julilili42/papers huggingface dataset:
[Immunohistochemical proof of amelogenin in teeth--a contribution to the evaluation of the age in the identification of unknown corpses].
2007-11-28

When a corpse is found that cannot be identified, one of the forensic tasks is to determine how old the person was when she or he died. To solve this frequently asked question in forensic practice, the enamel protein amelogenin was marked immunohistochemically in 249 extracted teeth. Amelogenin is already produced during prenatal development and is gradually used up throughout life into old age. Hence, the demonstrability decreases with age. The extent of the labelling can be quantified by measuring the mean optical density (MOD). While it is not possible to determine the age on the basis of the mean optical density measurements alone, logistic regression of the MOD together with dichotomisation of the teeth according to age allows statements as to whether the person was younger or older than 30 years.
Effect of High‐Dose Metronidazole on Pharmacokinetics of Oral Budesonide and Vice Versa: A Double Drug Interaction Study
2007-11-29

Recent case reports suggest that addition of high‐dose metronidazole might be associated with elevated plasma concentrations of substrates of cytochrome P450 (CYP) 3A. Because patients with fistulizing Crohn's disease benefit by using high doses of metronidazole for prolonged periods, this study's primary aim was to evaluate the effect of high‐dose metronidazole on the pharmacokinetics of oral budesonide, a sensitive substrate of CYP3A commonly prescribed in acute inflammatory bowel disease. Twelve healthy adults received 1.5 g metronidazole per day over 1 week. The CYP3A‐dependent metabolic profile of an oral dose of budesonide (3 mg) and that of endogenous cortisol were compared intraindividually before and after administration of metronidazole. There was neither a significant effect of high‐dose metronidazole on the area under the plasma concentration‐time curve (AUC) of budesonide (90% confidence interval, 79%–115%) nor on the AUC ratios of 6β‐hydroxybudesonide/budesonide and 16α‐hydroxyprednisolone/budesonide. In parallel, metronidazole did not significantly alter formation of 6β‐hydroxycortisol. Vice versa, budesonide did not affect the AUC of metronidazole (90% confidence interval, 91%–100%). The authors conclude that in contrast to concomitant intake of other imidazoles such as ketoconazole, concomitant intake of metronidazole may not lead to serious safety concerns due to elevated systemic concentrations of the glucocorticoid budesonide.
Characterization of the encephalitogenic immune response in a model of multiple sclerosis
2007-11-29

Abstract Experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) can be actively induced with the extracellular domain of myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG 1–125). MOG‐EAE closely mimics multiple sclerosis (MS) especially as far as demyelination, lesion formation and axonal pathology are concerned. MOG 91–108 is the encephalitogenic stretch within MOG 1–125 in two EAE‐susceptible MHC congenic LEW rat strains [LEW.1AV1 (RT1 av1 ) and LEW.1N (RT1 n )] and DA (RT1 av1 ) rats. In LEW.1AV1 rats, disease could be induced with MOG 96–104 and to a lesser extent with MOG 98–106, whereas in LEW.1N rats, only MOG 98–106 was pathogenic. Both peptides bound well to their restricting MHC class II molecules, i.e ., RT1.D n in the LEW.1N rat and RT1.B a in the LEW.1AV1 rat. TCR spectratyping of MOG 91–108 immunized LEW.1N, LEW.1AV1 and DA rats revealed that MHC class II determined the TCRBV preference of CNS infiltrating T cells. The data demonstrate that the most critical factor in inducing MS like pathology is presentation of autoantigenic peptides on MHC class II molecules resulting in demyelination and axonal pathology.
Aerial hawking and landing: approach behaviour in Natterer's bats, Myotis nattereri (Kuhl 1818)
2007-11-30

