julilili42/papers huggingface dataset:
Parental perspectives about information and deferred versus two-stage consent in studies of neonatal asphyxia
2023-08-30

Objective The ALBINO Trial ( NCT03162653 ) investigates effects of very early postnatal allopurinol on neurocognitive outcome following perinatal asphyxia where prenatal informed consent (IC) is impossible. Ethically and legally, waiver of consent and/or deferred consent (DC) is acceptable in such an emergency. Short oral/two-step consent (SOC, brief information and oral consent followed by IC) has recently been investigated. Methods Mixed-methods analysis of parental opinions on DC versus SOC in the context of neonatal asphyxia in a survey at two German centres. Prospective parents (ProP), parents of healthy newborns (PNeo) and parents of asphyxiated infants (PAx) born between 2006 and 2016 were invited. Results 108 of 422 parents participated (ProP:43; PNeo:35; PAx:30). Most parents trusted physicians, wanted preinterventional information and agreed that in emergencies interventions should begin immediately. Intergroup and intragroup variability existed for questions about DC and SOC. In the ALBINO Trial situation, 55% preferred SOC, and 26% reported DC without information might adversely affect their trust. Only 3% reported to potentially take legal action after DC. PAx were significantly more likely to support DC. PAx more frequently expressed positive emotions and appreciation for neonatal research. In open-ended questions, parents gave many constructive recommendations. Conclusion In this survey, parents expressed diverse opinions on consent, but the majority preferred SOC over DC. Parents who had experienced emergency admission of their asphyxiated neonates were more trusting. Obtaining parental perspectives is essential when designing studies, while being cognisant that these groups of parents may not represent the opinion of all parents.
Comparing dropout intentions of math students on trainee teacher courses versus bachelor of science courses using intensive longitudinal data
2023-08-30

In the past, high dropout rates of university math students have been recurrently observed, causing psychological and economic costs for individuals and society. In this article, we draw on prospective, intensive longitudinal data (ILD) collected at a large German university to examine the effects of stable inter-individual differences (e.g., general math competencies) and intra-individual changes (e.g., motivational states) on the intention to drop out of math studies, an important precursor for actual dropout. Given the ongoing discussion on whether student teachers differ from other types of students in their characteristics (e.g., with respect to cognitive abilities), we were particularly interested in differences in dropout intentions between first-year math B.Sc. and B.Ed. students, who attend the same introductory lectures. Using recent residual dynamic structural equation modeling techniques (RDSEM) we find that dropout intentions of math students in their first semester depend on both baseline characteristics and motivational changeable states which occur during the course. Furthermore, it is shown that B.Sc. and B.Ed. students differ regarding their intra-individual effects and have different trajectories of dropout intentions over time such that they cannot be assumed to be a homogeneous group. The results suggest that the two groups require differential treatment concerning the prevention of early dropouts.
Measuring the numerical viscosity in simulations of protoplanetary disks in Cartesian grids
2023-08-30

Context. Hydrodynamical simulations solve the governing equations on a discrete grid of space and time. This discretization causes numerical diffusion similar to a physical viscous diffusion, the magnitude of which is often unknown or poorly constrained. With the current trend of simulating accretion disks with no or very low prescribed physical viscosity, it has become essential to understand and quantify this inherent numerical diffusion in the form of a numerical viscosity. Aims. We study the behavior of the viscous spreading ring and the spiral instability that develops in it. We aim to use this setup to quantify the numerical viscosity in Cartesian grids and study its properties. Methods. We simulated the viscous spreading ring and the related instability on a two-dimensional polar grid using PLUTO as well as FARGO , ensuring the convergence of our results with a resolution study. We then repeated our models on a Cartesian grid and measured the numerical viscosity by comparing results to the known analytical solution using PLUTO and Athena++ . Results. We find that the numerical viscosity in a Cartesian grid scales with resolution as approximately v num ∝ Δ x 2 and is equivalent to an effective α ~ 10 −4 for a common numerical setup. We also showed that the spiral instability manifests as a single leading spiral throughout the whole domain on polar grids. This is contrary to previous results and indicates that sufficient resolution is necessary in order to correctly resolve the instability. Conclusions. Our results are relevant in the context of models where the origin should be included in the computational domain, or when polar grids cannot be used. Examples of such cases include models of disk accretion onto a central binary and, inherently, Cartesian codes.
Are there associations between hip geometry and bone quality? An analysis on 3074 adults from a general population
2023-08-30

