julilili42/papers huggingface dataset:
Genome-wide association study results for educational attainment aid in identifying genetic heterogeneity of schizophrenia
2017-03-08

ABSTRACT Higher educational attainment (EA) is negatively associated with schizophrenia (SZ). However, recent studies found a positive genetic correlation between EA and SZ. We investigated possible causes of this counterintuitive finding using genome-wide association study results for EA and SZ (N = 443,581) and a replication cohort (1,169 controls; 1,067 cases) with deeply phenotyped SZ patients. We found strong genetic dependence between EA and SZ that cannot be explained by chance, linkage disequilibrium, or assortative mating. Instead, several genes seem to have pleiotropic effects on EA and SZ, but without a clear pattern of sign concordance. Genetic heterogeneity of SZ contributes to this finding. We demonstrate this by showing that the polygenic prediction of clinical SZ symptoms can be improved by taking the sign concordance of loci for EA and SZ into account. Furthermore, using EA as a proxy phenotype, we isolate FOXO6 and SLITRK1 as novel candidate genes for SZ.
Quality
2017-03-08

The term quality is used with regard to the assessment of media content. Such assessments can have various foci—for example take different subjects, use different criteria, and reach different results, that is, be positive or negative. In any case, quality is not an isolated characteristic; it is a relation between a characteristic and a set of values. This set of values differs according to the perspective of the assessment. One can broadly differentiate between two perspectives: the perspective of society as a whole, where the requirements for the evaluation of quality are derived from universal social norms and where criteria like relevance, diversity, or objectivity are used; and the perspective of single individuals, where the connection between recipients' assessments of quality and their overall usage behavior is of particular interest.
Visual Communication Effects: Moving Images
2017-03-08

Moving image is the name of a class that includes a broad variety of media (e.g., film, television, games) and genres (e.g., documentary or fiction, real life or animation). Research into the effects of moving images covers a variety of disciplines, from the humanities to the social and natural sciences—media and communication studies, psychology, medicine, philosophy, and literary studies among them. Studies focus on the aesthetics of the moving image, its impact on recipients (e.g., in the form of emotions, attitudes, opinions, values, beliefs, knowledge, and behaviors), and its potential for application, particularly in the areas of research, education, healthcare, and media production.
Selective Targeting of G‐Quadruplex Structures by a Benzothiazole‐Based Binding Motif
2017-03-09

Abstract A benzothiazole derivative was identified as potent ligand for DNA G‐quadruplex structures. Fluorescence titrations revealed selective binding to quadruplexes of different topologies including parallel, antiparallel, and (3+1) hybrid structures. The parallel c‐MYC sequence was found to constitute the preferred target with dissociation constants in the micromolar range. Binding of the benzothiazole‐based ligand to c‐MYC was structurally and thermodynamically characterized in detail by employing a comprehensive set of spectroscopic and calorimetric techniques. Job plot analyses and mass spectral data indicate noncooperative ligand binding to form complexes with 1:1 and 2:1 stoichiometries. Whereas stacking interactions are suggested by optical methods, NMR chemical shift perturbations also indicate significant rearrangements of both 5′‐ and 3′‐flanking sequences upon ligand binding. Additional isothermal calorimetry studies yield a thermodynamic profile of the ligand–quadruplex association and reveal enthalpic contributions to be the major driving force for binding. Structural and thermodynamic information obtained in the present work provides the basis for the rational development of benzothiazole derivatives as promising quadruplex binding agents.
Lost in neutrophil heterogeneity? CD10!
2017-03-09

In this issue of Blood, Marini and coworkers identified CD10 as a cell surface marker that distinguishes T-cell suppressive from T-cell stimulatory neutrophils in the peripheral blood,1 a finding that has major implications for our understanding of how neutrophils modulate the adaptive immune system in cancer, autoimmune diseases, and chronic inflammation in general.
Influence of Posture Variation on Shoulder Muscle Activity, Heart Rate, and Perceived Exertion in a Repetitive Manual Task
2017-03-09

