julilili42/papers huggingface dataset:
Sprache im Vollzug: zur Performativität von „Predigt“ und „Predigtballade“ im vormodernen Japan
2014-05-07

While Japan has often been regarded as a culture of silence, in fact there has always been a rich tradition of eloquent speech, storytelling and preaching. In this paper I will explore the “performative” nature of sermon ballads (sekkyōbushi) and Buddhist sermons (sekkyō), focusing on some key aspects of Erika Fischer-Lichte’s concept of “performativity” and “theatrality” as well as on related concepts by Sekiyama Kazuo. I will describe how medieval Buddhist sermons underwent a kind of “performative turn” and developed a “theatralic style”. As a performance of texts, sermons share certain features with sermon ballads, such as vocal delivery or entertaining aspects. Sermon ballads are a sub-genre of katarimono (“storytelling”), and it is interesting to note that the verb kataru means recitation as well as narration. While a performance studies approach to literature prefers the act of narrating and recitating to the literary artefact, the performative acts by their very nature are ephemeral, therefore the researcher must deal with the paradox that the artefacts are all we have. In performance theory, the power to change reality is regarded as a key feature of performative acts. A speech act, as Fischer-Lichte put it, can change the world “like magic”. However, as I will argue, at least from the perspective of premodern concepts, the performative power of speech acts, such as kataru, does not just work “like magic” but also “by magic”.
Motor protein mutations cause a new form of hereditary spastic paraplegia
2014-05-08

KIF1C is the third kinesin gene involved in the pathogenesis of HSPs and is characterized by a mild dominant and a more severe recessive disease phenotype. The identification of KIF1C as an HSP disease gene further supports the key role of intracellular trafficking processes in the pathogenesis of hereditary axonopathies.
Diffusive Fractionation of BTEX and Chlorinated Ethenes in Aqueous Solution: Quantification of Spatial Isotope Gradients
2014-05-08

Laboratory experiments were performed to investigate and quantify the extent of diffusive isotope fractionation of organic contaminants in aqueous solution. We selected petroleum hydrocarbons (toluene and ethylbenzene, in 1:2 mixtures of labeled (perdeuterated) and nonlabeled isotopologues) and chlorinated solvents (trichloroethene, TCE, and cis-dichloroethene, cis-DCE, at their natural isotopic abundance) as model compounds. The experimental approach using gel diffusion tubes allowed us to resolve concentration and isotopic gradients induced by isotopologue-specific diffusion and to determine aqueous diffusion coefficients in agreement with the values calculated using published empirical correlations. The experimental results were quantitatively evaluated with numerical simulations to determine the aqueous diffusion coefficients, D, and the exponent of the inverse power-law relation between D and the molecular mass of the isotopologues. The results show remarkable diffusive isotope fractionation for all the investigated organic compounds; however, the extent of fractionation was found to be smaller for the chlorinated ethenes and remarkably deviating from an inverse square root relationship between the isotopologues diffusion coefficients and their molecular mass. The outcomes of this study are relevant for the interpretation of isotopic signatures of organic contaminants in environmental systems and for the quantitative application of compound specific isotope analysis (CSIA) that needs to take into account the fractionation effects of both physical and transformation processes.
Rules and Exceptions: Sialic Acid Variants and Their Role in Determining Viral Tropism
2014-05-08

ABSTRACT Sialic acids decorate the surfaces of most mammalian cells and are used by many viruses as attachment receptors. In contrast to other mammals, humans cannot synthesize a version of sialic acid known as N -glycolyl neuraminic acid. This difference is exploited by some viruses to establish tropism. Here we compare recently determined structures of closely related animal and human polyomaviruses and examine their strategies for engaging specific sialic acid variants.
Biotic and Abiotic Properties Mediating Plant Diversity Effects on Soil Microbial Communities in an Experimental Grassland
2014-05-09

