julilili42/papers huggingface dataset:
HESS observations of the Carina nebula and its enigmatic colliding wind binary Eta Carinae
2012-06-12

The massive binary system Eta Carinae and the surrounding Hii complex, the Carina nebula, are potential particle acceleration sites from which very high energy (VHE; E≥ 100GeV) γ-ray emission could be expected. This paper presents data collected during VHE γ-ray observations with the HESS telescope array from 2004 to 2010, which cover a full orbit of Eta Carinae. In the 33.1-h data set no hint of significant γ-ray emission from Eta Carinae has been found and an upper limit on the γ-ray flux of (99per cent confidence level) is derived above the energy threshold of 470GeV. Together with the detection of high energy (HE; 0.1 ≤E≤ 100GeV) γ-ray emission by the Fermi Large Area Telescope up to 100GeV, and assuming a continuation of the average HE spectral index into the VHE domain, these results imply a cut-off in the γ-ray spectrum between the HE and VHE γ-ray range. This could be caused either by a cut-off in the accelerated particle distribution or by severe γ-γ absorption losses in the wind collision region. Furthermore, the search for extended γ-ray emission from the Carina nebula resulted in an upper limit on the γ-ray flux of (99per cent confidence level). The derived upper limit of ∼23 on the cosmic ray enhancement factor is compared with results found for the old-age mixed-morphology supernova remnant W28. © 2012 The Authors Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society © 2012 RAS.
Dengue in travellers: applicability of the 1975–1997 and the 2009 WHO classification system of dengue fever
2012-06-12

Abstract Objectives The aim of this study was to assess the applicability and benefits of the new WHO dengue fever guidelines in clinical practice, for returning travellers. Methods We compared differences in specificity and sensitivity between the old and the new guidelines for diagnosing dengue and assessed the usefulness in predicting the clinical course of the disease. Also, we investigated whether hypertension, diabetes or allergies, ethnicity or high age influenced the course of disease. Results In our setting, the old classification, compared with the new, had a marginally higher sensitivity for diagnosing dengue. The new classification had a slightly higher specificity and was less rigid. Patients with dengue who had warning signs as postulated in the new classification were admitted more often than those who had no warning signs (RR, 8.09 [1.80–35.48]). We did not find ethnicity, age, hypertension, diabetes mellitus or allergies to be predictive of the clinical course. Conclusions In our cohort of returned travellers, the new classification system did not differ in sensitivity and specificity from the old system to a clinically relevant degree. The guidelines did not improve identification of severe disease.
Complexes of an Alpha Thymosin Derivative with 185/187Re and 99mTc: Structural Analysis and Initial Biological Evaluation
2012-06-12

Alpha thymosins are a family of immunostimulating peptides first isolated from thymus gland. In the present work, the structure of the ReO(V) 3+ complex of an alpha 1 thymosin derivative containing the metal‐chelating N , N ‐dimethylglycyl‐ l ‐seryl‐ l ‐cysteinyl group was studied with NMR, CD, and ESI. The analysis indicated the existence of two interconverting diastereomers depending on the orientation of the side chain of the chelated Ser syn‐ or anti‐ to the oxygen of the ReO(V) 3+ core. The two diastereomers could be separated on HPLC under a slow gradient showing the ratio of syn / anti to be 3:2, in agreement with the NMR data. The conversion process was shown to involve the coordination of a water molecule to the ReO(V) 3+ core through the incubation of the complex in 18 O‐enriched water and subsequent ESI analysis. HPLC analysis of the analogous radioactive 99m TcO(V) 3+ complex showed the formation of two isomers in the same syn/anti 3:2 ratio. Biodistribution studies of the 99m TcO(V) 3+ complex in Swiss albino mice with experimentally induced inflammation showed higher accumulated radioactivity in inflamed tissue compared to normal (ratio of inflamed/control tissue 3.9). 99m Tc‐labeled complexes of alpha thymosin derivatives are expected to facilitate research on alpha thymosins and accelerate exploitation of these peptides in immunotherapy protocols.
FIRST DETECTION OF KRYPTON AND XENON IN A WHITE DWARF
2012-06-13

