julilili42/papers huggingface dataset:
On the Identifiability of 3- and 4-Parameter Item Response Theory Models From the Perspective of Knowledge Space Theory
2024-02-13

The present work aims at showing that the identification problems (here meant as both issues of empirical indistinguishability and unidentifiability) of some item response theory models are related to the notion of identifiability in knowledge space theory. Specifically, that the identification problems of the 3- and 4-parameter models are related to the more general issues of forward- and backward-gradedness in all items of the power set, which is the knowledge structure associated with IRT models under the assumption of local independence. As a consequence, the identifiability problem of a 4-parameter model is split into two parts: a first one, which is the result of a trade-off between the left-side added parameters and the remainder of the Item Response Function, e.g., a 2-parameter model, and a second one, which is the already well-known identifiability issue of the 2-parameter model itself. Application of the results to the logistic case appears to provide both a confirmation and a generalization of the current findings in the literature for both fixed- and random-effects IRT logistic models.
Influence of Obesity on Short-Term Surgical Outcomes in HFrEF Patients Undergoing CABG: A Retrospective Multicenter Study
2024-02-13

Background: This retrospective multicenter study investigates the impact of obesity on short-term surgical outcomes in patients with heart failure and reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). Given the rising global prevalence of obesity and its known cardiovascular implications, understanding its specific effects in high-risk groups like HFrEF patients is crucial. Methods: The study analyzed data from 574 patients undergoing CABG across four German university hospitals from 2017 to 2023. Patients were stratified into ‘normal weight’ (n = 163) and ‘obese’ (n = 158) categories based on BMI (WHO classification). Data on demographics, clinical measurements, health status, cardiac history, intraoperative management, postoperative outcomes, and laboratory insights were collected and analyzed using Chi-square, ANOVA, Kruskal–Wallis, and binary logistic regression. Results: Key findings are a significant higher mortality rate (6.96% vs. 3.68%, p = 0.049) and younger age in obese patients (mean age 65.84 vs. 69.15 years, p = 0.003). Gender distribution showed no significant difference. Clinical assessment scores like EuroScore II and STS Score indicated no differences. Paradoxically, the preoperative left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) was higher in the obese group (32.04% vs. 30.34%, p = 0.026). The prevalence of hypertension, COPD, hyperlipidemia, and other comorbidities did not significantly differ. Intraoperatively, obese patients required more packed red blood cells (p = 0.026), indicating a greater need for transfusion. Postoperatively, the obese group experienced longer hospital stays (median 14 vs. 13 days, p = 0.041) and higher ventilation times (median 16 vs. 13 h, p = 0.049). The incidence of acute kidney injury (AKI) (17.72% vs. 9.20%, p = 0.048) and delirium (p = 0.016) was significantly higher, while, for diabetes prevalence, there was an indicating a trend towards significance (p = 0.051) in the obesity group, while other complications like sepsis, and the need for ECLS were similar across groups. Conclusions: The study reveals that obesity significantly worsens short-term outcomes in HFrEF patients undergoing CABG, increasing risks like mortality, kidney insufficiency, and postoperative delirium. These findings highlight the urgent need for personalized care, from surgical planning to postoperative strategies, to improve outcomes for this high-risk group, urging further tailored research.
Further delineation of Wiedemann‐Rautenstrauch syndrome linked with POLR3A
2024-02-13

Abstract Wiedemann‐Rautenstrauch Syndrome (WRS; MIM 264090) is an extremely rare and highly heterogeneous syndrome that is inherited in a recessive fashion. The patients have hallmark features such as prenatal and postnatal growth retardation, short stature, a progeroid appearance, hypotonia, facial dysmorphology, hypomyelination leukodystrophy, and mental impairment. Biallelic disease‐causing variants in the RNA polymerase III subunit A ( POLR3A ) have been associated with WRS. Here, we report the first identified cases of WRS syndrome with novel phenotypes in three consanguineous families (two Omani and one Saudi) characterized by biallelic variants in POLR3A . Using whole‐exome sequencing, we identified one novel homozygous missense variant (NM_007055: c.2456C&gt;T; p. Pro819Leu) in two Omani families and one novel homozygous variant (c.1895G&gt;T; p Cys632Phe) in Saudi family that segregates with the disease in the POLR3A gene. In silico homology modeling of wild‐type and mutated proteins revealed a substantial change in the structure and stability of both proteins, demonstrating a possible effect on function. By identifying the homozygous variants in the exon 14 and 18 of the POLR3A gene, our findings will contribute to a better understanding of the phenotype‐genotype relationship and molecular etiology of WRS syndrome.
Automated Scoring of Scientific Creativity in German
2024-02-13

