julilili42/papers huggingface dataset:
Treatment of chronic hepatitis C with PegIFN-alfa2b and ribavirin within a large German multicentric observational study: predictors of nonresponse in genotype 1 patients
2009-01-01

Aims: The current treatment of choice is a combination of pegylated interferon-alfa (PegIFN-alfa) plus ribavirin. Prediction of IFN efficacy before treatment has been mainly based on viral characteristics such as viral load and genotype. We therefore analyzed data from a large multicentric German surveillance study in order to identify additional host- related predictors of nonresponse.
Reoperations on the autograft and homograft after the Ross procedure: A report from the German-Dutch Ross registry
2009-01-01

Objective: The Ross procedure places patients at a risk for autograft (AGReOP) or homograft reoperation (HGreOP). Aim of our study is to identify the frequency and etiology of reoperations in the large multi-center population of the German-Dutch Ross Registry.
Targeting Proteinkinases: The Selectivity Problem
2009-01-01

About 22% of the “druggable” human genome codes target protein kinases. However, only 8 registered drugs worldwide address protein kinase targets (e. g. Gleevec®, Iressa®). Kinases regulate many different signaling processes. Devastating diseases such as cancer, autoimmune diseases and neurological disorders can result from abnormal signal transduction. At present 518 kinases are identified, in which all of them bind the cofactor ATP in a very similar way. The conservation of structural features within the ATP binding cleft initially indicated that specificity for ATP-site directed inhibitors would be difficult to achieve. Structure elucidation of ATP complexes bound to protein kinases, revealed regions within or close to the binding cleft that ATP does not fully occupy. Another way to induce selectivity makes use of a peptide flip at the hinge region, induced by a carbonyl-interaction of the inhibitor with two backbone NH-groups (in case of p38 MAPK, Met109, Gly 110) [1]. We tried to combine both approaches by using carbonyl-groups for targeting the hinge region and aryl-residues to interact with the HR I and/or II. In addition, minimization of the structures was attempted by using only templates with interactions to both the hinge and the hydrophobic regions (“linear binders”) [2]. A third structural requirement was reducing conformational flexibility. A rigid structure should allow only less induced fit to other than the target (off-target) kinases. Starting from initial benzophenone leads [3, 4], we developed dibenzo-suberones [5] and optimized them down to single digit nanomolar IC50s against p38 and excellent selectivity profiles against other protein kinases.
A GPU Accelerated Evolutionary Computer Vision System
2009-01-01

We have used the graphics processing unit (GPU) of the graphics card to create an evolutionary image processing system which is able to learn how to detect a user-specified object in an image. The system receives an image sequence as input. The user only has to tell the system where this object is located. This is done by using the mouse pointer. The user simply moves the mouse over the desired object and then presses the mouse button as long as the object is located under the mouse pointer. The user follows this object over several frames while keeping the mouse button pressed. As this is being done, the system evolves a population of image processing algorithms by exploiting the power of the GPU at interactive rates. Our system is the first GPU accelerated evolutionary image processing system (Figure 1) which allows the automatic creation of object detection algorithms [2]. This is the first step towards building fully adaptive evolutionary vision systems [1]. Consumer graphics cards are specifically optimized to render images at high speeds. A three-dimensional scene consists of numerous triangles which are fed to the graphics card. In order to obtain photo-realistic images, small programs can be sent to the graphics card to specify computations which should be carried out per vertex (vertex shaders) or per pixel (pixel shaders). The OpenGL shading language (OpenGLSL) has been developed as a standard to program vertex and pixel shaders. This shading language as well as the computations which are carried out on the graphics card are highly optimized for rendering three-dimensional scenes consisting of thousands of triangles. We use this programming paradigm to perform image processing on the graphics card efficiently. To fully exploit the power of the GPU, we use exactly the same paradigm which is used when rendering images. Only a single polygon is rendered. This polygon represents the output image of the image processing algorithm. The image processing algorithm (generated by simulated evolution) is fed to the pixel shader. This pixel shader is then used to compute the correct output color for each pixel. The original input image is supplied to the pixel shader as a texture.
Characterization of the CRESST detectors by neutron induced nuclear recoils
2009-01-01