We report on the first detection of the noble gases krypton (Z = 36) and xenon (54) in a white dwarf. About 20 Kr vi– vii and Xe vi– vii lines were discovered in the ultraviolet spectrum of the hot DO-type white dwarf RE 0503−289. The observations, performed with the Far Ultraviolet Spectroscopic Explorer, also reveal highly ionized photospheric lines from other trans-iron group elements, namely Ga (31), Ge (32), As (33), Se (34), Mo (42), Sn (50), Te (52), and I (53), from which gallium and molybdenum are new discoveries in white dwarfs, too. For Kr and Xe, we performed an NLTE analysis and derived mass fractions of log Kr = −4.3 ± 0.5 and log Xe = −4.2 ± 0.6, corresponding to an enrichment by factors of 450 and 3800, respectively, relative to the Sun. The origin of the large overabundances is unclear. We discuss the roles of neutron-capture nucleosynthesis in the precursor star and radiation-driven diffusion. It is possible that diffusion is insignificant and that the observed metal abundances constrain the evolutionary history of the star. Its hydrogen deficiency may be the consequence of a late helium-shell flash or a binary white dwarf merger.
Mid-regional pro-atrial natriuretic peptide as a prognostic marker for all-cause mortality in patients with symptomatic coronary artery disease
2012-06-13

In the present study, we investigated the prognostic value of MR-proANP (mid-regional pro-atrial natriuretic peptide). We consecutively evaluated a catheterization laboratory cohort of 2700 patients with symptomatic CAD (coronary artery disease) [74.1% male; ACS (acute coronary syndrome), n=1316; SAP (stable angina pectoris), n=1384] presenting to the Cardiology Department of a large primary care hospital, all of whom underwent coronary angiography. Serum MR-proANP and other laboratory markers were sampled at the time of presentation or in the catheterization laboratory. Clinical outcome was assessed by hospital chart analysis and telephone interviews. The primary end point was all-cause death at 3 months after enrolment. Follow-up data were complete in 2621 patients (97.1%). Using ROC (receiver operating characteristic) curves, the AUC (area under the curve) of 0.73 [95% CI (confidence interval), 0.67–0.79] for MR-proANP was significantly higher compared with 0.58 (95% CI, 0.55–0.62) for Tn-I (troponin-I; DeLong test, P=0.0024). According to ROC analysis, the optimal cut-off value of MR-proANP was at 236 pmol/l for all-cause death, which helped to find a significantly increased rate of all-cause death (n=76) at 3 months in patients with elevated baseline concentrations (≥236 pmol/l) compared with patients with a lower concentration level in Kaplan–Meier survival analysis (log rank, P&amp;lt;0.001). The predictive performance of MR-proANP was independent of other clinical variables or cardiovascular risk factors, and superior to that of Tn-I or other cardiac biomarkers (all: P&amp;lt;0.0001). MR-proANP may help in the prediction of all-cause death in patients with symptomatic CAD. Further studies should verify its prognostic value and confirm the appropriate cut-off value.
COSMIC STRINGS STABILIZED BY FERMION FLUCTUATIONS
2012-06-13

We provide a thorough exposition of recent results on the quantum stabilization of cosmic strings. Stabilization occurs through the coupling to a heavy fermion doublet in a reduced version of the standard model. The study combines the vacuum polarization energy of fermion zero-point fluctuations and the binding energy of occupied energy levels, which are of the same order in a semiclassical expansion. Populating these bound states assigns a charge to the string. Strings carrying fermion charge become stable if the Higgs and gauge fields are coupled to a fermion that is less than twice as heavy as the top quark. The vacuum remains stable in the model, because neutral strings are not energetically favored. These findings suggest that extraordinarily large fermion masses or unrealistic couplings are not required to bind a cosmic string in the standard model.
On‐Site Analysis
2012-06-13

Abstract The sections in this article are Introduction Substances to be Monitored Optical Methods for Monitoring Assays Applications Chemical Contaminants, EDCs , Pharmaceuticals and Toxins Pathogens Perspectives and Visions
Nonradial oscillations of anisotropic neutron stars in the Cowling approximation
2012-06-14

