julilili42/papers huggingface dataset:
Neural Signatures of Motor Skill in the Resting Brain
2019-10-01

Stroke-induced disturbances of large-scale cortical networks are known to be associated with the extent of motor deficits. We argue that identifying brain networks representative of motor behavior in the resting brain would provide significant insights for current neurorehabilitation approaches. Particularly, we aim to investigate the global configuration of brain rhythms and their relation to motor skill, instead of learning performance as broadly studied. We empirically approach this problem by conducting a three-dimensional physical space visuomotor learning experiment during electroencephalographic (EEG) data recordings with thirty-seven healthy participants. We demonstrate that across-subjects variations in average movement smoothness as the quantified measure of subjects' motor skills can be predicted from the global configuration of resting-state EEG alpha-rhythms (8-14 Hz) recorded prior to the experiment. Importantly, this neural signature of motor skill was found to be orthogonal to (independent of) task -- as well as to learning-related changes in alpha-rhythms, which we interpret as an organizing principle of the brain. We argue that disturbances of such configurations in the brain may contribute to motor deficits in stroke, and that reconfiguring stroke patients' brain rhythms by neurofeedback may enhance post-stroke neurorehabilitation.
ISOPT Clinical Hot Topic Panel Discussion on Uveitis and Inflammation
2019-10-01

For this "hot topic" session in uveitis we selected first and foremost an issue that puts our clinical work and research in "holding pattern." The issue is our method of evaluating the severity of uveitis. We posed the following questions to our esteemed panelists: 1.The relative significance of cells vs. flare in following uveitis patients 2.Cells/flare measurements 3.A glance into the future and the relevance of endpoints in clinical studies and their methodologies While there are different opinions in managing and monitoring uveitis patients, there seems to be an agreement on the high need of improving objective mode/s of reliably measuring both cells and flare and better understand their significance.
2424Long-term outcome of patients with biopsy-proven viral myocarditis: 12-year results from a late gadolinium enhancement cardiac magnetic resonance study
2019-10-01

Abstract Purpose Myocarditis is a common cardiac disease that is associated with significant mortality as demonstrated by several studies. Late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) by cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) is a valuable tool for risk stratification of patients with suspected myocarditis. Previous studies using CMR-LGE have reported a good negative predictive value over follow-up periods of 4–6 years, while its positive predictive value was only modest. However, there is a lack of data regarding the long-term prognosis (&gt;10 years) of these patients. This study reports an extended long-term follow-up of a large cohort of patients with biopsy-proven viral myocarditis. Methods At initial presentation, all patients underwent endomyocardial biopsy and CMR for the work-up of suspected myocarditis or unclear cardiomyopathy and had evidence of virus in PCR analyses. The primary endpoints were: all-cause death, cardiac death, and the occurrence of sudden cardiac death (SCD). Results 183 patients with biopsy-proven viral myocarditis were followed for a median of 11.5 years. At baseline, patients were 52 years old, 31% were females, and the median ejection fraction was moderately reduced (44%). Initial CMR assessment revealed LGE in 101 (55%) patients, while 82 (45%) patients had LGE-negative CMR. During the follow-up period, the following endpoints occurred in the overall cohort: all-cause death (n=71, 39%), cardiac death (n=50, 27%) and SCD (n=20, 11%). Most importantly, only a single LGE-negative patient experienced a SCD during this 12-year follow-up, while all other SCDs occurred in patients with LGE-positive CMR (1% vs. 19%, p&lt;0.001). Consequently, the negative predictive value (NPV) of normal CMR-LGE regarding SCD was 98%. In addition, cardiac mortality (12% vs. 40%, p&lt;0.001, NPV=88%) and all-cause mortality (20% vs. 54%, p&lt;0.001, NPV=79%) were significantly lower in patients without LGE. Conclusion This cohort of biopsy-proven viral myocarditis demonstrates substantial mortality (39% in 11.5 years). However, absence of LGE on CMR was associated with favorable prognosis. This was applicable regarding all-cause and cardiac mortality, but most importantly with regard to SCD with a NPV of 98% over almost 12 years median follow-up. Acknowledgement/Funding This work was funded by the Robert-Bosch-Stiftung, Stuttgart, Germany and the Berthold-Leibinger-Stiftung, Ditzingen, Germany.
P4714Individual patient data meta-analysis comparing general anesthesia and deep sedation on safety and length of intensive care unit stay in patients undergoing percutaneous mitral valve repair
2019-10-01

