julilili42/papers huggingface dataset:
Utilization of laser Doppler flowmetry and tissue spectrophotometry for burn depth assessment using a miniature swine model
2014-12-09

Abstract Currently, the diagnosis of burn depth is primarily based on a visual assessment and can be dependent on the surgeons' experience. The goal of this study was to determine the ability of laser D oppler flowmeter combined with a tissue spectrophotometer to discriminate burn depth in a miniature swine burn model. Burn injuries of varying depth, including superficial‐partial, deep‐partial, and full thickness, were created in seven G öttingen minipigs using an aluminium bar (100 ° C ), which was applied to the abdominal skin for periods of 1, 3, 6, 12, 30, and 60 seconds with gravity alone. The depth of injury was evaluated histologically using hematoxylin and eosin staining. All burns were assessed 3 hours after injury using a device that combines a laser light and a white light to determine blood flow, hemoglobin oxygenation, and relative amount of hemoglobin. The blood flow (41 vs. 124 arbitrary units [ AU ]) and relative amount of hemoglobin (32 vs. 52 AU ) were significantly lower in full thickness compared with superficial‐partial thickness burns. However, no significant differences in hemoglobin oxygenation were observed between these depths of burns (61 vs. 60%). These results show the ability of laser D oppler flowmeter and tissue spectrophotometer in combination to discriminate between various depths of injury in the minipig model, suggesting that this device may offer a valuable tool for burn depth assessment influencing burn management.
One-Staged Aptamer-Based Isolation and Application of Endothelial Progenitor Cells in a Porcine Myocardial Infarction Model
2014-12-10

A multitude of stem cell types has been extensively studied and used for myocardial regenerative therapy. Amongst these endothelial progenitor cells form a promising source. In our present study, we investigated a one-staged approach for isolation and application of autologous endothelial progenitor cells in a pig model of myocardial infarction. Endothelial progenitor cell isolation was performed by immediately preprocedural bone marrow aspiration and consecutive positive selection by aptamer-based magnetic cell sorting. Animals were divided in three groups receiving endothelial progenitor cells, saline, or no intramyocardial injection respectively. Postprocedural follow-up consisted of weekly echocardiographic evaluations. Postmortem histological analysis after four weeks focused on detection of transplanted PKH26-positive endothelial progenitor cells and neovascularization within the infarcted myocardium. A significant difference in left ventricular ejection fraction could not be shown between the three groups. PKH26-stained endothelial progenitor cells could be found in the endothelial progenitor cells transplanted group, although detection was scarce. Large-sized capillaries were found to be significantly more in endothelial progenitor cells treated myocardium. The one-stage approach of endothelial progenitor cells isolation and application presented herein offers a new therapeutic concept. Even though a beneficial impact on myocardial function could not be assessed, increased neovascularization may indicate positive effects on remodeling processes. Being able to harvest endothelial progenitor cells right before application provides a wider scope of action in urgent cases.
Synthesis, Structure, and Luminescence of Rare Earth Cyanurates
2014-12-10

Abstract Rare earth cyanurates were prepared by exothermic solid‐state metathesis reactions of appropriate proportions of A(OCN) (A = K, Rb, Cs) and RE Cl 3 ( RE = La, Ce, Pr) at 500 °C. A DTA study of this mixture revealed the reaction to occur around 450 °C. The crystal structure of RbLa 2 Cl(O 3 C 3 N 3 ) 2 was refined from a powder X‐ray diffraction pattern. Homologous A RE 2 Cl(O 3 C 3 N 3 ) 2 compounds with A = K, Rb, Cs and RE = La, Ce, Pr were indexed isotypically. Photoluminescence and reflection properties of doped samples and an infrared study are reported.
Parameterising the surface free energy and excess adsorption of a hard-sphere fluid at a planar hard wall
2014-12-10

The inhomogeneous structure of a fluid at a wall can be characterised in several ways. Within a thermodynamic description, the surface free energy γ and the excess adsorption Γ are of central importance. For theoretical studies, closed expression of γ and Γ can be very valuable; however, even for a well-studied model system such as a hard-sphere fluid at a planar hard wall, the accuracy of existing expressions for γ and Γ, compared to precise computer simulation data, can still be improved. Here, we compare several known expressions for γ and Γ to the most precise computer simulation data. While good agreement is generally found at low to intermediate fluid densities, the existing parameterisations show significant deviation at high density. In this work, we propose new parameterisations for γ and Γ that agree with the simulation data within statistical error over the entire fluid density range.
Modeling the response of ON and OFF retinal bipolar cells during electric stimulation
2014-12-11

