julilili42/papers huggingface dataset:
Intranasal Insulin Modulates Intrinsic Reward and Prefrontal Circuitry of the Human Brain in Lean Women
2012-07-11

&lt;b&gt;&lt;i&gt;Aim:&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/b&gt; There is accumulating evidence that food consumption is controlled by a wide range of brain circuits outside of the homeostatic system. Activation in these brain circuits may override the homeostatic system and also contribute to the enormous increase of obesity. However, little is known about the influence of hormonal signals on the brain's non-homeostatic system. Thus, selective insulin action in the brain was investigated by using intranasal application. &lt;b&gt;&lt;i&gt;Methods:&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/b&gt; We performed ‘resting-state' functional magnetic resonance imaging in 17 healthy lean female subjects to assess intrinsic brain activity by fractional amplitude of low-frequency fluctuations (fALFF) before, 30 and 90 min after application of intranasal insulin. &lt;b&gt;&lt;i&gt;Results:&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/b&gt; Here, we showed that insulin modulates intrinsic brain activity in the hypothalamus and orbitofrontal cortex. Furthermore, we could show that the prefrontal and anterior cingulate cortex response to insulin is associated with body mass index. &lt;b&gt;&lt;i&gt;Conclusion:&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/b&gt; This demonstrates that hormonal signals as insulin may reduce food intake by modifying the reward and prefrontal circuitry of the human brain, thereby potentially decreasing the rewarding properties of food. Due to the alarming increase in obesity worldwide, it is of great importance to identify neural mechanisms of interaction between the homeostatic and non-homeostatic system to generate new targets for obesity therapy.
RNase Y of Staphylococcus aureus and its role in the activation of virulence genes
2012-07-11

Summary RNase Y of Bacillus subtilis is a key member of the degradosome and important for bulk mRNA turnover. In contrast to B. subtilis , the RNase Y homologue ( rny/cvfA ) of Staphylococcus aureus is not essential for growth . Here we found that RNase Y plays a major role in virulence gene regulation. Accordingly, rny deletion mutants demonstrated impaired virulence in a murine bacteraemia model. RNase Y is important for the processing and stabilization of the immature transcript of the global virulence regulator system SaePQRS. Moreover, RNase Y is involved in the activation of virulence gene expression at the promoter level. This control is independent of both the virulence regulator agr and the saePQRS processing and may be mediated by small RNAs some of which were shown to be degraded by RNase Y. Besides this regulatory effect, mRNA levels of several operons were significantly increased in the rny mutant and the half‐life of one of these operons was shown to be extremely extended. However, the half‐life of many mRNA species was not significantly altered. Thus, RNase Y in S. aureus influences mRNA expression in a tightly controlled regulatory manner and is essential for coordinated activation of virulence genes.
Early signs of longitudinal progressive cone photoreceptor degeneration in achromatopsia
2012-07-11

For the first time, we show progressive longitudinal changes in retinal morphology in achromatopsia. Early changes include subtle IS/OS reflectivity alterations. The dynamic retinal changes in younger patients provide evidence that it represents a progressive disorder, and implementation of gene therapy during the early stages of the disease may provide best prognosis.
Organoaluminum-Assisted Formation of Rare-Earth Metal Imide Complexes
2012-07-11

The μ2-imide complexes [Ln(AlMe4)(μ2-Nmes*)]x (mes* = C6H2tBu3-2,4,6) (Ln = Y, La, Nd, Lu) are synthesized from homoleptic heterobimetallic complexes Ln(AlMe4)3 utilizing two distinct protocols: reaction with 2,4,6-tri-tert-butylaniline in hexane via methane elimination or with potassium (2,4,6-tri-tert-butylphenyl)amide in toluene according to a salt metathesis–protonolysis tandem reaction. Complexes [Ln(AlMe4)(μ2-Nmes*)]2 (Ln = Y, Nd, Lu) revealed isomorphous solid-state structures, featuring an asymmetrically bridged Ln2N2 core with very short Ln–N distances (2.071(1)–2.155(3) Å). In the solid-state structure of the lanthanum derivative similar dimeric subunits assemble as La4Al4 oligomers through μ2-η1:η2-bridging tetramethylaluminato moieties. [La(AlMe4)(μ2-Nmes*)]4 displays La---arene interactions (2.702(6) Å) that are considerably shorter than the La(μ-CH3)aluminato bond lengths.
Synthesis and structure of tricarbonyl(η6-arene)chromium complexes of phenyl and benzyl D-glycopyranosides
2012-07-11