CRESST is an experiment for the direct detection of dark matter particles via nuclear recoils. The CRESST detectors, based on CaWO4 scintillating crystals, are able to discriminate γ and β background by simultaneously measuring the light and phonon signals produced by particle interactions. The discrimination of the background is possible because of the different light output (Quenching Factor, QF) for nuclear and electron recoils. In this article a measurement is shown, aimed at the determination of the QFs of the different nuclei (O, Ca, W) of the detector crystal at 40–60 mK using an 11 MeV neutron beam produced at the Maier-Leibnitz-Laboratorium in Garching (MLL).
International Labor Rights and the Decent Work Agenda
2009-01-01

This paper’s aim is to examine the reasons why the United States of America refuse to ratify international labor standards. Taking Utilitarian Liberalism as the appropriate approach tackling domestic-international entanglements, Robert D. Putnam’s Two-Level Game Theory clearly bears some explanatory value. In short, the US faces domestic constrains not to adopt the ILO conventions at the international level. Other states, backed by International Organizations, effectively push forward the Decent Work Agenda. This tempted persuasion to shift the US domestic table from abroad is analyzed within the work’s second step. However, due to clashing interests, future challenges occur. A broad range of theoretical approaches, reaching from Putnam (1988), Atkinson and Coleman (1989), to Global Social Policy, represented by Bob Deacon (2007) are thoroughly addressed throughout the occasional paper. WIP 43: International Labor Rights and the Decent Work Agenda 5
The Aurignacian of the Grotte du Figuier (Ardèche, France). Re-discussing the lithic industry of level 2-in this archaeological context
2009-01-01

The Aurignacian of the Grotte du Figuier (Ardeche, France). Re-discussing the lithic industry of level 2 in its archaeological context In the late 1960s the Aurignacian of the Grotte du Figuier (Saint-Martin-d’Ardeche, Ardeche, France) was interpreted to represent an evolved stage of this technocomplex. Approaching the lithic industry typo-technologically, this paper re-evaluates that classification. Methodologically, this work focuses on a technological reading and socio-economic comprehension of human productions. A key for addressing the chronological position of the Grotte du Figuier record within the Aurignacian framework consisted in both artefacts drawn from the wet-screened backdirt and a detailed examination of the bladelet productions. In fact, different arguments engage the possibility of a Protoaurignacian occupation, fitting well in the regional pattern. In synopsis with both typological data already collected in the 1960s and considerations on the organic industry, this anthropization seems to have been the only one during the Aurignacian.
Radiative Transfer in Axial Symmetry
2009-01-01

We present a numerical code for the solution of the radiative transfer problem in moving media. The used method is based on the axial symmetry approximation. The output from the code is the overall spectrum of the object and the intensity map. The code is appropriate for the description of the radiation field in extended stellar atmospheres, rapidly rotating stars, stellar winds and disks around stars. It is also applicable for the disks of cataclysmic variables.
Inversion and the Admissibility of Logical Rules
2009-01-01

The inversion principle expresses a relationship between left and right introduction rules for logical constants. Hallnand Schroeder- Heister (2) presented the principle of denitional reection as a means of capturing the idea embodied in the inversion principle. Using the prin- ciple of denitional reection, we show for minimal propositional logic that the left introduction rules are admissible when the right introduc- tion rules are given as the denition of logical constants, and vice versa.
Characterization of the HER2 status on circulating breast cancer cells.
2009-01-01

