julilili42/papers huggingface dataset:
Effect of an Unrepaired Fracture of the Ulnar Styloid Base on Outcome After Plate-and-Screw Fixation of a Distal Radial Fracture
2009-04-01

An unrepaired fracture of the base of the ulnar styloid does not appear to influence function or outcome after treatment of a distal radial fracture with plate-and-screw fixation, even when the ulnar fracture was initially displaced >or=2 mm.
Pharmacogenomics of Human Liver Cytochrome P450 Oxidoreductase: Multifactorial Analysis and Impact on Microsomal Drug Oxidation
2009-04-01

Models that integrate POR and microsomal CYP function are complex and depend on the CYP isozyme, the substrate and numerous genetic and nongenetic factors. Intronic POR variants may influence microsomal CYP activities. These data provide a basis for further studies towards inclusion of POR polymorphisms in pharmacogenomic strategies.
Surgical Aspects in the Treatment of Patients With Unilateral Wilms Tumor
2009-04-01

While the event-free survival for all groups is equal, there may be some long-term complications as a result of the more intensified therapy required for patients who suffer intraoperative ruptures. This will be defined only with longer term studies of late effects of the more intensified therapy. There is,however an increased rate of complications and ruptures associated with the use of midline laparotomy rather than a transverse or thoracoabdominal incision.
Comparison of standard endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) versus an optimized ESD technique for the colon: an animal study
2009-04-01

A new ESD technique for the successful en bloc resection in thin-walled regions such as pig colon has been described. This procedure is as effective as the standard procedure but is easier to handle and significantly safer.
A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Phase II Study of Vandetanib Plus Docetaxel/Prednisolone in Patients with Hormone-Refractory Prostate Cancer
2009-04-01

Vandetanib (ZACTIMA) is a once-daily oral anticancer drug that selectively inhibits vascular endothelial growth factor receptor, epidermal growth factor receptor, and rearranged during transfection signaling. This randomized (1:1), double-blind study evaluated vandetanib (100 mg/day) or placebo in combination with docetaxel (D; 75 mg/m(2) every 3 weeks) and prednisolone (P; 2 x 5 mg/day) in 86 patients with metastatic hormone-refractory prostate cancer (mHRPC). The primary assessment was prostate-specific antigen (PSA) response (confirmed reduction of >or=50% from baseline) and a greater number of patients showed a PSA response with placebo + DP (67%) versus vandetanib + DP (40%); hazard ratio = 2.23 (one-sided 80% confidence limit = 2.90; one-sided p = 0.99). More patients experienced progression events (disease progression or death from any cause) with vandetanib + DP (65%) versus placebo + DP (60%); hazard ratio = 1.13 (one-sided 80% confidence limit = 1.44; one-sided p = 0.67). The overall incidence of adverse events was similar in both groups, although more patients experienced adverse events, leading to permanent discontinuation with vandetanib + DP (28%) versus placebo + DP (12%). However, the safety and tolerability profile for vandetanib was similar to that previously reported; adverse events that occurred more frequently in the vandetanib + DP arm were hypertension (14% vs. 2%), erythematous rash (14% vs. 2%), and exfoliative rash (12% vs. 2%). In this study of patients with mHRPC, vandetanib + DP did not demonstrate any efficacy benefit, compared with placebo + DP.
RECONSTRUCTION OF MAGMATIC TO SUBSOLIDUS PROCESSES IN AN AGPAITIC SYSTEM USING EUDIALYTE TEXTURES AND COMPOSITION: A CASE STUDY FROM TAMAZEGHT, MOROCCO
2009-04-01