SUMMARY We compared the flight and echolocation behaviour of a vespertilionid bat(Myotis nattereri) approaching a large stationary or a small moving target. Bats were trained to either land on a landing grid or to catch a moving tethered mealworm. When closing in on these two targets, the bats emitted groups of sounds with increasing number of signals and decreasing pulse interval and duration. When pursuing the mealworm, the approach phase always ended with a terminal group consisting of buzz I and buzz II. When landing, the bats emitted either a terminal group consisting of buzz I alone,with one or two extra pulses, or a group consisting of buzz I and buzz II. In all situations, buzz I ended on average between 47–63 ms prior to contact with the target of interest, which is approximately the reaction time of bats. Therefore, the information collected in buzz II does not guide the bats to the target. The relevant part of the approach phase to reach the target ends with buzz I. The basic sound pattern of this part is rather similar and independent of whether the bats approach the large stationary or the small moving target.
Eccentric Fixation in Stargardt’s Disease Assessed by Tubingen Perimetry
2007-11-30

It is possible to determine the position of the FL by perimetry with sufficient accuracy if the blind spot is well delimited. Stargardt patients can keep central fixation for different time intervals before changing to an eccentric FL. Most of them show an FL below the central scotoma, which is considered favorable for horizontal reading.
A Comparative Analysis of New Governance Instruments in the Transnational Educational Space: A Shift to Knowledge-Based Instruments?
2007-11-30

In recent years, the ongoing development towards a knowledge-based society — associated with globalization, an aging population, new technologies and organizational changes — has led to a more intensive analysis of education and learning throughout life with regard to quantitative, qualitative and financial aspects. In this framework, education policy is no longer merely an affair of the nation state; on the contrary, a range of significant actors (international, supranational and nongovernmental organizations) play an important role in policy formation and construct a transnational educational space. In a research project being carried out at the University of Tübingen, the education policy initiatives of an international (the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development [OECD]) and supranational (European Union [EU]) organization concerning the concept of lifelong learning are being examined with emphasis on its implementation into national forms of monitoring and reporting systems. A part of the study concerns issues regarding the influence of the OECD and EU on national policy formation and their managing capacity. This article focuses on the emergence of new governance instruments used by the OECD and EU in the transnational educational space, their characteristics and their impacts, applying, as a conceptual tool, Willke's analytical distinction of regulative media into power, money and knowledge.
PD184352 Releases the Regular Hypoxic Reversible DNA Replication Arrest in T24 Cells
2007-11-30

The oxygen dependent regulation of DNA replication is an essential property of proliferating mammalian cells. In human T24 bladder cancer cells, several hours of hypoxia leads to reversible DNA replication arrest and re-entry of oxygen induces a burst of replication initiation. This short communication provides strong evidence that PD184352 initiates DNA replication in living hypoxic cells without elevating the oxygen level. PD184352 releases the regular hypoxic replicon arrest, however, at a low intensity compared to the effect of reoxygenation. Moreover, PD184352 shows no effect on normoxically incubated as well as reoxygenated T24 cells.
Evidence and interdisciplinary consense-based German guidelines: diagnosis and surveillance of melanoma
2007-12-01

Melanoma is a malignant tumor that arises from melanocytic cells and primarily involves the skin. The most important exogenous etiological factor is exposure to ultraviolet irradiation. Diagnosis of melanoma is based primarily on its clinical features, and the A-B-C-D rule is useful in identifying pigmented lesions, which are suspicious for melanoma (Asymmetry, Border irregular, Color inhomogeneous and Diameter more than 5 mm). Dermoscopy is very helpful in clarifying the differential diagnosis of pigmented lesions. About 90% of melanomas are diagnosed as primary tumors without any evidence for metastasis. The tumor-specific 10-year survival for all such tumors is about 75-85%. The most important prognostic factors for primary melanoma without metastases are vertical tumor thickness (Breslow depth) as measured on the histological specimen, presence of histopathologically recognized ulceration, invasion level (Clark level) and identification of micrometastases in the regional lymph nodes via sentinel lymph node biopsy. The current tumor node metastasis classification for the staging of primary melanoma is based on these factors. Melanomas can metastasize either by the lymphatic or by the hematogenous route. About two-thirds of metastases are originally confined to the drainage area of regional lymph nodes. A regional metastasis can appear as satellite metastases up to 2 cm from the primary tumor, as intransit metastases in the skin between the site of the primary tumor and the first lymph node and as regional lymph node metastases. In the stage of regional metastasis, the differentiation between micrometastasis and macrometastasis and the number of lymph nodes involved are crucial. As soon as distant metastasis develops, prognosis depends on the site of the metastasis and on the lactate dehydrogenase levels in the blood. The frequency and extent of follow-up examinations is based on the initial tumor parameters. In thin primary melanomas up to 1-mm tumor thickness, clinical examinations at 6-month intervals are sufficient and in thicker primary melanomas, at 3-month intervals. Lymph node sonography as well as determination of the tumor marker protein S100beta are recommended. Additionally, in the stage of regional metastasis, whole body imaging should be performed every 6 months; in the stage of distant metastasis, surveillance has to be scheduled individually.
Combined 1p/19q Loss in Oligodendroglial Tumors: Predictive or Prognostic Biomarker?
2007-12-01

