julilili42/papers huggingface dataset:
Optimization for Early-Warning Monitoring Networks in Well Catchments Should Be Multi-objective, Risk-Prioritized and Robust Against Uncertainty
2015-11-23

Abstract Groundwater abstraction wells are commonly protected by zones of restricted land use. Such well protection areas typically cannot cover the entire well catchment, and numerous risk sources remain. Each risk source could release contaminants at any time, affect the well earlier or later, and thus put the quality of supplied water at risk. In this context, it seems fortunate that most well catchments are equipped with monitoring networks. Such networks, however, often grew historically while following diverse purposes that changed with time. Thus, they are often inadequate (or at least suboptimal) as reliable risk control mechanism. We propose to optimize existing or new monitoring networks in a multi-objective setting. The different objectives are minimal costs, maximal reliability in detecting recent or future contaminant spills, and early detection. In a synthetic application scenario, we show that (1) these goals are in fact competing, and a multi-objective analysis is suitable, (2) the optimization should be made robust against predictive uncertainty through scenario-based or Monte Carlo uncertainty analysis, (3) classifying the risk sources (e.g., as severe, medium, almost tolerable) is useful to prioritize the monitoring needs and thus to obtain better compromise solutions under budgetary constraints, and (4) one can defend the well against risk sources at unknown locations through an adequate model for the residual risk. Overall, the concept brings insight into the costs of reliability, the costs of early warning, the costs of uncertainty, and into the trade-off between covering only severe risks versus the luxury situation of controlling almost tolerable risks as well.
Two evolved supernova remnants with newly identified Fe-rich cores in the Large Magellanic Cloud
2015-11-23

Aims. We present a multi-wavelength analysis of the evolved supernova remnants MCSNR J0506-7025 and MCSNR J0527-7104 in the Large Magellanic Cloud. Methods. We used data from XMM-Newton, the Australian Telescope Compact Array, and the Magellanic Cloud Emission Line Survey to study their broadband emission and used Spitzer and HI data to gain a picture of their environments. We performed a multi-wavelength morphological study and detailed radio and X-ray spectral analyses to determine their physical characteristics. Results. Both remnants were found to have bright X-ray cores, dominated by Fe L-shell emission, consistent with reverse shock heated ejecta with determined Fe masses in agreement with Type Ia explosion yields. A soft X-ray shell, consistent with swept-up interstellar medium, was observed in MCSNR J0506-7025, suggestive of a remnant in the Sedov phase. Using the spectral fit results and the Sedov self-similar solution, we estimated the age of MCSNR J0506-7025 to be ~16-28 kyr, with an initial explosion energy of (0.07-0.84)x10^51 erg. A soft shell was absent in MCSNR J0527-7104, with only ejecta emission visible in an extremely elongated morphology extending beyond the optical shell. We suggest that the blast wave has broken out into a low density cavity, allowing the shock heated ejecta to escape. We found that the radio spectral index of MCSNR J0506-7025 is consistent with the standard ~0.5 for SNRs. Radio polarisation at 6 cm indicates a higher degree of polarisation along the western front and at the eastern knot, with a mean fractional polarisation across the remnant of P~(20 \\pm 6)%. Conclusions. The detection of Fe-rich ejecta in the remnants suggests that both resulted from Type Ia explosions. The newly identified Fe-rich cores in MCSNR J0506-7025 and MCSNR J0527-7104 makes them members of the expanding class of evolved Fe-rich remnants in the Magellanic Clouds.
An accessory wall teichoic acid glycosyltransferase protects Staphylococcus aureus from the lytic activity of Podoviridae
2015-11-24