The Eocene Tamazeght (or Tamazert) complex, situated in the High Atlas Mountains of Morocco, comprises a suite of ultramafic to syenitic alkaline to peralkaline units cross-cut by carbonatite diatremes, and dyke rocks of both carbonatite and silicate lithology. In spatially restricted areas, the most evolved silicate unit of the complex (malignites) contains eudialyte-group minerals (EGM) as index phases for agpaitic systems. The chemical composition of EGM is closely related to their textural position; the EGM are stable over a wide range of temperature and chemical composition and readapt their composition to changing subsolidus conditions, including infiltration of external fluids. Therefore, EGM are a powerful petrogenetic indicator in agpaitic systems. Petrography and compositions of EGM record all stages of the (late-) magmatic to subsolidus history including (1) effects of an autometasomatic fluid, (2) infiltration of a fluid derived from associated carbonatites, and (3) opening of the system to meteoric fluids. During the late-magmatic stage 1, the crystallization of interstitial EGM is accompanied by intensive albitization of surrounding feldspars. The replacement of nepheline by sodalite occurs at the postmagmatic stage 2, when primary sector-zoned EGM are cross-cut by irregular bright zones in BSE image that are enriched in Sr, Mn, rare-earth elements (REE) and high field-strength elements (HFSE). Enrichment of these elements in distinct schlieren-like zones in EGM combined with the formation of Ca- and CO2-rich minerals of the cancrinite group points to the associated carbonatites as the potential source of fluid. The latest modifications (3) include the formation of zeolite-group minerals and calcite, which are believed to be a result of the interaction of the rocks with low-temperature meteoric fluids, probably in equilibrium with the surrounding country-rocks.
GPR98 mutations cause Usher syndrome type 2 in males
2009-04-01

Mutations in the large GPR98 gene underlie Usher syndrome type 2C (USH2C), and all patients described to date have been female. It was speculated that GPR98 mutations cause a more severe, and eventually lethal, phenotype in males. We describe for the first time two male patients with USH2 with novel GPR98 mutations. Clinical characterization of a male patient and his affected sister revealed a typical USH2 phenotype in both. GPR98 may have been excluded from systematic investigation in previous studies, and the proportion of patients with USH2C probably underestimated. GPR98 should be considered in patients with USH2 of both sexes.
M.A.I.D.
2009-04-01

This new chronic lower extremity ulcer score is capable of anticipating long-term probability of healing by combining 4 clinically assessable parameters. However, adequate and standardized wound care is an indispensable prerequisite for M.A.I.D. to be a valid diagnostic tool in daily clinical routine.
Neuronal substrates of gaze following in monkeys
2009-04-01

Abstract Human and non‐human primates follow the gaze of their respective conspecific to identify objects of common interest. Whereas humans rely on eye‐gaze for such purposes, monkeys preferentially use head‐gaze information. Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) studies have delineated an area in the human superior temporal sulcus (STS), which is specifically activated when subjects actively follow the eye‐gaze of others. Similarly, using fMRI, we have identified an analogous region in the monkey’s middle STS responding to gaze following. Hence, although humans and monkeys might rely on different directional cues guiding their attention, they seem to deploy a similar and possibly homologous cortical area to follow the gaze of a conspecific. Our results support the idea that the eyes developed a new social function in human evolution, most likely to support cooperative mutual social interactions building on a phylogenetically old STS module for the processing of head cues.
Proprioceptive feedback in BCI
2009-04-01

Motor imagery based brain computer interface (BCI) technology can be used in motor neurorehabilitation. The use of a BCI as a neuroprosthetic for paralyzed limb assistance implies afferent information flow caused by the feedback. It is an open question whether the proprioceptive feedback causes a bias in the modulation of a motor imagery based BCI control signal. We used a BCI coupled with a robotic orthosis fixed to the subjects hand for flexing or extending the subjects fingers. We studied the proprioceptive feedback neurocorrelates and the performance of 2 subjects by compairing their accuracy using a BCI platform in 2 different tasks; motor imagery task without feedback and motor imagery task with fake, proprioceptive feedback. The proprioceptive feedback increased the performance considerably for both subjects. There is a clear desynchronization potentiation of the mu and beta rhythms while the subjects hand was being moved by the orthosis. These findings could be very relevant for the motor neurorehabilitation field.
Semiformal verification of temporal properties in automotive hardware dependent software
2009-04-01

