julilili42/papers huggingface dataset:
Complete Recovery From Intractable Complex Regional Pain Syndrome, CRPS‐Type I, Following Anesthetic Ketamine and Midazolam
2007-06-01

Abstract Objective: To describe the treatment of an intractable complex regional pain syndrome I (CRPS‐I) patient with anesthetic doses of ketamine supplemented with midazolam. Methods: A patient presented with a rapidly progressing contiguous spread of CRPS from a severe ligamentous wrist injury. Standard pharmacological and interventional therapy successively failed to halt the spread of CRPS from the wrist to the entire right arm. Her pain was unmanageable with all standard therapy. As a last treatment option, the patient was transferred to the intensive care unit and treated on a compassionate care basis with anesthetic doses of ketamine in gradually increasing (3–5 mg/kg/h) doses in conjunction with midazolam over a period of 5 days. Results: On the second day of the ketamine and midazolam infusion, edema, and discoloration began to resolve and increased spontaneous movement was noted. On day 6, symptoms completely resolved and infusions were tapered. The patient emerged from anesthesia completely free of pain and associated CRPS signs and symptoms. The patient has maintained this complete remission from CRPS for 8 years now. Conclusions: In a patient with severe spreading and refractory CRPS, a complete and long‐term remission from CRPS has been obtained utilizing ketamine and midazolam in anesthetic doses. This intensive care procedure has very serious risks but no severe complications occurred. The psychiatric side effects of ketamine were successfully managed with the concomitant use of midazolam and resolved within 1 month of treatment. This case report illustrates the effectiveness and safety of high‐dose ketamine in a patient with generalized, refractory CRPS.
BCR-ABL Activity Is Critical for the Immunogenicity of Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia Cells
2007-06-01

Abstract Chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) is a myeloproliferative disorder caused by excessive granulopoiesis due to the formation of the constitutively active tyrosine kinase BCR-ABL. An effective drug against CML is imatinib mesylate, a tyrosine kinase inhibitor acting on Abl kinases, c-KIT, and platelet-derived growth factor receptor. Recently, a study revealed that patients treated with imatinib showed impaired CTL responses compared with patients treated with IFN-α, which might be due to a treatment-induced reduction in immunogenicity of CML cells or immunosuppressive effects. In our study, we found that inhibition of BCR-ABL leads to a down-regulation of immunogenic antigens on the CML cells in response to imatinib treatment, which results in the inhibition of CML-directed immune responses. By treating CML cells with imatinib, we could show that the resulting inhibition of BCR-ABL leads to a decreased expression of tumor antigens, including survivin, adipophilin, hTERT, WT-1, Bcl-xL, and Bcl-2 in correlation to a decreased development of CML-specific CTLs. In contrast, this reduction in immunogenicity was not observed when a CML cell line resistant to the inhibitory effects of imatinib was used, but could be confirmed by transfection with specific small interfering RNA against BCR-ABL or imatinib treatment of primary CML cells. [Cancer Res 2007;67(11):5489–97]
Cardiomyopathy in Friedreich's ataxia‐assessment by cardiac MRI
2007-06-01

Abstract Cardiomyopathy is an important and frequently life limiting manifestation of Friedreich's ataxia (FA), the most prevalent form of autosomal recessive ataxia. Left ventricular mass is used as primary outcome measure in recent intervention studies but systematic analyses of FA cardiomyopathy are sparse. To assess cardiac hypertrophy by cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in vivo, we assessed 41 adult patients with genetically confirmed FA and 33 age‐ and sex‐matched healthy controls by cardiac MRI and echocardiogarphy. Septal hypertrophy and left ventricular mass index were determined by two independent raters. MRI revealed hypertrophy of the interventricular septum in 40% and increased left ventricular mass index in 29% of patients. Interobserver variability was less than 5% for both measures. GAA repeat length had only minor influence on interventricular septum thickness. Left ventricular mass index decreased with age. Severity of ataxia did not correlate with cardiac disease. In echocardiography wall diameter was assessable only in 31 of 41 FA patients with 32% of patients presenting septal hypertrophy and 6% increased left ventricular mass index. We conclude that cardiac hypertrophy is present only in a minority of adult FA patients. If despite this limitation intervention studies use left ventricular mass as outcome measure, MRI is recommended as the most accurate assessment of cardiac anatomy in vivo. © 2007 Movement Disorder Society
A statistical learning approach to the modeling of chromatographic retention of oligonucleotides incorporating sequence and secondary structure data
2007-06-01