Plant diversity drives changes in the soil microbial community which may result in alterations in ecosystem functions. However, the governing factors between the composition of soil microbial communities and plant diversity are not well understood. We investigated the impact of plant diversity (plant species richness and functional group richness) and plant functional group identity on soil microbial biomass and soil microbial community structure in experimental grassland ecosystems. Total microbial biomass and community structure were determined by phospholipid fatty acid (PLFA) analysis. The diversity gradient covered 1, 2, 4, 8, 16 and 60 plant species and 1, 2, 3 and 4 plant functional groups (grasses, legumes, small herbs and tall herbs). In May 2007, soil samples were taken from experimental plots and from nearby fields and meadows. Beside soil texture, plant species richness was the main driver of soil microbial biomass. Structural equation modeling revealed that the positive plant diversity effect was mainly mediated by higher leaf area index resulting in higher soil moisture in the top soil layer. The fungal-to-bacterial biomass ratio was positively affected by plant functional group richness and negatively by the presence of legumes. Bacteria were more closely related to abiotic differences caused by plant diversity, while fungi were more affected by plant-derived organic matter inputs. We found diverse plant communities promoted faster transition of soil microbial communities typical for arable land towards grassland communities. Although some mechanisms underlying the plant diversity effect on soil microorganisms could be identified, future studies have to determine plant traits shaping soil microbial community structure. We suspect differences in root traits among different plant communities, such as root turnover rates and chemical composition of root exudates, to structure soil microbial communities.
Cenozoic tectonic deformation and uplift of the South Tian Shan: Implications from magnetostratigraphy and balanced cross-section restoration of the Kuqa depression
2014-05-09

The collision of India with Eurasia has caused rejuvenated deformation and uplift of the remote Tian Shan intracontinental orogenic range and has led to deposition of thick Cenozoic sediments in its flank depressions. However, our knowledge when and how the range was deformed and uplifted is still limited. We carried out detailed tectonic investigations, seismostratigraphic analysis and paleomagnetic dating of the thrust-fold belt in the Kuqa depression at the southern Tian Shan flank. Combined with re-interpretation of other magnetostratigraphic results in the depression, we determined ages of major stratigraphic boundaries and constructed and restored the balanced cross-section across the depression. The results show that the total Cenozoic shortening along the cross section in the depression is similar to 13.95 km. Significant shortening began at similar to 36 Ma, accelerated since similar to 13 Ma and further increased two- to three-fold since 6.5 Ma, especially since similar to 2.6 Ma. This shortening process caused the development of the Kuqa thrust-fold system associated with the variation of the sedimentation rate, upward coarsening of sediments and a progressive development of growth strata. We therefore argue that significant deformation and uplift of the South Tian Shan began at similar to 36 Ma, becoming more evident since similar to 13 Ma, and culminating since similar to 6.5 Ma reaching its peak after similar to 2.6 Ma. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
8‐Benzyltetrahydropyrazino[2,1‐f]purinediones: Water‐Soluble Tricyclic Xanthine Derivatives as Multitarget Drugs for Neurodegenerative Diseases
2014-05-09

Abstract 8‐Benzyl‐substituted tetrahydropyrazino[2,1‐ f ]purinediones were designed as tricyclic xanthine derivatives containing a basic nitrogen atom in the tetrahydropyrazine ring to improve water solubility. A library of 69 derivatives was prepared and evaluated in radioligand binding studies at adenosine receptor (AR) subtypes and for their ability to inhibit monoamine oxidases (MAO). Potent dual‐target‐directed A 1 /A 2A adenosine receptor antagonists were identified. Several compounds showed triple‐target inhibition; one of the best compounds was 8‐(2,4‐dichloro‐5‐fluorobenzyl)‐1,3‐dimethyl‐6,7,8,9‐tetrahydropyrazino[2,1‐ f ]purine‐2,4(1 H ,3 H )‐dione ( 72 ) (human AR: K i A 1 217 n M , A 2A 233 n M ; IC 50 MAO‐B: 508 n M ). Dichlorinated compound 36 [8‐(3,4‐dichlorobenzyl)‐1,3‐dimethyl‐6,7,8,9‐tetrahydropyrazino[2,1‐ f ]purine‐2,4(1 H ,3 H )‐dione] was found to be the best triple‐target drug in rat ( K i A 1 351 n M , A 2A 322 n m; IC 50 MAO‐B: 260 n M ), and may serve as a useful tool for preclinical proof‐of‐principle studies. Compounds that act at multiple targets relevant for symptomatic as well as disease‐modifying treatment of neurodegenerative diseases are expected to show advantages over single‐target therapeutics.
Live surgery at conferences – Clinical benefits and ethical dilemmas
2014-05-09

