julilili42/papers huggingface dataset:
Risk factors for early sudden deaths and severe apparent life-threatening events
2012-01-31

Objective To identify potential risk factors for unexpected sudden infant deaths (SID) and severe apparent life-threatening events (S-ALTE) within 24 h of birth. Design Case-control study embedded in an epidemiological survey over a 2-year period. Patients and methods Throughout 2009, every paediatric department in Germany was asked to report cases of unexplained SID or S-ALTE in term infants with a 10-min Apgar score ≥8 to the Surveillance Unit for Rare Pediatric Conditions. Throughout 2010, the inclusion criteria were extended to infants ≥35 week gestational age and those where an explanation for the deterioration had been found. For each unexplained case, hospitals were asked to fill in a questionnaire for 3 (near-)term controls with good postnatal adaptation at the age (in minutes) when the event had occurred in the case under study. Results Of the 85 cases reported, 34 fulfilled the entry criteria; of these, two were near-term newborns and, in three cases, a cause had been identified for the event. For the 31 cases with unknown cause for the event (13 males; mean (SD) gestational age 38.9 (1.7) week), the authors gathered 93 controls (51 male infants; 38.9 (1.4) week). As significant risk factors for S-ALTE and SID, the authors could identify primipara (OR 6.22; 95% CI 2.11 to 18.32) and potentially asphyxiating position (OR 6.45; 95% CI 1.22 to 34.10). Conclusions Close observation of newborns seems necessary, particularly in primipara; a potentially asphyxiating position should be avoided.
Glucocorticoids Enhance Intestinal Glucose Uptake Via the Dimerized Glucocorticoid Receptor in Enterocytes
2012-01-31

Glucocorticoid (GC) treatment of inflammatory disorders, such as inflammatory bowel disease, causes deranged metabolism, in part by enhanced intestinal resorption of glucose. However, the underlying molecular mechanism is poorly understood. Hence, we investigated transcriptional control of genes reported to be involved in glucose uptake in the small intestine after GC treatment and determined effects of GC on electrogenic glucose transport from transepithelial currents. GRvillinCre mice lacking the GC receptor (GR) in enterocytes served to identify the target cell of GC treatment and the requirement of the GR itself; GRdim mice impaired in dimerization and DNA binding of the GR were used to determine the underlying molecular mechanism. Our findings revealed that oral administration of dexamethasone to wild-type mice for 3 d increased mRNA expression of serum- and GC-inducible kinase 1, sodium-coupled glucose transporter 1, and Na+/H+ exchanger 3, as well as electrogenic glucose transport in the small intestine. In contrast, GRvillinCre mice did not respond to GC treatment, neither with regard to gene activation nor to glucose transport. GRdim mice were also refractory to GC, because dexamethasone treatment failed to increase both, gene expression and electrogenic glucose transport. In addition, the rise in blood glucose levels normally observed after GC administration was attenuated in both mutant mouse strains. We conclude that enhanced glucose transport in vivo primarily depends on gene regulation by the dimerized GR in enterocytes, and that this mechanism contributes to GC-induced hyperglycemia.
Fast metabolite mapping in the pig heart after injection of hyperpolarized 13C‐pyruvate with low‐flip angle balanced steady‐state free precession imaging
2012-01-31

Abstract The conversion of hyperpolarized 13 C pyruvate to metabolic products in the Krebs cycle provides valuable information about the metabolic status and the viability of the myocardium. Therefore, imaging methods must be able to spectrally discriminate different 13 C metabolites. However, the requirement for spectral selectivity conflicts with the demands for rapid image acquisition and high spatial resolution in cardiac imaging. In this work, the feasibility of a balanced steady state free precession sequence with low flip angles was investigated in the pig heart after injection of hyperpolarized 13 C 1 ‐pyruvate. Using cardiac gating, it was possible to acquire 13 C‐bicarbonate images within a single heartbeat (acquisition time 150 ms) without destroying the substrate signal from the hyperpolarized pyruvate. Therefore, the technique may be useful in dynamic studies of cardiac metabolism. Magn Reson Med, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Utilization of a Navigated Robot Assistance System for Microsurgical Neurosurgery
2012-01-31