Abstract Abstract #5018 Background: Detection and characterization of circulating tumor cells (CTC) in the peripheral blood of breast cancer patients could help to guide treatment decisions before the onset of overt metastasis as well as in the setting of advanced disease. The HER2 oncogene is the most prominent therapeutic target in breast cancer and shedding of the extracellular domain of this receptor seems to contribute to constitutive activation of HER2. Here we developed a novel assay to detect shedding of the extracellular domain (ECD) of the HER2 oncogene on single CTC and applied this assay to the analysis of blood from metastatic breast cancer patients.&amp;#x2028; Material and Methods: Using a new dual fluorescent CK19/HER2-EPISPOT assay, the shedding of HER2 ECD by CTC from 49 metastatic breast cancer patients was assessed. In parallel, using the CellSearch system, the number of CTC and their HER2 expression were determined on 42 samples from metastatic breast cancer patients. A subgroup (n=34) of these patients was analyzed with both methods. This work was performed in the context of the activities of the DETECT study group.&amp;#x2028; Results: In the CK19/HER2-EPISPOT assay 24 of 49 (48.9%) patients had CTC (mean, 12.4; median, 5; range 1-141) and among these positive patients, 7 of 24 (29.2%) showed also HER2-secreting CTC (mean, 3.3; median, 2; range, 1-14). Using the CellSearchTM system, in 23/42 (54.8%) patients CTC were found (mean, 82; median, 13; range, 1-656). HER2 staining intensity was heterogeneous even among CTC from the same patient. Regarding the samples analyzed with both methods, we found that 23.5%, 50.0%, 50.0% and 76.5% of the patients were positive with both detection methods, the EPISPOT assay only, the CellSearchTM system only and one or the other method, respectively.&amp;#x2028; Discussion: These findings demonstrate, for the first time, that (i) CTC can secrete HER2 and (ii) HER2 secretion is not closely linked to HER2 CellSearchTM status. Both assays (i.e., EPISPOT and CellSearchTM) have a comparative sensitivity and appear to be complementary for the detection and characterization of the HER2-status of CTC. Citation Information: Cancer Res 2009;69(2 Suppl):Abstract nr 5018.
Paper Prototypes for the Detection of Stereotype Violations in (Medical) Device Operation &ndash; Are They Good Enough?
2009-01-01

Controls for most technologies, including medical devices, are becoming increasingly complex, difficult to intuitively understand and don't necessarily follow population stereotypes. The resulting delays and errors are unacceptable when seconds can mean the difference between life and death. In this study participants were asked to &amp;ldquo;control&amp;rdquo; a system using a paper prototype (color photographs of controls) and then with a higher fidelity prototype of the same physical controls to determine performance differences among ethnicities and genders. No ethnic nor gender differences were found, and the comparison of paper versus higher fidelity prototypes also showed no significant differences. Thus, paper prototypes can be employed as an early device design usability tool to illustrate stereotype violations long before the first physical prototype. This will not only save money in the development and design processes, but also makes sure that even the most complex devices are intuitively understandable and operable for their basic functions.
[Medical education for laity: Plutarch's contribution].
2009-01-01

In his treatise De tuenda sanitate praecepta (Ygieina paraggelmata: Prescriptions for Health), the Greek philosopher Plutarch of Chaeronea (b. about 45 A.D., d. about 125 A.D.) pursues two aims, which have a deep pedagogical character and are closely connected. To begin with, he would like to provide both his colleagues, the "philosophers" (the equivalent of today's "intellectuals") and politicians with some sanitary/medical suggestions, so that they may adopt a healthy life-style, and consequently avoid disease to the best of their ability. Plutarch thus proposes that "philosophers" be made aware of the opportunity, or better yet, of the necessity of learning some medical notions: in their general education (paideia), his colleagues should allow medicine its adequate space, at least in regard to the practical side which relates to a "life-regimen". At the same time, Plutarch wishes to impart a moral teaching: in order to remain in good health we must distance ourselves from irrational impulses and social conventions which induce us to practice detrimental behaviours. In this context, the author stresses the need to respect the principles of moderation--both medical and ethical: those of frugality, self-control, and naturalness. His advice is still valid and effective today. Within the background of Plutarch's treatise there is yet a third, implicit aim: to urge the physicians not to imprison themselves in their professional specialization, but rather to also acquire a philosophical education. Such education would indeed allow them to achieve a whole, "holistic" picture of man, who is at the same time soul and body.
Effectiveness of Adalimumab in the Therapy of Paediatric Uveitis
2009-01-01

