julilili42/papers huggingface dataset:
Application of a Deep Learning Algorithm for Combined Super-Resolution and Partial Fourier Reconstruction Including Time Reduction in T1-Weighted Precontrast and Postcontrast Gradient Echo Imaging of Abdominopelvic MR Imaging
2022-09-29

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to test the technical feasibility and the impact on the image quality of a deep learning-based super-resolution reconstruction algorithm in 1.5 T abdominopelvic MR imaging. Methods: 44 patients who underwent abdominopelvic MRI were retrospectively included, of which 4 had to be subsequently excluded. After the acquisition of the conventional volume interpolated breath-hold examination (VIBEStd), images underwent postprocessing, using a deep learning-based iterative denoising super-resolution reconstruction algorithm for partial Fourier acquisitions (VIBESR). Image analysis of 40 patients with a mean age of 56 years (range 18–84 years) was performed qualitatively by two radiologists independently using a Likert scale ranging from 1 to 5, where 5 was considered the best rating. Results: Image analysis showed an improvement of image quality, noise, sharpness of the organs and lymph nodes, and sharpness of the intestine for pre- and postcontrast images in VIBESR compared to VIBEStd (each p &lt; 0.001). Lesion detectability was better for VIBESR (p &lt; 0.001), while there were no differences concerning the number of lesions. Average acquisition time was 16 s (±1) for the upper abdomen and 15 s (±1) for the pelvis for VIBEStd, and 15 s (±1) for the upper abdomen and 14 s (±1) for the pelvis for VIBESR. Conclusion: This study demonstrated the technical feasibility of a deep learning-based super-resolution algorithm including partial Fourier technique in abdominopelvic MR images and illustrated a significant improvement of image quality, noise, and sharpness while reducing TA.
f-mode imprints on gravitational waves from coalescing binaries involving aligned spinning neutron stars
2022-09-29

The excitation of -mode in a neutron star member of coalescing binaries accelerates the merger course, and thereby introduces a phase shift in the gravitational waveform. Emphasising on the tidal phase shift by aligned, rotating stars, we provide an accurate, yet economical, method to generate -mode-involved, pre-merger waveforms using realistic spin-modulated -mode frequencies for some viable equations of state. We find for slow-rotating stars that the dephasing effects of the dynamical tides can be uniquely, EOS-independently determined by the direct observables (chirp mass , symmetric ratio and the mutual tidal deformability ), while this universality is gradually lost for increasing spin. For binaries with fast rotating members ( ) the phase shift due to -mode will exceed the uncertainty in the waveform phase at reasonable signal-to-noise ( ) and cutoff frequency of . Assuming a high cutoff frequency of and fast ( ) members, a significant phase shift of rads has been found. For systems involving a rapidly-spinning star (potentially the secondary of GW190814), neglecting -mode effect in the waveform templates can therefore lead to considerable systemic errors in the relevant analysis. In particular, the dephasing due to -mode is larger than that caused by equilibrium tides by a factor of , which may lead to a considerably overestimated tidal deformability if dynamical tidal contribution is not accounted. The possibility of accompanying precursors flares due to -mode excitation is also discussed.
Signatures of a quantum stabilized fluctuating phase and critical dynamics in a kinetically constrained open many-body system with two absorbing states
2022-09-29

We introduce and investigate an open many-body quantum system in which\\nkinetically constrained coherent and dissipative processes compete. The form of\\nthe incoherent dissipative dynamics is inspired by that of epidemic spreading\\nor cellular-automaton-based computation related to the density-classification\\nproblem. It features two non-fluctuating absorbing states as well as a\\n -symmetric point in parameter space. The coherent evolution is\\ngoverned by a kinetically constrained -symmetric many-body\\nHamiltonian which is related to the quantum XOR-Fredrickson-Andersen model. We\\nshow that the quantum coherent dynamics can stabilize a fluctuating state and\\nwe characterize the transition between this active phase and the absorbing\\nstates. We also identify a rather peculiar behavior at the\\n -symmetric point. Here the system approaches the absorbing-state\\nmanifold with a dynamics that follows a power-law whose exponent continuously\\nvaries with the relative strength of the coherent dynamics. Our work shows how\\nthe interplay between coherent and dissipative processes as well as symmetry\\nconstraints may lead to a highly intricate non-equilibrium evolution and may\\nstabilize phases that are absent in related classical problems.\\n
Novel GATA1 Variant Causing a Bleeding Phenotype Associated with Combined Platelet α-/δ-Storage Pool Deficiency and Mild Dyserythropoiesis Modified by a SLC4A1 Variant
2022-09-29

