julilili42/papers huggingface dataset:
Attention incorporated network for sharing low-rank, image and k-space information during MR image reconstruction to achieve single breath-hold cardiac Cine imaging
2024-12-28

Cardiac Cine Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) provides an accurate assessment of heart morphology and function in clinical practice. However, MRI requires long acquisition times, with recent deep learning-based methods showing great promise to accelerate imaging and enhance reconstruction quality. Existing networks exhibit some common limitations that constrain further acceleration possibilities, including single-domain learning, reliance on a single regularization term, and equal feature contribution. To address these limitations, we propose to embed information from multiple domains, including low-rank, image, and k-space, in a novel deep learning network for MRI reconstruction, which we denote as A-LIKNet. A-LIKNet adopts a parallel-branch structure, enabling independent learning in the k-space and image domain. Coupled information sharing layers realize the information exchange between domains. Furthermore, we introduce attention mechanisms into the network to assign greater weights to more critical coils or important temporal frames. Training and testing were conducted on an in-house dataset, including 91 cardiovascular patients and 38 healthy subjects scanned with 2D cardiac Cine using retrospective undersampling. Additionally, we evaluated A-LIKNet on the real-time prospectively undersampled data from the OCMR dataset. The results demonstrate that our proposed A-LIKNet outperforms existing methods and provides high-quality reconstructions. The network can effectively reconstruct highly retrospectively undersampled dynamic MR images up to 24× accelerations, indicating its potential for single breath-hold imaging.
‘No words’—Machine‐learning classified nonverbal immediacy and its role in connecting teacher self‐efficacy with perceived teaching and student interest
2024-12-29

Abstract Background Much is known about the positive effects of teachers' self‐efficacy on instruction and student outcomes, but the processes underlying these relations are unknown. Aims We aimed to examine the effects of teacher self‐efficacy for student engagement (TSESE) before a lesson on teachers' nonverbal immediacy (NVI) and their enthusiastic teaching. Furthermore, we examined how NVI and enthusiastic teaching affected students' interest after the lesson, controlling for prior interest. Sample We used data from the German TALIS video study in the context of the international TALIS study. The study included 50 teachers (46% women) and their 1140 students (53% girls; age M = 15 years). Methods We developed a computational model to assess teachers' NVI on classroom video data. Using a multimodal longitudinal approach, we tested sequential processes with multilevel path models. Results TSESE before the lesson (Time 1) was positively and significantly related to teachers' NVI during the lesson (Time 2). Teachers' NVI (Time 2) was positively related to class‐level enthusiastic teaching behaviours, reported after the lesson (Time 3). Student‐reported enthusiastic teaching behaviours (Time 3) were significantly and positively associated with students' interest (Time 3) when controlling for students' prior interest (Time 1). Students' interest after the lesson (Time 3) was significantly and positively related to students' interest 6 weeks later (Time 4). Conclusions Nonverbal behaviours of the teacher are central to classroom instruction by promoting students' perceptions of the teachers' enthusiastic teaching behaviours.
Morpho‐Physiological Traits Linked to Water Stress Responses Among Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench Varieties: A Field Study in Kenya
2024-12-29

ABSTRACT Sorghum is a drought‐tolerant crop with the potential to alleviate food insecurity in arid and semiarid regions of the world. This study aimed to identify the morphological and physiological traits that are associated with drought tolerance in three sorghum varieties grown in Kenya: the Makueni (MKL) landrace, Gadam (GD) open‐pollinated variety and the IESH 22012 hybrid. A randomised split‐plot design was employed, comprising three sorghum varieties and two moisture input levels (control and drought), replicated four times during the 2021 and 2022 crop seasons. Rainout shelters were utilised to impose drought conditions. Drought stress significantly influenced all traits, and the three varieties exhibited distinct responses. Based on grain yield, IESH demonstrated superior potential, followed by GD, while MKL ranked third under drought conditions. Across all varieties, drought led to reductions in transpiration rates (MKL: 40%, GD: 46% and IESH: 20%) and stomatal conductance (MKL: 31%, GD: 39% and IESH: 21%). Assimilation rates were reduced by 51%, 38% and 23% for GD, MKL and IESH, respectively. Similarly, drought decreased biomass by 46% for GD, 30% for IESH and 26% for MKL. Grain yields were also reduced by 51% for GD, 37% for MKL and 33% for IESH. GD exhibited a more pronounced yield decline than IESH in response to water shortages, indicating a greater sensitivity to reduced water supply. Overall, the results indicate that sorghum responds to drought by reducing plant size, biomass accumulation, leaf area, transpiration rate and stomatal conductance. However, the phenotypic drought response, including the allocation of reduced carbon and biomass formation among plant organs, is specific to each variety. The IESH variety was identified as more suitable for both drought‐stress and nonstress environments, considering its favourable morphological, physiological and yield‐related traits, as well as its sensitivity and tolerance indices.
Genome sequencing of Plasmodium malariae identifies continental segregation and mutations associated with reduced pyrimethamine susceptibility
2024-12-30