Abstract Many Staphylococcus aureus have lost a major genetic barrier against phage infection, termed clustered regularly interspaced palindromic repeats (CRISPR/cas). Hence, S. aureus strains frequently exchange genetic material via phage-mediated horizontal gene transfer events, but, in turn, are vulnerable in particular to lytic phages. Here, a novel strategy of S. aureus is described, which protects S. aureus against the lytic activity of Podoviridae , a unique family of staphylococcal lytic phages with short, non-contractile tails. Unlike most staphylococcal phages, Podoviridae require a precise wall teichoic acid (WTA) glycosylation pattern for infection. Notably, TarM-mediated WTA α-O-GlcNAcylation prevents infection of Podoviridae while TarS-mediated WTA β-O-GlcNAcylation is required for S. aureus susceptibility to podoviruses. Tracking the evolution of TarM revealed an ancient origin in other staphylococci and vertical inheritance during S. aureus evolution. However, certain phylogenetic branches have lost tarM during evolution, which rendered them podovirus-susceptible. Accordingly, lack of tarM correlates with podovirus susceptibility and can be converted into a podovirus-resistant phenotype upon ectopic expression of tarM indicating that a “glyco-switch” of WTA O-GlcNAcylation can prevent the infection by certain staphylococcal phages. Since lytic staphylococcal phages are considered as anti- S. aureus agents, these data may help to establish valuable strategies for treatment of infections.
Mitochondrial defects and neurodegeneration in mice overexpressing wild-type or G399S mutant HtrA2
2015-11-24

The protease HtrA2 has a protective role inside mitochondria, but promotes apoptosis under stress. We previously identified the G399S HtrA2 mutation in Parkinson's disease (PD) patients and reported mitochondrial dysfunction in vitro. Mitochondrial dysfunction is a common feature of PD and related to neurodegeneration. Complete loss of HtrA2 has been shown to cause neurodegeneration in mice. However, the full impact of HtrA2 overexpression or the G399S mutation is still to be determined in vivo. Here, we report the first HtrA2 G399S transgenic mouse model. Our data suggest that the mutation has a dominant-negative effect. We also describe a toxic effect of wild-type (WT) HtrA2 overexpression. Only low overexpression of the G399S mutation allowed viable animals and we suggest that the mutant protein is likely unstable. This is accompanied by reduced mitochondrial respiratory capacity and sensitivity to apoptotic cell death. Mice overexpressing WT HtrA2 were viable, yet these animals have inhibited mitochondrial respiration and significant induction of apoptosis in the brain leading to motor dysfunction, highlighting the opposing roles of HtrA2. Our data further underscore the importance of HtrA2 as a key mediator of mitochondrial function and its fine regulatory role in cell fate. The location and abundance of HtrA2 is tightly controlled and, therefore, human mutations leading to gain- or loss of function could provide significant risk for PD-related neurodegeneration.
The Impact Of CoCo Bonds On Bank Value And Perceived Default Risk: Insights And Evidence From Their Pioneering Use In Europe
2015-11-24

Contingent convertible (CoCo) bonds convert to equity during financial distress. They help transfer the responsibility for bearing the costs of poor performance from the taxpayers to the bank owners. Our results are thus relevant for investors, financial decision-makers, and regulators. We analyze the effects of the pioneering use of CoCos in Europe by Lloyds Banking Group in 2009. The bank’s motivation for the issue is explored, considering both its economic situation and the Basel III regulations. We document a reduction in the bank’s market value following the announcement of the intention to issue CoCos. Simultaneously, the credit default swap spread goes up. This study suggests that CoCos can have a negative effect on a bank’s creditworthiness and firm value.
ChiralGC
2015-11-24

Abstract In enantioselective gas chromatography (enantio‐GC), the chiral stationary phases (CSPs) are coated on deactivated capillary columns in bulk as nonvolatile liquids or as solution in a conventional achiral stationary phase (squalane, polyethylene glycol, and various polysiloxanes). In Chirasil‐type CSPs, the chiral selector is chemically bonded to a polysiloxane backbone and thermally immobilized on the capillary inner surface. Three different approaches of mixed binary selector systems in enantio‐GC have been described in this chapter. The separation of enantiomers on chiral nonracemic selectors by enantio‐GC is entirely governed by thermodynamics. It is brought about by the fast and reversible formation of transient and energetically distinct diastereomeric association complexes (DD′ and LD′) between the select and enantiomers (arbitrarily denoted D and L) and the enantiopure selector (arbitrarily denoted D′). The chapter ends with a note on the mechanisms of chirality recognition.
Postmodern EU? Integration between Alternative Horizons and Territorial Angst
2015-11-25

