julilili42/papers huggingface dataset:
Rhythmic Whisking Area (RW) in Rat Primary Motor Cortex: An Internal Monitor of Movement-Related Signals?
2013-08-28

Vibrissae-related sensorimotor cortex controls whisking movements indirectly via modulation of lower-level sensorimotor loops and a brainstem central pattern generator (CPG). Two different whisker representations in primary motor cortex (vM1) affect whisker movements in different ways. Prolonged microstimulation in RF, a larger anterior subregion of vM1, gives rise to complex face movements and whisker retraction while the same stimulation evokes large-amplitude rhythmic whisker movement in a small caudo-medial area (RW). To characterize the motor cortex representation of explorative whisking movements, here we recorded RW units in head-fixed rats trained to contact a moving object with one whisker. RW single units were found to encode two aspects of whisker movement independently, albeit on slow time scales (hundreds of milliseconds). The first is whisker position. The second consists of speed (absolute velocity), intensity (instantaneous power), and frequency (spectral centroid). The coding for the latter three parameters was tightly correlated and realized by a continuum of RW responses-ranging from a preference of movement to a preference of rest. Information theory analysis indicated that RW spikes carry most information about position and frequency, while intensity and speed are less well represented. Further, investigating multiple and single RW units, we found a lack of phase locking, movement anticipation, and contact-related tactile responses. These findings suggest that RW neither programs detailed whisker trajectories nor initiates them. Nor does it play a role in processing object touch. Its relationship to whisking is thus indirect and may be related to movement monitoring, perhaps using feedback from the CPG.
Bounds for the quantifier depth in finite-variable logics: Alternation hierarchy
2013-08-28

Given two structures G and H distinguishable in FO^k (first-order logic with k variables), let A^k(G,H) denote the minimum alternation depth of a FO^k formula distinguishing G from H. Let A^k(n) be the maximum value of A^k(G,H) over n-element structures. We prove the strictness of the quantifier alternation hierarchy of FO^2 in a strong quantitative form, namely A^2(n) >= n/8-2, which is tight up to a constant factor. For each k >= 2, it holds that A^k(n) > log_(k+1) n-2 even over colored trees, which is also tight up to a constant factor if k >= 3. For k >= 3 the last lower bound holds also over uncolored trees, while the alternation hierarchy of FO^2 collapses even over all uncolored graphs. We also show examples of colored graphs G and H on n vertices that can be distinguished in FO^2 much more succinctly if the alternation number is increased just by one: while in Sigma_i it is possible to distinguish G from H with bounded quantifier depth, in Pi_i this requires quantifier depth Omega(n2). The quadratic lower bound is best possible here because, if G and H can be distinguished in FO^k with i quantifier alternations, this can be done with quantifier depth n^(2k-2).
Clinical Pharmacogenetics Implementation Consortium Guidelines for Dihydropyrimidine Dehydrogenase Genotype and Fluoropyrimidine Dosing
2013-08-29

The fluoropyrimidines are the mainstay chemotherapeutic agents for the treatment of many types of cancers. Detoxifying metabolism of fluoropyrimidines requires dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase (DPD, encoded by the DPYD gene), and reduced or absent activity of this enzyme can result in severe, and sometimes fatal, toxicity. We summarize evidence from the published literature supporting this association and provide dosing recommendations for fluoropyrimidines based on DPYD genotype (updates at http://www.pharmgkb.org).
Variable neutron star free precession in Hercules X-1 from evolution of RXTE X-ray pulse profiles with phase of the 35-d cycle
2013-08-29

