julilili42/papers huggingface dataset:
Digital image analysis for diagnosis of cutaneous melanoma. Development of a highly effective computer algorithm based on analysis of 837 melanocytic lesions
2004-11-01

A diagnostic algorithm for digital image analysis of melanocytic lesions can achieve the same range of diagnostic accuracy as the application of dermoscopic classification rules by experts. The present diagnostic algorithm, however, still requires a medical expert who is qualified to recognize cutaneous lesions as being of melanocytic origin.
Low Grade Chiasmatic-Hypothalamic Glioma - Carboplatin and Vincristin Chemotherapy Effectively Defers Radiotherapy within a Comprehensive Treatment Strategy
2004-11-01

Within the comprehensive treatment strategy for low grade glioma HIT-LGG 1996 chemotherapy is effective to delay the need for early radiotherapy in chiasmatic-hypothalamic glioma. More effective reduction of the risk for progression has to be sought for young children < 1 year.
Predicting Protein Subcellular Localization: Past, Present, and Future
2004-11-01

Abstract Functional characterization of every single protein is a major challenge of the post-genomic era. The large-scale analysis of a cell’s proteins, proteomics, seeks to provide these proteins with reliable annotations regarding their interaction partners and functions in the cellular machinery. An important step on this way is to determine the subcellular localization of each protein. Eukaryotic cells are divided into subcellular compartments, or organelles. Transport across the membrane into the organelles is a highly regulated and complex cellular process. Predicting the subcellular localization by computational means has been an area of vivid activity during recent years. The publicly available prediction methods differ mainly in four aspects: the underlying biological motivation, the computational method used, localization coverage, and reliability, which are of importance to the user. This review provides a short description of the main events in the protein sorting process and an overview of the most commonly used methods in this field.
Self-monitoring in patients with schizophrenia
2004-11-01

Background. The present study investigated whether a failure of self-monitoring contributes to core syndromes of schizophrenia. Method. Three groups of patients with a DSM-IV diagnosis of schizophrenia ( n =27), with either prominent paranoid hallucinatory or disorganization syndrome, or without these symptoms, and a matched healthy control group ( n =23) drew circles on a writing pad connected to a PC monitor. Subjects were instructed to continuously monitor the relationship between their hand movements and their visual consequences. They were asked to detect gain changes in the mapping. Self-monitoring ability and the ability to automatically correct movements were assessed. Results. Patients with either paranoid-hallucinatory syndrome or formal thought disorder were selectively impaired in their ability to detect a mismatch between a self-generated movement and its consequences, but not impaired in their ability to automatically compensate for the gain change. Conclusions. These results support the claim that a failure of self-monitoring may underlie the core symptoms of schizophrenia.
Review of Field Methods for the Determination of the Tortuosity and Effective Gas-Phase Diffusivity in the Vadose Zone
2004-11-01

Modeling the gas exchange flux between soil and the atmosphere, risk assessment, and the evaluation of remediation strategies at contaminated sites require the knowledge of gas-phase diffusivities in the subsurface. We review methods to measure the tortuosity factor or the effective gas-phase diffusion coefficient in situ. The strong dependency of these parameters on the structure and volume of the air-filled pore space in the subsurface calls for an accurate and robust in situ measurement. A variety of approaches have been proposed during the last decades, each based on the observation and interpretation of gaseous tracer diffusion in near-surface soils or the deeper vadose zone under various initial and boundary conditions. We briefly describe the conceptual basis and experimental setup of each method and give insight into error propagation. We then discuss 115 effective diffusion coefficients De compiled from the original method papers and applications. In situ methods and laboratory measurements on undisturbed soil cores yield comparable results. The Penman relationship, De/Dm = 0.66θa, sets an upper limit for the field-determined effective diffusion coefficient in the case of uniform porosity. The Moldrup relationship, , originally proposed for sieved and repacked soils, gave the best predictions of several porosity-based relationships, but the relative deviation between observed and predicted De can be substantial. Therefore, the application of such a relationship for the site-specific modeling of gas-phase diffusion should be justified with in situ measurements, especially in heterogeneous environments.
Intrahepatic Lipids Are Predicted by Visceral Adipose Tissue Mass in Healthy Subjects
2004-11-01

