julilili42/papers huggingface dataset:
Agropastoral and dietary practices of the northern Levant facing Late Holocene climate and environmental change: Isotopic analysis of plants, animals and humans from Bronze to Iron Age Tell Tweini
2024-06-12

One of the largest isotopic datasets of the ancient Eastern Mediterranean region is evaluated, based on plants (n = 410), animals (n = 210) and humans (n = 16) from Tell Tweini (Syria). Diachronic analysis of plant and faunal specimens from four main periods of occupation: Early Bronze Age (2600–2000 BC), Middle Bronze Age (2000–1600 BC), Late Bronze Age (1600–1200 BC) and Iron Age (1200–333 BC) were investigated. Mean Δ 13 C results from seven plant species reveal emmer and free threshing wheat, olives, bitter vetch, rye grass and barley were adequately or well-watered during all periods of occupation. The grape Δ 13 C results suggest excellent growing conditions and particular care for its cultivation. The δ 15 N results indicate that especially the emmer and free threshing wheats received some manure inputs throughout the occupation sequence, while these were likely further increased during the Iron Age, encompassing also the olive groves and grape vineyards. Generally, domestic animals (cattle, sheep, goats) had C 3 terrestrial diets and were kept together in similar environments. However, some animals consumed significant amounts of marine or C 4 plants, possibly from disturbed habitats due to land use pressure or salt tolerant grasses and shrubs from wetland environments, which were recorded in the direct vicinity of the site. Middle Bronze Age humans consumed a C 3 terrestrial diet with no measurable input from C 4 , freshwater or marine protein sources. Interestingly, the human diet was relatively low in animal protein and appears comparable to what is considered today a typical Mediterranean diet consisting of bread (wheat/barley), olives, grapes, pulses, dairy products and small amounts of meat. The combined isotopic analysis of plants, animals and humans from Tell Tweini represents unbroken links in the food chain which create unparalleled opportunities to enhance our current understanding of environmental conditions, climate change and lifeways in past populations from the Eastern Mediterranean.
Evaluating time to withdrawal of anti-cancer drug indications that received FDA’s accelerated approval
2024-06-12

Journal Article Accepted manuscript Evaluating time to withdrawal of anti-Cancer drug indications that received FDA's accelerated approval Get access Hayase Hakariya, Hayase Hakariya Interfaculty Institute of Biochemistry, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, 72076, GermanyInstitute for Pharmaceutical and Social Health Sciences, Japan To whom correspondence may be addressed. Hayase Hakariya, Ph.D., Interfaculty Institute of Biochemistry, University of Tuebingen, 72076 Tuebingen, Germany, TEL: +49 7071 29 75377. Email: hayase.hakariya@uni-tuebingen.de, haya.pha3@gmail.com (H.H.) https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9121-4551 Search for other works by this author on: Oxford Academic PubMed Google Scholar Akihiko Ozaki, Akihiko Ozaki Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Jyoban Hospital of Tokiwa Foundation, Iwaki, Fukushima, 972-8322, Japan https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4415-9657 Search for other works by this author on: Oxford Academic PubMed Google Scholar Shai Mulinari, Shai Mulinari Department of Sociology, Lund University, Lund, Sweden Search for other works by this author on: Oxford Academic PubMed Google Scholar Frank Moriarty, Frank Moriarty School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9838-3625 Search for other works by this author on: Oxford Academic PubMed Google Scholar Tetsuya Tanimoto Tetsuya Tanimoto Navitas Clinic, Tokyo, 190-0023, Japan https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9818-8587 Search for other works by this author on: Oxford Academic PubMed Google Scholar QJM: An International Journal of Medicine, hcae115, https://doi.org/10.1093/qjmed/hcae115 Published: 12 June 2024 Article history Received: 04 June 2024 Published: 12 June 2024
Learning to Read Connections—Sensitivity to Collocation Frequency Links Vocabulary Size and Reading Comprehension in Middle Childhood
2024-06-12