Abstract Plasmodium malariae parasites are widely observed across the tropics and sub-tropics. This slow-growing species, known to maintain chronic asymptomatic infections, has been associated with reduced antimalarial susceptibility. We analyse 251 P. malariae genomes from 28 countries, and leveraging 131,601 high-quality SNPs, demonstrate segregation of African and Asian isolates. Signals of recent evolutionary selection were identified in genes encoding putative surface proteins ( pmmsp1 ) and putative erythrocyte invasion proteins ( pmdpap3, pmrbp2, pmnif4 ). Amino acid substitutions were identified in orthologs of genes associated with antimalarial susceptibility including 2 amino acid substitutions in pmdhfr aligning with pyrimethamine resistance mutations in P. falciparum . Additionally, we characterise pmdhfr mutation F57L and demonstrate its involvement in reduced susceptibility to pyrimethamine in an in vitro parasite assay. We validate CRISPR-Cas9 mediated ortholog replacement in P. knowlesi parasites to determine the function of pmdhfr mutations and demonstrate that circulating pmdhfr genotypes are less susceptible to pyrimethamine.
Math4Speed: A freely available measure of arithmetic fluency.
2024-12-30

We introduce the <i>Math4Speed</i> (M4S), a paper-and-pencil measure incorporating the four arithmetic operations with items of varying complexity. M4S consists of 50 addition, 50 subtraction, 50 multiplication, and 50 division problems, limited to 2 min per operation. The psychometric evaluation was conducted by combining convenience samples of young adults (<i>N</i> = 1,165), who were mainly university students (77.2%), from six European countries (the United Kingdom, Belgium, Germany, Poland, Greece, and Spain). Reliability and validity were satisfactory. Construct validity was reflected in the largest associations between inverse operations (e.g., multiplication and division). Convergent and divergent validity were reflected in higher associations of the M4S with other arithmetic measures than with a spelling test. As a freely available measure, M4S will be widely accessible and will in this first step allow cross-study comparison for typical experimental samples. In the next step, we invite all researchers to contribute to further development of M4S by providing more culturally diverse, minority, or representative samples to broaden the use cases of this screening of arithmetic fluency and enable more generalizability. Interested contributors can get in contact via email (math4speed@psychologie.uni-tuebingen.de). (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2025 APA, all rights reserved).
Cognitive–emotional impairments in euthymic bipolar disorder—New insights into emotion regulation and cognitive control deficits.
2024-12-30

Bipolar disorder (BD) is assumed to be a disorder of emotion regulation (ER), with the most prominent endophenotype being deficient cognitive control (CC). However, the nature of ER and CC deficits and specifically their association in BD has not been adequately examined. Therefore, the present study examines different aspects of ER and CC within <i>n</i> = 32 euthymic patients with BD and <i>n</i> = 32 healthy controls (HCs). Besides self-reported habitual use of ER strategies, we also assessed spontaneous use and success of reappraisal and rumination following different mood inductions (MIs; amusement, sadness) and the ability to use reappraisal when instructed to do so. General and valence-specific CC performance was assessed by a working memory manipulation task. BD patients reported increased <i>habitual</i> use of maladaptive ER strategies alongside decreased use of adaptive strategies in response to <i>negative</i> affect. Regarding <i>positive</i> affect, heightened use of dampening was reported. By contrast, no group differences emerged with respect to <i>spontaneous</i> strategy use following MI. However, when instructed to downregulate amusement using reappraisal, patients reported heightened positive affect reactivity compared to HCs following the MI. Furthermore, patients showed overall but no valence-specific CC deficits. ER deficits in the BD group were partly mediated by reduced CC. Our findings confirm that patients show deviations in their habitual ER strategy use and fail to down-regulate positive emotions when required to do so, indicating both performance and competence deficits. This appears to be partly influenced by impaired CC. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2025 APA, all rights reserved).
Piperazine‐based P2X4 receptor antagonists
2024-12-30