A series of 15 glycoside-derived tricarbonyl(η 6 -arene)chromium complexes were prepared in 19–87% yield by heating fully acetylated or methylated aryl O-, S-, N- and C-glycosides of D-glucopyranose and D-mannopyranose with hexacarbonylchromium. All tricarbonylchromium complexes were fully characterized. The structures of nine crystalline complexes were determined by X-ray diffraction, revealing unusual intra- and intermolecular nonclassical hydrogen bonds.
Faculty Opinions recommendation of IL-17A is essential for cell activation and inflammatory gene circuits in subjects with psoriasis.
2012-07-11

BACKGROUND: In subjects with psoriasis, inflammation and epidermal hyperplasia are thought to be controlled by T cell-derived cytokines. Evidence suggests that the T(H)17 cell cytokine IL-17A (IL-17) might play a role in disease pathogenesis.OBJECTIVE: We sought to understand the effect that neutralization of IL-17 has on the clinical features of psoriasis and to understand the role that IL-17 has in inflammatory pathways underlying psoriasis in human subjects.METHODS: We examined skin lesions obtained from 40 subjects participating in a phase I, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of the anti-IL-17 mAb ixekizumab (previously LY2439821) in which subjects received 5, 15, 50, or 150 mg of subcutaneous ixekizumab or placebo at weeks 0, 2, and 4.RESULTS: There were significant dose-dependent reductions from baseline in keratinocyte proliferation, hyperplasia, epidermal thickness, infiltration into the dermis and epidermis by T cells and dendritic cells, and keratinocyte expression of innate defense peptides at 2 weeks. By week 6, the skin appeared normal. Quantitative RT-PCR and microarrays revealed an ablation of the disease-defining mRNA expression profile by 2 weeks after the first dose of study drug. The effect of IL-17 blockade on expression of genes synergistically regulated by IL-17 and TNF-α was of higher magnitude at 2 weeks than in prior studies with TNF-α antagonism.CONCLUSION: Our data suggest that IL-17 is a key "driver" cytokine that activates pathogenic inflammation in subjects with psoriasis. Neutralizing IL-17 with ixekizumab might be a successful therapeutic strategy in psoriasis.Copyright © 2012 American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. Published by Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved. PMID: 22677045 Funding information This work was supported by: NCATS NIH HHS, United States Grant ID: UL1 TR000043
Global Public Interest in International Investment Law
2012-07-12

The strengths of international investment law - above all, a strong focus on investor interests and an effective adjudication and enforcement system - also entail its weaknesses: it runs the danger of impeding or even sanctioning the host states' legitimate regulatory interests and ignoring other fields of public international law. How does it cope with public interest concerns such as human rights, the environment or the fight against corruption? At the heart of this book lies a fresh approach towards a general theory of such global public interest considerations in the investment realm. Delineating how and why those considerations matter, and why the current system does not accommodate them properly, Andreas Kulick fleshes out general principles and customary international law as defences the host state may raise against alleged investor rights infringements and promotes proportionality as the appropriate balancing mechanism.
Large-scale replication and heterogeneity in Parkinson disease genetic loci
2012-07-12

Our study allows insight to understand the distribution of newly identified genetic factors contributing to PD and shows that large-scale evaluation in diverse populations is important to understand the role of population-specific heterogeneity.
Carbon Monoxide–Sensitive Apoptotic Death of Erythrocytes
2012-07-12

Abstract Carbon monoxide ( CO ) intoxication severely interferes with the oxygen‐transporting function of haemoglobin. Beyond that, CO participates in the regulation of apoptosis. CO could be generated from CO ‐releasing molecules ( CORM ), such as the tricarbonyl‐dichlororuthenium ( II ) dimer ( CORM ‐2), which is presently considered for the treatment of vascular dysfunction, inflammation, tissue ischaemia and organ rejection. CORM ‐2 is at least partially effective by modifying gene expression and mitochondrial potential. Erythrocytes lack nuclei and mitochondria but may undergo suicidal cell death or eryptosis, characterized by cell shrinkage and phospholipid scrambling of the cell membrane. Eryptosis is triggered by the increase in cytosolic Ca 2+ activity ([ Ca 2+ ] i ). The present study explored whether CORM ‐2 influences eryptosis. To this end, [ Ca 2+ ] i was estimated from F luo‐3‐fluorescence, cell volume from forward scatter, phospholipid scrambling from annexin‐ V ‐binding and haemolysis from haemoglobin release. CO ‐binding haemoglobin ( COH b) was estimated utilizing a blood gas analyser. As a result, exposure of erythrocytes for 24 hr to CORM ‐2 (≥5 μM) significantly increased COH b, [ Ca 2+ ] i , forward scatter, annexin‐ V ‐binding and haemolysis. Annexin‐ V ‐binding was significantly blunted by 100% oxygen and was virtually abolished in the nominal absence of Ca 2+ . In conclusion, CORM ‐2 stimulates cell membrane scrambling of erythrocytes, an effect largely due to Ca 2+ entry and partially reversed by O 2 .
The NS1 Protein of Influenza A Virus Blocks RIG-I-Mediated Activation of the Noncanonical NF-κB Pathway and p52/RelB-Dependent Gene Expression in Lung Epithelial Cells
2012-07-12

