julilili42/papers huggingface dataset:
Surgical simulation – a new tool to evaluate surgical incisions in congenital heart disease?
2006-06-30

We introduce a new concept for preoperative planning and surgical education in congenital heart disease: surgical simulation. Recent advances in three-dimensional image acquisition have provided a new means to virtually reconstruct accurate morphological models while computer visualisation hardware now allows simulation of elastic tissue deformations interactively. Incision simulation is performed in two patients with complex congenital heart disease to preoperatively evaluate potential corrective surgical strategies. The relevant cardiac morphology was correctly depicted by the virtual models on which arbitrary incisions could be performed. By visualising the morphology in respect to each incision, different surgical strategies could be evaluated pre-operatively. We have taken the first step towards a clinically useful incision simulator for procedures in congenital heart disease and made an initial evaluation. With further developments it is likely that new tools for patient-specific preoperative planning and surgical training will emerge based on the presented ideas.
A Formal Total Synthesis of Salvadione
2006-06-30

Abstract The tricyclic 6‐7‐6 core structure of the triterpene salvadione ( 1 ) was obtained in an efficient manner from the aryl bromide 16 and the alkyl iodide 35 carrying a methylenecyclohexane group at the terminus. Alkylation of the anion derived from 16 with the iodide 35 gave the tethered system 36 . This compound was converted into the allylic bromide 40 . Finally, a Lewis acid mediated intramolecular Friedel–Crafts alkylation furnished the target structure 13 in good overall yield. The synthesis of tricyclic compound 13 represents a formal total synthesis of salvadione ( 1 ). (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH &amp; Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2006)
Individual Characteristics of Members of the SLC26 Family in Vertebrates and their Homologues in Insects
2006-06-30

The 10-member SLC26 gene family encodes anion exchangers of which SLC26A5 appears to be restricted to the outer hair cells of the inner ear. Here, the so-called prestin protein acts as a molecular motor, thought to be responsible for active mechanical amplification in the mammalian cochlea. We introduce special characteristics of SLC26A5 which may have relevance for other members of the family as well. As such, data point to a characteristic transcriptional control mechanism of which thyroid hormone surprisingly takes a role not only as an enhancer of expression, but also as a regulator of the subcellular redistribution of the prestin protein. Of significance for other members of the SLC26 family may be the observation that the failure of the subcellular redistribution of prestin protein prior to the onset of hearing leads to severe deficit of mature prestin function. Data will furthermore be argued in the context that prestin-related SLC26 proteins in the auditory organs of non-mammalian vertebrates and insects are widespread, possibly ancestral constituents of auditory organs and are likely to serve salient roles in mammals and across taxa.
Partielle Differentialgleichungen
2006-06-30

The workshop Partial differential equations , organised by Tom Ilmanen (ETH Zürich), Reiner Schätzle (Universität Tübingen) and Neil Trudinger (Australian National University Canberra) was held July 24-30, 2005. This meeting was well attended by 46 participants, including 6 females, with broad geographic reprensentation. The program consisted of 15 talks and 9 shorter contributions and left sufficient time for discussions. New results combining partial differential equations and geometric problems were presented in the area of minimal surfaces, free boundaries and singular limits, for example the construction of branched minimal surfaces, the regularity of free boundaries in the wake of the monotonicity formula of Weiss and a proof of a conjecture of De Giorgi. A major part of the leading experts of partial differential equations with conformal invariance attended the workshop. Here new results were presented in conformal geometry, for the Yamabe problem, the Paneitz operator and the Willmore functional.
Mechanisms and Significance of Eryptosis
2006-07-01

