julilili42/papers huggingface dataset:
A practical guide to terahertz imaging using thermal atomic vapour
2023-02-01

Abstract This tutorial aims to provide details on the underlying principles and methodologies of atom-based terahertz imaging techniques. Terahertz imaging is a growing field of research which can provide complementary information to techniques using other regions of the electromagnetic spectrum. Unlike infrared, visible and ultraviolet radiation, terahertz passes through many everyday materials, such as plastics, cloth and card. Compared with images formed using lower frequencies, terahertz images have superior spatial resolution due to the shorter wavelength, while compared to x-rays and gamma rays, terahertz radiation is non-ionising and safe to use. The tutorial begins with the basic principles of terahertz to optical conversion in alkali atoms before discussing how to construct a model to predict the fluorescent spectra of the atoms, on which the imaging method depends. We discuss the practical aspects of constructing an imaging system, including the subsystem specifications. We then review the typical characteristics of the imaging system including spatial resolution, sensitivity and bandwidth. We conclude with a brief discussion of some potential applications.
Occupational Health Literacy Scale (OHLS): development and validation of a domain-specific measuring instrument
2023-02-01

Summary Occupational health literacy (OHL) is a domain-specific approach that can empower people to make health-appropriate decisions in the work environment. OHL comprises the knowledge, skills and willingness of people to access and process health-related information and to apply it in work situations. The aim of this study was to evolve a conceptual model and validate a scale for OHL, that can be used in many sectors in the Western industrial countries, which does not yet exist. After piloting, item selection and alteration were carried out in a pretest with n = 163 working adults in diverse small- and medium-sized enterprises in Germany. The resulting OHL items were validated in a main survey with n = 828 participants working in small- and medium-sized enterprises and among them 47.5% people with migration background. The final 12-item questionnaire had good structural characteristics and is reliable and valid for measuring OHL. Using exploratory structural equation modeling, good fit indices (root mean square error of approximation = 0.063, comparative fit index = 0.940) confirmed a two-factor structure: (i) knowledge and skill-based processing of health information (internal consistency α = 0.88) and (ii) willingness and responsibility for occupational health (α = 0.74). The OHL scale fills the gap regarding domain-specific OHL questionnaires for working adults in diverse sectors in Western industrial countries. The Occupational Health Literacy Scale can be used to identify the needs of employees and companies and then to adapt and evaluate health promotion measures. Further research could include validation and use in other countries and large companies.
miR-101a-3p Impairs Synaptic Plasticity and Contributes to Synucleinopathy
2023-02-01

Background: Synucleinopathies are disorders characterized by the abnormal accumulation of α-synuclein (aSyn). Synaptic compromise is observed in synucleinopathies parallel to aSyn aggregation and is accompanied by transcript deregulation. Objective: We sought to identify microRNAs associated with synaptic processes that may contribute to synaptic dysfunction and degeneration in synucleinopathies. Methods: We performed small RNA-sequencing of midbrain from 6-month-old transgenic mice expressing A30P mutant aSyn, followed by comparative expression analysis. We then used real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) for validation. Functional analysis was performed in primary neurons by biochemical assays and imaging. Results: We found several deregulated biological processes linked to the synapse. miR-101a-3p was validated as a synaptic miRNA upregulated in aSyn Tg mice and in the cortex of dementia with Lewy bodies patients. Mice and primary cultured neurons overexpressing miR-101a-3p showed downregulation of postsynaptic proteins GABA Ab2 and SAPAP3 and altered dendritic morphology resembling synaptic plasticity impairments and/or synaptic damage. Interestingly, primary cultured neuron exposure to recombinant wild-type aSyn species efficiently increased miR-101a-3p levels. Finally, a dynamic role of miR-101a-3p in synapse plasticity was shown by identifying downregulation of miR-101a-3p in a condition of enhanced synaptic plasticity modelled in Wt animals housed in enriched environment. Conclusion: To conclude, we correlated pathologic aSyn with high levels of miR-101a-3p and a novel dynamic role of the miRNA in synaptic plasticity.
Exact parallel waves in general relativity
2023-02-01

