julilili42/papers huggingface dataset:
HLA class I transgenic mice: development, utilisation and improvement
2005-07-01

Classical major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I antigens are trimeric molecules found on the surface of nucleated cells in all jawed vertebrates. MHC I are recognised by two families of receptors: clonotypic T cell receptors expressed on the surface of CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs), and monomorphic receptors expressed by both natural killer cells and CTLs. The production of MHC I molecules within the cells is a sequential process performed with the help of interacting proteins: proteases, chaperones, transporters and so on. Although largely homologous in their structure, organisation and function, the human and mouse MHC I antigen processing and presentation machineries show fine differences. Transgenesis and 'knockout' or 'knock-in' technologies permit the addition of relevant human genes or the replacement of mouse genes by their human orthologues in order to produce immunologically humanised mice. Such experimental animals are especially relevant for the comparative evaluation of immunotherapies and for the characterisation of MHC I peptide epitopes. This review presents the similarities and differences between mouse and human MHC I antigen processing machinery, and describes the development and utilisation of improving mouse models of human cytotoxic T cell immunity.
PHOSPHATIZED SOFT-TISSUE IN TRIASSIC BIVALVES
2005-07-01

Abstract: Exceptionally preserved specimens of the genera Myophoria, Neoschizodus and Trigonodus (Bivalvia, Palaeoheterodonta, Trigonioida) from carbonate sediments of the Muschelkalk (Anisian, Ladinian) contain phosphatized soft-tissues. This is the oldest record of soft-tissue preservation in bivalves and the first from the German Muschelkalk. The phosphatized remains are here interpreted as relics of the originally chitinous gill supports, the gill axis, the labial palps (?), the adductor muscles, the pedal retractor muscles, the mantle margin including the radial mantle musculature, and the ‘siphons’. According to microprobe analysis, the mineral replacing the soft-tissue is mainly apatite and, more rarely, francolite. Additionally, quartz filled voids within the gill supports, and in one sample it occurs in minute crystals in the phosphatized remains of the adductor muscle of Neoschizodus. Myophoria, Neoschizodus and Trigonodus were soft-bottom dwellers and five of the specimens were discovered in life position. This is indicated by geopetal structures in three specimens.
Alcoholic Liver Disease: From Pathophysiology to Therapy
2005-07-01

This article presents the proceedings of a symposium held at the meeting of the International Society for Biomedical Research on Alcoholism in Mannheim, Germany, in October 2004. A salient feature of this symposium was to demonstrate how the striking advances made in our understanding of the pathophysiology of alcoholic liver disease are now raising prospects for better treatment as well. Genetic factors are now being elucidated, and F. Stickel (Germany) has summarized his own studies as well as those of others. M. Salaspuro (Finland) updated the possible role of gut bacteria in the pathogenesis of alcoholic liver disease, bringing us closer to antibacterial therapy as part of the treatment of alcoholic liver disease. Specifically, the gut bacterial flora may be important via the in situ production of acetaldehyde and the associated intestinal injury, which may favor the translocation of toxins from the gut lumen to the systemic circulation and the liver. The analytical progress in the assessment of alterations of phospholipid composition in liver membranes described by H. P. Schlemmer (Germany) may eventually give us an objective method to recognize patients in whom phospholipid therapy might be indicated. Other novel treatment modalities for severe alcoholic hepatitis were described by Y. Horie and H. Ishii (Japan), including plasma exchange. Finally, the pros and cons of nutraceutical therapy were analyzed by C. S. Lieber, with a demonstration that although some nutraceuticals may have toxicity exacerbated by alcohol and must be administered very carefully within a narrow therapeutic window, others are actually beneficial as demonstrated under controlled conditions.
Contaminated nutritional supplements – legal protection for elite athletes who tested positive: A case report from Germany
2005-07-01

