julilili42/papers huggingface dataset:
Subretinal electronic chips allow blind patients to read letters and combine them to words
2010-11-03

A light-sensitive, externally powered microchip was surgically implanted subretinally near the macular region of volunteers blind from hereditary retinal dystrophy. The implant contains an array of 1500 active microphotodiodes (‘chip’), each with its own amplifier and local stimulation electrode. At the implant's tip, another array of 16 wire-connected electrodes allows light-independent direct stimulation and testing of the neuron–electrode interface. Visual scenes are projected naturally through the eye's lens onto the chip under the transparent retina. The chip generates a corresponding pattern of 38 × 40 pixels, each releasing light-intensity-dependent electric stimulation pulses. Subsequently, three previously blind persons could locate bright objects on a dark table, two of whom could discern grating patterns. One of these patients was able to correctly describe and name objects like a fork or knife on a table, geometric patterns, different kinds of fruit and discern shades of grey with only 15 per cent contrast. Without a training period, the regained visual functions enabled him to localize and approach persons in a room freely and to read large letters as complete words after several years of blindness. These results demonstrate for the first time that subretinal micro-electrode arrays with 1500 photodiodes can create detailed meaningful visual perception in previously blind individuals.
Human Term Placenta-Derived Mesenchymal Stromal Cells Are Less Prone to Osteogenic Differentiation Than Bone Marrow-Derived Mesenchymal Stromal Cells
2010-11-03

Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC) can be isolated from different tissues. They are capable of differentiating in vitro, for example, to osteoblasts, chondrocytes, or adipocytes. In contrast to CD34 for hematopoietic stem cells, a distinct MSC-defining antibody is not available. Further, for hematopoietic cells lineage-defining antigens such as CD3 or CD20 are known. In contrast, for MSC-derived cells lineage-associated cell surface markers are far from being established. We therefore investigated expression of cell surface antigens on human term placenta-derived MSC (pMSC) in more detail and correlated expression pattern to the osteogenic differentiation capacity of the MSC. We report that pMSC expressed the typical cell surface antigens at levels comparable to bone marrow-derived MSC (bmMSC), including CD73, CD90, and CD105, but did not express CD11b, CD34, and CD45. Further, CD164, TNAP, and the W5C5 antigens were detected on pMSC, whereas CD349 was not observed. Some pMSC expressed CD146 at low or moderate levels, and their osteogenic differentiation potential was weak. In contrast, bmMSC expressed CD146 at high levels, expression of alkaline phosphatase was significantly higher, and they presented a pronounced osteogenic differentiation potential. We conclude that MSC from different sources differ in their expression of distinct markers, and that this may correlate in part with their lineage determination. Thus, a higher percentage of bmMSC expressed CD146 at prominent levels and such cells may be better suited for bone repair. In contrast, many pMSC expressed CD146 at low or moderate levels. They, therefore, may be suitable for applications in which osteogenic differentiation is undesirable.
Tumor formation in liver of conditional -catenin-deficient mice exposed to a diethylnitrosamine/phenobarbital tumor promotion regimen
2010-11-03

The antiepileptic drug phenobarbital (PB) is a potent tumor promoter in mouse liver, where it stimulates the selective outgrowth of tumor populations harboring activating mutations in Ctnnb1 , encoding β-catenin. A tumor initiation–promotion study was conducted in mice with conditional hepatocyte-specific knockout (KO) of Ctnnb1 and in Ctnnb1 wild-type controls. Mice received a single injection of N -nitrosodiethylamine (DEN) at the age of 6 weeks followed by continuous administration of PB given in the diet (0.05%) for 27 weeks. Metabolic activation of DEN in hepatocytes from both Ctnnb1 wild-type and KO mice was demonstrated. PB strongly enhanced liver tumor formation in Ctnnb1 wild-type mice, and 90% of the PB-promoted tumors were Ctnnb1 -mutated. A similar increase in carcinogenic response was seen when using glucose-6-phosphatase and glutamine synthetase as tumor markers. The prevalence of tumors in Ctnnb1 KO mice was ∼7-fold higher than in wild-type mice, suggesting an enhancing effect of the gene KO on liver tumor development. However, in strong contrast to wild-type mice, PB did not promote tumor formation in the Ctnnb1 KO mice. Livers of KO mice, particularly from the PB treatment group, demonstrated fibrosis and massive infiltration of immune cells, an effect not seen in wild-type mice. In summary, our data demonstrate that (i) liver tumor promotion by PB requires functional β-catenin signaling and (ii) absence of β-catenin enhances carcinogen-induced hepatocarcinogenesis and induces a pre-cirrhotic phenotype in mouse liver.
Sensitivity of Red Sea circulation to monsoonal variability during the Holocene: An integrated data and modeling study
2010-11-03

