julilili42/papers huggingface dataset:
Comparison of AO Type-B and Type-C Volar Shearing Fractures of the Distal Part of the Radius
2009-11-01

Volar shearing fractures are usually complete articular, Type-C injuries. Patients with a Type-C volar shearing fracture experience more pain during early recovery, but ultimately their outcome is comparable with that for patients with a Type-B (partial articular) volar shearing fracture.
Experimental Determination of the Raman Sampling Depth in Zirconia Ceramics
2009-11-01

This study provides experimentally determined values for the actual μ-Raman spectroscopy sampling depth in zirconia ceramics (ZrO, 2 ) via line scans on a wedge-shaped sample. Common instrumental settings with metallurgical objective lenses in dry air, argon-ion, and helium-neon laser radiation of approximately 10 mW were chosen. Under those conditions effective sampling depths, defined as the depth at which 99% of the information is recorded, range from 20 to more than 50 μm, depending on the numerical aperture of the lens and the laser wavelength. These results elucidate the pitfalls of the investigation of surface phenomena in zirconia ceramics such as low-temperature degradation or mechanically induced phase transformations by Raman spectroscopy.
Day-to-Day Consistency of Lower Extremity Kinematics during Walking and Running
2009-11-01

Before conclusions can be drawn with respect to the quality of adaptations in human gait, the day-to-day consistency of the variables of interest must be known. The present study estimated the day-to-day consistency of kinematic variables collected during barefoot walking and running. Sixteen healthy subjects performed two gait analysis sessions based on skin markers. Test sessions were at least 1 week apart. In total, 48 ranges of motion were monitored for the hip, knee, ankle, and midfoot joint. Based on differences between the repeated gait analysis sessions, the day-to-day consistency was estimated. It was found that the day-to-day consistency was of the magnitude of 3 to 4 degrees for almost all ranges of motion independently of the test condition, the investigated joints, or the cardinal body plane. It was concluded that future studies on effects of interventions or on the characterization of pathological versus normative gait should consider the provided values of day-to-day consistency to improve their interpretation and conclusions.
How Immunocompromised Are Short Bowel Patients Receiving Home Parenteral Nutrition? Apropos a Case of Disseminated Fusarium Oxysporum Sepsis
2009-11-01

Background: Catheter‐related sepsis is the most frequent complication in patients receiving home parenteral nutrition (HPN) for short bowel syndrome (SBS). A low‐grade systemic inflammatory state and an altered mucosal immune response, as well as diminished intestinal barrier function have been characterized in these patients. The possibility of systemic immunocompromise has only recently been suggested. Case Description: A 45‐year‐old female with traumatic SBS was admitted for possible catheter‐related sepsis. She was asplenic and had insulin‐dependent diabetes mellitus as a result of a pancreatic resection. A large skin ulceration was present on her left calf, which appeared unusual for a disseminated bacterial infection. Chest x‐ray and computed tomography scan revealed multiple subpleural pulmonary infiltrates consistent with bacterial or fungal dissemination. Blood cultures from the port system and from the peripheral blood grew Staphylococcus haemolyticus and Fusarium oxysporum . The port system was removed, and flucloxacillin and voriconazole were given for 33 and 35 days, respectively. Clinical signs of disseminated sepsis resolved slowly. Bone marrow biopsy ruled out primary hematologic disease. Conclusions: (1) Catheter‐related sepsis in patients on HPN is usually caused by Gram‐positive or Gram‐negative bacteria or by Candida species. Identification of molds in blood cultures strongly suggests Fusarium species, which should be treated appropriately with voriconazole or amphotericin B. (2) HPN and SBS aggravated by asplenism and diabetes mellitus can cause severe immunocompromise. (3) Fusaria have a strong tendency to persist or reappear after bone marrow transplantation, which is therefore relatively contraindicated in these patients.
The tropical tortoise Chelonoidis denticulata (Testudines: Testudinidae) from the Late Pleistocene of Argentina and its paleoclimatological implications
2009-11-01

