julilili42/papers huggingface dataset:
Early Imaging Prediction of Malignant Cerebellar Edema Development in Acute Ischemic Stroke
2017-07-08

Background and Purpose— Malignant cerebellar edema (MCE) is a life-threatening complication of acute ischemic stroke that requires timely diagnosis and management. Aim of this study was to identify imaging predictors in initial multiparametric computed tomography (CT), including whole-brain CT perfusion (WB-CTP). Methods— We consecutively selected all subjects with cerebellar ischemic WB-CTP deficits and follow-up–confirmed cerebellar infarction from an initial cohort of 2635 patients who had undergone multiparametric CT because of suspected stroke. Follow-up imaging was assessed for the presence of MCE, measured using an established 10-point scale, of which scores ≥4 are considered malignant. Posterior circulation–Acute Stroke Prognosis Early CT Score (pc-ASPECTS) was determined to assess ischemic changes on noncontrast CT, CT angiography (CTA), and parametric WB-CTP maps (cerebellar blood flow [CBF]; cerebellar blood volume; mean transit time; time to drain). Fisher’s exact tests, Mann–Whitney U tests, and receiver operating characteristics analyses were performed for statistical analyses. Results— Out of a total of 51 patients who matched the inclusion criteria, 42 patients (82.4%) were categorized as MCE− and 9 (17.6%) as MCE+. MCE+ patients had larger CBF, cerebellar blood volume, mean transit time, and time to drain deficit volumes (all with P &lt;0.001) and showed significantly lower median pc-ASPECTS assessed using WB-CTP (CBF, cerebellar blood volume, mean transit time, time to drain; all with P &lt;0.001) compared with MCE− patients, while median pc-ASPECTS on noncontrast CT and CTA was not significantly different (both P &gt;0.05). Receiver operating characteristics analyses yielded the largest area under the curve values for the prediction of MCE development for CBF (0.979) and cerebellar blood volume deficit volumes (0.956) and pc-ASPECTS on CBF (0.935), whereas pc-ASPECTS on noncontrast CT (0.648) and CTA (0.684) had less diagnostic value. The optimal cutoff value for CBF deficit volume was 22 mL, yielding 100% sensitivity and 90% specificity for MCE classification. Conclusions— WB-CTP provides added diagnostic value for the early identification of patients at risk for MCE development in acute cerebellar stroke.
Towards Multiple Kernel Principal Component Analysis for Integrative Analysis of Tumor Samples
2017-07-08

Abstract Personalized treatment of patients based on tissue-specific cancer subtypes has strongly increased the efficacy of the chosen therapies. Even though the amount of data measured for cancer patients has increased over the last years, most cancer subtypes are still diagnosed based on individual data sources (e.g. gene expression data). We propose an unsupervised data integration method based on kernel principal component analysis. Principal component analysis is one of the most widely used techniques in data analysis. Unfortunately, the straightforward multiple kernel extension of this method leads to the use of only one of the input matrices, which does not fit the goal of gaining information from all data sources. Therefore, we present a scoring function to determine the impact of each input matrix. The approach enables visualizing the integrated data and subsequent clustering for cancer subtype identification. Due to the nature of the method, no hyperparameters have to be set. We apply the methodology to five different cancer data sets and demonstrate its advantages in terms of results and usability.
A random-matrix theory of the number sense
2017-07-08

Abstract Number sense, a spontaneous ability to process approximate numbers, has been documented in human adults, infants and newborns, and many other animals. Species as distant as monkeys and crows exhibit number-selective neuronal activity. How number sense can emerge in the absence of learning or fine tuning is currently unknown. We introduce a random matrix theory of self-organised neural states where numbers are coded by vectors of activation across multiple units, and where the vector codes for successive integers are obtained through multiplication by a fixed but random matrix. This cortical implementation of the “von Mises” algorithm explains many otherwise disconnected observations ranging from neural tuning curves in monkeys to looking times in neonates and cortical numerotopy in adults. The theory clarifies the origin of Weber-Fechner’s law and yields a novel and empirically validated prediction of multi-peak number neurons. Random matrices constitute a novel mechanism for the emergence of brain states coding for quantity.
Functional variants in HCN4 and CACNA1H may contribute to genetic generalized epilepsy
2017-07-10