Abstract The collocation frequency of words in the language environment contributes to early vocabulary development. Vocabulary size, in turn, predicts children's reading comprehension skills later in development. Both collocation frequency and reading comprehension have been connected to inferential reasoning at different time points in development. Here, it was hypothesized that 8‐year‐old children's ( N = 147; 76 female) sensitivity to collocation frequency would be related to vocabulary size and reading comprehension skills of varying complexity. Participants completed an auditory thematic judgment task to assess their sensitivity to collocation frequency (response accuracy or speed). In the task, children were presented with a short sentence containing a reference word (e.g., “John sees the cloud.”) and asked to judge which of two subsequent words best fit the sentence (e.g., “rain” or “lip”). Semantic relatedness between reference words and test words was operationalized in three levels (strong, weak, and distant) based on a corpus‐based analysis of collocation frequency. Multilevel and mediation analyses confirmed that thematic judgment responses were related to corpus‐based measures of collocation frequency and were associated with vocabulary size and reading comprehension skills at the sentence and text level. Furthermore, thematic judgment predicted vocabulary size and reading comprehension when the relation of decoding and reading comprehension was taken into account. The study highlights sensitivity to collocation frequency as a link between early language comprehension development (i.e., lexical retrieval and inferential reasoning) and reading comprehension in middle childhood. It also integrates theoretical approaches from computational network or distributional semantics studies and behavioral experimental studies.
cblearn: Comparison-based Machine Learning inPython
2024-06-12

The cblearn package implements comparison-based machine learning algorithms and routines to process comparison-based data in Python.Comparison-based learning algorithms are used when only comparisons of similarity between data points are available, but no explicit similarity scores or features.For example, humans struggle to assign numeric similarities to apples, pears, and bananas.Still, they can easily compare the similarity of pears and apples with the similarity of apples and bananas-pears and apples usually appear more similar.There exist comparison-based algorithms for most machine learning tasks, like clustering, regression, or classification (e.g.,
Global health for rare diseases through primary care
2024-06-13

Rare diseases affect over 300 million people worldwide and are gaining recognition as a global health priority. Their inclusion in the UN Sustainable Development Goals, the UN Resolution on Addressing the Challenges of Persons Living with a Rare Disease, and the anticipated WHO Global Network for Rare Diseases and WHO Resolution on Rare Diseases, which is yet to be announced, emphasise their significance. People with rare diseases often face unmet health needs, including access to screening, diagnosis, therapy, and comprehensive health care. These challenges highlight the need for awareness and targeted interventions, including comprehensive education, especially in primary care. The majority of rare disease research, clinical services, and health systems are addressed with specialist care. WHO Member States have committed to focusing on primary health care in both universal health coverage and health-related Sustainable Development Goals. Recognising this opportunity, the International Rare Diseases Research Consortium (IRDiRC) assembled a global, multistakeholder task force to identify key barriers and opportunities for empowering primary health-care providers in addressing rare disease challenges.
Out-of-plane Emission Dipole of Second Harmonic Generation in Odd- and Even-layered vdWs Janus Nb3SeI7
2024-06-13

Integration of atomically thin nonlinear optical (NLO) devices demands an out-of-plane (OP) emission dipole of second harmonic generation (SHG) to enhance the spontaneous emission for nanophotonics. However, the research on van der Waals (vdWs) materials with an OP emission dipole of SHG is still in its infancy. Here, by coupling back focal plane (BFP) imaging with numerical simulations and density functional theory (DFT) calculations, we demonstrate that vdWs Janus Nb<sub>3</sub>SeI<sub>7</sub>, ranging from bulk to the monolayer limit, exhibits a dominant OP emission dipole of SHG owing to the breaking of the OP symmetry. Explicitly, even-layered Nb<sub>3</sub>SeI<sub>7</sub> with <i>C</i><sub>6v</sub> symmetry is predicted to exhibit a pure OP emission dipole attributed to the only second-order susceptibility coefficient χ<sub>zxx</sub>. Meanwhile, although odd-layered Nb<sub>3</sub>SeI<sub>7</sub> with <i>C</i><sub>3v</sub> symmetry has both OP and IP dipole components (χ<sub>zxx</sub> and χ<sub>yyy</sub>), the value of χ<sub>zxx</sub> is 1 order of magnitude greater than that of χ<sub>yyy</sub>, leading to an approximate OP emission dipole of SHG. Moreover, the crystal symmetry and OP emission dipole can be preserved under hydrostatic pressure, accompanied by the enhanced χ<sub>zxx</sub> and the resulting 3-fold increase in SHG intensity. The reported stable OP dipole in 2D vdWs Nb<sub>3</sub>SeI<sub>7</sub> can facilitate the rapid development of chip-integrated NLO devices.
Continuous arterial blood pressure indices and early hematoma expansion in patients with spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage
2024-06-13

