julilili42/papers huggingface dataset:
Do your eye movements reveal your performance on an IQ test? A study linking eye movements and socio-demographic information to fluid intelligence.
2021-03-16

Understanding the main factors contributing to individual differences in fluid intelligence is one of the main challenges of psychology. A vast body of research and numerous empirical findings are based on the framework of the Cultural-Fair IQ test 20-R (CFT 20-R). In this work, we extend and complement the current state of research by analysing the relationship of socio-demographic and eye-movement-related information and the ability of a participant to correctly solve a CFT test item. Our work shows that a participant's eye movements while solving a CFT test item contain discriminative information and can be used to predict whether the participant will succeed in the current task. Moreover, the information related to eye movements complements the information provided by socio-demographic data when it comes to success prediction. In combination, both types of information yield a significantly higher predictive performance than each information type individually. To better understand the influence of features related to eye movements and socio-demographic information for the prediction of a participant's performance on a CFT item, we employ state-of-the-art explainability techniques and show that, along with socio-demographic variables, eye-movement data, especially the number of saccades and the mean pupil diameter, adds highly discriminating power. This ultimately suggests more efficient processing and more invested mental effort. Beyond the specific contribution to research on the relationship between eye movements and fluid intelligence, the findings presented in this work pave the way for further in-depth investigations of factors predicting fluid intelligence.
Measurement-feedback control of the chiral photon emission from an atom chain into a nanofiber
2021-03-16

We theoretically investigate measurement-based feedback control of a laser-driven one-dimensional atomic chain interfaced with a nanofiber. The interfacing leads to all-to-all interactions among the atomic emitters and induces chirality (i.e., the directional emission of photons into a preferred guided mode of the nanofiber). In the setting we consider, the measurement of guided light—conducted either by photon counting or through homodyne detection of the photocurrent quadratures—is fed back into the system through modulation of the driving laser field. We investigate how this feedback scheme allows control of the statistics of the photon counting and the quadratures of the light, as well as the many-body state of the atom chain. In particular, we identify regimes where both the photon counting rate and its fluctuations are dramatically enhanced. Moreover, we find that the action of homodyne detection feedback allows the alteration of the stationary state of the chain from a pure, dimer state, to a fully mixed one. Our results provide insights on how to control and engineer dynamics in light–matter networks realizable with state-of-the-art experimental setups.
Targeting Lyn Kinase in Chorea-Acanthocytosis: A Translational Treatment Approach in an Ultra-Rare Disease
2021-03-16

ABSTRACT Background Chorea-acanthocytosis (ChAc) is a neurodegenerative disease caused by mutations in the VPS13A gene. It is characterized by several neurological symptoms and the appearance of acanthocytes. Elevated tyrosine kinase Lyn activity has been recently identified as one of the key pathophysiological mechanisms and therefore represents a promising drug target. Methods We evaluated an individual off-label treatment with the FDA-approved tyrosine kinase inhibitor dasatinib (100 mg/d, 25.8-50.4 weeks) of three ChAc patients. Alongside with a thorough safety monitoring, we assessed motor and non-motor scales (e.g. MDS-UPDRS, UHDRS, quality of life) as well as routine and experimental laboratory parameters (e.g. serum neurofilament, Lyn kinase activity, actin cytoskeleton in red blood cells). Results Dasatinib appeared to be reasonably safe. The clinical parameters remained stable without significant improvement or deterioration. Regain of deep tendon reflexes was observed in one patient. Creatine kinase, serum neurofilament levels and acanthocyte count did not reveal consistent effects. However, reduction of initially elevated Lyn kinase activity and accumulated autophagy markers as well as partial restoration of actin cytoskeleton was found in red blood cells. Discussion We report on the first treatment approach with disease-modifying intention in ChAc. The experimental parameters indicate target engagement in red blood cells, while clinical effects on the central nervous system could not be proven within a rather short treatment time. Limited knowledge on the natural history of ChAc and the lack of appropriate biomarkers remain major barriers for “clinical trial readiness”. Here, we suggest a panel of outcome parameters for future clinical trials in ChAc.
No-U-Turn sampling for phylogenetic trees
2021-03-16