Abstract We conduct a review of the basic definitions and the principal results in the study of wavelike spacetimes, that is spacetimes whose metric models massless radiation moving at the speed of light, focusing in particular on those geometries with parallel rays . In particular, we motivate and connect their various definitions, outline their coordinate descriptions and present some classical results in their study in a language more accessible to modern readers, including the existence of “null coordinates” and the construction of Penrose limits. We also present a thorough summary of recent work on causality in pp-waves, and describe progress in addressing an open question in the field—the Ehlers–Kundt conjecture.
Unmotivated Subjects Cannot Provide Interpretable Data and Tasks with Sensitive Learning Periods Require Appropriately Aged Subjects: A Commentary on Koops et al. (2022) “Field experiments find no evidence that chimpanzee nut cracking can be independently innovated”
2023-02-01

In a recent paper in Nature Human Behaviour, Koops et al. (2022) argued that unlike most other chimpanzee “know-how”, nut-cracking falls outside the zone of latent solutions (ZLS). Their conclusion is based on an experiment in which the authors placed nuts and hammers in an area frequented by a wild population of chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes verus) naïve to nut-cracking. Although some of these chimpanzees came into proximity with the provisioned materials, they did not develop nut-cracking. Koops et al. concluded that chimpanzee nut- cracking know-how requires a model to copy – and does not represent a latent solution. We applaud Koops et al.’s efforts to test for the mechanisms that drive nut-cracking in wild chimpanzees, but we argue that their results are inconclusive because the chimpanzees lacked the required test motivation – there was no willingness to eat the nuts, even when their kernels were already exposed. Additionally, most individuals fell outside the age range most likely to foster nut-cracking innovation. For these reasons, Koops et al.’s study outcome is uninterpretable. The question whether nut-cracking is or is not a latent solution in chimpanzees therefore awaits further empirical testing on motivated subjects within adequate age ranges.
Predictive value of cardiac magnetic resonance right ventricular longitudinal strain in patients with suspected myocarditis
2023-02-01

RV strain is associated with MACE, HF hospitalization and death but has neither independent nor incremental prognostic value after adjustment for RV and LV function and tissue characteristics. Therefore, assessing RV GLS in the setting of myocarditis has only limited value.
Bringing Stellar Evolution and Feedback Together: Summary of Proposals from the Lorentz Center Workshop
2023-02-01

Abstract Stars strongly impact their environment, and shape structures on all scales throughout the universe, in a process known as “feedback.” Due to the complexity of both stellar evolution and the physics of larger astrophysical structures, there remain many unanswered questions about how feedback operates and what we can learn about stars by studying their imprint on the wider universe. In this white paper, we summarize discussions from the Lorentz Center meeting “Bringing Stellar Evolution and Feedback Together” in 2022 April and identify key areas where further dialog can bring about radical changes in how we view the relationship between stars and the universe they live in.
Effects of finerenone in people with chronic kidney disease and type 2 diabetes are independent of HbA1c at baseline, HbA1c variability, diabetes duration and insulin use at baseline
2023-02-01

Abstract Aim To evaluate the effect of finerenone by baseline HbA1c, HbA1c variability, diabetes duration and baseline insulin use on cardiorenal outcomes and diabetes progression. Materials and Methods Composite efficacy outcomes included cardiovascular (cardiovascular death, non‐fatal myocardial infarction, non‐fatal stroke or hospitalization for heart failure), kidney (kidney failure, sustained ≥ 57% estimated glomerular filtration rate decline or renal death) and diabetes progression (new insulin initiation, increase in antidiabetic medication, 1.0% increase in HbA1c from baseline, new diabetic ketoacidosis diagnosis or uncontrolled diabetes). Results In 13 026 participants, risk reductions in the cardiovascular and kidney composite outcomes with finerenone versus placebo were consistent across HbA1c quartiles ( P interaction .52 and .09, respectively), HbA1c variability ( P interaction .48 and .10), diabetes duration ( P interaction .12 and .75) and insulin use ( P interaction .16 and .52). HbA1c variability in the first year of treatment was associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular and kidney events (hazard ratio [HR] 1.20; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.07‐1.35; P = .0016 and HR 1.36; 95% CI 1.21‐1.52; P &lt; .0001, respectively). There was no effect on diabetes progression with finerenone or placebo (HR 1.00; 95% CI 0.95‐1.04). Finerenone was well‐tolerated across subgroups; discontinuation and hospitalization because of hyperkalaemia were low. Conclusions Finerenone efficacy was not modified by baseline HbA1c, HbA1c variability, diabetes duration or baseline insulin use. Greater HbA1c variability appeared to be associated with an increased risk of cardiorenal outcomes.
Bulk–edge correspondence for unbounded Dirac–Landau operators
2023-02-01