Live surgical broadcasts (LSBs) are becoming increasingly popular in urological conferences. These activities can provide excellent training opportunities, as they allow the audience to view an operation conducted by world-renowned surgeons, and have the ability to interact with them in real time. However, several ethical considerations have been raised with this practice, which the participating surgeons and conference organisers must appreciate and address carefully. In this article we highlight the ethical considerations related to LSBs and advise on how these should be addressed. We also present the latest recommendations made by the European Association of Urology Live Surgery Committee and discuss alternatives to LSB.
Choriocapillaris breakdown precedes retinal degeneration in age-related macular degeneration
2014-05-10

This work presents a combined light and electron microscopical approach to investigate the initial breakdown of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and choriocapillaris (CC) in age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Perimacular sections of 12 dry and wet AMD eyes (82 ± 15 years) and 7 age-matched controls (75 ± 10 years) without retinal pathology were investigated. Disease progression was classified into 5 stages of retinal degeneration to investigate the concurrent CC breakdown. Special emphasis was laid on transitions where intact CC-RPE-retina complexes went over into highly atrophied areas. AMD sections showed elevated loss of photoreceptors, RPE and CC (p < 0.01), and thickened Bruch's membrane with increased basal laminar and linear deposits compared with controls. Up to 27% of the CC was lost in controls although RPE and retina were still intact. This primary loss of CC further increased with AMD (up to 100%). The data implicate that CC breakdown already occurs during normal aging and precedes degeneration of the RPE and retina with AMD, defining AMD as a vascular disease. Particular attention should be given to the investigation of early AMD stages and transitional stages to the late stage that reveal a possible sequence of degenerative steps with aging and AMD.
The Changing Shape of Global Inequality 1820–2000; Exploring a New Dataset
2014-05-10

type="main"&gt; &lt;p&gt;A new dataset for charting the development of global inequality between 1820 and 2000 is presented, based on a large variety of sources and methods for estimating (gross household) income inequality. On this basis we estimate the evolution of global income inequality over the past two centuries. Two sets of benchmarks about between-country inequality (the Maddison 1990 benchmark and the recent 2005 ICP round) are taken into account. We find that between 1820 and 1950, increasing per capita income is combined with increasing global inequality. After 1950, global inequality as measured by the Gini coefficient or the Theil index remains more or less constant. It also appears that the global income distribution was uni-modal in the nineteenth century, became increasingly bi-modal between 1910 and 1970 with two world wars, a depression and de-globalization, and was suddenly transformed back into a uni-modal distribution between 1980 and 2000.
RNA and Imidazoquinolines Are Sensed by Distinct TLR7/8 Ectodomain Sites Resulting in Functionally Disparate Signaling Events
2014-05-10

Abstract TLRs 7 and 8 are pattern recognition receptors controlling antiviral host defense or autoimmune diseases. Apart from foreign and host RNA, synthetic RNA oligoribonucleotides (ORN) or small molecules of the imidazoquinoline family activate TLR7 and 8 and are being developed as therapeutic agonists. The structure-function relationships for RNA ORN and imidazoquinoline sensing and consequent downstream signaling by human TLR7 and TLR8 are unknown. Proteome- and genome-wide analyses in primary human monocyte-derived dendritic cells here showed that TLR8 sensing of RNA ORN versus imidazoquinoline translates to ligand-specific differential phosphorylation and transcriptional events. In addition, TLR7 and 8 ectodomains were found to discriminate between RNA ORN and imidazoquinolines by overlapping and nonoverlapping recognition sites to which murine loss-of-function mutations and human naturally occurring hyporesponsive polymorphisms map. Our data suggest TLR7 and TLR8 can signal in two different “modes” depending on the class of ligand. Considering RNA ORN and imidazoquinolines have been regarded as functionally interchangeable, our study highlights important functional incongruities whose understanding will be important for developing TLR7 or 8 therapeutics with desirable effector and safety profiles for in vivo application.
Fumaderm ® in daily practice for psoriasis: dosing, efficacy and quality of life
2014-05-10