Abstract The P2X4 receptor (P2X4R), a ligand‐gated ion channel activated by ATP, plays a critical role in neuroinflammation, chronic pain, and cancer progression, making it a promising therapeutic target. In this study, we explored the design and synthesis of piperazine‐based P2X4R antagonists, building on the structural framework of paroxetine. A series of over 35 compounds were synthesized to investigate structure–activity relationships (SARs) in a Ca2+‐flux assay for P2X4R antagonistic activity. Several compounds outperformed paroxetine in terms of antagonistic P2X4R potency. Further studies on absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion properties revealed that increased lipophilicity often correlated with high plasma protein binding and decreased metabolic stability, particularly in compounds with a naphthalene‐2‐yloxy group. Although promising SARs were observed, further optimization is needed to enhance antagonistic P2X4R receptor activity. This work provides important insights into the development of piperazine‐based P2X4R antagonists and lays the foundation for future therapeutic advancements targeting P2X4R‐related diseases.
BioPearl™ doxorubicin microspheres for unresectable HCC: a prospective, single-arm, multicenter study: BIOPEARL-ONE
2024-12-30

Drug-eluting microsphere transarterial chemoembolization (DEM-TACE) reduces systemic exposure to chemotherapeutic drugs compared with conventional TACE but permanently occludes the embolized vessels, potentially obviating the possibility of re-treatment with TACE. Temporary embolization by resorbable BioPearlTM microspheres might facilitate subsequent re-treatments. We herein describe the trial protocol of BIOPEARL-ONE, a prospective, single-arm, multicenter, post-market clinical follow-up study. The primary objectives are technical success and safety following the use. DEM-TACE with doxorubicin-loaded BioPearlTM for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The secondary objectives are tumor response, duration of response, progression-free survival, and survival rate at 18 months. Fifty patients with HCC nodules smaller than 5 cm and within the up-to-7 criteria will be enrolled.<b>Clinical Trial Registration: NCT05911633</b>.
Elucidation of intragenomic variation of ribosomal DNA sequences in the enigmatic fungal genus Ceraceosorus, including a newly described species Ceraceosorus americanus
2024-12-30

Abstract Multicopy nuclear ribosomal DNA (rDNA) genes have been used as markers for fungal identification for three decades. The rDNA sequences in a genome are thought to be homogeneous due to concerted evolution. However, intragenomic variation of rDNA sequences has recently been observed in many fungi, which may make fungal identification and species abundance estimation based on these loci problematic. Ceraceosorus is an enigmatic genus in the smut lineage Ustilaginomycotina for which very limited distribution data exist. Our previous research demonstrated intragenomic variation in the internal transcribed spacer (ITS1-5.8S-ITS2) region of two Ceraceosorus species. In this study, we described the fourth known species of Ceraceosorus , C. americanus , isolated from an asymptomatic rosemary leaf collected in Louisiana, USA. This is the first report of this genus in the Americas. We then selected all four known Ceraceosorus species, plus exemplar smut fungi representing all major lineages of subphylum Ustilaginomycotina , to examine sequence heterogeneity in three regions of the rDNA repeat (partial 18S, ITS, and partial 28S regions). Three methods were used: PCR-cloning-Sanger sequencing, targeted amplicon high-throughput sequencing, and whole-genome shotgun high-throughput sequencing. Our results show that Ceraceosorus is the only sampled fungal genus in Ustilaginomycotina with significant intragenomic variation at the ITS, with up to 25 nucleotide variant sites in the ITS1–5.8S–ITS2 region and 2.6% divergence among analyzed ITS haplotypes. We found many conflicting patterns across the three detection methods, with up to 27 conflicting variant sites recorded from a single individual. At least 40% of the conflicting patterns are possibly due to PCR-cloning-sequencing errors, as the corresponding variant sites were not observed in the other detection methods. Based on our data and the literature, we evaluated the characteristics and advantages/disadvantages of each detection method. Finally, a model for how intragenomic variation in the rDNA copies within a genome may arise is presented.
A new use for synchrotron X-ray microtomography: three-dimensional biomechanical modeling of chelicerate mouthparts and calculation of theoretical bite forces
2024-12-31

