julilili42/papers huggingface dataset:
Interleukin-3 Promotes the Expression of E-NPP3/CD203C on Human Blood Basophils in Healthy Subjects and in Patients with Birch Pollen Allergy
2007-04-01

We recently identified the ectoenzyme CD203c as a novel basophil activation antigen that is up-regulated in response to FceRI cross-linkage. We investigated the effects of various interleukins (ILs) on expression of CD203c on blood basophils using an antibody against CD203c and flow cytometry. Of all cytokines tested, only IL-3 was found to upregulate expression of CD203c on basophils above baseline levels. The effects of IL-3 were dose- and time-dependent (EC 50 : 0.1–1 ng/ml) without differences observed between healthy and allergic donors. Whereas anti-IgE induced maximum upregulation of CD203c within 15 minutes, the IL-3-induced upregulation showed a maximum after 180 minutes. IgE-receptor cross-linking resulted in enhanced expression of both CD63 and CD203c, whereas IL-3 enhanced the levels of CD203c without promoting expression of CD63. The IL-3-induced upregulation of CD203c was also observed in highly enriched basophils and was counteracted by a blocking antibody against the alpha chain of the IL-3 receptor (CD123). The IL-3-induced upregulation of CD203c was also found to depend on the presence of calcium. To analyze signaling pathways involved in IL-3-induced upregulation of CD203c, pharmacologic inhibitors were applied. The PI3-kinase inhibitors, wortmannin and LY294002 counteracted the IL-3-induced expression of CD203c, whereas MEK- and PKC inhibitors showed no effects. In conclusion, IL-3 upregulates expression of CD203c on basophils through a specific receptor and via a PI3-kinase-dependent signaling-pathway. Compared to FceRI-mediated cell activation, IL-3-induced upregulation of CD203c is a late(r) event and is not accompanied by upregulation of CD63.
European bat lyssaviruses — an ecological enigma
2007-04-01

ABSTRACT The first European case of bat rabies was reported in 1954. Since then, more than 800 cases have been confirmed from 13 countries. The causative agents are European Bat Lyssavirus Type-1 (EBLV-1) and Type-2 (EBLV-2). The natural host of EBLV-1 seems to be the serotine bat (Eptesicus serotinus) with more than 95% of all cases reported in this species. Although much fewer EBLV-2 cases have been identified, it seems that Myotis dasycneme and M. daubentonii are likely to be the principal hosts' species for this virus. The ecological mechanisms underlying the transmission of EBLV-1 and EBLV-2 are still poorly understood. In order to assess the public health risks associated with EBLVs and the implications for bat conservation, some issues need urgent clarification. In this review some of the most pressing topics will be addressed. Only collaboration between a range of disciplines that include virologists, epidemiologists and bat conservationists will be able to elucidate some of these unanswered questions.
Accumulation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in rural soils based on mass balances at the catchment scale
2007-04-01

Abstract Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are hydrophobic organic pollutants that are ubiquitously distributed in the environment at relatively high concentrations. In our study we investigated the long-term fate of atmospheric PAHs in soils of rural areas, resulting from diffuse pollution based on mass balances at the catchment scale. By determining PAHs in several environmental compartments, estimates of soil storages and water fluxes were made and compared with atmospheric deposition. The results indicate that more than 90% of the incoming PAHs remain in the catchments and accumulate in the topsoils. Furthermore, revolatilization of PAHs from soils and degradation in the soils is very limited, resulting in ongoing accumulation in topsoils, in particular for low-volatile PAHs. Combustion-derived carbonaceous particles were detected in atmospheric deposition as well as in the soil samples. Since these particles are very strong adsorbents, they are suspected to play a key role in the environmental fate of the diffuse distributed PAHs.
Seasonal dynamics and decadal changes of benthic foraminiferal assemblages in the western Baltic Sea (NW Europe)
2007-04-01