Retinal implants allowing blind people suffering from diseases like retinitis pigmentosa and macular degeneration to regain rudimentary vision are struggling with several obstacles. One of the main problems during external electric stimulation is the co-activation of the ON and OFF pathways which results in mutual impairment. In this study the response of ON and OFF cone retinal bipolar cells during extracellular electric stimulation from the subretinal space was examined. To gain deeper insight into the behavior of these cells sustained L-type and transient T-type calcium channels were integrated in the synaptic terminals of reconstructed 3D morphologies of ON and OFF cone bipolar cells. Intracellular calcium concentration in the synaptic regions of the model neurons was investigated as well since calcium influx is a crucial parameter for cell-to-cell activity between bipolar cells and retinal ganglion cells. It was shown that monophasic stimulation results in significant different calcium concentrations in the synaptic terminals of ON and OFF bipolar cells. Intracellular calcium increased to values up to fourfold higher in the OFF bipolar model neuron in comparison to the ON bipolar cell. Furthermore, geometric properties strongly influence the activation of bipolar cells. Monophasic, biphasic, single and repetitive pulses with similar lengths, amplitudes and polarities were applied to the two model neurons.
From first symptoms to final diagnosis of Cushing's disease: experiences of 176 patients
2014-12-11

Objective To obtain structured information on the diagnostic delay in patients with Cushing's disease (CD) from the patients perspective to provide leverage points for earlier diagnosis. Design The study includes 176 patients with ACTH-dependent CD who had received pituitary surgery completed a self-developed questionnaire on their symptomatology before the illness was diagnosed, the course and length of the diagnostic process, and the role of the involved health care professionals. Methods Data were analyzed statistically. Answers in free text options were categorized and counted. Results The overall diagnostic process took 3.8±4.8 years (median 2 years), during which 4.6±3.8 (1–30) physicians were consulted, most frequently the family physician (FP; 83.0%). The presented symptoms were various and often vague, e.g. ‘poor general condition’ (at FPs), or very common in the field of the visited specialist (i.e. ‘skin changes’ at dermatologists). Women recognized the first CD symptoms themselves significantly more frequently than men, whereas physicians recognized CD symptoms significantly more frequently in males. Conclusion A clear difficulty of diagnosing CD seems that patients describe isolated symptoms to the FP or the respective specialists according to their fields of specialization. As FPs are contacted most frequently, they should be trained to recognize the broad spectrum of CD symptoms, especially in female patients with weight gain, and initiate endocrinological referral.
The effect of soil moisture and atmospheric conditions on the development of shallow cumulus convection: A coupled large-eddy simulation–land surface model study
2014-12-11

Many processes and feedback mechanisms are involved in land-atmosphere interactions that play an important role in determining the boundary layer structure throughout the diurnal cycle. Here, the effect of soil moisture on the development of shallow cumulus convection is investigated using a coupled large-eddy simulation (LES)–land surface model (LSM) framework. First, the coupled model is run for an idealised case based on measurements at the ARM Southern Great Plain site on 21 June 1997 to demonstrate that many characteristics of the subcloud layer turbulence and of the cumulus layer can be modelled successfully. Moreover, an extensive sensitivity study is performed with different amounts of soil moisture and varying atmospheric conditions. Our results support the hypothesis that the response of shallow cumulus clouds due to a change of soil moisture severely depends on the thermal stability conditions. Furthermore, they also point out that the atmospheric moisture content is as important as the static stability in determining the boundary layer characteristics and in particular the fractional cloud cover. The results demonstrate that the soil moisture-cloud cover coupling is positive in most of the cases. However, we show that under specific conditions (a less stably stratified moist atmosphere) convective activity and cloud formation is stronger over dry soils, where the principle driving mechanism for cloud development is the boundary layer growth that tends to increase relative humidity by adiabatic cooling of the air at the top of the boundary layer. This leads to a soil moisture cloud cover relationship in which the cloud cover fraction decreases with an increase of soil moisture. Moreover, our findings suggest that in the limiting case of a water saturated soil the mean cloud cover is independent of static stability, but only depends on the vertical integrated atmospheric moisture content.
Special session keynote address: The physics of the stimulation process
2014-12-11

Experimental evidence for transverse stimulation of nerve cells is presented. Stimulation is initiated by a polarization current of short duration. In one example, the initial voltage is 8.5 Volt and the current lasts for only few microseconds. The stimulation process becomes irreversible after 10–50 microseconds, depending on the initial voltage. The standard cable model cannot describe the process. In practical applications with multi-electrode-arrays, the shortness of the proposed pulses, together with randomization of the firing order of electrodes, can help to reduce cross-talk.
Migration of massive planets in accreting disks
2014-12-12