[1] We used an oceanic general circulation model to evaluate the sensitivity of the hydrography and circulation of the Red Sea in response to reduced sea level and modified atmospheric conditions during the Holocene. With Holocene sea level close to the modern level, the Red Sea was sensitive to changes in atmospheric conditions, and it only shows a relatively mild response to sea level change. Changes in the monsoon system influence the exchange flow through the Strait of Bab el Mandab, the meridional overturning circulation of the Red Sea, and its hydrography. Forced by humid conditions the (modeled) Red Sea temperature increased by ∼1.5°C, while when arid conditions were imposed, the temperature decreased by ∼2.5°C. Similar heating and cooling events during the early and late Holocene are seen in a sea surface temperature record from the northern Red Sea (derived from the temperature sensitive TEX86 molecular biomarker), which suggests that humid conditions prevailed during the early Holocene and more arid conditions prevailed during the late Holocene. The gradual decline in Red Sea temperature between these two time periods suggests a gradual decline in the summer monsoon strength. This monsoon trend and the resulting changes in the Red Sea circulation are supported by the distribution of crenarchaea fossil lipids in Red Sea sediments from this period. Monsoon-driven changes in the exchange flow through the Strait of Bab el Mandab affected the crenarchaea population structure, and therefore, their molecular fossil distribution in the sediments of the Red Sea potentially provides an index for the summer monsoon strength during the Holocene.
Determination of Myrtucommulone fromMyrtus communisin Human and Rat Plasma by Liquid Chromatography/Tandem Mass Spectrometry
2010-11-03

Recent studies revealed that the non-prenylated acylphloroglucinol myrtucommulone (MC) from myrtle ( MYRTUS COMMUNIS) potently suppresses the biosynthesis of eicosanoids by direct inhibition of cyclooxygenase-1, microsomal prostaglandin E2 synthase (mPGES)-1, and 5-lipoxygenase at IC50 values in the range of 1 to 29 μM. Moreover, MC showed potent efficacy in animal models of inflammation after intraperitoneal administration. Since the main prerequisite for therapeutic efficacy is sufficient bioavailability, it is important to evaluate whether the concentrations of MC achieved in plasma coincide with the pharmacological active concentrations determined in vitro. For that reason, a sensitive LC/MS/MS method has been developed and validated for the determination of MC in human plasma. This method is based on liquid-liquid extraction of plasma samples with 20 % ethyl acetate in tert-butyl methyl ether using the structurally related acylphloroglucinol hyperforin as the internal standard. Chromatographic separation was achieved on a Gemini C6 Phenyl column using a mixture of acetonitrile/water (85 : 15 v/v) containing 6 mM ammonium formate in a run time of 15 min at a flow rate of 1 mL/min, a column temperature of 40 °C, and an autosampler temperature of 5 °C. Mass spectrometric quantification was carried out in the negative ion mode using electrospray ionization (ESI) and multiple-reaction monitoring (MRM). The most intense [M-H]− MRM transition at m/z 667.4 → m/z 194.9 was used for quantification of MC and the transition at m/z 535.4 to m/z 383.2 was used to monitor hyperforin. The method was linear in the range of 1-100 ng/mL with r > 0.998, an intra- and inter-day RSD of 1.1-8.4 and 7.1-11.8 %, respectively, and a maximum R. E. of 13.8 % at the lowest concentration level. Moreover, cross validation revealed the suitability of the developed LC/MS method for application in rat studies.
Removal of short‐range‐order minerals prior to grain‐size analysis of volcanic ash soils
2010-11-03

Abstract Incomplete dispersion of aggregates is a well‐known difficulty when analyzing soil texture of Andosols, particularly if no fresh soil material is available. To facilitate such investigations, several dispersion procedures were carried out on air‐dried samples rich in short‐range‐order minerals, originating from selected Andosol profiles (S Mexico). As a result, we propose an improved method based on a sequential chemical treatment with K oxalate, NH 4 oxalate, and oxalic acid that reliably removes cementing agents and allows for a stable dispersion of soil particles after addition of Na pyrophosphate. This method was proved to be well reproducible and highly reliable for routine grain‐size determinations. The potential error caused by the inherent risk of dissolving primary minerals or fresh volcanic glass remains far beyond the analytical error resulting from the incomplete and irreproducible dispersion of highly resistant aggregates by other commonly used techniques.
Outcome of Augmentation Cystoplasty and Bladder Substitution in a Pediatric Age Group
2010-11-04