One of the most common assumptions in the study of neutron star models and\\ntheir oscillations is that the pressure is isotopic, however there are\\narguments that this may not be correct. Thus in the present paper we make a\\nfirst step towards studying the nonradial oscillations of neutron stars with an\\nanisotropic pressure. We adopt the so-called Cowling approximation where the\\nspacetime metric is kept fixed and the oscillation spectrum for the first few\\nfluid modes is obtained. The effect of the anisotropy on the frequencies is\\napparent, although with the present results it might be hard to distinguish it\\nfrom the changes in the frequencies caused by different equations of state.\\n
Management of pegylated interferon alpha toxicity in adjuvant therapy of melanoma
2012-06-14

The toxicity profile of PegIFNα2b at the approved dose (6 μg/kg/week for 8 weeks then 3 μg/kg/week for up to 5 years) is qualitatively similar to HDI in melanoma. The most common adverse events (AEs) are fatigue, anorexia, hepatotoxicity, flu-like symptoms, injection site reactions and depression. However, fatigue and flu-like symptoms appear less severe with PegIFNα2b, and toxicity seems to occur earlier, whereas with HDI toxicity may increase with time. Most AEs can be managed effectively by dose modification and aggressive symptom control. Dosing to tolerance using a three-step dose reduction schedule to maintain an ECOG performance status of 0 - 1 may enable patients experiencing toxicity to remain on treatment; this can be applied readily in clinical practice. PegIFNα2b is therefore a valuable alternative option for adjuvant treatment in melanoma, with a toxicity profile similar to that of HDI overall but a more convenient administration schedule.
Targeted inactivation of nuclear interaction partner of ALK disrupts meiotic prophase
2012-06-14

NIPA (nuclear interaction partner of ALK) is an F-box-like protein that monitors the timing of mitotic entry. Constitutively active NIPA delays mitotic entry by preventing accumulation of nuclear cyclin B1. Here, we have investigated the consequences of Nipa inactivation by using a conditional knockout strategy. Nipa-deficient animals are viable but show a lower birth rate and reduced body weight. Furthermore, Nipa-deficient males are sterile owing to a block of spermatogenesis during meiotic prophase. Whereas Nipa−/− mouse embryonic fibroblasts show no severe phenotype, Nipa−/− spermatocytes arrest during stage IV of the epithelial cycle with subsequent TUNEL-positive apoptosis resulting from improper synapsis, defects in the repair of DNA double-stranded breaks and synaptonemal complex formation. Moreover, we show nuclear accumulation of cyclin B1 with a subsequent premature increase in G2/M kinase activity in Nipa−/− spermatocytes. Together, these results reveal a novel role for NIPA in meiosis.
Influence of Stimulant Medication and Response Speed on Lateralization of Movement-Related Potentials in Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
2012-06-14

Hyperactivity is one of the core symptoms in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). However, it remains unclear in which way the motor system itself and its development are affected by the disorder. Movement-related potentials (MRP) can separate different stages of movement execution, from the programming of a movement to motor post-processing and memory traces. Pre-movement MRP are absent or positive during early childhood and display a developmental increase of negativity. We examined the influences of response-speed, an indicator of the level of attention, and stimulant medication on lateralized MRP in 16 children with combined type ADHD compared to 20 matched healthy controls. We detected a significantly diminished lateralisation of MRP over the pre-motor and primary motor cortex during movement execution (initial motor potential peak, iMP) in patients with ADHD. Fast reactions (indicating increased visuo-motor attention) led to increased lateralized negativity during movement execution only in healthy controls, while in children with ADHD faster reaction times were associated with more positive amplitudes. Even though stimulant medication had some effect on attenuating group differences in lateralized MRP, this effect was insufficient to normalize lateralized iMP amplitudes.A reduced focal (lateralized) motor cortex activation during the command to muscle contraction points towards an immature motor system and a maturation delay of the (pre-) motor cortex in children with ADHD. A delayed maturation of the neuronal circuitry, which involves primary motor cortex, may contribute to ADHD pathophysiology.
Problems of stopping trials early
2012-06-15