Massive planets that open a gap in the accretion disk are believed to migrate with exactly the viscous speed of the disk, a regime termed type II migration. Population synthesis models indicate that standard type II migration is too rapid to be in agreement with the observations. We study the migration of massive planets between and corresponding to 0.2 to 2 Jupiter masses . in order to estimate the migration rate in comparison to type II migration. We follow the evolution of planets embedded in two-dimensional, locally isothermal disks with non-zero mass accretion which is explicitly modelled using suitable in- and outflow boundary conditions to ensure a specific accretion rate. After a certain relaxation time we release the planet and measure its migration through the disk and the dependence on parameters such as viscosity, accretion rate and planet mass. We study accreting and non-accretion planets. The inferred migration rate of the planet is determined entirely by the disk torques acting on it and is completely independent of the viscous inflow velocity, so there is no classical type II migration regime. Depending on the local disk mass the migration rate can be faster or slower than type II migration. From the torques and the accretion rate profile in the disk we see that the gap formed by the planet does not separate the inner from the outer disk as necessary for type II migration, rather gas crosses the gap or is accreted onto the planet.
Synthesis and Characterization of a Biotinylated Multivalent Targeted Contrast Agent
2014-12-12

Abstract A new bimodal and multivalent dendritic contrast agent (CA) that targets the protein avidin was prepared and characterized. The tripartite lysine core was used to link the ligand biotin, the fluorescent dye, and the dendron carrying GdDOTA (DOTA=1,4,7,10‐tetraazacyclododecane‐1,4,7,10‐tetraacetic acid) chelates for amplification of the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) signal. The longitudinal relaxivity of this dendrimeric CA was greater than those of its GdDOTA chelate and most of the common commercial agents at the investigated high magnetic field (7 T). The capacity of the dendrimeric CA to bind to the target protein was confirmed by fluorescence measurements upon its treatment with NeutrAvidin–agarose gel or NeutrAvidin‐coated microspheres and the results were compared with those of its monomeric analogue. The fluorescence intensity of monomer‐treated targets was found to be greater than that from those treated with dendrimeric CA; however, a several‐fold increase in the MRI signal was observed on the same samples treated with the dendrimeric CA. The inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry analysis of the digested samples indicated somewhat higher Gd 3+ content and hence slightly better binding of monomeric versus dendrimeric CA. This bimodal and multivalent targeted probe opens an avenue for the preparation of new nanosized CAs that allow high‐resolution MRI of various targets, such as cellular receptors or specific cellular populations.
Polyuria in Hantavirus Infection Reflects Disease Severity and Is Associated with Prolonged Hospital Stay: A Systematic Analysis of 335 Patients from Southern Germany
2014-12-13

&lt;b&gt;&lt;i&gt;Background/Aims:&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/b&gt; Puumala virus (PUUV) infection leads to nephropathia epidemica (NE), especially in endemic areas in Central Europe. The clinical course of NE is characterized by acute kidney injury (AKI) with thrombocytopenia followed by polyuria to a different degree. The prevalence of polyuria and its associated risk factors have not been reported in a large cohort of NE patients. &lt;b&gt;&lt;i&gt;Methods:&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/b&gt; Clinical and laboratory data during the acute phase of the disease were obtained from the medical reports and files of 335 patients who received in-hospital treatment during acute hantavirus infection. Comprehensive statistical models were developed to estimate the probability of polyuria. &lt;b&gt;&lt;i&gt;Results:&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/b&gt; The median age at diagnosis was 47 years (interquartile range, IQR 40-59) and 48% of the patients developed polyuria with a urinary output of 5,100 ml/day (IQR 4,200-7,300). The hospital stay was significantly longer in the polyuric group compared to the nonpolyuric group [8 days (IQR 6-10) vs. 6 days (IQR 5-8); p = 0.04]. Using logistic regression analysis, male gender (odds ratio, OR = 1.6; 95% confidence interval, CI 1.05-2.58; p = 0.03), oliguria/anuria during NE (OR = 2.56; 95% CI 1.65-4.01; p &lt; 0.001), severe AKI (OR = 1.87; 95% CI 1.22-2.9; p &lt; 0.001), and hematuria (OR = 1.78; 95% CI 1.02-3.15; p = 0.04) were significantly associated with the development of polyuria. In a multivariate model, the probability of polyuria was 0.19 (SEM ± 0.05) in female patients presenting with mild/moderate AKI without anuria/oliguria. &lt;b&gt;&lt;i&gt;Conclusions:&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/b&gt; Almost 50% of hospitalized NE patients developed polyuria, which was associated with a prolonged hospital stay. The probability of the development of polyuria was lowest in female patients with mild/moderate, non-oliguric/anuric AKI.
Task design for intercultural telecollaboration in secondary schools: Insights from the EU project TILA
2014-12-13

Our contribution focuses on synchronous oral telecollaboration in secondary schools. With reference to the EU project TILA, aspects of task design and implementation are discussed against the backdrop of issues of technological quality in connection with class organisation in computer labs. Case study evidence is provided in favour of the integration of telecollaborative out-of-class activities.
Phenotypic and molecular insights into spinal muscular atrophy due to mutations in BICD2
2014-12-14