We propose a new model for predicting the retention time of oligonucleotides. The model is based on nu support vector regression using features derived from base sequence and predicted secondary structure of oligonucleotides. Because of the secondary structure information, the model is applicable even at relatively low temperatures where the secondary structure is not suppressed by thermal denaturing. This makes the prediction of oligonucleotide retention time for arbitrary temperatures possible, provided that the target temperature lies within the temperature range of the training data. We describe different possibilities of feature calculation from base sequence and secondary structure, present the results and compare our model to existing models.
HIGHER PRODUCTION OF PERIPHERAL BLOOD MACROPHAGE MIGRATION INHIBITORY FACTOR IN HEALTHY CHILDREN WITH A HISTORY OF MILD MALARIA RELATIVE TO CHILDREN WITH A HISTORY OF SEVERE MALARIA
2007-06-01

Plasmodium falciparum malaria is one of the leading causes of childhood morbidity and mortality in sub-Saharan Africa. The host immune response to P. falciparum is a critical determinant of malarial pathogenesis and disease outcomes. Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) is a central regulator of innate immune responses to bacterial and parasitic infections. Our recent investigations demonstrated that peripheral blood MIF production was suppressed in children with severe malaria. Because examination of MIF production in children with active disease does not account for the inherent ability of the host to generate MIF, basal circulating MIF and peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) MIF transcript levels were determined in healthy children with a history of either mild or severe malaria. Children with prior mild malaria had higher plasma MIF levels and PBMC MIF transcripts than children with an identical number of previous episodes of severe malaria. These results suggest that increased basal MIF production may be important in generating immune responses that protect against the development of severe malaria.
The Peroxisome Proliferator WY-14,643 Promotes Hepatocarcinogenesis Caused by Endogenously Generated Oxidative DNA Base Modifications in Repair-Deficient Csbm/m/Ogg1−/− Mice
2007-06-01

Abstract Basal levels of endogenously generated oxidative DNA modifications such as 7,8-dihydro-8-oxoguanine (8-oxoG) are present in apparently all mammalian cells, but their relevance for the generation of spontaneous cancers remains to be established. Both the 8-oxoG levels and the resulting spontaneous mutations are increased in the livers of Csbm/m/Ogg1−/− mice, which are deficient in the repair of 8-oxoG. In order to determine the consequences of these additional oxidative DNA modifications and mutations and thus assess the tumor initiating potency of this type of endogenous DNA damage, we treated Csbm/m/Ogg1−/− mice and repair-proficient controls with the peroxisome proliferator WY-14,643 (0.025% ad libitum), a potent inducer of liver cell proliferation. The treatment did not generate any additional oxidative DNA damage; the elevated levels of 8-oxoG in the Csbm/m/Ogg1−/− mice even decreased. Also, the spontaneous mutation frequencies observed in the lacI gene of BigBlue Csbm/m/Ogg1−/− mice, which were ∼3-fold higher than in the repair-proficient mice, declined by 39% under the treatment, whereas the frequencies in the livers of the repair-proficient animals remained unchanged. Preneoplastic lesions (staining positive or negative for glucose-6-phoshatase) developed in the livers of both wild-type and Csbm/m/Ogg1−/− mice after 30 weeks. Both the numbers and the total volumes of the lesions were ∼6-fold higher in the repair-deficient mice than in the wild-type mice. The results indicate that spontaneous mutations generated from endogenous oxidative DNA base damage efficiently translate into increased tumorigenesis when cell proliferation is stimulated. [Cancer Res 2007;67(11):5156–61]
Branch points of Willmore surfaces
2007-06-01

We consider Willmore surfaces in with an isolated singularity of finite density at the origin. We show that locally, the surface is a union of finitely many multivalued graphs, each with a unique tangent plane at zero and with second fundamental form satisfying \\ where is the maximal multiplicity. Examples of branched minimal surfaces show that this estimate is optimal up to the error
Capacitive Humidity Sensors on Flexible RFID Labels
2007-06-01