Germline defects in the transcription factor GATA1 are known to cause dyserythropoiesis with(out) anemia and variable abnormalities in platelet count and function. However, damaging variants closely located to the C-terminal zinc finger domain of GATA1 are nearly unknown. In this study, a 36-year-old male index patient and his 4-year-old daughter suffered from moderate mucocutaneous bleeding diathesis since birth. Whole exome sequencing detected a novel hemizygous GATA1 missense variant, c.886A&gt;C p.T296P, located between the C-terminal zinc finger and the nuclear localization sequence with non-random X-chromosome inactivation in the heterozygous daughter. Blood smears from both patients demonstrated large platelet fractions and moderate thrombocytopenia in the index. Flow cytometry and electron microscopy analysis supported a combined α-/δ (AN-subtype)-storage pool deficiency as cause for impaired agonist-induced platelet aggregation (light transmission aggregometry) and granule exocytosis (flow cytometry). The absence of BCAM in the index (Lu(a-b-)) and its low expression in the daughter (Lu(a-b+)) confirmed a less obvious effect of defective GATA1 also on erythrocytes. Borderline anemia, elevated HbF levels, and differential transcription of GATA1-regulated genes indicated mild dyserythropoiesis in both patients. Furthermore, a mild SLC4A1 defect associated with a heterozygous SLC4A1 c.2210C&gt;T p.A737V variant maternally transmitted in the daughter may modify the disease to mild spherocytosis and hemolysis.
Hysteretic evolution of ice rises and ice rumples in response to variations in sea level
2022-09-29

Abstract. Ice rises and ice rumples are locally grounded features found in coastal Antarctica and are surrounded by otherwise freely floating ice shelves. An ice rise has an independent flow regime, whereas the flow regime of an ice rumple conforms to that of the ice shelf and merely slows the flow of ice. In both cases, local highs in the bathymetry are in contact with the ice shelf from below, thereby regulating the large-scale ice flow, with implications for the upstream continental grounding line position. This buttressing effect, paired with the suitability of ice rises as a climate archive, necessitates a better understanding of the transition between ice rise and ice rumple, their evolution in response to a change in sea level, and their dynamic interaction with the surrounding ice shelf. We investigate this behaviour using a three-dimensional full Stokes ice flow model with idealised ice rises and ice rumples. The simulations span end-member basal friction scenarios of almost stagnant and fully sliding ice at the ice–bed interface. We analyse the coupling with the surrounding ice shelf by comparing the deviations between the non-local full Stokes surface velocities and the local shallow ice approximation (SIA). Deviations are generally high at the ice divides and small on the lee sides. On the stoss side, where ice rise and ice shelf have opposing flow directions, deviations can be significant. Differences are negligible in the absence of basal sliding where the corresponding steady-state ice rise is larger and develops a fully independent flow regime that is well described by SIA. When sea level is increased, and a transition from ice rise to ice rumple is approached, the divide migration is more abrupt the higher the basal friction. In each scenario, the transition occurs after the stoss-side grounding line has moved over the bed high and is positioned on a retrograde slope. We identify a hysteretic response of ice rises and ice rumples to changes in sea level, with grounded area being larger in a sea-level-increase scenario than in a sea-level-decrease scenario. This hysteresis shows not only irreversibility following an equal increase and subsequent decrease in sea level but also that the perturbation history is important when the ice rise or ice rumple geometry is not known. The initial grounded area needs to be carefully considered, as this will determine the formation of either an ice rise or an ice rumple, thereby causing different buttressing effects.
Antimalarial treatment in infants
2022-09-29

