julilili42/papers huggingface dataset:
Is Hearing Really Believing?
2023-06-13

Abstract: Smart speakers are becoming popular all over the world and offer an alternative to conventional web search. We conducted two experiments to investigate whether different message modalities affect credibility perceptions, which role sponsor credibility and message accuracy play, and if this role differs in the two modalities. Based on the MAIN Model by Sundar (2008) , we assumed that modality, that is, whether the information is given textually or aurally, can affect credibility assessments. To investigate this, two online experiments with a 2 (modality: smart speaker/search engine) × 2 (message accuracy: high/low) ×3 (sponsor credibility: high/low/none) mixed factorial design were conducted ( n = 399 and 398). Information presented by the voice of a smart speaker was generally perceived as more credible. Results further showed that no source attribution and low message accuracy affected message credibility less in the auditive than in the textual modality, especially for participants with less topic involvement. With this, we gained valuable insights into the role of smart speakers for information search and potential downsides of this usage.
The Targeted Deletion of Genes Responsible for Expression of the Mth60 Fimbriae Leads to Loss of Cell-Cell Connections in Methanothermobacter thermautotrophicus ΔH
2023-06-13

Methanothermobacter spp. have been studied for the biochemistry of hydrogenotrophic methanogenesis for many years. However, a detailed investigation of certain aspects, such as regulatory processes, was impossible due to the lack of genetic tools.
‘I get used to it, I train through it, even though there are some days you cry through it’: Coping behaviours and adaptation of two West African footballers in Germany
2023-06-13

Elite African players are a major group in the growing international football talent market, especially in Europe. Through qualitative interviews, this study examined the coping strategies and adaption practices of two West African athletes in the process of transition into German football and society. Examining the players' narrative through the interpretive biography approach, the findings highlighted subjective adaptive and coping practices, as well as the role of the structures of talent development systems. The strategies included both problem-focussed and emotion-focussed strategies, namely training in a European-modelled football system, culture learning, multilocal belonging, rationalisation and acceptance of circumstance, reconstitution of self-identity, and social support. The key contributions demonstrate the impact of West African football academies on the experience of transnational migration, and the ways a transnational African athlete may redefine his conception of self to make sense of his experiences.
Genomic adaptation of Burkholderia anthina to glyphosate uncovers a novel herbicide resistance mechanism
2023-06-13

Abstract Glyphosate (GS) specifically inhibits the 5‐enolpyruvyl‐shikimate‐3‐phosphate (EPSP) synthase that converts phosphoenolpyruvate (PEP) and shikimate‐3‐phosphate to EPSP in the shikimate pathway of bacteria and other organisms. The inhibition of the EPSP synthase depletes the cell of the EPSP‐derived aromatic amino acids as well as of folate and quinones. A variety of mechanisms (e.g., EPSP synthase modification) has been described that confer GS resistance to bacteria. Here, we show that the Burkholderia anthina strain DSM 16086 quickly evolves GS resistance by the acquisition of mutations in the ppsR gene. ppsR codes for the pyruvate/ortho‐P i dikinase PpsR that physically interacts and regulates the activity of the PEP synthetase PpsA. The mutational inactivation of ppsR causes an increase in the cellular PEP concentration, thereby abolishing the inhibition of the EPSP synthase by GS that competes with PEP for binding to the enzyme. Since the overexpression of the Escherichia coli ppsA gene in Bacillus subtilis and E. coli did not increase GS resistance in these organisms, the mutational inactivation of the ppsR gene resulting in PpsA overactivity is a GS resistance mechanism that is probably unique to B. anthina .
Quantitative and geometric motor unit analysis using magnetomyography
2023-06-13

