julilili42/papers huggingface dataset:
Influences on Attitudes Regarding COVID-19 Vaccination in Germany
2022-04-22

Trust in institutions and democracy may be a major contributor to the willingness to be vaccinated. We investigated these factors and others with regard to COVID-19 vaccine uptake in Germany. Even though effective vaccination is a major contributor to slowing down the current pandemic, vaccine hesitancy remains a major challenge. To analyze attitudes toward vaccine hesitancy, a web-based cross-sectional survey was used to understand and describe the influences of attitudes about vaccination against COVID-19 in the German population. A descriptive analysis for the entire dataset was carried out, and multiple proportional odds regression, path model, and structural equation modeling (SEM) were subsequently used to analyze any relationship between latent variables and COVID-19 vaccine acceptance. In total, 1092 responses from across Germany were analyzed. SEM modeling revealed that trust in institutions, trust in non-pharmaceutical interventions, and various demographic factors were associated with intent to vaccinate. Descriptive analysis and multiple proportional odds regression confirmed that a history of influenza vaccination and level of satisfaction with democratic institutions were highly predictive (p &lt; 0.05) for COVID-19 vaccine acceptance. Additionally, social determinants of health such as gender, age, number of children in the family, and the degree of satisfaction with life were also predictors (p &lt; 0.05) for COVID-19 vaccine acceptance. Results also demonstrated a significant relationship between receiving the flu vaccine and acceptance of the COVID-19 vaccination. Governments that provide COVID-19 vaccines and control messaging should strive for trust and transparency to maximize vaccine uptake. Government-based vaccine measures should also involve measures to communicate trust in democratic and scientific institutions.
Does error-driven learning occur in the absence of cues? Examination of the effects of updating connection weights to absent cues
2022-04-22

The Rescorla-Wagner model has seen widespread success in modelling not only its original target of animal learning, but also several areas of human learning. However, despite its success, a number of studies with humans have found effects that are not predicted by the model, thus inspiring proposals for modifications to the model. One such proposal, by Van Hamme and Wasserman (1994, VHW), is that humans not only learn from present cues to all (present and absent) outcomes, as in the original model, but also learn from the absence of cues. They found evidence for this hypothesis in a causal rating experiment. However, behaviour in learning studies may depend on the task. We propose that error-driven learning should be considered to be a form of implicit learning and that the results of VHW’s contingency judgement task might stem from explicit strategies involving logic and reasoning. The present study investigates this question by a) running simulations with both the original and modified versions of the model; b) replicating the VHW experiment (Experiment 1); and c) extending the experiment with new stimuli and a post-test of learned and unseen stimuli (Experiment 2). Simulations show that the VHW modified model predicts that cues learnt at the beginning will be unlearnt when absent over the following blocks, so that they become negative predictors over time. In contrast, the original RW predicts that the absent cues remain steady (positive) predictors over the blocks. Results showed no significant difference in cue assignment between training and test, in line with the original RW model. Moreover, predictive cues in the training phase showed significantly higher ratings than a new cue introduced in the test phase, at least in some cases, also partially supporting the original RW. The results suggest that when an overt response is required to absent cues, participants adjust ratings. But in later blocks when no response was required, there did not appear to be learning from the absent cues. We propose that in the development of human learning theory, attention should be paid to whether the behaviour (or other learning data) to be modelled results from implicit learning or involves higher level cognitive processes. We suggest that the RW may best capture implicit error-driven learning.
How to Make Sense out of 75,000 Mesenchymal Stromal Cell Publications?
2022-04-22

Mesenchymal stromal cells have been the subject of an expanding number of studies over the past decades. Today, over 75,000 publications are available that shine light on the biological properties and therapeutic effects of these versatile cells in numerous pre-clinical models and early-phase clinical trials. The massive number of papers makes it hard for researchers to comprehend the whole field, and furthermore, they give the impression that mesenchymal stromal cells are wonder cells that are curative for any condition. It is becoming increasingly difficult to dissect how and for what conditions mesenchymal stromal cells exhibit true and reproducible therapeutic effects. This article tries to address the question how to make sense of 75,000, and still counting, publications on mesenchymal stromal cells.
Accelerated MRI at 9.4 T with electronically modulated time‐varying receive sensitivities
2022-04-22