Abstract Background Percutaneous edge-to-edge mitral valve repair (PMVR) has emerged as a treatment option for patients with severe mitral regurgitation not considered suitable candidates for surgery. The procedure can be performed in general anesthesia (GA) or deep sedation (DS) without mechanical ventilation. However, debate remains about the optimal approach. Purpose To compare the impact of the anesthetic method on efficacy, safety, and length of intensive care stay. Methods We identified studies comparing GA versus DS in patients undergoing PMVR by searching PubMed and CENTRAL. We included studies for which investigators agreed to provide individual patient data. Analyzed outcomes were a composite safety endpoint comprising all-cause death, stroke, pneumonia, and major to life-threating bleeding as well as length of intensive care unit stay. We performed an one-stage and two-stage meta-analysis on each outcome after multiple imputation of missing data. For two-stage meta-analysis, between-study heterogeneity was estimated according to Paule-Mandel and confidence intervals were derived using the method proposed by Hartung and Knapp. Results We included five observational studies (n=647 patients). Procedural success was achieved in 618 of 647 (95.5%) patients. The composite safety endpoint occurred in 92 of 647 (14.2%) patients with no difference between patients treated with GA or DS. In this regard, risk ratio was 0.78 (95% confidence interval, 0.53 to 1.14; P=0.20) following the one-stage approach and 0.73 (95% confidence interval, 0.30 to 1.80; P=0.39) following the two-stage approach. Length of intensive care stay was longer after GA as compared to DS (adjusted mixed linear regression model, 1.94 days, 95% confidence interval, 1.29 to 2.59 days, P&lt;0.001; random effects model pooling study-specific estimates from adjusted linear models 1.40 days, 95% confidence interval, 0.54 to 2.22 days, P=0.0104). Conclusion Both, DS and GA offer good procedural success rates and a similar safety profile. However, length of intensive care stay is shorter after DS.
P4724Elevated mitral valve pressure gradient is predictive for long-term outcome after percutaneous edge-to-edge mitral valve repair (PMVR) in patients with degenerative MR, but not in functional MR
2019-10-01

Abstract Background To analyze the effects of residual mitral regurgitation (MR) and mean mitral valve pressure gradient (MVPG) after percutaneous edge-to-edge mitral valve repair (PMVR) using the MitraClip-system on long term outcome. Methods and results Two hundred fifty-five patients who underwent PMVR were analyzed. Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression analyses were performed to evaluate the impact of residual MR and MVPG on clinical outcome. A combined clinical endpoint (all-cause mortality, MV surgery, redo procedure, implantation of a left ventricular assist device) was used. After PMVR, mean MVPG increased from 1.6±1.0 mmHg to 3.1±1.5 mmHg (p&lt;0.001). Reduction of MR severity to ≤2+ postintervention was achieved in 98.4% of all patients. In the overall patient cohort, residual MR was predictive for the combined endpoint while elevated MVPG &gt;4.4 mmHg was not according to Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression analyses. We then analyzed the cohort with degenerative and that with functional MR separately to account for these different entities.In the cohort with degenerative MR, elevated MVPG was associated with increased occurrence of the primary endpoint, whereas this was not observed in the cohort with functional MR. Conclusions MVPG &gt;4.4 mmHg after MitraClip-implantation was predictive for clinical outcome in the patient cohort with degenerative MR. In the patient cohort with functional MR, MVPG &gt;4.4 mmHg was not associated with increased clinical events. Acknowledgement/Funding This study was supported by grants from the German Research Foundation (KFO 274), the Volkswagen Foundation (Lichtenberg Program) and the German Heart
P4763High power radiofrequency ablation with fixed short duration is rapid, efficient and safe for circumferential pulmonary vein isolation
2019-10-01

