julilili42/papers huggingface dataset:
What Factors Influence Attitudes Towards People With Current Depression and Current Mania?
2009-02-24

Background: Previous studies have detected different variables influencing the attitude towards mentally ill individuals but they have never addressed mania. Furthermore, it is not known whether the same factors affect attitudes towards individuals experiencing major depressive or manic episodes. Aims: Besides factors such as familiarity with mental illness, we were interested whether vulnerability to psychosis and mood disorders as well as social desirability can affect attitudes towards major depressive episodes and manic episodes. Methods: Subjects were presented with a case vignette describing an individual experiencing either a major depressive episode or a manic episode (n = 188, age 16—34 years). Their attitudes towards that person were assessed. Furthermore, factors potentially influencing these attitudes have been assessed such as personal vulnerability factors (i.e. cyclothymia and magical ideation) and social desirability bias. Results: Familiarity with the phenomenon of mental illness turned out to influence the attitude towards affective episodes, whereas the influence of the other potential predictors such as their own experience of affective or schizotypal symptoms failed to appear to be of significance. Conclusions: Whereas `familiarity' turned out to be a factor positively influencing the attitude towards depression, it turned out to have a rather negative influence on the attitude towards mania. This result could have important implications for anti-stigma campaigns.
Enhanced speech perception capabilities in a blind listener are associated with activation of fusiform gyrus and primary visual cortex
2009-02-25

Blind individuals may learn to understand ultra-fast synthetic speech at a rate of up to about 25 syllables per second (syl)/s, an accomplishment by far exceeding the maximum performance level of normal-sighted listeners (8-10 syl/s). The present study indicates that this exceptional skill engages distinct regions of the central-visual system. Hemodynamic brain activation during listening to moderately- (8 syl/s) and ultra-fast speech (16 syl/s) was measured in a blind individual and six normal-sighted controls. Moderately-fast speech activated posterior and anterior 'language zones' in all subjects. Regarding ultra-fast tokens, the controls showed exclusive activation of supratemporal regions whereas the blind participant exhibited enhanced left inferior frontal and temporoparietal responses as well as significant hemodynamic activation of left fusiform gyrus (FG) and right primary visual cortex. Since left FG is known to be involved in phonological processing, this structure, presumably, provides the functional link between the central-auditory and -visual systems.
CNS Measures of Pain Responses Pre- and Post-Anesthetic Ketamine in a Patient with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome
2009-02-25

Background. Previous reports have indicated that ketamine anesthesia may produce significant improvement if not complete recovery of patients with complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS). Aims. Here we report on a patient who had CRPS affecting mainly the right side of her body who underwent functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) scans prior to and in the months following apparent successful treatment with anesthetic doses of ketamine. Materials and Methods. The patient underwent two imaging sessions: one during her pain state (CRPS+) and 1 month after her ketamine treatment in her pain-free state (CRPS-). Both spontaneous and evoked (brush, cold, and heat) pain scores decreased from 7–9/10 on a visual analog scale prior to the treatment to 0–1 immediately following and for months after the treatment. For each imaging session, the identical mechanical (brush) and thermal (cold and heat) stimuli were applied to the same location (the skin of the dorsum of the right hand). Results. Comparison of CRPS+ vs CRPS- for the three stimuli showed significant changes throughout the cerebral cortex (frontal, parietal, temporal, cingulate, and hippocampus), in subcortical regions such as caudate nucleus, and in the cerebellum. In addition, resting state network analysis showed a reversal of brain network state, and the recovered state paralleled specific default networks in healthy volunteers. Discussion. The observed changes in brain response to evoked stimuli provide a readout for the subjective response. Conclusion. Future studies of brain function in these patients may provide novel insight into brain plasticity in response to this treatment for chronic pain.
Deafness in TRβ Mutants Is Caused by Malformation of the Tectorial Membrane
2009-02-25

