julilili42/papers huggingface dataset:
Micrometastasis of a Sentinel Lymph Node in Cutaneous Melanoma Is a Significant Prognostic Factor for Disease-Free Survival, Distant-Metastasis-Free Survival, and Overall Survival
2004-09-29

The study examined patients with melanomas of all tumor thicknesses and SLNB for which the prognostic significance of SLNB was tested. Recurrences were more frequent in patients with a micrometastatic SLN. Patients with a negative SNLB are still at risk for tumor recurrence. The histopathologic result of SLNB is, after tumor thickness, the most significant prognostic factor for disease-free survival, distant-metastasis-free survival, and overall survival.
Event preprocessor for the CdZnTe-strip detector on MIRAX
2004-09-29

ABSTRACT We present the Event Pre Processor (EPP) for the Cadmium-Zinc-Telluride-strip detector of the Hard X-rayImager (HXI) onboard of the MIRAX satellite. The purpose of the EPP is to provide an onboard data reductionand event ltering by applying a non linear energy gain correction for each detector strip. This data reductionis necessary because of the limited telemetry capacity of the MIRAX satellite. We decided to use hardwireddata processing electronics based on a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) chip designed in VHDL. Thissolution allows us to combine high computation power with low power consumption. We discuss the functionalityand status of the EPP design developed in T ̈ ubingen.Keywords: CdZnTe, strip detector, FPGA, data handling , EPP, MIRAX 1. INTRODUCTION: MIRAX SATELLITE The Monitor e Imageador de Raios-X ( MIRAX ) is a satellite mission proposed by a collaboration of teamsfrom INPE (Brazil), CASS/UCSD (USA), IAA T ̈ ubingen (Germany), MIT (USA), the University of Warwick(UK), and SRON (Netherlands) as part of the INPE program of scientic micro-satellites (1). The scienceobjective of this mission is to provide continuous broadband imaging in 2 200keV of the central 1000 squaredegrees of our galactic plane for approximately 9 months per year. The continuous monitoring from a low Earthequatorial 550km orbit will allow the study of shortlived high energy events such as bursts from accreting neutronstars, including burst oscillations, or ejection events fro m Galactic microquasars, as well as long-term studiesof accreting compact objects, such as monitoring of the soft and hard states of accreting black holes. MIRAXwill be able to continue the scientic legacy of the RXTE All Sky Monitor, with a 10 × increased sensitivity,and of CGRO BATSE, with a sensitivity that is expected to be 40 × better. By concentrat ing on the Galacticcenter region, MIRAX will ll the gap between the infrequent hard X-ray and gamma-ray observations of theGalactic plane by INTEGRAL , and the quasi-random survey of the X-ray sky provided by Swift , and it will bean important precursor to the EXIST mission.The above scientic objectives translate into a mission us ing two scientic instruments, the Soft X-ray Imager(SXI) for the energy range 2 28keV, and the Hard X-ray Imager (HXI) for the energy range 20 200keV. Bothinstruments will be using coded masks. The angular resolution of the HXI will be 6 and the eld of view will be45 .8 × 22 .9 (1). For the SXI, it is foreseen to use the ight spare of the BeppoSAX Wide Field Camera (2) with
Skin-sparing mastectomy and immediate breast reconstruction: incidence of recurrence in patients with invasive breast cancer
2004-09-30

The aim of this study was to investigate whether skin-sparing mastectomy (SSM), which is gaining increasing importance and gives well-accepted cosmetic results, provides adequate treatment of the patients' oncologic disease. From 1995 to 2003, 60 patients diagnosed with invasive breast cancer were treated with SSM and complete axillary dissection. All patients underwent immediate breast reconstruction after primary surgery. Patients were treated either with a latissimus dorsi flap or with a transversus rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap. Depending on the intraoperative analysis of frozen sections, 14 patients were treated with preservation of the nipple-areola complex. During a median follow-up of 52 months (4-92 months), four local recurrences (6.6%) occurred. One patient was also found to have contralateral breast carcinoma. Three patients developed distant metastases, and two patients died of their disease a mean of 18 months after primary therapy. Factors associated with local recurrence were tumor size, poor tumor differentiation, and positive node involvement. SSM followed by immediate breast reconstruction is an alternative to modified radical mastectomy in a subset of patients with invasive breast cancer. The risk of local recurrence is low and is associated with such factors as tumor stage, poor tumor differentiation, and node-positive disease. This procedure does not increase the risk of distant metastases, which is comparable to that after other surgical approaches.
Total Synthesis of Salicylihalamides A and B
2004-09-30