Accretion of matter onto the surface of a freely precessing NS with a complex\\nnon-dipole magnetic field can explain the change of X-ray pulse profiles of Her\\nX-1 observed by RXTE with the phase of the 35-day cycle. We demonstrate this\\nusing all available measurements of X-ray pulse profiles in the 9-13 keV energy\\nrange obtained with the RXTE/PCA. The measured profiles guided the elaboration\\nof a geometrical model and the definition of locations of emitting poles, arcs,\\nand spots on the NS surface which satisfactorily reproduce the observed pulse\\nprofiles and their dependence on free precession phase. We have found that the\\nobserved trend of the times of the 35-day turn-ons on the O-C diagram, which\\ncan be approximated by a collection of consecutive linear segments around the\\nmean value, can be described by our model by assuming a variable free\\nprecession period, with a fractional period change of about a few percent. We\\npropose that the 2.5% changes in the free precession period that occur on time\\nscales of several to tens of 35-day cycles can be related to wandering of the\\nprincipal inertia axis of the NS body due to variations in the patterns of\\naccretion onto the NS surface. The closeness of periods of the disk precession\\nand the NS free precession can be explained by the presence of a\\nsynchronization mechanism in the system, which modulates the dynamical\\ninteraction of the gas streams and the accretion disk with the NS free\\nprecession period.\\n
Nanoscale multifunctional sensor formed by a Ni nanotube and a scanning Nb nanoSQUID
2013-08-29

Nanoscale magnets might form the building blocks of next generation memories. To explore their functionality, magnetic sensing at the nanoscale is key. We present a multifunctional combination of a nanometer-sized superconducting quantum interference device (nanoSQUID) and a Ni nanotube attached to an ultrasoft cantilever as a magnetic tip. By scanning the Nb nanoSQUID with respect to the Ni tube, we map out and analyze their magnetic coupling, demonstrate the imaging of an Abrikosov vortex trapped in the SQUID structure - which is important in ruling out spurious magnetic signals - and reveal the high potential of the nanoSQUID as an ultrasensitive displacement detector. Our results open a new avenue for fundamental studies of nanoscale magnetism and superconductivity.
Correlation between tumor oxygenation and18F-fluoromisonidazole PET data simulated based on microvessel images
2013-08-29

A combination of two FMISO PET scans acquired 0-15 min and four hours pi may yield an accurate measure of the medianPO2 in a voxel (FH/P). This measure is comparable to averaged oxygen probe measurements and has the advantage of covering the entire tumor volume. Therefore, it may improve the prediction of radiotherapy outcome and facilitate individualized dose prescriptions.
Opisoma excavatum Boehm, a Lower Jurassic photosymbiotic alatoform-chambered bivalve
2013-08-29

Alatoform bivalves are a polyphyletic group characterized by antero-posteriorly compressed shells and a ventro-lateral wing originating from a tight fold of the shell wall. This bizarre shell morphology is interpreted as an adaptation for algal photosymbiosis\\nin heliophilous bivalves. The group contains the living heart cockle Corculum together\\nwith four extinct genera ranging in age from the Permian to the Jurassic. The Jurassic alatoform bivalve is Opisoma, which has an aragonitic shell that is divided into two regions, both with different functions: one for stabilization, the other for hosting symbionts. The dorsal part of the shell is massive and played the stabilization role. The ventral part has a very thin and fragile shell that permitted the transmission of light\\ninto the internal tissues harbouring photosymbionts. The morphology of this delicate\\nventral part has thus far remained obscure, due to lack of preservation. Accumulations\\nof Opisoma excavatum Boehm with exquisitely preserved shells containing the fragile winged ventral parts are common within the Pliensbachian shallow-water, lagoonal carbonate succession of the Rotzo Formation of northern Italy. The wings have internal\\ncurved chambers limited by septa parallel to the wing edge. The shell of the ventral part consists of irregular fibrous prismatic and homogeneous structures which progressively\\ninfill the chambers. As the chambered wings are analogous structures among alatoform bivalves, they are no longer considered a taxonomic character. According to the observed shell orientation in the field and the consequent organization of the soft parts, Opisoma had an opisthogyrate shell.
Conditions for Outperformance of Recombination in Online Evolution of Swarm Robots
2013-08-29

