julilili42/papers huggingface dataset:
Proliferative signals mediated by CD28 superagonists require the exchange factor Vav1 but not phosphoinositide 3‐kinase in primary peripheral T cells
2008-09-01

Abstract Almost all responses of naive T cells require co‐stimulation, i.e. engagement of the clonotypic TCR with relevant antigen/MHC and the co‐stimulatory molecule CD28. How CD28 contributes to T‐cell proliferation remains poorly understood, with widely conflicting reports existing which may reflect different methods of co‐ligating receptors. Some CD28 mAb, however, can stimulate T‐cell proliferation without the need for TCR co‐ligation, and thus provide unique tools to dissect proliferative signals mediated through CD28 alone. Using primary peripheral T cells from CD28‐transgenic mice, we show that both the YMNM and Lck‐binding motifs, but not the Itk‐binding motif, in CD28 are required for proliferation. Given that the YMNM motif recruits both phosphoinositide 3‐kinase (PI3K) and the exchange factor Vav1, we investigated the role of these two molecules in CD28‐mediated proliferation. In p110δ D910A/D910A transgenic T cells, which are defective in PI3K activation following CD28 ligation, proliferation was comparable to that in wild‐type cells. By contrast, T‐cell proliferation was abolished in Vav1 −/− cells. Although we did not address the role of Grb2 in CD28 signalling, these results indicate that CD28 can mediate Lck‐ and Vav1‐dependent proliferative signals independently of PI3K.
Integrated requirement evaluation of non-functional system-on-chip properties
2008-09-01

In this paper, a novel design and analysis methodology for simulation-based determination of non-functional properties of a system design, like performance, power consumption and temperature is proposed. For simulation acceleration and handling of complexity issues, the design flow includes automated abstraction of component functionality. Specified platform attributes as dynamic power management and formally declared temporal input stimuli are automatically transformed to non-functional SystemC models. The framework implements the ability for automated online and offline analysis of non-functional system-on-chip properties.
Predicting resistance to platinum-containing chemotherapy with the ATP tumorchemosensitivity assay in primary ovarian cancer
2008-09-01

Aims: Most patients with primary epithelial ovarian cancer (PEOC) treated with carboplatin/paclitaxel will relapse between one to two years. Our purpose was to define the optimal calculation method for the ATP Tumor Chemosensitivity assay (ATP-TCA) applied to PEOC treated with platinum-containing chemotherapy and to analyze its predictive relevance. Material and Methods: ATP-TCA results from 80 PEOC specimens were analyzed applying three different methods: 50% inhibition concentration, sensitivity index (IndexSUM), and area under curve by testing multiple cut-off levels. Correlation between in vitro results and clinical outcome was performed for 61 (76%) patients by univariate and multivariate analysis. Tumor recurrence 6 months after chemotherapy was classified as platinum-resistance. Results: The IndexSUM set at &gt;250 had the highest test sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive value of 90%, 43%, 62% and 81%, respectively. Patients whose tumors were shown to be resistant by ATP-TCA had a higher risk for recurrence (RR) compared to those who tested as sensitive (p&lt;0.003, RR=3.3, 95% CI=1.2–9.4). This result was confirmed after adjustment for FIGO stage by logistic regression (p&lt;0.004, Odds ratio=8.3, 95%CI=1.9–35.5). In multivariate analysis ATP-TCA and the FIGO-stage were independent predictive factors of early recurrence. Conclusion: ATP-TCA results in combination with the use of IndexSUM &gt;250 are best able to predict platinum resistance.
Transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEM) in the treatment of postoperative colorectal stenosis
2008-09-01

BACKGROUND: Strictures of low colorectal anastomosis are increasing by use the anastomotic stapler. There are many kinds of treatments like dilation, transanal rectotomy, and resection with linear or circular stapler. Other methods includes endoscopic knifes, absorbable sutures and laparotomy. The Transanal Endoscopic Microsurgery (TEM) has been used to treat postoperative anastomotic stenosis. CASES REPORT: Three cases of anastomotic strictures after low colorectal anastomosis were treated with TEM with success in medium follow-up. They had a good postoperative evolution without recurrence of symptoms and stenosis. CONCLUSION: The new TEM surgical approach seems to be a safe choice for the treatment of the postoperative colorectal stenosis.
Specific properties of sodium currents in multipotent striatal progenitor cells
2008-09-01