Purpose To investigate how electronically modulated time‐varying receive sensitivities can improve parallel imaging reconstruction at ultra‐high field. Methods Receive sensitivity modulation was achieved by introducing PIN diodes in the receive loops, which allow rapid switching of capacitances in both arms of each loop coil and by that alter B 1 − profiles, resulting in two distinct receive sensitivity configurations. A prototype 8‐channel reconfigurable receive coil for human head imaging at 9.4T was built, and MR measurements were performed in both phantom and human subject. A modified SENSE reconstruction for time‐varying sensitivities was formulated, and g‐factor calculations were performed to investigate how modulation of receive sensitivity profiles during image encoding can improve parallel imaging reconstruction. The optimized modulation pattern was realized experimentally, and reconstructions with the time‐varying sensitivities were compared with conventional static SENSE reconstructions. Results The g‐factor calculations showed that fast modulation of receive sensitivities in the order of the ADC dwell time during k‐space acquisition can improve parallel imaging performance, as this effectively makes spatial information of both configurations simultaneously available for image encoding. This was confirmed by in vivo measurements, for which lower reconstruction errors (SSIM = 0.81 for acceleration R = 4) and g‐factors (max g = 2.4; R = 4) were observed for the case of rapidly switched sensitivities compared to conventional reconstruction with static sensitivities (SSIM = 0.74 and max g = 3.2; R = 4). As the method relies on the short RF wavelength at ultra‐high field, it does not yield significant benefits at 3T and below. Conclusions Time‐varying receive sensitivities can be achieved by inserting PIN diodes in the receive loop coils, which allow modulation of B 1 − patterns. This offers an additional degree of freedom for image encoding, with the potential for improved parallel imaging performance at ultra‐high field.
No Differences in Value-Based Decision-Making Due to Use of Oral Contraceptives
2022-04-22

Fluctuating ovarian hormones have been shown to affect decision-making processes in women. While emerging evidence suggests effects of endogenous ovarian hormones such as estradiol and progesterone on value-based decision-making in women, the impact of exogenous synthetic hormones, as in most oral contraceptives, is not clear. In a between-subjects design, we assessed measures of value-based decision-making in three groups of women aged 18 to 29 years, during (1) active oral contraceptive intake (N = 22), (2) the early follicular phase of the natural menstrual cycle (N = 20), and (3) the periovulatory phase of the natural menstrual cycle (N = 20). Estradiol, progesterone, testosterone, and sex-hormone binding globulin levels were assessed in all groups via blood samples. We used a test battery which measured different facets of value-based decision-making: delay discounting, risk-aversion, risk-seeking, and loss aversion. While hormonal levels did show the expected patterns for the three groups, there were no differences in value-based decision-making parameters. Consequently, Bayes factors showed conclusive evidence in support of the null hypothesis. We conclude that women on oral contraceptives show no differences in value-based decision-making compared to the early follicular and periovulatory natural menstrual cycle phases.
Cocaine and COVID-19 in ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction
2022-04-22

Both COVID-19 disease and cocaine consumption have prothrombotic and hypercoagulable effects and are associated with increased risk of cardiovascular events. We report the case of a patient with acute myocardial infarction in the setting of active COVID-19 disease and recent cocaine consumption. We hypothesize that COVID-19 and cocaine synergistically provoke cardiovascular events. Identifying COVID-19 disease and/or cocaine abuse as potential triggers of acute myocardial infarction can be crucial due to distinctive therapeutic consequences.
The Balearic Islands in ‘Island Encyclopaedias’, 700 BCE–1700 CE: An historical and archaeological assessment of island knowledge production with suggestions for future research
2022-04-22

Historical ‘island encyclopaedias’ (isolarii, islarios, ‘de insulis’) and their predecessors (Nesiotikà, peripli) were predominately written by authors of the Mediterranean region from the 7th century BCE to the 17th century CE. In this article, we first present an overview of these sources geared towards an Island Studies readership and next consider two main questions: First, how was knowledge about islands produced in the past? And second, can these historical sources motivate new questions for future research? The Balearic Islands have been selected to investigate these questions due to their long history of settlements and trade networks, which prompted their inclusion in many encyclopaedias. In addition, local archaeological and historical sources permit a comparison of emic and etic perspectives. Topics of analysis include descriptions of geography, cultural customs and resource use (including oil, wine, animals, salt, and freshwater), each selected with a view to future comparative studies.
The Current Role of Peptide Receptor Radionuclide Therapy in Meningiomas
2022-04-23

Meningiomas are the most common primary intracranial tumors. The majority of patients can be cured by surgery, or tumor growth can be stabilized by radiation. However, the management of recurrent and more aggressive tumors remains difficult because no established alternative treatment options exist. Therefore, innovative therapeutic approaches are needed. Studies have shown that meningiomas express somatostatin receptors. It is well known from treating neuroendocrine tumors that peptide radioreceptor therapy that targets somatostatin receptors can be effective. As yet, this therapy has been used for treating meningiomas only within individual curative trials. However, small case series and studies have demonstrated stabilization of the disease. Therefore, we see potential for optimizing this therapeutic option through the development of new substances and specific adaptations to the different meningioma subtypes. The current review provides an overview of this topic.
Autologous Human Immunocompetent White Adipose Tissue‐on‐Chip
2022-04-24