Abstract The paper illustrates two efficient routes to macrolactone 19 containing a 3‐( para ‐methoxybenzyloxy)propyl side chain at C‐15. The chiral center at C‐15 was introduced by a Noyori reduction of keto ester 5 . The intermediate common to both routes, aldehyde 8 , was prepared from keto ester 5 . The subsequent chain extension utilized Evans aldol reactions. The first route leads to the alkene 14 , which was used, after hydroboration, for a Suzuki cross‐coupling reaction with vinyl iodide 15 . The derived seco acid 18 was converted into the macrolactone 19 by a Mitsunobu lactonization by using immobilized triphenylphosphine. Alternatively, an aldol reaction of 8 with the 4‐pentenoyl derivative 20 was used to prepare alkene 26 . This building block led to ester 28 , which could also be converted into macrolactone 19 by the classical ring‐closing metathesis. After conversion of the C‐15 side chain to the corresponding aldehyde, the enamide was introduced through hemiaminal formation and formal elimination of water. Separation of the double‐bond isomers and removal of the silyl protecting groups provided salicylihalamides A ( E )‐ 1 and B ( Z )‐ 1 .
Genetics of Parkinson's disease
2004-09-30

The etiology of most cases of Parkinson's disease (PD) remains unknown. In recent years, however, research has successfully focused on genetic factors contributing to the degeneration of dopaminergic neurons. Causative mutations have been identified in several monogenically inherited forms of the disease. Although these genetic forms of PD are usually rare, the gene discoveries are likely to identify molecular pathways that are also relevant in the sporadic disorder. These studies have led to the identification of (i) the central role of α-synuclein aggregation, secondary to either point mutations or an amplification of the α-synuclein gene; and (ii) the relevance of defects in the proteasomal protein degradation pathway in the molecular pathogenesis of recessive parkin-linked forms of PD. The recent discoveries of two additional recessive forms associated with mutations in the genes DJ-1 and PINK1 have brought the mitochondrial energy metabolism and the cell's defence against toxic free radicals into the focus of research.
Vector meson angular distributions in proton-proton collisions
2004-09-30

The resonance model is used to analyze the omega- and phi-meson angular distributions in proton-proton collisions at sqrt{s} = 2.83 and 2.98 GeV. The assumption of dominant contributions from N^*(1720)3/2+ and N^*(1900)3/2+ resonances which both have, according to the pi N scattering multichannel partial-wave analysis and/or quark models predictions, dominant p_{1/2} N-omega decay modes yields the right pattern of the omega angular distribution at sqrt{s} = 2.83 GeV. The angular distribution at sqrt{s} = 2.98 GeV can be reproduced assuming the dominance of N^*(2000)5/2+ and N^*(1900)3/2+. The experimental phi-meson angular distributions do not shown any asymmetry which requires the existence of a massive negative-parity spin-half resonance. This resonance could be identified with the N^*(2090)1/2-.
The right not to know: an autonomy based approach
2004-10-01

The emerging international biomedical law tends to recognise the right not to know one’s genetic status. However, the basis and conditions for the exercise of this right remain unclear in domestic laws. In addition to this, such a right has been criticised at the theoretical level as being in contradiction with patient’s autonomy, with doctors’ duty to inform patients, and with solidarity with family members. This happens especially when non-disclosure poses a risk of serious harm to the patient’s relatives who, without that vital information, could be deprived of preventive or therapeutic measures. This paper argues, firstly, that individuals may have a legitimate interest in not knowing their genetic make up to avoid serious psychological consequences; secondly, that this interest, far from being contrary to autonomy, may constitute an enhancement of autonomy; thirdly, that the right not to know cannot be presumed, but must be “activated” by the individual’s explicit choice, and fourthly, that this is not an absolute right, in the sense that it may be restricted when disclosure to the patient is necessary in order to avoid a risk of serious harm to third persons.
Galactinol synthase1. A Novel Heat Shock Factor Target Gene Responsible for Heat-Induced Synthesis of Raffinose Family Oligosaccharides in Arabidopsis
2004-10-01