This is the first field study analysing the use of Fumaderm and the improvement of quality of life in patients with psoriasis under daily outpatient conditions. The improvement of DLQI obtained with Fumaderm was comparable with the improvement observed in patients with psoriasis treated with modern biologics. Importantly, in most patients with good clinical response, the treatment dose was one to three tablets daily.
Non‐invasive and Invasive Predictors of Paravalvular Regurgitation Post CoreValve® Stent Prosthesis Implantation in Aortic Valves
2014-05-11

Objectives The long‐term success of CoreValve® stent prosthesis (Medtronic) implantation for severe aortic valve stenosis is limited by postprocedural paravalvular regurgitation (PVR) . Methods We have retrospectively investigated preinterventional cardiac 256‐slice computed tomography (CT) scans and aortography to define predictors for mild, moderate, or severe PVR, in a blinded fashion . Results We investigated 100 consecutive patients with a mean aortic valve area (AVA) of 0.69 cm 2 and a mean age of 79.4 years. PVR was defined by echocardiography as mild (63), moderate (18), or severe (19). We found no differences according to AVA, left ventricular function, deployed stent size, calcification rate of the aortic valve, and stent position. Anatomically, the annular size and the angle between the left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) and the ascending aorta demonstrated significant (P &lt; 0.05) differences in the severity of the PVR: an LVOT: ascending aorta angle &gt;12.6°, annulus area &gt;8.9 cm 2 , and annulus diameter difference &gt;3.9 mm. The multivariate analysis demonstrated that deviation angle, difference of aortic annulus (longitudinal–orthogonal), and CoreValve size were independent predictors of PVR . Conclusion Our data demonstrate the feasibility of cardiac CT to evaluate predictors of PVR post‐CoreValve placement. We support the aortic annulus (the area as well as the diameter differences) and the deviation of the linear slope from LVOT to ascending aorta as predictors of severe paravalvular regurgitations poststent implantation . (J Interven Cardiol 2014;27:275–283)
Software-Defined Networking Using OpenFlow: Protocols, Applications and Architectural Design Choices
2014-05-12

We explain the notion of software-defined networking (SDN), whose southbound interface may be implemented by the OpenFlow protocol. We describe the operation of OpenFlow and summarize the features of specification versions 1.0–1.4. We give an overview of existing SDN-based applications grouped by topic areas. Finally, we point out architectural design choices for SDN using OpenFlow and discuss their performance implications.
Contingency Learning in Alcohol Dependence and Pathological Gambling: Learning and Unlearning Reward Contingencies
2014-05-12

Learning rates for reversal and extinction were slower for the alcohol-dependent group and PG group compared to HCs, suggesting that reversing and extinguishing learned contingencies require more effort in ADs and PGs. This implicates a diminished flexibility to overcome previously learned contingencies.
Principles of PET/MR Imaging
2014-05-12

Hybrid PET/MR systems have rapidly progressed from the prototype stage to systems that are increasingly being used in the clinics. This review provides an overview of developments in hybrid PET/MR systems and summarizes the current state of the art in PET/MR instrumentation, correction techniques, and data analysis. The strong magnetic field requires considerable changes in the manner by which PET images are acquired and has led, among others, to the development of new PET detectors, such as silicon photomultipliers. During more than a decade of active PET/MR development, several system designs have been described. The technical background of combined PET/MR systems is explained and related challenges are discussed. The necessity for PET attenuation correction required new methods based on MR data. Therefore, an overview of recent developments in this field is provided. Furthermore, MR-based motion correction techniques for PET are discussed, as integrated PET/MR systems provide a platform for measuring motion with high temporal resolution without additional instrumentation. The MR component in PET/MR systems can provide functional information about disease processes or brain function alongside anatomic images. Against this background, we point out new opportunities for data analysis in this new field of multimodal molecular imaging.
A new mechanism for saturating unstable r modes in neutron stars
2014-05-12