Capacitive humidity sensors intended to be used with intelligent RFID tags have been produced from polymer foils and/or thin films. They were successfully tested on experimental platforms well reproducing the real operation conditions. Adequate sensing properties (enough sensitivity, good selectivity and linearity and reasonable response and recovery times) have been achieved. The main requirements for a good match to the target applications, that are also fulfilled, are discussed in connection with the readout options and other practical issues.
Antecedent Selection Techniques for High-Recall Coreference Resolution
2007-06-01

We investigate methods to improve the recall in coreference resolution by also trying to resolve those definite descriptions where no earlier mention of the referent shares the same lexical head (coreferent bridging). The problem, which is notably harder than identifying coreference relations among mentions which have the same lexical head, has been tackled with several rather different approaches, and we attempt to provide a meaningful classification along with a quantitative comparison. Based on the different merits of the methods, we discuss possibilities to improve them and show how they can be effectively combined.
Differential Effects of G Protein–Coupled Receptors on Hematopoietic Progenitor Cell Growth Depend on their Signaling Capacities
2007-06-01

Abstract: We have shown that CD34 + hematopoietic progenitor and stem cells (HPCs) consistently express several G protein–coupled receptors (GPCRs): the chemokine receptor CXCR4, the cysteinyl‐leukotriene receptor cysLT1, and receptors for sphingosine 1‐phosphate (S1P), particularly S1P1. These GPCRs differentially mediate chemotactic, adhesive, and proliferative responses in HPCs. To elucidate the diversity of the responses observed, we compared their signaling capacities in CD34 + cells. In primary CD34 + progenitors, the strongest effects on calcium signaling (intracellular calcium fluxes) were mediated by cysLT1. Analyses in CD34 + cell lines revealed that calcium signaling induced by cysLT1 was only partially inhibited by pertussis toxin (PTX), while responses induced by CXCR4 and S1P receptors were completely blocked. These findings indicate that cysLT1 signals via Gi and Gq proteins, while CXCR4 and also S1P receptors (e.g., S1P1) only induce Gi protein‐mediated effects. By analysis of downstream signaling, we could provide further evidence that combined activation of PTX‐insensitive (Gq‐mediated) and PTX‐sensitive (Gi‐mediated) pathways by cysLT1 may explain the strong and broad effects of cysteinyl‐leukotrienes in early hematopoietic cells, while signaling of CXCR4 and S1P1 solely depends on Gi proteins, resulting in effects mainly restricted to migration and adhesion.
Thrombopoietic Cells and the Bone Marrow Vascular Niche
2007-06-01

Abstract: Megakaryocytes and platelets have been known to secrete angiogenic growth factors for a long time. However, there is little in vivo data on the regulation of angiogenesis by thrombopoietic cells. Both megakaryocytes and platelets are known to carry and release a multitude of both pro‐ and antiangiogenic mediators. Thus, it remained unknown how the “angiogenic phenotype” of thrombopoietic cells would be determined. Our group established that platelets contribute to angiogenesis as carriers of SDF‐1, which is released by platelets in response to stimulation with hematopoietic cytokines. Indeed, even the action of VEGF‐A seems to be mediated in part by the release of SDF‐1 from stimulated platelets, thereby attracting proangiogenic hematopoietic cells. Moreover, the analysis of murine plasma and serum showed that similar to VEGF‐A, SDF‐1 is almost exclusively derived from platelets, and only trace amounts are detectable in platelet poor plasma. Because tumor patients' platelets have been shown to contain lower amounts of thrombospondin (Tsp), we generated Tsp‐1 and Tsp‐2 double knockout mice by crossing the single knockout lines. Interestingly, megakaryocytes and platelets derived from these mice confer a proangiogenic phenotype both in the bone marrow and in reperfusion of ischemic hindlimbs, thereby verifying the hypothesis of pro‐ and antiangiogenic platelet constituents “in balance.”
Effect of FLT3 Inhibition on Normal Hematopoietic Progenitor Cells
2007-06-01