In repetitive work, more physical variation is believed to reduce the risk of eventually developing musculoskeletal disorders. We investigated the extent to which workstation designs leading to more variation in upper arm postures during a pick-and-place task influenced outcomes of relevance to musculoskeletal disorder risk, including muscle activity, cardiovascular response, and perceived exertion, measured through the maximal acceptable work pace. Posture variation to the extent obtained in our experiment had only minor effects on these outcomes, and considerably less impact than a moderate change in working height. Apparently, substantial manipulations of the workstation or of the work task will be needed to accomplish variation to an extent that can significantly change outcomes of relevance to occupational musculoskeletal disorders and, thus, represent a potential for reduction in musculoskeletal disorder risk.
Candidate Biomarkers in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Review of MRI Studies
2017-03-10

Searching for effective biomarkers is one of the most challenging tasks in the research field of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) provides a non-invasive and powerful tool for investigating changes in the structure, function, maturation, connectivity, and metabolism of the brain of children with ASD. Here, we review the more recent MRI studies in young children with ASD, aiming to provide candidate biomarkers for the diagnosis of childhood ASD. The review covers structural imaging methods, diffusion tensor imaging, resting-state functional MRI, and magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Future advances in neuroimaging techniques, as well as cross-disciplinary studies and large-scale collaborations will be needed for an integrated approach linking neuroimaging, genetics, and phenotypic data to allow the discovery of new, effective biomarkers.
Plasticity during Early Brain Development Is Determined by Ontogenetic Potential
2017-03-10

Two competing hypotheses address neuroplasticity during early brain development: the "Kennard principle" describes the compensatory capacities of the immature developing CNS as superior to those of the adult brain, whereas the "Hebb principle" argues that the young brain is especially sensitive to insults. We provide evidence that these principles are not mutually exclusive. Following early brain lesions that are unilateral, the brain can refer to homotopic areas of the healthy hemisphere. This potential for reorganization is unique to the young brain but available only when, during ontogenesis of brain development, these areas have been used for the functions addressed. With respect to motor function, ipsilateral motor tracts can be recruited, which are only available during early brain development. Language can be reorganized to the right after early left hemispheric lesions, as the representation of the language network is initially bilateral. However, even in these situations, compensatory capacities of the developing brain are found to have limitations, probably defined by early determinants. Thus, plasticity and adaptivity are seen only within ontogenetic potential; that is, axonal or cortical structures cannot be recruited beyond early developmental possibilities. The young brain is probably more sensitive and vulnerable to lesions when these are bilateral. This is shown here for bilateral periventricular white matter lesions that clearly have an impact on cortical architecture and function, thus probably interfering with early network building.
Learning More From Educational Intervention Studies: Estimating Complier Average Causal Effects in a Relevance Intervention
2017-03-10

An emerging literature demonstrates that relevance interventions, which ask students to produce written reflections on how what they are learning relates to their lives, improve student learning outcomes. As part of a randomized evaluation of a relevance intervention (N = 1,978 students from 82 ninth-grade classes), we used Complier Average Causal Effects (CACE) to identify the effect of the intervention on participants who were assigned to the intervention group and were actually compliant with the intervention (i.e., treatment fidelity or compliance). Results revealed larger differences for compliers than noncompliers, although this impact depended on several factors. Implications for the application of CACE models in educational interventions, in general, and relevance interventions, in particular, are discussed.
Connectomics of synaptic microcircuits: lessons from the outer retina
2017-03-10