A significant proportion of nutritional supplements manufactured worldwide contain non-listed contaminations with anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS), whose ingestion may lead to positive doping test results. This will lead to the suspension of, and sanctions against, the athlete, since this group of active substances is prohibited by the anti-doping code of the World Anti-Doping Agency as well as by sports associations not connected with this agency. Considerable financial losses are often the consequence for a banned athlete. Based on an amendment to the law governing the manufacture and prescription of drugs (AMG) in Germany in 1997 and an increasingly extensive interpretation of the term "drug" by the Federal Supreme Court, preparations containing anabolic steroids or their precursors are to be classified as drugs and, therefore, are subject to compulsory declaration as stated by the AMG. If this obligation is not adhered to, the result may be a claim for damages by the athlete against the manufacturer of a preparation, if the athlete took the preparation thinking it was harmless as judged by the Anti-Doping regulations, but was then found to be positive in doping tests. The judges in the first case before the county court in Stuttgart decided in favour of the claim for damages with respect to lost bonuses, loss of earnings and accrued legal costs by a soccer player who tested positive and was therefore suspended. Based on the evidence presented, the court came to the decision that the soccer player's positive test result was due to the ingestion of nutritional supplements containing non-listed AAS. This procedure could set a precedent for other states to demonstrate that athletes who had tested positive due to contaminated nutritional supplements are not without legal protection.
17α-Hydroxylase/17,20-Lyase Deficiency Caused by a Novel Homozygous Mutation (Y27Stop) in the Cytochrome CYP17 Gene
2005-07-01

The CYP17 gene analysis revealed homozygosity of the mutation Y27Stop (TAC-->TAA) in exon 1, a mutation that has not been previously described. This novel mutation leads to a stop codon causing a total loss of 17alpha-hydroxlyase/17,20-lyase activity, as reflected biochemically by the detected concentrations of the steroid metabolites.
Microbial activity in biogeochemical gradients – new aspects of research
2005-07-01

ABSTRACT In April 2004, the German Research Foundation (DFG) and the National Science Foundation (NSF) co‐organized a meeting for US and German junior geoscientists in Washington DC. As an outcome of this Research Conference titled ‘Earth, Fire, Water, Air and Life’, a follow‐up workshop took place in May 2005 at the Eberhard‐Karls University of Tuebingen in Germany. This workshop covered new aspects of research to improve the understanding of steep biogeochemical gradients covering pH changes, redox zones, as well as solute and particulate concentration variations in aqueous systems. Detailed understanding of biogeochemistry in this context delivers new fundamental aspects in interdisciplinary research. Such work is also urgently needed to control ever‐increasing scarcity of water that is to large parts driven by decreasing water quality. Research ideas on gradients in a biogeochemical context that were discussed by a subgroup of biogeochemists during that workshop are summarized and presented here.
A BASAL MIXOSAURID ICHTHYOSAUR FROM THE MIDDLE TRIASSIC OF CHINA
2005-07-01

Abstract: New specimens of a mixosaurid ichthyosaur are described from the People's Republic of China. They consist of an almost complete skull, forefin and shoulder girdle of a single individual, and a second partial skull from the Anisian Guanling Formation of Guizhou Province that belongs to the same taxon. A phylogenetic analysis shows this species to be the sister-taxon of all other mixosaurids. It is distinguished from Mixosaurus, Contecotpalatus and Phalarodon by features of its dentition and cranial morphology. There is only one maxillary tooth row. The posterior maxillary teeth are blunt and rounded, and much wider than the premaxillary teeth, but they are not strongly elongated anteroposteriorly. The teeth are subthecodontously implanted. The postorbital skull segment is long. The jugal-quadratojugal notch is deep and these two elements remain separated externally. The postorbital separates supratemporal and postfrontal. There are no postaxial ossifications of the forefin. Autapomorphies include a long ventral process of the postorbital lamina of the postorbital as well as characteristic morphologies of the coracoid and humerus. The material is therefore clearly distinguished from other known mixosaurids. It can be referred, on the basis of the features of the humerus and coracoid, to Mixosaurus maotaiensis Young, 1965. As it is generically distinct from Mixosaurus, a new generic name, Barracudasaurus gen. nov. is proposed. The phylogenetic relevance of the external separation of jugal and quadratojugal in some Triassic ichthyosaurs is discussed and it is concluded that it does not demonstrate the initial presence of a lower temporal fenestra in ichthyosaurs. The new material suggests that mixosaurids could have also originated in the Eastern rather than the Western Tethys, as previously assumed.
Autosomal Dominant Precalcaneal Congenital Fibrolipomatous Hamartoma
2005-07-01