ABSTRACT Objective Magnetomyography (MMG) is currently a rather unexplored neurophysiological modality and it is not known to which extent the number of motor units have an influence on the amplitude and the direction of the MMG-signal. Methods A simultaneous invasive electromyography (iEMG), surface EMG (sEMG) and MMG using optically pumped magnetometer (OPM-MMG) of the right abductor digiti minimi muscle (ADM) of two healthy participants was recorded during a stepwise increasing electrical stimulation of the ADM innervating ulnar nerve. Then, the number of electrically evoked motor units was estimated (MUNE), the magnetic field vectors were reconstructed and aligned to the muscular anatomy. In addition, a finite element simulation of the ADM muscle was performed and compared to the experimental data. Results The more motor units were activated by increasing electrical stimulation, the stronger the MMG signal became, which was the same for iEMG&amp;sEMG (r&gt;0.96). The finite element simulation showed the same relation between the magnetic and electric signal. Further, based on the simulation the number of activated muscular fibers and neuromuscular units could be estimated the ratio of signal to fibers determined. In addition, the precise vector direction of the magnetomyography (MMG) signal can reliably be recorded following the electric stimulation of the ulnar nerve and followed the muscle fiber direction. Conclusion The MMG signal can be used to determine the amount of activated motor units, but also analysis of the magnetic field vector corresponds to the muscle fiber direction, offering a functional as well as structural characterization of muscles. The modelling and simulation is especially helpful to understand the magnetic muscular signal in detail. Significance Next to establishing MUNE in MMG, our results provide the first quantitative comparison between MMG vs. iEMG&amp;sEMG and highlight the possibilities of the vector component analysis in MMG. Highlights - Comparative study of MMG, iEMG&amp;sEMG using electrically induced activation of motor units. - MUNE in MMG is possible and is potentially superior to surface EMG. - The vector components of the MMG-signal correspond to the muscle fiber direction of the muscle. - Finite element simulation of the muscular magnetic and electric signal
Seroprevalence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in a population living in Bomassa village, Republic of Congo
2023-06-13

Background: With limited data available from Central Africa, the aim of our study was to evaluate the anti-SARS-CoV-2 Ab prevalence in indigenous residents of Bomassa, a village located in the Sangha region in the Republic of Congo.Methods: Plasma and oropharyngeal swab samples were collected from 304 healthy adult individuals, randomly recruited in May 2021 before vaccine introduction in the area.In addition, 82 plasma samples from the same area in 2019 were included as controls for the investigation of cross-reactivity against other coronaviruses.The SARS-CoV-2 virus was detected by qRT-PCR and sequenced using next-generation sequencing.ELISA was used for detecting IgG, IgM, and neutralizing Ab against SARS-CoV-2 antigens.Results: Around 4.9% (15/304) of the participants were SARS-CoV-2 positive, with B.1.631being the only variant identified.Of 109 individuals harboring anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG and/or IgM Ab, 45.9% (50/109) had anti-SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing Ab.Of the control samples collected before the pandemic, 3.7% (3/82) were positive for IgG, but negative for neutralizing Ab.Conclusions: Seroprevalence against SARS-CoV-2 occurred in 25% of the indigenous population sample, with almost 50% of these seropositive participants possessing neutralizing antibodies.These findings suggest that the spread of SARS-CoV-2 has been underestimated in the Republic of Congo.
Genome Sequences of the Two Telluria Type Strains, Telluria chitinolytica ACM 3522 T and Telluria mixta DSM 29330 T
2023-06-13

High-quality draft genome sequences were obtained for the two type strains Telluria chitinolytica ACM 3522 T and Telluria mixta DSM 29330 T . The genomes of both strains show a considerable biosynthetic potential to produce secondary metabolites.
Phenotypic similarity-based approach for variant prioritization for unsolved rare disease: a preliminary methodological report
2023-06-13