ABSTRACT Influenza A virus (IAV) infection of epithelial cells activates NF-κB transcription factors via the canonical NF-κB signaling pathway, which modulates both the antiviral immune response and viral replication. Since almost nothing is known so far about a function of noncanonical NF-κB signaling after IAV infection, we tested infected cells for activation of p52 and RelB. We show that the viral NS1 protein strongly inhibits RIG-I-mediated noncanonical NF-κB activation and expression of the noncanonical target gene CCL19.
Retigabine/Ezogabine, a KCNQ/KV7 channel opener: pharmacological and clinical data
2012-07-12

RTG is an efficacious AED with a unique mechanism of action. It offers a new treatment option which could be particularly interesting for patients who are resistant to currently available AEDs. However, future investigations will show if such a "rational drug therapy" will be truly advantageous. RTG seems to have a low interaction profile, but its interactions with lamotrigine in particular should be further explored. Side effects are common and mainly related to the central nervous system, but also affect peripheral organs, such as the bladder, due its relaxing effect on smooth muscle. Slow titration could be an option to reduce such side effects.
Annotating Coordination in the Penn Treebank
2012-07-12

Finding coordinations provides useful infor-mation for many NLP endeavors. However, the task has not received much attention in the literature. A major reason for that is that the annotation of major treebanks does not re-liably annotate coordination. This makes it virtually impossible to detect coordinations in which two conjuncts are separated by punctu-ation rather than by a coordinating conjunc-tion. In this paper, we present an annotation scheme for the Penn Treebank which intro-duces a distinction between coordinating from non-coordinating punctuation. We discuss the general annotation guidelines as well as prob-lematic cases. Eventually, we show that this additional annotation allows the retrieval of a considerable number of coordinate structures beyond the ones having a coordinating con-junction.
Consequences of the One‐Electron Reduction and Photoexcitation of Unsymmetric Bis‐imidazolium Salts
2012-07-12

Abstract Coupling of uronium salts with in situ generated N ‐heterocyclic carbenes provides straightforward access to symmetrical [ 4 ] 2+ and unsymmetrical bis‐imidazolium salts [ 6 ] 2+ and [ 9 ] 2+ . As indicated by cyclic and square‐wave voltammetry, [ 6 ] 2+ and [ 9 ] 2+ can be (irreversibly) reduced by one electron. The initially formed radicals [ 6 ] .+ and [ 9 ] .+ undergo further reactions, which were probed by EPR spectroscopy and density functional calculations. The final products of the two‐electron reduction are the two carbenes. Upon irradiation with UV light both [ 6 ] 2+ and [ 9 ] 2+ emit at room temperature in solution but with dramatically different characteristics. The different fluorescence behavior is analyzed by emission spectroscopy and interpreted by using time‐dependent density functional calculations as largely due to different excited‐state dynamics of [ 6 ] 2+ and [ 9 ] 2+ . The geometries of both radicals [ 6 ] .+ and [ 9 ] .+ and excited states {[ 6 ] 2+ } * and {[ 9 ] 2+ }* are substantially different from those of the parent ground‐state molecules.
Structuring Interactive Correctness Proofs by Formalizing Coding Idioms
2012-07-12

This paper examines a novel strategy for developing correctness proofs in interactive software verification for C programs. Rather than proceeding backwards from the generated verification conditions, we start by developing a library of the employed data structures and related coding idioms. The application of that library then leads to correctness proofs that reflect informal arguments about the idioms. We apply this strategy to the low-level memory allocator of the L4 microkernel, a case study discussed in the literature.
A conservative orbital advection scheme for simulations of magnetized shear flows with the PLUTO code
2012-07-13