Abstract Purpose: The combined loss of genetic material on chromosomes 1p and 19q is strongly associated with favorable outcome in patients with WHO grade 3 anaplastic oligodendroglial tumors. The prognostic value of 1p/19q loss in WHO grade 2 oligodendroglial tumors is less well defined. Importantly, the possible effect of combined 1p/19q loss has not been studied in patients who were not treated with radiotherapy or chemotherapy. Experimental Design: Seventy-six patients with oligodendroglioma (n = 33), oligoastrocytoma (n = 30), anaplastic oligodendroglioma (n = 6), or anaplastic oligoastrocytoma (n = 7) were identified who had not received radiotherapy or chemotherapy after their first operation until the end of follow-up or until the first progression and had tissue for 1p/19q status available. 1p/19q status was assessed by multiplex ligation–dependent probe amplification. Results: After a median follow-up of 3.8 years, progressive disease was documented in 34 patients. The estimated median progression-free survival was 4.6 years. Fifty-eight of the 76 patients had a combined loss of 1p and 19q. The absence or presence of combined 1p/19q loss was not prognostic for progression-free survival using multivariate adjustment for histology, extent of resection, and gender. Conclusions: Combined 1p/19q loss is not a sensitive prognostic biomarker in patients with oligodendroglial tumors who do not receive radiotherapy or chemotherapy. The gene products lost as a consequence of this codeletion may include mediators of resistance to genotoxic therapies. Alternatively, 1p/19q loss might be an early oncogenic lesion promoting the formation of glial neoplasms, which retain high sensitivity to genotoxic stress.
Long‐term course and mutational spectrum of spatacsin‐linked spastic paraplegia
2007-12-01

Abstract Objective Hereditary spastic paraplegias (HSPs) comprise a heterogeneous group of neurodegenerative disorders resulting in progressive spasticity of the lower limbs. One form of autosomal recessive hereditary spastic paraplegia (ARHSP) with thin corpus callosum (TCC) was linked to chromosomal region 15q13‐21 (SPG11) and associated with mutations in the spatacsin gene. We assessed the long‐term course and the mutational spectrum of spatacsin ‐associated ARHSP with TCC. Methods Neurological examination, cerebral magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), 18 fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (PET), nerve biopsy, linkage and mutation analysis are presented. Results Spastic paraplegia in patients with spatacsin mutations (n = 20) developed during the second decade of life. The Spastic Paraplegia Rating Scale (SPRS) showed severely compromised walking between the second and third decades of life (mean SPRS score, &gt;30). Impaired cognitive function was associated with severe atrophy of the frontoparietal cortex, TCC, and bilateral periventricular white matter lesions. Progressive cortical and thalamic hypometabolism in the 18 fluorodeoxyglucose PET was observed. Sural nerve biopsy showed a loss of unmyelinated nerve fibers and accumulation of intraaxonal pleomorphic membranous material. Mutational analysis of spatacsin demonstrated six novel and one previously reported frameshift mutation and two novel nonsense mutations. Furthermore, we report the first two splice mutations to be associated with SPG11. Interpretation We demonstrate that not only frameshift and nonsense mutations but also splice mutations result in SPG11. Mutations are distributed throughout the spatacsin gene and emerge as major cause for ARHSP with TCC associated with severe motor and cognitive impairment. The clinical phenotype and the ultrastructural analysis suggest a disturbed axonal transport of long projecting neurons. Ann Neurol 2007
Cellular and Humoral Responses to Influenza in Gabonese Children Living in Rural and Semi‐Urban Areas
2007-12-01

