. Methods Two hundred and forty-seven inpatients who fulfilled ICD-10 criteria for schizophrenia were assessed with the Positive And Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) at admission and at biweekly intervals until discharge from hospital. Remission was defined according to the recently proposed consensus criteria, response as a reduction of at least 40% in the PANNS total score from admission to discharge. Results Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analyses showed that early improvement (reduction of the PANSS total score within the first 2 weeks of treatment) predicts remission (AUC = 0.659) and response (AUC = 0.737) at discharge. A 20% reduction in the PANSS total score within the first 2 weeks was the most accurate cut-off for the prediction of remission (total accuracy: 65%; sensitivity: 53%; specificity: 76%), and a 30% reduction the most accurate cut-off for the prediction of response (total accuracy: 76%; sensitivity: 47%; specificity: 90%). Conclusion The findings of clinical drug trials that early improvement is a predictor of subsequent treatment response were replicated in a naturalistic sample. Further studies should examine whether patients without early improvement benefit from an early change of antipsychotic medication.
Function of the sexually dimorphic ear of the American bullfrog,Rana catesbeiana: brief review and new insight
2009-06-26

SUMMARY The dimorphic ear of the bullfrog, Rana catesbeiana, has long been enigmatic. The male's tympanic membrane (TM) area approximates twice the area of the female's; however, similar size differences in the area of the columellar footplate were not observed between the sexes. Hence, the male's hearing is expected to be more sensitive than the female's but this is not the case. Asking what offsets the advantage of the large TM, we applied a series of experiments to the auditory system. Male and female audiograms based on stimulation with airborne sound and on both multi-unit responses from the brain and alternating cochlear potentials (`microphonics') showed equal sensitivity and a small difference in frequency response; at low frequencies the male was more sensitive than the female. Amputating the columella and stimulating the stump with mechanical vibration showed that for an equal microphonic response, the male's footplate vibrated with lower amplitude than the female's footplate. Mechanically stimulating the TM of the intact ear replicated this result, excluding the involvement of the mechanical lever. The TM of the male weighs five times the TM of the female, and artificial loading of the TM of either sex greatly reduced the ear's sensitivity. Hence, the male's excessive area ratio (TM to columellar footplate) is offset by the heavier cartilage cushion on the male's TM, damping the TM's response to sound. This is corroborated by experimentally artificially loading the TM. The product of area ratio and footplate vibration amplitude would result in similar stimulation of the inner ear in the two sexes.
Cardiomyopathy is associated with structural remodelling of heart valve extracellular matrix
2009-06-27

Valves from cardiomyopathic hearts showed significant ECM deterioration with a disrupted collagen and elastic fibre network. It will be important to determine the impact of this ECM damage on valve durability and calcification in vivo if allografts are to be used from these donors.
EFFECT OF LOGARITHMIC MESONIC POTENTIAL ON NUCLEON PROPERTIES
2009-06-28

A linear sigma model with logarithmic mesonic potential is proposed for computing nucleon properties. The logarithmic potential is based on some aspects of QCD. The field equations have been solved in mean-field approximation. Obtained results for nucleon properties are good in comparison with the original model and agree with measured data.
FERRY
2009-06-29

We demonstrate the language Ferry and its editing, compilation, and execution environment FerryDeck. Ferry's type system and operations match those of scripting or programming languages; its compiler has been designed to emit (bundles of) compliant and efficient SQL:1999 statements. Ferry acts as glue that permits a programming style in which developers access database tables using their programming language's own syntax and idioms -- the Ferry-expressible fragments of such programs may be executed by a relational database back-end, i.e., close to the data. The demonstrator FerryDeck implements compile-and-execute-as-you-type interactivity for Ferry and offers a variety of (graphical) hooks to explore and inspect this approach to database-supported program execution.
Selectivity of Competitive Multivalent Interactions at Interfaces
2009-06-29

Abstract The development of synthetic, low‐molecular‐weight ligand receptor systems for the selective control of biomolecular interactions remains a major challenge. Binding of oligohistidine peptides to chelators containing Ni 2+ ‐loaded nitrilotriacetic acid (NTA) moieties is one of the most widely used and best‐characterised recognition systems. Recognition units containing multiple NTA moieties (multivalent chelator headgroups, MCHs) recognise oligohistidines with substantially increased binding affinities. Different multivalencies both at the level of the MCH and at that of the oligohistidine ligand provide a powerful means to vary the affinity of the interaction systematically. Here we have explored the selectivity for the binding of different oligohistidines to immobilised MCH. Using microarrays of mono‐, bis‐, tris‐ and tetrakis‐NTA chelators spotted at different surface densities, we explored the ability of these binders to discriminate fluorescently labelled hexa‐ and decahistidine peptides. When hexa‐ and decahistidine were tested alone, the discrimination of ligands showed little dependence either on the nature or on the density of the chelator. In contrast, coincubation of both peptides decreased the affinity of hexahistidine, increased the affinity of decahistidine, and made the binding of decahistidine highly dependent on MCH density. Kinetic binding assays by dual‐colour total internal reflection fluorescence spectroscopy revealed active exchange of His 6 by His 10 and confirmed the high selectivity towards His 10 . Our results establish the key role of surface multivalency for the selectivity of multivalent interactions at interfaces.