julilili42/papers huggingface dataset:
DNA Phasing by TA Dinucleotide Microsatellite Length Determines In Vitro and In Vivo Expression of thegp91phoxSubunit of NADPH Oxidase and Mediates Protection against Severe Malaria
2004-06-02

Reactive oxygen intermediates (ROIs) play a major role in the nonspecific innate immune response to invading microorganisms, such as Plasmodium falciparum. In a search for genetic markers that determine differences in production of ROI, we detected a highly polymorphic region of dinucleotide TA repeats approximately 550 bp upstream of the NADPH oxidase gp91(phox) subunit promoter. We genotyped 183 matched Gabonese children with severe or mild malaria. Repeat lengths TA(11) and TA(16) differed significantly in frequency between mild and severe infection, which suggests protection against severe malaria. Both repeat lengths showed lower levels of NADPH oxidase and promoter activities, which can be explained by a cyclic trend in TA repeat length with a period of approximately 5, which indicates the necessity of correct DNA phasing between 2 possible control regions in the promoter. We provide a molecular model of how DNA phasing generated by TA dinucleotide polymorphisms may influence the expression level and protect against severe malaria.
Natural killer (NK) cell-mediated cytolysis of Plasmodium falciparum-infected human red blood cells in vitro.
2004-06-03

The ability of human NK cells to inhibit the growth in vitro of the asexual blood stages of Plasmodium falciparum was tested. Purified NK cells from donors with no prior exposure to malaria significantly inhibited parasite growth after 48 hours of co-culture in the presence of human immune serum. This inhibition was completely abrogated by pre-treatment of the NK cells with an anti-CD95 (anti-Fas) monoclonal antibody and human Fas-Fc soluble protein. The level of growth inhibition was also substantially reduced by pre-treatment with an anti-CD56 antibody. These two antibodies caused reductions, to varying levels, of the amounts of NK cell-derived granzyme B (GrB) and pro-inflammatory cytokines, but only the anti-CD95 antibody affected the production of soluble Fas ligand (sFasL). Direct destruction of parasite-infected red cells by NK cells, in the absence of serum, was also observed in a standard 51Cr cytotoxicity test, during which N-carboxybenzoxy-L-lysine thiobenzil ester (BLT esterase) activity, which catalyzes serine protease granule release, was detected. The results obtained are indicative of a novel mechanism of NK cell-mediated cytotoxic activity against Plasmodium falciparum-infected red cells, which is mediated in part by both Fas and by GrB.
The formation of the rodlet layer of streptomycetes is the result of the interplay between rodlins and chaplins
2004-06-04

Summary Streptomycetes form hydrophobic aerial hyphae that eventually septate into hydrophobic spores. Both aerial hyphae and spores possess a typical surface layer called the rodlet layer. We present here evidence that rodlet formation is conserved in the streptomycetes. The formation of the rodlet layer is the result of the interplay between rodlins and chaplins. A strain of Streptomyces coelicolor in which the rodlin genes rdlA and/or rdlB were deleted no longer formed the rodlet layer. Instead, these surfaces were decorated with fine fibrils. Deletion of all eight chaplin genes (strain Δ chpABCDEFGH ) resulted in the absence of the rodlet layer as well as the fibrils at surfaces of aerial hyphae and spores. Apart from coating these surfaces, chaplins are involved in the escape of hyphae into the air, as was shown by the strong reduction in the number of aerial hyphae in the Δ chpABCDEFGH strain. The decrease in the number of aerial hyphae correlated with a lower expression of the rdl genes in the colony. Yet, expression per aerial hypha was similar to that in the wild‐type strain, indicating that expression of the rdl genes is initiated after the hypha has sensed that it has grown into the air.
Preliminary evaluation of one conventional nested and two real-time PCR assays for the detection of Toxoplasma gondii in immunocompromised patients
2004-06-07