Abstract Introduction Patients with reduced bone mineral density and altered hip geometry are susceptible for hip pathologies. Knowledge on associations between bone properties and hip geometric parameters might facilitate identification of patients at risk for hip pathologies. The aim of the present study was to identify associations of bone properties assessed by quantitative ultrasound (QUS) at the heel and hip geometric parameters like center-edge angle (CE), neck-shaft angle (NSA) and alpha angle. Materials and methods Hip geometric parameters (CE, NSA and alpha angle) of 3074 participants from the population-based Study of Health in Pomerania were assessed on magnetic resonance imaging. QUS was performed on both calcanei providing broadband ultrasound attenuation (BUA), speed of sound (SOS) and stiffness-index. Based on the stiffness-index the individual osteoporotic fracture risk (low, moderate or high) was determined. Associations between QUS-based and hip geometric parameters were calculated in linear regression models adjusted for age, sex, body height and weight. Interactions of QUS markers with age and sex on hip geometric parameters were tested. Results Significant inverse associations between BUA (β = − 0.068), SOS (β = − 0.024) as well as stiffness-index (β = − 0.056) and CE were present, while fracture risk was positively associated with CE (β for high = 1.28 and moderate = 2.54 vs. low fracture risk). Interactions between BUA and sex as well as between SOS and age were detected in the models for CE. Furthermore, there was an inverse relation between fracture risk and NSA that was restricted to the moderate risk (β for moderate vs. low fracture risk = − 0.60). There were no significant associations between QUS parameters and alpha angle. Conclusions In the general population, several associations between QUS-based bone properties or fracture risk and hip geometry are present. Less dysplastic hips had a lower stiffness-index and a higher fracture risk, whereas more valgus hips had a lower fracture risk.
A Newfound Hub of Global Democracy Promotion: Lithuania Playing to its Strengths
2023-08-30

After gaining membership in the European Union and NATO, models portraying Lithuania as a bridge between the East and the West, or a networked state uniting in-country nationals and global diaspora were put forth, while others even forecasted inevitable collapse in the face of a lack of a unified geopolitical program. In the light of this plethora of geopolitical visions, in 2000s Lithuania’s approach to its Eastern neighbors could have been described as “multivectoral.” While Lithuanian leaders outspokenly supported pro-democratic protests and European aspirations of the colored revolutions in Georgia and Ukraine, attempts to “restart” relations with Eastern European autocrats also ensued. However, the 2014 Russian annexation of Crimea really struck a chord, and the new chapter in the Russian war against Ukraine in February 2022 contributed to consolidation of a clear-cut Lithuanian geopolitical positionality. In the face of Russian aggression, squeezed between the Russian exclave of Kaliningrad and Russian partner-in-crime Belarus, Lithuania rebranded itself as an outpost of a global democratizing agenda and embraced a discourse of care vis-à-vis repressed Russian and Belarusian civil societies and Ukrainians fighting back for national survival. Echoing historical solidarity narratives of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, new-found Lithuanian agency also aims to reframe Russian aggression as a neo-colonial performance. This piece (1) explores how the unfolding war has constituted a “democratic outpost” identity espoused by the Lithuanian political elite and (2) links these shifts with increased Lithuanian agency in Euro-Atlantic structures and the unexpected attempts to rework itself as a hub of democracy promotion globally. Finally, (3) the contribution problematizes the “outpost Europe” idea by scrutinizing the telling silence on the creeping autocratization in Poland, and the implicit paternalism of the pro-democratic care targeting Russian, Belarusian civil societies, and the Ukrainian state.
Preliminary validation of the Klenico diagnostic software self-report module through comparison with the diagnostic gold standard in an outpatient routine clinical sample
2023-08-30