Knowledge expansion to optimize treatment can be achieved by including more infants in antimalarial drug trials and by reporting separately on treatment outcomes in infants. Additional evidence on the efficacy, safety, tolerability, acceptability, and effectiveness of ACTs in infants is needed, as well as population pharmacokinetics studies on antimalarials in the infant population.
Gait decline while dual-tasking is an early sign of white matter deterioration in middle-aged and older adults
2022-09-29

Loss of white matter integrity (WMI) is associated with gait deficits in middle-aged and older adults. However, these deficits are often only apparent under cognitively demanding situations, such as walking and simultaneously performing a secondary cognitive task. Moreover, evidence suggests that declining executive functions (EF) are linked to gait decline, and their co-occurrence may point to a common underlying pathology, i.e., degeneration of shared brain regions. In this study, we applied diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and a standardized gait assessment under single- and dual-tasking (DT) conditions (walking and subtracting) in 74 middle-aged and older adults without any significant gait or cognitive impairments to detect subtle WM alterations associated with gait decline under DT conditions. Additionally, the Trail Making Test (TMT) was used to assess EF, classify participants into three groups based on their performance, and examine a possible interaction between gait, EF, and WMI. Gait speed and subtracting speed while dual-tasking correlated significantly with the fractional anisotropy (FA) in the bilateral anterior corona radiata (highest r = 0.51/ p &amp;lt; 0.0125 FWE-corrected). Dual-task costs (DTC) of gait speed correlated significantly with FA in widespread pathways, including the corpus callosum, bilateral anterior and superior corona radiata, as well as the left superior longitudinal fasciculus (highest r = −0.47/ p &amp;lt; 0.0125 FWE-corrected). EF performance was associated with FA in the left anterior corona radiata ( p &amp;lt; 0.05); however, EF did not significantly mediate the effects of WMI on DTC of gait speed. There were no significant correlations between TMT and DTC of gait and subtracting speed, respectively. Our findings indicate that gait decline under DT conditions is associated with widespread WM deterioration even in middle-aged and older adults without any significant gait or cognitive impairments. However, this relationship was not mediated by EF.
Cervimycin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Strains Display Vancomycin-Intermediate Resistant Phenotypes
2022-09-29

Staphylococcus aureus is a frequent cause of infections in both the community and hospital setting. Resistance development of S. aureus to various antibiotics is a severe problem for the treatment of this pathogen worldwide.
Liposomes as carriers of resveratrol and vitamin E: Evaluating ameliorative antioxidant effect using chemical and cellular test systems
2022-09-29

Abstract. Resveratrol (RES) in combination with antioxidant vitamins is reported to be more effective in protecting the cells from oxidative stress rather than any of these antioxidants alone. In continuation to our previous work using resveratrol and vitamin C, our main aim was to evaluate the antioxidant restorative effect using chemical and cellular test systems on resveratrol co-encapsulated vitamin E (VE) within liposomes. Z-average size was less than 135 nm, polydispersity index &lt; 0.3; zeta potential &gt; than ± 30 mV and encapsulation efficiency of RES and VE &gt; 90% and 79% respectively. Chemiluminescence measurement indicated that the antioxidative activity of RES could be increased when VE was additionally loaded into liposomes. Inhibition of AAPH induced luminol enhanced chemiluminescence displayed 90% improvement (P &lt; 0.001) in comparison to control; on the other hand 70% luminescence inhibition of ROS production in isolated blood leukocytes (P &lt; 0.001) was observed. Intracellular oxygen-derived radicals measured by flow cytometry using 2’-7’-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate demonstrated about 1.7 fold (P &lt; 0.05) and 1.5 fold (P &lt; 0.001) enhancement of radical scavenging activity in buffy coats under basal conditions and human umbilical vein endothelial cells after stimulation by H 2 O 2 respectively. The cellular systems evidenced the ability of liposome loaded antioxidants to scavenge ROS in the extra and intracellular space, confirming enhanced antioxidative effectivity of RES in the presence of VE, which did not occur in combination with vitamin C. Hence it might be possible to improve the antioxidative effectivity of RES by other/additional antioxidants.
Rich dynamics and functional organization on topographically designed neuronal networksin vitro
2022-09-29