Abstract This study investigates the impact of intrinsic currents on early neural development. A rat striatal ST14A cell line immortalized by SV40 large T antigen was employed as a model system because these cells act as multipotent neural progenitors when maintained at a permissive temperature of 33°C. The whole‐cell patch‐clamp, molecular and immunocytochemical experiments point to a unique role of sodium currents in the multipotential stage of neural development. In initial experiments, action potential‐like responses were only present when multipotential ST14A cells were substantially hyperpolarized. This led us to presume that sodium channels were only recruited during deep hyperpolarization. Subsequent voltage‐clamp studies confirmed a remarkably hyperpolarized steady‐state inactivation of the sodium currents and also showed that the underlying channels were tetrodotoxin resistant. Direct comparison with cells whose neuronal fate was already determined, i.e. short‐term cultured striatal cells isolated at embryonic day 14 and after birth (post‐natal day 0), showed that both traits are unique to ST14A cells. However, sodium currents in all three groups had a fast time‐ and voltage‐dependent activation, as well as full inactivation with roughly similar kinetics. The peculiarity in ST14A might be explained by a relative excess of heart‐type Na V 1.5 and particularly its splice variant Na V 1.5a, as suggested by reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction results. We conclude that multipotent neural progenitor cells express Na + channels in their membrane irrespective of their fate but these channels have little effect due to their subunit composition, which is regulated by alternative splicing.
Stepwise Aldol Addition and Cyanhydrin Formation with Acetone and Thallous Cyanide
2008-09-01

The dithallous salt of 2,4-dihydroxy-2,4-dimethylpentanoic acid (1), formed by slow diffusion of acetone into an aqueous thallous cyanide solution, is transformed into 2,4-dihydroxy-2,4-dimethylpentanoic acid (2) by reaction with ammonium iodide. 2-Hydroxy-2,4,4-trimethylbutyrolactone (3) is obtained by treatment of 2 with catalytic amounts of benzenesulfonic acid. The sequence of the reactions and the crystal structure of 1 are discussed.
Novel Therapeutic Options in Metastatic Renal Cancer – Review and Post ASCO 2007 Update
2008-09-01

Cytokine-based therapeutic approaches using interferon (IFN) and interleukin 2 (IL-2) were conventionally applied for the treatment of progressive RCC. Caused by the limited effectiveness of cytokine-based approaches in advanced renal cell carcinoma, new substances were needed. Among these, the "targeted therapies", particularly the group of the tyrosine kinase inhibitors, are of main interest. At present, multikinase inhibitors and antiangiogenic agents (VEGFR, PDGFR-beta, and mTOR) are used in first- and second-line therapies of metastatic RCC in various clinical studies. This review presents and discusses the effectiveness of the most frequently used substances in mono- or combination regimes based on current data of the ASCO 2007.
Transient outward potassium current in rabbit atrium is depressed after short-time rapid atrial pacing but recovers after a longer pacing period.
2008-09-01

In rabbit, after short-time rapid atrial pacing (RAP), atrial ion currents are reduced similarly as in human chronic atrial fibrillation (AF). Using the rabbit model, time-course of transient outward potassium current (I(to)) remodeling due to RAP was studied. RAP (600 bpm) was applied via an atrial lead for 0 (control), 24 and 120 h, n = 4 animals/group. Using patch clamp technique in whole-cell mode, current densities and biophysical properties were measured in isolated atrial myocytes. After 24 h of RAP, a reduction of peak I(to) (mean +/- SEM, test potential +50 mV, +37 degrees C) was observed (60.3 +/- 5.4 pA/pF (control, n = 20) vs. 28.0 +/- 2.5 pA/pF (24 h, n = 21)). Inactivation of I(to) was slower after 24 h, other biophysical properties were unaltered. However, I(to) recovered after 120 h: 51.7 +/- 4.5 pA/pF (n = 26, p = n.s. vs. control). Inactivation tended to also recover to initial values but was still different to control. Early I(to) remodeling due to RAP in rabbits seems to be more complex than previously thought: a time course of I(to) remodeling with swayings has to be considered when using the rabbit model of RAP in order to study early remodeling or rather its therapeutic manipulation.
Inhibition of the renin-angiotensin system: effects on tachycardia-induced early electrical remodelling in rabbit atrium
2008-09-01

