julilili42/papers huggingface dataset:
Precise measurement of diffusion by multi-color dual-focus fluorescence correlation spectroscopy
2008-08-01

Dual-focus fluorescence correlation spectroscopy is a method for precisely measuring the diffusion coefficient of fluorescing molecules close to the infinite dilution limit in a reference-free and absolute manner. We apply the method to determine the diffusion coefficients of three fluorescent dyes across the visible spectrum. These values can be used as absolute reference standards for fluorescence correlation spectroscopy. In particular, it is found that the diffusion coefficient of the widely used reference dye Rhodamine 6G is by 37% larger than the value used in most publications on fluorescence correlation spectroscopy over the last three decades.
Regional Synthesis of Mediterranean Atmospheric Circulation During the Last Glacial Maximum
2008-08-01

Atmospheric circulation leaves few direct traces in the geological record, making reconstructions of this crucial element of the climate system inherently difficult. We produced a regional Mediterranean synthesis of paleo-proxy data from the sea surface to alpine altitudes. This provides a detailed observational context for change in the three-dimensional structure of atmospheric circulation between the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM, ∼23,000 to 19,000 years ago) and the present. The synthesis reveals evidence for frequent cold polar air incursions, topographically channeled into the northwestern Mediterranean. Anomalously steep vertical temperature gradients in the central Mediterranean imply local convective precipitation. We find the LGM patterns to be analogous, though amplified, to previously reconstructed phases of enhanced meridional winter circulation during the Maunder Minimum (the Little Ice Age).
An Approach to Using Recombinant Erythropoietin for Neuroprotection in Very Preterm Infants
2008-08-01

OBJECTIVE. Erythropoietin has been shown to be protective against hypoxic-ischemic and inflammatory injuries in cell culture, animal models of brain injury, and clinical trials of adult humans. The rationale for our study was that early administration of high-dose recombinant human erythropoietin may reduce perinatal brain injury (intraventricular hemorrhage and periventricular leukomalacia) in very preterm infants and improve neurodevelopmental outcome. We investigated whether administration of high-dose recombinant human erythropoietin to very preterm infants shortly after birth and subsequently during the first 2 days is safe in terms of short-term outcome. METHODS. This was a randomized, double-masked, single-center trial with a 2:1 allocation in favor of recombinant human erythropoietin. Preterm infants (gestational age: 24 to 31 weeks) were given recombinant human erythropoietin or NaCl 0.9% intravenously 3, 12 to 18, and 36 to 42 hours after birth. RESULTS. The percentage of infants who survived without brain injury or retinopathy was 53% in the recombinant human erythropoietin group and 60% in the placebo group. There were no relevant differences regarding short-term outcomes such as intraventricular hemorrhage, retinopathy, sepsis, necrotizing enterocolitis, and bronchopulmonary dysplasia. For 5 infants who were in the recombinant human erythropoietin group and had a gestational age of &amp;lt;26 weeks, withdrawal of intensive care was decided (3 of 5 with severe bilateral intraventricular hemorrhage, 2 of 5 with pulmonary insufficiency); no infant of the control group died. Recombinant human erythropoietin treatment did not result in significant differences in blood pressure, cerebral oxygenation, hemoglobin, leukocyte, and platelet count. CONCLUSIONS. No significant adverse effects of early high-dose recombinant human erythropoietin treatment in very preterm infants were identified. These results enable us to embark on a large multicenter trial with the aim of determining whether early high-dose administration of recombinant human erythropoietin to very preterm infants improves neurodevelopmental outcome at 24 months' and 5 years' corrected age.
Treatment of Chronic Achilles Tendinopathy and Ruptures with Flexor Hallucis Tendon Transfer: Clinical Outcome and MRI Findings
2008-08-01