Article Utilization of a Navigated Robot Assistance System for Microsurgical Neurosurgery was published on August 31, 2012 in the journal Biomedical Engineering / Biomedizinische Technik (volume 57, issue SI-1-Track-I).
Calibration of the New Certified Reference Materials ERM‐AE633 and ERM‐AE647 for Copper and IRMM‐3702 for Zinc Isotope Amount Ratio Determinations
2012-02-01

The commonly used, but no longer available, reference materials NIST SRM 976 (Cu) and ‘JMC Lyon’ (Zn) were calibrated against the new reference materials ERM ® ‐AE633, ERM ® ‐AE647 (Cu) and IRMM‐3702 (Zn), certified for isotope amount ratios. This cross‐calibration of new with old reference materials provides a continuous and reliable comparability of already published with future Cu and Zn isotope data. The Cu isotope amount ratio of NIST SRM 976 yielded δ 65/63 Cu values of −0.01 ± 0.05‰ and −0.21 ± 0.05‰ relative to ERM ® ‐AE633 and ERM ® ‐AE647, respectively, and a δ 66/64 Zn IRMM‐3702 value of −0.29 ± 0.05‰ was determined for ‘JMC Lyon’. Furthermore, we separated Cu and Zn from five geological reference materials (BCR‐2, BHVO‐2, BIR‐1, AGV‐1 and G‐2) using a two‐step ion‐exchange chromatographic procedure. Possible isotope fractionation of Cu during chromatographic purification and introduction of resin‐ and/or matrix‐induced interferences were assessed by enriched 65 Cu isotope addition. Instrumental mass bias correction for the isotope ratio determinations by MC‐ICP‐MS was performed using calibrator‐sample bracketing with internal Ni doping for Cu and a double spike approach for Zn. Our results for the five geological reference materials were in very good agreement with literature data, confirming the accuracy and applicability of our analytical protocol.
Plant sterols and cardiovascular disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis†
2012-02-01

The impact of increased serum concentrations of plant sterols on cardiovascular risk is unclear. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to investigate whether there is an association between serum concentrations of two common plant sterols (sitosterol, campesterol) and cardiovascular disease (CVD). We systematically searched the databases MEDLINE, EMBASE, and COCHRANE for studies published between January 1950 and April 2010 that reported either risk ratios (RR) of CVD in relation to serum sterol concentrations (either absolute or expressed as ratios relative to total cholesterol) or serum sterol concentrations in CVD cases and controls separately. We conducted two meta-analyses, one based on RR of CVD contrasting the upper vs. the lower third of the sterol distribution, and another based on standardized mean differences between CVD cases and controls. Summary estimates were derived by fixed and random effects meta-analysis techniques. We identified 17 studies using different designs (four case-control, five nested case-control, three cohort, five cross-sectional) involving 11 182 participants. Eight studies reported RR of CVD and 15 studies reported serum concentrations in CVD cases and controls. Funnel plots showed evidence for publication bias indicating small unpublished studies with non-significant findings. Neither of our meta-analyses suggested any relationship between serum concentrations of sitosterol and campesterol (both absolute concentrations and ratios to cholesterol) and risk of CVD. Our systematic review and meta-analysis did not reveal any evidence of an association between serum concentrations of plant sterols and risk of CVD.
Cost‐of‐illness studies and cost‐effectiveness analyses in eating disorders: A systematic review
2012-02-01

Abstract Objective: To review cost‐of‐illness studies (COIs) and cost‐effectiveness analyses (CEAs) of eating disorders (EDs) and to describe their methodological quality. Method: A systematic literature search was done. Search results passed through a selection process, included studies were classified as COIs, CEAs, or “other cost studies” (OCS). Costs were inflated and converted to 2008 US ‐PPP. All interventions, investigated in CEA, were more effective and less costly than the alternative treatments. Discussion: The number of publications investigating costs in EDs has increased recently. However, no COI provided a comprehensive estimate of costs, and the comparability of CEA was limited. Nonetheless, the results indicate that the costs arising from EDs are substantial. © 2012 by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. (Int J Eat Disord 2012)
Sleep characteristics, sleep problems, and associations of self-efficacy among German university students
2012-02-01

Analyses revealed that more than 16% of surveyed students needed more than 30 minutes to fall asleep. About 7.7% of the students suffered from insomnia. Short sleep was significantly associated with a considerably increased rate of insomnia (20%). Insomniacs showed lower self-efficacy than students without sleep problems.
Nuclear Phytochrome A Signaling Promotes Phototropism in Arabidopsis
2012-02-01