Prevaccination antibody levels indicated that influenza viruses circulate in Gabon. Altogether, influenza vaccination induces weaker immune responses in a rural population than in a semi-urban population of Gabonese schoolchildren.
Brain–computer interfaces in the continuum of consciousness
2007-12-01

All nonresponsive patients can be regarded on a continuum of consciousness which may vary even within short time periods. As overt behaviour is lacking, cognitive functions in such patients can only be investigated using neurophysiological methods. We suggest that brain-computer interfaces may provide a new tool to investigate cognition in disorders of consciousness, and propose a hierarchical procedure entailing passive stimulation, active instructions, volitional paradigms, and brain-computer interface operation.
Early electroretinographic features of streptozotocin‐induced diabetic retinopathy
2007-12-01

A bstract Background: This study set out to document the early electrophysiological and immunohistochemical changes that occur in the retina of experimentally induced diabetic rats. Methods: Diabetes was induced in rats by intraperitoneal injection of 60 mg/kg of streptozotocin (STZ). Electroretinogram readings were taken monthly under either short‐duration or long‐duration stimuli for up to 3 months after STZ. Oscillatory potentials (OP) and the amplitudes and implicit times of a‐ and b‐waves were analysed, and b‐wave amplitudes were analysed using a Naka–Rushton fit. Scotopic a‐waves were analysed with photoreceptor models, and Rmp3 (the maximum a‐wave amplitude) and S (sensitivity) were calculated. Three months after STZ injection, immunohistochemistry for glial fibrillary acidic protein was performed on the retinas of the STZ‐treated rats and age‐matched controls. Results: The implicit OP times were significantly longer in the diabetic rats as compared with the controls, and this difference was noted as early as 1 month following STZ treatment. Other electrophysiological parameters, such as OP amplitudes, a‐ and b‐wave amplitude as well as the implicit times, did not differ from controls at this stage. The sacrificed STZ‐treated rats also demonstrated marked enhancement of glial fibrillary acidic protein immunoreactivity, suggesting that at least in experimentally induced diabetic retinopathy there is increased Müller cell reactivity. Conclusion: The results of this study indicated that functional alterations in the retina develop rapidly after the onset of diabetes. Analysis of each electroretinogram component may be useful in further investigating the development mechanisms of diabetic retinopathy.
Adiposity and Age are Statistically Related to EnhancedRASSF1ATumor Suppressor Gene Promoter Methylation in Normal Autopsy Kidney Tissue
2007-12-01

Abstract Age, adiposity, and smoking are risk factors for the development of renal cell carcinoma. Hypermethylation of the RAS association domain family 1A gene (RASSF1A) promoter belongs to the most frequently detected epigenetic alterations in human cancers including renal cell carcinoma. RASSF1A is functionally involved in cell cycle control in normal cells and depletion promotes a number of cellular changes increasing the risk for neoplastic growth. We investigated the hypothesis that age, modulated by the factors adiposity and anthracosis as a surrogate for smoking, is a predictor of RASSF1A promoter methylation in normal kidney tissue. Using a cross-sectional study design, we quantitatively analyzed RASSF1A methylation in 78 normal autopsy kidney tissues by quantitative combined bisulfite and restriction analysis and bisulfite sequencing, and statistically evaluated the degree of relative methylation for a relationship with the predictor age and study factors adiposity and state of anthracosis. Statistical analysis showed that age (regression analysis; P &amp;lt; 0.001), adiposity (univariate analysis; P = 0.016), and state of anthracosis (t test; P = 0.005) are each significantly associated with an increase of RASSF1A promoter methylation in normal kidney tissue. However, only age (P = 0.008) and adiposity (P = 0.008) were identified as independent predictors of RASSF1A promoter methylation using covariance analysis. This study provides statistical evidence that the common cancer risk factors age and adiposity enhance RASSF1A promoter methylation in nonmalignant kidney tissue. (Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2007;16(12):2526–32)
Do male tree frogs feed during the breeding season? Stomach flushing of five syntopic hylid species in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil1
2007-12-01

Solé, Mirco, Pelz, Birgit (2007): Do male tree frogs feed during the breeding season? Stomach flushing of five syntopic hylid species in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Journal of Natural History 41 (41-44): 2757-2763, DOI: 10.1080/00222930701661282, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/00222930701661282
Physical properties of Martian meteorites: Porosity and density measurements
2007-12-01

