julilili42/papers huggingface dataset:
Detecting age-related changes in skeletal muscle mechanics using ultrasound shear wave elastography
2023-11-16

Abstract Aging leads to a decline in muscle mass and force-generating capacity. Ultrasound shear wave elastography (SWE) is a non-invasive method to capture age-related muscular adaptation. This study assessed biceps brachii muscle (BB) mechanics, hypothesizing that shear elastic modulus reflects (i) passive muscle force increase imposed by length change, (ii) activation-dependent mechanical changes, and (iii) differences between older and younger individuals. Fourteen healthy volunteers aged 60–80 participated. Shear elastic modulus, surface electromyography, and elbow torque were measured at five elbow positions in passive and active states. Data collected from young adults aged 20–40 were compared. The BB passive shear elastic modulus increased from flexion to extension, with the older group exhibiting up to 52.58% higher values. Maximum elbow flexion torque decreased in extended positions, with the older group 23.67% weaker. Significant effects of elbow angle, activity level, and age on total and active shear elastic modulus were found during submaximal contractions. The older group had 20.25% lower active shear elastic modulus at 25% maximum voluntary contraction. SWE effectively quantified passive and activation-dependent BB mechanics, detecting age-related alterations at rest and during low-level activities. These findings suggest shear elastic modulus as a promising biomarker for identifying altered muscle mechanics in aging.
Nutrimetric Validation of Solanidine as Dietary‐Derived CYP2D6 Activity Marker In Vivo
2023-11-16

CYP2D6 is involved in the metabolism of many drugs. Its activity is affected by pharmacogenetic variability leading to highly polymorphic phenotypes between individuals, affecting safety and efficacy of drugs. Recently, solanidine, a steroidal alkaloid from potatoes, and its metabolites, has been identified as a dietary‐derived activity marker for CYP2D6. The intraday variability in plasma within individuals has not been studied yet in healthy subjects. As part of a CYP phenotyping cocktail study with 20 healthy participants, plasma concentrations of solanidine, 4‐OH‐solanidine and 3,4‐secosolanidine‐3,4‐dioic acid (SSDA) were determined using a sensitive liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometry method in urine and in plasma at timepoints 0, 2.5, 5, 8, and 24 hours after intake of test substances. The participants were phenotyped for CYP2D6 with oral metoprolol (12.5 mg) with 15 plasma sampling points over 24 hours (DRKS00028922). Metabolic ratios (MRs) of metabolite to parent plasma concentrations were formed from single timepoints and the area under the curve (AUC). All participants were genotyped for CYP2D6. The intra‐individual variability of the CYP2D6 metabolite SSDA was highly stable with a median SD of 11.62% over 24 hours. MR SSDA/solanidine was more variable (median SD 31.90%) but correlated significantly at all measured timepoints with AUC MR α‐OH‐metoprolol/metoprolol. The AUC MR SSDA/solanidine showed a significant linear relationship with the genetically predicted CYP2D6 activity score. This study substantiates the MR SSDA/solanidine as CYP2D6 activity marker. The high correlation with metoprolol MR indicates a valid prediction of the CYP2D6 phenotype at any timepoint during the study day.
To read or not to read? Motives for reading negative COVID-19 news.
2023-11-16

People were confronted with a barrage of negative news during the COVID-19 crisis. This study investigated how anticipated psychological impact predicted decisions to read personalized and factual COVID-19 news. First, participants chose, based on headlines, whether they wanted to read news articles (or not). Then, all headlines were rated on a set of motivational dimensions. In order to test confirmatory hypotheses, the data were divided into an exploration (<i>n</i> = 398) and validation data set (<i>n</i> = 399). Using multilevel modeling, we found robust support for four preregistered hypotheses: Choice for negative COVID-19 news was positively predicted by (a) personal versus factual news; (b) the anticipated amount of knowledge acquisition; (c) the anticipated relevance to one's own personal situation; and (d) participant's sense of moral duty. Moreover, exploratory findings suggested a positive relationship between headline choice and anticipated compassion, a negative relationship with anticipated inappropriateness and gratitude, and a quadratic relationship with anticipated strength of feelings. These results support the idea that negative content offers informational value, both in terms of understanding negative events and in terms of preparing for these events. Furthermore, engagement with negative content can be motivated by moral values. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).
Color characterization of infrared two-photon vision
2023-11-16