Augmentation cystoplasty and bladder substitution preserve renal function and provide urinary continence in most children with intractable lower urinary tract disease. However, the procedures remain associated with numerous complications.
Germa‐closo‐dodecaborate: An Ambident and Flexible Coordinating Ligand
2010-11-04

Abstract By following a simple one‐pot procedure that starts with FeBr 2 and triphos [MeC(CH 2 PPh 2 ) 3 ] or the dimer [Ru 2 (μ‐Cl) 3 (triphos) 2 ]Cl in reaction with the nucleophile [Bu 3 MeN] 2 [GeB 11 H 11 ] in acetonitrile, the zwitterionic acetonitrile adducts [M(GeB 11 H 11 )(triphos)(MeCN) 2 ] [M = Fe ( 1 ), M = Ru ( 2 )] were isolated in good yield. By means of a facile η 1 (Ge) to η 3 (B–H) rearrangement, 1 and 2 can be converted into [M(GeB 11 H 11 )(triphos)] [M = Fe ( 3 ), M = Ru ( 4 )]. The nucleophilicity of the germanium cluster vertex in the iron derivative 3 is high enough to react with [Mo(CO) 5 (thf)] to give the bimetallic complex [(triphos)Fe(GeB 11 H 11 )(MoCO) 5 ] ( 5 ), which contains an ambident coordinating germaborate moiety. The new compounds have been characterized by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction and elemental analysis. Soluble complexes were also investigated by 1 H, 11 B, and 31 P NMR spectroscopy in solution. In the case of the insoluble complex 1 , solid‐state 31 P NMR spectroscopy was carried out.
Measurement of glomerular filtration rate using dynamic magnetic resonance imaging in patients with chronic kidney disease
2010-11-04

We describe a novel method of determining GFR from MR imaging using a low dose of gadobutrol in patients with reduced GFR that enables the absolute quantification of GFR after routine contrast-enhanced MR imaging.
INTRODUCTION: UNIVERSALISM IN ANCIENT CHINA AND ROME
2010-11-04

Journal of Chinese PhilosophyVolume 37, Issue 4 p. 522-526 INTRODUCTION: UNIVERSALISM IN ANCIENT CHINA AND ROME ACHIM MITTAG, Corresponding Author ACHIM MITTAG TUEBINGEN UNIVERSITYTuebingen, Germany ACHIM MITTAG, Professor, Department of Chinese and Korean Studies, Tuebingen University. Specialties: Chinese historiography, Chinese classical learning, Chinese intellectual history. E-mail: [email protected]. FRITZ-HEINER MUTSCHLER, Professor, Institut für Klassische Philologie, Technische Universität Dresden. Specialties: Augustan poetry, Roman philosophy, Roman literature and society, Chinese historiography. E-mail: [email protected]Search for more papers by this authorFRITZ-HEINER MUTSCHLER, Corresponding Author FRITZ-HEINER MUTSCHLER TECHNISCHE UNIVERSITÄT DRESDENDresden, Germany ACHIM MITTAG, Professor, Department of Chinese and Korean Studies, Tuebingen University. Specialties: Chinese historiography, Chinese classical learning, Chinese intellectual history. E-mail: [email protected]. FRITZ-HEINER MUTSCHLER, Professor, Institut für Klassische Philologie, Technische Universität Dresden. Specialties: Augustan poetry, Roman philosophy, Roman literature and society, Chinese historiography. E-mail: [email protected]Search for more papers by this author ACHIM MITTAG, Corresponding Author ACHIM MITTAG TUEBINGEN UNIVERSITYTuebingen, Germany ACHIM MITTAG, Professor, Department of Chinese and Korean Studies, Tuebingen University. Specialties: Chinese historiography, Chinese classical learning, Chinese intellectual history. E-mail: [email protected]. FRITZ-HEINER MUTSCHLER, Professor, Institut für Klassische Philologie, Technische Universität Dresden. Specialties: Augustan poetry, Roman philosophy, Roman literature and society, Chinese historiography. E-mail: [email protected]Search for more papers by this authorFRITZ-HEINER MUTSCHLER, Corresponding Author FRITZ-HEINER MUTSCHLER TECHNISCHE UNIVERSITÄT DRESDENDresden, Germany ACHIM MITTAG, Professor, Department of Chinese and Korean Studies, Tuebingen University. Specialties: Chinese historiography, Chinese classical learning, Chinese intellectual history. E-mail: [email protected]. FRITZ-HEINER MUTSCHLER, Professor, Institut für Klassische Philologie, Technische Universität Dresden. Specialties: Augustan poetry, Roman philosophy, Roman literature and society, Chinese historiography. E-mail: [email protected]Search for more papers by this author First published: 04 November 2010 https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1540-6253.2010.01602.xRead the full textAboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share a linkShare onEmailFacebookTwitterLinkedInRedditWechat Volume37, Issue4December 2010Pages 522-526 RelatedInformation
Sodium Overload and Water Influx Activate the NALP3 Inflammasome
2010-11-05

