julilili42/papers huggingface dataset:
When a silent reading fluency test measures more than reading fluency: academic language features predict the test performance of students with a non-German home language
2018-07-07

Silent reading is the primary mode of reading for proficient readers, and therefore, silent reading fluency is often assessed in research and practice. However, little is known about the validity of the tests administered to students with different language backgrounds. Given that academic language is assumed to be especially challenging for students with a non-German home language, one might wonder if effects of academic language proficiencies can be found on these tests. In the present study, we explored whether, owing to academic language demands, students with a non-German home language (N = 748) would be found to be at a greater disadvantage than their monolingual-home peers (N = 1669) on the most frequently used silent reading fluency test in Germany. Using differential item functioning (DIF) analyses, we found specific item difficulties to the disadvantage of the students with a non-German home language. This DIF was linked to the academic language features of the sentences.
Evaluation of a Fluorescence‐aided Identification Technique (FIT) for removal of composite bonded trauma splints
2018-07-08

Abstract Background/Aim Accurate removal of composite bonded titanium trauma splints (TTS) can be challenging. The aim of this study was to evaluate a Fluorescence‐aided Identification Technique (FIT) compared with a conventional light source (CT) for removal of trauma splints regarding loss of tooth substance, residual composite, and time taken. Materials and Methods Twenty maxillary models with six bovine teeth (13 ‐ 23) were fabricated. An optical three‐dimensional impression was taken and a TTS was applied from 12 to 22 with two bonding sites on every tooth under standardized conditions using an etch‐and‐rinse adhesive and resin composite. Two operators removed 10 splints each (5x FIT and 5x CT). For FIT, a 405 nm light‐emitting headlamp was used. Time was recorded. A post‐operative scan was superimposed on the pre‐operative scan using OraCheck software. A qualitative and quantitative analysis of tooth defects and composite remnants was performed by two operators and statistically analyzed. Results Compared with the CT, FIT led to significantly fewer and smaller enamel defects (mean volume: −0.04 mm 3 vs −0.33 mm 3 ) ( P &lt; 0.001), significantly less composite remained (mean volume: 0.02 mm 3 vs 0.28 mm 3 ) ( P &lt; 0.001), and the removal procedure with FIT was significantly quicker (mean: 162 seconds vs 268 seconds) ( P &lt; 0.001), Conclusions FIT facilitated the removal of composite used to bond trauma splints leading to less time‐consuming as well as less invasive treatment. It left fewer composite residues on enamel surfaces.
Regulation of the opposing (p)ppGpp synthetase and hydrolase activities in a bifunctional RelA/SpoT homologue from Staphylococcus aureus
2018-07-09

The stringent response is characterized by (p)ppGpp synthesis resulting in repression of translation and reprogramming of the transcriptome. In Staphylococcus aureus, (p)ppGpp is synthesized by the long RSH (RelA/SpoT homolog) enzyme, RelSau or by one of the two short synthetases (RelP, RelQ). RSH enzymes are characterized by an N-terminal enzymatic domain bearing distinct motifs for (p)ppGpp synthetase or hydrolase activity and a C-terminal regulatory domain (CTD) containing conserved motifs (TGS, DC and ACT). The intramolecular switch between synthetase and hydrolase activity of RelSau is crucial for the adaption of S. aureus to stress (stringent) or non-stress (relaxed) conditions. We elucidated the role of the CTD in the enzymatic activities of RelSau. Growth pattern, transcriptional analyses and in vitro assays yielded the following results: i) in vivo, under relaxed conditions, as well as in vitro, the CTD inhibits synthetase activity but is not required for hydrolase activity; ii) under stringent conditions, the CTD is essential for (p)ppGpp synthesis; iii) RelSau lacking the CTD exhibits net hydrolase activity when expressed in S. aureus but net (p)ppGpp synthetase activity when expressed in E. coli; iv) the TGS and DC motifs within the CTD are required for correct stringent response, whereas the ACT motif is dispensable, v) Co-immunoprecipitation indicated that the CTD interacts with the ribosome, which is largely dependent on the TGS motif. In conclusion, RelSau primarily exists in a synthetase-OFF/hydrolase-ON state, the TGS motif within the CTD is required to activate (p)ppGpp synthesis under stringent conditions.
Structure factors in a two-dimensional binary colloidal hard sphere system
2018-07-09