Suicidal death of erythrocytes (eryptosis) is characterized by cell shrinkage, membrane blebbing, activation of proteases, and phosphatidylserine exposure at the outer membrane leaflet. Exposed phosphatidylserine is recognized by macrophages that engulf and degrade the affected cells. Eryptosis is triggered by erythrocyte injury after several stressors, including oxidative stress. Besides caspase activation after oxidative stress, two signaling pathways converge to trigger eryptosis: (a) formation of prostaglandin E(2) leads to activation of Ca(2+)-permeable cation channels, and (b) the phospholipase A(2)-mediated release of platelet-activating factor activates a sphingomyelinase, leading to formation of ceramide. Increased cytosolic Ca(2+) activity and enhanced ceramide levels lead to membrane scrambling with subsequent phosphatidylserine exposure. Moreover, Ca(2+) activates Ca(2+)-sensitive K(2+) channels, leading to cellular KCl loss and cell shrinkage. In addition, Ca(2+) stimulates the protease calpain, resulting in degradation of the cytoskeleton. Eryptosis is inhibited by erythropoietin, which thus extends the life span of circulating erythrocytes. Eryptosis may be a mechanism of defective erythrocytes to escape hemolysis. Conversely, excessive eryptosis favors the development of anemia. Conditions with excessive eryptosis include iron deficiency, lead or mercury intoxication, sickle cell anemia, thalassemia, glucose 6- phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency, malaria, and infection with hemolysin-forming pathogens.
Blockage of Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor-Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinase-AKT Signaling Increases Radiosensitivity of K-RAS Mutated Human Tumor Cells In vitro by Affecting DNA Repair
2006-07-01

Abstract Purpose: It is known that blockage of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)/phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) activity enhances radiation sensitivity of human tumor cells presenting a K-RAS mutation. In the present study, we investigated whether impaired repair of DNA double-strand breaks (DSB) is responsible for the radiosensitizing effect of EGFR and PI3K inhibition in K-RAS mutated (K-RASmt) cells. Experimental Design: The effect of the EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor BIBX1382BS (BIBX) on cellular radiosensitivity was determined in K-RASmt (A549) and K-RASwt (FaDu) cell lines by clonogenic survival assay. Radiation-induced phosphorylation of H2AX (Ser139), ATM (Ser1981), and DNA-dependent protein kinase catalytic subunit (DNA-PKcs; Thr2609) was analyzed by immunoblotting. Twenty-four hours after irradiation, residual DSBs were quantified by identification of γH2AX foci and frequency of micronuclei. Results: BIBX reduced clonogenic survival of K-RASmt-A549 cells, but not of K-RASwt-FaDu cells, after single-dose irradiation. Analysis of the radiation-induced H2AX phosphorylation revealed that BIBX, as well as the PI3K inhibitor LY294002, leads to a marked reduction of P-H2AX in K-RASmt-A549 and MDA-MB-231 cells, but not in K-RASwt-FaDu and HH4ded cells. Likewise, radiation-induced autophosphorylation of DNA-PKcs at Thr2609 was only blocked in A549 cells by these two inhibitors and AKT1 small interfering RNA transfection. However, neither in K-RASmt nor in K-RASwt cells the inhibitors did affect radiation-induced ATM phosphorylation. As a consequence of inhibitor treatment, a significant enhancement of both residual DSBs and frequency of micronuclei was apparent only in A549 but not in FaDu cells following radiation. Conclusion: Targeting of the EGFR-dependent PI3K-AKT pathway in K-RAS-mutated A549 cells significantly affects postradiation survival by affecting the activation of DNA-PKcs, resulting in a decreased DSB repair capacity.
Immunolocalization of BK channels in hippocampal pyramidal neurons
2006-07-01

Abstract Neurons are highly specialized cells in which the integration and processing of electrical signals critically depends on the precise localization of ion channels. For large‐conductance Ca 2+ ‐ activated K + (BK) channels, targeting to presynaptic membranes in hippocampal pyramidal cells was reported; however, functional evidence also suggests a somatodendritic localization. Therefore we re‐examined the subcellular distribution of BK channels in mouse hippocampus using a panel of independent antibodies in a combined approach of conventional immunocytochemistry on cultured neurons, pre‐ and postembedding electron microscopy and immunoprecipitation. In cultured murine hippocampal neurons, the colocalization of BK channels with both pre‐ and postsynaptic marker proteins was observed. Electron microscopy confirmed targeting of BK channels to axonal as well as dendritic membranes of glutamatergic synapses in hippocampus. A postsynaptic localization of BK channels was also supported by the finding that the channel coimmunoprecipitated with PSD95, a protein solely expressed in the postsynaptic compartment. These results thus demonstrate that BK channels reside in both post‐ and presynaptic compartments of hippocampal pyramidal neurons.
SVMHC: a server for prediction of MHC-binding peptides
2006-07-01