When interim analyses of randomised trials suggest large beneficial treatment effects, investigators sometimes terminate trials earlier than planned. <b>Gordon H Guyatt and colleagues</b> show how this practice can have far reaching and harmful consequences
Binding of Oxidized Low-Density Lipoprotein on Circulating Platelets Is increased in Patients With Acute Coronary Syndromes and Induces Platelet Adhesion to Vascular Wall In Vivo—Brief Report
2012-06-15

Objective— Hyperlipidemia is associated with platelet hyperactivity. In the present study, we evaluated the binding of oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL) on the surface of circulating platelets in patients with stable coronary artery disease and acute coronary syndromes and its possible association with platelet activation. Furthermore, the role of oxLDL binding on platelet adhesion to collagen and endothelial cells in vitro as well as after carotid ligation in mice was investigated. Methods and Results— Using flow cytometry, patients with acute coronary syndromes (n=174) showed significantly enhanced oxLDL binding compared with patients with stable coronary artery disease (n=182; P =0.007). Platelet-bound oxLDL positively correlated with the degree of platelet activation (expression of P-selectin and activated fibrinogen receptor; P &lt;0.001 for both). Plasma oxLDL was increased in patients with acute coronary syndromes compared with stable angina pectoris patients. Preincubation of isolated platelets with oxLDL, but not with native LDL, resulted in enhanced platelet adhesion to collagen and activated endothelial cells under high shear stress in vitro, as well as after carotid ligation in C57BL/6J mice and apolipoprotein E −/− mice fed a high cholesterol diet. Conclusion— Increased platelet-bound oxLDL in patients with acute coronary syndromes may play an important role in atherothrombosis, thus providing a potential future therapeutic target.
Confocal laser-scanning microscopy of capillaries in normal and psoriatic skin
2012-06-15

An important and most likely active role in the pathogenesis of psoriasis has been attributed to changes in cutaneous blood vessels. The purpose of this study was to use confocal laser-scanning microscopy (CLSM) to investigate dermal capillaries in psoriatic and normal skin. The structures of the capillary loops in 5 healthy participants were compared with those in affected skin of 13 psoriasis patients. The diameters of the capillaries and papillae were measured for each group with CLSM. All investigated psoriasis patients showed elongated, widened, and tortuous microvessels in the papillary dermis, whereas all healthy controls showed a single capillary loop in each dermal papilla. The capillaries of the papillary loop and the dermal papilla were significantly enlarged in the psoriatic skin lesions (diameters 24.39±2.34 and 146.46±28.52 μm, respectively) in comparison to healthy skin (diameters 9.53±1.8 and 69.48±17.16 μm, respectively) (P<0.001). CLSM appears to represent a promising noninvasive technique for evaluating dermal capillaries in patients with psoriasis. The diameter of the vessels could be seen as a well-quantifiable indicator for the state of psoriatic skin. CLSM could be useful for therapeutic monitoring to delay possible recurrences.
Terahertz emission from Bi2Sr2CaCu2O8+δintrinsic Josephson junction stacks with all-superconducting electrodes
2012-06-15

Terahertz (THz) emission has been recently detected from intrinsic Josephson junction (IJJ) stacks made of the high critical temperature superconductor Bi2Sr2CaCu2O8+? (BSCCO). The most employed structure is a mesa standing on a big pedestal of a single crystal with a thin gold layer as its top electrode. In this work, a large (300???50???1.2??m3) IJJ stack with superconducting electrodes was fabricated and studied. The stack consisted of N???800 IJJs. It was prepared with a double-sided fabrication process, and significant THz emission was detected. The output power is comparable to the emission power detected from mesa structures, obviously not weakened by the superconducting upper electrode. The observation of THz emission from the double-sided structure suggests that off-chip THz emission from IJJs can be obtained not only from mesa structures and, most importantly, that the emission power can be potentially enhanced in integrated multi-stack radiation sources.
Human brain imaging at 9.4 T using a tunable patch antenna for transmission
2012-06-15