Humans have the ability to perceive pulsed near-infrared (NIR) light as visible light with about half the wavelength through a process known as two-photon (2P) absorption. Although it has been known for several decades, color perception in 2P vision remains uncharacterized. In this study, we conducted color matching experiments between pulsed NIR light and continuous visible light. We investigated seven NIR wavelengths ranging from 880 to 1100 nm, along with three radiant power values at the pupil plane, varying from 10 to 30 μW. Through these experiments, we obtained chromatic coordinates, chromaticity diagrams, dominant wavelengths, and average spectra. We found a pronounced correlation between perceived hue and wavelength, with hues shifting from reddish purple at 880 nm to blue, green, and yellowish green at 1100 nm. Moreover, we observed a relationship between hue and power for the wavelengths closer to the visible end of the spectrum. This phenomenon appears to be a consequence of the intensity-dependent ratio between the single photon (1P) and 2P absorption efficiencies of the visual pigments.
How can we be moved by magic?
2023-11-16

Abstract When engaging with magic, we are moved by seemingly impossible events that contradict what we believe to be possible in the real world. We are surprised, curious, and baffled when we cannot explain how the magic we are witnessing is possible. We generally understand the events to be illusions. But how is it possible to be moved by something we know to be unreal? This problem is related to the paradox of fiction in aesthetics. Here, we introduce the problem in the domain of theatrical magic, discuss possible solutions, and present a tentative account that allows us to accommodate inconsistent, seemingly incompatible beliefs at different representational levels in the viewers’ mind.
Burden of sequelae and healthcare resource utilization in the first year of life in infants born with congenital cytomegalovirus (cCMV) infection in Germany: A retrospective statutory health insurance claims database analysis
2023-11-16

Background Congenital cytomegalovirus (cCMV) infection can have a broad range of manifestations. This study aimed to assess cCMV-associated sequelae and healthcare resource utilization (HCRU) in infants during the first year of life in Germany. Methods A retrospective, controlled cohort study using German claims data from the Institute for Applied Health Research Berlin (InGef) database was conducted. cCMV-associated sequelae and HCRU during the first year of life were assessed by matching (1:60) infants with at least one inpatient/outpatient cCMV diagnosis (ICD-10-GM: P35.1) ≤90 days after birth (cCMV 90 cohort) and infants with at least one inpatient cCMV diagnosis plus specific sequelae ≤21 days after birth (cCMV 21-S ) to infants without cCMV or CMV (ICD-10-GM: B25) diagnosis (control group), respectively. Outcomes were analyzed during the first 365 days of life. Results Between 2014–2018, we identified 54 newborns for cCMV 90 and 24 newborns for cCMV 21-S cohort. Compared to the 3,240 and 1,440 controls, respectively, more cCMV 90 infants (83.3% vs. 41.9%, p&lt;0.01) presented with at least one sequela during the first year of life, including intrauterine growth retardation (42.6% vs. 5.3%, p&lt;0.01), sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) to deafness (38.9% vs. 2.2%, p&lt;0.01), and motor development disorders (33.3% vs. 10.9%, p&lt;0.01). Further, 13.0% of cCMV 90 infants (vs. 2.3%, p&lt;0.01) suffered from visual impairment. In cCMV 21-S cohort, intrauterine growth retardation (79.2% vs. 6.0%, p&lt;0.01), prematurity (54.2% vs. 7.3%, p&lt;0.01), and motor development disorders (50.0% vs. 11.0%, p&lt;0.01) were the most frequent sequelae. Infants in the cCMV 90 and cCMV 21-S cohort had, on average, 7.3 times and 9.5 times more hospitalizations and 2.0 times and 2.1 times more outpatient physician visits than their respective controls (p&lt;0.01). Hospitalized infants with cCMV stayed, on average, significantly longer in hospital compared to their controls (cCMV 90 cohort: 30.3 days vs. 9.0 days, p&lt;0.01; cCMV 21-S cohort: 46.5 days vs. 9.3 days, p&lt;0.01). Conclusions cCMV-infection shows a considerable disease and healthcare burden during the first year of life. More than 80% of the identified newborns with cCMV suffered from at least one associated sequela during the first year of life, including long-term sequelae such as SNHL (40%) and visual impairment (13%). Additional steps for prevention of cCMV infection and associated sequelae as well as a comprehensive monitoring of disease burden are needed.
Regulation of Immune Checkpoint Antigen CD276 (B7-H3) on Human Placenta-Derived Mesenchymal Stromal Cells in GMP-Compliant Cell Culture Media
2023-11-16