Genetic recombination is commonly used in evolutionary algorithms and yet its benefits are an open question in evolutionary biology. We investigate when recombination is actually beneficial in the evolutionary adaptation of swarm robot behaviour in dynamic environments. In this scenario, artificial evolution has to deal with challenges that are similar to natural evolution: it must run online, distributed and evolve the genome structure. These requirements could diminish the benefit of recombination due to disruptive crossover. Using neural networks as robot controllers, we reduce this disruptiveness with an adaptive mate choice that evolves the probability of recombination and the genetic similarity of mates. In two experiments with a multi-agent simulation, we compare the adaptive performance of this approach with random recombination and pure mutation. Whereas both recombination treatments naturally outperform at low mutation rates, pure mutation achieves its best performance with high rates, where it also outperforms random recombination. The adaptive mate choice, however, achieves the same performance as pure mutation at high rates and outperforms when the network size is increased. We also found that treatments with recombination evolved smaller neural networks with fewer links.
Social Integration and Workplace Industrial Relations: Migrant and Native Employees in Erman Industry
2013-08-29

This paper tackles the question of how social integration of migrant and native employees takes place in German industry and what role workplace industrial relations play in it. Three company case studies in manufacturing based on expert interviews with management representatives and work counselors, interviews and group discussions with employees of different origin, employee surveys, as well as company statistics, were used to explore this issue. The paper analyzes the social structure of the investigated companies, examines the interaction of employees of different origin and the role workplace industrial relations play in fostering cooperation and social integration. The case studies show that migrants are more likely to be positioned in the lower ranks of the companies’ social structure. Findings suggest, however, that this is primarily a consequence of the migrants having insufficient vocational training, which is probably the result of discrimination outside and at the threshold of the companies rather than a sign of direct discrimination within the companies. Nevertheless, the interviews and surveys show that there is employee resentment against people of different origin.There is a coexistence of resentment on the one hand and good cooperation on the other. Work requirements and the works councils’ and managements’ “internal universalism” (i.e. an orientation towards equal treatment of employees and the interdiction of discrimination within the companies) foster collegial cooperation among employees. German co-determination favours an employee model of interest representation which encourages individuals to choose a work-related identity and labour solidarity to assert their interests rather than identities related to ethnic groups. It is argued that this framework and the daily interaction of the employees eventually evoke feelings of collegiality and foster social integration.
Resveratrol as a Pan-HDAC Inhibitor Alters the Acetylation Status of Jistone Proteins in Human-Derived Hepatoblastoma Cells
2013-08-30

Abstract The polyphenolic alcohol resveratrol has demonstrated promising activities for the prevention and treatment of cancer. Different modes of action have been described for resveratrol including the activation of sirtuins, which represent the class III histone deacetylases (HDACs). However, little is known about the activity of resveratrol on the classical HDACs of class I, II and IV, although these classes are involved in cancer development or progression and inhibitors of HDACs (HDACi) are currently under investigation as promising novel anticancer drugs. We could show by in silico docking studies that resveratrol has the chemical structure to inhibit the activity of different human HDAC enzymes. In vitro analyses of overall HDAC inhibition and a detailed HDAC profiling showed that resveratrol inhibited all eleven human HDACs of class I, II and IV in a dose-dependent manner. Transferring this molecular mechanism into cancer therapy strategies, resveratrol treatment was analyzed on solid tumor cell lines. Despite the fact that hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is known to be particularly resistant against conventional chemotherapeutics, treatment of HCC with established HDACi already has shown promising results. Testing of resveratrol on hepatoma cell lines HepG2, Hep3B and HuH7 revealed a dose-dependent antiproliferative effect on all cell lines. Interestingly, only for HepG2 cells a specific inhibition of HDACs and in turn a histone hyperacetylation caused by resveratrol was detected. Additional testing of human blood samples demonstrated a HDACi activity by resveratrol ex vivo. Concluding toxicity studies showed that primary human hepatocytes tolerated resveratrol, whereas in vivo chicken embryotoxicity assays demonstrated severe toxicity at high concentrations. Taken together, this novel pan-HDACi activity opens up a new perspective of resveratrol for cancer therapy alone or in combination with other chemotherapeutics. Moreover, resveratrol may serve as a lead structure for chemical optimization of bioavailability, pharmacology or HDAC inhibition.
Evaluation of sampling methods for fracture network characterization using outcrops
2013-08-30