Automated scoring is a current hot topic in creativity research. However, most research has focused on the English language and popular verbal creative thinking tasks, such as the alternate uses task. Therefore, in this study, we present a large language model approach for automated scoring of a scientific creative thinking task that assesses divergent ideation in experimental tasks in the German language. Participants are required to generate alternative explanations for an empirical observation. This work analyzed a total of 13,423 unique responses. To predict human ratings of originality, we used XLM-RoBERTa (Cross-lingual Language Model-RoBERTa), a large, multilingual model. The prediction model was trained on 9,400 responses. Results showed a strong correlation between model predictions and human ratings in a held-out test set (n = 2,682; r = 0.80; CI-95% [0.79, 0.81]). These promising findings underscore the potential of large language models for automated scoring of scientific creative thinking in the German language. We encourage researchers to further investigate automated scoring of other domain-specific creative thinking tasks.
Recommendations for optimal interdisciplinary management and healthcare settings for patients with rare neurological diseases
2024-02-13

Abstract Background In 2017, the German Academy for Rare Neurological Diseases (Deutsche Akademie für Seltene Neurologische Erkrankungen; DASNE) was founded to pave the way for an optimized personalized management of patients with rare neurological diseases (RND) in all age groups. Since then a dynamic national network for rare neurological disorders has been established comprising renowned experts in neurology, pediatric neurology, (neuro-) genetics and neuroradiology. DASNE has successfully implemented case presentations and multidisciplinary discussions both at yearly symposia and monthly virtual case conferences, as well as further educational activities covering a broad spectrum of interdisciplinary expertise associated with RND. Here, we present recommendation statements for optimized personalized management of patients with RND, which have been developed and reviewed in a structured Delphi process by a group of experts. Methods An interdisciplinary group of 37 RND experts comprising DASNE experts, patient representatives, as well as healthcare professionals and managers was involved in the Delphi process. First, an online collection was performed of topics considered relevant for optimal patient care by the expert group. Second, a two-step Delphi process was carried out to rank the importance of the selected topics. Small interdisciplinary working groups then drafted recommendations. In two consensus meetings and one online review round these recommendations were finally consented. Results 38 statements were consented and grouped into 11 topics: health care structure, core neurological expertise and core mission, interdisciplinary team composition, diagnostics, continuous care and therapy development, case conferences, exchange / cooperation between Centers for Rare Diseases and other healthcare partners, patient advocacy group, databases, translation and health policy. Conclusions This German interdisciplinary Delphi expert panel developed consented recommendations for optimal care of patients with RND in a structured Delphi process. These represent a basis for further developments and adjustments in the health care system to improve care for patients with RND and their families.
Global Expanded Access Program for Pemigatinib in Patients with Previously Treated Locally Advanced or Metastatic Cholangiocarcinoma and Fibroblast Growth Factor Receptor Gene Alterations
2024-02-13