Abstract: Ligand‐mediated activation of the FMS‐like tyrosine kinase‐3 (FLT3) receptor is important for normal proliferation of primitive hematopoietic cells. FLT3 expression in the bone marrow is restricted to CD34 + cells and a subset of dendritic precursors. FLT3, as a member of the type III RTK subfamily, is closely related to c‐kit, c‐FMS, and PDGFα/β and is an unspecific target of tyrosine kinase inhibitors, such as imatinib. Activating mutations of FLT3 play an important role in leukemogenesis and their presence is associated with poor prognosis in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Targeting the mutation by inhibiting the tyrosine kinase activity of FLT3 is a promising therapeutic option in the treatment of AML patients. CEP‐701 (Lestaurtinib), an indocarbazole derivate, is an FLT3 tyrosine kinase inhibitor. In this study, we investigated the effect of FLT3 kinase inhibition on normal hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells in vitro . FLT3 inhibition in normal CD34 + cells resulted in a dose‐dependent inhibitory effect in cell expansion. In contrast, progenitor cell function remained nearly unaffected. Blocking the FLT3 ligand by a neutralizing antibody partially restored the effects of FLT3 inhibition. These findings might explain hematotoxicity of tyrosine kinase inhibitors such as imatinib.
Two-Tone Response in Superconducting Quantum Interference Filters
2007-06-01

We successfully exploit the parabolic shape of the dc voltage output dip\\naround B=0 of a Superconducting Quantum Interference Filter (SQIF) to mix weak\\nexternal rf signals. The two tone response of weak time harmonic\\nelectromagnetic fields has been detected on the spectral voltage output of the\\nSQIF at frequency f_0 = f_1 - f_2, for various frequencies f_1 and f_2 ranging\\nfrom few MHz up to 20 GHz. The two tone response is a characteristic function\\nof static magnetic field B and of bias current I_b, related to the second\\nderivative of the dc voltage output.\\n
Valuation portfolio in non-life insurance
2007-06-01

The purpose of this paper is the construction of the Valuation Portfolio (VaPo) for a non-life insurance company. The VaPo represents the obligations of the insurer for the whole period of his insurance contracts. These obligations are not simply measured by a one-dimensional figure (as standard for reserves in practice), but are expressed as a portfolio of financial instruments. Hence, the actuarial reserves become multidimensional. The financial instruments in the VaPo are a properly chosen basis to represent the future cashflows resulting from the insurance contracts. In this setup, financial and technical risks are clearly separated. The financial fluctuations derive from the basis elements, the technical fluctuations are covered by an increased number of basis elements (VaPo protected against technical risks). We show how this protection can be calculated in the case of a non-life insurance company.
Synthesis of [2H3]‐labelled sulfamethoxazole and its main urinary metabolites
2007-06-01

Abstract Sulfamethoxazole was labelled at positions 3, 5, and 4′ by H/D exchange in a mixture of 5% 2 H 2 SO 4 and 95% 2 H 2 O (v/v) under reflux for 72h with good isotope incorporation and acceptable yield. Subsequently, [ 2 H 3 ]‐sulfamethoxazole‐ N 1 ‐glucuronide and [ 2 H 3 ]‐ N 4 ‐acetyl‐sulfamethoxazole were synthesized. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley &amp; Sons, Ltd.
Development ofNovel Compounds to Treat Autoimmune and Inflammatory Diseases and Graft Versus Host Reactions
2007-06-01

Recently, several new classes of agents were developed to treat patients with malignant diseases. This progress has been based on the advances made in our understanding of critical pathways involved in tumor development and growth. Dysregulated processes leading to uncontrolled regulation of proliferation, cell cycle progression, angiogenesis and apoptosis have provided rational targets for novel therapies. Compounds inhibiting protein phosphorylation and signal transduction like tyrosine kinase inhibitors and inhibitors of proteasomal degradation have demonstrated promising results and were approved for the treatment of patients with malignant diseases. However, based on in vitro and in vivo studies, there is now an emerging evidence that these agents can affect the function and differentiation of normal, non-malignant cells like dendritic cells or T lymphocytes, resulting in immunosuppression. In our review we present recent data on the immune regulatory effects of tyrosine kinase inhibitors like imatinib that is approved to treat chronic myeloid leukemias, or inhibitors of FLT3, currently used to treat acute leukemias, as well as proteasome inhibitors and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor agonists and discuss their possible role and application in the treatment of autoimmune and graft versus host disease.
Superconducting ${\\rm MgB}_{2}$ Tapes Prepared Using Mechanically Alloyed Nanocrystalline Precursor Powder
2007-06-01