Background: In patients with chronic Achilles tendinopathy, augmentation with flexor hallucis longus (FHL) tendon transfer can be performed to improve pain and functional limitations. There are no reports of postoperative imaging for evaluating tendon integration, inflammatory alterations or degeneration of the FHL muscle. The purpose of this study was to evaluate postoperative MR imaging based on clinical outcome and isokinetic strength. Materials and Methods: 13 patients with chronic Achilles tendinopathy (10 ruptures) underwent augmentation with FHL transfer. Clinical parameters, isokinetic strength and outcome measurements (AOFAS, SF-36) were evaluated at an average followup of 46.5 months. Qualitative and quantitative analyses of postoperative MRI were conducted using the non-operated side for comparison. Results: All patients had a significant reduction of pain. The operated side had a torque deficit of 35% for plantar flexion. Ten patients returned to their former level of activity. MRI showed a complete integration of the FHL tendon in six patients. Fatty atrophy in the triceps surae was found in ten patients. The FHL was free of degeneration in all patients. Hypertrophy of the FHL of more than 15% was observed in eight patients. Conclusion: Augmentation with FHL transfer is a valuable option in the treatment of chronic Achilles tendinopathy with and without rupture. Our results demonstrate high patient satisfaction without donor site morbidity. The FHL tendon is well integrated into the Achilles tendon. Hypertrophy of the FHL muscle suggests functional incorporation into plantar flexion. The primary benefit of the operation is pain relief and increased muscle strength.
Multicenter phase II trial of the histone deacetylase inhibitor pyridylmethyl-N-{4-[(2-aminophenyl)-carbamoyl]-benzyl}-carbamate in pretreated metastatic melanoma
2008-08-01

Systemic treatment of metastatic melanoma is of low efficacy, and new therapeutic strategies are needed. Histone deacetylase inhibitors are supposed to restore the expression of tumor suppressor genes and induce tumor cell differentiation, growth arrest, and apoptosis. This study was aimed to evaluate the efficacy, safety, and pharmacokinetics of the histone deacetylase inhibitor pyridylmethyl-N-{4-[(2-aminophenyl)-carbamoyl]-benzyl}-carbamate (MS-275) in patients with pretreated metastatic melanoma. Patients with unresectable AJCC stage IV melanoma refractory to at least one earlier systemic therapy were randomized to receive MS-275 3 mg biweekly (days 1+15, arm A) or 7 mg weekly (days 1+8+15, arm B), in 4-week cycles. The primary study endpoint was objective tumor response, secondary endpoints were safety and time-to-progression. On the basis of Simon's two-stage design, the study initially allowed an entry of 14 patients per arm; if there was at least one responder, additional 33 patients were to be enrolled. Among 28 patients enrolled, no objective response was detected. Four (29%) patients in arm A and three (21%) patients in arm B showed disease stabilizations. Median time-to-progression was comparable in both arms with 55.5 versus 51.5 days, respectively; median overall survival was 8.84 months. Toxicity was mild to moderate with nausea (39%) and hypophosphatemia (29%) as the most frequently reported events. No treatment-related serious adverse events occurred. Single-agent treatment with MS-275 was well-tolerated and showed long-term tumor stabilizations, but no objective responses in pretreated metastatic melanoma. Further evaluation of MS-275 in combination schedules is warranted.
The Use of Clinically Approved Small Particles of Iron Oxide (SPIO) for Labeling of Mesenchymal Stem Cells Aggravates Clinical Symptoms in Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis and Influences Their In Vivo Distribution
2008-08-01

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an inflammatory and demyelinating disease of the central nervous system (CNS). Mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) have been shown to ameliorate symptoms in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), a model of MS. Using cloned MSC labeled with clinically approved small particles of iron oxide (SPIO) for treatment of EAE we analyzed the tissue localization of transferred cells. Treatment with unlabeled MSC led to disease amelioration compared to controls. In contrast, treatment with SPIO-labeled MSC lead to increase in disease severity. Treatment with SPIO alone did not alter disease course. After transplantation labeled and nonlabeled MSC were detected in the CNS and the liver with significantly more SPIO-labeled cells present in the CNS. Iron deposition was present in the group treated with SPIO-labeled MSC, indicating that in vivo the initially cell surface-bound iron detached from the MSC. These results could be of great importance for imaging of patients in the clinical setting, indicating that in vivo application of SPIO-labeled MSC needs to be performed with caution because the cell-derived exposure of iron can lead to disease aggravation.
Neogene exhumation history of the Mont Blanc massif, western Alps
2008-08-01