Hard disks are one of the simplest interacting many-body model system in two dimensions (2D). Here, we present a comprehensive set of measurements of the static structure factors for quasi-2D monodisperse fluids and two different binary colloidal hard sphere mixtures: a small size ratio (SSR) system with a negligibly small negative non-additivity and a large size ratio system with a significantly larger non-additivity. We compare the experimental results for the monodisperse and SSR systems to those calculated using density functional theory (DFT) for additive mixtures. Furthermore, we determine the zero-wavevector limits of the static structure factors for the monodisperse and binary hard sphere fluids directly from an analysis of number and concentration fluctuations. For the monodisperse case, this leads to the isothermal compressibility, which agrees very well with DFT, and is consistent with the scaled particle theory equation of state for hard disks. For the binary fluids, the partial static structure factors are used to calculate the Bhatia–Thornton structure factors, and we find qualitative agreement with DFT for the SSR mixture. Finally, the zero-wavevector limits of the Bhatia–Thornton structure factors are determined and directly related to the thermodynamic factor, the dilatation factor and the isothermal compressibility.
Trace element and Pb isotope fingerprinting of atmospheric pollution sources: A case study from the east coast of Ireland
2018-07-09

Unravelling inputs of multiple air pollution sources and reconstructing their historic contribution can be a&#13;\\ndifficult task. Here, new trace metal concentrations and Pb isotope data were combined for a radionuclide&#13;\\n(210Pb-241Am) dated peat core from the Liffey Head bog (LHB) in eastern Ireland in order to reconstruct how&#13;\\ndifferent sources contributed to the atmospheric pollution over the past century. Highest enrichments in the&#13;\\nheavy metals Pb, Cu, Ag, Sn, and Sb, together with a Pb isotope composition (206Pb/204Pb: 18.351 ± 0.013;&#13;\\n206Pb/207Pb: 1.174 ± 0.012) close to that of the Wicklow mineralisation demonstrates significant aerial influx&#13;\\nof heavy metals from local mining and smelting activities during the 19th century until ca. 1940s. A dramatic&#13;\\ncompositional shift defined by elevated Co, Cr, Ni, Mo, Zn, and V enrichments and a sharp transition towards&#13;\\nunradiogenic 206Pb values (206Pb/204Pb: 18.271 ± 0.013–17.678 ± 0.006; 206Pb/207Pb: 1.170 ± 0.012–1.135 ± 0.007) is documented from the 1940s until ca. 2000. These are attributed to the atmospheric impact of fossil fuels and especially leaded petrol, modelled to have contributed between 6 and 78% to the total Pb pollution at this site. The subsequent turn to a more radiogenic Pb isotope signature since 2000 in Ireland is clearly documented in the investigated archive (206Pb/204Pb: 17.930 ± 0.006; 206Pb/207Pb: 1.148 ± 0.007) and reflects the abolishment of leaded petrol. However, there remains a persisting and even increasing pollution in Ni, Mo, Cu, and especially Zn, collectively originating from countrywide use of fossil fuels(peat, coal, heating oil, and unleaded vehicle fuels) for domestic and industrial purposes. This illustrates the continued anthropogenic influence on important natural archives such as bogs in Ireland despite the phase-out of leaded petrol.
Synthesis and Characterization of Gold Silyl Compounds with Different Phosphine or Phosphite Groups for Reduction Reactions
2018-07-09

The synthesis and structural characterization of metalloid gold clusters stabilized by sulfur ligands has increased massively in the last decade. The metalloid gold clusters are synthesized via a reduction of a gold precursor and most metalloid gold clusters are stabilized via aryl thiolate ligands. It is also possible to use thiosilyl or phosphine groups as stabilizing ligands. Here, we present a small Au 6 cluster as a possible intermediate of the formation of large metalloid clusters, together with the synthesis of a variety of defined Au I precursors that contain a phosphine or a phosphite group as well as a thiosilyl ligand, which can be further used for the synthesis of metalloid gold clusters.
Do Chinese Subordinates Trust Their German Supervisors? Developing a Trust Development Model
2018-07-09