We present the first report on the use of the non-invasive method of synchrotron X-ray microtomography to model the dynamics and theoretical bite forces of arthropod mouthparts. The nature of the data allowed us to include precise measurements of muscle areas and the spatial geometry of muscle origins and insertions into a biomechanical model of a morphological microstructure. We investigated the functional morphology of the chelicera in the oribatid mite Archegozetes longisetosus (Acari, Oribatida), a model organism for Chelicerata. The chelicera represents a first-class lever; the intrinsic muscular system consists of a feather-shaped depressor with six muscle bundles and a bouquet-shaped levator with 16 bundles. The relative bite forces, as compared with body mass (force/mass2/3), are 390 N kg–1 and lie within those known for vertebrates (≤260 N kg–1) and decapod chelae (≤915 N kg–1). The dynamics of force transmission and bite forces during the movement of the apotele are calculated. The conserved organization of cheliceral musculature allows broad adaptation of the model to other chelicerate taxa.
Pilot study: simulating myopic chromatic aberration on a computer screen induces progressive choroidal thickening in myopes
2024-12-31

The purpose of this study was to determine whether repeated exposure to a digitally simulated myopic chromatic aberration (“red in focus” filter) on a computer screen, can change axial length (AL) and choroidal thickness (ChT) in young human subjects. Six myopic and four emmetropic subjects worked on a computer screen with a “red in focus” filter for 2 hours per day over 12 consecutive days (days 1–12). The treatment period was followed by 2 days of recovery where subjects performed computer work for 2 hours per day without filtering (days 13 and 14). Before and after each computer work episode, axial length and subfoveal choroidal thickness were measured in both eyes. Additionally, on days 1, 12, and 14, visual acuity and contrast sensitivity were measured in three luminance-matched light conditions: red, blue, and white light. Myopic, but not emmetropic eyes showed progressive thickening of the choroid and shortening of the axial length over 12 consecutive days with the “red in focus” filter (AL:−31 ± 39 μm, p &lt; 0.01; ChT: +18 ± 14 μm, p &lt; 0.0001) with significant recovery when compared to the last days of the treatment period (AL: +10 ± 26 μm, p &lt; 0.05; ChT:−16 ± 10 μm, p &lt; 0.001). Visual acuity improved in both emmetropic and myopic eyes, under all light conditions, however, a significant difference was measured only in emmetropic eyes in red light (−0.03 ± 0.15 vs. −0.19 ± 0.14 LogMAR, p &lt; 0.05). Contrast sensitivity did not significantly change during the entire experiment in emmetropic or myopic eyes. Working on a computer screen with the “red in focus” filter may have an inhibitory effect on myopia progression since it causes progressive thickening of the choroid and associated shortening of axial length over 12 days. However, long-term studies with larger sample sizes are necessary to verify a general effect.
The Bocabulario de la Lengua Sangleya por las Letraz de el A.B.C. (Manila, ca. 1617)
2024-12-31