The terrestrial tortoise clade Chelonoidis is endemic to the South American continent and nearby islands. Three continental species are currently recognized that inhabit three distinct habitats. The red-footed tortoise (C. carbonaria ) and yellow-footed tortoise (C. denticulata ) are often sympatric tropical to semi-tropical taxa, but the former taxon generally prefers open and wet savannahs, whereas the latter distinctly prefers permanent and wet forest cover. In contrast, the Chaco Tortoise, C. chilensis , is arid-adapted and lives along the eastern dry slopes of the southern Andes (Ernst and Barbour, 1989). The diverse group of generally dry-adapted tortoises from the Galapagos Islands is currently thought to be the gigantic sisters of C. chilensis (Caccone et al., 1999).
Individualized antiplatelet therapy: what can a clinical score contribute?
2009-11-01

Safeguarding of antiplatelet drug efficacy represents a cornerstone for the optimal treatment of patients with symptomatic coronary artery disease requiring coronary interventions. This means a challenge to modern cardiology since there has been cumulative evidence, that response to common oral antiplatelet therapy is a highly variable phenomenon underlying various mechanisms. It is known, that particular risk groups exhibit a high residual platelet aggregability (RPA) despite conventional antiplatelet therapy. Additionally, a relevant association between high RPA and recurrent ischaemic events after PCI exists. Individualization of antiplatelet therapy by dose increase or alternative application of novel P2Y12-receptor antagonists might lead to improved cardiovascular outcome in patients with poor responsiveness to conventional antiplatelet therapy. Identification of risk patients who might benefit from tailored therapy by increased net benefit without excess of major bleedings means a challenge. Clinical risk scores might help in the process of risk stratification and therapeutic decision. Subsequently, literature on risk assessment for antiplatelet drug responsiveness and different strategies will be discussed to identify patients who might benefit from personalized antiplatelet strategies.
Microcolumn design for a large scan field and pixel number
2009-11-01

A different approach in microcolumn design is presented, aiming at a large number of pixels at minimal probe size for the deflected beam. An optimization routine resulted in a seven times magnifying column featuring a more than 7×7mm2 scan field at 40mm working distance. Simulations for 1keV electrons from a field emission source predict an increase in beam size from 85nm on axis up to only about 200nm for a beam deflected 3mm off axis. Within a 1mm scan field this microcolumn could address over 100Mpixels of less than 100nm in size. Tests of this design using the 130nm electron probe of a scanning electron microscope as the electron source resulted in a beam size of ∼930nm on axis up to ∼1000nm for a beam deflected 3mm off axis.
Organ Donor with Unclear Primary Brain Tumor, a Contraindication for Transplantation? – Case Report of a One Year Old Child
2009-11-01

Organ donors where brain death is established suffering from brain tumors should not be generally regarded as contraindications for an organ transplant. Organs from patients with risk factors (e. g. ventriculoperitoneal shunt) should be excluded from the donor pool as transmission is more likely. The risk of donor transmitted malignancies should be weight against the urgency to receive a transplant graft.
Possible Implications of MCAM Expression in Metastasis and Non-Metastatic of Primary Uveal Melanoma Patients
2009-11-01

MCAM expression of primary uveal melanomas can serve as a possible prognostic parameter for metastasis. If further experiments approve the cellular adhesion molecules to account for early micrometastasis of tumor cells, a possible target might be available for future treatment.
Cross-border spillovers from fiscal stimulus
2009-11-01

The global recession of 2008–09 has revived interest in the international repercussions of domestic policy choices. This paper focuses on the case of fiscal stimulus, investigating cross-border spillovers from an increase in exhaustive government spending on the basis of a two-country business-cycle model. Our model allows spillovers to be affected by a range of features, including trade elasticities, the size and openness of economies, and financial imperfections. Beyond these well-known determinants, however, we highlight the central importance of policy frameworks, notably the medium-term debt consolidation regime. We consider the plausible case in which a temporary debt-financed increase in government spending gives rise to higher future taxes along with some reduction in spending over time. The anticipated spending reversal not only strengthens the domestic stimulus effect but also enhances positive cross-border spillovers through its impact on global long-term interest rates. Thus, our findings lend support to the notion that coordinated short-term stimulus policies are most effective when coupled with credible medium-term consolidation plans featuring at least some spending restraint.
Endogenous Market Structure and Foreign Market Entry
2009-11-01