The verification of embedded software has become an important subject over the last years. This work presents a new semiformal verification approach called SofTPaDS. It combines assertion-based and symbolic simulation approaches for the verification of embedded software with hardware dependencies. SofTPaDS shows to be more efficient than the software model checkers in order to trace deep state spaces and improves the state coverage relative to a simulation-based verification tool. We have successfully applied our approach to an industrial automotive embedded software.
Theta Burst Stimulation in the Treatment of Incapacitating Tinnitus Accompanied by Severe Depression
2009-04-01

ABSTRACT This case report describes the use of transcranial magnetic theta burst stimulation (TBS) in the treatment of incapacitating tinnitus accompanied by symptoms of severe depression. Tinnitus is known to be associated with hyperactivity and maladaptive cortical reorganization of the central auditory system. Combined with anxiety and depression, it can occasionally constitute a psychiatric emergency. Recently, it has been demonstrated that tinnitus can be temporarily suppressed by non-invasive transcranial magnetic stimulation. TBS is a newly developed technique for rapid and lasting modulation of cortical excitability. Herein, we present a case of a 54-year-old woman with incapacitating tinnitus that has significantly decreased after three cycles of 1-week treatment with continuous TBS to the temporo-parietal auditory association cortex. According to the Tinnitus Questionnaire, tinnitus intensity decreased from 84 points before to 59 points after treatment. Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression score dropped from 44 to 23 points. TBS showed to be efficient, well-tolerated, and practical in the management of distressing tinnitus accompanied by symptoms of severe depression.
Multidrug resistance-related protein 2 genotype of the donor affects kidney graft function
2009-04-01

Kidney graft-specific MRP2 deficiency has mild effects on the renal excretion of some organic solutes under experimental conditions and induces a protein and gene expression pattern indicative of activated antioxidant defense mechanisms. This suggests that MRP2 is a determinant of the redox status in tubular epithelial cells and thus of the susceptibility to renal damage under conditions of treatment with multiple drugs and increased oxygen radical formation.
Metastasis of malignant melanoma in the ureter: Possible algorithms for a therapeutic approach
2009-04-01

Abstract: We report on the very rare case of a patient with a malignant melanoma in the right ureter initially hospitalized for colic pains. Ureterorenoscopy revealed a pigmented solid mass adherent to the mid‐ureteral wall. Histomorphological and immunohistochemical examination of the biopsy specimen demonstrated a malignant neoplasia with HMB45, Melan A and S100 positivity establishing the diagnosis of metastatic malignant melanoma. Hence, partial ureterectomy was performed with no further evidence of disease at the time of surgical intervention. Subsequently, multiple metastases in the renal pelvis and ureter led to secondary nephroureterectomy and retroperitoneal lymphadenectomy with complete excision of the ureteral orifice. Secondary metastatic lesions of the urinary bladder wall were completely resected followed by dacarbazine‐based chemotherapy and resection of retroperitoneal recurrences. Based on this case as well as on recent published reports, we propose a possible algorithm for the treatment of metastatic melanoma of the upper urinary tract.
Highlights of the First International “Immunotherapy in Pediatric Oncology: Progress and Challenges” Meeting
2009-04-01

The first annual conference on immunotherapy in pediatric oncology was held in Bethesda, MD, from September 9 to 10, 2008 to discuss the state-of-the-art of immunotherapeutic strategies currently being explored in pediatric oncology. Major topics included targeting cell surface receptors, understanding and improving T-cell-based therapies, augmenting innate immune strategies, and enhancing graft-versus-leukemia for pediatric malignancies. As can be seen in the summaries of the individual presentations, significant progress has been made in developing preclinical models of pediatric tumors and a variety of novel immunobiologic therapies are approaching, or already in, the clinic. Although there is much excitement about the potential utility of these agents, a great deal of challenges lie ahead in improving the efficacy of each of these modalities and getting them to patients in a timely fashion. The resulting discussions will hopefully lead to new collaborations and insight for further translational and clinical studies.
Epidemics: the fitting of the first dynamic models to data
2009-04-01