Our explorative, qualitative study explores the dynamic processes of Chinese subordinates developing trust (or not) in their (culturally distinct) German supervisors. It is based on 95 interviews with Chinese subordinates of German supervisors and German supervisors of Chinese subordinates both in China and in Germany. Overall, our study contributes next to trust and cross-cultural management research to the examination of the juxtaposition of Western and Eastern management concepts and ultimately to the debate whether trust is a universalistic concept or one that is characterized by cultural particularities. On the basis of our data, we propose a trust development process model, which (1) illustrates three phases of trust development (the high trust contact phase, the low trust disillusion phase and trust bifurcation in the acculturation phase); (2) explicates why and with the help of which moderating contextual factors trust ultimately is either re-established or permanently eroded and why there appears to be little graduation in between; and (3) uncovers for our cross-cultural setting even for interpersonal subordinate-supervisor dyads the relevance of collective trust.
Interpersonal and intrapersonal relapse predictors in a structured group intervention for smoking cessation
2018-07-09

Background: Cigarette smoking is a widespread behaviour and associated with increased risk for nicotine dependence, morbidity and mortality. The structured group-based intervention ‘Rauchfrei-Programm’ is effective; however, no study has yet identified psychological factors predicting immediate (within two weeks after smoking cessation), short-term (within 3 months) and middle-term relapse (within 6 months).Methods: This naturalistic pre-post-follow-up phase-3 field study analyses self-reported smoking status, age, gender, percentage of smoking friends and questionnaire scores for self-efficacy, severity of dependence and perceived social support of N = 160 treatment-seeking outpatients (out of N = 556 overall participants) using binary logistic regressions.Results: Immediate relapse (18.8%) was not predicted by any predictor. Short-term relapse (55.6%) was predicted by lower self-efficacy (OR = 0.87), higher percentage of smoking friends (OR = 1.02) and more severe nicotine dependence (OR = 1.19). Middle-term relapse (64.4%) was predicted by lower self-efficacy (OR = 0.90) and higher percentage of smoking friends (OR = 1.02).Conclusions: Results support the standard relapse prediction model, proposing self-efficacy during and after the intervention as an important factor for relapse for up to 6 months after cessation. We recommend a regular assessment of self-efficacy in the ‘Rauchfrei-Programm’ and standardized strategies to intervene with low-esteem participants. Findings might be limited to multimodal and structured group interventions.
Social defenses and selective revealing of ventures in Europe and Latin America
2018-07-09

In this paper, we empirically explore the defense mechanisms of new ventures during their relation with an international corporate venture capitalist (CVC). Our analyzation uses proprietary data on more than 500 new ventures from the ICT industry in Europe and Latin America. We find that new ventures frequently form ties with a CVC despite the higher exposure to misappropriation risk from the greater overlap in the business models and weaker protection of intellectual property. We provide evidence that new ventures use social defenses to protect them from this misappropriation risk. These defenses include seeking protection through third party investors and selectively revealing their proprietary information to the CVC. Our study contributes to the literature on how ventures defend themselves during a relation with a corporate “shark.” This contribution complements the current research that predominantly focuses on defense mechanisms before tie formation. Furthermore, our findings compare ventures in very different intellectual property regimes that enriches the discussion on the relevance of intellectual property in the CVC-venture context.
Access to Banking and its Value in Developed Countries:Evidence from the U.S. Marijuana Industry (WITHDRAWN)
2018-07-09

How does (the lack of) access to banking services affect small firms in highly developed countries? We exploit the unique legal situation of the U.S. marijuana industry that benefits from the superior institutional environment in terms of legal protection and the labor market, but has no access to bank lending or to bank payment systems. We document significant value effects around two major events that impacted marijuana-related firms’ access to banking services. A survey taken by marijuana firms complements the event study’s findings. It provides insights into the precise influence channels that causes these capital market reactions. Overall, firms without access to banking not only have difficulty attaining loans but are also hindered by their impeded access to payment systems. Banks are still valuable and cannot be substituted by other financial intermediaries. We complement existing studies by highlighting the relevance of financial transaction services for young firms in nascent markets.
The Role of Hours Changes for the Increase in German Earnings Inequality
2018-07-09