Abstract The Bocabulario de la Lengua Sangleya por las Letraz de el A.B.C . stands out among the Spanish missionary oeuvres dedicated to the documentation of the Chinese vernacular spoken by the Sangley community in Manila around the year 1600. As opposed to other vocabularies and dictionaries of the same epoch, it contains not only single line Hokkien-Spanish entries, but many additional pieces of linguistic and cultural information including example sentences selected and designed for conversational use during field work regarding proselytization. The Bocabulario is a complex text where several discourse layers can be distinguished, one traced back to the sources utilized by the compilers, another one implemented by the compilers themselves while following their didactic and practical goals, and a last one by the copyists who do not seem to have grown up with the European tradition of scripturality.
Does clonidine stimulate copeptin in children?
2024-12-31

Abstract Objectives Copeptin is secreted in isomolar amounts along with AVP. Its stability makes it a perfect biomarker of AVP deficiency. In children, dynamic GH tests were shown to stimulate copeptin. Here, we retrospectively studied the effect of clonidine on copeptin release. Methods This is a monocentric retrospective analysis of donated residual serum samples from 42 children with suspected growth hormone deficiency (GHD) who underwent clonidine stimulation between 2020 and 2023. Copeptin was measured in baseline, 30-, 60-, 90- and 120-min samples by BRAHMS Copeptin proAVP Kryptor immunofluorescence assay. Results There were 20 patients with GHD and 22 without; no patient had polyuria-polydipsia syndrome. Median age was 6.7 years (quartiles; 5.6–7.8), and the median height was −2.92 SDS (−3.42 to −2.34). The median baseline level of copeptin was 5.6 pmol/L (3.4–9.6). Median copeptin mildly decreased to 4.5 pmol/L (3.0–10.0) after 30 min; this change was not significant (p=0.45). Thereafter, median values remained low at 4.6, 4.6, and 4.6 pmol/L (60, 90, and 120 min). There was no correlation between baseline copeptin levels and the diagnosis of GHD. Conclusions The clonidine stimulation test does not stimulate copeptin release and is not suitable for the assessment of AVP deficiency in children.
The therapeutic potential of vitamins A, C, and D in pancreatic cancer
2024-12-31

The pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is among the deadliest tumor diseases worldwide. While treatment options have generally become more diverse, little progress has been made in the treatment of PDAC and the median survival time for patients with locally advanced PDAC is between 8.7 and 13.7 months despite treatment. The aim of this review was to explore the therapeutic potential of complementing standard therapy with natural or synthetic forms of vitamins A, C, and D. The therapeutic use of vitamins A, C, and D could be a promising addition to the treatment of PDAC. For all three vitamins and their derivatives, tumor cell-specific cytotoxicity and growth inhibition against PDAC cells has been demonstrated in vitro and in preclinical animal models. While the antitumor effect of vitamin C is probably mainly due to its pro-oxidative effect in supraphysiological concentrations, vitamin A and vitamin D exert their effect by activating nuclear receptors and influencing gene transcription. In addition, there is increasing evidence that vitamin A and vitamin D influence the tumor stroma, making the tumor tissue more accessible to other therapeutic agents. Based on these promising findings, there is a high urgency to investigate vitamins A, C, and D in a clinical context as a supplement to standard therapy in PDAC. Further studies are needed to better understand the exact mechanism of action of the individual compounds and to develop the best possible treatment regimen. This could contribute to the long-awaited progress in the treatment of this highly lethal tumor entity.
A Cross-sectional Study Analyzing the Integration of the Moving School Concept at Secondary Schools in Germany
2024-12-31

Objectives: The increase in physical activity and the reduction of sedentary time can have positive effects on children ́s health. The concept of Moving School was developed to reduce students’ sitting time and has evolved in a broadly used concept. Method: This study aims to analyse the degree of the implementation of the concept at secondary schools and investigate associated factors with the intention of teachers to implement it in practice. 345 physical education teachers were asked by questionnaire about their knowledge of the concept, their attitude towards it, and their assessment of the current situation in everyday school life. Results: Moving School is well known among physical education teachers. They gain their knowledge mainly through their university studies. Teachers’ expectations in terms of effort and performance, social influence, and, in particular, facilitating conditions are positively associated with the intention to use the concept. Conclusion: Teachers are aware of and believe in the effectiveness of the concept. The level of implementation in practice does not reflect this. The framework conditions should be adapted and practical examples of implementation should become better known among the teachers in order to facilitate implementing the concept in schools.