Abstract. Living benthic foraminiferal assemblages were monitored between January and July 2004 in the Kiel Bight, Baltic Sea. Phytoplankton blooms and the deposition of organic detritus were depicted by fluorometer hydro casts and pigment concentrations in surface sediments. Three depositional pulses of organic matter were identified by high phytoplankton concentrations above the sea floor and elevated pigment concentrations in the surface sediment. The foraminiferal assemblage composition remained rather constant but the population density of Elphidium excavatum clavatum showed a two- to six-fold increase within a few days after organic detritus deposition. The foraminiferal assemblage composition was compared to earlier studies in this area. Elphidium excavatum, Ammotium cassis and E. incertum dominated the living fauna in the 1960s and 1970s. The recent survey revealed a predominance of E. excavatum subspecies (more than 90% of the living assemblage). The average population densities were six times higher than in the 1970s. Data structure and model calculations suggested that E. excavatum clavatum is able to reproduce rapidly, with high offspring numbers at elevated food supply. The diminution of A. cassis has occurred in Kiel Bight during the last ten years and was most likely induced by a period of low deep-water salinities in the early 1990s.
Do Membrane Rafts Contribute to Human Immunosenescence?
2007-04-01

Abstract : Aging is associated with an alteration of the immune response called immunosenescence. It is now well accepted that all parts of the immune system, the adaptive as well as the innate, undergo immunosenescence. However, the adaptive immune response and especially T cell functions are the most affected by aging. Aging is associated with profound changes in lymphocytes subpopulations, however, the functional changes within these subsets are more important to elucidate. Indeed, T cells present functional modifications resulting in a decreased clonal expansion and interleukin‐2 (IL‐2) production. So there should be an alteration in the activation process of T cells with aging involving the T cell receptor (TCR) and CD28 receptor signaling cascades. The alterations in membrane rafts composition and function can underline this altered activation of T cells with aging and then contribute to human immunosenescence. The experimental data in favor of this hypothesis will be reviewed.
Dribbling Control of Omnidirectional Soccer Robots
2007-04-01

This paper focuses on the dribbling control problem of an omnidirectional mobile robot. Because the movement of the dribbled object must be considered, dribbling control is more challenging than normal mobile robot motion control. A new feedback control algorithm, which steers a reference point to follow the desired movement and keeps the ball near to this point simultaneously, is proposed. To dribble a rolling ball along a given path, the robot should provide the ball with appropriate force by consecutive pushing operations when they travel in an environment with obstacles. Based on the analysis of the forces acting on the ball with respect to the mobile robot coordinate system, a constraint for robot movement in the dribbling process is also introduced. The simulation and real-world experiments address the performance of this control algorithm.
Timing Simulation of Interconnected AUTOSAR Software-Components
2007-04-01

AUTOSAR is a recent specification initiative which focuses on a model-driven architecture like methodology for automotive applications. However, needed engineering steps, or how-to-come from a logical to a technical architecture respectively implementation, are not well supported by tools, yet. In contrast, SystemC offers a comprehensive way to simulate, analyze, and verify software. Furthermore, it is even able to take the timing behavior of underlying hardware and communication paths into account. Already at a first glance, there are many similarities with respect to the modeling structure between the both concepts. Therefore, this paper discusses approaches on how to use SystemC during the design process of AUTOSAR-conform systems
14th International HLA and Immunogenetics Workshop: Report on the immunogenetics of aging
2007-04-01

Abstract The ‘Immunogenetics of Aging’ is a newly included component within the 14th International HLA and Immunogenetics Workshop. The aim of this component was to determine the contribution of human leukocyte antigen (HLA), cytokine genes and other major histocompatibility complex‐encoded loci to successful aging and to determine an increased capacity to reach the extreme limits of life span. Two main data sets from four European populations were included in this study: unrelated healthy elderly individuals and ethnically matched young controls, and families with longevity members. Analysis was focused on HLA class I and II and cytokine gene polymorphisms. Preliminary results showed increased frequencies of DRB1*11‐ and DRB*16‐associated haplotypes that were found to be protective for autoimmune diseases in some populations. Additionally, in families with longevity members, alleles and haplotypes positively associated with autoimmunity were not observed. Analysis of cytokine gene polymorphisms showed prevalence of anti‐inflammatory profiles in healthy elderly individuals. Inheritance of extended haplotypes in families with longevity members allowed the identification of immunogenetic profiles that could be predictive for longevity. These preliminary studies indicate the relevance of genes regulating immune functions in human longevity and the importance of clarifying further their impact in successful aging.
The Nuclear Equation of State at high densities
2007-04-01