In recent years, no drugs have been received with such enthusiasm as the tumour necrosis factor-〈 (TNF-〈)-blocking agents etanercept (Enbrel®), infliximab (Remicade®) and adalimumab (Humira®). This article summarises our knowledge of these drugs in the treatment of juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA)-associated uveitis. These agents offer a very effective treatment method when the disease is refractory to second-line immunosuppressive therapy. Of the three drugs available, infliximab and adalimumab seem to have a better effect in terms of reducing ocular inflammatory activity. Etanercept may also be effective, but can reactivate the disease and probably also result in new onset of uveitis, which has been described only rarely with infliximab and adalimumab. Important side effects of these drugs include reactivation of tuberculosis and induction and reactivation of demyelinating diseases. Because of its administration by subcutaneous injection and its better side-effect profile, at present adalimumab may be the most favourable TNF-〈-blocking agent.
Spectral Modeling of Accretion Disks around Compact Stars
2009-01-01

AcDc is a NLTE code based on the Tübingen stellar atmosphere code. It computes self‐consistently the vertical structure and emergent spectrum of accretion disks. We have applied it to the quantitative spectral analysis of disks in rather different astrophysical environments.
Topographical Considerations and Redaction Criticism in 2 Kings 3
2009-01-01

Research Article| April 01 2009 Topographical Considerations and Redaction Criticism in 2 Kings 3 Erasmus Gass Erasmus Gass Search for other works by this author on: This Site Google Journal of Biblical Literature (2009) 128 (1): 65–84. https://doi.org/10.2307/25610166 Cite Icon Cite Share Icon Share Twitter Permissions Search Site Citation Erasmus Gass; Topographical Considerations and Redaction Criticism in 2 Kings 3. Journal of Biblical Literature 1 January 2009; 128 (1): 65–84. doi: https://doi.org/10.2307/25610166 Download citation file: Zotero Reference Manager EasyBib Bookends Mendeley Papers EndNote RefWorks BibTex toolbar search Search Dropdown Menu toolbar search search input Search input auto suggest filter your search All Scholarly Publishing CollectiveSBL PressJournal of Biblical Literature Search Advanced Search The text of this article is only available as a PDF. Article PDF first page preview Close Modal You do not currently have access to this content.
BCCI - A Bidirectional Cortical Communication Interface.
2009-01-01

In this pilot-scale study, a flow-through biofilm reactor (FTBR) was investigated for municipal wastewater treatment. The removal efficiencies for ammonium, total nitrogen, total phosphorus, and chemical oxygen demand were 87.2 ± 17.9%, 61.1 ± 13.9%, 83.5 ± 11.9%, and 92.6 ± 1.7%, respectively, at low dissolved oxygen concentrations (averaged at 0.59 mg/L), indicating the feasibility and robustness of the FTBR for a simultaneous nitrification, denitrification, and phosphorous removal (SNDPR) process. The co-occurrence network of bacteria in the dynamic biofilm was complex, with equivalent bacterial cooperation and competition. Nevertheless, the bacterial interactions in the suspended sludge were mainly cooperative. The presence of dynamic biofilms increased bacterial diversity by creating niche differentiation, which enriched keystone species closely related to nutrient removal. Overall, this study provides a novel FTBR-based SNDPR process and reveals the ecological mechanisms responsible for nutrient removal.
What macroeconomic shocks affect the German banking system? Analysis in an integrated micro-macro model
2009-01-01