Toxoplasma reactivation is a serious complication in patients receiving allogenic stem cell transplantation. Real-time PCR assays allow a rapid diagnosis of toxoplasma infection; however, no comparative data are available on the performance of real-time PCR protocols under routine conditions. Therefore, the aim of this study was to amplify Toxoplasma gondii DNA from routine samples of allogenic stem cell recipients using two real-time PCR assays on a LightCycler, and using conventional nested PCR. Conventional nested PCR revealed T. gondii DNA in 16 samples. Only 12 of the 16 samples yielded a positive result in both real-time PCRs. The accuracy of the conventional PCR results was demonstrated by direct sequencing. Amplification and detection of the amplicon was completed in only 1 h using the real-time PCR assays. Thus, real-time PCR substantially accelerates the detection of T. gondii DNA in the majority of positive specimens; however, conventional nested PCR is required for detection of T. gondii DNA in some samples.
Water mites from spring- and ground-water habitats in the Sultanate of Oman
2004-06-07

Gerecke, Reinhard (2004): Water mites from spring- and ground-water habitats in the Sultanate of Oman. Journal of Natural History 38 (22): 2833-2849, DOI: 10.1080/00222930310001647451, URL: http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/00222930310001647451
One week on/one week off: A novel active regimen of temozolomide for recurrent glioblastoma
2004-06-08

Twenty-one patients with recurrent or progressive glioblastoma were enrolled in a prospective phase II trial to determine the safety and efficacy of a 1-week on/1-week off regimen of temozolomide administered at 150 mg/m2 on days 1 to 7 and days 15 to 21 of 28-day treatment cycles. Two patients achieved a partial response (10%), and 17 patients (81%) had stable disease. The median progression-free survival was 5 months. The progression-free survival at 6 months was 48%.
Maximum density rule for bulk terminations of quasicrystals
2004-06-08

A rule due to Bravais of wide validity for crystals is that their surfaces\\ncorrespond to the densest planes of atoms in the bulk of the material.\\nComparing a theoretical model of i-AlPdMn with experimental results, we find\\nthat this correspondence breaks down and that surfaces parallel to the densest\\nplanes in the bulk are not the most stable, i.e. they are not so-called bulk\\nterminations. The correspondence can be restored by recognizing that there is a\\ncontribution to the surface not just from one geometrical plane but from a\\nlayer of stacked atoms, possibly containing more than one plane. We find that\\nnot only does the stability of high-symmetry surfaces match the density of the\\ncorresponding layer-like bulk terminations but the exact spacings between\\nsurface terraces and their degree of pittedness may be determined by a simple\\nanalysis of the density of layers predicted by the bulk geometric model.\\n
Integrated optical immunofluorescence multisensor for river pollution
2004-06-09

A 32-analyte integrated optical immunofluorescence multisensor system has been realised and tested for the first time. The sensor system is based upon bio/immuno-chemistry at the waveguide surface and fluoroimmunoassay in the evanescent fields of the optical waveguides, to enable rapid, simultaneous and high-sensitivity fluorescence detection of up to 32 pollutants in water, and automatic regeneration for immediate reuse. The system has been demonstrated for estrone and a detection limit of 13 ng/L has been achieved.
TDM of psychoactive medication in the risk patient
2004-06-09

Elderly patients with multiple drug treatments without severe organic impairment or with pre-existing cardiovascular, liver, kidney and cerebral diseases, pregnant and nursing women, drug dependant patients and children belong to risk groups regarding treatment with psychoactive medication. Psychoactive drugs are prescribed to 60% of elderly nursing home inhabitants mostly as long term medication. Besides about 5 different drugs prescribed over the counter medications (not devoid of drug drug interactions as e.g. St Johns’ word) are used. TDM is the main tool to reduce risk of toxicity due to drug drug interactions and an widely accessible means to monitor drug concentrations in high risk conditions like liver disease and renal impairment or in case of emergencies like cardiac infarction, arrhythmias or comatose states.
Treatment of tics in Tourette’s syndrome with aripiprazole
2004-06-09

Tourette’s syndrome (TS) is a neuropsychiatric disorder characterized by involuntary motor and vocal tics as well as a variety of behavioral disturbances1. Although the etiology of TS is unknown, there is evidence that the pathophysiology of TS involves an abnormality in the central dopaminergic system. In this context neuroleptics show some effects reducing tics1. Benefits of currently prescribed antipsychotics like haloperidol or risperdidone are limited by motor and vegetative side-effects. In this scenario aripiprazole (Abilify®) a novel atypical antipsychotic agent currently used for schizophrenia2 could be an ideal alternative treatment due to a favorable side effect profile.
A longitudinal multi-center fMRI study of cognition and emotion in first-episode schizophrenia patients
2004-06-09