These preliminary results demonstrate the psychometric properties of the Klenico self-report module and imply that the Klenico system has high potential to improve the accuracy of diagnostic procedures in everyday clinical practice.
Cyclotron lines in highly magnetized neutron stars
2023-08-30

Cyclotron lines, also called cyclotron resonant scattering features are spectral features, generally appearing in absorption, in the X-ray spectra of objects containing highly magnetized neutron stars, allowing the direct measurement of the magnetic field strength in these objects. Cyclotron features are thought to be due to resonant scattering of photons by electrons in the strong magnetic fields. The main content of this contribution focusses on electron cyclotron lines as found in accreting X-ray binary pulsars (XRBP) with magnetic fields on the order of several 1012 Gauss. Also, possible proton cyclotron lines from single neutron stars with even stronger magnetic fields are briefly discussed. With regard to electron cyclotron lines, we present an updated list of XRBPs that show evidence of such absorption lines. The first such line was discovered in a 1976 balloon observation of the accreting binary pulsar Hercules X-1, it is considered to be the first direct measurement of the magnetic field of a neutron star. As of today (end 2018), we list 35 XRBPs showing evidence of one ore more electron cyclotron absorption line(s). A few have been measured only once and must be confirmed (several more objects are listed as candidates). In addition to the Tables of objects, we summarize the evidence of variability of the cyclotron line as a function of various parameters (especially pulse phase, luminosity and time), and add a discussion of the different observed phenomena and associated attempts of theoretical modeling. We also discuss our understanding of the underlying physics of accretion onto highly magnetized neutron stars. For proton cyclotron lines, we present tables with seven neutron stars and discuss their nature and the physics in these objects.
The First NuSTAR Observation of 4U 1538–522: Updated Orbital Ephemeris and a Strengthened Case for an Evolving Cyclotron Line Energy
2023-08-30

We have performed a comprehensive spectral and timing analysis of the first NuSTAR observation of the high-mass X-ray binary 4U 1538−522. The observation covers the X-ray eclipse of the source, plus the eclipse ingress and egress. We use the new measurement of the mid-eclipse time to update the orbital parameters of the system and find marginally significant evolution in the orbital period, with Porb / Porb= (-0.95 ± 0.37)* 10−6 yr−1. The cyclotron line energy is found to be approximately 1.2 keV higher than RXTE measurements from 1997 to 2003, in line with the increased energy observed by Suzaku in 2012 and strengthening the case for secular evolution of 4U 1538−522's CRSF. We additionally characterize the behavior of the iron fluorescence and emission lines and line-of-sight absorption as the source moves into and out of eclipse.
Birds multiplex spectral and temporal visual information via retinal On- and Off-channels
2023-08-31

Abstract In vertebrate vision, early retinal circuits divide incoming visual information into functionally opposite elementary signals: On and Off, transient and sustained, chromatic and achromatic. Together these signals can yield an efficient representation of the scene for transmission to the brain via the optic nerve. However, this long-standing interpretation of retinal function is based on mammals, and it is unclear whether this functional arrangement is common to all vertebrates. Here we show that male poultry chicks use a fundamentally different strategy to communicate information from the eye to the brain. Rather than using functionally opposite pairs of retinal output channels, chicks encode the polarity, timing, and spectral composition of visual stimuli in a highly correlated manner: fast achromatic information is encoded by Off-circuits, and slow chromatic information overwhelmingly by On-circuits. Moreover, most retinal output channels combine On- and Off-circuits to simultaneously encode, or multiplex, both achromatic and chromatic information. Our results from birds conform to evidence from fish, amphibians, and reptiles which retain the full ancestral complement of four spectral types of cone photoreceptors.
A Protocol for Organoids from the Urine of Bladder Cancer Patients
2023-08-31