Summary Objective Genetic generalized epilepsy ( GGE ) encompasses seizure disorders characterized by spike‐and‐wave discharges ( SWD ) originating within thalamo‐cortical circuits. Hyperpolarization‐activated ( HCN ) and T‐type Ca 2+ channels are key modulators of rhythmic activity in these brain regions. Here, we screened HCN 4 and CACNA 1H genes for potentially contributory variants and provide their functional analysis. Methods Targeted gene sequencing was performed in 20 unrelated familial cases with different subtypes of GGE , and the results confirmed in 230 ethnically matching controls. Selected variants in CACNA 1H and HCN 4 were functionally assessed in tsA201 cells and Xenopus laevis oocytes, respectively. Results We discovered a novel CACNA 1H (p.G1158S) variant in two affected members of a single family. One of them also carried an HCN 4 (p.P1117L) variant inherited from the unaffected mother. In a separate family, an HCN 4 variant (p.E153G) was identified in one of several affected members. Voltage‐clamp analysis of CACNA 1H (p.G1158S) revealed a small but significant gain‐of‐function, including increased current density and a depolarizing shift of steady‐state inactivation. HCN 4 p.P1117L and p.G153E both caused a hyperpolarizing shift in activation and reduced current amplitudes, resulting in a loss‐of‐function. Significance Our results are consistent with a model suggesting cumulative contributions of subtle functional variations in ion channels to seizure susceptibility and GGE .
Double-longitudinal spin asymmetry in single-inclusive lepton scattering at NLO
2017-07-10

We calculate the double-spin asymmetries for the processes\\n and at next-to-leading order\\naccuracy in perturbative QCD. We compare our theoretical results for\\n to data from the SLAC E155 experiment, finding only partially\\nsatisfactory agreement. We conclude that measurements of and\\nthe relevant polarized and unpolarized cross sections should be performed at\\nthe present-day fixed-target lepton scattering experiments, as well as at a\\nfuture electron ion collider, in order to verify our understanding of this\\nprocess. We present predictions of the longitudinal double-spin asymmetries for\\nthese experiments.\\n
Physical examination skills training: Faculty staff vs. patient instructor feedback—A controlled trial
2017-07-10

In summary, our study demonstrates that trained PIs are able to provide feedback of equal quantitative value to that of faculty staff physicians with regard to a physical examination performed on them. However, both the students and the video raters judged the quality of the feedback given by the physicians to be significantly better than that of the PIs.
Tectonic Evolution of the Central Andean Plateau and Implications for the Growth of Plateaus
2017-07-11

Current end-member models for the geodynamic evolution of orogenic plateaus predict (a) slow and steady rise during crustal shortening and ablative subduction (i.e., continuous removal) of the lower lithosphere or (b) rapid surface uplift following shortening, which is associated with punctuated removal of dense lower lithosphere and/or lower crustal flow. This review integrates results from recent studies of the modern lithospheric structure, geologic evolution, and surface uplift history of the Central Andean Plateau to evaluate the geodynamic processes involved in forming it. Comparison of the timing, magnitude, and distribution of shortening and surface uplift, in combination with other geologic evidence, highlights the pulsed nature of plateau growth. We discuss specific regions and time periods that show evidence for end-member geodynamic processes, including middle–late Miocene surface uplift of the southern Eastern Cordillera and Altiplano associated with shortening and ablative subduction, latest Oligocene–early Miocene and late Miocene–early Pliocene punctuated removal of dense lower lithosphere in the Eastern Cordillera and Altiplano, and late Miocene–early Pliocene crustal flow in the central and northern Altiplano.
Taxonomy of the European Pied Flycatcher Ficedula hypoleuca (Aves: Muscicapidae)
2017-07-11

The convoluted taxonomy of the European Pied Flycatcher, Ficedula hypoleuca ([Pallas], 1764) (Aves: Passeriformes: Muscicapidae) might present a challenge for researchers working in other areas of biology. We present here a historical review of this species’ nomenclature, discuss its generic allocation, type locality, and all its named subspecies. Its purpose is to help to mitigate errors in application of names in other contexts, and also to point out areas in which future work is needed.
Myocardial tissue characterization by contrast-enhanced cardiac magnetic resonance imaging in subjects with prediabetes, diabetes, and normal controls with preserved ejection fraction from the general population
2017-07-11