For the preparation of MgB <sub xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">2</sub> precursor powder the technique of mechanical alloying was applied. Tapes with Fe- and Cu/Nb-sheath have been prepared by the powder-in-tube method using these nanocrystalline precursor powders consisting of Mg, B and during the high energy milling reacted MgB <sub xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">2</sub> . Differences in the quality of the boron powders used for the preparation of MgB <sub xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">2</sub> powders have a distinct influence on mi- crostructure and superconducting properties of bulk samples and tapes. The high density of grain boundaries acting as pinning centers enhances the critical current density J <sub xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">c</sub> up to 10 <sup xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">4</sup> A/cm <sup xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">2</sup> at fields of about 5 T (20 K) and 10 T (4.2 K) in Fe-sheathed tapes. The effect of nanoparticle additions like SiC and WC on the mi- crostructure and critical currents of bulk samples and tapes is discussed.
A minimally invasive approach in the interdisciplinary treatment of four fused maxillary incisors: a case report.
2007-06-01

Tooth anomalies such as fusions and geminations present a considerable challenge for the practitioner. Functional, esthetic, periodontal, orthodontic, and psychological problems have been described. Quite often, the surgical measures taken lead to a considerable burden for the patient and to subsequent treatment. This report presents the treatment of a 15-year-old male bearing 2 x 2 fused incisors with different tissue structures in the maxilla. No surgical measures were performed; instead, restorative and orthodontic departments cooperated to achieve an adequate treatment result with a minimally invasive approach.
The Double Life of a Fungus
2007-06-01

Abstract Suspected Sexual Infidelity: The transformation of sexuality to parasitism prompted the evolution of a unique fungal survival strategy – Tuberculina is both a fungi parasite and a plant parasite
Automated Real Time Performance Management for Mobile Networks
2007-06-01

Real Time Performance Management (RTPM) is expected to be a key features offuture developments of mobile networks. Although it is already requested by operators of mobile networks only basic approaches have been realized. Implementing access to real time performance data in a mobile network, with a large number of manageable nodes, leads to a huge resource consumption. Not only network bandwidth but also processing resources. Current PM schemes can hardly be extended to support real time performance management. We present a policy based approach that is capable to deal with challenges imposed by the request for real time performance data. Typical workflows are identified and analysed. Based on these analyses a policy based performance management system is introduced that allows a balanced configuration which does not exceed available resources but still satisfies the information requirements of the human operators.
Inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor of the ulnar nerve
2007-06-01

✓Inflammatory myofibroblastic tumors with involvement of cranial and peripheral nerves are exceedingly rare. The authors present the case of a 67-year-old man with an inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor of the left ulnar nerve, which was identified intraoperatively and mimicked a malignant neoplastic lesion. Histopathological examination revealed loosely structured fibrous tissue and collagen deposits intermingled with patchy infiltrates of lymphocytes, plasma cells, and histiocytes penetrating the endo- and epineurium of the affected nerve fascicles. There was strong expression of vimentin and actin in spindle cells throughout the lesion. The histiocytes were CD68- and major histocompatibility complex class II–positive, but lacked CD1a expression. A review of the literature revealed nine histopathologically confirmed cases of inflammatory myofibroblastic tumors involving peripheral or cranial nerves in which slight differences in histopathological features and surgical management were found, which are discussed here.
Stabilizing the Convergence of Online-Learning in Neuro-Fuzzy Systems by an Immune System-inspired Approach
2007-06-01

Adaptive learning systems are needed in many control applications. Neuro-fuzzy systems are very useful here because they are universal function approximators and do not require a formal process model. Furthermore, they allow incorporating a priori knowledge to speed up convergence or to treat safety-critical situations. But learning in a closed loop setup may nevertheless lead to a truly chaotic systems behaviour because what is learned has in impact on what is learned next, and so forth. Hence an arbitrary control behaviour may emerge dynamically, thus leading to an allowed, but suboptimal control behaviour or learning result, respectively. The dynamic learning process thus has to be guided, in order to avoid such unwanted system characteristics. This is the aim of the SILKE-approach (System to Immunize Learning Knowledge-based Elements). This paper describes its basic concept and presents some first results.