The contribution of climate and tectonics to the Neogene exhumation history of the European Alps is studied in the Mont Blanc (MB) massif using low‐temperature thermochronology. Apatite fission track and (U‐Th‐[Sm])/He data suggest that the MB massif was exhumed episodically: Rapid exhumation (2.5 ± 0.5 km/Ma) before 6 Ma is followed by an episode of slow exhumation and a period of accelerated exhumation (&gt;1 km/Ma) after ∼3 Ma. Comparing the exhumation rates of the MB massif with reported exhumation rates of all other external crystalline massifs (ECM) shows that the MB massif is the only ECM that experienced rapid exhumation before 6 Ma, which is possibly related to NW and minor SE directed thrusting of the MB massif. The data demonstrate that the Messinian base level drop (∼5.5 Ma) and the increase in atmospheric moisture caused by an intensification of the Atlantic Golf Stream (4.6 Ma) did not affect the exhumation of the external Alps. All ECM, except the Gotthard massif, show an increase in exhumation rates at ∼3 Ma. We interpret this as the result of normal faulting along orogen‐parallel faults and beginning Alpine glaciation. The relative impact of these processes on the exhumation of the ECM can vary spatially and temporally, mainly depending on differences in geology and geomorphology. In the case of the MB massif we propose that the acceleration in exhumation rates at ∼3 Ma is caused by rapid valley incision related to glaciation, and that the recent relief of the MB massif is thus a young feature.
Significant alterations of serum cytokine levels in patients with Peyronie's disease
2008-08-01

The significantly elevated serum level of the profibrotic TGF-beta1 cytokine underscores the effect of cytokines in the pathophysiology of PD. The significantly decreased TNF-alpha serum level suggested no acute immunomodulatory process. Therefore, the relevance for therapeutic administration of TNF-alpha should be further investigated. Quantification of TGF-beta1 in serum of PD patients provides a possible diagnostic tool and target for therapy. The data on altered cytokine levels in PD patients also provide a new understanding for etiopathogenesis of PD, which warrants further investigation.
Absolute zeta functions
2008-08-01

Two new concepts of zeta functions for schemes over the field of one element are\\nproposed. A localization formula and an explicit formula in the affine case are\\ngiven. This allows for a computation for every scheme.
Combinatorial Proofs of Zeckendorf Family Identities
2008-08-01

A general combinatorial approach is presented for proving identities of the form mfn = P i2Im fn+i, where m is a nonnegative integer constant, n ‚ jmin(Im)j is an integer, Im is a set of nonconsecutive integers, and fn is the Fibonacci number Fn+1. The approach involves counting phased square-domino tilings, as in the book Proofs that Really Count by Benjamin and Quinn. Furthermore, for each proof of an identity of the form mfn = P i2Im fn+i, there is a corresponding isomorphic proof of the identity m = P i2Imi , whereis (1 + p 5)=2.
EOS calculations for hydrothermal diamond anvil cell operation
2008-08-01

The hydrothermal diamond anvil cell (HDAC) is an excellent tool for high-temperature, high-pressure (hydrothermal) experiments. For an accurate determination of pressure induced by a certain temperature in an isochoric sample chamber volume, an equation of state (EOS) of water can be used instead of direct measurement. This paper reviews the theoretic background and provides all needed equations for the application of EOS of water to HDAC experiments summarizing state-of-the-art knowledge and incorporating up-to-date thermodynamic data. The p-T conditions determined using the IAPWS-95 formulation for the thermodynamic properties of ordinary water are in agreement with values obtained from direct methods or other established EOS formulations. In particular, (1) the calculation of density through the (a) melting point or (b) homogenization method along with determining (2) pressure as a function of density and temperature or (3) density as a function of pressure and temperature is explained. As a new aspect in the context of HDAC operations, the critical influence of nucleation and a strategy to overcome this problem are discussed. Furthermore, we have derived new polynomial equations, which allow the direct calculation of the fluid phase’s density from the melting temperature. These are implemented in a spreadsheet program, which is freely available for interested users.
Ratpack: Wearable sensor networks for animal observation
2008-08-01

The goal of our project is to describe the behavior of rats. For this purpose we are using wireless sensor networks, monitoring various quantities that yield important information to complement current knowledge on the behavioral repertoire of rats. So far, on the sensing and processing side we have developed innovative, minimalist approaches pointing in two directions: vocalization analysis and movement tracking. On the data collection and routing side we have adapted to the known burrowing habits of rats by developing new methods for synchronization and data aggregation under the paradigm of sporadic connectivity in a sparse, dynamic network.
A Systematic Approach for Synthesizing VLSI Architectures of Lifting-Based Filter Banks and Transforms
2008-08-01