Subjects with prediabetes and diabetes but preserved LVEF had higher LV remodelling indices, suggesting early detectable changes in the disease process, while diffuse myocardial fibrosis appears to be less relevant at this stage.
Metabolic engineering of Rhodopseudomonas palustris for the obligate reduction of n-butyrate to n-butanol
2017-07-11

The innate redox imbalance of <i>R. palustris</i> can be used to drive the reduction of <i>n</i>-butyrate into <i>n</i>-butanol after expression of a plasmid-based enzyme from a butanol-producing <i>Clostridium</i> strain.
Production of functionalized oligo‐isoprenoids by enzymatic cleavage of rubber
2017-07-11

Summary In this study, we show the proof of concept for the production of defined oligo‐isoprenoids with terminal functional groups that can be used as starting materials for various purposes including the synthesis of isoprenoid‐based plastics. To this end, we used three types of rubber oxygenases for the enzymatic cleavage of rubber [poly( cis ‐1,4‐isoprene)]. Two enzymes, rubber oxygenase Rox A X sp and rubber oxygenase Rox B X sp , originate from Xanthomonas sp. 35Y; the third rubber oxygenase, latex‐clearing protein (Lcp K30 ), is derived from Gram‐positive rubber degraders such as Streptomyces sp. K30. Emulsions of polyisoprene (latex) were treated with Rox A X sp , Rox B X sp , Lcp K30 or with combinations of the three proteins. The cleavage products were purified by solvent extraction and FPLC separation. All products had the same general structure with terminal functions ( CHO ‐ CH 2 ‐ and ‐ CH 2 ‐ COCH 3 ) but differed in the number of intact isoprene units in between. The composition and m/z values of oligo‐isoprenoid products were determined by HPLC ‐ MS analysis. Our results provide a method for the preparation of reactive oligo‐isoprenoids that can likely be used to convert polyisoprene latex or rubber waste materials into value‐added molecules, biofuels, polyurethanes or other polymers.
Effect of Organ Scandal on Corneal Donation Rate and Organ Donors at a German University Hospital
2017-07-11

BACKGROUND The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of an organ transplantation scandal on the rate of corneal donations and organ donors at the University Hospital Tübingen. MATERIAL AND METHODS Data from all hospital deaths from January 2012 to December 2013 were analyzed retrospectively. Each deceased patient was considered as a potential corneal donor. The corneal donor procurement was handled by an ophthalmic resident on a full-time basis with standard used unchanged set of procedures. Each patient who died due to cerebral complications was considered as a potential organ donor. During the two-year period, a German transplantation scandal occurred at the end of 2012 and received worldwide attention. The rates of corneal donation and organ donation in 2012 and 2013 were examined and evaluated. RESULTS Among the 1685 deceased patients, approval for corneal donation was received in 220 cases (13.1%): 124 cases (15.0%) in 2012 and 96 cases (11.2%) in 2013. This corresponds to a decline of 23%. The leading causes of nonfulfillment of corneal donations were refusal to donation: 401 cases (48.4%) in 2012 and 445 cases (52.0%) in 2013; and medical contraindications: 201 cases (24.2%) in 2012 and 212 cases (24.8%) in 2013. During the two-year period, consent for organ donation was obtained in 25 cases (1.5%): 15 cases (1.8%) in 2012 and 10 cases (1.2%) in 2013. The number of realized organ donors was 20 cases (1.2%): 12 cases (1.4%) in 2012 and 8 cases (0.9%) in 2013. This corresponds to a decline of 33%. CONCLUSIONS After a transplantation scandal, the number of realized corneal donors and realized organ donors decreased significantly. It seems that increasing professional performance is very important to gaining trust inside and outside the hospital and improving corneal and organ donation rate.
Phenotypic variation and vocal divergence reveals a species complex in White-eared Ground-sparrows (Cabanis) (Aves: Passerellidae)
2017-07-11