Abstract: Precalcaneal congenital fibrolipomatous hamartoma is a rare minor malformation previously reported only as sporadic. We report this finding in three family members from two generations, suggesting autosomal dominant inheritance.
Experimental Implantation and Long-term Testing of an Intraocular Vision Aid in Rabbits
2005-07-01

The results demonstrate the general feasibility and biocompatibility to implant and fixate an intraocular light-emitting diode prosthesis. Inductive energy transmission to the intraocular device and wireless light stimulation are assured in the long term but depend on meticulous water-impermeable encapsulation of the delicate microelectronic components. Clinical Relevance An intraocular vision aid compound system with a high-resolution light-emitting diode matrix might be a future treatment option to restore vision in blind eyes with severe anterior segment disorders.
Horizontal cell morphology in nocturnal and diurnal primates: A comparison between owl-monkey (Aotus) and capuchin monkey (Cebus)
2005-07-01

Horizontal cell morphology was studied in the retina of the nocturnal owl-monkey, Aotus , and compared with that of its diurnal, close relative, the capuchin monkey, Cebus . Cells were initially labeled with DiI and the staining was later photoconverted in a stable precipitated using DAB as chromogen. The sizes of cell bodies, dendritic fields, and axon terminals, number of dendritic clusters, intercluster spacing, and intercone spacing were measured at increasing eccentricities. Two distinct morphological classes of horizontal cells were identified, which resembled those of H1 and H3 cells described in diurnal monkeys. A few examples of a third class, possibly corresponding to the H2 cells of diurnal monkeys, were labeled. Both H1 and H3 cells increased in size and had increasing numbers of dendritic clusters with eccentricity. H3 cells were larger and had a larger number of dendritic clusters than H1 cells. Owl-monkey H1 cells had larger dendritic fields than capuchin monkey H1 cells at all quadrants in the central and midperipheral retinal regions, but the difference disappeared in the far periphery. Owl-monkey and capuchin monkey H1 cells had about the same number of dendritic clusters across eccentricity. As owl-monkey H1 cells were larger than capuchin monkey H1 cells, the equal number of clusters in these two primates was due to the fact that they were more spaced in the owl-monkey cells. H1 intercluster distance closely matched intercone spacing for both the owl-monkey and capuchin monkey retinas. On the other hand, H3 intercluster distance was larger than intercone spacing in the retina of both primates. Owl-monkey H1 axon terminals had 2–3 times more knobs than capuchin monkey H1 axon terminals in spite of having about the same size and, consequently, knob density was 2–3 times higher for owl-monkey than capuchin monkey H1 axon terminals across all eccentricities. The differences observed between owl-monkey and capuchin monkey horizontal cells, regarding the morphology of their dendritic trees and axon terminals, may be related to the differences found in the cone-to-rod ratio in the retina of these two primates. They seem to represent retinal specializations to the nocturnal and diurnal life styles of the owl-monkey and capuchin monkey, respectively.
Liver Fat and Insulin Resistance Are Independently Associated with the −514C>T Polymorphism of the Hepatic Lipase Gene
2005-07-01

The -514C>T polymorphism of the hepatic lipase gene is associated with higher liver fat content and lower whole-body insulin sensitivity. However, these effects are modulated by the common Pro12Ala polymorphism in peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma(2). These findings may be relevant for intervention strategies to prevent increase in liver fat content and insulin resistance.
Longitudinal Cephalometric Analysis After Maxillary Distraction Osteogenesis
2005-07-01

The aim of this study was to analyze the long-term dentoskeletal changes in patients who received distraction osteogenesis of the maxilla. Seventeen patients aged 12 to 31 years underwent rigid external distraction osteogenesis for treatment of maxillary hypoplasia. Cephalograms were evaluated retrospectively regarding linear and angular measurements. Follow-up times ranged from 1 to 5 years. In two patients, there was no consolidation of the Le Fort I segment to the midface. After the 0- to 12-month period, the maxilla had a stable position in all patients. Nevertheless, there was further decrease of SNA and ANB and an increase of the facial concavity thereafter. Ongoing growth of the facial skeleton must be considered when distraction osteogenesis is chosen for the advancement of the maxilla in adolescents.
Advances in Alcoholism Research in Germany
2005-07-01