Dedicated with appreciation to Klaus Krickeberg on his 80th birthday. There is probably no more legitimate use of the instrument of statistics than its application to the study of epidemic diseases. Arthur Ransome (1868)
The future of targeted therapy approaches in melanoma
2009-04-01

In looking ahead to the future, it is likely that new advances in melanoma biology, such as the identification of melanoma stem cells and a greater understanding of intratumoral heterogeneity, may play a role in the design of any future melanoma targeted therapy.
Hydrothermal vein formation by extension-driven dewatering of the middle crust: An example from SW Germany
2009-04-01

Hydrothermal deposits in extensional settings are common worldwide. These deposits are generally assumed to have formed from circulating fluids that mix with other fluids. However, the driving force for the circulation remains unclear in many cases. Here we present a model to explain the upward release of significant amounts of fluid from deeper crustal levels during extension, without the need to invoke fluid circulation cells. Compared to rocks, aqueous fluids are about ten times more compressible. Exhumation due to crustal thinning or denudation causes an instantaneous decrease in overburden pressure, without much change in fluid pressure in isolated pores. This implies that the relative fluid pressure increases during exhumation, and fluid needs to be expelled to maintain the original relative fluid pressure. Pore fluids at lithostatic pressure need to expel approximately 5% of their volume for every 100 MPa decompression of their host rock. We show that significant amounts of fluid (in the order of 10 to 10 km fluid per km crustal column) can be released this way during extensional events. Crustal heating may have the same effect, owing to the much larger thermal expansion of fluids compared to rocks. The proposed model was tested on the Schwarzwald hydrothermal ore district in SW Germany. Five different generations of mineralization, all formed during extensional events, could be distinguished based on mineralogy, geochemistry and age. We show that release of pore fluid that is driven by decompression and/or heating can supply sufficient amounts of fluid to account for the observed tonnages of gangue minerals in these hydrothermal deposits.
Individual stearoyl-CoA desaturase 1 (SCD1) expression modulates ER stress and inflammation in human myotubes and is associated with skeletal muscle lipid storage and insulin sensitivity in vivo
2009-04-01

Objective: Increased plasma levels of free fatty acids occur in obesity and type 2 diabetes and contribute to the development of insulin resistance. Especially saturated fatty acids (SFA) like palmitate have lipotoxic effects leading to endoplasmatic-reticulum (ER) stress, inflammation and insulin resistance. Stearoyl-CoA desaturase 1 (SCD1) plays a key role in preventing lipotoxic effects as it converts SFA to less harmful monounsaturated fatty acids.
Thermal use of groundwater: International legislation and ecological considerations
2009-04-01

Groundwater fulfills various functions for nature, animals and humans. Certainly, groundwater has highest relevance as freshwater resource. Another increasingly important issue - especially considering rising oil and gas prices - is the use of aquifers as renewable energy reservoirs. In view of these two somehow conflictive uses it seems important to define legal regulations and management strategies where exploitation and protection of aquifers is balanced. Thermal use of groundwater with e.g. ground source heat pump (GSHP) systems results in temperature anomalies (cold or heat plumes) in the subsurface. The extension of these temperture plumes has to be known in order to interpret their influence on adjacent geothermal installations. Beside this technological constraint, there exists an ecological one: man made thermal anomalies may have undesirable effects on the groundwater ecosystem. To promote geothermal energy as an economically attractive, sustainable and environmentally friendly energy source, such constraints have to be integrated in regulations, planning and maintenance (H&amp;auml;hnlein et al. 2008a,b). The objective of this study is to review the current legal status of the thermal use of groundwater and to present first results how the ecosystem is influenced. &amp;bull; Legal viewpoint: The international legal situation on thermal groundwater use is very heterogeneous. Nationally and internationally there is no consistent legal situation. Minimum distances between GSHP and temperature limits for heating and cooling the groundwater vary strongly. Until now there are no scientifically based thresholds. And it is also legally unexplained which temperature changes are detrimental. This is due to the fact that there are no ecological and economical parameters established for sustainable groundwater use. &amp;bull; Ecological viewpoint: First results show that temperature changes that arise with the thermal use of groundwater can noticeably influence the composition of biocoenoses. For a profound quantification and interpretation of an ecologically sustainable thermal use of groundwater more data from lab experiments and in situ surveys are needed. We can conclude that for sustainable use of groundwater legally-binding minimum distances between adjacent installations are crucial. However, they have to be based on geological arguments. Also relative temperature limits for cooling and heating of groundwater to avoid negative changes in the groundwater ecosystem should be defined. Overall, there is a need for a legal framework, ideally developed nationally and internationally, which thoroughly addresses legal, technical, ecological and economical aspects.http://meetingorganizer.copernicus.org/EGU2009/EGU2009-11963.pdf
CLEC2A Is a Novel Skin-Specific, Stimulatory Ligand of Human NK Cells (39.8)
2009-04-01