The taxonomy of the genus Melozone has recently been analyzed from genus to subspecies level, leading to a significant revision of our understanding of this group of birds. Previous studies quantified differences in phenotypic traits, behavior, and genotypes, to provide a better understanding of the underappreciated diversity within Melozone and the relationship between species within this genus. Yet the relationship between the subspecies of White-eared Ground-sparrows, Melozone leucotis, has not received thorough taxonomic scrutiny. In this study, we evaluate the taxonomic status of the three recognized subspecies of M. leucotis using multiple morphometric characteristics, plumage color features, and vocalizations. We measured plumage patterns and reflectance from museum specimens, morphometric features from museum specimens and live birds, and vocal characteristics from sound recordings. We observed substantial variation between subspecies in plumage, morphometry, and voice, especially between northern and southern birds. The phenotypic and vocal differences exhibited by M. l. occipitalis (from Chiapas, Mexico; Guatemala; and El Salvador) suggest that its taxonomic relationship with the M. l. leucotis and M. l. nigrior complex (from Costa Rica and Nicaragua, respectively) needs to be reevaluated, because these two groups are highly diagnosable from one another. Additionally, M. l. occipitalis is geographically isolated from the other two subspecies, reducing the probability of contact by natural causes in the near future. Based on the clear differences in voice, plumage, and morphometric features reported here, we propose that M. l. occipitalis be recognized as a distinct species, M. occipitalis (Salvin's Ground-sparrow), diagnosed on the basis of its longer tail, longer bill, duller plumage, and songs with a lower frequency of maximum amplitude.
Reconstruction of Socioeconomic Status in the Medieval (14th–15th Century) Population of Grevenmacher (Luxembourg) Based on Growth, Development and Diet
2017-07-11

Abstract Numerous historical sources describe many aspects of the estate‐based society in medieval times; the detection of socioeconomic status within populations through skeletal remains is a topic of growing interest in anthropological studies. In medieval times, it was common for members of high social rank to be buried within or next to a church. This was certainly the case in Grevenmacher (Luxembourg), where remains of a church building and an adjacent cemetery from the 13th until the beginning of the 15th century were subjected to archaeological and anthropological analysis. By integrating archaeological and anthropological elements, as well as stable isotope analysis, we documented osteological manifestations as indicators of diet differentials in two subsamples (first group consists out of 56 individuals, second one out of 184 individuals) from the medieval cemetery of Grevenmacher. We could distinguish two subsamples that we assumed as different in their socioeconomic status with regards to the burials' position in the cemetery and burial characteristics. Differences in osteological traits such as bone length, stature and body mass indicated differences in diet between sample groups. To substantiate these outcomes, stable isotopic analysis (δ 13 C, δ 15 N) were made; the results displayed a clear separation between the sample groups on the basis of their diet. Therefore, we were able to confirm certain individuals in the medieval population of Grevenmacher in relationship to their socioeconomic status. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley &amp; Sons, Ltd.
The Mismeasurement of Mind: Life-Span Changes in Paired-Associate-Learning Scores Reflect the “Cost” of Learning, Not Cognitive Decline
2017-07-12

The age-related declines observed in scores on paired-associate-learning (PAL) tests are widely taken as support for the idea that human cognitive capacities decline across the life span. In a computational simulation, we showed that the patterns of change in PAL scores are actually predicted by the models that formalize the associative learning process in other areas of behavioral and neuroscientific research. These models also predict that manipulating language exposure can reproduce the experience-related performance differences erroneously attributed to age-related decline in age-matched adults. Consistent with this, results showed that older bilinguals outperformed native speakers in a German PAL test, an advantage that increased with age. These analyses and results show that age-related PAL performance changes reflect the predictable effects of learning on the associability of test items, and indicate that failing to control for these effects is distorting the understanding of cognitive and brain development in adulthood.
The GMZ2 malaria vaccine: from concept to efficacy in humans
2017-07-12

GMZ2 is a recombinant protein consisting of conserved domains of GLURP and MSP3, two asexual blood-stage antigens of Plasmodium falciparum, and is designed with the aim of mimicking naturally acquired anti-malarial immunity. The rationale for combining these two antigens is based on a series of immune epidemiological studies from geographically diverse malaria endemic regions; functional in vitro studies; and pre-clinical studies in rodents and New World monkeys. GMZ2 adjuvanted with alhydrogel® (alum) was well tolerated and immunogenic in three phase 1 studies. The recently concluded phase 2 trial of GMZ2/alum, involving 1849 participants 12 to 60 month of age in four countries in West, Central and Eastern Africa, showed that GMZ2 is well tolerated and has some, albeit modest, efficacy in the target population. Areas covered: PubMed ( www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed ) was searched to review the progress and future prospects for clinical development of GMZ2 sub-unit vaccine. We will focus on discovery, naturally acquired immunity, functional activity of specific antibodies, sequence diversity, production, pre-clinical and clinical studies. Expert commentary: GMZ2 is well tolerated and has some, albeit modest, efficacy in the target population. More immunogenic formulations should be developed.
High Level of Progesteron Receptor Membrane Component 1 (PGRMC 1) in Tissue of Breast Cancer Patients is Associated with Worse Response to Anthracycline-Based Neoadjuvant Therapy
2017-07-12

