julilili42/papers huggingface dataset:
Stemness of the Organ of Corti Relates to the Epigenetic Status of Sox2 Enhancers
2012-05-03

In the adult mammalian auditory epithelium, the organ of Corti, loss of sensory hair cells results in permanent hearing loss. The underlying cause for the lack of regenerative response is the depletion of otic progenitors in the cell pool of the sensory epithelium. Here, we show that an increase in the sequence-specific methylation of the otic Sox2 enhancers NOP1 and NOP2 is correlated with a reduced self-renewal potential in vivo and in vitro; additionally, the degree of methylation of NOP1 and NOP2 is correlated with the dedifferentiation potential of postmitotic supporting cells into otic stem cells. Thus, the stemness the organ of Corti is related to the epigenetic status of the otic Sox2 enhancers. These observations validate the continued exploration of treatment strategies for dedifferentiating or reprogramming of differentiated supporting cells into progenitors to regenerate the damaged organ of Corti.
Magnetic fields in central stars of planetary nebulae?
2012-05-03

Most of the planetary nebulae (PN) have bipolar or other non-spherically\\nsymmetric shapes. The presence of a magnetic field in the central star may be\\nthe reason for this lack of symmetry, but observational works published in the\\nliterature have so far reported contradictory results.\\n We try to correlate the presence of a magnetic field with the departures from\\nthe spherical geometry of the envelopes of planetary nebulae.\\n We determine the magnetic field from spectropolarimetric observations of ten\\ncentral stars of planetary nebulae. The results of the analysis of the\\nobservations of four stars was previously presented and discussed in the\\nliterature, while the observations of six stars, plus additional measurements\\nfor a star previously observed, are presented here for the first time.\\n All our determinations of magnetic field in the central planetary nebulae are\\nconsistent with null results. Our field measurements have a typical error bar\\nof 150-300 G. Previous spurious field detections obtained with FORS were\\nprobably due to the use of different wavelength calibration solutions for\\nframes obtained at different position angles of the retarder waveplate.\\n Currently, there is no observational evidence for the presence of magnetic\\nfields with a strength of the order of hundreds Gauss or higher in the central\\nstars of planetary nebulae.\\n
Internet‐based program for coping with cancer: a randomized controlled trial with hematologic cancer patients
2012-05-04

Abstract Objective Psychosocial patient care in oncology is no longer limited to the inpatient setting. Outpatient services are in demand. Internet‐based interventions could aid in optimizing service delivery across disciplines. The effectiveness of an Internet‐based program for hematologic cancer patients was tested in a randomized controlled trial under field experimental conditions. Methods A 4‐week cognitive‐behavioral program for coping with cancer was offered to hematologic cancer patients online. One hundred eighty‐six registrants were randomly assigned to an intervention group ( n = 105) or a waiting list ( n = 81). The outcome measures, ‘mental adjustment’ (MAC) and ‘psychological distress’ (BSI), were assessed at registration and after 4 weeks. Patient satisfaction was assessed (ZUF‐8), and complete‐cases and intention‐to‐treat analyses were performed. Results At registration, the majority of participants displayed clinically significant distress (BSI) and lacked alternative access concerning psychosocial care. One hundred eleven patients filled out the post questionnaire at 4 weeks. In contrast to the waiting list, the intervention group displayed a significant increase in fighting spirit ( d = 0.42; CI 95%, 0.04 to 0.80). The effect was confirmed by intention‐to‐treat analysis ( d = 0.33; CI 95%, 0.04 to 0.62). Otherwise, no effects were observed. Patient satisfaction with the program was high. Conclusion The results demonstrate the potential efficacy of Internet‐based programs while highlighting their limitations. Future research is needed to clarify and optimize efficacy, taking different program components and patient characteristics into particular consideration. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley &amp; Sons, Ltd.
Expression for the granular elastic energy
2012-05-04