Abstract Photoreceptors form a sophisticated synaptic complex with bipolar and horizontal cells, transmitting the signals generated by the phototransduction cascade to downstream retinal circuitry. The cone photoreceptor synapse shows several characteristic anatomical connectivity motifs that shape signal transfer: typically, ON‐cone bipolar cells receive photoreceptor input through invaginating synapses; OFF‐cone bipolar cells form basal synapses with photoreceptors. Both ON‐ and OFF‐cone bipolar cells are believed to sample from all cone photoreceptors within their dendritic span. Electron microscopy and immunolabelling studies have established the robustness of these motifs, but have been limited by trade‐offs in sample size and spatial resolution, respectively, constraining precise quantitative investigation to a few individual cells. 3D‐serial electron microscopy overcomes these limitations and has permitted complete sets of neurons to be reconstructed over a comparatively large section of retinal tissue. Although the published mouse dataset lacks labels for synaptic structures, the characteristic anatomical motifs at the photoreceptor synapse can be exploited to identify putative synaptic contacts, which has enabled the development of a quantitative description of outer retinal connectivity. This revealed unexpected exceptions to classical motifs, including substantial interaction between rod and cone pathways at the photoreceptor synapse, sparse photoreceptor sampling and atypical contacts. Here, we summarize what was learned from this study in a more general context: we consider both the implications and limitations of the study and identify promising avenues for future research. image
Teacher students’ epistemic beliefs about general pedagogical knowledge: Topic-, source- and context specificity
2017-03-10

Padagogisches Wissen gilt als wichtiger Bestandteil der professionellen Kompetenz von (angehenden) Lehrkraften. Epistemologische Uberzeugungen (Uberzeugungen bzgl. der Natur und Genese wissenschaftlichen Wissens) werden ebenfalls als Bestandteil professioneller Kompetenz verstanden. Motiviert durch aktuelle Entwicklungsfelder der padagogisch-psychologischen Forschung zu allgemeinen epistemologischen Uberzeugungen, untersucht der vorliegende Beitrag in einem experimentellen Design, inwiefern epistemologische Uberzeugungen Lehramtsstudierender bezuglich padagogischen Wissens systematisch uber Forschungsgegenstande diverser Subdisziplinen (z. B. Bezugsrahmen-Effekt, Inklusion, Lernen mit Losungsbeispielen) variieren und welche Effekte verschiedene Quellen des Wissens (Laie, Experte, wiss. Literatur) bzw. die Einbettung des Wissens in schulischen Kontext zeigen. Mehrebenen-(Mehrgruppen-)Strukturgleichungsmodelle, in die 1938 Relativismuseinschatzungen von 323 Lehramtsstudierenden eingingen, zeigen starke Hinweise auf eine deutliche Varianz der epistemologischen Uberzeugungen uber die verschiedenen Forschungsgegenstande hinweg sowie fur eine geringe relativistische Sichtweise des Wissens von „Experten“. Die Einbettung des Wissens in schulischen Kontext zeigte keine signifikanten Effekte. Konsequenzen fur die Erfassung spezifischer epistemologischer Uberzeugungen sowie Folgerungen fur Lehr-Lernprozesse in der Lehrerbildung werden diskutiert.
The need for a taphonomic perspective in spatial analysis: Formation processes at the Early Pleistocene site of Pirro Nord (P13), Apricena, Italy
2017-03-10

Ever since their percolation from neighbour disciplines, archaeology has employed spatial statistics to unravel, at different scales, past human behaviors from scatters of material culture. However, in the interpretation of the archaeological record, particular attention must be given to disturbance factors that operate in post-depositional processes. In this paper, we answer the need for a specific taphonomic perspective in spatial analysis by applying point pattern analysis of taphonomic alterations on the faunal and lithic assemblages from the Early Pleistocene site of Pirro Nord 13, Italy. The site, biochronologically dated between 1.3 and 1.6 Ma BP, provides evidence for an early hominin presence in Europe. The archaeological and paleontological deposits occur as filling of a karst structure that is currently exposed. We investigated the distribution of the archaeological and paleontological assemblages, as well as the distribution of identified taphonomic features, in order to evaluate the degree and reliability of the spatial association of the lithic artifacts with the faunal remains. Our results contribute to the interpretation of the diagenetic history of Pirro Nord 13 and support the stratigraphic integrity of the site.
Differentiating Depression And Apathy In Chronic Kidney Disease: A Prospective Stud
2017-03-11