Abstract For human brain imaging at ultrahigh fields, the traveling wave concept can provide a more uniform B 1 + field over a larger field of view with improved patient comfort compared to conventional volume coils. It suffers, however, from limited transmit efficiency and receive sensitivity and is not readily applicable in systems where the radiofrequency shield is too narrow to allow for unattenuated wave propagation. Here, the near field of a capacitively adjustable patch antenna for excitation is combined with a receive‐only array at 9.4 T. The antenna is designed in compact size and placed in close proximity to the subject to improve the transmit efficiency in narrow bores. Experimental and numerical comparisons to conventional microstrip arrays reveal improved B 1 + homogeneity and longitudinal coverage, but at the cost of elevated local specific absorption rate. High‐resolution functional and anatomical images demonstrate the use of this setup for in vivo human brain imaging at 9.4 T. Magn Reson Med, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Thrombolysis is an appropriate treatment in lead-associated infective endocarditis with giant vegetations located on the right atrial lead: Figure 1
2012-06-15

CD endocarditis is a potentially lethal complication after implantation of permanent pacemakers or implantable cardioverter-defibrillators. Complete extraction of the hardware along with antibiotic treatment is the standard therapy. However, there is no standard procedure in the treatment of lead-associated infective endocarditis with large thrombotic vegetations. The authors present the case of a 60-year-old patient with a large vegetation located on the right atrial lead. Due to a high surgical and thrombembolic risk, especially of acute massive pulmonary embolism, the patient received recombinant tissue plasminogen activator to dissolve the thrombus under echocardiographic monitoring. The thrombotic masses were substantially reduced after thrombolysis. Therefore, standard transvenous extraction of the leads could be performed and high risk cardiac re-operation could be avoided.
Effects of FLIRT on Bubble Growth in Man
2012-06-15

Recompression during decompression has been suggested to possibly reduce the risk of decompression sickness (DCS). The main objective of the current study was to investigate the effects of FLIRT (First Line Intermittent Recompression Technique) on bubble detection in man. 29 divers underwent 2 simulated dives in a dry recompression chamber to a depth of 40 msw (500 kPa ambient pressure) in random order. A Buehlmann-based decompression profile served as control and was compared to an experimental profile with intermittent recompression during decompression (FLIRT). Circulating bubbles in the right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) were monitored by Doppler ultrasound and quantified using the Spencer scoring algorithm. Heat shock protein 70 (HSP70), thrombocytes, D-Dimers and serum osmolarity were analyzed before and 120 min after the dive. Both dive profiles elicited bubbles in most subjects (range Spencer 0-4). However, no statistically significant difference was found in bubble scores between the control and the experimental dive procedure. There was no significant change in either HSP70, thrombocytes, and D-Dimers. None of the divers had clinical signs or symptoms suggestive of DCS. We conclude that FLIRT did not significantly alter the number of microbubbles and thus may not be considered superior to classical decompression in regards of preventing DCS.
How Molecular Mechanics Can Measure Nanoscopic Flow
2012-06-15

Molecular mechanics translates macroscopic effects to a molecular scale, using distinct mechanical properties of a molecular structure. By this, the interaction of matter can be monitored with outstanding spatial resolution on a nanoscopic scale. We present the application of molecular mechanics to measure shear forces due to dynamics pressures and streams at surfaces using a bionic approach. Our system monitors the deflection of a short DNA strand in response to an external molecular flow and bases on a fluorescence resonance energy transfer as a read-out. This way, quenching or temperature effects can be excluded, and the working range of the system can easily be fine-tuned to match diverse shear forces and dynamic pressures.
Planet-Disk Interaction and Orbital Evolution
2012-06-16

As planets form and grow within gaseous protoplanetary disks, the mutual gravitational interaction between the disk and planet leads to the exchange of angular momentum and migration of the planet. We review current understanding of disk-planet interactions, focusing in particular on physical processes that determine the speed and direction of migration. We describe the evolution of low-mass planets embedded in protoplanetary disks and examine the influence of Lindblad and corotation torques as a function of the disk properties. The role of the disk in causing the evolution of eccentricities and inclinations is also discussed. We describe the rapid migration of intermediate-mass planets that may occur as a runaway process and examine the transition to gap formation and slower migration driven by the viscous evolution of the disk for massive planets. The roles and influence of disk self-gravity and magnetohydrodynamic turbulence are discussed in detail, as a function of the planet mass, as is the evolution of multiple planet systems. Finally, we address the question of how well global models of planetary formation that include migration are able to match observations of extrasolar planets.