Identification of MHC-binding peptides is a prerequisite in rational design of T-cell based peptide vaccines. During the past decade a number of computational approaches have been introduced for the prediction of MHC-binding peptides, efficiently reducing the number of candidate binders that need to be experimentally verified. Here the SVMHC server for prediction of both MHC class I and class II binding peptides is presented. SVMHC offers fast analysis of a wide range of alleles and prediction results are given in several comprehensive formats. The server can be used to find the most likely binders in a protein sequence and to investigate the effects of single nucleotide polymorphisms in terms of MHC-peptide binding. The SVMHC server is accessible at http://www-bs.informatik.uni-tuebingen.de/SVMHC/.
Statin Therapy at Carotid Angioplasty and Stent Placement: Effect on Procedure-related Stroke, Myocardial Infarction, and Death
2006-07-01

Preprocedural statin therapy appears to reduce the incidence of stroke, myocardial infarction, and death within 30 days after CAS. Future prospective randomized trials are warranted to further assess this potential protective effect of statin drugs during carotid interventions.
Role of AMT1;1 in NH4+ Acquisition in Arabidopsis thaliana
2006-07-01

Abstract: AtAMT1;1 was the founding member of the family of AMT/Rh ammonium transporters and accounts for about one third of the total ammonium absorption in the roots of the model plant Arabidopsis. Recent evidence suggested that at least some AMT/Rh proteins are NH 3 gas channels. In order to evaluate the transported form of ammonium in AtAMT1;1, the protein was functionally expressed in Xenopus oocytes. AtAMT1;1 elicited NH 4 + and methylammonium (MeA+) inward currents that saturated in a voltage‐dependent manner with a half maximal concentration of 2.7 ± 1.6 μM for NH 4 + and 5.0 ± 0.7 μM for the transport analogue methylammonium. AtAMT1;1 was plasma membrane localized and expressed in the root cortex and epidermis, including root hairs. The AtAMT1;1‐GFP fusion construct under control of its endogenous promoter revealed additional localization of the protein in the pericycle, in the leaf epidermis, and in mesophyll cells. The functional data and its localization suggest that AtAMT1;1 participates in concentrative NH 4 + acquisition in roots, in long‐distance transport to the shoots, and in re‐uptake of apoplastic NH 4 + that derives from photorespiration in shoots.
Activation of the PKB/Akt pathway in histological benign prostatic tissue adjacent to the primary malignant lesions
2006-07-01

In order to evaluate the molecular heterogeneity of prostate cancer, this study examined the expression of Akt-pathway related parameters within the cancerous prostate gland. PTEN, p-Akt and p27kip1 are known to be altered in prostate cancer. Tissue samples from malignant, tumor adjacent benign and benign areas of 25 whole mounted prostate cancer specimens were processed to 583 tissue microarray cores. Immunohistochemically determined biomarker expression was correlated to the different localizations. p-Akt and p27kip1 showed increased staining in malignant tissue compared to the respective benign tissue (p < 0.01 and p < 0.05). The adjacent but histologically benign tissue had increased levels (p < 0.05 and p < 0.01), whereas no significant difference was found between the adjacent and malignant regions. A highly significant correlation of p-Akt and p27kip1 in benign tissue (p < 0.001) was lost in the adjacent areas and in the malignant tissue (p = 0.054 and p = 0.12). In tendency, PTEN expression was decreased in the malignant regions and revealed the highest staining in the adjacent zone. According to the results obtained, the expression of p-Akt and p27kip1 was increased in both the adjacent microscopically benign tissue as well as the primary tumors when compared with the histologically benign tissue specimens that served as biological control. The increased expression of PTEN indicates its regulatory function in the initial steps of a deteriorated cell cycle control as well as uncontrolled cellular proliferation, for example, which seem to be present in the normal prostatic tissue surrounding the primary malignant lesion. The addition of molecular markers to a 'classical' histopathological approach might contribute to an enhanced sensitivity of analytical approaches aimed at the detection of malignant or premalignant lesions within prostatic biopsies.
Quantum graphs as holonomic constraints
2006-07-01

We consider the dynamics on a quantum graph as the limit of the dynamics generated by a one-particle Hamiltonian in R2 with a potential having a deep strict minimum on the graph, when the width of the well shrinks to zero. For a generic graph we prove convergence outside the vertices to the free dynamics on the edges. For a simple model of a graph with two edges and one vertex, we prove convergence of the dynamics to the one generated by the Laplacian with Dirichlet boundary conditions in the vertex.
Ontogeny and homology of the neural complex of otophysan Ostariophysi
2006-07-01