Granular solid hydrodynamics (GSH) is a broad-ranged continual mechanical description of granular media capable of accounting for static stress distributions, yield phenomena, propagation and damping of elastic waves, the critical state, shear band, and fast dense flow. An important input of GSH is an expression for the elastic energy needed to deform the grains. The original expression, though useful and simple, has some drawbacks. Therefore a slightly more complicated expression is proposed here that eliminates three of them: (1) The maximal angle at which an inclined layer of grains remains stable is increased from 26^{∘} to the more realistic value of 30^{∘}. (2) Depending on direction and polarization, transverse elastic waves are known to propagate at slightly different velocities. The old expression neglects these differences, the new one successfully reproduces them. (3) Most importantly, the old expression contains only the Drucker-Prager yield surface. The new one contains in addition those named after Coulomb, Lade-Duncan, and Matsuoka-Nakai-realizing each, and interpolating between them, by shifting a single scalar parameter.
Geochemistry and geochronology of the Méiganga metadiorite: implications on the timing of D2 deformational phase in Adamawa Yadé Domain in Cameroon
2012-05-04

The metadiorite of Méiganga forms an ovoid body intruding metasedimentary gneisses in the area of Méiganga city. It shows schistosity, banded structure and is made up of green hornblende, biotite, antiperthitic plagioclase, quartz, zircon, opaque minerals and chlorite. Imprints of D2, D3 and D4 deformation phases are identical in the metadiorite and the amphibole biotite gneiss, leaving no doubt as to the syn-D2 emplacement and crystallization of the protolith of the metadiorite. The metadiorite samples display high-K calc-alkaline to shoshonitic characteristics and possess features of I-type granitoids. They exhibit relative low enrichment of LREE with respect to HREE, (La/Yb)N = 9.5-11.3, and moderate negative Eu anomalies (Eu/Eu* =0.80-0.83). Optical features of the zircon grains of the metadiorite and its syn-D2 emplacement and crystallisation indicate that the zircon evaporation 207Pb/206Pb ages (614.1 ± 3.9 Ma and 619.8 ± 9.8 Ma) of this rock date the D2 deformation phase in the Méiganga area. Comparison with other sectors of the Adamawa Yadé Domain (AYD) shows the close synchronic character of the D2 deformational phase in central Cameroon (Méiganga, Tibati, Ngaoundéré areas) and the diachronic character of this phase in central and western Cameroon. We found that a similar chronological evolution has been demonstrated in the Macururé Domain of the Sergipano Belt (NE Brazil).Keywords: syn-D2 granitoid; 207Pb/206Pb age; Central Pan-Africa Fold Belt; Sergipano Belt
The phase boundary of superconducting niobium thin films with antidot arrays fabricated with microsphere photolithography
2012-05-04

The experimental investigation of the -- phase boundary of\\nsuperconducting niobium films with large area quasihexagonal hole arrays is\\nreported. The hole arrays were patterned with microsphere photolithography. We\\ninvestigate the perforated niobium films by means of electrical directed\\ncurrent transport measurements close to the transition temperature in\\nperpendicularly applied magnetic fields. We find pronounced modulations of the\\ncritcal current with applied magnetic field, which we interpret as a\\nconsequence of commensurable states between the Abrikosov vortex lattice and\\nthe quasihexagonal pinning array. Furthermore, we observe Little-Parks\\noscillations in the critical temperature vs magnetic field.\\n
Magnetostratigraphy of deep drilling core SG-1 in the western Qaidam Basin (NE Tibetan Plateau) and its tectonic implications
2012-05-05

Abstract The Qaidam Basin is the largest intermontane basin of the northeastern Tibetan Plateau and contains a continuous Cenozoic sequence of lacustrine sediments. A ~ 1000-m-deep drilling (SG-1) with an average core recovery of ~ 95% was carried out in the depocenter of the Chahansilatu playa (sub-depression) in the western Qaidam Basin, aimed to obtain a high-resolution record of the paleoenvironmental evolution and the erosion history. Stepwise alternating field and thermal demagnetization, together with rock magnetic results, revealed a stable remanent magnetization for most samples, carried by magnetite. The polarity sequence consisted of 16 normal and 15 reverse zones which can be correlated with chrons 1n to 2An of the global geomagnetic polarity time scale. Magnetostratigraphic results date the entire core SG-1 at ~ 2.77 Ma to ~ 0.1 Ma and yielded sediment accumulation rate (SAR) ranging from 26.1 cm/ka to 51.5 cm/ka. Maximum SARs occurred within the intervals of ~ 2.6–2.2 Ma and after ~ 0.8 Ma, indicating two episodes of erosion, which we relate to pulse tectonic uplift of the NE Tibetan Plateau with subsequent global cooling.
Positioning of Electronic Subretinal Implants in Blind Retinitis Pigmentosa Patients Through Multimodal Assessment of Retinal Structures
2012-05-05