Purpose Pemigatinib is a fibroblast growth factor receptor-2 (FGFR2) inhibitor approved for use in patients with previously treated cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) and FGFR2 fusions or rearrangements. This ongoing global Expanded Access Program (EAP) allows physicians in regions where pemigatinib is not commercially available to request pemigatinib for patients with locally advanced or metastatic CCA who, in the physician’s opinion, could benefit from pemigatinib treatment.Materials and Methods Eighty-nine patients from Europe, North America, and Israel were treated from January 2020 through September 2021.Results Patients had FGFR gene fusions (68.5%), rearrangements (12.4%), translocations (5.6%), amplifications (2.2%), and other alterations (11.2%). Median duration of treatment in the EAP was 4.0 months (range, 0.1 to 13.6 months). The most frequently reported adverse event (AE) was hyperphosphatemia (22.5%); the most common serious AE was cholangitis (3.4%). Treatment discontinuation was associated with reports of AEs for seven patients (7.9%). AEs associated with pemigatinib were consistent with those observed in clinical trials.Conclusion Efficacy was not assessed in this EAP. However, some patients remained on treatment for up to a year, suggesting that they observed a benefit from treatment. Patients with CCA should undergo molecular testing to identify those who could benefit from targeted treatments such as pemigatinib.
The weak gravity conjecture, overcharged shells and gravitational traps
2024-02-13

Abstract The Weak Gravity Conjecture (WGC) predicts that in quantum gravity there should exist overcharged states, that is states with charge larger than their mass. Extending this to large masses and charges, we are expecting similar overcharged classical solutions. This has been demonstrated in higher-derivative extensions of General Relativity. In this paper we investigate the existence of overcharged solutions in General Relativity. We study the dynamics of a thin shell of mass m and charge Q under the action of its own gravitational and U (1) fields. We show that shells with surface energy σ and pressure P obeying <mml:math xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" overflow="scroll"> <mml:mi>P</mml:mi> <mml:mo>=</mml:mo> <mml:mi>w</mml:mi> <mml:mi>σ</mml:mi> </mml:math> with <mml:math xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" overflow="scroll"> <mml:mn>0</mml:mn> <mml:mtext>⩽</mml:mtext> <mml:mi>w</mml:mi> <mml:mtext>⩽</mml:mtext> <mml:mn>1</mml:mn> </mml:math> are necessarily undercharged <mml:math xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" overflow="scroll"> <mml:mi>m</mml:mi> <mml:mtext>⩾</mml:mtext> <mml:mrow> <mml:mo>|</mml:mo> </mml:mrow> <mml:mi>Q</mml:mi> <mml:mrow> <mml:mo>|</mml:mo> </mml:mrow> </mml:math> and always collapse to form Reissner–Nordström black holes. Nevertheless, if <mml:math xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" overflow="scroll"> <mml:mo>−</mml:mo> <mml:mn>1</mml:mn> <mml:mtext>⩽</mml:mtext> <mml:mi>w</mml:mi> <mml:mo>&lt;</mml:mo> <mml:mn>0</mml:mn> </mml:math> , we find that overcharged <mml:math xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" overflow="scroll"> <mml:mi>m</mml:mi> <mml:mtext>⩽</mml:mtext> <mml:mrow> <mml:mo>|</mml:mo> </mml:mrow> <mml:mi>Q</mml:mi> <mml:mrow> <mml:mo>|</mml:mo> </mml:mrow> </mml:math> shells exist, which however, are inevitably stabilized at finite radial distance. Therefore they never form naked singularities in accordance with cosmic censorship and the conjectured relation between cosmic censorship and the WGC. An intriguing consequence of the existence of such overcharged shells is that gravitational modes may form bound states due to the peculiar form of the Regge–Wheeler–Zerilli potential. This might lead to gravitational traps close the surface of near-overcharged shells.
Toward GHz-Photodetection with Transition Metal Dichalcogenides
2024-02-13

Transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs) exhibit favorable properties for optical communication in the GHz regime, such as large mobilities, high extinction coefficients and silicon compatibility. While impressive improvements of their sensitivity have been realized, the bandwidths of these devices have been mostly limited to few MHz. We argue that this shortcoming originates in the relatively large RC constants of TMDC-based photodetectors, which suffer from high surface defect densities, inefficient charge carrier injection at the electrode/TMDC interface and long charging times. However, we show in a series of papers that rather simple adjustments in the device architecture afford TMDC-based photodetectors with bandwidths of several 100s MHz. We rationalize the success of these adjustments in terms of the specific physical-chemical properties of TMDCs, namely their anisotropic in-plane/out-of-plane carrier behavior, large optical absorption, and chalcogenide-dependent surface chemistry. Just one surprisingly simple yet effective pathway to fast TMDC photodetection is the reduction of the photoresistance by using light-focusing optics, which enables bandwidths of 0.23 GHz with an energy consumption of only 27 fJ/bit. By reflecting on the ultrafast intrinsic photoresponse times of few picoseconds in TMDC heterostructures, we motivate the application of more demanding chemical strategies to exploit such ultrafast intrinsic properties for true GHz-operation in real devices. A key aspect in this regard is the management of surface defects, which we discuss in terms of its dependence on the layer thickness, its tunability by molecular adlayers and the prospects of replacing thermally evaporated metal contacts by laser-printed electrodes fabricated with inks of metalloid clusters. We highlight the benefits of combining TMDCs with graphene to heterostructures that exhibit the ultrafast photoresponse and large spectral range of Dirac materials with the low dark current and high responsivities of semiconductors. We introduce the bulk photovoltaic effect in TMDC-based materials with broken inversion symmetry as well as a combination of TMDCs with plasmonic nanostructures as means for increasing the bandwidth and responsivity simultaneously. Finally, we describe the prospects of embedding TMDC photodetectors into optical cavities with the objective of tuning the lifetime of the photoexcited state and increasing the carrier mobility in the photoactive layer. The findings and concepts detailed in this account demonstrate that GHz photodetection with TMDCs is feasible, and we hope that these bright prospects for their application as next-generation optoelectronic material motivates more chemists and material scientists to actively pursue the development of the more complicated material combinations outlined here.
Light cones for open quantum systems in the continuum
2024-02-14

We consider Markovian open quantum dynamics (MOQD) in the continuum. We show that, up to small-probability tails, the supports of quantum states evolving under such dynamics propagate with finite speed in any finite-energy subspace. More precisely, we prove that if the initial quantum state is localized in space, then any finite-energy part of the solution of the von Neumann–Lindblad equation is approximately localized inside an energy-dependent light cone. We also obtain an explicit upper bound for the slope of this light cone.
Role of the NO-GC/cGMP signaling pathway in platelet biomechanics
2024-02-14

Cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) is a second messenger produced by the NO-sensitive guanylyl cyclase (NO-GC). The NO-GC/cGMP pathway in platelets has been extensively studied. However, its role in regulating the biomechanical properties of platelets has not yet been addressed and remains unknown. We therefore investigated the stiffness of living platelets after treatment with the NO-GC stimulator riociguat or the NO-GC activator cinaciguat using scanning ion conductance microscopy (SICM). Stimulation of human and murine platelets with cGMP-modulating drugs decreased cellular stiffness and downregulated P-selectin, a marker for platelet activation. We also quantified changes in platelet shape using deep learning-based platelet morphometry, finding that platelets become more circular upon treatment with cGMP-modulating drugs. To test for clinical applicability of NO-GC stimulators in the context of increased thrombogenicity risk, we investigated the effect of riociguat on platelets from human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive patients taking abacavir sulfate (ABC)-containing regimens. Our results corroborate a functional role of the NO-GC/cGMP pathway in platelet biomechanics, indicating that biomechanical properties such as stiffness or shape could be used as novel biomarkers in clinical research.
Flavor Identification of Atmospheric Neutrinos in JUNO
2024-02-14