Abstract Heat shock factors (HSFs) are transcriptional regulators of the heat shock response. The major target of HSFs are the genes encoding heat shock proteins (HSPs), which are known to have a protective function that counteracts cytotoxic effects. To identify other HSF target genes, which may be important determinants for the generation of stress tolerance in Arabidopsis, we screened a library enriched for genes that are up-regulated in HSF3 (AtHsfA1b)-overexpressing transgenic plants (TPs). Galactinol synthase1 (GolS1) is one of the genes that is heat-inducible in wild type, but shows constitutive mRNA levels in HSF3 TPs. The generation and analysis of TPs containing GolS1-promoter::β-glucuronidase-reporter gene constructs showed that, upon heat stress, the expression is transcriptionally controlled and occurs in all vegetative tissues. Functional consequences of GolS1 expression were investigated by the quantification of raffinose, stachyose, and galactinol contents in wild type, HSF3 TPs, and two different GolS1 knockout mutants (gols1-1 and gols1-2). This analysis demonstrates that (1) raffinose content in leaves increases upon heat stress in wild-type but not in the GolS1 mutant plants; and (2) the level of raffinose is enhanced and stachyose is present at normal temperature in HSF3 TPs. These data provide evidence that GolS1 is a novel HSF target gene, which is responsible for heat stress-dependent synthesis of raffinose, a member of the raffinose family oligosaccharides. The biological function of this osmoprotective substance and the role of HSF-dependent genes in this biochemical pathway are discussed.
Fossilization of Haversian bone in aquatic environments
2004-10-01

The process of fossilization is still in many respects poorly understood. Changing chemical conditions in the fossilizing bone allows us to distinguish successive stages of bone diagenesis. As long as organic compounds are present in the bone, the first stage, the early diagenesis, is not completed. However, the early diagenesis itself can be subdivided into three stages. Initially the organic compounds, mainly collagen, allow intensive microbial activity on the bone and this microbial decay characterizes the first stage by high decay rates and strongly reducing conditions. After about one year, the microbial activity ceases and the second stage begins, which lasts much longer and is characterized by chemical gelatinisation of collagen in the bone. Finally imbibition of the gelatinised collagen produces cracks across cement lines of secondary osteons and opens additional pathways for diffusion. In this last stage of the early diagenesis, collagen is replaced by apatite and other minerals. After this replacement, late diagenesis begins. The redox milieu in the fossilizing bone is now controlled by the environment, but the high phosphate content of the apatite still buffers the pH to high values. During late diagenesis, pH-dependent precipitation is the most important mineral formation process. To cite this article : H.-U. Pfretzschner, C. R. Palevol 3 (2004). Fossilisation d'os haversiens en milieu aquatique. Le processus de fossilisation demeure encore mal compris à divers égards. Les conditions chimiques changeantes dans l'os en cours de fossilisation permettent de distinguer des étapes successives de la diagenèse osseuse. Tant que des composés organiques demeurent présents dans l'os, la première étape, ou diagenèse initiale, n'est pas complète. Cependant, on peut subdiviser cette première étape elle-même en trois stades. Initialement, les composants organiques, principalement le collagène, permettent une intense activité microbienne dans l'os, et cette dégradation bactérienne caractérise la première étape, du fait du taux élevé de la dégradation et des conditions réductrices. Après environ une année, l'activité microbienne cesse et la seconde étape débute ; elle dure bien plus longtemps et est caractérisée par la gélatinisation du collagène dans l'os. Finalement, l'imbibition du collagène gélatinisé induit des microfractures radiaires au niveau de la ligne cimentante des ostéones secondaires, ce qui ouvre des chemins supplémentaires pour la diffusion. Au cours de cette dernière étape du début de la diagenèse, le collagène est remplacé par de l'apatite et d'autres minéraux. Après ce remplacement, la diagenèse tardive commence. Le milieu redox de l'os en voie de fossilisation est à présent contrôlé par l'environnement, mais la teneur élevée en phosphate de l'apatite maintient néanmoins le pH à des valeurs élevées. Pendant la diagenèse tardive, des précipitations dépendant du pH constituent le processus le plus important de formation des minéraux. Pour citer cet article : H.-U. Pfretzschner, C. R. Palevol 3 (2004).
Phylogenetic super-networks from partial trees
2004-10-01