Phototropin photoreceptors (phot1 and phot2 in Arabidopsis thaliana) enable responses to directional light cues (e.g., positive phototropism in the hypocotyl). In Arabidopsis, phot1 is essential for phototropism in response to low light, a response that is also modulated by phytochrome A (phyA), representing a classical example of photoreceptor coaction. The molecular mechanisms underlying promotion of phototropism by phyA remain unclear. Most phyA responses require nuclear accumulation of the photoreceptor, but interestingly, it has been proposed that cytosolic phyA promotes phototropism. By comparing the kinetics of phototropism in seedlings with different subcellular localizations of phyA, we show that nuclear phyA accelerates the phototropic response, whereas in the fhy1 fhl mutant, in which phyA remains in the cytosol, phototropic bending is slower than in the wild type. Consistent with this data, we find that transcription factors needed for full phyA responses are needed for normal phototropism. Moreover, we show that phyA is the primary photoreceptor promoting the expression of phototropism regulators in low light (e.g., PHYTOCHROME KINASE SUBSTRATE1 [PKS1] and ROOT PHOTO TROPISM2 [RPT2]). Although phyA remains cytosolic in fhy1 fhl, induction of PKS1 and RPT2 expression still occurs in fhy1 fhl, indicating that a low level of nuclear phyA signaling is still present in fhy1 fhl.
Disentangling barriers to internationalization
2012-02-01

Abstract. Recent literature on multinational firms has focused on low productivity as a barrier to the internationalization of firms. But labour market frictions or financial constraints may also hamper internationalization. In order to assess the importance of these barriers, we present new empirical evidence on the extensive and intensive margin of exports and foreign direct investment (FDI) based on micro‐level data of German firms. First, we find a positive impact of firm size and productivity on firms’ international activities. Second, labour market frictions can constitute barriers to foreign activities. Third, self‐reported financial constraints have no impact on firms’ internationalization decisions. JEL classification: F23, G2
The GRAF family member oligophrenin1 is a RhoGAP with BAR domain and regulates Rho GTPases in platelets
2012-02-01

Our results suggest that OPHN1 is a powerful regulator of Rho GTPase activity in platelets that is critical for the reorganization of the cytoskeleton, which is a major process required for stable platelet adhesion and thrombus formation to occur.
Predictive Value of Preoperative Digital Templating in THA Depends on the Surgical Experience of the Performing Physician
2012-02-01

Digital preoperative templating is increasingly used to predict the correct component size in total hip arthroplasty (THA). Experienced surgeons could avoid the new technique and rely on a digital template done by a younger colleague. We compared the accuracy of preoperative templating between orthopedic residents (group A) and an experienced orthopedic surgeon (group B). In 106 cases, the software-predicted component sizes of both groups were compared with component sizes placed surgically. An accurate prediction of the acetabular component was achieved in 63% of cases in group A compared with 88% of cases in group B ( P =.001). Concerning the femoral component, accurate prediction was achieved in 89% in group A and 97% in group B ( P =.021). If performed by an experienced orthopedic surgeon, digital templating is an accurate method to predict the prosthetic component size in THA.
SIGNALING CONVENTIONS: WHO LEARNS WHAT WHERE AND WHEN IN A SOCIAL NETWORK?
2012-02-01

Lewis (1969) invented signaling games to show that meaning convention can arise simply from regularities in communicative behavior. This paper contributes to the question how the formation of signaling conventions depends on the social structure of a population. Our results not only show that different language conventions can coexist, but also where to expect uniformity and language contact. We found that place and time of convention formation can be traced well to particular clusters of high/low values of suitable notions from formal network theory. Against prior expectations, we found that agent rationality is less important than network role in deciding how and when an agent adopts a convention.
MudPIT analysis of released proteins inPseudomonas aeruginosalaboratory and clinical strains in relation to pro-inflammatory effects
2012-02-01