Spinal muscular atrophy is a disorder of lower motor neurons, most commonly caused by recessive mutations in SMN1 on chromosome 5q. Cases without SMN1 mutations are subclassified according to phenotype. Spinal muscular atrophy, lower extremity-predominant, is characterized by lower limb muscle weakness and wasting, associated with reduced numbers of lumbar motor neurons and is caused by mutations in DYNC1H1, which encodes a microtubule motor protein in the dynein-dynactin complex and one of its cargo adaptors, BICD2. We have now identified 32 patients with BICD2 mutations from nine different families, providing detailed insights into the clinical phenotype and natural history of BICD2 disease. BICD2 spinal muscular atrophy, lower extremity predominant most commonly presents with delayed motor milestones and ankle contractures. Additional features at presentation include arthrogryposis and congenital dislocation of the hips. In all affected individuals, weakness and wasting is lower-limb predominant, and typically involves both proximal and distal muscle groups. There is no evidence of sensory nerve involvement. Upper motor neuron signs are a prominent feature in a subset of individuals, including one family with exclusively adult-onset upper motor neuron features, consistent with a diagnosis of hereditary spastic paraplegia. In all cohort members, lower motor neuron features were static or only slowly progressive, and the majority remained ambulant throughout life. Muscle MRI in six individuals showed a common pattern of muscle involvement with fat deposition in most thigh muscles, but sparing of the adductors and semitendinosus. Muscle pathology findings were highly variable and included pseudomyopathic features, neuropathic features, and minimal change. The six causative mutations, including one not previously reported, result in amino acid changes within all three coiled-coil domains of the BICD2 protein, and include a possible 'hot spot' mutation, p.Ser107Leu present in four families. We used the recently solved crystal structure of a highly conserved region of the Drosophila orthologue of BICD2 to further-explore how the p.Glu774Gly substitution inhibits the binding of BICD2 to Rab6. Overall, the features of BICD2 spinal muscular atrophy, lower extremity predominant are consistent with a pathological process that preferentially affects lumbar lower motor neurons, with or without additional upper motor neuron involvement. Defining the phenotypic features in this, the largest BICD2 disease cohort reported to date, will facilitate focused genetic testing and filtering of next generation sequencing-derived variants in cases with similar features.
Stable, uncleaved HIV-1 envelope glycoprotein gp140 forms a tightly folded trimer with a native-like structure
2014-12-15

Significance Many proposed strategies for HIV-1 vaccine development require use of a recombinant protein that mimics the native, functional HIV-1 envelope spike. The uncleaved ectodomain of trimeric (gp160) 3 , gp140, has been used as a surrogate for the native state of the cleaved, viral spike. Because of recent claims that uncleaved gp140 adopts an irrelevant, nonnative structure, with three gp120s flexibly associated with a postfusion (“triggered”) trimeric gp41, we have inserted a 20-residue, flexible linker between gp120 and gp41 into one of our previously characterized, stable, uncleaved gp140 trimers. We show that these trimers indeed form a compact, native-like structure with many antigenic properties expected for the functional envelope spike. Thus, they are promising envelope immunogens for inducing neutralizing antibody responses.
The perceptual homunculus: The perception of the relative proportions of the human body.
2014-12-15

Given that observing one's body is ubiquitous in experience, it is natural to assume that people accurately perceive the relative sizes of their body parts. This assumption is mistaken. In a series of studies, we show that there are dramatic systematic distortions in the perception of bodily proportions, as assessed by visual estimation tasks, where participants were asked to compare the lengths of two body parts. These distortions are not evident when participants estimate the extent of a body part relative to a noncorporeal object or when asked to estimate noncorporal objects that are the same length as their body parts. Our results reveal a radical asymmetry in the perception of corporeal and noncorporeal relative size estimates. Our findings also suggest that people visually perceive the relative size of their body parts as a function of each part's relative tactile sensitivity and physical size.
More than just Welfare Transfers? A Review of the Scope of Esping-Andersen's Welfare Regime Typology
2014-12-15

With the Three Worlds of Welfare Capitalism (TWWC) Gøsta Esping-Andersen (1990) intended to provide a comprehensive typology covering welfare regimes as well as their effects on the economy. However, the initial TWWC-framework fell short of its promises as it ignored welfare services and the industrial sector of the economy. In the last twenty-five years many studies have analysed these previously overlooked aspects. In this article we review this research. We find that most empirical studies on welfare services, as well as on the economy, confirm the validity of the TWWC typology. However, insufficient attention has been paid to exposing the interplay between the different areas. In the second part of the article we provide two alternative explanations for the linkage between welfare regime and capitalism typologies. There is evidence for a functionalist explanation as proposed by the Varieties-of-Capitalism (VoC) framework, as well as for a political explanation delivered by the power resources approach.