Ab inito calculations for the nuclear many-body problem make predictions for\\nthe density and isospin dependence of the nuclear equation-of-state (EOS) far\\naway from the saturation point of nuclear matter. I compare predictions from\\nmicroscopic and phenomenological approaches. Constraints on the EOS derived\\nfrom heavy ion reactions, in particular from subthreshold kaon production, as\\nwell as constraints from neutron stars are discussed.\\n
Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging at 3.0 T
2007-04-01

Cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has gained widespread acceptance for the assessment of cardiovascular disease. Cardiac MRI requires fast data acquisition schemes because of constraints imposed by physiological motion of cardiac structures and blood flow, which dictate the suitable window of data acquisition. The ongoing improvement of MRI hardware and the development of tailored imaging techniques have been the cornerstones for rapid progress in cardiac MRI. Cardiac MRI at 3.0 T holds the promise to overcome some of the signal-to-noise (SNR) limitations, especially for techniques with borderline SNR at 1.5 T (eg, myocardial perfusion, assessment of viability, or imaging of coronary arteries). The improved SNR at 3.0 T can be used to increase the spatial resolution and/or reduce imaging time. It was shown that all applications of cardiac imaging at 1.5 T seem feasible also at 3.0 T and predominantly provide similar or improved image quality. Although specific absorption rate limitations and susceptibility effects remain a primary concern, the combination of high-field strength examinations with parallel imaging has increased the performance of techniques such as steady-state free-precession at 3.0 T. Therefore, the signal-to-noise and the contrast-to-noise ratios advantages at 3.0 T and the resulting potential benefit for an improved diagnostic value will constantly fuel further developments in this area and pave the way for novel, promising imaging techniques.
Magnetic Resonance Angiography of Chest and Abdomen at 3 T
2007-04-01

During the past decade, contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance angiography (CE-MRA) has been proven to be a powerful tool to visualize the thoracoabdominal vasculature and, consequently, has become a widely accepted noninvasive imaging modality. With the more recent introduction of high-field whole-body magnetic resonance scanners, a further improvement of diagnostic accuracy can be expected. General considerations for performing high-resolution CE-MRA at higher field strength include the benefits of higher signal-to-noise ratio and an improved contrast between vascular and background tissues. Although there are many positive attributes for performing CE-MRA at 3 T, there are also some tradeoffs, such as static magnetic field inhomogeneity and increase in specific absorption rate. This review describes the main technical innovations of advanced CE-MRA techniques at 3 T, illustrated by characteristic cases.
On the Design of a Parallel Link Using Rigid-Flex PCB Technology
2007-04-01

This article is a case study on the design, on manufacturing issues, and on performance of an interconnect unit built as a multilayer rigid-flex printed circuit board. The intended use, connecting eight existing FPGA-boards installed in four PCs, presented serious design restrictions and challenges. The width of the interconnects was limited to 14.6mm at a length of 400mm. Fine-trace PCB technology, and fine-pitch SMD devices had to be used. For cost reasons, and to maintain mechanical flexibility, the number of flexible layers was limited. A total of 86 parallel traces needed to be placed on two layers, at only 210mum edge-to-edge distance, resulting in what appeared to be a worst-case scenario with respect to crosstalk. Thus, signal integrity is the main focus of this paper. Nevertheless, crosstalk is at a tolerable level in the final design. Currently the interconnect units, called Gris-Links, are being tested and integrated into the system. In our test environment, clock rates of 250MHz were achieved, for a maximum bandwidth of 2GByte/s per link
Book production and the onset of modern economic growth
2007-04-01