The development and homology of the neural complex in the ostariophysan subgroup Otophysi were studied, including for the first time representatives of all four major otophysan lineages. Previous hypotheses concerning the homology of the different elements of the neural complex have also been reviewed and these are discussed in light of our new findings. We found that supradorsal cartilages, paired autogenous elements at the medial side of the neural arches, play a previously unrecognized major role during the ontogeny and evolution of the neural complex. In most otophysan taxa, supradorsals 3 and 4 fuse with supraneurals 2 and 3 (cypriniforms) or supraneural 3 (characiforms, some siluriforms, gymnotiforms) during ontogeny to form the neural complex. In the majority of siluriforms, the neural complex is exclusively formed by supradorsals 3 and 4. In loricarioid siluriforms, a neural complex is missing, the fourth neural arch fuses to the occiput in development, and the first free vertebra is the fifth. Of the four otophysan subgroups, siluriforms are the most and cypriniforms the least diverse in the structure and development of their neural complex.
Two new pycnidial members of the Atractiellales: Basidiopycnis hyalina and Proceropycnis pinicola
2006-07-01

Two new genera, Basidiopycnis and Proceropycnis, and two new species, Basidiopycnis hyalina and Proceropycnis pinicola, are described. An integrated analysis of morphological, ecological, ultrastructural and molecular data indicates that the new taxa belong to the Atractiellales. Relevant characteristics of the new genera and species are discussed and compared with those of related taxa.
Diminished Response to Interleukin-10 and Reduced Antibody-Dependent Cellular Cytotoxicity of Cord Blood Monocyte-Derived Macrophages
2006-07-01

Monocyte-derived macrophage (MPhi) subsets are generated by antagonistic induction pathways. A helper MPhi-type (Mh-MPhi) is induced by interferon gamma (IFN-gamma), whereas a cytotoxic MPhi-type (Mc-MPhi), induced by interleukin-10 (IL-10), is a potent mediator of antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC). Compared with MPhi from healthy adults [peripheral blood monocyte-derived macrophages (PBMPhi)], cord blood MPhi (CBMPhi) were found less capable of generating Mh-MPhi. Here we tested the hypothesis that their generation of Mc-MPhi via IL-10 is also impaired. MPhi surface markers were phenotyped. IL-10 protein and mRNA production were detected after stimulation [alphaCD3 monoclonal antibody (mAb)]. CBMPhi or PBMPhi were co-cultured with MPhi-depleted mononuclear cells of adults and CD4-targeting antibodies as models for ADCC were added. In cord blood, we found diminished alphaCD3-induced IL-10 protein and mRNA production (p < 0.05 versus adults). Basal CD16 and HLA-DR expressions on CBMPhi of preterm and full-term neonates were lower (p < 0.05 versus PBMPhi). IL-10 had reduced effects on CD16 up- and HLA-DR down-modulation on CBMPhi (p < 0.05 versus PBMPhi). CD4-directed receptor modulation and deletion were reduced in the presence of CBMPhi (p < 0.05 versus PBMPhi). IL-10 failed to enhance their ADCC capacity, which was in contrast to PBMPhi (p < 0.05). These data suggest that CBMPhi have an impaired cytotoxic capacity via lower sensitivity toward IL-10.
Two new pycnidial members of the Atractiellales:Basidiopycnis hyalinaandProceropycnis pinicola
2006-07-01

Two new genera, Basidiopycnis and Proceropycnis, and two new species, Basidiopycnis hyalina and Proceropycnis pinicola, are described. An integrated analysis of morphological, ecological, ultrastructural and molecular data indicates that the new taxa belong to the Atractiellales. Relevant characteristics of the new genera and species are discussed and compared with those of related taxa.
Yonton Revisited: A Case Study in the Reception of Hellenistic Science within Early Judaism
2006-07-01