Background.Emotional deterioration is frequently found in patients with chronic kidney disease, but some patients are affected by depressed mood without fulfilling the criteria of a depressive disorder.Those patients might rather suffer from an apathy symptom.Apathy as a symptom of a medical disease is accompanied by loss of motivation and interest, cognitive impairments, and emotional distress.Our study tested how groups of apathetic and depressed chronic kidney disease patients responded to a single haemodialysis session on measures of mood.Methods.21 haemodialysis patients were assigned to subgroups (depressed, apathetic only, without depression and apathy) according to clinical relevant cut-offs.Sensitive questionnaires were administered to monitor mood state in general and mood changes before and after a single haemodialysis session in the chronic kidney disease patients.The results were compared to 20 age-matched healthy controls receiving no treatment.Results.Fortheen dialysis patients had eighter apathy or depressen and seven had neighter apathy nor depression.Mood state was seriously affected in all haemodialysis patients with depressed patients showing the largest effect compared to healthy controls.Patients with apathy and patients without apathy and depression were comparable in their mood state.We observed a positive mood change after the haemodialysis only in patients without apathy and depression.Their mood state improved significantly and reached nearly the level of healthy controls. Conclusions.The absence of a short-term mood change in apathetic dialysis patients makes them comparable to dialysis patients with depression.We argue that apathetic patients lack the probable mood brightening effect of the haemodialysis.The lack of emotional improvement by dialysis sessions could also lead to decreased adherence of the patients.Hence, apathy seems to be a serious symptom in chronic kidney disease that is worth to be considered at least in the diagnostic process.Accompanying psychotherapeutic care for these patients would be desirable.
Two new dragonflies (Odonata: Anisoptera) from the Miocene of Carinthia <br />(Austria)
2017-03-13

Two new species of fossil dragonflies from the Middle Miocene fossil site Schaßbach (Carinthia, Austria) are described. The presence of Gomphaeschna carinthiae sp. nov. and Ictinogomphus hassleri sp. nov. in the fossil record of Central Europe confirms the scenario of a more widespread distribution of the represented genera in the Miocene in contrast to their Recent distribution.
The compactness of the isolated neutron star RX J0720.4−3125
2017-03-13

\\n Aims. To estimate the compactness of the thermally-emitting isolated neutron star (INS) RX J0720.4−3125, an X-ray spin-phase-resolved spectroscopic study is conducted. In addition, to identify the genuine spin-period, an X-ray timing analysis is performed.\\n Methods. The data from all observations of RX J0720.4−3125 conducted by XMM-Newton EPIC-pn with the same instrumental setup in 2000−2012 were reprocessed to form a homogenous dataset of solar barycenter corrected photon arrival times registered from RX J0720.4−3125. A Bayesian method for the search, detection, and estimation of the parameters of an unknown-shaped periodic signal was employed. A number of single- and double-peaked complex models of light curves from pulsating neutron stars were statistically analyzed. The distribution of phases for the registered photons was calculated by folding the arrival times with the derived spin-period and the resulting distribution of phases, which was approximated with a mixed von Mises distribution, and its parameters were estimated by using the expected maximization method. Spin-phase-resolved spectra were extracted, a number of highly magnetized atmosphere models of an INS were used to perform simultaneous fits, and the results were verified via an Markov chain Monte Carlo approach.\\n Results. The phase-folded light curves in different energy bands with high signal-to-noise ratio show high complexity and variations that depend on time and energy. They can be parameterized with a mixed von Mises distribution, meaning with a double-peaked light curve profile that shows a dependence of the estimated parameters, such as the mean directions, concentrations, and proportion upon the energy band, indicating that radiation emerges from at least two emitting areas.\\n Conclusions. We derive a most-likely genuine spin-period of the isolated neutron star RX J0720−3125 that is twice that reported in the literature, 16.78 s instead of 8.39 s. We determine the gravitational redshift of RX J0720.4−3125 to be z = 0.205-0.003+0.006 and estimate the compactness to be (M/M⊙)/(R/ km) = 0.105 ± 0.002. \\n
Decreased Resting-State Activity in the Precuneus Is Associated With Depressive Episodes in Recurrent Depression
2017-03-13