Models dealing with cross-border acquisitions versus greenfield investment usually assume that the entry of a foreign firm into a market has effects on the outputs of all domestic firms in that market, but exit or entry of local firms is not considered.The purpose of this paper is to re-examine the acquisition versus greenfield versus exporting question under fixed versus free entry assumptions for local firms.Our finding is that greenfield entry and exporting options are more attractive relative to acquisition when the local market structure adjusts to foreign entry through local entry or exit than when it is fixed.The entering foreign firm may do better or worse under free entry versus a fixed market structure depending on its optimal choice under the latter assumption.
Severe Psychotic Disorder and Agranulocytosis – A Therapeutic Dilemma
2009-11-01

Schizophrenia is a severe mental disorder leading to chronic disability, poor social functioning and an increased risk of harm to self [6] and others [8]. The most important treatment is pharmacotherapy with different classes of antipsychotics. However, these substances bear considerable risks of side effects. The most dangerous is agranulocytosis (absolute neutrophil count ANC<100/μL) with mortality rates between 5 and 10%. All antipsychotics can cause agranulocytosis, the highest risk is known for clozapine [4]. For all neuroleptics, the use is restricted in case of mild neutropenia (ANC<1 500/μL) and contraindicated in case of moderate (ANC<1 000/μL) and severe neutropenia (ANC<500/μL). Several reports describe continuation of clozapine treatment despite neutropenia with co-administration of granulopoesis-stimulating factors [3] or rechallenge with clozapine following neutropenia during previous therapy [2]. However, administration or continuation of neuroleptics in patients with continuous severe neutropenia has never been reported so far. We describe a case in which an urgent need for antipsychotic therapy was obvious against the background of a critical clinical situation with pre-existing severe neutropenia.
TOMATO AGAMOUS‐LIKE 1 is a component of the fruit ripening regulatory network
2009-11-03

Summary After fertilization, the expanding carpel of fleshy fruit goes through a phase change to ripening. Although the role of ethylene signalling in mediating climacteric ripening has been established, knowledge regarding the regulation of ethylene biosynthesis and its association with fruit developmental programs is still lacking. A functional screen of tomato transcription factors showed that silencing of the TOMATO AGAMOUS‐LIKE 1 ( TAGL1 ) MADS box gene results in altered fruit pigmentation. Over‐expressing TAGL1 as a chimeric repressor suggested a role in controlling ripening, as transgenic tomato fruit showed reduced carotenoid and ethylene levels, suppressed chlorophyll breakdown, and down‐regulation of ripening‐associated genes. Moreover, fruits over‐expressing TAGL1 accumulated more lycopene, and their sepals were swollen, accumulated high levels of the yellow flavonoid naringenin chalcone and contained lycopene. Transient promoter‐binding assays indicated that part of the TAGL1 activity in ripening is executed through direct activation of ACS2 , an ethylene biosynthesis gene that has recently been reported to be a target of the RIN MADS box factor. Examination of the TAGL1 transcript and its over‐expression in the rin mutant background suggested that RIN does not regulate TAGL1 or vice versa. The results also indicated RIN‐dependent and ‐independent processes that are regulated by TAGL1. We also noted that fruit of TAGL1 loss‐of‐function lines had a thin pericarp layer, indicating an additional role for TAGL1 in carpel expansion prior to ripening. The results add a new component to the current model of the regulatory network that controls fleshy fruit ripening and its association with the ethylene biosynthesis pathway.
Detection, Validation, and Downstream Analysis of Allelic Variation in Gene Expression
2009-11-03

Abstract Common sequence variants within a gene often generate important differences in expression of corresponding mRNAs. This high level of local (allelic) control—or cis modulation—rivals that produced by gene targeting, but expression is titrated finely over a range of levels. We are interested in exploiting this allelic variation to study gene function and downstream consequences of differences in expression dosage. We have used several bioinformatics and molecular approaches to estimate error rates in the discovery of cis modulation and to analyze some of the biological and technical confounds that contribute to the variation in gene expression profiling. Our analysis of SNPs and alternative transcripts, combined with eQTL maps and selective gene resequencing, revealed that between 17 and 25% of apparent cis modulation is caused by SNPs that overlap probes rather than by genuine quantitative differences in mRNA levels. This estimate climbs to 40–50% when qualitative differences between isoform variants are included. We have developed an analytical approach to filter differences in expression and improve the yield of genuine cis-modulated transcripts to ∼80%. This improvement is important because the resulting variation can be successfully used to study downstream consequences of altered expression on higher-order phenotypes. Using a systems genetics approach we show that two validated cis-modulated genes, Stk25 and Rasd2, are likely to control expression of downstream targets and affect disease susceptibility.
Mouse Mesenchymal Stem Cells Suppress Antigen-Specific TH Cell Immunity Independent of Indoleamine 2,3-Dioxygenase 1 (IDO1)
2009-11-03