Abstract The inference of phylogenetic trees from sequence data has become a staple in evolutionary research. Bayesian inference of such trees is predominantly based on the Metropolis-Hastings algorithm. For high dimensional and correlated data this algorithm is known to be inefficient. There are gradient based algorithms to speed up such inference. Building on recent research which uses gradient based approaches for the inference of phylogenetic trees in a Bayesian framework, I present an algorithm which is capable of performing No-U-Turn sampling for phylogenetic trees. As an extension to Hamiltonian Monte Carlo methods, No-U-Turn sampling comes with the same benefits, such as proposing distant new states with a high acceptance probability, but eliminates the need to manually tune hyper parameters. Evaluated on real data sets, the new sampler shows that it converges faster to the target distribution. The results also indicate that a higher number of topologies are traversed during sampling by the new algorithm in comparison to traditional Markov Chain Monte Carlo approaches. This new algorithm leads to a more efficient exploration of the posterior distribution of phylogenetic tree topologies. Author summary Phylogentic trees are important for our understanding of evolutionary relationships. But even for only a small number of entities the number of possible trees is immense. In order to efficiently search through this large space and analyze the distributions of these trees, different algorithmic solutions have been proposed. A phylogenetic tree is not only defined by the way it groups the entities but also by the length of the branches. This nature of the phylogentic trees complicates the exploration of these distributions. Building on research and algorithmic ideas for non tree like data and recent developments on the mathematics of trees, I propose a new method which is able to traverse the space of possible trees more rapidly. By using a search strategy which is guided by the data and the underlying evolutionary model, the algorithm is able to better sample from the desired distribution. I am able to show that the new algorithm can indeed analyze the correct distribution but can do so with a higher efficiency than other algorithms.
Natural Deduction Bottom Up
2021-03-16

Abstract The paper introduces a new type of rules into Natural Deduction, elimination rules by composition. Elimination rules by composition replace usual elimination rules in the style of disjunction elimination and give a more direct treatment of additive disjunction, multiplicative conjunction, existence quantifier and possibility modality. Elimination rules by composition have an enormous impact on proof-structures of deductions: they do not produce segments, deduction trees remain binary branching, there is no vacuous discharge, there is only few need of permutations. This new type of rules fits especially to substructural issues, so it is shown for Lambek Calculus, i.e. intuitionistic non-commutative linear logic and to its extensions by structural rules like permutation, weakening and contraction. Natural deduction formulated with elimination rules by composition from a complexity perspective is superior to other calculi.
Late Anisian microbe-metazoan build-ups (“stromatolites”) in the Germanic Basin – aftermath of the Permian – Triassic Crisis
2021-03-16

Abstract The so-called Permian – Triassic mass extinction was followed by a prolonged period of ecological recovery that lasted until the Middle Triassic. Triassic stromatolites from the Germanic Basin seem to be an important part of the puzzle, but have barely been investigated so far. Here we analyzed late Anisian (upper Middle Muschelkalk) stromatolites from across the Germanic Basin by combining petrographic approaches (optical microscopy, micro X-ray fluorescence, Raman imaging) and geochemical analyses (sedimentary hydrocarbons, stable carbon and oxygen isotopes). Paleontological and sedimentological evidence, such as Placunopsis bivalves, intraclasts and disrupted laminated fabrics, indicate that the stromatolites formed in subtidal, shallow marine settings. This interpretation is consistent with δ 13 C carb of about −2.1‰ to −0.4‰. Occurrences of calcite pseudomorphs after gypsum suggest slightly evaporitic environments, which is well in line with the relative rarity of fossils in the host strata. Remarkably, the stromatolites are composed of microbes (perhaps cyanobacteria and sulfate reducing bacteria) and metazoans such as non-spicular demosponges, Placunopsis bivalves, and/or Spirobis-like worm tubes. Therefore, these “stromatolites” should more correctly be referred to as microbe-metazoan build-ups. They are characterized by diverse lamination types, including planar, wavy, domal and conical ones. Microbial mats likely played an important role in forming the planar and wavy laminations. Domal and conical laminations commonly show clotted to peloidal features and mesh-like fabrics, attributed to fossilized non-spicular demosponges. Our observations not only point up that non-spicular demosponges are easily overlooked and might be mistakenly interpreted as stromatolites, but also demonstrate that microbe-metazoan build-ups were widespread in the Germanic Basin during Early to Middle Triassic times. In the light of our findings, it appears plausible that the involved organisms benefited from elevated salinities. Another (not necessarily contradictory) possibility is that the mutualistic relationship between microbes and non-spicular demosponges enabled these organisms to fill ecological niches cleared by the Permian – Triassic Crisis. If that is to be the case, it means that such microbe-metazoan associations maintained their advantage until the Middle Triassic.
There are Other Worlds than These: Exploring Stephen King's "The Gunslinger" and the Theology of Paul Tillich
2021-03-16