Intracellular fat accumulation in the liver (1) and abdominal obesity (2–4) have both been related to reduced insulin action. An association between visceral and hepatic lipids has been demonstrated in healthy subjects and patients with type 2 diabetes (5). However, this association was not found in a cohort of nondiabetic subjects (1,6,7). The aim of the present study was to analyze the relationships between body fat distribution and hepatic lipids (measured using 1H-magnetic resonance spectroscopy) in a large heterogeneous cohort of healthy subjects at increased risk of type 2 diabetes. For this purpose, we used a whole-body magnetic resonance imaging scan to measure various fat depots. Subjects ( n = 78) were selected from TULIP (Tubingen Lifestyle Intervention Program). Persons recruited for TULIP are healthy subjects at increased risk for type 2 diabetes, namely family members of type 2 diabetic patients, obese or overweight subjects (BMI >27 kg/m2), subjects with impaired glucose tolerance, and women with a history of gestational diabetes. Subjects with clinically suspected alcohol abuse were excluded from the study. All subjects included in the present study were studied before starting a standardized exercise and dietary intervention program. The local ethics committee approved all protocols, and all subjects gave informed written consent. ### Magnetic resonance examinations A whole-body imaging protocol was applied for recording a set of 90–120 parallel transverse slices. Slice thickness was 10 mm for the entire body, with interslice gaps of 10 mm. T1-weighted contrast was applied, allowing semiautomatic quantitative assessment of fatty tissue and other tissue types in each cross section (Fig. 1 A , a and b ). Hepatic ...
Searching for motor functions in dysgenic cortex: a clinical transcranial magnetic stimulation and functional magnetic resonance imaging study
2004-11-01

Malformations of cortical development can show various degrees of participation in motor functions, ranging from corticospinal ("primary") motor control, to putative participation as "nonprimary" motor areas, to absence of evidence for any functional participation. This information can be obtained, noninvasively, using a combination of TMS and fMR imaging.
Perceptions, causes and consequences of infertility among the Chenchu tribe of India
2004-11-01

Infertility has been neglected as both a health and a social problem in India generally and among tribes specifically. Infertility is considered a curse for women, especially in India where the female partner is blamed in almost all cases. This study is based on the Chenchu tribe of the Nallamalai forest area, India. The main objective of this study is to highlight important aspects of infertility, such as perceptions, causes, and treatment-seeking behaviour. The other objective is to show the relation between infertility and inheritance, remarriage, divorce pattern, beliefs and practices. Qualitative techniques such as participant observation, in-depth interviews and unstructured key informant interviews were administered towards the fulfilment of the objectives. Chenchus relate infertility to spirits and dietary habits, and their treatment-seeking behaviour is based on their traditional knowledge of herbs and spiritual beliefs. Umbilical cord consumption is also considered as a remedy for infertility. The actual cause of infertility is related to sexually transmitted diseases, abortions, and adolescent sterility. There is a pressing need for imparting both preventive and curative biomedical care.
On the correlation of a naturally and an artificially dichotomized variable
2004-11-01

A method is suggested for estimating the correlation of a naturally ( X ) and an artificially ( Y ) dichotomized variable. It is assumed that a normal random variable ( L ) underlies the artificially dichotomized variable. The proposed correlation coefficient recovers the product moment correlation coefficient between X and L from a fourfold table of X and Y . The suggested correlation coefficient ν is contrasted with the phi correlation and the biserial η. The biserial η was proposed by Karl Pearson and is conceptually related to the new correlation coefficient. However, in addition, Pearson's biserial η invokes the assumption that the marginal distribution of L is normal, which contradicts its basic assumptions and thus does not recover the true correlation of L and X . Finally, an approximation is provided to simplify the calculation of ν and its standard error.
Uncertainty and data worth analysis for the hydraulic design of funnel‐and‐gate systems in heterogeneous aquifers
2004-11-01