Endogenous growth theory suggests that human capital formation plays a significant role for the ‘wealth and poverty of nations.’ In contrast to previous studies which denied the role of human capital as a crucial determinant of for really long-term growth, we confirm its importance. Indicators of human capital like literacy rates are lacking for the period of 1450-1913; hence, we use per capita book production as a proxy for advanced literacy skills. This study explains how, and to what extent, growth disparities are a function of human capital formation.
DILEPTON PRODUCTION IN HEAVY ION REACTIONS
2007-04-01

We present a unified description of the vector meson and dilepton production in elementary and in heavy ion reactions. The production of vector mesons is described via the excitation of nucleon resonances. Medium effects in heavy ion reactions are discussed.
Small molecular MHC-loading enhancers (MLE) amplify immune responses by targeting pocket 1 of class II MHC proteins (B150)
2007-04-01

Abstract We have shown that certain organic compounds can amplify immune responses by catalyzing the peptide-loading of human class II MHC molecules. Notably, the effect was evident only for an allelic subset of HLA-DR molecules expressing glycine at the dimorphic position b86. The residue forms the floor of the conserved pocket P1, which is located in the peptide binding site of MHC molecule. The transient occupation of this pocket by adamantane derivatives stabilizes the peptide-receptive conformation, permitting rapid antigen loading. On ‘adamantyl-susceptible’ MHC molecules these structural transitions are detectable by conformation-specific antibodies. As ‘MHC-loading enhancer’ (MLE) these compounds may be useful molecular tools to amplify the immune response. In experimental tumour models MLE compounds have already been successfully used as ‘adjuvant’ to enhance the CD4+ T cell response against several tumour antigens. The observation, however, that the ligand repertoire can be affected through polymorphic sites may also imply that environmental factors could modulate allergic or autoimmune reactions by this mechanism. Preliminary in vitro data with the celiac disease associated HLA-DQ2 and in vivo data obtained in the MS animal model EAE suggest that MLE compounds could act as risk factors acting in a strictly allele-selective manner.
An integrated visualization of a smart camera based distributed surveillance system
2007-04-02

Surveillance systems based on distributed sensor networks are massively emerging today, as the interest in enhanced safety in this ever changing world gets more actual than ever. Traditional CCTV surveillance systems with their centralized processing (compression) and recording architecture together with a simple multi-monitor visualization of the raw video streams bear several drawbacks and limitations. The necessary communication bandwidth to each camera and the computational requirements on the centralized servers strongly limit such systems in terms of the expandability, installation size (cable lengths) and spatial/temporal resolution of each camera. Additionally, the visualization is counter intuitive and fatiguing due to the massive load of raw video data. We present a distributed network of smart cameras and its integrated visualization. The smart cameras' tracking results are embedded in a common 3D environment as live textures and can be viewed from arbitrary perspectives. Also a georeferenced live visualization embedded in Google Earth is presented. This offers a visualization more abstract from the camera perspective yet more intuitive in terms of integration.
Mitochondrial DNA analysis shows a Near Eastern Neolithic origin for domestic cattle and no indication of domestication of European aurochs
2007-04-03