This study investigates the feasibility of establishing urine-derived tumor organoids from bladder cancer (BC) patients as an alternative to tissue-derived organoids. BC is one of the most common cancers worldwide and current diagnostic methods involve invasive procedures. Here, we investigated the potential of using urine samples, which contain exfoliated tumor cells, to generate urine-derived BC organoids (uBCOs). Urine samples from 29 BC patients were collected and cells were isolated and cultured in a three-dimensional matrix. The establishment and primary expansion of uBCOs were successful in 83% of the specimens investigated. The culturing efficiency of uBCOs was comparable to cancer tissue-derived organoids. Immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence to characterize the uBCOs exhibited similar expressions of BC markers compared to the parental tumor. These findings suggest that urine-derived BC organoids hold promise as a non-invasive tool for studying BC and evaluating therapeutic responses. This approach could potentially minimize the need for invasive procedures and provide a platform for personalized drug screening. Further research in this area may lead to improved diagnostic and treatment strategies for BC patients.
SepT, a novel protein specific to multicellular cyanobacteria, influences peptidoglycan growth and septal nanopore formation in Anabaena sp. PCC 7120
2023-08-31

ABSTRACT Anabaena sp. PCC 7120 grows by forming filaments of communicating cells and is considered a paradigm of bacterial multicellularity. Molecular exchanges between contiguous cells in the filament take place through multiprotein channels that traverse the septal peptidoglycan through nanopores connecting their cytoplasms. Besides, the septal-junction complexes contribute to strengthen the filament. In search for proteins with coiled-coil domains that could provide for cytoskeletal functions in Anabaena , we identified SepT (All2460). SepT is characteristic of the phylogenetic clade of filamentous cyanobacteria with the ability to undergo cell differentiation. SepT-GFP fusions indicate that the protein is located at the cell periphery and, conspicuously, in the intercellular septa. During cell division, the protein is found at midcell resembling the position of the divisome. The bacterial adenylate cyclase two-hybrid analysis shows SepT interactions with itself and putative elongasome (MreB, RodA), divisome (FtsW, SepF, ZipN), and septal-junction (SepJ)-related proteins. Thus, SepT appears to rely on the divisome for localization at mature intercellular septa to form part of intercellular protein complexes. Two independently obtained mutants lacking SepT showed alterations in cell size and impaired septal and peripheral peptidoglycan incorporation during cell growth and division. Notably, both mutants showed conspicuous alterations in the array of nanopores present in the intercellular peptidoglycan disks, including aberrant nanopore morphology, number, and distribution. SepT appears, therefore, to be involved in the control of peptidoglycan growth and the formation of cell-cell communication structures that are at the basis of the multicellular character of this group of cyanobacteria. IMPORTANCE Multicellular organization is a requirement for the development of complex organisms, and filamentous cyanobacteria such as Anabaena represent a paradigmatic case of bacterial multicellularity. The Anabaena filament can include hundreds of communicated cells that exchange nutrients and regulators and, depending on environmental conditions, can include different cell types specialized in distinct biological functions. Hence, the specific features of the Anabaena filament and how they are propagated during cell division represent outstanding biological issues. Here, we studied SepT, a novel coiled-coil-rich protein of Anabaena that is located in the intercellular septa and influences the formation of the septal specialized structures that allow communication between neighboring cells along the filament, a fundamental trait for the performance of Anabaena as a multicellular organism.
Mobilizing Patient and Public Involvement in the Development of Real-World Digital Technology Solutions: Tutorial
2023-08-31