Pseudomonas aeruginosa (Pa) is the most common virulent pathogen contributing to the pathogenesis of cystic fibrosis (CF). During bacterial lung colonization, the products of its metabolism are released in the extracellular space contributing to the pathogenic events associated with its presence. To gain insights on the mechanisms involved in the Pa pathogenesis we focused our attention on proteins released by Pa using a MudPIT approach combined with cell biology assays. Conditioned medium (CM) collected under aerobic and microaerobic conditions from Pa clinical strains (in early and late colonization), unlike the laboratory strain, induced expression of IL-8 mRNA in CF airway epithelial cells. We have identified proteins released by clinically relevant Pa strains, focusing on the pro-inflammatory effects as metalloproteases (MMPs). In fact, their expression pattern was associated with the highest pro-inflammatory activity measured in the early clinically isolated strain. The relation was further supported by the result of the analysis of a larger and independent set of Pa isolates derived from sporadically and chronically infected CF patients: 76% of sporadic samples expressed protease activity (n = 44), while only 27% scored positive in the chronically infected individuals (n = 38, p < 0.0001, Fisher's exact test). Finally, looking for a possible mechanism of action of bacterial MMPs, we found that CM from early clinical isolates can cleave CXCR1 on the surface of human neutrophils, suggesting a potential role for the bacterially released MMPs in the protection of the pathogen from the host's response.
The pK0Σ+ final state in proton-proton collisions
2012-02-01

\\n This paper reports results from a study of the reaction pp → pK0Σ+ at beam momenta of p\\n\\nbeam\\n = 2950, 3059, and 3200 MeV/c (excess energies of ε = 126, 161, and 206 MeV. Total cross-sections were determined for all energies; a set of differential cross-sections (Dalitz plots; invariant-mass spectra of all two-body subsystems; angular distributions of all final-state particles; distributions in helicity and Jackson frames) are presented for ε = 161 MeV. The total cross-sections are proportional to the volume of available three-body phase space indicating that the transition matrix element does not change significantly in this range of excess energies. It is concluded from the differential data that the reaction proceeds dominantly via the N(1710)P\\n11- and/or N(1720)P\\n13-resonance(s); N(1650)S\\n11 and Δ(1600)P\\n33 could also contribute.\\n
Monitoring the glioma tropism of bone marrow-derived progenitor cells by 2-photon laser scanning microscopy and positron emission tomography
2012-02-01

Intracerebral experimental gliomas attract intravenously injected murine or human bone marrow-derived hematopoietic progenitor and stem cells (HPC) in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo, indicating that these progenitor cells might be suitable vehicles for a cell-based delivery of therapeutic molecules to malignant gliomas. With regard to therapeutic application, it is important to investigate cell fates in vivo (i.e., the time-dependent intratumoral and systemic distribution after intravenously injection). Conventional histological analysis has limitations in this regard because longitudinal monitoring is precluded. Here, we used 2-photon laser scanning microscopy (2PLSM), positron emission tomography (PET), and MRI to study the fate of intravenously injected HPC carrying fluorescence, bioluminescence, and PET reporter genes in glioma-bearing mice. Our 2PLSM-based monitoring studies revealed that HPC homing to intracerebral experimental gliomas occurred already within the first 6 h and was most efficient within the first 24 h after intravenous injection. The highest PET signals were detected in intracerebral gliomas, whereas the tracer uptake in other organs, notably spleen, lung, liver, and muscle, remained at background levels. The results have important implications for designing schedules for therapeutic cell-based anti-glioma approaches. Moreover, the PET reporter-based imaging technique will allow noninvasive monitoring of cell fate in future cell-based therapeutic antiglioma approaches.
Clinical Implications of the Detection of Circulating Tumor Cells in Breast Cancer Patients
2012-02-01

The detection of disseminated tumor cells in bone marrow is a common phenomenon seen in 30-40% of primary breast cancer patients. The presence of disseminated tumor cells at diagnosis as well as the persistence of disseminated tumor cells is strongly associated with poor clinical outcome. Since bone marrow biopsies are not well tolerated by many patients, the evaluation of circulating tumor cells in the blood might become a desired alternative. Circulating tumor cells are routinely detected, depending on stage of the disease and methodology, in 10-80% of breast cancer patients. Recent studies have shown a prognostic potential of circulating tumor cells in both primary and metastatic settings. The evaluation of circulating tumor cells may become one of the crucial markers for prediction of survival and therapy monitoring, and its characterization might enable specific targeting of minimal residual, and metastatic disease.
A 15q24 microdeletion in transient myeloproliferative disease (TMD) and acute megakaryoblastic leukaemia (AMKL) implicates PML and SUMO3 in the leukaemogenesis of TMD/AMKL
2012-02-01