We consider two-dimensional unbounded magnetic Dirac operators, either defined on the whole plane or with infinite mass boundary conditions on a half-plane. Our main results use techniques from elliptic PDEs and integral operators, while their topological consequences are presented as corollaries of some more general identities involving magnetic derivatives of local traces of fast decaying functions of the bulk and edge operators. One of these corollaries leads to the so-called Středa formula: if the bulk operator has an isolated compact spectral island, then the integrated density of states of the corresponding bulk spectral projection varies linearly with the magnetic field as long as the gaps between the spectral island and the rest of the spectrum are not closed, and the slope of this variation is given by the Chern character of the projection. The same bulk Chern character is related to the number of edge states that appear in the gaps of the bulk operator.
Structural Insights into Polymer-Bounded Lipid Nanodiscs
2023-02-01

Membrane proteins are an essential part of signaling and transport processes and are targeted by multiple drugs. To isolate and investigate them in their native state, polymer-bounded nanodiscs have become valuable tools. In this study, we investigate the lipid model system dimyristoyl-phosphocholine (DMPC) with the nanodisc-forming copolymers styrene maleic acid (SMA) and diisobutylene maleic acid (DIBMA). Using small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) and dynamic light scattering (DLS), we studied the influence of polymer concentration and temperature on the nanodisc structure. In Tris buffer, the size of nanodiscs formed with SMA is smaller compared to DIBMA at the same polymer ratio. In both cases, the size decreases monotonically with increasing polymer concentration, and this effect is more pronounced when using SMA. Measurements at temperatures (<i>T</i>) between 5 and 30 °C in phosphate buffer showed an incomplete solubilization at high <i>T</i> even at polymer/lipid ratios above that required for complete lipid solubilization. For DIBMA, the nanodiscs developed at lower temperatures are stable and the net repulsion increases, while for SMA, the individual nanodiscs possess smaller sizes and are less affected by <i>T</i>. However, using DLS, one can observe SMA agglomerates at low <i>T</i>. Interestingly, for both polymers, no drastic changes of the observable parameters (radius and bilayer thickness) are seen upon cooling, which would indicate a sharp (first-order) phase transition from liquid-crystalline to gel, but only gradual changes. Hence, we conclude that the transition from a gel toward a liquid-crystalline lipid phase proceeds over a broad <i>T</i>-range compared to a continuous lipid bilayer. These results can pave the way toward the development of better protocols for studying membrane proteins stabilized in this type of membrane mimics.
Wigner 6j symbols for SU(N): Symbols with at least two quark-lines
2023-02-01

We study a class of SU(N) Wigner 6j symbols involving two fundamental representations and derive explicit formulas for all 6j symbols in this class. Our formulas express the 6j symbols in terms of the dimensions of the involved representations, and they are thereby functions of N. We view these explicit formulas as a first step toward efficiently decomposing SU(N) color structures in terms of group invariants.
Check on the features of potted 20-inch PMTs with 1F3 electronics prototype at Pan-Asia
2023-02-01