SUMMARY Neuronal cultures are a prominent experimental tool to understand complex functional organization in neuronal assemblies. However, neurons grown on flat surfaces exhibit a strongly coherent bursting behavior with limited functionality. To approach the functional richness of naturally formed neuronal circuits, here we studied neuronal networks grown on polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) topographical patterns shaped as either parallel tracks or square valleys. We followed the evolution of spontaneous activity in these cultures along 20 days in vitro using fluorescence calcium imaging. The networks were characterized by rich spatiotemporal activity patterns that comprised from small regions of the culture to its whole extent. Effective connectivity analysis revealed the emergence of spatially compact functional modules that were associated to both the underpinned topographical features and predominant spatiotemporal activity fronts. Our results show the capacity of spatial constraints to mold activity and functional organization, bringing new opportunities to comprehend the structure-function relationship in living neuronal circuits.
Looking at the Laboratory Discussion: Course Modality Choice and Student Performance in Organic Chemistry
2022-09-29

In the sciences, the laboratory is one of the most impactful spaces for student learning, engagement, and experience. Prior knowledge gleaned during lecture and laboratory discussion (i.e., a course section designed to further emphasize conceptual content underlying experiments and inform students about laboratory procedures or safety precautions) acts to supplement laboratory performance. With the recent increase in offering traditionally face-to-face courses in remote formats, many educators in the field of organic chemistry have opted to offer online laboratory discussion (LD) sections alongside more traditional face-to-face laboratory discussions. However, research on enrollment in laboratory discussions by modality, as well as their impact on subsequent course performance, is lacking. Conducting a logistic regression analysis, we found that females, students who identified as Black or African American, those with greater average ACT-SAT equivalency scores, and those students who completed organic chemistry LD online in the prior term all had greater odds of enrolling in an online organic chemistry LD course in subsequent academic terms. Additional hierarchical regression analyses indicated that many student- and academic-level factors were predictive of laboratory performance. Notably, when controlling student-level and academic-level characteristics, laboratory performance was higher for students who completed LD online compared to students who enrolled in face-to-face LDs. This study has important implications for students as they uptake courses in online settings and faculty as they decide what portions of their courses to offer remotely.
Acidic ascites inhibits ovarian cancer cell proliferation and correlates with the metabolomic, lipidomic and inflammatory phenotype of human patients
2022-09-29

<title>Abstract</title> Background The poor prognosis of ovarian cancer patients is strongly related to peritoneal metastasis with the production of malignant ascites. However, it remains largely unclear how ascites in the peritoneal cavity influences tumor metabolism and recurrence. This study is an explorative approach aimed at for a deeper molecular and physical-chemical characterization of malignant ascites and to investigate their effect on in vitro ovarian cancer cell proliferation. Methods This study included 10 malignant ascites specimens from patients undergoing ovarian cancer resection. Ascites samples were deeply phenotyped by <sup>1</sup>H-NMR based metabolomics, gas flow analysis and a 13-plex cytokine panel. Characteristics of tumor cells were investigated in a 3D spheroid model by metabolic activity, adhesion, anti-apoptosis, migratory ability adhesion assay, flowcytometry and scratch assay. The effect of different pH values was assessed by adding 10% malignant ascites to the test samples. Results The overall extracellular (peritoneal) environment was alkaline, with pH of ascites at stage II-III = 7.51 ± 0.16, and stage IV = 7.78 ± 0.16. Ovarian cancer spheroids grew rapidly in a slightly alkaline environment. Decreasing pH of the cell culture medium suppressed tumor features, metabolic activity, adhesion, anti-apoptosis, and migratory ability. However, 10% ascites could prevent tumor cells from being affected by acidic pH. Metabolomics analysis identified stage IV patients had significantly higher concentrations of alanine, isoleucine, phenylalanine, and glutamine than stage II-III patients, while stage II-III patients had significantly higher concentrations of 3-hydroxybutyrate. Various positive and negative correlations were observed between physical-chemical parameters, polar/lipid metabolites, and cytokines. Conclusion Malignant ascites facilitated ovarian cancer progression. Additionally, deep ascites phenotyping by metabolomics and cytokine investigations allows for a refined stratification of ovarian cancer patients.
HBMIRT: A SAS Macro for Estimating Uni- and Multidimensional 1- and 2-Parameter Item Response Models in Small (and Large!) Samples (R1)
2022-09-29