Abstract In the early 1990s, John Ruggie famously referred to the European Community as an emerging ‘postmodern polity’. This article elaborates on the ‘postmodern promise’ of European integration that Ruggie invoked, and formulates such a promise of European integration as one of radically breaking with the violent practices characteristic of the modern state. We argue that such a promise is immanent albeit historically marginalized in the project of European integration itself, exemplified in the article with a tradition called integral federalism. The article then evaluates such a ‘postmodern promise’ in current practices of European integration against the background of a poststructuralist‐informed critique of the violent effects of desires for bordered entities and identities. Such a poststructuralist sensibility enables the article to point to the problems of ‘scaling up’ the state in a project of integration that also set out to challenge and subvert its organizing principles.
Technical-Induced Hemolysis in Patients with Respiratory Failure Supported with Veno-Venous ECMO – Prevalence and Risk Factors
2015-11-25

The aim of the study was to explore the prevalence and risk factors for technical-induced hemolysis in adults supported with veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (vvECMO) and to analyze the effect of hemolytic episodes on outcome. This was a retrospective, single-center study that included 318 adult patients (Regensburg ECMO Registry, 2009-2014) with acute respiratory failure treated with different modern miniaturized ECMO systems. Free plasma hemoglobin (fHb) was used as indicator for hemolysis. Throughout a cumulative support duration of 4,142 days on ECMO only 1.7% of the fHb levels were above a critical value of 500 mg/l. A grave rise in fHb indicated pumphead thrombosis (n = 8), while acute oxygenator thrombosis (n = 15) did not affect fHb. Replacement of the pumphead normalized fHb within two days. Neither pump or cannula type nor duration on the first system was associated with hemolysis. Multiple trauma, need for kidney replacement therapy, increased daily red blood cell transfusion requirements, and high blood flow (3.0-4.5 L/min) through small-sized cannulas significantly resulted in augmented blood cell trauma. Survivors were characterized by lower peak levels of fHb [90 (60, 142) mg/l] in comparison to non-survivors [148 (91, 256) mg/l, p &lt;= 0.001]. In conclusion, marked hemolysis is not common in vvECMO with modern devices. Clinically obvious hemolysis often is caused by pumphead thrombosis. High flow velocity through small cannulas may also cause technical-induced hemolysis. In patients who developed lung failure due to trauma, fHb was elevated independantly of ECMO. In our cohort, the occurance of hemolysis was associated with increased mortality.
Impact of Scientific Versus Emotional Wording of Patient Questions on Doctor-Patient Communication in an Internet Forum: A Randomized Controlled Experiment with Medical Students
2015-11-25

Communication training for medical experts could aim to address this issue of recognizing patients' communication styles and needs in certain situations in order to teach medical experts how to take those aspects adequately into account. In addition, communication training should also make medical experts aware of their individual therapeutic health concepts and the consequential implications in communication situations.
Early Detection of Hepatocellular Carcinoma: How to Screen and Follow up Patients with Liver Cirrhosis According to the GERMAN S3 Guideline?
2015-11-25

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is frequently detected in pre-existing liver cirrhosis, but can also develop without such pre-conditions. There is an increasing trend of HCC incidence worldwide. In patients with liver cirrhosis, HCC has become the leading cause of death. At diagnosis the tumor has very often reached an advanced stage and curative treatment options are missing. Thus, early diagnosis would help the patient and prevent increasing healthcare costs. In our review we will summarize the recommendations of the German S3 guideline for the early diagnosis of HCC and will discuss the current literature in this context. The reader will learn which diagnostic tools are available and in what order they can be usefully applied. Surveillance should be done with ultrasound by a skilled examiner, additional imaging at best with state-of-the-art dynamic magnetic resonance.
UHPLC-QTOF-MS as a valuable tool for the identification of novel faradiol fatty acid diesters of Calendula officinalis flowers
2015-11-25