This article is a practical teaching case study connecting the literary world of Stephen King’s The Gunslinger, the first novel in King’s sci-fi/fantasy Dark Tower series, to key elements of Paul Tillich’s theology. The study interweaves previously unexplored connections between Stephen King and Paul Tillich with practical reflections from teaching this topic to a class of seminary students. This article aims to show Stephen King’s The Gunslinger has theological-existential themes that are worth exploring in relation to Paul Tillich’s theology, in order to show the intersection of popular literature and systematic theology to seminary students.
Surveillance of the major pathogenic arboviruses of public health concern in Gabon, Central Africa: increased risk of West Nile virus and dengue virus infections
2021-03-17

Abstract Background Increasing arbovirus infections have been a global burden in recent decades. Many countries have experienced the periodic emergence of arbovirus diseases. However, information on the prevalence of arboviruses is largely unknown or infrequently updated because of the lack of surveillance studies, especially in Africa. Methods A surveillance study was conducted in Gabon, Central Africa, on arboviruses, which are a major public health concern in Africa, including: West Nile virus (WNV), dengue virus (DENV), Zika virus (ZIKV), yellow fever virus (YFV), chikungunya virus (CHIKV), and Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV). Serological and molecular assays were performed to investigate past infection history and the current status of infection, using serum samples collected from healthy individuals and febrile patients, respectively. Results The overall seroprevalence during 2014˗2017 was estimated to be 25.3% for WNV, 20.4% for DENV, 40.3% for ZIKV, 60.7% for YFV, 61.2% for CHIKV, and 14.3% for RVFV. No significant differences were found in the seroprevalence of any of the viruses between the male and female populations. However, a focus on the mean age in each arbovirus-seropositive individual showed a significantly younger age in WNV- and DENV-seropositive individuals than in CHIKV-seropositive individuals, indicating that WNV and DENV caused a relatively recent epidemic in the region, whereas CHIKV had actively circulated before. Of note, this indication was supported by the detection of both WNV and DENV genomes in serum samples collected from febrile patients after 2016. Conclusions This study revealed the recent re-emergence of WNV and DENV in Gabon as well as the latest seroprevalence state of the major arboviruses, which indicated the different potential risks of virus infections and virus-specific circulation patterns. This information will be helpful for public health organizations and will enable a rapid response towards these arbovirus infections, thereby preventing future spread in the country.
Protective role of Gremlin‐1 in myocardial function
2021-03-17