Abstract The Jiangmen underground neutrino observatory (JUNO) is a neutrino project with a 20-kton liquid scintillator detector located 700-m underground. The large 20-inch PMTs are one of the crucial components of the JUNO experiment aiming for precision neutrino measurements with better than 3% energy resolution at 1 MeV. The excellent energy resolution and a large fiducial volume provide many exciting opportunities for addressing important topics in neutrino and astroparticle physics. With the container #D at JUNO Pan-Asia PMT testing and potting station, the features of waterproof potted 20-inch PMTs were measured with JUNO 1F3 electronics prototype in waveform and charge, which are valuable for a better understanding of the performance of the waterproof potted PMTs and the JUNO 1F3 electronics. In this paper, the basic features of the JUNO 1F3 electronics prototype run at Pan-Asia will be introduced, followed by an analysis of the waterproof potted 20-inch PMTs and a comparison with the results from commercial electronics used by container #A and #B.
Abstract 31: The ATTICUS Randomized Controlled Trial - Subgroup Analyses
2023-02-01

Background: ATTICUS is the third prospective randomized controlled trial that compared a direct oral anticoagulant (DOAC) vs. acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) for secondary prevention after embolic stroke of undetermined source (ESUS). Aim of ATTICUS was to determine whether apixaban, initiated within 28 days after ESUS, is superior to ASA in preventing new ischemic lesions on 12-month follow- up MRI (primary endpoint) in subjects with remote atrial fibrillation (AF) monitoring. Methods: Multicenter (14 German centers) open-label randomized (1:1) controlled trial with blinded endpoint assessment. ESUS patients with at least one risk factor for AF/cardiac thromboembolism (i.e., left atrium (LA) size &gt; 45 mm, spontaneous echo contrast in LA appendage, LA appendage flow velocity ≤ 0.2 m/s, atrial high-rate episodes, CHA2DS2-VASc ≥ 4, patent foramen ovale (PFO)) were enrolled. Study drug was initiated 3 to 28 days after minor/moderate stroke and ≥ 14 to 28 days after major stroke. ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT02427126. Funding by Bristol Meyers Squibb-Pfizer Alliance (Euro 2.2 Mio.) and Medtronic. Results: 352 patients were available for final analysis. New ischemic lesion(s) were found in 13.6% vs. 16.0% of patients in the apixaban and the ASA arm, respectively (p=0.57), intention-to-treat. AF was detected in 25.6 % of patients. No difference between study arms was found for other thromboembolism, death, SAE, major and clinically relevant bleeds. Conclusions: ATTICUS was the first trial testing the concept of DOAC vs. ASA in an enriched ESUS population. Mandatory cardiac monitoring, vessel imaging, and MRI in all ATTICUS patients will help to better understand this complex condition. We will present secondary analyses including on-treatment analysis, prevention of embolic/disabling lesions/strokes, association of stroke pattern with AF occurrence/macroangiopathic changes.
Natural Metabolite Ursolic Acid as an Inhibitor of Dormancy RegulatorDosR of Mycobacterium tuberculosis: Evidence from Molecular Docking,Molecular Dynamics Simulation and Free Energy Analysis
2023-02-01

Background: DosR is a transcriptional regulator of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB), governing the expression of a set of nearly 50 genes that is often referred to as ‘dormancy regulon’. The inhibition of DosR expression by an appropriate inhibitor may be a crucial step against MTB. Objective: We targeted the DosR with natural metabolites, ursolic acid (UA) and carvacrol (CV), using in silico approaches. Methods: The molecular docking, molecular dynamics (MD) simulation for 200 ns, calculation of binding energies by MM-GBSA method, and ADMET calculation were performed to evaluate the inhibitory potential of natural metabolites ursolic acid (UA) and carvacrol (CV) against DosR of MTB. Results: Our study demonstrated that UA displayed significant compatibility with DosR during the 200 ns timeframe of MD simulation. The thermodynamic binding energies by MM-GBSA also suggested UA conformational stability within the binding pocket. The SwissADME, pkCSM, and OSIRIS DataWarrior showed a drug-likeness profile of UA, where Lipinski profile was satisfied with one violation (MogP &gt; 4.15) with no toxicities, no mutagenicity, no reproductive effect, and no irritant nature. Conclusion: The present study suggests that UA has the potency to inhibit the DosR expression and warrants further investigation on harnessing its clinical potential.
Abstract 112: Cerebral Venous Sinus Thrombosis Due To Vaccine-induced Immune Thrombotic Thrombocytopenia In Middle-Income Countries
2023-02-01