Preoperative evaluation of retinal structures and eye morphology is useful for guiding a retinal implant to the designated area. It is a meaningful tool for planning and performing retinal chip implantation, and it optimizes personalized implantation. (ClinicalTrials.gov numbers, NCT00515814, NCT01024803.).
Woher stammt Tobit 13 in der syrischen Fassung?
2012-05-06

Among the early versions of Tobit 13 one of the Syriac witnesses (= S2) stands out for its notably shorter and frequently divergent text. In 1957, this evidence led Lebram to suggest that the Vorlage of S2 might be the source of all subsequent versions of this chapter of Tobit. After a history of research on the issue, this study identifies S2’s Vorlage for Tobit 13 on the basis of a comparative analysis. S2 is a derivative translation tending to shorten and harmonize an earlier, today unknown Greek text.
Continuous Lenalidomide Treatment for Newly Diagnosed Multiple Myeloma
2012-05-09

MPR-R significantly prolonged progression-free survival in patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma who were ineligible for transplantation, with the greatest benefit observed in patients 65 to 75 years of age. (Funded by Celgene; MM-015 ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT00405756.).
Virtual Nonenhanced Dual-Energy CT Urography with Tin-Filter Technology: Determinants of Detection of Urinary Calculi in the Renal Collecting System
2012-05-09

After virtual elimination of contrast medium, large (>2.9 mm) and high-attenuation (>387 HU) calculi can be detected with good reliability; smaller and lower attenuation calculi might be erased from images, especially with increased image noise.
Numerical Rule Coding in the Prefrontal, Premotor, and Posterior Parietal Cortices of Macaques
2012-05-09

Switching flexibly between behavioral goals is a hallmark of executive control and requires integration of external and internal information. We recorded single-neuron correlates of different numerical representations (sensory-, working memory-, and rule-related activity) in the dorsal premotor area (PMd), the cingulate motor areas (CMA), and the ventral intraparietal sulcus (VIP) and compared them to previous recordings in the lateral prefrontal cortex (PFC). Two monkeys were trained to encode and memorize numerosities and flexibly switch between two abstract quantitative rules based on rule cues. Almost 20% of randomly selected PFC and PMd neurons significantly represented the numerical rule in a behaviorally relevant manner, approximately twice as many as in the CMA and VIP. Rule selectivity was significantly better for PMd neurons than for PFC cells. Seemingly at the expense of rule selectivity, however, sensory- and memory-related numerosity activity was greatly diminished compared with previous delayed match-to-numerosity studies. These findings suggest the involvement of the frontal premotor areas in strategic planning such as rule following. Moreover, the results emphasize that the coding capacities of neurons in association cortical areas are far more dynamic depending on task demands than previously thought.
EMPIRICAL DETERMINATION OF CONVECTION PARAMETERS IN WHITE DWARFS. I. WHOLE EARTH TELESCOPE OBSERVATIONS OF EC14012-1446
2012-05-09

We report on an analysis of 308.3hr of high-speed photometry targeting the pulsating DA white dwarf EC14012-1446. The data were acquired with the Whole Earth Telescope during the 2008 international observing run XCOV26. The Fourier transform of the light curve contains 19 independent frequencies and numerous combination frequencies. The dominant peaks are 1633.907, 1887.404, and 2504.897 μHz. Our analysis of the combination amplitudes reveals that the parent frequencies are consistent with modes of spherical degree l = 1. The combination amplitudes also provide m identifications for the largest amplitude parent frequencies. Our seismology analysis, which includes 2004-2007 archival data, confirms these identifications, provides constraints on additional frequencies, and finds an average period spacing of 41s. Building on this foundation, we present nonlinear fits to high signal-to-noise light curves from the SOAR 4.1m, McDonald 2.1m, and KPNO 2m telescopes. The fits indicate a time-averaged convective response timescale of τ0 = 99.4 ± 17s, a temperature exponent N = 85 ± 6.2, and an inclination angle of θi = 32°.9 ± 3°.2. We present our current empirical map of the convective response timescale across the DA instability strip.
An Allograft Glioma Model Reveals the Dependence of Aquaporin-4 Expression on the Brain Microenvironment
2012-05-09