Outcrops provide valuable information for the characterization of fracture networks. Sampling methods such as scanline sampling, window sampling, and circular scanline and window methods are available to measure fracture network characteristics in outcrops and from well cores. These methods vary in their application, the parameters they provide and, therefore, have advantages and limitations. We provide a critical review on the application of these sampling methods and apply them to evaluate two typical natural examples: (1) a large-scale satellite image from the Oman Mountains, Oman (120,000 m2 [1,291,669 ft2]), and (2) a small-scale outcrop at Craghouse Park, United Kingdom (19 m2 [205 ft2]). The differences in the results emphasize the importance to (1) systematically investigate the required minimum number of measurements for each sampling method and (2) quantify the influence of censored fractures on the estimation of fracture network parameters. Hence, a program was developed to analyze 1300 sampling areas from 9 artificial fracture networks with power-law length distributions. For the given settings, the lowest minimum number of measurements to adequately capture the statistical properties of fracture networks was found to be approximately 110 for the window sampling method, followed by the scanline sampling method with approximately 225. These numbers may serve as a guideline for the analyses of fracture populations with similar distributions. Furthermore, the window sampling method proved to be the method that is least sensitive to censoring bias. Reevaluating our natural examples with the window sampling method showed that the existing percentage of censored fractures significantly influences the accuracy of inferred fracture network parameters.
Slow Wave Sleep Induced by GABA Agonist Tiagabine Fails to Benefit Memory Consolidation
2013-08-30

Our data show that increasing slow wave sleep with tiagabine does not improve memory consolidation. Possibly this is due to functional differences from normal slow wave sleep, i.e., the concurrent suppressive influence of tiagabine on phase-locked spindle activity.
Applications of Fluorescent Marker Proteins in Plant Cell Biology
2013-08-30

Over the past decade, confocal microscopy and the ever-expanding toolchest of fluorescent protein (xFP) markers and technologies have become routine methods for the biological laboratory. A common use of xFP fluorophores is in localizing proteins and the subcellular structures with which they associate, including analyzing their distribution and dynamics and the interactions of proteins in vivo. Additionally, a number of so-called optical highlighters have proven especially useful in analyzing the kinetics of these processes in pulse-chase studies of protein relocation(s) following an experimental challenge. Here we focus on exemplary methods in transformation and live-cell imaging in plant cells, with the expectation that researchers will find these and the accompanying resources useful as a starting point in developing their own expertise.
Spatial extent of rapid denudation in the glaciated St. Elias syntaxis region, SE Alaska
2013-08-30

Abstract The ongoing collision of the Yakutat Terrane with the North American Plate formed the St. Elias Range in southeastern Alaska. Previously published detrital zircon fission track dating of sand‐size material detected very rapid rock denudation within the syntaxis region of the St. Elias Range, but the size and spatial extent of the rapid exhumation are elusive due to the glacial cover that inhibits direct bedrock studies. Two possible mechanisms were suggested to explain the rapid denudation occurring underneath the Seward‐Malaspina Glacier, which differ in their spatial extent of rapidly exhumed rocks. This study evaluates the spatial extent of rapid denudation at the St. Elias syntaxis region. We investigate the cobble‐sized material of the Malaspina Glacier. Petrological classifications are used as a provenance tool and combined with zircon and titanite (U‐Th)/He analysis to reveal cooling rates of the glacial detritus. In total, 1998 cobbles are classified in the field. Petrographic characterization is conducted on 91 thin sections and the (U‐Th)/He ages of 59 cobbles are measured. Fourteen cobbles reveal young cooling ages of 3–2 Ma originating from various lithologies of undeformed and deformed magmatic and metamorphic rocks. Older age populations peak at 12, 27, and 36 Ma. The cooling ages and the mapped known extent of the different lithologies suggest that a larger then previously assumed area of the St. Elias syntaxis region experienced rapid exhumation. Rapid rock exhumation extends beyond the Contact Fault and comprises most of the Seward‐Malaspina Glacier catchment.
Fluorescence Microscopy
2013-08-30