Hydraulic failure of a funnel‐and‐gate system may occur when the contaminant plume bypasses the funnels rather than being captured by the gate. We analyze the uncertainty of capturing the plumes by funnel‐and‐gate systems in heterogeneous aquifers. Restricting the analysis to two‐dimensional, steady state flow, we characterize plume capture by the values of the stream function at the boundaries of the plume and the funnels. On the basis of the covariance of the log conductivity distribution we compute the covariance matrix of the relevant stream function values by a matrix‐based first‐order second‐moment method, making use of efficient matrix‐multiplication techniques. From the covariance matrix of stream function values, we can approximate the probability that the plume is bypassing the funnels. We condition the log conductivity field to measurements of the log conductivity and the hydraulic head. Prior to performing additional measurements, we estimate their worth by the expected reduction in the variance of stream function differences. In an application to a hypothetical aquifer, we demonstrate that our method of uncertainty propagation and our sampling strategy enable us to discriminate between cases of success and failure of funnel‐and‐gate systems with a small number of additional samples.
Combining Pump‐and‐Treat and Physical Barriers for Contaminant Plume Control
2004-11-01

A detailed analysis is presented of the hydraulic efficiency of plume management alternatives that combine a conventional pump-and-treat system with vertical, physical hydraulic barriers such as slurry walls or sheet piles. Various design settings are examined for their potential to reduce the pumping rate needed to obtain a complete capture of a given contaminated area. Using established modeling techniques for flow and transport, those barrier configurations (specified by location, shape, and length) that yield a maximum reduction of the pumping rate are identified assuming homogeneous aquifer conditions. Selected configurations are further analyzed concerning their hydraulic performance under heterogeneous aquifer conditions by means of a stochastic approach (Monte Carlo simulations) with aquifer transmissivity as a random space function. The results show that physical barriers are an appropriate means to decrease expected (mean) pumping rates, as well as the variance of the corresponding pumping rate distribution at any given degree of heterogeneity. The methodology presented can be transferred easily to other aquifer scenarios, provided some basic premises are fulfilled, and may serve as a basis for reducing the pumping rate in existing pump-and-treat systems.
Carbon Balance in Leaves of Young Poplar Trees
2004-11-01

Abstract: In the present study, important components of carbon metabolism of mature leaves of young poplar trees (Populus × canescens) were determined. Carbohydrate concentrations in leaves and xylem sap were quantified at five different times during the day and compared with photosynthetic gas exchange measurements (net assimilation, transpiration and rates of isoprene emission). Continuously measured xylem sap flow rates, with a time resolution of 15 min, were used to calculate diurnal balances of carbon metabolism of whole mature poplar leaves on different days. Loss of photosynthetically fixed carbon by isoprene emission and dark respiration amounted to 1 % and 20 %. The most abundant soluble carbohydrates in leaves and xylem sap were glucose, fructose and sucrose, with amounts of approx. 2 to 12 mmol m ‐2 leaf area in leaves and about 0.2 to 15 mM in xylem sap. Clear diurnal patterns of carbohydrate concentration in xylem sap and leaves, however, were not observed. Calculations of the carbon transport rates in the xylem to the leaves were based on carbohydrate concentrations in xylem sap and xylem sap flow rates. This carbon delivery amounted to about 3 μmol C m ‐2 s ‐1 during the day and approx. 1 μmol C m ‐2 s ‐1 at night. The data demonstrated that between 9 and 28 % of total carbon delivered to poplar leaves during 24 h resulted from xylem transport and, hence, provide a strong indication for a significant rate of carbon cycling within young trees.
The Political Economy of Privatization: Empirical Evidence from Transition Economies
2004-11-01