Introduction. Tachycardia-induced atrial remodelling (as an equivalent to atrial fibrillation) can be influenced by the renin-angiotensin system. Effects of a seven-day enalapril pre-treatment (EPT, 0.16 mg/kg body weight subcutaneously every 24 h) on ionic currents underlying tachycardia-induced early electrical remodelling after 24 h rapid atrial pacing (RAP, 600 beats/min) in rabbit atrium were studied. Materials and methods. Animals were divided into four groups (n=4 each): control; paced only; enalapril only; and enalapril and paced, respectively. Using patch-clamp technique in whole-cell mode, current densities were measured in isolated atrial myocytes. Results. EPT nearly doubled L-type calcium current (ICa,L, −7.7±0.6 pA/pF [control] vs. f −12.3±1.2 pA/pF [enalapril only]). RAP reduced ICa,L to −3.6±0.7 pA/pF (paced only). Also after EPT, RAP led to a significant downregulation of ICa,L by 39% (−7.5±1.3 pA/pF [paced and enalapril]). RAP decreased transient outward potassium current (Ito, −45%, 51.5±3.9 pA/pF [control] vs. 28.5±4.5 pA/pF [paced only]). EPT did not alter Ito (44.2±8.1 pA/pF [enalapril only]). However, RAP did not affect Ito in enalapril-treated animals and averaged 50.4±9.8 pA/pF (paced and enalapril). Conclusions. In summary, EPT has several effects on ion channels in rabbit atrium: 1) EPT increases ICa,L current density, but cannot prevent its downregulation due to RAP; 2) EPT has no influence on Ito current density, but can prevent its downregulation due to RAP. Although changes of single ion channels must be interpreted in context of the complex atrial electrophysiology as a whole, our results provide a possible explanation of the in vivo observation that angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibition is mainly beneficial on the early electrical remodelling due to the atrial fibrillation-equivalent RAP.
Ependymoblastomatous Exencephaly: A Unique Fetal Malformation
2008-09-01

Exencephaly/anencephaly is a rare neural tube defect occurring early in embryogenesis. We report a 14-week-old fetus with exencephaly in whom central nervous system tissue was developed and preserved. There were 2 symmetrical structures grossly resembling cerebral hemispheres, which on histologic and ultrastructural study, consisted of a combination of ependymoblastomatous rosettes and canals and primitive neural tissue. The brainstem and spinal cord were partially normally formed, although descending tracts were not apparent. No cerebellar tissue was found. The eyes were formed. This appears to represent a rare example of exencephaly not covered by skin, which did not undergo necrosis and early transformation into a residual area cerebrovasculosa, characteristic of anencephaly. It may be appropriate to regard this as a unique neural tube closure defect that might be termed “ependymoblastomatous exencephaly.”
Enabling automated code transformation and variable tracing
2008-09-01

To solve the challenge of hardware/software partitioning and the reuse of legacy system models (Bannow et al., 2004) introduced a module adapter (MA) based approach which is considered in section 2. The described transformation/mapping of functional code into a SystemC model still needs heavy code modifications. Besides the parser that has to be nearly as powerful as a C++ compiler the readability suffers from the necessary changes. This paper introduces an approach which reduces the code modifications to a minimum. The primary objective is to provide a solution to enable an automated application. In this novel approach, code readability and transformation effort are improved significantly by using the powerful operator overloading mechanism of C++. The presented implementation can be used to either realize transparent communication over module barriers, trace simulation data or only for debugging purposes. Some examples demonstrate the applicability and give some incitements for expedient use cases. The presented C++ code can be easily extended by inheritance for custom needs.
Performance and productivity benefits using multi-core processors for the analysis of digital long-term ECG recordings
2008-09-01