Altered resting-state activity was observed across several neural networks in patients with recurrent MDD. Consistent with the emerging theory that altered DMN activity is a risk factor for depression relapses, the association between reduced fALFF in the right precuneus and number of depressive episodes supports the role of the DMN in the pathology of recurrent depression.
3D Printing of Biomolecular Models for Research and Pedagogy
2017-03-13

The construction of physical three-dimensional (3D) models of biomolecules can uniquely contribute to the study of the structure-function relationship. 3D structures are most often perceived using the two-dimensional and exclusively visual medium of the computer screen. Converting digital 3D molecular data into real objects enables information to be perceived through an expanded range of human senses, including direct stereoscopic vision, touch, and interaction. Such tangible models facilitate new insights, enable hypothesis testing, and serve as psychological or sensory anchors for conceptual information about the functions of biomolecules. Recent advances in consumer 3D printing technology enable, for the first time, the cost-effective fabrication of high-quality and scientifically accurate models of biomolecules in a variety of molecular representations. However, the optimization of the virtual model and its printing parameters is difficult and time consuming without detailed guidance. Here, we provide a guide on the digital design and physical fabrication of biomolecule models for research and pedagogy using open source or low-cost software and low-cost 3D printers that use fused filament fabrication technology.
Constraints and Adaptation of Closed-Loop Neuroprosthetics for Functional Restoration
2017-03-13

Closed-loop neuroprosthetics aim to <i>compensate</i> for lost function, e.g., by controlling external devices such as prostheses or wheelchairs. Such assistive approaches seek to maximize speed and classification accuracy for high-dimensional control. More recent approaches use similar technology, but aim to restore lost motor function in the long term. To achieve this goal, <i>restorative</i> neuroprosthetics attempt to facilitate motor re-learning and to strengthen damaged and/or alternative neural connections on the basis of neurofeedback training within rehabilitative environments. Such a restorative approach requires reinforcement learning of self-modulated brain activity which is considered to be beneficial for functional rehabilitation, e.g., improvement of β-power modulation over sensorimotor areas for post-stroke movement restoration. Patients with motor impairments, however, may also have a compromised ability for motor task-related regulation of the targeted brain activity. This would affect the estimation of feature weights and hence the classification accuracy of the feedback device. This, in turn, can frustrate the patients and compromise their motor learning. Furthermore, the feedback training may even become erroneous when unconstrained classifier adaptation-which is often used in assistive approaches-is also applied in this rehabilitation context. In conclusion, the conceptual switch from assistance toward restoration necessitates a methodological paradigm shift from classification accuracy toward instructional efficiency. Furthermore, a constrained feature space, a priori regularized feature weights, and difficulty adaptation present key elements of restorative brain interfaces. These factors need, therefore, to be addressed within a therapeutic framework to facilitate reinforcement learning of brain self-regulation for restorative purposes.
The cage effect in systems of hard spheres
2017-03-13

The cage effect is generally invoked when discussing the delay in the decay of time correlation functions of dense fluids. In an attempt to examine the role of caging more closely, we consider the spread of the displacement distributions of Brownian particles. These distributions are necessarily biased by the presence of neighbouring particles. Accommodation of this bias by those neighbours conserves the displacement distribution locally and presents a collective mechanism for exploring configuration space that is more efficient than the intrinsic Brownian motion. Caging of some particles incurs, through the impost of global conservation of the displacement distribution, a delayed, non-local collective process. This non-locality compromises the efficiency with which configuration space is explored. Both collective mechanisms incur delay or stretching of time correlation functions, in particular the particle number and flux densities. This paper identifies and distinguishes these mechanisms in existing data from experiments and computer simulations on systems of particles with hard sphere interactions.