The German competence network of schizophrenia offers the unique possibility of examining a large sample of first-episode schizophrenia patients with multiple aims: Determination of cerebral dysfunctions in patients during cognitive and emotional processes and long-term observations by means of repeated fMRI measurements are being performed with the aim of determining the stability of dysfunctions during the course of illness and detecting predictors for relapse and therapeutic response.
Slimness is Associated with Greater Intercourse and Lesser Masturbation Frequency
2004-06-10

I examined the relationship of recalled and diary recorded frequency of penile-vaginal intercourse (FSI), noncoital partnered sexual activity, and masturbation to measured waist and hip circumference in 120 healthy adults aged 19-38. Slimmer waist (in men and in the sexes combined) and slimmer hips (in men and women) were associated with greater FSI. Slimmer waist and hips were associated with rated importance of intercourse for men. Noncoital partnered sexual activity had a less consistent association with slimness. Slimmer waist and hips were associated with less masturbation (in men and in the sexes combined). I discuss the results in terms of differences between different sexual behaviors, attractiveness, emotional relatedness, physical sensitivity, sexual dysfunction, sociobiology, psychopharmacological aspects of excess fat and carbohydrate consumption, and implications for sex therapy.
Parallel implicit integration for cloth animations on distributed memory architectures
2004-06-10

We present a parallel cloth simulation engine designed for distributed memory parallel architectures, in particular clusters built of commodity components. We focus on efficient parallel processing of irregularly structured and real-world sized problems typically occurring in the simulation of garments. We report on performance measurements showing a high degree of parallel efficiency and scalability indicating the usefulness of our approach.
Polymer‐bound alkyltriazenes for mild racemization‐free esterification of amino acid and peptide derivatives
2004-06-10

Abstract A novel tool for polymer‐assisted solution phase (PASP) esterification of amino acid and peptide derivatives has been developed. When treated with carboxylic acids, polymer‐bound alkyltriazenes react with a loss of nitrogen and transfer of the alkyl moiety to the carboxylate anion to form the corresponding alkyl esters. There are no limitations with regard to either the protecting groups or the nature of the amino acid. Furthermore no racemization occurs at the chiral centers of the amino acids as demonstrated by chiral GC‐MS analyses. Alkyltriazene‐resins were also applied successfully to the esterification of peptide acids and other peptidic structures, such as tripalmitoyl‐ S ‐glyceryl‐cysteine (Pam 3 Cys). The triazene‐mediated esterification reaction is exceptionally mild, and there is no need for prior activation of the carboxy groups. This method is therefore particularly suitable for the alkylation of complex peptidomimetic structures prone to racemization and for acid‐sensitive structures. Copyright © 2004 European Peptide Society and John Wiley &amp; Sons, Ltd.
Construction and uniqueness of the C*-Weyl algebra over a general pre-symplectic space
2004-06-11

A systematic approach to the C*-Weyl algebra W(E,σ) over a possibly degenerate pre-symplectic form σ on a real vector space E of possibly infinite dimension is elaborated in an almost self-contained manner. The construction is based on the theory of Kolmogorov decompositions for σ-positive-definite functions on involutive semigroups and their associated projective unitary group representations. The σ-positive-definite functions provide also the C*-norm of W(E,σ), the latter being shown to be *-isomorphic to the twisted group C*-algebra of the discrete vector group E. The connections to related constructions are indicated. The treatment of the fundamental symmetries is outlined for arbitrary pre-symplectic σ. The construction method is especially applied to the trivial symplectic form σ=0, leading to the commutative Weyl algebra over E, which is shown to be isomorphic to the C*-algebra of the almost periodic continuous function on the topological dual Eτ′ of E with respect to an arbitrary locally convex Hausdorff topology τ on E. It is demonstrated that the almost periodic compactification aEτ′ of Eτ′ is independent of the chosen locally convex τ on E, and that aEτ′ is continuously group isomorphic to the character group Ê of E. Applications of the results to the procedures of strict and continuous deformation quantizations are mentioned in the outlook.
Mean field and pairing properties in the crust of neutron stars
2004-06-11