&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Flash Talk presented at the XX International Workshop on Neutrino Telescopes - Venice 23-27 October 2023&amp;nbsp;&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;\\n&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;&amp;nbsp;&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;\\n&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Abstract:&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;\\n&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;The Jiangmen Underground Neutrino Observatory (JUNO) aims to determine neutrino mass ordering with a 20-kton liquid&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;scintillator detector. To enhance its sensitivity, JUNO will combine the measurements of low-energy reactor antineutrinos and&amp;nbsp;atmospheric neutrinos in the GeV region. The sensitivity from the atmospheric neutrino measurement relies on the&amp;nbsp;performance of neutrino flavor identification, which is a very challenging task in a liquid scintillator detector.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;This flash talk will present a machine learning approach for the high-efficiency and high-purity flavor identification for&amp;nbsp;atmospheric neutrinos in large unsegmented liquid scintillator detectors like JUNO. Our approach utilizes not only the&amp;nbsp;topological properties of atmospheric neutrinos characterized by PMT waveform features, but also event-level information&amp;nbsp;such as those from captured neutrons. Preliminary results show that this approach has great potential for utilizing&amp;nbsp;atmospheric neutrinos to unearth JUNO's capabilities.&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;
Use of low-cost drones to map arbovirus vector habitats with multispectral aerial imagery
2024-02-14

Abstract Background This article introduces WaterMAI, a novel multispectral aerial imagery dataset that is optimized for detecting small to medium water bodies and is essential for mapping arbovirus vector habitats. While satellite datasets provide broad coverage and are valuable in many contexts, WaterMAI concentrates on utilizing high-resolution aerial imagery. This approach is suitable for capturing detailed information about water bodies, which may contain vectors for arboviruses. Materials and methods We benchmarked baseline deep learning algorithms on our WaterMAI dataset for water body detection, employing both bounding box and segmentation approaches, establishing new baselines for this domain. Furthermore, we extensively investigate the effectiveness of various spectral band combinations, including Near-infrared (NIR), Red, Green, Blue (RGB), and the Normalized Difference Water Index (NDWI), to determine the potential configuration for accurate water body detection. Results The WaterMAI dataset, covering 16 rural and sub-tropical regions with varied water bodies, increases the utility of research through multiple spectral bands, including visible and near-infrared. The findings demonstrate the potential of multispectral imagery that shall enhance the understanding and monitoring of water bodies in rural and subtropical regions. The WaterMAI dataset, orthomosaic images, and the implementation of the segmentation models for benchmarking are available in GitHub database. Conclusion Our result suggests incorporating NDWI and NIR spectral bands with RGB images potentially improves the water body detection algorithm.
Pharmacological adjuncts and transcranial magnetic stimulation-induced synaptic plasticity: a systematic review
2024-02-15

Background: Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a noninvasive neurostimulation modality that has been used to study human synaptic plasticity. Leveraging work in ex vivo preparations, mechanistically informed pharmacological adjuncts to TMS have been used to improve our fundamental understanding of TMS-induced synaptic plasticity. Methods: We systematically reviewed the literature pairing pharmacological adjuncts with TMS plasticity-induction protocols in humans. We searched MEDLINE, PsycINFO, and Embase from 2013 to Mar. 10, 2023. Studies published before 2013 were extracted from a previous systematic review. We included studies using repetitive TMS, theta-burst stimulation, paired associative stimulation, and quadripulse stimulation paradigms in healthy and clinical populations. Results: Thirty-six studies met our inclusion criteria (28 in healthy and 8 in clinical populations). Most pharmacological agents have targeted the glutamatergic N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA; 15 studies) or dopamine receptors (13 studies). The NMDA receptor is necessary for TMS-induced plasticity; however, sufficiency has not been shown across protocols. Dopaminergic modulation of TMS-induced plasticity appears to be dose-dependent. The GABAergic, cholinergic, noradrenergic, and serotonergic neurotransmitter systems have small evidence bases supporting modulation of TMS-induced plasticity, as do voltage-gated calcium and sodium channels. Studies in clinical populations suggest that pharmacological adjuncts to TMS may rescue motor cortex plasticity, with implications for therapeutic applications of TMS and a promising clinical trial in depression. Limitations: This review is limited by the predominance in the literature of studies with small sample sizes and crossover designs. Conclusion: Pharmacologically enhanced TMS largely parallels findings from ex vivo preparations. As this area expands and novel targets are tested, adequately powered samples in healthy and clinical populations will inform the mechanisms of TMS-induced plasticity in health and disease.