Therapies utilizing autologous mesenchymal cell delivery are being investigated as anti-inflammatory and regenerative treatments for a broad spectrum of age-related diseases, as well as various chronic and acute pathological conditions. Easily available allogeneic full-term human placenta mesenchymal stromal cells (pMSCs) were used as a potential pro-regenerative, cell-based therapy in degenerative diseases, which could be applied also to elderly individuals. To explore the potential of allogeneic pMSCs transplantation for pro-regenerative applications, such cells were isolated from five different term-placentas, obtained from the dissected maternal, endometrial (mpMSCs), and fetal chorion tissues (fpMSCs), respectively. The proliferation rate of the cells in the culture, as well as their shape, in vitro differentiation potential, and the expression of mesenchymal lineage and stem cell markers, were investigated. Moreover, we studied the expression of immune checkpoint antigen CD276 as a possible modulation of the rejection of transplanted non-HLA-matched homologous or even xeno-transplanted pMSCs. The expression of the cell surface markers was also explored in parallel in the cryosections of the relevant intact placenta tissue samples. The expansion of pMSCs in a clinical-grade medium complemented with 5% human platelet lysate and 5% human serum induced a significant expression of CD276 when compared to mpMSCs expanded in a commercial medium. We suggest that the expansion of mpMSCs, especially in a medium containing platelet lysate, elevated the expression of the immune-regulatory cell surface marker CD276. This may contribute to the immune tolerance towards allogeneic pMSC transplantations in clinical situations and even in xenogenic animal models of human diseases. The endurance of the injected comparably young human-term pMSCs may promote prolonged effects in clinical applications employing non-HLA-matched allogeneic cell therapy for various degenerative disorders, especially in aged adults.
Qualifying System F-sub
2023-11-16

Type qualifiers offer a lightweight mechanism for enriching existing type systems to enforce additional, desirable, program invariants. They do so by offering a restricted but effective form of subtyping. While the theory of type qualifiers is well understood and present in many programming languages today, polymorphism over type qualifiers is an area that is less examined. We explore how such a polymorphic system could arise by constructing a calculus System F&lt;:Q which combines the higher-rank bounded polymorphism of System F&lt;: with the theory of type qualifiers. We explore how the ideas used to construct System F&lt;:Q can be reused in situations where type qualifiers naturally arise -- in reference immutability, function colouring, and capture checking. Finally, we re-examine other qualifier systems in the literature in light of the observations presented while developing System F&lt;:Q.
The Influence of Endogenous and Exogenous Sex Steroid Hormones and Social Hierarchy on Decision- Making: A Systematic Review
2023-11-16

Abstract Purpose : Decision-making is a complex process that factors like hormone concentration and social hierarchy can influence. The study underlines the complex interplay between hormones and social hierarchies in decision-making and the important need to consider both to understand the variety of the decision-making process. Method : The present systematic review summarizes and compares included studies that investigate the effect of sex steroid hormones (testosterone, estradiol, and progesterone) on decision-making (risky, uncertain, and social decision-making), and social hierarchy, as well as the effect of hormones and social hierarchy on decision-making. Result : The substantial evidence suggests testosterone's influence on decision-making shows gender-related variations. Endogenous testosterone isn't associated with uncertain choices, but Endogenous and exogenous testosterone correlates with riskier decisions, particularly among males. However, a non-negligible proportion of behavioral experiments revealed an inverse or non-significant association. Also, individuals with higher testosterone levels rejected unfair offers. Also, findings showed that testosterone levels, both before and after administration, were linked to social status, and elevated testosterone correlated with improved performance and greater motivation for status competition, especially in males with lower, unstable status. Conclusion : This review demonstrates the main conclusions, containing findings, hypotheses, and future research recommendations.
Digital Truth-making Among the New Chinese Online Fandom Nationalists: Between Online Popular Culture and Political Participation
2023-11-16

In recent years, the rise of digital populist and/or nationalist movement and the post-truth phenomenon have affected the political landscapes of many countries, including China. This article focuses on how pop-cultural practices and practices of political participation intertwine in the digital truth-making process of Chinese online “fandom nationalists”. Using over one year of ethnographic mixed-methods data analysis following relevant hashtags and chat groups, I illustrate the truth-making practices of these online users and their clear preference for information with ideological affinities. I argue that the social media affordances allow Chinese online fandom nationalists to create various forms of strong synergies between pop-/fandom-cultural and political practices that provide an ideal ground for the propagation of certain political truths while simultaneously suppressing/hiding the truths of others.
Eryptosis: a driver of anemia in chronic kidney disease
2023-11-17

Purpose of review Anemia, characterized by a reduction in red blood cell (RBC) count or hemoglobin concentration, commonly accompanies chronic kidney disease (CKD), significantly impacting patients’ quality of life. This review delves into the multifaceted nature of anemia in CKD, with a focus on novel mechanisms, particularly the dysregulation of eryptosis or programmed cell death of RBCs, leading to shortened RBC lifespan. Recent findings Recent studies in CKD patients and mouse models revealed that eryptosis, driven by factors such as uremic toxins, inflammation, and imbalances in calcium homeostasis, plays a pivotal role in the development of renal anemia. Dysregulated eryptosis results in premature RBC destruction, exacerbating the hypoproliferative character of anemia in CKD. Summary Recognizing the intricate relationship between eryptosis and anemia in CKD opens promising prospects for improving patient outcomes and enhancing our understanding of this complex condition. Future research and therapeutic development in this area hold the potential to improve anemia treatment of CKD patients.
Effects of pH-dependent speciation on the photolytic degradation mechanism of phosphonates
2023-11-17