Thyroid hormone receptor β (TRβ) dysfunction leads to deafness in humans and mice. Deafness in TRβ −/− mutant mice has been attributed to TRβ-mediated control of voltage- and Ca 2+ -activated K + (BK) channel expression in inner hair cells (IHCs). However, normal hearing in young constitutive BKα −/− mutants contradicts this hypothesis. Here, we show that mice with hair cell-specific deletion of TRβ after postnatal day 11 (P11) have a delay in BKα expression but normal hearing, indicating that the origin of hearing loss in TRβ −/− mutant mice manifested before P11. Analyzing the phenotype of IHCs in constitutive TRβ −/− mice, we found normal Ca 2+ current amplitudes, exocytosis, and shape of compound action potential waveforms. In contrast, reduced distortion product otoacoustic emissions and cochlear microphonics associated with an abnormal structure of the tectorial membrane and enhanced tectorin levels suggest that disturbed mechanical performance is the primary cause of deafness resulting from TRβ deficiency.
Detection of aberrant transcription of major histocompatibility complex class II antigen presentation genes in chronic lymphocytic leukaemia identifies HLA‐DOA mRNA as a prognostic factor for survival
2009-02-25

Summary In human B cells, effective major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II‐antigen presentation depends not only on MHC class II, but also on the invariant chain (CD74 or Ii), HLA‐DM (DM) and HLA‐DO (DO), the chaperones regulating the antigen loading process of MHC class II molecules. We analysed immediate ex vivo expression of HLA‐DR (DR), CD74, DM and DO in B cell chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (B‐CLL). Real‐time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction demonstrated a highly significant upregulation of DRA , CD74 , DMB , DOA and DOB mRNA in purified malignant cells compared to B cells from healthy donors. The increased mRNA levels were not translated into enhanced protein levels but could reflect aberrant transcriptional regulation. Indeed, upregulation of DRA , DMB , DOA and DOB mRNA correlated with enhanced expression of class II transactivator ( CIITA ). In‐depth analysis of the various CIITA transcripts demonstrated a significant increased activity of the interferon‐γ‐inducible promoter CIITA‐PIV in B‐CLL. Comparison of the aberrant mRNA levels with clinical outcome identified DOA mRNA as a prognostic indicator for survival. Multivariate analysis revealed that the prognostic value of DOA mRNA was independent of the mutational status of the IGHV genes. Thus, aberrant transcription of DOA forms a novel and additional prognostic indicator for survival in B‐CLL.
Colocalization of the VEGF‐R2 and the common IL‐3/GM‐CSF receptor beta chain to lipid rafts leads to enhanced p38 activation
2009-02-25

Summary Previous studies suggested an important role for vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and its receptors in postnatal haemopoiesis. However, it is unclear how VEGF receptor (VEGFR) signalling could interact with that issued from the activation of haematopoietic growth factor receptors. To elucidate this point we explored VEGF‐R2 and granulocyte‐macrophage colony‐stimulating factor receptor (GM‐CSFR) membrane localization and cell signalling in TF1‐KDR cells (TF1 leukaemic cells that overexpress VEGF‐R2/KDR). Activation of either GM‐CSFR or VEGF‐R2 was shown to determine the migration of both receptor elements (VEGF‐R2 and the common β‐chain of the GM‐CSFR) to lipid rafts. The study of receptor phosphorylation showed that GM‐CSF induced the phosphorylation of its own receptor and the transphosphorylation of VEGF‐R2; on the other hand, VEGF triggered the phosphorylation of its receptor and transphosphorylated the β‐chain of the GM‐CSFR. Co‐stimulation of TF1‐KDR cells with both GM‐CSF and VEGF‐A resulted in massive migration of both the common GM‐CSFR β‐chain and VEGF‐R2 to lipid rafts and sustained p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinase activation. Disruption of lipid rafts inhibited the capacity of both GM‐CSF and VEGF‐A to activate p38. Experiments with specific p38 inhibitors showed that p38 activation was required to sustain the VEGF‐ and GM‐CSF‐dependent proliferation of TF1‐KDR and the survival of primary acute myeloid leukaemia blasts.
Rapid, combinatorial analysis of membrane compartments in intact plants with a multicolor marker set
2009-02-26