Explicit numerical computations of super-fast differentially rotating disks are subject to the time-step constraint imposed by the Courant condition. When the bulk orbital velocity largely exceeds any other wave speed the time step is considerably reduced and a large number of steps may be necessary to complete the computation. We present a robust numerical scheme to overcome the Courant limitation by extending the algorithm previously known as FARGO (Fast Advection in Rotating Gaseous Objects) to the equations of magnetohydrodynamics (MHD). The proposed scheme conserves total angular momentum and energy to machine precision and works in Cartesian, cylindrical, or spherical coordinates. The algorithm is implemented in the PLUTO code for astrophysical gasdynamics and is suitable for local or global simulations of accretion or proto-planetary disk models. By decomposing the total velocity into an average azimuthal contribution and a residual term, the algorithm solves the MHD equations through a linear transport step in the orbital direction and a standard nonlinear solver applied to the MHD equations written in terms of the residual velocity. Since the former step is not subject to any stability restriction, the Courant condition is computed only in terms of the residual velocity, leading to substantially larger time steps. The magnetic field is advanced in time using the constrained transport method in order to preserve the divergence-free condition. Conservation of total energy and angular momentum is enforced at the discrete level by properly expressing the source terms in terms of upwind fluxes available during the standard solver. Our results show that applications of the proposed orbital-advection scheme to problems of astrophysical relevance provides, at reduced numerical cost, equally accurate and less dissipative results than standard time-marching schemes.
Dps biomineralizing proteins: multifunctional architects of nature
2012-07-13

Dps proteins are the structural relatives of bacterioferritins and ferritins ubiquitously present in the bacterial and archaeal kingdoms. The ball-shaped enzymes play important roles in the detoxification of ROS (reactive oxygen species), in iron scavenging to prevent Fenton reactions and in the mechanical protection of DNA. Detoxification of ROS and iron chaperoning represent the most archetypical functions of dodecameric Dps enzymes. Recent crystallographic studies of these dodecameric complexes have unravelled species-dependent mechanisms of iron uptake into the hollow spheres. Subsequent functions in iron oxidation at ferroxidase centres are highly conserved among bacteria. Final nucleation of iron as iron oxide nanoparticles has been demonstrated to originate at acidic residues located on the inner surface. Some Dps enzymes are also implicated in newly observed catalytic functions related to the formation of molecules playing roles in bacterium–host cell communication. Most recently, Dps complexes are attracting attention in semiconductor science as biomimetic tools for the technical production of the smallest metal-based quantum nanodots used in nanotechnological approaches, such as memory storage or solar cell development.
The chronological framework of the Hamburgian in the light of old and new 14C dates
2012-07-13

The relationship of the classic Hamburgian and the Havelte Group has been a matter of discussion for some decades. In order to evaluate the hypothesis that they are chronologically distinct a radiocarbon data set comprising almost 100 dates, including a number of so far unpublished ones, was examined regarding its validity. Based on this edited 14 C record of classic Hamburgian and Havelte Group sites a chronological differentiation can indeed be postulated. The transitional period between the two groups can be located within the earliest part of the Lateglacial Interstadial and is possibly connected with the spread of denser, shrub vegetation. Furthermore the calibrated 14 C dates indicate that the development of the classic Hamburgian and its northward expansion should be placed before the beginning of the Lateglacial Interstadial into the late Pleniglacial steppe. Zusammenfassung - Das Verhaltnis der klassischen Hamburger Kultur und der Havelte Gruppe wird seit Jahrzehnten diskutiert. Um die Hypothese einer chronologischen Unterscheidung zu prufen, wurde eine Radiokarbon-Datenbank von annahrend 100 Daten einschlieslich einiger bisher unveroffentlichter Daten auf ihre Verlasslichkeit untersucht. Kriterien, die dabei beachtet wurden, sind sowohl technischer als auch archaologischer Art, wie z.B. der Kohlenstoffgehalt, das Risiko von Verunreinigungen und der Zusammenhang mit den zu datierenden menschlichen Hinterlassenschaften. Basierend auf dieser gepruften 14 C-Datenbank wird eine chronologische Differenzierung bekraftigt, denn die Daten von Fundplatzen der klassi- schen Hamburger Kultur sind regelhaft alter als ca. 12 300 BP14C (die Schreibweise BP14C wird im folgenden fur unkalibrierte Radiokarbon-Daten verwendet, um Missverstandnissen vorzubeugen, die durch unterschiedliche Konventionen entstehen konnten). Die der Havelte Gruppe zugeordneten Datierungen sind fast alle junger als dieses Datum. Die Ubergangsperiode zwischen beiden Gruppen kann in den fruhesten Abschnitt des spatglazialen Interstadials gestellt werden und ist moglicher- weise mit der Ausbreitung einer dichteren Strauch-Vegetation verbunden. Gleichzeitig spiegeln die radiokarbon-datierten Fundstellen annahrend die geographische Verteilung insbesondere der Havelte Gruppe wider, die im Osten der nordeuro- paischen Tiefebene bisher nicht vertreten ist. Auserdem deuten die kalibrierten 14 C-Daten darauf hin, dass die Entwicklung und Expansion der klassischen Hamburger Kultur nach Norden noch vor dem Beginn des spatglazialen Interstadials, innerhalb der spaten pleniglazialen Steppe anzusiedeln ist.
Prefrontal space ratio in second‐ and third‐trimester screening for trisomy 21
2012-07-13