Optical microscopy has developed as an indispensable tool for Arabidopsis cell biology. This is due to the high sensitivity, good spatial resolution, minimal invasiveness, and availability of autofluorescent proteins, which can be specifically fused to a distinct protein of interest. In this chapter, we introduce the theoretical concepts of fluorescence emission necessary to accomplish quantitative and functional cell biology using optical microscopy. The main focus lies on spectroscopic techniques, which, in addition to intensity-based studies, provide functional insight into cellular processes.
OnabotulinumtoxinA is Effective in Patients with Urinary Incontinence due to Neurogenic Detrusor Activity Regardless of Concomitant Anticholinergic Use or Neurologic Etiology
2013-09-01

Regardless of concomitant anticholinergic use or etiology, onabotulinumtoxinA significantly improved UI symptoms, urodynamics, and QOL in patients with UI due to NDO. OnabotulinumtoxinA was well tolerated in all groups.
Homology of the enigmatic nuchal bone reveals novel reorganization of the shoulder girdle in the evolution of the turtle shell
2013-09-01

SUMMARY The turtle shell represents a unique modification of the ancestral tetrapod body plan. The homologies of its approximately 50 bones have been the subject of debate for more than 200 years. Although most of those homologies are now firmly established, the evolutionary origin of the dorsal median nuchal bone of the carapace remains unresolved. We propose a novel hypothesis in which the nuchal is derived from the paired, laterally positioned cleithra—dorsal elements of the ancestral tetrapod pectoral girdle that are otherwise retained among extant tetrapods only in frogs. This hypothesis is supported by origin of the nuchal as paired, mesenchymal condensations likely derived from the neural crest followed by a unique two‐stage pattern of ossification. Further support is drawn from the establishment of the nuchal as part of a highly conserved “muscle scaffold” wherein the cleithrum (and its evolutionary derivatives) serves as the origin of the Musculus trapezius . Identification of the nuchal as fused cleithra is congruent with its general spatial relationships to other elements of the shoulder girdle in the adult morphology of extant turtles, and it is further supported by patterns of connectivity and transformations documented by critical fossils from the turtle stem group. The cleithral derivation of the nuchal implies an anatomical reorganization of the pectoral girdle in which the dermal portion of the girdle was transformed from a continuous lateral‐ventral arc into separate dorsal and ventral components. This transformation involved the reduction and eventual loss of the scapular rami of the clavicles along with the dorsal and superficial migration of the cleithra, which then fused with one another and became incorporated into the carapace.
Using Cross-Task Classification for Classifying Workload Levels in Complex Learning Tasks
2013-09-01

According to Cognitive Load Theory the type and amount of workload (WL) during learning is crucial for successful learning and should be held within an optimal range of learners' memory capacity. Therefore, we aim at developing electroencephalogram (EEG) based learning environments adapting to learners individual WL online. To achieve this goal efficient classification methods are necessary. Support Vector Machines (SVMs) can accurately classify WL using within-task classification, but within-task classification is not feasible in complex learning environments. Therefore, the present study examined cross-task classification accuracies for SVMs trained on EEG-signals, recorded while participants (N= 21) had to solve three working memory tasks. While within-task classification accuracies were high for WM tasks (average: 95% - 97 %), cross-task classification performances were not significant over chance level. Since cross-task classification is a necessary step towards developing generalized classifiers, we will discuss the benefits and drawbacks as well as possible enhancements in the course of this paper to use it as an effective approach for learning environments.