Abstract Rare diseases (RD) have a prevalence of not more than 1/2000 in the European population, and are characterised by the difficulty of obtaining a correct and timely diagnosis. According to Orphanet, 72,5% of RD have a genetic origin although 35% of them do not yet have an identified causative gene. A significant proportion of patients suspected to have a genetic RD receive an inconclusive exome/genome sequencing. Working towards the International Rare Diseases Research Consortium (IRDiRC)’s goal for 2027 to ensure that all people living with a RD receive a diagnosis within one year of coming to medical attention, the Solve-RD project aims to identify the molecular causes underlying undiagnosed RD. As part of this strategy, we developed a phenotypic similarity-based variant prioritization methodology comparing submitted cases amongst them and with known RD in Orphanet. A 3-step programmatic cascade of phenotypic similarity calculations using The Human Phenotype Ontology (HPO), the Orphanet Rare Diseases Ontology (ORDO) and the HPO-ORDO Ontological Module (HOOM) was developed; genomics data reanalysis was performed by the RD-Connect Genome-Phenome Analysis Platform (GPAP). The methodology was tested in 4 exemplar cases, discussed with experts from European Reference Networks. Variants of interest (pathogenic or likely pathogenic) were detected in 8.8% of the 725 cases clustered by similarity algorithms, formulating diagnostic hypotheses that were validated in 42.1% of them and need further explorations in another 10.9%. Based on the promising results, we are devising an automated standardized phenotypic-based re-analysis pipeline to be applied to the entire unsolved cases cohort in Solve-RD.
A Multimodal Stacked Ensemble Model for Cardiac Output Prediction Utilizing Cardiorespiratory Interactions during General Anesthesia
2023-06-13

Abstract Background : This study aimed to examine the possibility of estimating cardiac output (CO) using a multimodal stacking model that utilizes cardiopulmonary interactions during general anesthesia. Materials and methods : This study included 469 adult patients who underwent normal pulmonary function tests under general anesthesia. We used the publicly available VitalDB, a multiparameter biosignal prospectively collected database containing the data of non-cardiac surgical patients from Seoul National University Hospital. The hemodynamic data in this study included non-invasive blood pressure, plethysmographic heart rate, and SpO 2 . CO was recorded using the pulse contour technique devices Vigileo and EV1000. Respiratory data included mechanical ventilation parameters and end-tidal CO 2 levels. A generalized linear regression model was used as the base learner for the multimodal stacking ensemble method. Random forest, generalized linear regression, gradient boosting machine, and XGBoost are meta-learners that use base learner predictions. Multimodal stacking ensembles combine predictions from two modalities, hemodynamic and respiratory numerical data obtained from multimodal intraoperative monitoring. Results : A Bland–Altman plot revealed that a multimodal stacked ensemble model for CO prediction from 327 patients had a bias of −0.001 L/min (±1.96 SD, 0.611 L/min, and −0.614 L/min) and −0.271% (±1.96 SD, 12.94%; SD, −13.488%) when calculating the percentage of difference using the EV1000 device. Agreement of model CO prediction and measured Vigileo CO in 142 patients reported a bias of −0.01 (±1.96 SD, 0.464 L/min, and −0.477 L/min) and −0.333% (±1.96 SD, 9.924%, and −10.59%). Conclusions : This study demonstrated that our model predicts CO compared to data obtained by the pulse contour technique cardiac output monitors with good agreement.
Causal definitions vs. casual estimation: Reply to Valente, Rijnhart, &amp; Miocevic (2023).
2023-06-13

In this response to Valente, Rijnhart, and Miocevic (2023), I am discussing the plausibility and applicability of the proposed mediation model and its causal effects estimation for single case experimental designs (SCEDs). I will focus on the underlying assumptions that the authors use to identify the causal effects. These assumptions include the particularly problematic assumption of sequential ignorability or no-unmeasured confounders. First, I will discuss the plausibility of the assumption in general and then particularly for SCEDs by providing an analytic argument and a re-analysis of the empirical example in Valente et al. (2023). Second, I will provide a simulation that reproduces the design by Valente et al. (2023) with the exception that for a more realistic depiction of empirical data, an unmeasured confounder affects the mediator and outcome variables. The results of this simulation study indicate that even minor violations will lead to type I error rates up to 100\\% and coverage rates as low as 0\\% for the defined causal direct and indirect effects. Third, using historical data on the effect of birth control on stork population and birth rates, I will show that mediation models like the proposed method can lead to surprising artifacts. These artifacts can hardly be identified with statistically means including methods such as sensitivity analyses.
Report on scipost_202305_00010v1
2023-06-13