Using data from the German Structure of Earnings Survey (GSES), this paper studies the role of changes in working hours for the increase in male and female earnings inequality between 2001 and 2010. We provide both classic decompositions of the variance of log earnings into the variances of hours, wage rates and their covariance, and decompositions based on reweighting the conditional hours distribution. Depending on the inequality measure considered, our results suggest that between 10 and 30 percent of the increase in male earnings inequality and 37 to 47 percent of the increase in female earnings inequality can be explained by changes in working hours. In addition, a large part of the inequality increase can be accounted for by changes in the composition of person and firm characteristics.
Monoaminergic Neuromodulation of Sensory Processing
2018-07-10

All neuronal circuits are subject to neuromodulation. Modulatory effects on neuronal processing and resulting behavioral changes are most commonly reported for higher order cognitive brain functions. Comparatively little is known about how neuromodulators shape processing in sensory brain areas that provide the signals for downstream regions to operate on. In this article, we review the current knowledge about how the monoamine neuromodulators serotonin, dopamine and noradrenaline influence the representation of sensory stimuli in the mammalian sensory system. We review the functional organization of the monoaminergic brainstem neuromodulatory systems in relation to their role for sensory processing and summarize recent neurophysiological evidence showing that monoamines have diverse effects on early sensory processing, including changes in gain and in the precision of neuronal responses to sensory inputs. We also highlight the substantial evidence for complementarity between these neuromodulatory systems with different patterns of innervation across brain areas and cortical layers as well as distinct neuromodulatory actions. Studying the effects of neuromodulators at various target sites is a crucial step in the development of a mechanistic understanding of neuronal information processing in the healthy brain and in the generation and maintenance of mental diseases.
Gradual progression from sensory to task-related processing in cerebral cortex
2018-07-10

Significance The earliest stages of processing in cerebral cortex reflect a relatively faithful copy of sensory inputs, but intelligent behavior requires abstracting behaviorally relevant concepts and categories. We examined how this transformation progresses through multiple levels of the cortical hierarchy by comparing neural representations in six cortical areas in monkeys categorizing across three visual domains. We found that categorical abstraction occurred in a gradual fashion across the cortical hierarchy and reached an apex in prefrontal cortex. Categorical coding did not respect classical models of large-scale cortical organization. The dimensionality of neural population activity was reduced in parallel with these representational changes. Our results shed light on how raw sensory inputs are transformed into behaviorally relevant abstractions.
Personalized laboratory medicine: a patient-centered future approach
2018-07-10

Abstract In contrast to population-based medical decision making, which emphasizes the use of evidence-based treatment strategies for groups of patients, personalized medicine is based on optimizing treatment at the level of the individual patient. The creation of molecular profiles of individual patients was made possible by the advent of “omics” technologies, based on high throughput instrumental techniques in combination with biostatistics tools and artificial intelligence. The goal of personalized laboratory medicine is to use advanced technologies in the process of preventive, curative or palliative patient management. Personalized medicine does not rely on changes in concentration of a single molecular marker to make a therapeutic decision, but rather on changes of a profile of markers characterizing an individual patient’s status, taking into account not only the expected response to treatment of the disease but also the expected response of the patient. Such medical approach promises a more effective diagnostics with more effective and safer treatment, as well as faster recovery and restoration of health and improved cost effectiveness. The laboratory medicine profession is aware of its key role in personalized medicine, but to empower the laboratories, at least an enhancement in cooperation between disciplines within laboratory medicine will be necessary.
The large area detector onboard the eXTP mission
2018-07-10