Abstract The Natural Killer Gene Complex (NKC) encodes for numerous C-type lectin-like receptors (CTLR) variably expressed on lymphocytes and myeloid cells. Well-known representatives of NKC-encoded CTLR are NKG2D, CD69, and Ly49 molecules. However, the NKC also contains a considerable number of genes which are barely characterized. Recently, we described the CLEC2A gene encoding for a new member of the human CLEC2 family of NKC-encoded CTLR. CLEC2A, in contrast to other human CLEC2 family members such as CD69/CLEC2C and AICL/CLEC2B, is virtually not expressed by peripheral leukocytes, but its expression appears restricted to skin. We now report that CLEC2A encodes for a non-disulfide-linked, homodimeric surface CTLR which is expressed on freshly isolated skin cells. Addressing a potential immune-associated function, we find that CLEC2A stimulates cytotoxicity and cytokine release of human NK cells. However, we failed to ascertain CLEC2A engagement by known activating NK receptors. Instead, we identified a hitherto undescribed NKC-encoded CTLR (NKp65) that specifically interacts with CLEC2A and activates NK cytotoxicity. In summary, we define CLEC2A as a skin-specific and NK cell-stimulating CTLR engaging NKp65, a novel activating CTLR which may allow for dedicated immunosurveillance of human skin. This work was supported by funds (SFB 685/A1) of the German Research Foundation (DFG).
Efficient Skyline Refinement using trade-offs
2009-04-01

Skyline queries have received a lot of attention due to their intuitive query formulation. Following the concept of Pareto optimality all dasiabestpsila database items satisfying different aspects of the query are returned to the user. However, this often results in huge result set sizes. In everyday's life users face the same problem. But here, when confronted with a too large variety of choices users tend to focus only on some aspects of the attribute space at a time and try to figure out acceptable compromises between these attributes. Such trade-offs are not reflected by the Pareto paradigm. Incorporating them into user preferences and adjusting skyline results accordingly thus needs special algorithms beyond traditional skylining. In this paper we propose a novel algorithm for efficiently incorporating such typical trade-off information into preference orders. Our experiments on both real world and synthetic data sets show the impact of our techniques: impractical skyline sizes efficiently become manageable with a minimum amount of user interaction. Additionally, we also design a method to elicit especially interesting trade-offs promising a high reduction of skyline sizes. At any point, the user can choose whether to provide individual trade-offs, or accept those suggested by the system. The benefit of incorporating trade-offs into the strict Pareto semantics is clear: result sets become manageable, while additionally getting more focused on the users' information needs.
White box performance analysis considering static non-preemptive software scheduling
2009-04-01

In this paper, a novel approach for integrating static non-preemptive software scheduling in formal bottom-up performance evaluation of embedded system models is described. The presented analysis methodology uses a functional SystemC implementation of communicating processes as input. Necessary model extensions towards capturing of static non-preemptive scheduling are introduced and the integration of the software scheduling in the formal analysis process is explained. The applicability of the approach in an automated design flow is presented using a SystemC model of a JPEG encoder.