Abstract— Martian meteorites are fragments of the Martian crust. These samples represent igneous rocks, much like basalt. As such, many laboratory techniques designed for the study of Earth materials have been applied to these meteorites. Despite numerous studies of Martian meteorites, little data exists on their basic structural characteristics, such as porosity or density, information that is important in interpreting their origin, shock modification, and cosmic ray exposure history. Analysis of these meteorites provides both insight into the various lithologies present as well as the impact history of the planet's surface. We present new data relating to the physical characteristics of twelve Martian meteorites. Porosity was determined via a combination of scanning electron microscope (SEM) imagery/image analysis and helium pycnometry, coupled with a modified Archimedean method for bulk density measurements. Our results show a range in porosity and density values and that porosity tends to increase toward the edge of the sample. Preliminary interpretation of the data demonstrates good agreement between porosity measured at 100× and 300× magnification for the shergottite group, while others exhibit more variability. In comparison with the limited existing data for Martian meteorites we find fairly good agreement, although our porosity values typically lie at the low end of published values. Surprisingly, despite the increased data set, there is little by way of correlation between either porosity or density with parameters such as shock effect or terrestrial residency. Further data collection on additional meteorite samples is required before more definitive statements can be made concerning the validity of these observations.
Post-chemotherapy Laparoscopic Retroperitoneal Lymph-Node Dissection in Testis Cancer Patients
2007-12-01

Laparoscopic RPLND after chemotherapy is a feasible and oncologically safe procedure. However, the technique is challenging and should only be performed in selected patients with low residual tumor volume.
Arterial Thrombosis at High Altitude Resulting in Loss of Limb
2007-12-01

Vascular thrombosis is an uncommon but recognized peril of high altitude travel. Traditionally, this has been associated with prolonged exposure to extreme altitudes where dehydration, hemoconcentration, cold, use of constrictive clothing, and enforced stasis due to severe weather have been named as contributing factors. It is widely hypothesized that hypoxia itself alters the coagulation cascade to create a prothrombotic milieu, though evidence thus far is limited and frequently conflicting. Case reports have described venous thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, cerebrovascular accidents, transient ischemic attacks, and thromboses of the portal circulation at altitude. We report a unique case of aortic thrombosis presenting with critical lower extremity ischemia in a previously healthy individual after a brief exposure to altitudes up to 4620 m. None of the frequently invoked risk factors of dehydration, cold, enforced use of constrictive clothing, weather-imposed inactivity, or extreme altitude were present, and no medical predisposition to thrombosis was identified, suggesting hypoxia as the most likely prothrombotic stimulus. We discuss the treatment of this problem and the application of Doppler ultrasonography in a wilderness setting.
SBIL: Scalable Indoor Localization and Navigation Service
2007-12-01

Several approaches have been proposed for localization and navigation based on WLAN, ZigBee, RFID and UWB over a decade. However, these systems are either expensive or lack accuracy and not all technologies are available in smartphones. Here we describe a Scalable Indoor location based service (SBI) a cost-effective solution based on Bluetooth. Using an appropriate filtering algorithm, we explored the possibility of determining users location based on signal strength. We also constructed a scalable connectionless service by geographic routing and roaming schemes. The whole experimental design thus guarantees a cost effective better navigation system.
A Simple Approximate Formula for the Aspect Ratio of Oblate Particles
2007-12-01

Abstract A simple approximative formula is derived, which can be used to quantify the shape of oblate particles or an average shape of the corresponding particle system, when the results of sedimentation analysis (Stokes equivalent diameters) are known and results from either microscopic image analysis (assuming stable orientation, i.e., with the plane perpendicular to the direction of observation) or laser diffraction (assuming random orientation) are available for the same sample. In the latter case Cauchy's stereological theorem is applied to account for random orientation. Furthermore, it is shown that for sufficiently large aspect ratios, this formula is very close to the well‐known Jennings‐Parslow relation and can replace this more complicated expression in many practical cases, e.g., in the routine characterization of ceramic raw materials (kaolins and oxide or non‐oxide platelet powders).