The eXTP (enhanced X-ray Timing and Polarimetry) mission is a major project\\nof the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) and China National Space\\nAdministration (CNSA) currently performing an extended phase A study and\\nproposed for a launch by 2025 in a low-earth orbit. The eXTP scientific payload\\nenvisages a suite of instruments (Spectroscopy Focusing Array, Polarimetry\\nFocusing Array, Large Area Detector and Wide Field Monitor) offering\\nunprecedented simultaneous wide-band X-ray spectral, timing and polarimetry\\nsensitivity. A large European consortium is contributing to the eXTP study and\\nit is expected to provide key hardware elements, including a Large Area\\nDetector (LAD). The LAD instrument for eXTP is based on the design originally\\nproposed for the LOFT mission within the ESA context. The eXTP/LAD envisages a\\ndeployed 3.4 m2 effective area in the 2-30 keV energy range, achieved through\\nthe technology of the large-area Silicon Drift Detectors - offering a spectral\\nresolution of up to 200 eV FWHM at 6 keV - and of capillary plate collimators -\\nlimiting the field of view to about 1 degree. In this paper we provide an\\noverview of the LAD instrument design, including new elements with respect to\\nthe earlier LOFT configuration.\\n
The enhanced x-ray timing and polarimetry mission (Conference Presentation)
2018-07-10

eXTP is a science mission designed to study the state of matter under extreme conditions of density, gravity and magnetism. Primary goals are the determination of the equation of state of matter at supra-nuclear density, the measurement of QED effects in highly magnetized star, and the study of accretion in the strong-field regime of gravity. Primary targets include isolated and binary neutron stars, strong magnetic field systems like magnetars, and stellar-mass and supermassive black holes. The mission carries a unique and unprecedented suite of state-of-the-art scientific instruments enabling for the first time ever the simultaneous spectral-timing-polarimetry studies of cosmic sources in the energy range from 0.5-30 keV (and beyond). Key elements of the payload are: the Spectroscopic Focusing Array (SFA) - a set of 9 X-ray optics for a total effective area of ~0.7 m2 and 0.5 m2 at 2 keV and 6 keV respectively, equipped with Silicon Drift Detectors offering 150 eV spectral resolution; the Large Area Detector (LAD) - a deployable set of 640 Silicon Drift Detectors, for a total effective area of ~3.4 m2, and spectral resolution better than 250 eV; the Polarimetry Focusing Array (PFA) – a set of 4 X-ray telescope, for a total effective area of >500 cm2 at 2 keV, equipped with imaging gas pixel photoelectric polarimeters; the Wide Field Monitor (WFM) - a set of 3 coded mask wide field units, equipped with position-sensitive Silicon Drift Detectors, each covering a 90 degrees x 90 degrees field of view. The eXTP international consortium includes major institutions of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and Universities in China, as well as major institutions in several European countries. The predecessor of eXTP, the XTP mission concept, has been selected and funded as one of the missions in the Strategic Pioneering Space Science Program of the Chinese Academy of Sciences since 2011. The strong European participation has ignificantly enhanced the scientific capabilities of eXTP. The planned launch date of the mission is 2025.
Training Choices Toward Low Value Options
2018-07-10

Food decisions are driven by the differences in value such that high value items are preferred over low value items. However, recent research has demonstrated that by implementing the Cue- Approach Task (CAT) the odds of choosing low value items over high value items can be increased. This effect was explained by increased attention to the low value items induced by CAT. Our goal was replicate original findings and to address the question of the underlying mechanism by employing eye-tracking during participants’ choice making. Within the CAT participants were presented with images of food items and were instructed to quickly respond to some of them when an auditory cue was presented (cued items), and not without this cue (uncued items). Next, participants made choices between two food items that differed on whether they were cued in the CAT (cued versus uncued) and value (high versus low). Results showed participants were more likely to select a low value food item over a high value food item for consumption when the low value food item had been cued compared to when the low value item had not been cued. Important, and against our expectation, there was no significant increase in gaze time for low cued items compared to low uncued items. Participants did spend more time fixating on the chosen item compared to the unchosen alternative, thus replicating previous work in this domain. The present research thus establishes the robustness of CAT as means of facilitating choices for low value over high value food but could not demonstrate that this increased preference was due to increased attention for cued low value items. The present research thus raises the question how CAT may increase choices for low value options.