Abstract Background Short duration 50 Watt radiofrequency (RF) ablation has been shown to be feasible for atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation with short procedure times. Purpose We evaluated 50 Watt RF power with a different fixed short application duration at the anterior and posterior left atrial wall using contact force (CF) sensing catheters for circumferential pulmonary vein isolation (PVI). Methods Consecutive patients (pts) with indication for de novo AF ablation (n=40, age 64±12 years) with paroxysmal (n=23) or persistent (n=17) AF underwent high density 3D mapping of the left atrium. Low voltage areas of more than 5% of the left atrium were only found in 20% of pts. Thereafter, circumferential PVI using CF sensing catheters was performed. For each RF application (50 Watt, RF duration 11–13s at the anterior wall, 9–11s at the posterior wall) a stable catheter tip position with minimal mean CF of 3g was required and application was stopped in case of CF more than 30g. Esophageal temperature measurement was performed with temperature cut off 39.0°C. In case of temperature rise, ablation protocol was switched to conventional 20 Watt RF applications for ablation adjacent to the esophagus. Results Complete PVI was achieved in all pts with 81±29 short RF applications resulting in cumulative RF applications duration of 13.1±4.2min and an ablation duration of 59±17min for complete PVI. Even RF application with low CF (3–5g) were effective. Due to esophageal temperature rise, switch to conventional RF application with 20 Watt was performed in 43% of pts at least at one posterior PV entrance. After a waiting period of 20 min only in 33% of pts any PV conduction recurs, in 28% of pts only at a single spot and reconnected fibers were not associated with low CF application at that spot, but clearly associated with low energy application at the posterior wall. All PV were successfully re-isolated in most of pts with a single spot high energy RF application. No serious complications occurred in association with PVI. Follow up will be available at presentation time. Conclusion RF ablation with 50 Watt fixed short duration is efficient and safe for circumferential PVI. Ablation procedure durations are shorter and early recurrence rates are lower compared to reported conventional ablation procedures. The importance of CF titration seems to be diminished by 50 Watt RF applications in the left atrium. Further follow up have to be waited.
Explosions recorded underwater offshore of southern California
2019-10-01

Sounds from explosions can travel long distances underwater due to their high sound pressure levels, potentially impacting marine life. We evaluated and characterized explosion sounds from underwater recordings to better understand the signature of these sounds, how they propagate in the ocean, and how they may be differentiated for different source types. A controlled experiment using small (∼2 g) “seal bomb” sources at various source-receiver ranges was conducted offshore of southern California to characterize their waveform signature, including bubble pulses due to subsurface explosions ∼4 m depth and peak source level estimate of 234 dB re 1 μPa at 1 m. Opportunistic recordings of missile explosions during military exercises offshore of southern California were made by autonomous hydrophone recorders ∼1000 m deep. The military explosions were presumably at or near the sea surface and did not exhibit bubble pulses, allowing them to be differentiated from fisheries seal bomb sources for manual or automatic signal classification in underwater acoustic recordings.
Top-down method for lab-scale production of nanocrystals of active molecules: Formulation approach and selection of optimal process parameters
2019-10-01