The lifting scheme has become an important tool for designing filter banks and transforms of digital signal processing. Recently, the conventional lifting scheme that concerns the construction of 2-channel filter banks has been extended to M-channel filter banks (M > 2), bringing up the desirable properties of the lifting scheme to a broader range of applications. Many hand-crafted lifting-based VLSI architectures exist, which mostly concentrate on a single and specific target application having fixed data throughput and resource consumption. However, the reusability of such architectures is limited due to the lack of scalability. To overcome this issue, we present a design methodology for automatic synthesis of VLSI architectures suitable for arbitrary lifting-based M -channel filter banks and transforms. The proposed methodology enables high parameterizability in terms of data throughput, resource consumption, and arithmetic precision for the generated architectures. The concept of parameterizing design elements is important for modern system-on-chip design, since it features design space exploration and increases reusability. The proposed methodology is implemented as a high-level compilation tool that generates VLSI architectures at the register transfer level. We present results on the implementation of different architectures that were generated by our tool.
Growth, volatility, and credit market imperfections: evidence from German firms
2008-08-01

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is two‐fold. First, it studies whether output volatility and growth are linked at the firm‐level, using data for German firms. Second, it explores whether the link between volatility and growth depends on the degree of credit market imperfections. Design/methodology/approach – The authors use a novel firm‐level dataset provided by the Deutsche Bundesbank, the so‐called Financial Statements Data Pool. The dataset has time series observations for German firms for the period 1997‐2004, and the authors use information on the debt‐to‐assets or leverage ratio of firms to proxy for credit‐constraints at the firm‐level. As additional proxies for the importance of credit market imperfections, we use information on the size and on the legal status of firms. Findings – The authors find that higher volatility has a negative impact on growth for small and a positive impact for larger firms. Higher leverage is associated with higher growth. At the same time, there is heterogeneity in the determinants of growth across firms from different sectors and across firms with a different legal status. Practical implications – While most traditional macroeconomic models assume that growth and volatility are uncorrelated, a number of microeconomic models suggest that the two may be linked. However, it is unclear whether the link is positive or negative. The paper presents additional evidence regarding this question. Moreover, understanding whether credit market conditions affect the link between volatility and growth is of importance for policy makers since it suggests a channel through which the credit market can have long‐run welfare implications. The results stress the importance of firm‐level heterogeneity for the effects and effectiveness of economic policy measures. Originality/value – The paper has two main novel features. First, it uses a novel firm‐level dataset to analyze the determinants of firm‐level growth. Second, it analyzes the growth‐volatility nexus using firm‐level data. To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first paper, which addresses the link between volatility, growth, and credit market imperfections using firm‐level data.
C–H···O-Brückenbindungen in Imidazolium-Carboxylaten / C–H···O Hydrogen Bonds in Imidazolium Carboxylates
2008-08-01

2,3-Dihydro-1,3-diisopropyl-4,5-dimethylimidazol-2-ylidene (1) reacts with benzoic acid to give the corresponding 1,3-diisopropyl-4,5-dimethylimidazolium benzoate salt 2. Similarly, 1,3-diisopropyl-4,5-dimethylimidazolium formiate (3) is obtained from 1 and ammonium formiate. In crystals of 2, the anions are linked to the imidazolium ions by monofunctional O···H-C bonds while in 3 bifurcated O・・・H-C bonds are observed. In 1,3-diisopropyl-4,5-dimethylimidazolium hydrogenoxalate (4), obtained from 1 and oxalic acid, hydrogen bonds connect both imidazolium ions to the hydrogenoxalate ions in a bifurcated mode as well as the anions to each other.
Synthesis and Crystal Structure of Triethylammonium 5-[(2,2-Dimethyl- 4,6-dioxo-1,3-dioxan-5-ylidene)(methylthio) methyl]-1,3-dimethylpyrimidine- 2,4,6-trionate
2008-08-01