Item response theory (IRT) has evolved as a standard psychometric approach in recent years, in particular for test construction based on dichotomous (i.e., true/false) items. Unfortunately, large samples are typically needed for item refinement in unidimensional models and even more so in the multidimensional case. However, Bayesian IRT approaches with hierarchical priors have recently been shown to be promising for estimating even complex models in small samples. Still, it may be challenging for applied researchers to set up such IRT models in general purpose or specialized statistical computer programs. Therefore, we developed a user-friendly tool – a SAS macro called HBMIRT – that allows to estimate uni- and multidimensional IRT models with dichotomous items. We explain the capabilities and features of the macro and demonstrate the particular advantages of the implemented hierarchical priors in rather small samples over weakly informative priors and traditional maximum likelihood estimation with the help of a simulation study. The macro can also be used with the online version of SAS OnDemand for Academics that is freely accessible for academic researchers.
Predicting clinical phenotypes of metachromatic leukodystrophy based on the arylsulfatase A activity and the ARSA genotype? – Chances and challenges
2022-09-30

ARSA activity in leukocytes as well as the ARSA genotype can predict the age of disease onset and the dynamic of disease progression for most of the early onset forms. This knowledge is relevant for patient counseling and to guide treatment decisions, especially when identifying pre-symptomatic individuals, e.g., in newborn screening. However, due to the high cumulative frequency of rare disease-causing missense variants in the ARSA gene that lead to highly variable residual enzyme activity, reiterated biochemical and genetic studies are needed to improve disease course prediction.
Successful treatment of adult Dravet syndrome patients with cenobamate
2022-09-30

Abstract Dravet syndrome (DS) is a rare, drug‐resistant, severe developmental and epileptic encephalopathy caused by pathogenic variants in the α subunit of the voltage‐gated sodium channel gene SCN1A . Hyperexcitability in DS results from loss of function in inhibitory interneurons. Thus sodium channel blockers are usually contraindicated in patients with DS as they may lead to disease aggravation. Cenobamate (CNB) is a novel antiseizure medication (ASM) with promising rates of seizure freedom in patients with focal‐onset, drug‐resistant epilepsy. CNB blocks persistent sodium currents by promoting the inactive states of sodium channels. In a multi‐center study, we analyzed retrospectively the effect of an add‐on therapy of CNB in adult patients with DS. We report four adult patients with DS in whom the use of CNB resulted in a significant seizure reduction of more than 80%, with a follow‐up of up to 542 days. CNB was the first drug in these patients that resulted in a long‐lasting and significant seizure reduction. No severe adverse events occurred. We highlight CNB as an ASM that may lead to a clinically meaningful reduction of seizure frequency in adult patients with DS. It is unclear, however, if all patients with DS benefit, requiring further investigation and functional experiments.
Infrastructures of globalisation. Shifts in global order and Europe’s strategic choices
2022-09-30

In the emerging triad competition between the US, China and the EU, the control over infrastructures is increasingly contested. This paper asks how this conflict of connectivity influences the EU’s infrastructure policy and what specific factors play a role when translating these global shifts into strategies. We develop a political-economic perspective that highlights the relevance of infrastructures for capitalist production and the pattern of dependencies between actors. Viewing the triad competition in infrastructural terms, we argue that the EU is in the process of becoming a geopolitically and geoeconomically oriented infrastructural policy actor. Two cases in the field of high-tech infrastructure are studied more deeply: the EU’s development of the satellite navigation system Galileo and its strategy on 5G. They show that – despite the EU’s geoeconomic approach – the particular mode of global competition in combination with internal political factors can hinder the translation of geoeconomic ambitions into specific policies.