Drug nanocrystals represent nanosized particles of a pharmaceutical active ingredient with an average diameter below 1000nm, commonly formulated as aqueous nanosuspensions with appropriate stabilizer. As the number of poorly soluble drugs is increasing, nanocrystals have become very interesting, due to the wide range of application possibilities. Curcumin was used as a model substance in this work. Even though it has many proven positive effects, due to its physicochemical issues, its possibilities have not been fully exploited. In this context, nanocrystals seem promising delivery systems. The main goal of this work was to select optimal conditions for the top-down method for curcumin nanosuspension production, and to perform a comprehensive characterization of selected samples using complementary methods: dynamic light scattering, polarization and atomic force microscopy, thermal analysis, antioxidant activity evaluation and release kinetics assessment. Nanosuspensions stabilized by polysorbate 80 and by combinations of polysorbate 80 and sucrose palmitate (4:1 and 2:1; curcumin:stabilizer=1:1) have shown good stability, with optimal milling time of 30min. Obtained nanocrystals were well defined, with average diameter below 200 nm, PDI was about 0.25, zeta potential was above |30| mV, and pH was around 5 for all formulations. Under selected experimental protocol, nanodispersions exhibited high antioxidant potential (IC <sub xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">50</sub> =0.12mg/ml). Significant differences in the release kinetics of curcumin from nanosuspensions compared to coarse dispersions was captured.
Mr. Keynes Meets the Classics: Government Spending and the Real Exchange Rate
2019-10-01

In economies with fixed exchange rates, the adjustment to government spending shocks is asymmetric. A fiscal expansion appreciates the real exchange rate but does not stimulate output. A fiscal contraction does not alter the exchange rate, but lowers output. We develop these insights in a two-sector model of a small open economy with downward nominal wage rigidity. We establish new empirical evidence that supports he predictions of the model along several dimensions: not only does the exchange rate regime shape the fiscal transmission mechanism as predicted by the model – in doing so it also interacts with economic slack and inflation.
Dual-career through the elite university student-athletes’ lenses: The international FISU-EAS survey
2019-10-02

Athletes have the right to combine their sport and higher education careers (e.g., dual career), but differences in the recognition of the student-athlete's status and availability of dual career programmes and services exist worldwide. The purpose of this study was to investigate the dual career phenomenon through the international student-athletes' views. Student-athletes competing at the 2017 Summer Universiade were recruited to respond a 31-item online survey encompassing demographic characteristics (Q1-8), sport and university engagement (Q9-13), student-athletes' knowledge and possible sources of information regarding dual career (Q14-22); and dual career support at personal, sport, and academic levels (Q23-31). Four hundred twenty-six respondents (males: 46%, females 54%), competing in 22 different sports (individual: 74%, team: 26%) from Africa (4%), America (20%), Asia (34%), Europe (39%), and Oceania (3), had experienced previous international sports events (94%). Differences among continents emerged for sport (p<0.001) and university (p = 0.039) engagement, and transfer time from home to the training venue (p = 0.030). Individual sports student-athletes showed higher sport engagement (p = 0.003) compared to team sports counterparts. Differences among university majors emerged for university engagement (p<0.001). Long absence from classes (57%), limited leisure time (50%), financial uncertainty (44%), reduction of training due to education (42%), and overload feelings (37%) emerged. The majority of the sample resulted not familiar with dual career programmes (60%) and public authorities (69%), envisaging national dual career policies at university (37%) and sport (25%) levels. Multiple relevant dual career supporters at personal, sport, and university levels were identified, mainly parents (86%) and coaches (65%). To strengthen the potential of the student-athletes of the future, a dual career network should be established among several stakeholders, for transnational cooperation and sharing of knowledge and best practices through extensive communication between policy-makers, practitioners and those having a strong supportive dual career role (e.g., parents, coaches, and university sport staff).
Targeting tumor-resident mast cells for effective anti-melanoma immune responses
2019-10-02