Triethylammonium 5-[(2,2-dimethyl-4,6-dioxo-1,3-dioxan- 5-ylidene)(methylthio)methyl]-1,3-dimethylpyrimidine- 2,4,6-trionate (6) is obtained as red-orange stable crystals by reaction of 5-[bis(methylthio)methylene]-2,2-dimethyl- 1,3-dioxane-4,6-dione (5) with 1,3-dimethylbarbituric acid (2) in the presence of triethylamine in excellent yield. The crystal structure of 6 confirms the negative charge to be localized at the barbituric-acid ring in its enolate form.
Contribution and Indemnification Among Joint Torteasors in Multi-State Conflict Cases: A Study of Doctrine and the Current law in the us and Under the Rome ii Regulation
2008-08-01

(2008). Contribution and Indemnification Among Joint Torteasors in Multi-State Conflict Cases: A Study of Doctrine and the Current law in the us and Under the Rome ii Regulation. Journal of Private International Law: Vol. 4, No. 2, pp. 237-277.
TRAVEL INCENTIVES AS TOURNAMENT COMPENSATION -- PROBLEMS OF CONTESTANT HETEROGENEITY AND SOLUTIONS.
2008-08-01

The theoretical literature on organizational rewards underlines the effectiveness of tournament compensation systems, but very few is known about the implementation of tournament reward structures in real business organizations. We theoretically analyse incentive travel sales contests as tournament compensation systems and then present empirical evidence on the effectiveness of tournament structures, the problems caused by contestant heterogeneity and the organizational attempts to reduce contestant heterogeneity and thus re-install tournament incentives.
Systematic Survey on the Magnetic Signature of Martian Meteorites (SNC): Extending the Database
2008-08-01

Skin ageing is accompanied by wrinkle formation. In particular, periorbital wrinkle formation is a relatively early sign of skin ageing. We evaluated the effects of a preparation containing asiaticoside on the periorbital wrinkles of a group of volunteers. The effectiveness of the active compound, asiaticoside, in a base-cream preparation for the treatment of temporal periorbital wrinkles was tested on 27 female volunteers as follows: the women applied the cream twice a day to the region of interest for 12 weeks. Same women also applied a vehicle control cream to the periorbital skin around the other eye. Negative replicas were taken of the periorbital skin before treatment and 4, 8, and 12 weeks after application of the cream. The results were evaluated by semi-automated morphometry of the plastic replicas. After 12 weeks of treatment, there was a significant improvement of the periorbital wrinkles in majority of the volunteers who tested the cream. Of the 27 women examined with periocular wrinkles, 65% showed an improvement at the end of the treatment. In three cases, the improvement was 100% (disappearance of the crow's feet), 75% +/- 1.97 and 79% +/- 2.82. On six eyes, there was no significant change after the treatment. With 12 weeks of treatment with the asiaticoside-containing cream, most of the periorbital wrinkles were attenuated to some degree, and some women experienced a significant improvement of the periorbital wrinkles on one of their eyes.
On “A four-week, task-specific neuroprosthesis program…” Dunning K, et al. Phys Ther. 2008;88:397–405.
2008-08-01

We regard this report1 as very valuable as it describes the use of a task-specific neuroprosthesis program in a patient characterized as severely impaired without any active residual finger and hand movements. Those patients without residual finger and hand movements usually are not included in studies dealing with rehabilitation after stroke because of their negative prognosis. Fortunately, Dunning et al present a therapeutic approach that was successful for a patient with such impairment. There is one point ...
Reconstructive Urology
2008-08-01

SurveyGH + E(2).The treatment groups received daily subcutaneous injections for 3 weeks.The effects of hormone Results: The sham rats had a mean (sd) voiding frequency of 3 (0.87) times in 10 min and a bladder capacity of 0.43 (0.13) mL with smooth cystometry curves.The number of rats in each treatment group (each group contained nine rats) that had voiding dysfunction was as follows: E(2), three; raloxifene, six; levormeloxifene, four; and controls, four (P > 0.05 among the groups).Only one rat in the GH-treated group and no rats in the than in the controls (P = 0.041).Conclusion: This functional data suggest that the development of voiding dysfunction can be prevented by short-term administration of GH and GH + E(2) in our rat model.SERMs and E(2) alone seem to have no therapeutic effect.