Aquaporin-4 (AQP4), the main water channel of the brain, is highly expressed in animal glioma and human glioblastoma in situ. In contrast, most cultivated glioma cell lines don’t express AQP4, and primary cell cultures of human glioblastoma lose it during the first passages. Accordingly, in C6 cells and RG2 cells, two glioma cell lines of the rat, and in SMA mouse glioma cell lines, we found no AQP4 expression. We confirmed an AQP4 loss in primary human glioblastoma cell cultures after a few passages. RG-2 glioma cells if grafted into the brain developed AQP4 expression. This led us consider the possibility of AQP4 expression depends on brain microenvironment. In previous studies, we observed that the typical morphological conformation of AQP4 as orthogonal arrays of particles (OAP) depended on the extracellular matrix component agrin. In this study, we showed for the first time implanted AQP4 negative glioma cells in animal brain or flank to express AQP4 specifically in the intracerebral gliomas but neither in the extracranial nor in the flank gliomas. AQP4 expression in intracerebral gliomas went along with an OAP loss, compared to normal brain tissue. AQP4 staining in vivo normally is polarized in the astrocytic endfoot membranes at the glia limitans superficialis and perivascularis, but in C6 and RG2 tumors the AQP4 staining is redistributed over the whole glioma cell as in human glioblastoma. In contrast, primary rat or mouse astrocytes in culture did not lose their ability to express AQP4, and they were able to form few OAPs.
Lipopolysaccharide-sensitive H+ current in dendritic cells
2012-05-10

Dendritic cells (DCs) are the most potent antigen-presenting cells equipped to transport antigens from the periphery to lymphoid tissues and to present them to T cells. Ligation of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), expressed on the DC surface, by lipopolysaccharides (LPS), elements of the Gram-negative bacteria outer wall, induces DC maturation. Initial steps of maturation include stimulation of antigen endocytosis and enhanced reactive oxygen species (ROS) production with eventual downregulation of endocytic capacity in fully matured DCs. ROS production depends on NADPH oxidase (NOX2), the activity of which requires continuous pH and charge compensation. The present study demonstrates, for the first time, the functional expression of voltage-gated proton (Hv1) channels in mouse bone marrow-derived DCs. In whole cell patch-clamp experiments, we recorded Zn 2+ (50 μM)-sensitive outwardly rectifying currents activated upon depolarization, which were highly selective for H + , with the reversal potential shift of 38 mV per pH unit. The threshold voltage of activation ( V threshold ) was dependent on the pH gradient and was close to the empirically predicted V threshold for the Hv1 currents. LPS (1 μg/ml) had bimodal effects on Hv1 channels: acute LPS treatment increased Hv1 channel activity, whereas 24 h of LPS incubation significantly inhibited Hv1 currents and decreased ROS production. Activation of H + currents by acute application of LPS was abolished by PKC inhibitor GFX (10 nM). According to electron current measurements, acute LPS application was associated with increased NOX2 activity.
Phosphorylation of Nicastrin by SGK1 Leads to Its Degradation through Lysosomal and Proteasomal Pathways
2012-05-10

The gamma-secretase complex is involved in the intramembranous proteolysis of a variety of substrates, including the amyloid precursor protein and the Notch receptor. Nicastrin (NCT) is an essential component of the gamma-secretase complex and functions as a receptor for gamma-secretase substrates. In this study, we determined that serum- and glucocorticoid-induced protein kinase 1 (SGK1) markedly reduced the protein stability of NCT. The SGK1 kinase activity was decisive for NCT degradation and endogenous SGK1 inhibited gamma-secretase activity. SGK1 downregulates NCT protein levels via proteasomal and lysosomal pathways. Furthermore, SGK1 directly bound to and phosphorylated NCT on Ser437, thereby promoting protein degradation. Collectively, our findings indicate that SGK1 is a gamma-secretase regulator presumably effective through phosphorylation and degradation of NCT.
Total Synthesis of (±)-Moluccanic Acid Methyl Ester
2012-05-10

An effective total synthesis of the trinorditerpenoid moluccanic acid methyl ester has been achieved. The synthesis features a Robinson annulation, followed by aromatization to construct the aromatic ring and Baeyer–Villiger oxidation of the A ring to finish the target molecule.
Interoception across Modalities: On the Relationship between Cardiac Awareness and the Sensitivity for Gastric Functions
2012-05-11