We consider a new mechanism for damping the oscillations of a mature neutron star. The new dissipation channel arises if superfluid vortices are forced to cut through superconducting flux tubes. This mechanism is interesting because the oscillation modes need to exceed a critical amplitude in order for it to operate. Once it acts, the effect is very strong (and non-linear) leading to efficient damping. The upshot of this is that modes are unlikely to ever evolve far beyond the critical amplitude. We consider the effect of this new dissipation channel on the r modes, which may be driven unstable by the emission of gravitational waves. Our estimates show that the flux tube cutting leads to a saturation threshold for the instability that can be smaller than that of other proposed mechanisms. This suggests that the idea may be of direct astrophysical relevance.
Blocking Peptidoglycan Recycling in Pseudomonas aeruginosa Attenuates Intrinsic Resistance to Fosfomycin
2014-05-12

Gram-negative bacteria recycle as much as half of their cell wall per generation. Here we show that interference with cell wall recycling in Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains results in four- to eight-fold increased susceptibility to the antibiotic fosfomycin, pushing the minimal inhibitory concentration for strains PA14 and PA01 to therapeutically appropriate values of 2-4 and 8-16 mg/L, respectively. A newly discovered metabolic pathway that connects cell wall recycling with peptidoglycan de novo biosynthesis is responsible for the high intrinsic resistance of P. aeruginosa to fosfomycin. The pathway comprises an anomeric cell wall amino sugar kinase (AmgK) and an uridylyl transferase (MurU), which together convert N-acetylmuramic acid (MurNAc) through MurNAc α-1-phosphate to uridine diphosphate (UDP)-MurNAc, thereby bypassing the fosfomycin-sensitive de novo synthesis of UDP-MurNAc. Thus, inhibition of peptidoglycan recycling can be applied as a new strategy for the combinatory therapy against multidrug-resistant P. aeruginosa strains.
Diagnostic value of T1 and T2* relaxation times and off‐resonance saturation effects in the evaluation of achilles tendinopathy by MRI at 3T
2014-05-12

Purpose To evaluate and compare the diagnostic value of T 1 , T 2 * relaxation times and off‐resonance saturation ratios (OSR) in healthy controls and patients with different clinical and morphological stages of Achilles tendinopathy. Material and Methods Forty‐two healthy Achilles tendons and 34 tendons of 17 patients with symptomatic and asymptomatic tendinopathy were investigated clinically with conventional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) sequences on a 3T whole‐body MR scanner and a dynamic ultrasound examination. In addition, T 1 and T 2 * relaxation times were assessed using an ultrashort echo time (UTE) imaging sequence with flip angle and echo time variation. For the calculation of OSR values a Gaussian off‐resonance saturation pulse (frequency offset: 750–5000 Hz) was used. The diagnostic value of the derived MR values was assessed and compared using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. Results ROC curves demonstrate the highest overall test performance for OSR values at 2000 Hz off‐resonance in differentiating slightly (OSR‐2000 [AUC: 0.930] &gt; T 2 * [AUC: 0.884] &gt; T 1 [AUC: 0.737]) and more severe pathologically altered tendon areas (OSR‐2000 [AUC: 0.964] &gt; T 2 * [AUC: 0.917] &gt; T 1 [AUC: 0.819]) from healthy ones. Conclusion OSR values at a frequency offset of 2000 Hz demonstrated a better sensitivity and specificity for detecting mild and severe stages of tendinopathy compared to T 2 * and particularly when compared to T 1 relaxation times. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2015;41:964–973 . © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc .
The minimum amount of useful space: New results and new directions
2014-05-12

We consider minimal space requirements when using memory with restricted access policy (pushdown - hence giving pushdown automata (PDAs), and counter - hence giving counter automata (CAs)) in connection with two-way and realtime head motion. The main results are that: (i) is a tight space lower bound for accepting general nonregular languages on weak realtime PDAs, (ii) there exist unary nonregular languages accepted by realtime alternating CAs within weak space, (iii) there exist nonregular languages accepted by two-way DPADs within strong space, and, (iv) there exist unary nonregular languages accepted by two-way CAs with quantum and classical states within middle space and bounded error.