Abstract Background Gremlin‐1 is a cystine knot protein and is expressed in organs developing fibrosis. Transient ischaemia leads to myocardial fibrosis, a major determinant of impaired myocardial function. Materials and methods Expression of Gremlin‐1 was investigated in infarcted myocardium by real‐time PCR, Western blot analysis, histological and immunohistochemistry staining. We further elaborated the colocalization of Gremlin‐1 and TGF‐β proteins by confocal microscopy and co‐immunoprecipitation experiments. The interaction between Gremlin‐1 and TGF‐β was analysed by photon correlation spectroscopy. Gremlin‐1 modulation of the TGF‐β‐dependent collagen I synthesis in fibroblasts was investigated using ELISA and immunohistochemistry experiments. The effect of prolonged administration of recombinant Gremlin‐1 on myocardial function following ischaemia/reperfusion was accessed by echocardiography and immunohistochemistry. Results Gremlin‐1 is expressed in myocardial tissue and infiltrating cells after transient myocardial ischaemia ( P &lt; .05). Gremlin‐1 colocalizes with the pro‐fibrotic cytokine transforming growth factor‐β (TGF‐β) expressed in fibroblasts and inflammatory cell infiltrates ( P &lt; .05). Gremlin‐1 reduces TGF‐β‐induced collagen production of myocardial fibroblasts by approximately 20% ( P &lt; .05). We found that Gremlin‐1 binds with high affinity to TGF‐β ( K D = 54 nmol/L) as evidenced by photon correlation spectroscopy and co‐immunoprecipitation. intravenous administration of m Gremlin‐1‐Fc, but not of equivalent amount of Fc control, significantly reduced infarct size by approximately 20%. In the m Gremlin‐1‐Fc group, infarct area was reduced by up to 30% in comparison with mice treated with Fc control (I/LV: 4.8 ± 1.2% vs 6.0 ± 1.2% P &lt; .05; I/AaR: 15.2 ± 1.5% vs 21.1 ± 5%, P &lt; .05). Conclusions The present data disclose Gremlin‐1 as an antagonist of TGF‐β and presume a role for Gremlin‐1/TGF‐β interaction in myocardial remodelling following myocardial ischaemia.
Nonlinearities in bilingual visual word recognition: An introduction to generalized additive modeling
2021-03-17

Abstract This paper introduces the generalized additive mixed model (GAMM) and the quantile generalized additive mixed model (QGAMM) through reanalyses of bilinguals’ lexical decision data from Dijkstra et al. (2010) and Miwa et al. (2014). We illustrate how regression splines can be used to test for nonlinear effects of cross-language similarity in form as well as for controlling experimental trial effects. We further illustrate the tensor product smooth for a nonlinear interaction between cross-language semantic similarity and word frequency. Finally, we show how the QGAMM helps clarify whether the effect of a particular predictor is constant across distributions of RTs.
Fragmentation in the massive G31.41+0.31 protocluster
2021-03-17

Context. ALMA observations at 1.4 mm and ~0.′′2 (~750 au) angular resolution of the Main core in the high-mass star-forming region G31.41+0.31 have revealed a puzzling scenario. On the one hand, the continuum emission looks very homogeneous and the core appears to undergo solid-body rotation, suggesting a monolithic core stabilized by the magnetic field; on the other hand, rotation and infall speed up toward the core center, where two massive embedded free-free continuum sources have been detected, pointing to an unstable core having undergone fragmentation. Aims. To establish whether the Main core is indeed monolithic or if its homogeneous appearance is due to a combination of large dust opacity and low angular resolution, we carried out millimeter observations at higher angular resolution and different wavelengths. Methods. We carried out ALMA observations at 1.4 mm and 3.5 mm that achieved angular resolutions of ~0.′′1 (~375 au) and ~0.′′075 (~280 au), respectively. VLA observations at 7 mm and 1.3 cm at even higher angular resolution, ~0.′′05 (~190 au) and ~0.′′07 (~260 au), respectively, were also carried out to better study the nature of the free-free continuum sources detected in the core. Results. The millimeter continuum emission of the Main core has been clearly resolved into at least four sources, A, B, C, and D, within 1′′, indicating that the core is not monolithic. The deconvolved radii of the dust emission of the sources, estimated at 3.5 mm, are ~400–500 au; their masses range from ~15 to ~26 M ⊙ ; and their number densities are several 10 9 cm −3 . Sources A and B, located closer to the center of the core and separated by ~750 au, are clearly associated with two free-free continuum sources, likely thermal radio jets, and are brightest in the core. The spectral energy distribution of these two sources and their masses and sizes are similar and suggest a common origin. Source C has not been detected at centimeter wavelengths, while source D has been clearly detected at 1.3 cm. Source D is likely the driving source of an E–W SiO outflow previously detected in the region, which suggests that the free-free emission might be coming from a radio jet. Conclusions. The observations have confirmed that the Main core in G31 is collapsing, that it has undergone fragmentation, and that its homogeneous appearance previously observed at short wavelengths is a consequence of both high dust opacity and insufficient angular resolution. The low level of fragmentation together with the fact that the core is moderately magnetically supercritical, suggests that G31 could have undergone a phase of magnetically regulated evolution characterized by a reduced fragmentation efficiency, eventually leading to the formation of a small number of relatively massive dense cores.
BRD4S Interacts with Viral E2 Protein To Limit Human Papillomavirus Late Transcription
2021-03-17