We introduce a new universal framework describing fluctuations and correlations in quantum and classical many-body systems, at the Euler hydrodynamic scale of space and time.The framework adapts the ideas of the conventional macroscopic fluctuation theory (MFT) to systems that support ballistic transport.The resulting "ballistic MFT" (BMFT) is solely based on the Euler hydrodynamics data of the many-body system.Within this framework, mesoscopic observables are classical random variables depending only on the fluctuating conserved densities, and Euler-scale fluctuations are obtained by deterministically transporting thermodynamic fluctuations via the Euler hydrodynamics.Using the BMFT, we show that long-range correlations in space generically develop over time from long-wavelength inhomogeneous initial states in interacting models.This result, which we verify by numerical calculations, challenges the long-held paradigm that at the Euler scale, fluid cells may be considered uncorrelated.We also show that the Gallavotti-Cohen fluctuation theorem for non-equilibrium ballistic transport follows purely from time-reversal invariance of the Euler hydrodynamics.We check the validity of the BMFT by applying it to integrable systems, and in particular the hard-rod gas, with extensive simulations that confirm our analytical results.
Outside‐in repair technique is effective in traumatic tears of the meniscus in active adults: a systematic review
2023-06-14

Abstract Purpose Meniscal injuries are common. Outside‐in meniscal repair is one of the techniques advocated for the management of traumatic meniscal tears. This systematic review investigated the outcomes of the outside‐in repair technique for the management of traumatic tears of the menisci. The outcomes of interest were to investigate whether PROMs improved and to evaluate the rate of complications. Methods Following the 2020 PRISMA statement, in May 2023, PubMed, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and Embase were accessed with no time constraints. All the clinical investigations which reported data on meniscal repair using the outside‐in technique were considered for inclusion. Only studies which reported data on acute traumatic meniscal tears in adults were considered. Only studies which reported a minimum of 24 months of follow‐up were eligible. Results Data from 458 patients were extracted. 34% (155 of 458) were women. 65% (297 of 458) of tears involved the medial meniscus. The mean operative time was 52.9 ± 13.6 min. Patients returned to their normal activities at 4.8 ± 0.8 months. At a mean of 67‐month follow‐up, all PROMs of interest improved: Tegner scale ( P = 0.003), Lysholm score ( P &lt; 0.0001), International Knee Documentation Committee ( P &lt; 0.0001). 5.9% (27 of 458) of repairs were considered failures. Four of 186 (2.2%) patients experienced a re‐injury, and 5 of 458 (1.1%) patients required re‐operation. Conclusion Meniscal repair using the outside‐in technique can be effectively performed to improve the quality of life and the activity level of patients with acute meniscal tears. Level of evidence Level IV.
Controlling Three-Color Förster Resonance Energy Transfer in an Optical Fabry–Pérot Microcavity at Low Mode Order
2023-06-14

We study three-color Förster resonance energy transfer (triple FRET) between three spectrally distinct fluorescent dyes, a donor and two acceptors, which are embedded in a single polystyrene nanosphere. The presence of triple FRET energy transfer is confirmed by selective acceptor photobleaching. We show that the fluorescence lifetimes of the three dyes are selectively controlled using the Purcell effect by modulating the radiative rates and relative fluorescence intensities when the nanospheres are embedded in an optical Fabry–Pérot microcavity. The strongest fluorescence intensity enhancement for the second acceptor can be observed as a signature of the FRET process by tuning the microcavity mode to suppress the intermediate dye emission and transfer more energy from donor to the second acceptor. Additionally, we show that the triple FRET process can be modeled by coupled rate equations, which allow to estimate the energy transfer rates between donor and acceptors. This fundamental study has the potential to extend the classical FRET approach for investigating complex systems, e.g., optical energy switching, photovoltaic devices, light-harvesting systems, or in general interactions between more than two constituents.
Contesting State Monologues: Indigenous Grassroots’ Struggles with Prior Consultation Norms in the Peruvian Amazon
2023-06-14