SUMMARY This paper provides systematic evidence for both the cross‐country and sector‐independent validation of political‐economic theories used to explain changes in national property rights arrangements. A political‐economic model for privatization will be developed and then tested on progress in large‐scale and small‐scale privatizations in 14 Central and Eastern European transition economies between 1994 and 2000. It will be proven that divergent levels of progress in large‐scale privatization can be explained to a large extent by the structural and financial constraints on political decision‐makers and varying national interest group constellations. Small‐scale privatization is not significantly determined by political constraints and interest group pressure. This finding supports the assumption that the relative merits of different theories to explain changes in property rights arrangements depend crucially on the specific conditions of initial property arrangements.
Tuberculina-Helicobasidium: Host specificity of the Tuberculina-stage reveals unexpected diversity within the group
2004-11-01

Tuberculina species are mitosporic parasites of rust fungi. It was demonstrated recently that Tuberculina represents the asexual life stage of the plant-parasitic genus Helicobasidium. Here we reveal the host specificities of Tuberculina and Helicobasidium species on rust fungal hosts by means of infection experiments and molecular analyses. We inoculated species of the rust genera Chrysomyxa, Coleosporium, Cronartium, Gymnosporangium, Puccinia, Tranzschelia and Uromyces with conidia and with basidiospores of Helicobasidium longisporum and H. purpureum and with conidia of Tuberculina maxima, T. persicina and T. sbrozzii. In addition we analyzed base sequences from the nuclear ITS region of 51 Tuberculina and Helicobasidium specimens collected in the field together with the sequences from the Tuberculina infections obtained by infection experiments. The resulting data show that at least six monophyletic lineages are within the Tuberculina/Helicobasidium-group that can be unambiguously distinguished by combining molecular and morphological characters and by specific host spectra of the Tuberculina-stage. This diversity opens up new vistas on the evolution of this exceptional mycoparasitic-phytoparasitic fungal group.
The Nebular Environment and Enigmatic Hard X-Ray Emission of the Hot DO White Dwarf KPD 0005+5106
2004-11-01

We have detected an ionized nebula around the hot DO white dwarf KPD\\n0005+5106, and used the [OIII]/H-alpha ratios and nebular velocities to\\nseparate this nebula from the background HII region of AO Cas. The angular size\\nof the [OIII] nebula of KPD 0005+5106 is ~3 deg. The velocity of this nebula is\\nsimilar to those of the local interstellar HI gas and the\\ninterstellar/circumstellar absorption lines in UV spectra of KPD 0005+5106, but\\nhas a large offset from those of the stellar photospheric lines. The mass of\\nthe ionized nebula, ~70 Msun, indicates that it consists of interstellar\\nmaterial and that the velocity offset between the star and the ambient medium\\nshould not be interpreted as a wind outflow. We have also analyzed the ROSAT\\nPSPC observation of KPD 0005+5106 to determine its hard X-ray luminosity. Using\\nthe L_X/L_bol relation for late-type stars and the lack of obvious near-IR\\nexcess of KPD 0005+5106, we exclude the possible existence of a binary\\ncompanion with coronal activity. Without a wind outflow, the presence of\\nstellar OVIII emission requires that X-rays at energies greater than 0.871 keV\\nare present in the vicinity of KPD 0005+5106. This hard X-ray emission is most\\npuzzling as neither photospheric emission at such high energies nor a\\nhigh-temperature corona is expected from current stellar atmospheric models of\\nKPD 0005+5106. X-ray observations with high angular resolution and sensitivity\\nare needed to confirm the positional coincidence and to enable X-ray spectral\\nanalyses for constraining the physical origin of the hard X-ray emission from\\nKPD 0005+5106.\\n
Tuberculina-Helicobasidium: Host Specificity of the Tuberculina-Stage Reveals Unexpected Diversity within the Group
2004-11-01