In practice, one is often faced with incomplete phylogenetic data, such as a collection of partial trees or partial splits. This paper poses the problem of inferring a phylogenetic super-network from such data and provides an efficient algorithm for doing so, called the Z-closure method. Additionally, the questions of assigning lengths to the edges of the network and how to restrict the "dimensionality" of the network are addressed. Applications to a set of five published partial gene trees relating different fungal species and to six published partial gene trees relating different grasses illustrate the usefulness of the method and an experimental study confirms its potential. The method is implemented as a plug-in for the program SplitsTree4.
Error estimation in peak‐shape analysis of XPS core‐level spectra using UNIFIT 2003: how significant are the results of peak fits?
2004-10-01

Abstract An error analysis for numerically evaluating random uncertainties in x‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy has been implemented in version 2003 of the spectra treatment and analysis software UNIFIT in order to improve the understanding of the statistical basis and the reliability of the model parameters for photoelectron spectra. The theoretical basis as well as two approaches to obtain error limits of the fit parameters have been considered. Several test spectra have been analysed and discussed. A representative example has been chosen to demonstrate the relevance of the error estimation for practical surface analysis. Suggestions for the minimization of errors in the peak‐fitting procedures are presented. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley &amp; Sons, Ltd.
Observations and three-dimensional photoionization modelling of the Wolf-Rayet planetary nebula NGC 1501
2004-10-01

Deep optical spectra of the high-excitation planetary nebula NGC 1501 and its W04 central star are presented. A recombination line abundance analysis of the emission-line spectrum of the central star yields He : C: O mass fractions of 0.36 : 0.48 : 0.16, similar to those of PG 1159 stars. A detailed empirical analysis of the nebular collisionally excited line (CEL) and optical recombination line (ORL) spectrums are presented, together with fully three-dimensional photoionization modelling of the nebula. We found very large ORL-CEL abundance discrepancy factors (ADFs) for O2+ (32) and Ne2+ (33). The mean value of similar to5100 K for the T-e derived from He I recombination lines ratios is 6000 K, lower than the value of 11 100 K implied by the [O III] line ratio. This result indicates the existence of a second, low-temperature nebular component, which could account for the observed ORL emission. Electron temperature fluctuations (t(2)) cannot account for the high ADFs found from our optical spectra of this nebula.A three-dimensional photoionization model of NGC 1501 was constructed using the photoionization code MOCASSIN, based on our new spectroscopic data and using the three-dimensional electron density distribution determined from long-slit echellograms of the nebula by Ragazzoni et al. The central star ionizing radiation field is approximated by a model atmosphere, calculated using the Tubingen non-local thermodynamic equilibrium model atmosphere package, for abundances typical of the W04 nucleus of NGC 1501 and PG 1159 stars. The nebular emission-line spectrum was best reproduced using a central star model with an effective temperature of T-eff = 110 kK and a luminosity of L-* = 5000 L-.. The initial models showed higher degrees of ionization of heavy elements than indicated by observations. We investigated the importance of the missing low-temperature dielectronic recombination rates for third-row elements and have estimated upper limits to their rate coefficients.Our single-phase, three-dimensional photoionization model heavily underpredicts the optical recombination line emission. We conclude that the presence of a hydrogen-deficient, metal-rich component is necessary to explain the observed ORL spectrum of this object. The existence of such knots could also provide a softening of the radiation field, via the removal of ionizing photons by absorption in the knots, thereby helping to alleviate the overionization of the heavy elements in our models.
Ciliary Neurotrophic Factor Protects Retinal Ganglion Cells from Secondary Cell Death During Acute Autoimmune Optic Neuritis in Rats
2004-10-01

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory disease of the CNS which leads to demyelination, axonal destruction and neuronal loss in the early stages. Available therapies mainly target the inflammatory component of the disease but fail to prevent neurodegeneration. To investigate the effect of ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) on the survival of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs), the neurons that form the axons of the optic nerve, we used a rat model of myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein‐induced experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis. Optic neuritis in this model was diagnosed by recording visual evoked potentials, and RGC function was monitored by measuring electroretinograms. This study demonstrates that CNTF has a neuroprotective effect on affected RGCs during acute optic neuritis. Furthermore, we demonstrate that CNTF exerts its neuroprotective effect through activation of the Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription pathway, mitogen activated protein kinases and a shift in the Bcl‐2 family of proteins towards the anti‐apoptotic side. In summary, our results demonstrate that CNTF can serve as an effective neuroprotective treatment in a rat model of MS that especially reflects the neurodegenerative aspects of this disease.
Long‐Term Experience with Subcutaneous ICD Leads:
2004-10-01