This article presents the proceedings of a symposium at the 2004 International Society for Biomedical Research on Alcoholism meeting in Heidelberg/Mannheim, Germany, put together by the German Society of Addiction Therapy and Research (DG‐Sucht e.V.). The aim was to give an overview on recent findings from animal to human studies that were conducted by several research groups engaged in the alcoholism field in Germany for longer periods. Results of his animal studies were presented by J. Wolfgramm; G. Buehringer reported on epidemiologic and psychotherapeutic research advances on alcohol‐related disorders in Germany. L. G. Schmidt summarized results of novel diagnostic and therapeutic approaches in alcohol dependence, and J. Boening focused on biopsychological personality traits as predictors for relapse in alcoholism. Data relating hyperhomocysteinemia and brain shrinkage in patients with alcoholism were presented by J. Kornhuber. Four addiction research networks federally funded represented their results in separate symposia and were therefore deliberately excluded from this symposium.
1,3-Dimethylbarbiturat-Salze organischer Kationen / 1,3-Dimethylbarbiturate Salts of Organic Cations
2005-07-01

The barbiturate salts 2-amino-1,3-dimethylimidazolium N,N’-dimethylbarbiturate (8) and 1,3- diisopropyl-4,5-dimethylimidazolium N,N’-dimethylbarbiturate (10) are obtained from N,N’- dimethylbarbituric acid (6) and 2-imino-1,3-dimethylimidazoline (7) or 2,3-dihydro-1,3-diisopropyl- 4,5-dimethylimidazol-2-ylidene (9) in good yields. Their crystal structures reveal the presence of strong interionic N-H-O (8) and C-H-O (10) hydrogen bonds to give dimeric (8) and monomeric (10) ion pairs. These pairs are linked by weak C-H-O hydrogen contacts to give three-dimensional networks.
Quantitative magnetization transfer by trains of radio frequency pulses in human brain: extension of a free evolution model to continuous-wave-like conditions
2005-07-01

A theoretical model of free evolution between repeated magnetic transfer (MT) pulses was extended to continuous-wave (CW)-like conditions showing that only the repetitive "direct" saturation of bulk water changes the transient and stationary behavior. The influence of the pulse repetition period (PR) on progressive saturation was studied in cortical gray matter (GM) and central white matter (WM) under conditions of short periods of free evolution and strong macromolecular saturation. Interpulse delays of 3 ms were achieved in vivo on a 1.5-T MR system with bell-shaped MT pulses of 12-ms duration and nominal flip angles of up to 1440 degrees and single-shot readout by a stimulated echo acquisition mode localization sequence. The frequency offset was chosen between 1 and 3 kHz to avoid excessive direct saturation. The stationary MT ratio (MTR) followed an inverse linear PR dependence, showing a consistent partial saturation of about 90% at zero PR for both WM and GM. Comparison to a relaxation-matched liquid indicated the presence of MT, but not necessarily of direct saturation. The transient behavior indicated considerable direct saturation, but this could also be explained by MT. These inconsistencies showed that the intervals of time evolution in our experiments were too long to be modeled by CW-like conditions. Free evolution takes place during the whole PR rather than during the interpulse delay only. Quantification using the rates of free evolution theory yielded the saturations and rate constants necessary to explain the observed behavior. The theory of rapid CW-like pulsing provides an upper limit for the rate of progressive saturation. This limit is approached at PR below an estimated value of 5 ms. The phenomenological PR dependence of the steady-state MTR may indicate that MT exceeded the direct saturation. Unlike to an idealized CW experiment, the extrapolated value at zero PR is subject to direct effects and not a physically meaningful constant.
Local partial densities of states in CuInS2 upper valence band determined by soft-x-ray emission spectroscopy: Evidence for In 5p contribution
2005-07-01

The CuL2,3, InM4,5, and SL1 soft-x-ray emission spectra of single-crystalline CuInS2 were measured using synchrotron radiation as excitation source. These spectra essentially reflect the local partial densities of states (LPDOS) of Cu 3d, In 5p, and S 3p valence states, respectively. They correspond to features in the total density of states of the upper valence band as revealed by valence-band photoelectron spectrum. On common binding-energy scale the SL1 and InM5 spectra display broad peaks positioned slightly below the Cu 3d-related peak center and a shoulder above the Cu peak center, extending towards the valence-band maximum. A density-functional calculation of the LPDOS confirms two components occurring in both S 3p and In 5p partial densities of states. From the similarity of the positions and the intensity ratios of these two components, an admixture of In 5p states to the S 3p states in the upper valence band is suggested, providing an explanation of the abnormally small band gap of ternary copper sulfides.
Consumption Volatility and Financial Openness
2005-07-01