Calendula officinalis L. (marigold) flower extracts are recommended for the treatment of minor inflammation of the skin and wounds [1]. Triterpenes from the 20-taraxastene type, especially faradiol seem to be crucial for the anti-inflammatory potential [2, 3]. Besides monols triterpene diols and triols are present in the form of their C3 lauric, myristic and palmitic acid monoesters. Here we report on the isolation of a mixture of novel faradiol fatty acid diesters (20-taraxastene 3β,16β-diester). 1D and 2D NMR analysis revealed the triterpene skeleton and the esterification position. However, only after UHPLC-QTOF-MS analysis the fatty acids could be identified and assigned to the respective triterpene. This method allowed identification of intact [M+H+]+ molecular ion peaks of faradioldimyristate (863.7354 m/z), faradioldipalmitate (919.8302 m/z) and faradiolmyristate, palmitate (891.7633 m/z). Moreover, this technique is also suitable for the separation and identification of the arnitriol A 3- and the lupane-3β,16β,20-triol 3-fatty acid monoesters which is here reported for Calendula officinalis L. flowers for the first time.
Data From "Testing Models Of Peripheral Encoding Using Metamerism In An Oddity Paradigm"
2015-11-25

Raw data and stimuli from the experiments reported in Wallis, Bethge &amp; Wichmann (under review). "Testing models of peripheral encoding using metamerism in an oddity paradigm". Journal of Vision. For the code, see http://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.34218. Please consult the README file in the archive for detailed information on reproducing the results of the paper. Stimuli are modified from the "Judd" dataset (https://people.csail.mit.edu/tjudd/WherePeopleLook/index.html). The citation is Judd, T., Ehinger, K., Durand, F., &amp; Torralba, A. (2009). Learning to predict where humans look. In <em>Computer Vision, 2009 IEEE 12th international conference on</em> (pp. 2106–2113). IEEE. We have been granted permission to reshare these images by Tilke Judd (thanks!).
The impact of birch bark triterpenes on keratinocytes derived from diabetic donors
2015-11-25

Diabetes mellitus is known to cause major health problems and affects a high number of people. One of these problems is impaired wound healing and efficient remedies are urgently needed. Phytomedicines could be an interesting alternative for the treatment of this known subsequent damage of diabetic patients. Recently, a betulin-enriched triterpene extract (TE1) from birch bark (Betula alba ssp.) could show promising results regarding wound healing efficacy in a clinical phase II study [1]. This beneficial effect can be explained on the molecular level. TE1 and betulin transiently upregulate pro-inflammatory mediators in epidermal keratinocytes and promote their migration by altering the actin cytoskeleton [2]. Continuing our research we now studied the effects of TE1 and betulin on keratinocytes derived from diabetic patients. TE1 and betulin treatment also led to promising effects on factors which are essential in the inflammatory and the reepithelialization phase of wound healing. mRNA levels of several cytokines, chemokines and other molecular mediators, e.g. IL-6, TNF-α, IL-8, IP-10 and Rantes were altered. Studies on the protein level confirmed these results. Moreover, triterpenes from birch bark affected the organization of the actin cytoskeleton. Proteins like RhoGTPases and p38-MAP-kinase that are known to be involved in this shape change [2] were activated indicating an influence of birch bark triterpenes on the migration of keratinocytes. Therefore, it can be stated that birch bark and its triterpenes do not only have an impact on keratinocytes derived from healthy donors, but also from diabetic donors. Clinical studies with diabetic patients have to confirm these promising results.
Principles of connectivity among morphologically defined cell types in adult neocortex
2015-11-26