Properties of the matter in the inner crust of a neutron star are investigated in a Hartree-Fock plus BCS approximation employing schematic effective forces of the type of the Skyrme forces. Special attention is paid to differences between a homogenous and inhomogeneous description of the matter distribution. For that purpose self-consistent Hartree-Fock calculations are performed in a spherical Wigner-Seitz cell. The results are compared to predictions of corresponding Thomas-Fermi calculations. The influence of the shell structure on the formation of pairing correlations in inhomogeneous matter are discussed.
Disruption of AtMRP4, a guard cell plasma membrane ABCC‐type ABC transporter, leads to deregulation of stomatal opening and increased drought susceptibility
2004-06-15

Summary ATP‐binding cassette (ABC) transporters are membrane proteins responsible for cellular detoxification processes in plants and animals. Recent evidence shows that this class of transporters may also be involved in many other cellular processes. Because of their homology with human multidrug resistance‐associated proteins (MRP), cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) and sulfonylurea receptor (SUR), some plant ABC transporters have been implicated in the regulation of ion channel activities. This paper describes an investigation of the AtMRP4 gene and its role in stomatal regulation. Reporter gene studies showed that AtMRP4 is highly expressed in stomata and that the protein is localized to the plasma membrane. Stomatal aperture in three independent atmrp4 mutant alleles was larger than in wild‐type plants, both in the light and in the dark, resulting in increased water loss but no change in the photosynthetic rate. In baker's yeast, AtMRP4 shows ATP‐dependent, vanadate‐sensitive transport of methotrexate (MTX), an antifolate and a substrate of mammalian MRPs. Treatment with MTX reduced stomatal opening in wild‐type plants, but had no effect in atmrp4 mutants. These results indicate the involvement of AtMRP4 in the complex regulation of stomatal aperture.
Fetal gender and sonographic assessment of crown–rump length: implications for multifetal pregnancy reduction
2004-06-16

Abstract Objectives Fetal size is a common criterion for the selection of an individual fetus to be reduced during multifetal pregnancy reduction. We investigated whether a difference in crown–rump length (CRL) exists between male and female fetuses at 9–13 weeks' gestation. Methods A total of 883 singleton pregnancies was evaluated at the time of chorionic villus sampling. The mean gestational age at the time of intervention was 10.9 weeks. Pregnancies were dated by certain last menstrual period (LMP). Pregnancies with uncertain dating by LMP or with a sonographic difference of gestational age &gt; 1 week compared with LMP were excluded, as were all cases with chromosomal abnormalities. CRL differences between male and female fetuses were compared using Student's t‐test. Results A total of 417 female and 466 male fetuses fulfilled our study criteria. Their gestational ages ranged between 9.3 and 13.9 weeks. We found no significant difference in size between the male and female fetuses. Conclusion Using the CRL to guide multifetal pregnancy reduction should not result in a clinically significant selection of either gender. Copyright © 2004 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley &amp; Sons, Ltd.
Point Mutations in Transmembrane Helices 2 and 3 of ExbB and TolQ Affect Their Activities inEscherichia coliK-12
2004-06-17

ABSTRACT Replacement of glutamate 176, the only charged amino acid in the third transmembrane helix of ExbB, with alanine (E176A) abolished ExbB activity in all determined ExbB-dependent functions of Escherichia coli . Combination of the mutations T148A in the second transmembrane helix and T181A in the third transmembrane helix, proposed to form part of a proton pathway through ExbB, also resulted in inactive ExbB. E176 and T148 are strictly conserved in ExbB and TolQ proteins, and T181 is almost strictly conserved in ExbB, TolQ, and MotA.
Hypersensitivity pneumonitis associated with the use of trofosfamide
2004-06-17

Trofosfamide (Ixoten; Baxter Oncology, Germany) is an alkylating agent that, as with other oxazaphosphorine derivatives, has to be activated by hepatic cytochrome P450 oxidases. The bioavailability is nearly 100% after oral application, and the main metabolites are 4-hydroxytrofosfamide, and 4-hydroxyifosfamide. The main side-chain metabolites ifosfamide and cyclophosphamide can be further activated by oxidation and formation of their respective phosphoramide mustards. Oral continuous low-dose therapy has been the most widely used schedule. The toxicity profile consists mainly of dose-dependent hematotoxicity and, rarely, hemorrhagic cystitis. Nausea and vomiting are infrequently seen. Higher grades of nephrotoxicity or neurotoxicity--side-effects that typically limit the use of ifosfamide-have not been reported with low-dose continuous trofosfamide treatment. We report herein a case of a 83-year-old female patient with a disseminated malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor treated with trofosfamide developing pulmonal toxicity. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of exogenous allergic alveolitis after exposure to this drug.
<b>High field <sup>13</sup>C NMR spectroscopic analysis of the triacylglycerols of <i>Jatropha curcas</i> oil</b>
2004-06-17