Abstract PGRMC1 is known to be highly expressed in breast cancer tissue and is associated with chemoresistance in breast cancer cells. However, its role in breast cancer signaling is not fully understood yet. In the present study, the expression status of PGRMC1 and its phosphorylated version (pPGRMC1) in breast cancer tissue and surrounding stroma before and after neoadjuvant therapy was examined to find a possible association to therapy response. Tissue biopsies of 69 breast cancer patients were analyzed by immunohistochemistry for expression levels of PGRMC1 and pPGRMC1. Expression status of PGRMC1 and pPGRMC1 in tumor tissue was compared with expression status of progesterone receptor (PR), estrogen receptor α (ERα), total estrogen receptor β (ERβ), ERβ1, ERβ2, the proliferation marker Ki-67, and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2/neu). Correlations were calculated for expression of PGRMC1 and pPGRMC1 before and after neoadjuvant-therapy. PGRMC1 and pPGRMC1 were highly abundant in every breast cancer tissue sample. Considerably lower signals were detected in surrounding tissue. Further, PGRMC1 and pPGRMC1 abundance was found to correlate with ERβ expression. A lower level of pPGRMC1 could be found in post-therapy surgical specimens compared to specimens before treatment. Interestingly, patients with high PGRMC1 tumor levels showed worse response to anthracycline-based therapy as patients with lower PGRMC1 levels. These new findings demonstrate that PGRMC1 might play an important role in progression and therapy resistance of human breast tumors and could offer an interesting target for anticancer therapy.
Accelerated middle Miocene exhumation of the Talesh Mountains constrained by U‐Th/He thermochronometry: Evidence for the Arabia‐Eurasia collision in the NW Iranian Plateau
2017-07-13

Abstract The Talesh Mountains at the NW margin of the Iranian Plateau curve around the southwestern corner of the South Caspian Block and developed in response to the collision of the Arabian‐Eurasian Plates. The timing, rates, and regional changes in late Cenozoic deformation of the Talesh Mountains are not fully understood. In this study, we integrate 23 new apatite and zircon bedrock U‐Th/He ages and structurally restored geologic cross sections with previously published detrital apatite fission track data to reconstruct the deformation history of the Talesh Mountains. Our results reveal that slow rock exhumation initiated during the late Oligocene (~27–23 Ma) and then accelerated in the middle Miocene (~12 Ma). These events resulted in the present‐day high‐elevation and curved geometry of the mountains. The spatial and temporal distribution of cooling ages suggest that the Oligocene bending of the Talesh Mountains was earlier than in the eastern Alborz, Kopeh Dagh, and central Alborz Mountains that initiated during the late Cenozoic. Late Oligocene and middle Miocene deformation episodes recorded in the Talesh Mountains can be related to the collisional phases of the Arabian and Eurasian Plates. The lower rate of exhumation recorded in the Talesh Mountains occurred during the initial soft collision of the Arabian‐Eurasian Plates in the late Oligocene. The accelerated exhumation that occurred during final collision since the middle Miocene resulted from collision of the harder continental margin.
Recovery of precious metals from waste streams
2017-07-13

As there is a high potential for microbe-based technologies to bring the recovery of metals from waste streams to an ecologically friendly and financially reasonable level, it is worth to invest efforts into the advancement of these biotechnologies in the future.
Cannabinoid Receptor-2 Ameliorates Inflammation in Murine Model of Crohn’s Disease
2017-07-13

In summary, the endocannabinoid system is induced in murine ileitis but is downregulated in chronic murine and human intestinal inflammation, and CB2R activation attenuates murine ileitis, establishing an anti-inflammatory role of the endocannabinoid system.