Due to their immunosuppressive properties, human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSC) represent a promising tool for cell-based therapies of autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis (MS). Mouse MSC (mMSC) have been used extensively to characterize and optimize route of administration, motility, cellular targets, and immunosuppressive mechanisms in mouse models of autoimmune diseases, such as experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). Tryptophan (trp) catabolism by indolamine-2,3-dioxygenase 1 (IDO1) is a chief endogenous metabolic pathway that tightly regulates unwanted immune responses through depletion of trp and generation of immunosuppressive kynurenines (kyn). IDO1 activity contributes to the immunosuppressive phenotype of hMSC. Here, we demonstrate that although IDO1 is inducible in bone marrow-derived mMSC by proinflammatory stimuli such as interferon-g (IFN-g) and ligands of toll-like receptors (TLR), it does not lead to catabolism of trp in vitro. This failure to catabolize trp is not due to defective TLR signaling as demonstrated by induction of interleukin 6 (IL-6) by TLR activation. While mMSC suppressed the activation of antigen-specific myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG)-reactive T-cell receptor (TCR) transgenic T-helper (TH) cells in co-culture, neither pharmacologic inhibition nor genetic ablation of IDO1 reversed this suppressive effect. Finally, systemic administration of both, IDO1-proficient and phenotypically identical IDO1-deficient mMSC, equally resulted in amelioration of EAE. mMSC, unlike hMSC, do not display IDO1-mediated suppression of antigen-specific T-cell responses.
A new hydrogel drug delivery system based on Hydroxyethylstarch derivatives
2009-11-03

A new method has been developed to produce a drug delivery system (DDS) for proteins and peptides. Employing a water-in-water emulsion technique with polyethylenglycol and hydroxyethylstarch substituted by hydroxyethylmethacrylate and a subsequent photopolymerization, microspheres can be produced. This process can be carried out with proteins present in the cross-linkable phase and without the need of any organic solvents. The hydrogel microparticles are promising to fulfil the requirements for a DDS regarding biocompatibility and biodegradability.
Transcriptional regulation of the novobiocin biosynthetic gene cluster
2009-11-03

The aminocoumarin antibiotic novobiocin is a gyrase inhibitor formed by a Streptomyces strain. The biosynthetic gene cluster of novobiocin spans 23.4 kb and contains 20 coding sequences, among them the two regulatory genes novE and novG . We investigated the location of transcriptional promoters within this cluster by insertion of transcriptional terminator cassettes and RT-PCR analysis of the resulting mutants. The cluster was found to contain eight DNA regions with promoter activity. The regulatory protein NovG binds to a previously identified binding site within the promoter region located upstream of novH , but apparently not to any of the other seven promoters. Quantitative real-time PCR was used to compare the number of transcripts in a strain carrying an intact novobiocin cluster with strains carrying mutated clusters. Both in-frame deletion of the regulatory gene novG and insertion of a terminator cassette into the biosynthetic gene novH led to a strong reduction of the number of transcripts of the genes located between novH and novW . This suggested that these 16 biosynthetic genes form a single operon. Three internal promoters are located within this operon but appear to be of minor importance, if any, under our experimental conditions. Transcription of novG was found to depend on the presence of NovE, suggesting that the two regulatory genes, novE and novG , act in a cascade-like mechanism. The resistance gene gyrB R , encoding an aminocoumarin-resistant gyrase B subunit, may initially be co-transcribed with the genes from novH to novW . However, when the gyrase inhibitor novobiocin accumulates in the cultures, gyrB R is transcribed from its own promoter. Previous work has suggested that this promoter is controlled by the superhelical density of chromosomal DNA.
Tetramethylaluminate and Tetramethylgallate Coordination in Rare-Earth Metal Half-Sandwich and Metallocene Complexes
2009-11-04