We analyze what macroeconomic shocks affect the soundness of the German banking system and how this, in turn, feeds back into the macroeconomic environment. Recent turmoils on the international financial markets have shown very clearly that assessing the degree to which banks are vulnerable to macroeconomic shocks is of utmost importance to investors and policy makers. We propose to use a VAR framework that takes feedback effects between the financial sector and the macroeconomic environment into account. We identify responses of a distress indicator for the German banking system to a battery of different structural shocks. We find that monetary policy shocks, fiscal policy shocks, and real estate price shocks have a significant impact on the probability of distress in the banking system. We identify some differences across type of banks and different distress categories, though these differences are often small and do not show any systematic patterns.
Large-Scale Co-Phylogenetic Analysis on the Grid
2009-01-01

Phylogenetic data analysis represents an extremely compute-intensive area of Bioinformatics and thus requires high-performance technologies. Another compute- and memory-intensive problem is that of host-parasite co-phylogenetic analysis: given two phylogenetic trees, one for the hosts (e.g., mammals) and one for their respective parasites (e.g., lice) the question arises whether host and parasite trees are more similar to each other than expected by chance alone. CopyCat is an easy-to-use tool that allows biologists to conduct such co-phylogenetic studies within an elaborate statistical framework based on the highly optimized sequential and parallel AxParafit program. We have developed enhanced versions of these tools that efficiently exploit a Grid environment and therefore facilitate large-scale data analyses. Furthermore, we developed a freely accessible client tool that provides co-phylogenetic analysis capabilities. Since the computational bulk of the problem is embarrassingly parallel, it fits well to a computational Grid and reduces the response time of large scale analyses.
Cutaneous Metastases of Melanoma: New Treatment Options
2009-01-01

Cutaneous metastases are particularly frequent in melanoma of the skin, and they may occur as locoregional satellite or intransit metastases or likewise as distant cutaneous metastases. In satellite and intransit metastases, achievement of complete tumor remission may result in permanent cure. Therefore, the complete tumor remission of multiple cutaneous metastases is an important therapeutic goal in a subgroup of melanoma patients. In small cutaneous metastases, the most effective approach is intratumoral treatment with interleukin-2 (IL-2), which results in complete remissions in 80–90% of tumors treated. Low dosages of 0.1–1 MIU IL-2 per tumor and 5–10 applications are sufficient to achieve complete remissions. Alternative immunological treatments are topical application of the toll-like receptor agonist imiquimod and the obligatory contact allergen dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB), which likewise result in partial to complete remissions. The latter substance has also been combined with dacarbazine. Large cutaneous and soft tissue metastases are suitable for intratumoral chemotherapy in combination with electroporation. Bleomycine is an effective drug for such intratumoral treatments. Even large and bulky tumors may undergo dramatic regression and subsequently become operable. In conclusion, several effective local treatment approaches have been developed for cutaneous melanoma metastases which may be preferred to systemic drug treatments in certain melanoma patients.
Hypoxia-inducible factor–dependent induction of netrin-1 dampens inflammation caused by hypoxia
2009-01-04

The neuronal guidance molecule netrin-1 is linked to the coordination of inflammatory responses. Given that mucosal surfaces are particularly prone to hypoxia-elicited inflammation, we sought to determine the function of netrin-1 in hypoxia-induced inflammation. We detected hypoxia-inducible factor 1alpha (HIF-1alpha)-dependent induction of expression of the gene encoding netrin-1 (Ntn1) in hypoxic epithelia. Neutrophil transepithelial migration studies showed that by engaging A2B adenosine receptor (A2BAR) on neutrophils, netrin-1 attenuated neutrophil transmigration. Exogenous netrin-1 suppressed hypoxia-elicited inflammation in wild-type but not in A2BAR-deficient mice, and inflammatory hypoxia was enhanced in Ntn1(+/-) mice relative to that in Ntn1(+/+) mice. Our studies demonstrate that HIF-1alpha-dependent induction of netrin-1 attenuates hypoxia-elicited inflammation at mucosal surfaces.