Although the value of patient and public involvement and engagement (PPIE) activities in the development of new interventions and tools is well known, little guidance exists on how to perform these activities in a meaningful way. This is particularly true within large research consortia that target multiple objectives, include multiple patient groups, and work across many countries. Without clear guidance, there is a risk that PPIE may not capture patient opinions and needs correctly, thereby reducing the usefulness and effectiveness of new tools. Mobilise-D is an example of a large research consortium that aims to develop new digital outcome measures for real-world walking in 4 patient cohorts. Mobility is an important indicator of physical health. As such, there is potential clinical value in being able to accurately measure a person’s mobility in their daily life environment to help researchers and clinicians better track changes and patterns in a person’s daily life and activities. To achieve this, there is a need to create new ways of measuring walking. Recent advancements in digital technology help researchers meet this need. However, before any new measure can be used, researchers, health care professionals, and regulators need to know that the digital method is accurate and both accepted by and produces meaningful outcomes for patients and clinicians. Therefore, this paper outlines how PPIE structures were developed in the Mobilise-D consortium, providing details about the steps taken to implement PPIE, the experiences PPIE contributors had within this process, the lessons learned from the experiences, and recommendations for others who may want to do similar work in the future. The work outlined in this paper provided the Mobilise-D consortium with a foundation from which future PPIE tasks can be created and managed with clearly defined collaboration between researchers and patient representatives across Europe. This paper provides guidance on the work required to set up PPIE structures within a large consortium to promote and support the creation of meaningful and efficient PPIE related to the development of digital mobility outcomes.
Eye movement evidence for the V1 Saliency Hypothesis and the Central-peripheral Dichotomy theory in an anomalous visual search task
2023-08-31

Typically, searching for a target among uniformly tilted non-targets is easier when this target is perpendicular, rather than parallel, to the non-targets. The V1 Saliency Hypothesis (V1SH) - that V1 creates a saliency map to guide attention exogenously - predicts exactly the opposite in a special case: each target or non-target is a pair of equally-sized disks, a homo-pair of two disks of the same color, black or white, or a hetero-pair of two disks of the opposite color; the inter-disk displacement defines its orientation. This prediction - parallel advantage - was supported by the finding that parallel targets require shorter reaction times (RTs) to report targets' locations. Furthermore, it is stronger for targets further from the center of search images, as predicted by the Central-peripheral Dichotomy (CPD) theory entailing that saliency effects are stronger in peripheral than in central vision. However, the parallel advantage could arise from a shorter time required to recognize - rather than to shift attention to - the parallel target. By gaze tracking, the present study confirms that the parallel advantage is solely due to the RTs for the gaze to reach the target. Furthermore, when the gaze is sufficiently far from the target during search, saccade to a parallel, rather than perpendicular, target is more likely, demonstrating the Central-peripheral Dichotomy more directly. Parallel advantage is stronger among observers encouraged to let their search be guided by spontaneous gaze shifts, which are presumably guided by bottom-up saliency rather than top-down factors.
Do linguistic stimuli activate experiential colour traces related to the entities they refer to and, if so, under what circumstances?
2023-08-31

The simulation view of language comprehension holds that lexical-semantic access prompts the re-enactment of sensorimotor experiences that regularly accompany word use. For the colour domain, this suggests that reading about a stop sign reactivates experiences involving the perception of the stop sign and hence experiences involving the colour red. However, it is still not clear what circumstances would limit reactivation of colour experiences during comprehension, if the activation takes place. To address this question, we varied in our study the conditions in which the target colour stimuli appeared. The experimental stimuli were individual words (Experiment (Exp.) 1, Exp. 7, 8) or sentences (Exp. 2–6) referring to objects with a typical colour of either green or red (e.g., cucumber or raspberry). Across experiments, we manipulated the presence of fillers (present or not), and whether fillers referred to objects with other colour (e.g., honey) or objects without any particular colour (e.g., car). The stimuli were presented along with two clickable “yes” and “no” buttons, one of which was red and the other green. Location and button colour varied from trial to trial. The tasks were lexical decision (Exp. 1, Exp. 7–8) and sensibility judgement (Exp. 2–6). We observed faster response times in the match vs mismatch condition in all word-based experiments, but only in those sentence-based experiments that did not have fillers. This suggests that comprehenders indeed reactivate colour experiences when processing linguistic stimuli referring to objects with a typical colour, but this activation seems to occur only under certain circumstances.