Abstract Obesity and associated diseases, such as diabetes, have reached epidemic proportions globally. In this era of “diabesity”, white adipose tissue (WAT) has become a target of high interest for therapeutic strategies. To gain insights into mechanisms of adipose (patho‐)physiology, researchers traditionally relied on animal models. Leveraging Organ‐on‐Chip technology, a microphysiological in vitro model of human WAT is introduced: a tailored microfluidic platform featuring vasculature‐like perfusion that integrates 3D tissues comprising all major WAT‐associated cellular components (mature adipocytes, organotypic endothelial barriers, stromovascular cells including adipose tissue macrophages) in an autologous manner and recapitulates pivotal WAT functions, such as energy storage and mobilization as well as endocrine and immunomodulatory activities. A precisely controllable bottom‐up approach enables the generation of a multitude of replicates per donor circumventing inter‐donor variability issues and paving the way for personalized medicine. Moreover, it allows to adjust the model's degree of complexity via a flexible mix‐and‐match approach. This WAT‐on‐Chip system constitutes the first human‐based, autologous, and immunocompetent in vitro adipose tissue model that recapitulates almost full tissue heterogeneity and can become a powerful tool for human‐relevant research in the field of metabolism and its associated diseases as well as for compound testing and personalized‐ and precision medicine applications.
Molecular Effects of Biogenic Zinc Nanoparticles on the Growth and Development of Brassica napus L. Revealed by Proteomics and Transcriptomics
2022-04-25

Plants are indispensable on earth and their improvement in terms of food security is a need of time. The current study has been designed to investigate how biogenic zinc nanoparticles (Zn NPs) can improve the growth and development of Brassica napus L. In this study, Zn NPs were synthesized utilizing Mentha arvensis aqueous extracts, and their morphological and optical properties were assessed using UV-Visible spectrophotometry, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The synthesized Zn NPs were irregular in shape, indicating aggregation in pattern, with an average particle size of 30 nm, while XRD analysis revealed the crystalline structure of nanoparticles. The growth and development of B. napus varieties (Faisal canola and Shiralee) were assessed after foliar treatments with different concentrations of biogenic Zn NPs. In B. napus varieties, exposure to 15 mg/L Zn NPs dramatically increased chlorophyll, carotenoid content, and biomass accumulation. Similarly, proteomic analyses, on the other hand, revealed that proteins associated with photosynthesis, transport, glycolysis, and stress response in both Brassica varieties were substantially altered. Such exposure to Zn NPs, differential expression of genes associated with photosynthesis, ribosome structural constituents, and oxidative stress response were considerably upregulated in B. napus var. (Faisal and Shiralee canola). The results of this study revealed that foliar applications of biogenic Zn NPs influence the transcriptome and protein profiling positively, therefore stimulating plant growth and development.
Polarized climate change beliefs: No evidence for science literacy driving motivated reasoning in a U.S. national study.
2022-04-25

A substantial literature shows that public polarization over climate change in the U.S. is most pronounced among the science literate. A dominant explanation for this phenomenon is that science literacy amplifies motivated reasoning, the tendency to interpret evidence such that it confirms prior beliefs. The present study tests the biasing account of science literacy in a study among the U.S. population that investigated both interpretation of climate change evidence and repeated belief-updating. Results replicated the typical correlational pattern of political polarization as a function of science literacy. However, results delivered little support for the core causal claim of the biasing account-that science literacy drives motivated reasoning. Hence, these results speak against a mechanism whereby science literacy driving motivated reasoning could explain polarized climate change beliefs among the science literate. This study adds to our growing understanding of the role of science literacy for public beliefs about contested science. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved).
Intermittent Visual Occlusions Increase Balance Training Effectiveness
2022-04-25

Improving dynamic balance can prevent falls in humans with neurological and mechanical deficits. Dynamic balance requires the neural integration of multisensory information to constantly assess the state of body mechanics. Prior research found that intermittent visual rotations improved balance training during walking on a narrow beam, but limitations from the immersive virtual reality headset hindered balance training effectiveness overall. We theorized that intermittent visual occlusions with electrically controlled liquid crystal glasses would overcome the previous limitations of the immersive virtual reality headset and provide a means to enhance dynamic balance training efficacy. Forty healthy young individuals walked on a treadmill-mounted balance beam for 30 min (20 subjects with intermittent visual occlusions and 20 subjects with unperturbed vision). Balance performance, in number of step-offs of the beam, improved by 78% for the visual occlusions group on the same day of the training, a near fourfold improvement compared to the 21% improvement for the unperturbed vision group ( t (38) = –5.2, p &amp;lt; 0.001). The difference between groups was also apparent 2 weeks later testing for retention (60% improvement for the visual occlusions group, 5% for the unperturbed vision group; t (38) = –4.2, p &amp;lt; 0.001). Intermittent visual occlusions are likely a simple method for enhancing balance training in dynamic motor tasks.
Development of an ischemic fracture healing model in mice
2022-04-25