Objective: Blood pressure variability (BPV) and its potential association with early hematoma expansion (HE) in intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) remains to be fully elucidated. Our study explores the potential link between BPV within the first 24 h after admission and HE in ICH. Methods: In a prospective cohort single-center study, we analyzed consecutive patients with spontaneous ICH. Continuous BP data via an arterial line extracted from the Intellispace Critical Care and Anesthesia information system (Philips Healthcare) were analyzed over 0–2, 0–8, 0–12, and 0–24 h intervals post-admission. BPV was assessed through successive variability (SV), standard deviation (SD), and coefficient of variation (CV) using all available BP measurements. Early HE was defined as an absolute [≥ 6 ml] or relative [≥ 33 %] increase in ICH volume on 24-hours follow-up brain imaging. Secondary endpoints were the influence of BP on admission and other potential risk factors for HE. Results: Among 305 ICH-patients (mean age ± SD 70.1 ± 14.9 years, 47.9 % female, median NIHSS 6 (3, 13), median ICH score 1 (1, 2)), 41 (13.4 %) experienced HE. HE-patients had higher NIHSS (p = 0.015), ICH-score (p = 0.005), ICH volume (p < 0.001) and higher pre-anticoagulation treatment (p = 0.004) on admission. There was no difference in BPV comparing ICH-patients with HE to those without. However, patients with HE had significantly lower diastolic BP (76.6 ± 14.8 vs. 86.3 ± 19.7 mmHg, p = 0.005) and MAP (103.2 ± 22.4 vs. 112.2 ± 22.6, p = 0.027) on admission. This pattern of lower diastolic BP persisted across the first 24 h. Logistic regression revealed larger ICH volume and pre-existing anticoagulation as significant predictors of HE, with higher initial diastolic BP reducing HE risk. Hemorrhages ≥ 30 cm3 showed significantly lower initial diastolic BP, MAP, and BPV across all time frames compared to ICH < 30 cm3. Conclusions: BPV within the first 24 h was not associated with HE. Lower diastolic BP on admission, anticoagulation use, and larger ICH volume are potential predictors for HE. However, larger hemorrhage size (>30 cm3) experienced lower absolute BP and BPV indices and worse clinical outcomes. These findings suggest a nuanced relationship between BP dynamics and ICH severity, underscoring the need for individualized BP management in acute ICH care. Further research is necessary to explore these relationships and optimize treatment strategies.
Silver Decoration of Vertically Aligned MoS2-MoOx Nanosheets: A Comprehensive XPS Investigation
2024-06-13

This study investigates the simultaneous decoration of vertically aligned molybdenum disulfide nanostructure (VA-MoS2) with Ag nanoparticles (NPs) and nitrogen functionalization. Nitrogen functionalization was achieved through physical vapor deposition (PVD) DC-magnetron sputtering using nitrogen as a reactive gas, aiming to induce p-type behavior in MoS2. The utilization of reactive sputtering resulted in the growth of three-dimensional silver structures on the surface of MoS2, promoting the formation of silver nanoparticles. A comprehensive characterization was conducted to assess surface modifications and analyze chemical and structural changes. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) showed the presence of silver on the MoS2 surface. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) confirmed successful decoration with silver nanoparticles, showing that deposition time affects the size and distribution of the silver on the MoS2 surface.
From Stem to Spectrum: Phytochemical Characterization of Five Equisetum Species and Evaluation of Their Antioxidant Potential
2024-06-13