Summary Transient myeloproliferative disorder ( TMD ) of the newborn and acute megakaryoblastic leukaemia ( AMKL ) in children with Down syndrome ( DS ) represent paradigmatic models of leukaemogenesis. Chromosome 21 gene dosage effects and truncating mutations of the X ‐chromosomal transcription factor GATA 1 synergize to trigger TMD and AMKL in most patients. Here, we report the occurrence of TMD , which spontaneously remitted and later progressed to AMKL in a patient without DS but with a distinct dysmorphic syndrome. Genetic analysis of the leukaemic clone revealed somatic trisomy 21 and a truncating GATA 1 mutation. The analysis of the patient's normal blood cell DNA on a genomic single nucleotide polymorphism ( SNP ) array revealed a de novo germ line 2·58 M b 15q24 microdeletion including 41 known genes encompassing the tumour suppressor PML . Genomic context analysis of proteins encoded by genes that are included in the microdeletion, chromosome 21‐encoded proteins and GATA 1 suggests that the microdeletion may trigger leukaemogenesis by disturbing the balance of a hypothetical regulatory network of normal megakaryopoiesis involving PML , SUMO 3 and GATA 1. The 15q24 microdeletion may thus represent the first genetic hit to initiate leukaemogenesis and implicates PML and SUMO 3 as novel components of the leukaemogenic network in TMD / AMKL .
Treatment of Liver Transplant Graft-Versus-Host Disease With Antibodies Against Tumor Necrosis Factor-α
2012-02-01

Acute graft-versus-host disease is uncommon after liver transplant. We recently treated a 60-year-old man with liver transplant for hepatocellular carcinoma. After the primary liver transplant graft did not function, revision liver transplant resulted in excellent function. Subsequently, the patient developed watery diarrhea, systemic inflammatory response syndrome, a skin rash on his limbs and trunk, and palmar erythema. Skin biopsy suggested viral exanthems consistent with cytomegalovirus. Despite treatment for cytomegalovirus, intestinal symptoms worsened. Analysis of peripheral blood with fluorescence-activated cell sorting showed a high proportion of T lymphocytes, with 5% to 10% T cells specific to the second donor, suggestive of graft-versus-host disease. Within 48 hours after beginning therapy with antibodies against tumor necrosis factor-α (infliximab), the skin rash disappeared and endoscopy showed slight improvement of the mucosal regeneration. However, despite antifungal prophylaxis with caspofungin, the patient developed angioinvasive pulmonary aspergillosis and multiple organ failure, and he died. In conclusion, typical clinical symptoms of graft-versus-host disease after liver transplant may include skin rash and gastrointestinal symptoms, and diagnosis may be confirmed by histologic examination and testing for blood chimerism. A consensus for the treatment of graft-versus-host disease still is lacking, but tumor necrosis factor-α is an encouraging target for therapy to decrease the symptoms of graft-versus-host disease and enable mucosal regeneration.
HUN TUN VERSUS BIG BANG: HOW CLASSICAL CHAOS IMPLIES BOTH "THERMODYNAMICS" AND "CRYODYNAMICS"
2012-02-01

The pre-history of chaos in a rationalist context is taken as a point of departure, starting out with ancient China. The related ancient-Greek "unmixing theory" then leads over to two simple formally 2-body Hamiltonian systems exhibiting chaotic behavior. When the two masses involved are unequal, "pseudoattractors" are formed. Deterministic statistical "thermodynamics" with its dissipative behavior arises when the potential is repulsive. Deterministic statistical "cryodynamics" arises when the potential is attractive. The latter class of Newtonian systems is characterized by "antidissipative" behavior. A geometric proof is sketched in the footsteps of Sinai and Bunimovich. Antidissipative behavior is known empirically from Hubble's law which was so far explained in less fundamental terms. Three experimental examples are proposed.
SCOR/IGBP working group on modern planktonic foraminifera kicked off
2012-02-01

P lanktonic foraminifera have been the true heroes of paleoceanographic research since the birth of the discipline.The ornate shells of these microscopic amoebae are arguably the most important carriers of paleoclimate information available to scientists.Our ability to reconstruct past climate