The synthesis of half-sandwich tetramethylaluminate complexes Cp*Y(AlMe4)2 (Cp* = C5Me5) was achieved by applying two synthesis protocols: (a) protonolysis of Y(AlMe4)3 with excess HCp* at ambient temperature; (b) alkylamide elimination using Cp*Y(NiPr2)2(THF) and trimethylaluminum at ambient temperature. The tetramethylgallate derivative Cp*Y(GaMe4)2 was obtained from the equimolar reaction of Y(GaMe4)3 with HCp* or by addition of 2 equiv of trimethylgallium to [Cp*YMe2]3. The half-sandwich complexes Cp*Y(MMe4)2 (M = Al, Ga) display similar structural chemistry featuring highly fluxional methyl groups in solution and one planar and one atypically bent Y(μ-Me)2M moiety in the solid state. Complexes [Cp*2Ln(MMe4)] (Ln = Y, La; M = Al, Ga) were synthesized from Ln(MMe4)3 with excess HCp* at elevated temperature. Such metallocene complexes show the known monomer−dimer equilibria in solution, with the entropically disfavored dimer prevailing at low temperature. Dimeric [Cp*2La(AlMe4)]2 and [Cp*2Y(GaMe4)]2 as well as monomeric Cp*2La(GaMe4) were analyzed by X-ray diffraction.
HESS upper limits on very high energy gamma-ray emission from the microquasar GRS 1915+105
2009-11-04

Context: High energy particles reside in the relativistic jets of microquasars, making them possible sources of very high energy radiation (VHE, &gt;100 GeV). Detecting this emission would provide a new handle on jet physics. Aims: Observations of the microquasar GRS 1915+105 with the HESS telescope array were undertaken in 2004–2008 to search for VHE emission. Methods: Stereoscopic imaging of Cherenkov radiation from extensive air showers is used to reconstruct the energy and direction of the incident gamma rays. Results: There is no evidence for a VHE gamma-ray signal either from the direction of themicroquasar or its vicinity. An upper limit of ph cm-2 s-1 (99.9% confidence level) is set on the photon flux above 410 GeV, equivalent to a VHE luminosity of erg s-1 at 11 kpc. Conclusions: The VHE to X-ray luminosity ratio in GRS 1915+105 is at least four orders of magnitude lower than the ratio observed in gamma-ray binaries. The VHE radiative efficiency of the compact jet is less than 0.01% based on its estimated total power of 1038 erg s-1. Particle acceleration in GRS 1915+105 is not efficient at high energies and/or the magnetic field is too strong. It is also possible that VHE gamma-rays are produced by GRS 1915+105, but the emission is highly time-dependent.
Cluster-randomized Controlled Trial of Dissemination Strategies of an Online Quality Improvement Programme for Alcohol-related Disorders
2009-11-04

No effect of the additional training on the primary outcome (acceptance) was identified, but on two of the secondary outcomes. Further cost-effectiveness studies should investigate whether the effort involved in providing training additionally to the system is justifiable. The study is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT00314067. This article conforms to the guidelines in the Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials (CONSORT) statement (Moher et al., 2001; Campbell et al., 2004).
Adult neural precursor cells unaffected in animal models of DYT1 dystonia
2009-11-04

Hereditary dystonias in humans are frequently related to a specific mutation of the DYT1 gene that encodes torsinA. This mutation has been shown to disrupt neuronal cell migration during development. We compared adult neurogenesis, occurring in the hippocampus and the olfactory bulb, in transgenic mice overexpressing either the wild-type or mutant form of human torsinA. Neurogenesis was assessed by quantification of bromodeoxyuridine-labeled cells. Both transgenic mouse models displayed perinuclear inclusions in the brainstem and in mitral cells of the olfactory bulb, altered striatal dopamine levels, and behavioral abnormalities. However, both hippocampal and olfactory neurogenesis levels were unchanged compared with control animals. We conclude that overexpression of human wild-type or mutant torsinA does not affect the survival of adult newborn neurons.