The NALP3 inflammasome is activated by low intracellular potassium concentrations [K(+)](i), leading to the secretion of the proinflammatory cytokine IL-1β. However, the mechanism of [K(+)](i) lowering after phagocytosis of monosodium urate crystals is still elusive. Here, we propose that endosomes containing monosodium urate crystals fuse with acidic lysosomes. The low pH in the phagolysosome causes a massive release of sodium and raises the intracellular osmolarity. This process is balanced by passive water influx through aquaporins leading to cell swelling. This process dilutes [K(+)](i) to values below the threshold of 90 mm known to activate NALP3 inflammasomes without net loss of cytoplasmic potassium ions. In vitro, the inhibitors of lysosomal acidification (ammonium chloride, chloroquine) and of aquaporins (mercury chloride, phloretin) all significantly decreased the production of IL-1β. In vivo, only the pharmacological inhibitor of lysosome acidification chloroquine could be used which again significantly reduced the IL-1β production. As a translational aspect one may consider the use of chloroquine for the anti-inflammatory treatment of refractory gout.
Absence of merkel cell polyoma virus in cutaneous melanoma
2010-11-05

Recently, merkel cell polyoma virus (MCPyV) has been described in 80% of merkel cell carcinomas (MCC). Similar to MCC, melanoma incidence is increased in immuno-suppressed patients. We hypothesized that MCPyV may play a role in melanoma development as well. We selected 95 archival, paraffin-embedded primary melanomas. DNA was obtained from micro-dissected tissue and amplified with PCR primer sets specific for the MCPyV T-antigen locus (LT1 and LT3) and for the VP1 gene. None of the 95 melanoma samples did show LT1, LT3, or VP1 fragment amplification. In conclusion, there is no evidence that MCPyV infection plays a role in cutaneous melanoma development.
Eye tracking in research on learning and instruction
2010-11-05

In this professional development course, participants can get acquainted with what eye tracking is, how eye tracking can be used in research on learning and instruction, and how eye tracking data can be analyzed. In part one, we start by briefly describing the theoretical, physiological, and technical background of eye tracking. In part two, different ways of using eye tracking in research on learning and instruction will be discussed/demonstrated. Focus will be not only on eye tracking as a tool to study learning processes, but also on eye tracking as a tool to enhance learning processes. In the third part, different ways of analyzing eye tracking data will be discussed. We start with basics, like which event detection algorithm to use and with which settings. Next, we present common measures for different scenarios (e.g., reading, scene viewing, dynamic stimuli,...) and how to interpret them. Finally, we present novel, and more sophisticated scanpath similarity measures. In the last part, participants’ questions about the course and about the use of eye tracking (data) in their own research will be addressed.
Number of metastases, serum lactate dehydrogenase level, and type of treatment are prognostic factors in patients with brain metastases of malignant melanoma
2010-11-08

Abstract BACKGROUND: This multicenter study aimed to identify prognostic factors in patients with brain metastases from malignant melanoma (BM‐MM). METHODS: In a retrospective survey in 9 cancer centers of the German Cancer Society, 692 patients were identified with BM‐MM during the period 1986 through 2007. Overall survival was analyzed using a Kaplan‐Meier estimator and compared with log‐rank analysis. Cox proportional hazards models were used to identify prognostic factors significant for survival. RESULTS: The median overall survival of the entire cohort was 5.0 months (95% confidence interval [95% CI], 4 months‐5 months). Significant prognostic factors in the univariate Kaplan‐Meier analysis were Karnofsky performance status (≥70% vs &lt;70%; P &lt; .001), number of BM‐MM (single vs multiple; P &lt; .001), pretreatment levels of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) (normal vs elevated; P &lt; .001) and S‐100 (normal vs elevated; P &lt; .001), prognostic groups according to Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (class I vs class II vs class III; P = .0485), and treatment choice (for the cohort with single BM‐MM only) (stereotactic radiotherapy or neurosurgical metastasectomy vs others; P = .036). Cox proportional hazards models revealed pretreatment elevated level of serum LDH (hazard ratio [HR], 1.6; 95% CI, 1.3‐2.0 [ P = .00013]) and number of BM‐MM (HR, 1.6; 95% CI, 1.3‐2.0 [ P = .00011]) to be independent prognostic variables in the entire cohort, whereas in patients with a single BM‐MM, treatment choice (HR, 1.5; 95% CI, 1.1‐1.9 [ P = .0061]) was identified as a unique prognostic factor. CONCLUSIONS: The overall survival of patients with BM‐MM primarily depends on the number of metastases and pretreatment level of LDH. In the case of a single brain metastasis, stereotactic radiotherapy or neurosurgical metastasectomy is by far the most important factor for improving survival. Cancer 2011. © 2010 American Cancer Society.
Detection and clinical outcome of urinary bladder cancer with 5‐aminolevulinic acid‐induced fluorescence cystoscopy
2010-11-08