Summary Plant membrane compartments and trafficking pathways are highly complex, and are often distinct from those of animals and fungi. Progress has been made in defining trafficking in plants using transient expression systems. However, many processes require a precise understanding of plant membrane trafficking in a developmental context, and in diverse, specialized cell types. These include defense responses to pathogens, regulation of transporter accumulation in plant nutrition or polar auxin transport in development. In all of these cases a central role is played by the endosomal membrane system, which, however, is the most divergent and ill‐defined aspect of plant cell compartmentation. We have designed a new vector series, and have generated a large number of stably transformed plants expressing membrane protein fusions to spectrally distinct, fluorescent tags. We selected lines with distinct subcellular localization patterns, and stable, non‐toxic expression. We demonstrate the power of this multicolor ‘Wave’ marker set for rapid, combinatorial analysis of plant cell membrane compartments, both in live‐imaging and immunoelectron microscopy. Among other findings, our systematic co‐localization analysis revealed that a class of plant Rab1‐homologs has a much more extended localization than was previously assumed, and also localizes to trans‐Golgi/endosomal compartments. Constructs that can be transformed into any genetic background or species, as well as seeds from transgenic Arabidopsis plants, will be freely available, and will promote rapid progress in diverse areas of plant cell biology.
Fetal nasal bone in screening for trisomies 21, 18 and 13 and Turner syndrome at 11–13 weeks of gestation
2009-02-26

Abstract Objective To investigate the performance of first‐trimester screening for aneuploidies by including assessment of the fetal nasal bone in the combined test of maternal age, fetal nuchal translucency (NT) thickness, fetal heart rate (FHR) and serum free β‐human chorionic gonadotropin (β‐hCG) and pregnancy‐associated plasma protein‐A (PAPP‐A). Methods Screening by the combined test was performed in singleton pregnancies, including 19 614 with euploid fetuses, 122 with trisomy 21, 36 with trisomy 18, 20 with trisomy 13 and eight with Turner syndrome. In all cases the fetal nasal bone was assessed and classified as present or absent. We examined the performance of two screening strategies: firstly, assessment of the nasal bone in all patients and secondly, first‐stage screening using the combined test in all patients followed by second‐stage assessment of the nasal bone only in those with an intermediate risk of 1 in 51 to 1 in 1000 after the first stage. To validate the new risk algorithm we used a second independent dataset of 19 651 fetuses, including 139 with trisomy 21. Results The nasal bone was absent in 2.6% of the euploid fetuses, 59.8% with trisomy 21, 52.8% with trisomy 18, 45.0% with trisomy 13 and in none of the fetuses with Turner syndrome. Respective figures for an absent nasal bone in the validation population, which contained fewer Black women, were 0.6%, 62.6%, 55.3%, 35.3% and 41.7%. In a screening policy based on maternal age, fetal NT, FHR, serum free β‐hCG and PAPP‐A, for a fixed risk cut‐off of 1 : 100, the false‐positive rate was 3.0%. The standardized detection rates were 91% for trisomy 21 and 100% for trisomy 18, trisomy 13 and Turner syndrome, respectively. Assessment of the nasal bone in all pregnancies reduced the false‐positive rate to 2.5% without changing the detection rate. A detection rate of 93% was achieved with the two‐stage strategy at a false‐positive rate of 2.4% in which it was necessary to assess the nasal bone in only 15% of the total population. In the validation dataset, screening by the combined test and using a risk cut‐off of 1 : 100 detected 90% of the cases with trisomy 21 for a false‐positive rate of 4%. Inclusion of the nasal bone increased the detection rate to 92% for a false‐positive rate of 2.9%. Contingent screening detected 92% of cases for a false‐positive rate of 2.9%. Conclusions Assessment of the fetal nasal bone improves the performance of first‐trimester screening for trisomy 21. Copyright © 2009 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley &amp; Sons, Ltd.
Mitochondrion-Enriched Anionic Phospholipids Facilitate Flock House Virus RNA Polymerase Membrane Association
2009-02-26