Modern Holter recorders allow the acquisition of 12 lead ECGs with a sampling rate of 1 KHz or higher and a resolution of 16 bits over more than 24 h. While large volumes of data can be easily stored on flash memory cards the analysis of these biosignals requires considerable calculation power and network bandwidth. In general, processing time is important when hundreds of digital recordings from large study groups need to be analyzed. The objective of the following investigation is to address the question: Can performance and productivity benefits in ECG analysis be achieved using multi-core processor technology? Because these processors have two or more processing cores they can perform parallel processing. The results show that segmentation of Holter data and running the same program multiple times simultaneously can dramatically speedup the computing performance.
Extraordinary magnetic field behavior of SIFS Josephson junctions with an inhomogeneous transparency of the FS interface
2008-09-01

Within the framework of the Usadel equations, the Josephson effect in a superconductor-insulator-ferromagnet-superconductor (SIFS) structure with a spatially heterogeneous transparency of the SF interface has been studied. It is shown that, at a certain thickness of the F layer, a stepwise variation of the transparency leads to the formation of a region of size ∼ξ F (coherence length in a ferromagnet), where the Josephson supercurrents of different signs may flow. This may lead to the dependence of the junction critical current on the external magnetic field qualitatively different from the Fraunhofer pattern typically observed in usual Josephson junctions.
Spinal cord compression through extraosseous extension of a vertebral low-grade hemangioendothelioma with histiocytoid differentiation
2008-09-01

Herein, we report the case of a 47-year-old man clinically presenting a slow progressive loss of lower extremity functions within 8 weeks followed by an acute neurogenic bladder dysfunction. The patient exhibited high-grade paralysis of both legs with reduced sensation from dermatome Th11 downwards as well as marked spasticity of the lower extremity. Neuroradiological examinations revealed a protruding spinal tumor with extraosseous-intraspinal extension. The resected tumor mass exhibited a highly vascularized tumor with architectural complexity and high cellularity finally leading to the diagnosis of a hemangioendothelioma. Interesting was the fact that the tumor vasculature exhibited many CD68-positive cells protruding into the lumen and, therefore, being part of a partially histiocytoid differentiation which is all the more uncommon in hemangioendothelioma. The time frame of 3 hours between embolization and tumor resection is too short to explain a monocytic intravascular reaction. Usually, hemangioendotheliomas arise from the soft tissue, lungs or liver, but intraspinal manifestations are only rarely observed. Furthermore, the clinical course with a progressive development of a paraparesis due to a hemangioendothelioma is very uncommon.
Metal-assisted Oxidative Cyclization of Arylamidrazones II [1]. Novel Synthesis of 1,4-Diaryl[1,2,4]triazino[6,5-h]quinolines
2008-09-01

New model 1,2,4-triazino[6,5-h]quinolines 8a - c are prepared by oxidative cyclization of the respective N-(quinolin-8-yl)amidrazone precursors 7a - c using copper(II) chloride. Interestingly, the cyclized products 8a - c were found to be arylated at N1 position. Analytical and spectral (MS, NMR) data of the title products are in compliance with the allocated structures.
Model-based robust and pecise tracking embedded in smart cameras&#x2014;the PFAAM-CAM
2008-09-01

Top down tracking approaches like particle filtering are known for their robustness since they can handle multimodal probability density functions. Active appearance models (AAMs), on the other hand, allow for precise, model-based tracking but suffer from limited robustness. The particle filter AAM combination (PFAAM), exploits the best of both worlds. In this paper the PFAAM is embedded on a smart camera. We present the necessary changes to achieve faster performance for the limited resources available in this embedded environment. The proposed implementation of the PFAAM on the smart camera-the PFAAM cam-offers various benefits compared to a more traditional, centralised approach. All the processing is performed on the camera that allows it to run on the raw and thus artefact free video data. Also, only the resulting parameters of the AAM are transmitted; no video feed has thus to leave the camera that significantly reduces the necessary bandwidth.
Spontaneous cataract formation in DBA/2J mice
2008-09-01