Phosphonates, commonly used as strong metal chelating agents in household and industrial products, partially persist through water treatment processes, releasing significant amounts into the environment and raise concerns about potential environmental impacts. This study investigated effects of pH-dependent speciation of phosphonates on their photolysis by a medium-pressure mercury lamp in aqueous solution under ambient air conditions. Different species of aminotrimethylphosphonic acid (ATMP), and its most important transformation products iminodimethylphosphonic acid (IDMP) and aminomethylphosphonic acid (AMPA) were analyzed by liquid chromatography in combination with isotope ratio (CSIA) and high resolution mass spectrometry. UV radiation (<320 nm) was required for the photolytic degradation of ATMP, IDMP, and AMPA, and their photolysis was influenced by pH-dependent speciation. Degradation rate constants of ATMP was affected by pH, but a direct correlation between kobs and pH was not found. In contrast, IDMP and AMPA exhibited a direct correlation between pH and kobs during photolysis. CSIA revealed an inverse carbon kinetic isotope effect (KIE) for ATMP, while a normal carbon KIE was observed for IDMP and AMPA. Quantum chemical calculations supported degradation pathway interpretation and KIE understanding. Energy barrier calculations distinguished N-C vs C-P bond cleavage, favoring N-C cleavage on average, consistent with observed transformation products. Further calculations, considering possible transition states, provide first promising hints for elucidation of present KIEs.
Shifting from ependyma to choroid plexus epithelium and the changing expressions of aquaporin‐1 and aquaporin‐4
2023-11-17

Abstract The cells of the choroid plexus (CP) epithelium are specialized ependymal cells (ECs) but have distinct properties. The CP cells and ECs form single‐cell sheets contiguous to each other at a transitional zone. The CP is underlined by a basal lamina and has barrier properties, whereas the ECs do not. The basal lamina of the CP is continuous with the glia limitans superficialis and, consequently, the CP stroma is continuous with the meninges along entering blood vessels. The CP has previously been reported to express aquaporin‐1 (AQP1) mostly apically, and ECs show mostly basolateral aquaporin‐4 (AQP4) expression. Recent evidence in various systems has shown that in changing conditions the expression and distribution of AQP4 can be modified, involving phosphorylation and calmodulin‐triggered translocation. Studies on the human CP revealed that AQP4 is also expressed in some CP cells, which is likely to be increased during ageing based on mouse data. Moreover, subependymal astrocytic processes in the ependyma–CP transition, forming a glial plate around blood vessels and facing the CP stroma, were strongly positive for AQP4. We propose that the increased AQP4 expression might be a compensatory mechanism for the observed reduction in CSF production in the ageing human brain. The high AQP4 density in the transition zone might facilitate the transport of water into and out of the CP stroma and serve as a drainage and clearing pathway for metabolites in the CNS. image
Information-theoretic analyses of neural data to minimize the effect of researchers’ assumptions in predictive coding studies
2023-11-17

Studies investigating neural information processing often implicitly ask both, which processing strategy out of several alternatives is used and how this strategy is implemented in neural dynamics. A prime example are studies on predictive coding. These often ask whether confirmed predictions about inputs or prediction errors between internal predictions and inputs are passed on in a hierarchical neural system—while at the same time looking for the neural correlates of coding for errors and predictions. If we do not know exactly what a neural system predicts at any given moment, this results in a circular analysis—as has been criticized correctly. To circumvent such circular analysis, we propose to express information processing strategies (such as predictive coding) by local information-theoretic quantities, such that they can be estimated directly from neural data. We demonstrate our approach by investigating two opposing accounts of predictive coding-like processing strategies, where we quantify the building blocks of predictive coding, namely predictability of inputs and transfer of information, by local active information storage and local transfer entropy. We define testable hypotheses on the relationship of both quantities, allowing us to identify which of the assumed strategies was used. We demonstrate our approach on spiking data collected from the retinogeniculate synapse of the cat ( N = 16). Applying our local information dynamics framework, we are able to show that the synapse codes for predictable rather than surprising input. To support our findings, we estimate quantities applied in the partial information decomposition framework, which allow to differentiate whether the transferred information is primarily bottom-up sensory input or information transferred conditionally on the current state of the synapse. Supporting our local information-theoretic results, we find that the synapse preferentially transfers bottom-up information.