ABSTRACT Objective To evaluate the prefrontal space ratio ( PFSR ) in second‐ and third‐trimester euploid fetuses and fetuses with trisomy 21. Methods This was a retrospective study utilizing stored mid‐sagittal two‐dimensional images of second‐ and third‐trimester fetal faces that were recorded during prenatal ultrasound examinations at the Department of Prenatal Medicine at the University of Tuebingen, Germany and at a private center for prenatal medicine in Nuremberg, Germany. For the normal range, 279 euploid pregnancies between 15 and 40 weeks' gestation were included. The results were compared with 91 cases with trisomy 21 between 15 and 40 weeks. For the ratio measurement, a line was drawn between the leading edge of the mandible and the maxilla ( MM line) and extended in front of the forehead. The ratio of the distance between the leading edge of the skull and the leading edge of the skin (d1) to the distance between the skin and the point where the MM line was intercepted (d2) was calculated. The PFSR was determined by dividing d2 by d1. Results In the euploid and trisomy 21 groups, the median gestational age at the time of ultrasound examination was 21.1 (range, 15.0–40.0) and 21.4 (range, 15.0–40.3) weeks, respectively. Multiple regression analysis showed that PFSR was independent of maternal and gestational age. In the euploid group, the mean PFSR was 0.97 ± 0.29. In fetuses with trisomy 21, the mean PFSR was 0.2 ± 0.38 ( P &lt; 0.0001). The PFSR was below the 5 th centile in 14 (5.0%) euploid fetuses and in 72 (79.1%) fetuses with trisomy 21. Conclusion The PFSR is a simple and effective marker in second‐ and third‐trimester screening for trisomy 21. Copyright © 2012 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley &amp; Sons, Ltd.
Interpretation and applicability of empirical tissue enhancement metrics in dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI based on a multiple pathway model
2012-07-13

Computer simulations based on a physiologically realistic tracer kinetic model with multiple pathways was used to provide insights on the applicability and interpretation of tissue enhancement metrics such as the maximum slope, peak enhancement and area under curve, commonly used in dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE) MRI. Results show that physiological conditions of the tissue that could affect the accuracy of the maximal slope method include a high blood flow, increased variability of flow within the vasculature or a low vascular volume. Interestingly, changes in permeability and interstitial volume might not affect the accuracy of the maximal slope method. Time-to-peak and peak value of the tissue enhancement curve are not strictly properties of the tissue alone, and they cannot be linearly related to intrinsic tissue parameters such as blood flow, blood volume, capillary permeability, interstitial volume and mean transit time. Similar to the normalized initial area under tissue concentration curve, an alternative estimate of the total tracer distribution volume can be simply given by the ratio of tracer concentration in the tissue and artery sampled at the final DCE scan.
The Study of Effect of Length in Morphological Segmentation of Agglutinative Languages
2012-07-13

Morph length is one of the indicative feature\\nthat helps learning the morphology of languages,\\nin particular agglutinative languages.\\nIn this paper, we introduce a simple unsupervised\\nmodel for morphological segmentation\\nand study how the knowledge of morph\\nlength affect the performance of the segmentation\\ntask under the Bayesian framework.\\nThe model is based on (Goldwater et\\nal., 2006) unigram word segmentation model\\nand assumes a simple prior distribution over\\nmorph length. We experiment this model\\non two highly related and agglutinative languages\\nnamely Tamil and Telugu, and compare\\nour results with the state of the art Morfessor\\nsystem. We show that, knowledge of\\nmorph length has a positive impact and provides\\ncompetitive results in terms of overall\\nperformance.