Background and purpose: In fracture healing, ischemia caused by vascular injuries, chronic vascular diseases, and metabolic comorbidities is one of the major risk factors for delayed union and non-union formation. To gain novel insights into the molecular and cellular pathology of ischemic fracture healing, appropriate animal models are needed. Murine models are of particular interest, as they allow to study the molecular aspects of fracture healing due to the availability of both a large number of murine antibodies and gene-targeted animals. Thus, we present the development of an ischemic fracture healing model in mice.Material and methods: After inducing a mild ischemia by double ligature of the deep femoral artery in CD-1 mice, the ipsilateral femur was fractured by a 3-point bending device and stabilized by screw osteosynthesis. In control animals, the femur was fractured and stabilized without the induction of ischemia. The femora were analyzed at 2 and 5 weeks after fracture healing by means of radiology, biomechanics, histology, and histomorphometry.Results: The surgically induced ischemia delayed and impaired the process of fracture healing. This was indicated by a lower Goldberg score, decreased bending stiffness, and reduced bone callus formation in the ischemic animals when compared with the controls.Interpretation: We introduce a novel ischemic femoral fracture healing model in mice, which is characterized by delayed bone healing. In future, the use of this model may allow both the elucidation of the molecular aspects of ischemic fracture healing and the study of novel treatment strategies.
Understanding the Phonetic Characteristics of Speech Under Uncertainty—Implications of the Representation of Linguistic Knowledge in Learning and Processing
2022-04-25

The uncertainty associated with paradigmatic families has been shown to correlate with their phonetic characteristics in speech, suggesting that representations of complex sublexical relations between words are part of speaker knowledge. To better understand this, recent studies have used two-layer neural network models to examine the way paradigmatic uncertainty emerges in learning. However, to date this work has largely ignored the way choices about the representation of inflectional and grammatical functions (IFS) in models strongly influence what they subsequently learn. To explore the consequences of this, we investigate how representations of IFS in the input-output structures of learning models affect the capacity of uncertainty estimates derived from them to account for phonetic variability in speech. Specifically, we examine whether IFS are best represented as outputs to neural networks (as in previous studies) or as inputs by building models that embody both choices and examining their capacity to account for uncertainty effects in the formant trajectories of word final [ɐ], which in German discriminates around sixty different IFS. Overall, we find that formants are enhanced as the uncertainty associated with IFS decreases. This result dovetails with a growing number of studies of morphological and inflectional families that have shown that enhancement is associated with lower uncertainty in context. Importantly, we also find that in models where IFS serve as inputs—as our theoretical analysis suggests they ought to—its uncertainty measures provide better fits to the empirical variance observed in [ɐ] formants than models where IFS serve as outputs. This supports our suggestion that IFS serve as cognitive cues during speech production, and should be treated as such in modeling. It is also consistent with the idea that when IFS serve as inputs to a learning network. This maintains the distinction between those parts of the network that represent message and those that represent signal. We conclude by describing how maintaining a “signal-message-uncertainty distinction” can allow us to reconcile a range of apparently contradictory findings about the relationship between articulation and uncertainty in context.
Raman Microspectroscopy Identifies Biochemical Activation Fingerprints in THP-1- and PBMC-Derived Macrophages
2022-04-25

(1) The monocytic leukemia cell line THP-1 and primary monocyte-derived macrophages (MDMs) are popular in vitro model systems to study human innate immunity, wound healing, and tissue regeneration. However, both cell types differ significantly in their origin and response to activation stimuli. (2) Resting THP-1 and MDMs were stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and interferon γ (IFNγ) and analyzed by Raman microspectroscopy (RM) before and 48 h after activation. Raman data were subsequently analyzed using principal component analysis. (3) We were able to resolve and analyze the spatial distribution and molecular composition of proteins, nucleic acids, and lipids in resting and activated THP-1 and MDMs. Our findings reveal that proinflammatory activation-induced significant spectral alterations at protein and phospholipid levels in THP-1. In MDMs, we identified that nucleic acid and non-membrane-associated intracellular lipid composition were also affected. (4) Our results show that it is crucial to carefully choose the right cell type for an in vitro model as the nature of the cells itself may impact immune cell polarization or activation results. Moreover, we demonstrated that RM is a sensitive tool for investigating cell-specific responses to activation stimuli and monitoring molecular changes in subcellular structures.