The Equisetaceae family, commonly known as horsetails, has been of scientific interest for decades due to its status as one of the most ancient extant vascular plant families. Notably, the corresponding species have found their place in traditional medicine, offering a wide array of applications. This study presents a comprehensive phytochemical analysis of polar secondary metabolites within the sterile stems of five distinct Equisetum species using HPLC–DAD-ESI-MSn. For this purpose, fresh plant material was extracted with acetone/water, and the resulting crude extracts were fractionated using dichloromethane, ethyl acetate, and n-butanol, respectively. The results reveal a complex array of compounds, including hydroxycinnamic acids, hydroxybenzoic acids, flavonoids, and other phenolic compounds. In addition, total phenolic contents (Folin–Ciocalteu assay) and antioxidant activities (DPPH assay) of the plant extracts were evaluated using spectrophotometric methods. The present comparative analysis across the five species highlights both shared and species-specific metabolites, providing valuable insights into their chemical diversity and potential pharmacological properties.
A narrative review of Master’s programs in midwifery across selected OECD countries: Organizational aspects, competence goals and learning outcomes
2024-06-13

Shifting midwifery education to a university level is of great importance for healthcare systems worldwide by preparing graduates for current and future challenges. Some of them referring to management, research and teaching tasks as well as advanced practitioner roles, require competences that can only be acquired in a Master's program. The objectives of this narrative review are to outline the differences and commonalities of organizational aspects of Master's programs in selected OECD countries and to point out the competence goals and learning outcomes they are based on. Fifteen Master's programs in twelve OECD countries were identified and analyzed. Considering the organizational characteristics, differences are found in admission requirements and qualification levels, while similarities relate to the awarded title (MSc). All programs aim to develop abilities for research to advance midwifery practice. Leadership and management abilities are addressed through effective teamwork and communication. The programs' aims are to develop abilities for midwifery education tasks. Whereas competence goals mostly align across the programs, they are addressed differently through various learning outcomes. Development and enhancement of Master's programs in midwifery are needed by focusing on core elements, such as common competence goals. It is equally important to adapt them to national healthcare and educational systems.
Measuring the Shape, Stiffness, and Interface Tension of Droplets with the Scanning Ion Conductance Microscope
2024-06-13

Imaging and probing liquid-liquid interfaces at the micro- and nanoscale are of high relevance, for example, in materials science, surface chemistry, and microfluidics. However, existing imaging techniques are limited in resolution, average over large sample areas, or interact with the sample. Here, we present a method to quantify the shape, stiffness, and interface tension of liquid droplets with the scanning ion conductance microscope (SICM), providing submicrometer resolution and the ability to perform noncontact mechanical measurements. We show that we can accurately image the three-dimensional shape of micrometer-sized liquid droplets made of, for example, decane, hexane, or different oils. We then introduce numerical models to quantitatively obtain their stiffness and interface tension from SICM data. We verified our method by measuring the interface tension of decane droplets changing under the influence of surfactants at different concentrations. Finally, we use SICM to resolve the dissolution dynamics of decane droplets, showing that droplet shape exhibits different dissolution modes and stiffness continuously increases while the interface tension remains constant. We thereby demonstrate that SICM is a useful method to investigate liquid-liquid interfaces on the microscale with applications in materials or life sciences.
Decoding movie content from neuronal population activity in the human medial temporal lobe
2024-06-13