ABSTRACT One characteristic of all positive-strand RNA viruses is the necessity to assemble viral RNA replication complexes on host intracellular membranes, a process whose molecular details are poorly understood. To study viral replication complex assembly we use the established model system of Flock House virus (FHV), which assembles its replication complexes on the mitochondrial outer membrane. The FHV RNA-dependent RNA polymerase, protein A, is the only viral protein necessary for genome replication in the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae . To examine the host components involved in protein A-membrane interactions, an initial step of FHV RNA replication complex assembly, we established an in vitro protein A membrane association assay. Protein A translated in vitro rapidly and specifically associated with mitochondria isolated from yeast, insect, and mammalian cells. This process was temperature dependent but independent of protease-sensitive mitochondrial outer membrane components or the host mitochondrial import machinery. Furthermore, lipid-binding studies revealed that protein A preferentially bound to specific anionic phospholipids, in particular the mitochondrion-specific phospholipid cardiolipin. These studies implicate membrane phospholipids as important host determinants for FHV RNA polymerase membrane association and provide evidence for the involvement of host phospholipids in positive-strand RNA virus membrane-specific targeting.
Accurate, fast, and robust vessel contour segmentation of CTA using an adaptive self-learning edge model
2009-02-26

We present an efficient algorithm for the robust segmentation of vessel contours in Computed Tomography Angiography (CTA) images. The algorithm performs its task within several steps based on a 3D Active Contour Model (ACM) with refinements on Multi-Planar Reconstructions (MPRs) using 2D ACMs. To be able to distinguish true vessel edges from spurious, an adaptive self-learning edge model is applied. We present details of the algorithm together with an evaluation on n=150 CTA data sets and compare the results of the automatic segmentation with manually outlined contours resulting in a median dice similarity coefficient (DSC) of 92.2%. The algorithm is able to render 100 contours within 1.1s on a Pentium®4 CPU 3.20 GHz, 2 GByte of RAM.
Robust model-based centerline extraction of vessels in CTA data
2009-02-26

Extracting the centerline of blood vessels is a frequently used technique to assist the physician in the diagnosis of common artery disease in CTA images. Thereby, a robust and precise computation of the centerline is an essential prerequisite. In this paper we present a novel approach to robustly model the vessel tree and to compute its centerline. The algorithm is initialized with two clicks from the physician, which mark the start and end point of the vessel to be examined. Our approach is divided into two consecutive steps. In the first step, a section of the vessel tree is mapped to the model so that the desired centerline is entirely included. After the generation of the model, the centerline can easily be extracted in the second step. The robust and efficient extraction of required model parameters is performed by a ray-casting approach. The proposed method determines a set of points on the vascular wall. The analysis of these points using the principal component analysis provides all parameters needed for modeling the vessel. The proposed technique reduces computation time and does not require a segmentation of the vessel lumen to determine the centerline of the vessel. Furthermore, a priori knowledge of vessel structures is incorporated to improve robustness in the presence of pathological deformations.
A method for semi-automatic segmentation and evaluation of intracranial aneurysms in bone-subtraction computed tomography angiography (BSCTA) images
2009-02-26