The extinct aurochs ( Bos primigenius primigenius ) was a large type of cattle that ranged over almost the whole Eurasian continent. The aurochs is the wild progenitor of modern cattle, but it is unclear whether European aurochs contributed to this process. To provide new insights into the demographic history of aurochs and domestic cattle, we have generated high-confidence mitochondrial DNA sequences from 59 archaeological skeletal finds, which were attributed to wild European cattle populations based on their chronological date and/or morphology. All pre-Neolithic aurochs belonged to the previously designated P haplogroup, indicating that this represents the Late Glacial Central European signature. We also report one new and highly divergent haplotype in a Neolithic aurochs sample from Germany, which points to greater variability during the Pleistocene. Furthermore, the Neolithic and Bronze Age samples that were classified with confidence as European aurochs using morphological criteria all carry P haplotype mitochondrial DNA, suggesting continuity of Late Glacial and Early Holocene aurochs populations in Europe. Bayesian analysis indicates that recent population growth gives a significantly better fit to our data than a constant-sized population, an observation consistent with a postglacial expansion scenario, possibly from a single European refugial population. Previous work has shown that most ancient and modern European domestic cattle carry haplotypes previously designated T. This, in combination with our new finding of a T haplotype in a very Early Neolithic site in Syria, lends persuasive support to a scenario whereby gracile Near Eastern domestic populations, carrying predominantly T haplotypes, replaced P haplotype-carrying robust autochthonous aurochs populations in Europe, from the Early Neolithic onward. During the period of coexistence, it appears that domestic cattle were kept separate from wild aurochs and introgression was extremely rare.
Epigenetic combination therapy as a tumor‐selective treatment approach for hepatocellular carcinoma
2007-04-03

Abstract BACKGROUND. Innovative epigenetic therapeutics comprise histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDAC‐I) and demethylating agents (DA). It was recently found that HDAC‐I compounds exhibit profound therapeutic activities against hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). A comprehensive preclinical investigation was performed on the potential of a combined HDAC‐I/DA epigenetic regimen for the highly chemotherapy‐resistant HCC entity. METHODS. Human HCC‐derived cell lines or primary human hepatocytes (PHH) were treated with HDAC‐I compound suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid (SAHA) or DA compound 5‐aza‐2′‐deoxycytidine (5‐aza‐dC) or both and examined for cellular damage, proliferation, histone acetylation pattern, and DNA methylation. In vivo activities were investigated in a xenograft hepatoma model. RESULTS. Monotherapeutic application of SAHA or 5‐aza‐dC was found to induce substantial antiproliferative effects in HCC‐derived cells, strongly enhanced by combined SAHA and 5‐aza‐dC treatment. PHH from different human donors did not exhibit any relevant cellular damage even when applying high doses of the combination regimen, whereas HCC‐derived cell lines showed a dose‐dependent damage. In vivo testing demonstrated a statistical significant inhibition of hepatoma cell growth for the combined treatment regime. CONCLUSIONS. Because the combined HDAC‐I/DA epigenetic approach was found to produce significant antitumor effects in HCC model systems and did not impair cellular integrity of untransformed hepatocytes, this combination therapy is now considered for further investigation in clinical trials. Cancer 2007;109:2132–41. © 2007 American Cancer Society.
A Genomic Screening Approach to the Structure‐Guided Identification of Drug Candidates from Natural Sources
2007-04-03

Abstract The potential of actinomycetes to produce natural products has been exploited for decades. Recent genomic sequence analyses have revealed a previously unrecognized biosynthetic potential and diversity. In order to rationally exploit this potential, we have developed a sequence‐guided genetic screening strategy. In this “genome mining” approach, genes that encode tailoring enzymes from natural product biosyntheses pathways serve as indicator genes for the identification of strains that have the genetic potential to produce natural products of interest. We chose halogenases, which are known to be involved in the synthesis of halometabolites as representative examples. From PCR screening of 550 randomly selected actinomycetes strains, we identified 103 novel putative halogenase genes. A phylogenetic analysis of the corresponding putative halogenases, and the determination of their sequential context with mass spectrometric analysis of cultures filtrates revealed a distinct correlation between the sequence and secondary metabolite class of the halometabolite. The described screening strategy allows rapid access to novel natural products with predetermined structural properties.
Stanna-closo-dodecaborate Chemistry
2007-04-03

The chemistry of the stanna-closo-dodecaborate cluster is summarized in this account. This dianionic group 14 heteroborate is a versatile ligand in coordination chemistry and can employ various coordination modes. Our contributions to the field are described with regard to the different transition-metal centers, which also coincide roughly with the chronological order of the contributions.