Gated decoupled <sup>13</sup>C NMR has been employed to determine the acyl composition and acyl positional distribution on the glycerol backbone in the triacylglycerols of <i>Jatropha curcas</i> oil. Results revealed the presence of saturated, oleic and linoleic acids in the oil. Integrals obtained from the allylic carbons were used for semiquantitative analysis of the oil and gave the percentage of total saturated, oleic and linoleic acids in the oil as 27, 41 and 32, respectively. The results obtained by <sup>13</sup>C NMR compared favourably with those obtained by gas chromatographic analysis. Analysis of the spectra further revealed that the saturated acyl esters are randomly distributed in the &alpha; and &beta; glyceridic positions, with oleic being approximately 60% distrbuted at &alpha; glyceridic carbons and linoleic approximately 52% distributed at &beta; glyceridic carbon.
The natural course of cutaneous melanoma
2004-06-21

Abstract The natural course of cutaneous melanoma (CM) is determined by its metastatic spread and depends on tumor thickness, ulceration, gender, localization, and the histologic subtype of the primary tumor. CM metastasis develops via three main metastatic pathways and occurs as satellite or in‐transit metastasis, as regional lymph node metastasis or as distant metastasis at the time of primary recurrence. About 50% of all CM patients with tumor progression firstly develop regional lymph node metastases. In the other 50% the first metastases are satellite or in‐transit metastases (about 20%), or immediately distant metastases (about 30%). Development of distant metastasis appears to be an early event in metastatic spread and may in the majority of cases originate from the primary tumor, only few cases may develop secondarily to locoregional metastasis. Reporting of organ involvement in distant metastasis greatly differs between the results of imaging techniques and autopsy results in respect to the metastatic patterns detected, pointing out that there is a need of improved imaging systems. Proliferation, neovascularization, lymphangiogenesis, invasion, circulation, and embolism are important steps in the pathogenesis of CM metastasis, with tumor vascularity as an important independent significant prognostic factor. The expression of chemokine receptors in cancer cells associated with the expression of the respective chemokine receptor ligands in the target sites of the metastasis is an interesting observation which may stimulate the development of new therapeutic strategies. J. Surg. Oncol. 2004;86:172–178. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Pathobiological implications of the expression of markers of testicular carcinoma in situ by fetal germ cells
2004-06-21

Abstract Several proteins, such as the placental/germ cell alkaline phosphatases (PLAPs), the stem cell factor receptor c‐KIT, and the transcriptional regulator and marker of pluripotency OCT3/4, have been found in both normal immature and malignant germ cells, known as carcinoma in situ /intratubular germ cell neoplasia unclassified (CIS/ITGCNU). In the present study, immunohistochemical methods were used to evaluate the expression of these markers in a series of male gonads from fetuses from the second and third trimesters, and neonates. In addition to these markers, the presence of VASA (a protein specific for the germ cell lineage), TSPY (the testis‐specific protein, Y‐encoded), and the proliferation index (Ki‐67 antigen) was analysed. All these proteins are reported to be present both during spermatogenesis and in CIS/ITGCNU. Positive staining for VASA with varying intensity was found in all germ cells, while TSPY was predominantly located in the prespermatogonial cells at all developmental ages. In contrast, the markers PLAP, c‐KIT, OCT3/4, and Ki‐67 were more frequent at earlier developmental stages and decreased gradually with time, although they could occasionally be detected in germ cells of neonates. These findings are in line with a declining number of gonocytes during fetal development, concomitant with an increase in the number of prespermatogonia. The latter have lost the immature germ cell phenotype. These findings are compatible with the hypothesis that CIS/ITGCNU arises from developmentally arrested germ cells, most likely primordial germ cells/gonocytes, at an early time point during intrauterine development. Copyright © 2004 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley &amp; Sons, Ltd.