The rupture of an intracranial aneurysm has dramatic consequences for the patient. Hence early detection of unruptured aneurysms is of paramount importance. Bone-subtraction computed tomography angiography (BSCTA) has proven to be a powerful tool for detection of aneurysms in particular those located close to the skull base. Most aneurysms though are chance findings in BSCTA scans performed for other reasons. Therefore it is highly desirable to have techniques operating on standard BSCTA scans available which assist radiologists and surgeons in evaluation of intracranial aneurysms. In this paper we present a semi-automatic method for segmentation and assessment of intracranial aneurysms. The only user-interaction required is placement of a marker into the vascular malformation. Termination ensues automatically as soon as the segmentation reaches the vessels which feed the aneurysm. The algorithm is derived from an adaptive region-growing which employs a growth gradient as criterion for termination. Based on this segmentation values of high clinical and prognostic significance, such as volume, minimum and maximum diameter as well as surface of the aneurysm, are calculated automatically. the segmentation itself as well as the calculated diameters are visualised. Further segmentation of the adjoining vessels provides the means for visualisation of the topographical situation of vascular structures associated to the aneurysm. A stereolithographic mesh (STL) can be derived from the surface of the segmented volume. STL together with parameters like the resiliency of vascular wall tissue provide for an accurate wall model of the aneurysm and its associated vascular structures. Consequently the haemodynamic situation in the aneurysm itself and close to it can be assessed by flow modelling. Significant values of haemodynamics such as pressure onto the vascular wall, wall shear stress or pathlines of the blood flow can be computed. Additionally a dynamic flow model can be generated. Thus the presented method supports a better understanding of the clinical situation and assists the evaluation of therapeutic options. Furthermore it contributes to future research addressing intervention planning and prognostic assessment of intracranial aneurysms.
Echolocation by two foraging harbour porpoises (Phocoena phocoena)
2009-02-27

SUMMARY Synchronized video and high-frequency audio recordings of two trained harbour porpoises searching for and capturing live fish were used to study swimming and echolocation behaviour. One animal repeated the tasks blindfolded. A splash generated by the fish being thrown into the pool or– in controls – by a boat hook indicated prey and stimulated search behaviour. The echolocation sequences were divided into search and approach phases. In the search phase the porpoises displayed a clear range-locking behaviour on landmarks, indicated by a distance-dependent decrease in click interval. Only in trials with fish was the search phase followed by an approach phase. In the initial part of the approach phase the porpoises used a rather constant click interval of around 50 ms. The terminal part started with a sudden drop in click interval at distances around 2–4 m. Close to the prey the terminal part ended with a buzz,characterized by constant click intervals around 1.5 ms. The lag time in the search and the initial part of the approach phase seems to be long enough for the porpoise to process echo information before emitting the next click (pulse mode). However, we assume that during the buzz lag times are too short for pulse mode processing and that distance information is perceived as a `pitch'with a `frequency' corresponding to the inverse of the two-way transit time(pitch mode). The swimming speed of the animal was halved when it was blindfolded, while the click intervals hardly changed, resulting in more clicks emitted per metre swum.
Terrain sketching
2009-02-27

Procedural methods for terrain synthesis are capable of creating realistic depictions of heightfield terrains with little user intervention. However, users often do wish to intervene in controlling the placement and shape of landforms, but without sacrificing realism. In this paper, we present a sketching interface to procedural terrain generation. This system enables users to draw the silhouette, spine and bounding curves of both extruding (hills and mountains) and embedding landforms (river courses and canyons).
Rapid Regulatory T-Cell Response Prevents Cytokine Storm in CD28 Superagonist Treated Mice
2009-02-27

Superagonistic CD28-specific monoclonal antibodies (CD28SA) are highly effective activators of regulatory T-cells (Treg cells) in rats, but a first-in-man trial of the human CD28SA TGN1412 resulted in an unexpected cytokine release syndrome. Using a novel mouse anti-mouse CD28SA, we re-investigate the relationship between Treg activation and systemic cytokine release. Treg activation by CD28SA was highly efficient but depended on paracrine IL-2 from CD28SA-stimulated conventional T-cells. Systemic cytokine levels were innocuous, but depletion of Treg cells prior to CD28SA stimulation led to systemic release of proinflammatory cytokines, indicating that in rodents, Treg cells effectively suppress the inflammatory response. Since the human volunteers of the TGN1412 study were not protected by this mechanism, we also tested whether corticosteroid prophylaxis would be compatible with CD28SA induced Treg activation. We show that neither the expansion nor the functional activation of Treg cells is affected by high-dose dexamethasone sufficient to control systemic cytokine release. Our findings warn that preclinical testing of activating biologicals in rodents may miss cytokine release syndromes due to the rapid and efficacious response of the rodent Treg compartment, and suggest that polyclonal Treg activation is feasible in the presence of antiphlogistic corticosteroid prophylaxis.