Abstract Purpose DBA/2J mouse develop spontaneously changes in anterior chamber like pigment dispersion syndrome, iris atrophy, posterior synechiae leading to IOP increase. Additionally, there are observations suggesting cataract formation. The aim of this study was to describe features of cataract formation in DBA/2J mice. Moreover, presence and pattern of the L‐ kynurenine aminotransferases (KAT I , II and III) immunoreactivity in the cataractous lens of DBA/2J mice was investigated. Methods Immunohistochemistry was conducted using polyclonal antibodies against KAT I, II and KAT III on 18 cataractous lenses of 8‐, 11‐ and 24‐month old DBA/2J mice (6 in each group). All the sections of the lens were stained with Periodic Acid – Schiff (PAS), and normal anatomy of the anterior segment of the eye was confirmed. Moreover, all the animals subjected to the study were examined using slit lamp and anterior chamber photography. Results As observed clinically, the animals developed cataract during aging. PAS staining revealed presence of lens opacification. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed presence of KAT I, II and KAT III in the extracellular structures of cataract showing specific pattern of the stain. In cortical cataract the immunoreactivity was observed on cortical lens fibres. In nuclear cataract, KAT II revealed stronger and diffused staining than KAT I. Additionally both KATs showed more pronounced staining at the edge of small clefts. Conclusion Manifestation of L‐kynurenine aminotransferases in extracellular matrix during cataract formation in DBA/2J mice suggests that products of L‐kynurenine pathway might be involved in mechanisms of cataractogenesis in this animal model.
Sigma Meson Production in Nuclear Reactions
2008-09-01

The sigma meson production in p + 12C and p + 40Ca reactions at the incident energy Ep = 1.5 GeV is investigated within the Quantum Molecular Dynamics model. The simulation results indicate a distinctive A dependence of the sigma production, that is, the increase of A is followed by an increase of the production cross sections. We find that the σ meson production in proton-induced reactions is strongly medium-dependent, and the produced σ mesons decaying in a denser medium experience a stronger mass shift towards lower masses. This mass shift is an experimentally accessible observable in the final state pion pairs, which do not suffer from reabsorption by the surrounding nucleons. It is pointed out that the ratio of measured sigma cross sections as a function of the sigma invariant-mass from various reactions is a good probe to explore the existence of the σ meson in a dense nuclear environment.
Open label multicenter study of once weekly Etanercept 0.8 mg/kg in active polyarticular Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA)
2008-09-01

Methods At each study site an independent ethics committee approved the protocol, and each patient's parent gave written informed consent (EudraCT No. 2007-00025534). 20 patients 4 to 17 years old were included and received 0.8 mg/kg bw. of etanercept subcutaneously once weekly for 12 weeks Active polyarticular disease was defined by the presence of five or more active joints. PedACR30/50/70 criteria were calculated.
Efficacy of oral versus subcutaneous methotrexate in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis
2008-09-01

Methods According to MTX-administration route, children were divided into four groups: sc, po, switching from po to sc and from sc to po. Based on joint counts (pain, swelling and limited range of motion), patient's and physician's visual analogue scale for disease activity (VAS) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) or C-reactive protein (CRP), a combined overall disease activity score (entitled Co-score, CoS) was generated for each patient. Statistically paired T-test and ANCOVA were applied.
Recognition of patterns from geological structures in radar signals with the neuronal network simulator JNNS
2008-09-01

Aim of GPR measurements is not only to detect the spatial position of reflecting structures, but also to classify its geological reason. The reflection coefficient of a radar signal depends on the reflecting material. Numerous propeties of the recorded signal can be used to assign a reflection with geology. Necessary is the knowledge about unique parameters for a classification and the validation of the results in a known environment. Data from well explored salt mines allows this validation. Neuronal networks are a good tool to optimize parameter sets or patterns regarding to its relevance for an assignment. A neuronal network consists of simple units which transmit information weighted and directed to the next level. The connections between the units are characterized by activation functions which vary during learning processes. By validating a arameter set it is possible to connect an input level with an output level and creating an associative pattern without knowing the deterministic rules between them. Which parameters of a radar signal are relevant to get a result with this method is the topic of this paper. The neuronal network simulator JNNS used here was developed at the university Stuttgart.