Abstract BACKGROUND: The medical community lacks results from prospective controlled multicenter studies of the diagnostic efficacy of 5‐aminolevulinic acid (5‐ALA) cystoscopy on tumor recurrence in patients with superficial bladder tumors. METHODS: A prospective randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled study was conducted in 370 patients with nonmuscle‐invasive urinary bladder carcinoma who received either 5‐ALA (n = 187) or a placebo (n = 183) intravesically before cystoscopy. Each group underwent cystoscopy under visible white light and under fluorescent light followed by transurethral tumor resection. The primary study objective was to evaluate the 12‐month recurrence‐free survival. RESULTS: Slightly more patients with tumors were detected by using 5‐ALA than by using the placebo (88.5% vs 84.7%). The mean numbers of tumor specimens per patient were 1.8 (5‐ALA) and 1.6 (placebo). Intrapatient comparison of fluorescent light versus white light cystoscopy in patients randomized to receive 5‐ALA showed a higher tumor detection rate with fluorescent light than with white light cystoscopy. In patients receiving 5‐ALA cystoscopy, the percentage of lesions that would not have been detected in these patients by white light cystoscopy ranged between 10.9% (pT1) and 55.9% (atypia). Progression‐free survival was 89.4% (5‐ALA) and 89.0% (placebo) ( P = .9101), and recurrence‐free survival 12 months after tumor resection was 64.0% (5‐ALA) and 72.8% (placebo) ( P = .2216). CONCLUSIONS: In comparison to the placebo, 5‐ALA cystoscopy did not increase the rates of recurrence‐free or progression‐free survival 12 months after tumor resection. Although more tumors per patient were detected in the 5‐ALA group, the higher detection rate did not translate into differences in long‐term outcome. Cancer 2011. © 2010 American Cancer Society.
Management of cutaneous side effects of EGFR inhibitors: recommendations from a German expert panel for the primary treating physician
2010-11-08

Inhibitors of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) are increasingly used in the treatment of various entities of malignant tumors. Patients treated with EGFR inhibitors very likely develop cutaneous side effects. The development of a papulopustular, follicular exanthema during the first weeks of therapy correlates with therapeutic benefit. However, this exanthema and other cutaneous side effects can impair the quality of life of the patient and might limit the therapy with the EGFR inhibitor. For an optimal therapeutic benefit and quality of life an adequate management of cutaneous side effects is necessary. A panel of German dermatologists developed on the basis of personal experience and current literature consensus recommendations for the management of cutaneous side effects of EGFR inhibitors.
Enhancing the critical current in quasiperiodic pinning arrays below and above the matching magnetic flux
2010-11-08

Quasiperiodic pinning arrays, as recently demonstrated theoretically and\\nexperimentally using a five-fold Penrose tiling, can lead to a significant\\nenhancement of the critical current Ic as compared to "traditional" regular\\npinning arrays. However, while regular arrays showed only a sharp peak in\\nIc(Phi) at the matching flux Phi1 and quasiperiodic arrays provided a much\\nbroader maximum at Phi&lt;Phi1, both types of pinning arrays turned out to be\\ninefficient for fluxes larger than Phi1. We demonstrate theoretically and\\nexperimentally the enhancement of Ic(Phi) for Phi&gt;Phi1 by using non-Penrose\\nquasiperiodic pinning arrays. This result is based on a qualitatively different\\nmechanism of flux pinning by quasiperiodic pinning arrays and could be\\npotentially useful for applications in superconducting micro-electronic devices\\noperating in a broad range of magnetic fields.\\n