Immune checkpoint blockade has revolutionized cancer treatment. Patients developing immune mediated adverse events, such as colitis, appear to particularly benefit from immune checkpoint inhibition. Yet, the contributing mechanisms are largely unknown. We identified a systemic LPS signature in melanoma patients with colitis following anti-cytotoxic T lymphocyte-associated antigen 4 (anti-CTLA-4) checkpoint inhibitor treatment and hypothesized that intestinal microbiota-derived LPS contributes to therapeutic efficacy. Because activation of immune cells within the tumor microenvironment is considered most promising to effectively control cancer, we analyzed human and murine melanoma for known sentinels of LPS. We identified mast cells (MCs) accumulating in and around melanomas and showed that effective melanoma immune control was dependent on LPS-activated MCs recruiting tumor-infiltrating effector T cells by secretion of CXCL10. Importantly, CXCL10 was also upregulated in human melanomas with immune regression and in patients with colitis induced by anti-CTLA-4 antibody. Furthermore, we demonstrate that CXCL10 upregulation and an MC signature at the site of melanomas are biomarkers for better patient survival. These findings provide conclusive evidence for a "Trojan horse treatment strategy" in which the plasticity of cancer-resident immune cells, such as MCs, is used as a target to boost tumor immune defense.
Post-critical pedagogy as poetic practice: combining affirmative and critical vocabularies
2019-10-02

Currently, the repetition of a critical way of speaking results in a stagnating tendency in educational debates. This had led to the endeavour of developing a 'post-critical pedagogy'. This paper employs Rortyan and Latourian language in order to tackle the question of how such a post-critical pedagogy should deal with critique. It argues that if one takes critique as what Latour calls a debunking activity, then post-critical pedagogy should leave critique behind. If however critique means simply to say how something should not be, then post-critical pedagogy should remain critical. In addition, however, there is a need for enriching the critical vocabulary with more affirmative language. For accomplishing this need, in contrast to recent suggestions to go back to ontology, the paper suggests that new propositions developed by literary theorists like Sedgwick and Felski are more promising. All these arguments are framed by Rorty's notion of philosophy as cultural politics.
Pivotal role of PDK1 in megakaryocyte cytoskeletal dynamics and polarization during platelet biogenesis
2019-10-02

The investigators explore the role of PDK1 (phosphoinositide-dependent protein kinase 1) in the cytoskeletal regulation of platelet production and furnish new insights into megakaryocyte maturation and proplatelet formation.
Proteome-scale discovery of protein interactions with residue-level resolution using sequence coevolution
2019-10-02

Abstract The majority of protein interactions in most organisms are unknown, and experimental methods for determining protein interactions can yield divergent results. Here we use an orthogonal, purely computational method based on sequence coevolution to discover protein interactions at large scale. In the model organism Escherichia coli , 53% of protein pairs in the proteome are eligible for our method given currently available sequenced genomes. When assaying the entire cell envelope proteome, which is understudied due to experimental challenges, we found 620 likely interactions and their predicted structures, increasing the space of known interactions by 529. Our results show that genomic sequencing data can be used to predict and resolve protein interactions to atomic resolution at large scale. Predictions and code are freely available at https://marks.hms.harvard.edu/ecolicomplex and https://github.com/debbiemarkslab/EVcouplings
Glutamate in Salience Network Predicts BOLD Response in Default Mode Network During Salience Processing
2019-10-02

During picture processing, the extent of deactivation in the Posterior Cingulate Cortex (PCC) was attenuated by two different salience attributions: sexual content and unexpectedness of emotional content. Our results indicate that stimulus inherent salience induces an attenuation of the deactivation in PCC, which is in turn balanced by higher level of glutamate in the dACC.
Decision confidence: EEG correlates of confidence in different phases of an old/new recognition task
2019-10-02

We use an old-new recognition memory task to investigate the correlates of high and low decision confidence throughout all stages of the memory process. Group-level ERP analysis and single-trial and single-subject classification are performed on four stages of the task (information encoding, retrieval, old/new decision formation, and evaluative feedback processing). The study shows that decision confidence is significantly reflected on a group, as well as on a single-trial basis, in all investigated stages at the neural level, except during encoding. The most pronounced differences between high and low confidence can be found in the ERPs during feedback presentation after a correct answer, whereas almost no differences can be found following a wrong answers. In the feedback stage, the two levels of confidence can be separated with classification accuracies of up to 70 % on average, therefore showing potential to be used as a control state in a BCI application.