In the Syriac Book of the Cave of Treasures , which in a general way we may reckon among the rewritten Bible texts, in ch. 27.6–11, an apocryphal fourth son of Noah appears, Yōnṭōn by name. This figure resides near the seashorein a far-easternland and possesses oracular and astrological wisdom. In 1980, Stephen Gero interpreted this figure against a Jewish background. Recently, however, Clemens Leonhard, following Witold Witakowski, has questioned this approach and denied any prehistory to Yōnṭōn; he regards him as an “invention” of the Syriac author of the Cave of Treasures . In the present article I aim to investigate whether it is possible indeed to trace a Jewish origin of Yōnṭōn's appearance in the Cave of Treasures . Taking Gero's interpretation as a starting point, I will first investigate the setting in which a figure like Yōnṭōn could have evolved within a Jewish context. Secondly, I will attempt to actually identify Yōnṭōn in earlier Jewish sources. In this I will follow a recent assertion of Su-Min Ri, that Yōnṭōn originates in the Biblical person of Yoqṭān (Gen 10:25). While Ri's assumption derives from the possibility of a misspelling, I will produce internal evidence which renders the identification of Yōnṭōn and Yoqṭān very probable, thus justifying the direction of thought taken by both Gero and Ri over against the allegations of Leonhard and Witakowski. Moreover, the following discussion will shed light on how Jews received influences from Hellenistic astronomy and astrology and how they read these concepts into, or set them in opposition to, the Bible.
Energy Transfer between Biological Membranes
2006-07-01

The crystal structures of two transport proteins associated with a fragment of the TonB protein have been reported for the first time in two recent papers. TonB is implicated in transferring energy from the cytoplasmic membrane to the outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria. The very similar structures of the protein complexes define the mode of interactions of TonB with active transport proteins.
Melanoma of the Nose: Prognostic Factors, Three‐Dimensional Histology, and Surgical Strategies
2006-07-01

Abstract Objectives: The prominent position of the nose in the face accounts for its constant exposure to sunlight and thus its high incidence of malignant involvement. The aim of this prospective study was to define prognostic factors for nasal melanomas and to evaluate surgical strategies. Methods: Forty‐five patients with stage I/II melanoma were included. Malignant melanomas of the nose represented 0.8% of stage I/II cutaneous melanoma and 5.3% of head and neck melanoma (1983–2004). The median tumor thickness was 0.75 mm. Twenty‐two of 33 Lentigo maligna melanomas (LMM) underwent three‐dimensional (3D) histology in paraffin technique (i.e., micrographic surgery). Results: The 5 year disease‐specific survival rate was 96%, and the 5 year recurrence‐free survival rate was 93%. There were no statistically significant risk factors in the univariate analysis. LMMs that were removed with accompanying 3D histology were thinner than other histologic types (median 0.75 vs. 1.55 mm). Compared with conventional histology, using 3D histology made it possible to reduce the excision margins (median 5 vs. 10 mm). There was one lymph node recurrence after LMM with 3D histology. Of five sentinel lymph node biopsies (SLNB) there was no positive SLNB and no recurrence. Conclusion: This is the largest study of nasal melanomas so far. Excision of LMM using 3D histology allowed the reduction of excision margins for better cosmesis and function. Our results do not permit conclusions regarding the prognostic impact of SLNB.
Research in Religious Education: Perspectives for the Future
2006-07-01

Click to increase image sizeClick to decrease image size Notes 1Cf. F. Schweitzer (2006), Religionspaedagogik, Gutersloh: Gutersloher; as publications in English, see F. Schweitzer (2004), The postmodern life cycle: Challenges for church and theology, St. Louis: Chalice Press, R.R. Osmer and F. Schweitzer (2003), Religious education between modernization and globalization: New perspectives on the United States and Germany, Grand Rapids/Cambridge: W.B. Eerdmans.
Extraction of spatio-temporal primitives of emotional body expressions
2006-07-01

Experimental and computational studies suggest that complex motor behavior is based on simpler spatio-temporal primitives. This has been demonstrated by application of dimensionality reduction methods to signals from electrophysiological and EMG recordings during execution of limb movements. However, the existence of such primitives on the level of the trajectories of complex human full-body movements remains less explored. Known blind source separation techniques, like PCA and ICA, tend to extract relatively large numbers of sources from such trajectori es, which are difficult to interpret. For the analysis of emotional human gait patterns, we present a new non-linear source separation technique that treats te mporal delays of signals in a more efficient manner. The method allows the accurate modeling of high-dimensional movement trajectories with very few source components, and is significantly more accurate than other common techniques. Combining this method with sparse multivariate regression, we identified primitives for the encoding of emotional gait patterns that match features, which have been shown to be important for the perception of emotional body expressions in psychological studies. This suggests the existence of emotion-specific motor primitives in human gait.