The responsibility for the contents of working papers rests with the authors, not the Institute. Since working papers are of a preliminary nature, it may be useful to contact the authors of a particular working paper about results or caveats before referring to, or quoting, a paper. Any comments on working papers should be sent directly to the authors. 2
Synthesis of a Bisphthalocyanine and Its Nonlinear Optical Properties
2005-07-04

Abstract The synthesis and the nonlinear optical properties of an axially substituted binuclear InCl/InCl phthalocyanine 1 with an unsymmetrical substitution pattern are described. The preparation of this new type of binuclear phthalocyanine has been carried out through a multi‐step synthetic strategy, which was specially developed for binuclear phthalocyanines. The study has been carried out with the aim of analyzing which variations of the electronic properties accompany the unsymmetrical extension of the π‐electron system of a binuclear Pc when compared to a mononuclear Pc (the complex t Bu 4 PcInCl is here taken for comparison). The nonlinear optical properties of InCl/InCl phthalocyanine 1 in toluene were studied with the Z‐scan technique in both open‐ and closed‐aperture configurations at 532 nm with nanosecond laser pulses. The binuclear complex displayed a positive nonlinear absorption coefficient. It is found that the linear optical properties were little changed but the optical limiting effectiveness of the binuclear fused phthalocyanine 1 is lower relative to t Bu 4 PcInCl. Explanations for such differences are given. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH &amp; Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2005)
THE DOT-DEPTH AND THE POLYNOMIAL HIERARCHIES CORRESPOND ON THE DELTA LEVELS
2005-07-05

It is well-known that the Σ k - and Π k -levels of the dot-depth hierarchy and the polynomial hierarchy correspond via leaf languages. We extend this correspondence to the Δ k -levels of these hierarchies: [Formula: see text]. The same methods are used to give evidence against an earlier conjecture of Straubing and Thérien about a leaf-language upper bound for BPP.
Genetics of Parkinsonʼs disease
2005-07-06

The combination of genetic, pathologic and molecular findings provide increasing evidence that the pathways identified through the cloning of different disease genes are interacting on different levels and share several major pathogenic mechanisms.
A synergistic chlorhexidine/chitosan combination for improved antiplaque strategies
2005-07-06

Background: The minor efficacy of chlorhexidine (CHX) on other cariogenic bacteria than mutans streptococci such as Streptococcus sanguinis may contribute to uneffective antiplaque strategies. Methods and Results: In addition to CHX (0.1%) as positive control and saline as negative control, two chitosan derivatives (0.2%) and their CHX combinations were applied to planktonic and attached sanguinis streptococci for 2 min. In a preclinical biofilm model, the bacteria suspended in human sterile saliva were allowed to attach to human enamel slides for 60 min under flow conditions mimicking human salivation. The efficacy of the test agents on streptococci was screened by the following parameters: vitality status, colony‐forming units (CFU)/ml and cell density on enamel. The first combination reduced the bacterial vitality to ∼0% and yielded a strong CFU reduction of 2–3 log 10 units, much stronger than CHX alone. Furthermore, the first chitosan derivative showed a significant decrease of the surface coverage with these treated streptococci after attachment to enamel. Conclusions: Based on these results, a new CHX formulation would be beneficial unifying the bioadhesive properties of chitosan with the antibacterial activity of CHX synergistically resulting in a superior antiplaque effect than CHX alone.
T-CIA: Investigating T Cells in Aging
2005-07-06

Over the past few decades it has become clear that the immune system and especially T cells are instrumental in achieving a long and healthy life. The European Union (EU) previously supported several pan-European research projects coordinated from Tuebingen, Germany, aimed at providing a better understanding of immunosenescence. For 3 years, until the end of 2005, the EU is supporting a project called T cells in aging (T-CIA). The aim of T-CIA is to spy out and combine current efforts in immunology, molecular biology, and gerontology for a better understanding of why the elderly often have dysregulated immune responses and are more susceptible to infections and cancer.