Abstract The human medial temporal lobe (MTL), a region implicated in memory and high-level cognition, contains neurons that respond selectively to stimuli belonging to specific categories, such as individual people, landmarks, or objects. However, these neurons have been largely studied via static, isolated presentations of stimuli. Therefore, it is unclear how neurons in the MTL respond to rich stimuli such as movies, and which dynamical stimulus features can be retrieved from neuronal population spiking activity. We studied single-unit responses from 2286 neurons recorded from the amygdala, hippocampus, entorhinal cortex, and parahippocampal cortex of 29 intracranially implanted patients during the presentation of an 83-minute movie. We found only a few individual neurons that exhibited a classic selective response to semantic features. However, we successfully decoded the presence of characters, settings, and visual transitions from neuronal population activity. The information relevant for decoding varies across regions depending on the feature category, as visual transitions could be decoded from subsets of neurons with selective responses, whereas character and location features relied on distributed representations. Our results demonstrate an approach for reliably decoding movie features in the human MTL, and suggest that the brain uses a population code when representing character and location features.
Juxtacellular recordings from identified neurons in the mouse locus coeruleus
2024-06-13

Abstract The locus coeruleus (LC) is the primary source of noradrenergic transmission in the mammalian central nervous system. This small pontine nucleus consists of a densely packed nuclear core—which contains the highest density of noradrenergic neurons—embedded within a heterogeneous surround of non‐noradrenergic cells. This local heterogeneity, together with the small size of the LC, has made it particularly difficult to infer noradrenergic cell identity based on extracellular sampling of in vivo spiking activity. Moreover, the relatively high cell density, background activity and synchronicity of LC neurons have made spike identification and unit isolation notoriously challenging. In this study, we aimed at bridging these gaps by performing juxtacellular recordings from single identified neurons within the mouse LC complex. We found that noradrenergic neurons (identified by tyrosine hydroxylase, TH, expression; TH‐positive) and intermingled putatively non‐noradrenergic (TH‐negative) cells displayed similar morphologies and responded to foot shock stimuli with excitatory responses; however, on average, TH‐positive neurons exhibited more prominent foot shock responses and post‐activation firing suppression. The two cell classes also displayed different spontaneous firing rates, spike waveforms and temporal spiking properties. A logistic regression classifier trained on spontaneous electrophysiological features could separate the two cell classes with 76% accuracy. Altogether, our results reveal in vivo electrophysiological correlates of TH‐positive neurons, which can be useful for refining current approaches for the classification of LC unit activity.
Projective measurements can probe nonclassical work extraction and time correlations
2024-06-14

Quantum correlation functions are a natural way to encode multitime information, as they are ubiquitous in analysis from fluctuation theorems to information scrambling. Correlation functions can be identified with quasiprobabilities associated to quantum processes. In this work we show how these can be measured via error-cancellation techniques, using projective measurements only and no ancillae. The scheme is implemented in a nitrogen-vacancy center in diamond undergoing a unitary quantum work protocol. We reconstruct quantum-mechanical time correlations encoded in the Margenau-Hills quasiprobabilities by observing work extraction peaks five times those of sequential projective energy measurement schemes and in violation of newly derived stochastic bounds. We interpret the phenomenon via anomalous energy exchanges due to the underlying negativity of the quasiprobability distribution. Published by the American Physical Society 2024
“Your Thoughts are (were) Free!“: Brain-Computer-Interfaces, Neurofeedback, Detection of Deception, and the Future of Mind-Reading
2024-06-14

Abstract This review describes the historical developement and rationale of clinically relevant research on neurophysiological „mind reading“ paradims: Brain- Computer-Interfaces, detection of deception, brain stimulation and neurofeedback and the clinical applications in drug resistant epilepsy, chronic stroke, and communication with paralyzed locked-in persons. The emphasis lies on completely locked-in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis using non-invasive and invasive brain computer interfaces and neurofeedback to restore verbal communication with the social environment. In the second part of the article we argue that success and failure of neurophysiological „mind reading“ paradigms may be explained with a motor theory of thinking and emotion in combination with learning theory. The ethical implications of brain computer interface and neurofeedback approaches, particularly for severe chronic paralysis and loss of communication diseases and decisions on hastened death and euthanasia are discussed.