ICDs provide protection against sudden cardiac death in patients with life‐threatening arrhythmias. Nevertheless, efficacy of defibrillation remains an important issue to guarantee the future safety of patients who receive an ICD. There is a significant number of patients who need an additional subcutaneous lead to obtain a defibrillation safety margin of at least 10 J between the maximum output of the ICD and the energy needed for ventricular defibrillation. However, few data exists about the long‐term performance of different types of subcutaneous leads. Therefore, the aim of this study was to analyze the long‐term experience with three different types of subcutaneous leads. The study included 132 patients (109 men, 23 women; mean age 59.8 years [SD ± 10.7 years]). All of them received a subcutaneous lead in addition to a single chamber or dual chamber ICD between October 1990 and April 2002. Two patients received a second subcutaneous lead after the first lead had been removed so that a total of 134 subcutaneous leads were evaluated. Inclusion criteria for the implantation of an additional subcutaneous lead were (1) unsuccessful ventricular defibrillation at implant without a subcutaneous lead, (2) insufficient safety margin (&lt; 10 J) between the maximum output of the ICD and the energy needed for ventricular defibrillation, or (3) clinical evaluation of a new subcutaneous lead (Medtronic 13014). There were no significant differences between the three study groups with regard to age, sex, underlying cardiac disease, left ventricular ejection fraction, NYHA class assessment and clinical arrhythmia. The results of the DFT testing during follow‐up (prehospital discharge test and 1 and 3 years) were compared to the baseline value obtained during the implantation procedure. All lead related complications were analyzed. Eighty‐two single element subcutaneous array electrodes (SQ‐A1), 31 subcutaneous three‐finger electrodes (SQ‐A3), and 21 subcutaneous patch electrodes (SQ‐P) were implanted during the study period. The median follow‐up was 1,499 days (25th percentile: 798 days, 75th percentile: 1,976 days) in the SQ‐A1 group, 2,209 days (25th percentile: 1,242 days, 75th percentile: 2,710 days) in the SQ‐A3 group, and 1,419 days (25th percentile: 787 days, 75th percentile: 2,838 days) in the SQ‐P group. None of the three groups had a significant change of the DFT during follow‐up compared to baseline. Major complications occurred in six (7.3%) patients in group SQ‐A1 and in two (9.5%) patients in group SQ‐P. There were no major complications in group SQ‐A3. Kaplan‐Meier curves analyzing freedom from subcutaneous lead related complications did not show a significant difference between the three study groups (P = 0.16). SQ‐A1, SQ‐A3, and SQ‐P leads provide stable DFTs during long‐term follow‐up. Major complications are rare. However, a careful follow‐up including chest radiographs at regular intervals is needed to detect potentially fatal complications like lead fractures.
Image-Guided Motor Cortex Stimulation in Patients with Central Pain
2004-10-01

According to recent clinical data, motor cortex stimulation (MCS) is an alternative treatment for central pain syndromes. We present our minimally invasive technique of image guidance for the placement of the motor cortex-stimulating electrode and assess the clinical usefulness of both neuronavigation and vacuum headrest. Five patients suffering from central pain underwent MCS with the guidance of a frameless stereotactic system (BrainLab AG, Munich, Germany). The neuronavigation was used for identification of the precentral gyrus and accurate planning of the single burr hole. The exact location was reconfirmed by an intraoperative stimulation test. Postoperative clinical and neuroradiological evaluations were performed in each patient. The navigation system worked properly in all 5 neurosurgical cases. Determination of the placement of stimulating electrode was possible in every case. All patients obtained postoperative pain relief. No surgical complication occurred, and the postoperative course was uneventful in all patients. This preliminary experience may confirm image guidance as a useful tool for the surgery of MCS. Additionally, minimal and safe exposure can be achieved using a single burr hole and vacuum headrest.