A census of neocortical neurons Despite the importance of the brain's neocortex, we still do not completely understand the diversity and functional connections of its cell types. Jiang et al. recorded, labeled, and classified over 1200 interneurons and more than 400 pyramidal neurons in the mature mouse visual cortex. Fifteen major classes of interneurons fell into three types: some connect to all neurons, some connect to other interneurons, and some form synapses with pyramidal neurons. Science , this issue p. 10.1126/science.aac9462
Effect of Temporal Resolution on Diagnostic Performance of Dynamic Contrast-Enhanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the Prostate
2015-11-26

In DCE-MRI of the prostate, temporal resolution affects the diagnostic performance of semiquantitative parameters. For a sufficient detection of malignant prostate lesions on DCE-MRI, a temporal resolution of at least 10 s/time point or higher is recommended.
Concomitant gain of 1q21 and MYC translocation define a poor prognostic subgroup of hyperdiploid multiple myeloma
2015-11-26

The impact of MYC locus aberrations on the outcome of multiple myeloma (MM) patients is still a matter of debate. The aim of this study was to further investigate their influence on the survival of MM patients treated with high-dose chemotherapy. Our data suggest that the favorable prognosis factor
Modern weddings in Uzbekistan: ritual change from ‘above’ and from ‘below’
2015-11-26

Under the new conditions of independence, wedding ceremonies in Uzbekistan have increasingly diversified along growing social and economic divides. Recent state measures to curb ritual expenditures follow the furrow of a long tradition of criticism against ritual prodigality which, however, falls short of its self-set target of enforcing more 'rational' rituals. Based on fieldwork conducted in the Ferghana Valley, this paper sheds a new light on the controversy around 'excessive ritual expenditures' by discussing tensions in local practices arising from changing livelihoods and consumption patterns, on the one hand, and, on the other, from an ambivalent state policy that aims at containing ritual expenditures and social polarization, while also promoting an ideal of modern wedding that undermines the very aim of the policy.
Neighbour effects on shrub seedling establishment override climate change impacts in a Mediterranean community
2015-11-26

Abstract Questions Can theory about plant–plant interactions along climate gradients help us predict how climate change will affect shrub establishment? How does a predicted reduction in rainfall affect the outcome of the interactions between shrub seedlings and herbaceous plants in a dryland ecosystem? Location Three field sites along a rainfall gradient and an adjacent experimental site at the Botanical Gardens of Tel Aviv University, Israel. Method We measured seedling survival of a dominant shrub species in response to the presence of herbaceous neighbours and to rainfall amount using two approaches: First, we employed a space‐for‐time approach and studied seedling survival along an aridity gradient that was shown to mimic the predicted rainfall changes. Second, we monitored seedling survival in a common garden experiment in which we simulated drought using rainout shelters. In both experiments we contrasted the importance of water availability relative to the presence of herbaceous neighbours and the origin of the shrub seedlings. Results Our results showed that neighbours always had a negative effect on shrub seedling survival. In contrast to theoretical predictions, the intensity of competition increased with reduction in water availability. Shrub seedlings originating from drier conditions showed higher survival than seedlings from mesic origin. Conclusions These results emphasize the importance of incorporating biotic interactions in studies predicting changes in plant dynamics under climate change. Moreover, plant species growing in ecosystems prone to high rainfall variability showed a greater ability to cope with dry conditions, which suggests more nuanced origin‐specific predictions than suggested by recent climate models.
Messianic Oeuvres in Interaction: Misattributed Poems by Shah Esmāʿil and Nesimi
2015-11-26

This paper discusses the philological, literary and cultural-historical background of 23 poems that can be found in manuscript copies of the respective divān of both Nesimi (d. 1407), the most prominent poet of the Horufi tradition, and Shah Esmāʿil, the founder of the Safavid state (r. 1501-24) who was also known for his popular Turkic poetry with a heavily messianic veneer. One possible reason for this textually detectable confluence and intermixture might be the partially oral, ritual, homiletic context with fluid notions of authorship in which these poems were performed, but there was also a broader socio-religious context of interaction between various popular messianic traditions of the day, the Horufis, the Bektashis, the Safavids and others.