AbstractTuberculina species are mitosporic parasites of rust fungi. It was demonstrated recently that Tuberculina represents the asexual life stage of the plant-parasitic genus Helicobasidium. Here we reveal the host specificities of Tuberculina and Helicobasidium species on rust fungal hosts by means of infection experiments and molecular analyses. We inoculated species of the rust genera Chrysomyxa, Coleosporium, Cronartium, Gymnosporangium, Puccinia, Tranzschelia and Uromyces with conidia and with basidiospores of Helicobasidium longisporum and H. purpureum and with conidia of Tuberculina maxima, T. persicina and T. sbrozzii. In addition we analyzed base sequences from the nuclear ITS region of 51 Tuberculina and Helicobasidium specimens collected in the field together with the sequences from the Tuberculina infections obtained by infection experiments. The resulting data show that at least six monophyletic lineages are within the Tuberculina/Helicobasidium-group that can be unambiguously distinguished by combining molecular and morphological characters and by specific host spectra of the Tuberculina-stage. This diversity opens up new vistas on the evolution of this exceptional mycoparasitic-phytoparasitic fungal group.KeywordsHelicobasidiumhost specificityinfection experimentsITSTuberculinamolecular phylogenymycoparasitismUrediniomycetes We thank W. Maier, and C. Lutz for critical comments on the manuscript, M. Mennicken and H. Teppner for their endeavors to assist in the field, the anonymous reviewers for their helpful comments and the Deutsche Forschungs-gemeinschaft for financial support.
Nematococcomyces rhododendri,a new species in a new genus of the Rhytismatales from China
2004-11-01

A fungus belonging to the Rhytismatales found on twigs of Rhododendron lutescens in Yunnan, southwestern China, is described as a new species in a new genus. It is characterized by Coccomyces-like ascomata but differs in having elliptical ascospores with filiform, hyaline appendages. The ascospores of this new taxon are somewhat similar to those of species of Parvacoccum, but the latter has symmetrical, fusiform ascospores with funnel-shaped appendages. The new genus also is distinct from Hypoderma, Hypodermella, Myriophacidium, Ploioderma, Neococcomyces and Therrya.
Addressable field emitter array: A tool for designing field emitters and a multibeam electron source
2004-11-01

We have developed an array of 25 electrically addressable field emitters. This device is a very suitable tool for experimentally designing miniaturized electron sources with improved emission characteristics. The field emission tip itself is fabricated by a combination of electron beam induced deposition and physical vapor deposition. Thus it is possible to vary the geometrical setup of tip and extraction electrode easily and also to define the emitter material exactly. The influence of most important parameters on the tip shape has been examined and deposition of three-dimensional structures is shown. Analysis of Fowler–Nordheim-plots indicates that during first operation and increased exposure to argon, nitrogen, and oxygen a change in tip radius is the predominant effect. Two arrays of field emitters with different tip heights have been examined to show the variation in emission pattern and current distribution.
The unique cellular interaction between the leaf pathogen Cymadothea trifolii and Trifolium repens
2004-11-01

Cellular interactions between the ascomycete Cymadothea trifolii and Trifolium repens (white clover) were analyzed using high-pressure freezing and freeze substitution. Cymadothea trifolii, a biotrophic leaf pathogen, forms a unique structure within its own hyphae, presumably for nutrient uptake from its host. This structure, called an interaction apparatus, consists of long, thin, often net-like cisternae surrounded by a membrane continuous with the fungal plasma membrane. The plant plasmalemma opposite the interaction apparatus invaginates to produce a host bubble. The interaction apparatus and host bubble are apoplastic and are linked by a tube with an electron dense sheath that may channel nutrients from the host to the pathogen. Within the tube, the cell walls of host and parasite appear altered. The interaction apparatus and host bubble may be analogous to haustoria in other obligately biotrophic fungi while the electron dense sheath of the tube may be equivalent to the haustorial neckband.