The individual sensitivity for ones internal bodily signals ("interoceptive awareness") has been shown to be of relevance for a broad range of cognitive and affective functions. Interoceptive awareness has been primarily assessed via measuring the sensitivity for ones cardiac signals ("cardiac awareness") which can be non-invasively measured by heartbeat perception tasks. It is an open question whether cardiac awareness is related to the sensitivity for other bodily, visceral functions. This study investigated the relationship between cardiac awareness and the sensitivity for gastric functions in healthy female persons by using non-invasive methods. Heartbeat perception as a measure for cardiac awareness was assessed by a heartbeat tracking task and gastric sensitivity was assessed by a water load test. Gastric myoelectrical activity was measured by electrogastrography (EGG) and subjective feelings of fullness, valence, arousal and nausea were assessed. The results show that cardiac awareness was inversely correlated with ingested water volume and with normogastric activity after water load. However, persons with good and poor cardiac awareness did not differ in their subjective ratings of fullness, nausea and affective feelings after drinking. This suggests that good heartbeat perceivers ingested less water because they subjectively felt more intense signals of fullness during this lower amount of water intake compared to poor heartbeat perceivers who ingested more water until feeling the same signs of fullness. These findings demonstrate that cardiac awareness is related to greater sensitivity for gastric functions, suggesting that there is a general sensitivity for interoceptive processes across the gastric and cardiac modality.
A new prognostic model for cancer‐specific survival after radical cystectomy including pretreatment thrombocytosis and standard pathological risk factors
2012-05-11

Study Type – Prognosis (cohort series) Level of Evidence 2a What's known on the subject? and What does the study add? Preoperative thrombocytosis has been identified as a predictor of poor outcome in various cancer types. However, the prognostic role of platelet count in patients with invasive bladder cancer undergoing radical cystectomy is unknown. The present study demonstrates that preoperative thrombocytosis is an independent risk factor for decreased cancer‐specific survival after radical treatment of invasive bladder cancer. We developed a new prognostic scoring model for cancer‐specific outcomes after radical cystectomy including platelet count and established pathological risk factors. Consideration of platelet count in the final model increased its predictive accuracy significantly. Thrombocytosis may be a useful parameter to include within established international bladder cancer nomograms. OBJECTIVE To investigate the oncological significance of preoperative thrombocytosis in patients with invasive bladder cancer undergoing radical cystectomy, as it has been reported as a marker for aggressive tumour biology in a variety of solid tumours. PATIENTS AND METHODS The series comprised 258 patients undergoing radical cystectomy between 1999 and 2010 in whom different clinical and histopathological parameters were assessed. Elevated platelet count was defined as &gt;450 × 10 9 /L. Based on regression estimates of significant parameters in multivariable analysis a new weighted scoring model was developed to predict cancer‐specific outcomes. RESULTS The median follow‐up was 30 months (6–116). Of the 258 patients, 26 (10.1%) had elevated and 232 (89.9%) had normal platelet count. The 3‐year cancer‐specific survival in patients with normal and elevated platelet count was 61.5% and 32.7%, respectively ( P &lt; 0.001). In multivariable analysis, cancer‐specific survival was significantly lower in patients with locally advanced disease (≥pT3a) (relative risk 2.91, 1.54–5.65; P = 0.001), positive soft tissue surgical margins (4.03, 1.99–7.92; P = 0.001) and thrombocytosis (2.68, 1.26–5.14; P = 0.011). The 3‐year cancer‐specific survival in patients with a score 0 (low risk), 1–2 (intermediate risk) and 3–5 (high risk) was 81.0%, 54.8% and 8.2%, respectively ( P &lt; 0.001). Consideration of preoperative platelet count in the final model increased its predictive accuracy by 1.8% with a concordance index of 0.745 ( P = 0.040). CONCLUSIONS The presence of thrombocytosis at radical cystectomy portends unfavourable prognosis. We constructed a simple weighted prognostic model for cancer‐specific outcomes after radical cystectomy based on pretreatment platelet count and established pathological risk factors. These data warrant external validation and may allow for tailored monitoring and selection of appropriate patients for neoadjuvant and adjuvant trials.