Human papillomaviruses (HPV) have coevolved with their host by using cellular factors like bromodomain-containing protein 4 (BRD4) to control viral processes, such as genome maintenance, gene expression, and replication. Here, we show that, in addition to the C-terminal motif in BRD4, the phospho-dependent interaction domain in BRD4 interacts with E2 proteins, which enable the recruitment of BRD4S, the short isoform of BRD4, to E2.
Platelet-Expressed TNFRSF13B (TACI) Predicts Breast Cancer Progression
2021-03-17

Although treatment options in breast cancer have been improved significantly, predictive biomarkers for disease progression and metastasis are still lacking. Recent studies indicate that several TNF Receptor Superfamily members are involved in breast cancer cell proliferation and survival. Interestingly, TNFRSF13B ( TACI ) mRNA level were of prognostic relevance in breast cancer patients. In this study we provide evidence for TACI expression on platelets of breast cancer patients. The level of platelet-expressed TACI (pTACI) was significantly increased on platelets derived from breast cancer patients compared to healthy controls. Upon platelet activation, pTACI was downregulated on the platelet surface of healthy donors and breast cancer patients. Of note, inhibition of matrix metalloprotease (MMP) prevented downregulation of pTACI ex vivo , indicating that proteolytic cleavage of pTACI is responsible for reduction of pTACI level. Stimulation of pTACI via BAFF, BAFF 60-mer or APRIL did not influence platelet activation and function. Remarkably, pTACI was particularly regulated during tumor progression in our breast cancer cohort. TACI expression levels on platelets were correlated with clinical parameters including tumor stage, occurrence of metastasis and tumor cell proliferation (Ki67). In conclusion, our data emphasize the potential use of platelets as a liquid biomarker in breast cancer.
A bacterial effector counteracts host autophagy by promoting degradation of an autophagy component
2021-03-17

Abstract Beyond its role in cellular homeostasis, autophagy plays anti- and pro-microbial roles in host-microbe interactions, both in animals and plants. One prominent role of anti-microbial autophagy is to degrade intracellular pathogens or microbial molecules, in a process termed xenophagy. Consequently, microbes evolved mechanisms to hijack or modulate autophagy to escape elimination. Although well-described in animals, the extent to which xenophagy contributes to plant-bacteria interactions remains unknown. Here, we provide evidence that Xanthomonas campestris pv. vesicatoria (Xcv) suppresses host autophagy by utilizing type-III effector XopL. XopL interacts with and degrades the autophagy component SH3P2 via its E3 ligase activity to promote infection. Intriguingly, XopL is targeted for degradation by defense-related selective autophagy mediated by NBR1/Joka2, revealing a complex antagonistic interplay between XopL and the host autophagy machinery. Our results implicate plant antimicrobial autophagy in depletion of a bacterial virulence factor and unravels an unprecedented pathogen strategy to counteract defense-related autophagy.
The Fascinating Flexibility and Coordination Modes of a Pentamethylene Connected Macrocyclic CNC Pincer Ligand
2021-03-17

The coordination chemistry of an electron-rich macrocyclic CNC pincer-ligand consisting of two pentamethylene tethered N-heterocyclic carbene moieties on a carbazole backbone (bimcaC5) is investigated by mainly NMR spectroscopy and X-ray crystal structure analysis. A bridging coordination mode is found for the lithium complex. With the larger and softer potassium ion, the ligand adopts a facial coordination mode and a polymeric structure by intermolecular potassium nitrogen interactions. The facial coordination is also confirmed at a Cp*Ru fragment, while C-H activation under dehydrogenation at the alkyl chain is observed upon reaction with [Ru(PPh3)3Cl2]. In contrast, Pd(OAc)2 reacts under C-H activation at the central carbon atom of the pentamethylene tether to an alkyl-pincer macrocycle.