Abstract Prior consultation (PC) has been an internationally enshrined norm for indigenous peoples’ rights since the 1980s. Indigenous peoples have called for PC for decades, but when governments finally begin implementation, a paradox results: previous advocates increasingly turn away from consultation processes. I argue that only with the perspective that norms are and should be contested “on the ground,” we are able to understand this contradiction. Therefore, the article presents a new conceptual and methodological interpretive framework for studying indigenous grassroots contestation. Drawing on ethnographic fieldwork in the Peruvian Amazon (2013–2016), I hone in on three layers of contestation—explicit contestation, attitudes and perceptions, and political implications—and demonstrate that (1) non-contestation confirms state monologues and is an alarming sign for silenced voices, not for norm support; (2) contested consultations reproduce asymmetries within indigenous groups replicating negotiations about extractive industry projects; and (3) opposition to consultation may be the most powerful tool for indigenous peoples to change narrow state interpretations and make use of veto rights. Scaling up these insights, the structure of PC accommodates two irreconcilable understandings: PC is either interpreted as an end in itself or as a means of indigenous self-determination.
Quantum thermodynamics of boundary time-crystals
2023-06-14

Time-translation symmetry breaking is a mechanism for the emergence of non-stationary many-body phases, so-called time-crystals, in Markovian open quantum systems. Dynamical aspects of time-crystals have been extensively explored over the recent years. However, much less is known about their thermodynamic properties, also due to the intrinsic nonequilibrium nature of these phases. Here, we consider the paradigmatic boundary time-crystal system, in a finite-temperature environment, and demonstrate the persistence of the time-crystalline phase at any temperature. Furthermore, we analyze thermodynamic aspects of the model investigating, in particular, heat currents, power exchange and irreversible entropy production. Our work sheds light on the thermodynamic cost of sustaining nonequilibrium time-crystalline phases and provides a framework for characterizing time-crystals as possible resources for, e.g., quantum sensing. Our results may be verified in experiments, for example with trapped ions or superconducting circuits, since we connect thermodynamic quantities with mean value and covariance of collective (magnetization) operators.
Comment on egusphere-2023-986
2023-06-14

<strong class="journal-contentHeaderColor">Abstract.</strong> An increasing number of climate model simulations is becoming available for the transition from the Last Glacial Maximum to the Holocene. Assessing the simulations&rsquo; reliability requires benchmarking against environmental proxy records. To date, no established method exists to compare these two data sources in space and time over a period with changing background conditions. Here, we develop a new algorithm to rank simulations according to their deviation from reconstructed magnitudes and temporal patterns of orbital- as well as millennial-scale temperature variations. The use of proxy forward modeling avoids the need to reconstruct gridded or regional mean temperatures from sparse and uncertain proxy data. First, we test the reliability and robustness of our algorithm in idealized experiments with prescribed deglacial temperature histories. We quantify the influence of limited temporal resolution, chronological uncertainties, and non-climatic processes by constructing noisy pseudo-proxies. While model-data comparison results become less reliable with increasing uncertainties, we find that the algorithm discriminates well between simulations under realistic non-climatic noise levels. To obtain reliable and robust rankings, we advise spatial averaging of the results for individual proxy records. Second, we demonstrate our method by quantifying the deviations between an ensemble of transient deglacial simulations and a global compilation of sea surface temperature reconstructions. The ranking of the simulations differs substantially between the considered regions and timescales. We attribute this diversity in the rankings to more regionally confined temperature variations in reconstructions than in simulations, which could be the result of uncertainties in boundary conditions, shortcomings in models, or regionally varying characteristics of reconstructions such as recording seasons and depths. Future work towards disentangling these potential reasons can leverage the flexible design of our algorithm and its demonstrated ability to identify varying levels of model-data agreement.