Introduction: Adenovirus-based COVID-19 vaccines are extensively used in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). In India alone, 1.67 billion ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 vaccines have been administered by August 23, 2022. Surprisingly however, there are only few reports of cerebral venous sinus thrombosis due to vaccine-induced immune thrombotic thrombocytopenia (CVST-VITT) from LMICs. We aimed to gain insight into the frequency, manifestations, treatment, and outcomes of CVST-VITT in LMICs. Methods: We report data from an international registry on CVST after COVID-19 vaccination. VITT was classified according to the Pavord criteria. We compared characteristics of CVST-VITT cases from LMICs to cases from high-income countries (HICs). Results: By August 15, 2022, 228 CVST cases after vaccination were reported, of which 63 cases from LMICs (all middle-income countries [MICs]: Brazil, China, India, Iran, Mexico, Pakistan, and Turkiye). Of these, 32/63 (51%) met the criteria for definite, probable or possible VITT. Only 5/32 (16%) CVST-VITT cases from MICs had definite VITT, mostly because anti-PF4 antibodies were not tested in 21/32 (66%) cases. Patients from MICs were diagnosed in a later time period than patients from HICs (1/32 [3%] vs 65/103 [63%] cases diagnosed before May 2021, respectively). Median age was 26 (IQR 20-37) vs 47 (IQR 32-58) years, and proportion of women was 25/32 (78%) vs 77/103 (75%) in MICs vs HICs, respectively. Clinical manifestations, such as focal neurologic deficits, coma, seizures, and intracranial hemorrhages, were similar. Concomitant venous thromboembolism was less frequent in MICs (3/31 [10%] vs 26/97 [27%]). Median platelet count nadir was higher in the MICs than the HICs group (65 x10 9 /L [IQR 36-115] vs 33 x10 9 /L [IQR 18-55], p =0.001). Intravenous immunoglobulin use was similar (19/30 [63%] vs 63/99 [64%]). In-hospital mortality was lower in the MICs than the HICs group (7/32 [22%, 95%CI 11-39] vs 44/102 [43%, 95%CI 34-53], p =0.031). Conclusions: The absolute number of CVST-VITT cases reported from LMICs was small despite the widespread use of adenoviral vaccines in these countries. Clinical manifestations and treatment of CVST-VITT cases were largely similar in MICs and HICs, while mortality was lower in patients from MICs.
Platelets are pre-activated during thrombocytopenia in a subset of early malaria infections
2023-02-01

Introduction Human malaria infections with Plasmodium falciparum are commonly accompanied by a reduction of platelet counts and thrombocytopenia. Usually, platelet counts drop within 10 to 15 days after the initial infection and do not fully recover up until the malaria infection is cleared. Previously, a variety of mechanisms for thrombocytopenia in Malaria have been proposed, including the removal of activated platelets from circulation or anti-Platelet Factor 4 (PF4) antibody-mediated platelet clearance. However, these mechanisms have commonly been studied in natural malaria infection and thus the observation periods are restricted to the symptomatic phase of the disease. Here, we report platelet phenotypes of a cohort of P. falciparum infected vaccine trial participants, covering the initial phase of infection and thrombocytopenia up to two weeks after challenge with malaria parasites.
The biocide triclosan induces (p)ppGpp dependent antibiotic tolerance and alters SarA dependent biofilm structures inStaphylococcus aureus
2023-02-01

Abstract The biocide triclosan is used extensively in both household and hospital settings. The chronic exposure to the biocide occurring in individuals that use triclosan-containing products results in low levels of triclosan present in the human body that has been linked to induction of antibiotic tolerance and altered biofilm formation. Here we aimed to unravel the molecular mechanisms involved in triclosan induced antibiotic tolerance and biofilm formation in Staphylococcus aureus . Triclosan treatment prior to planktonic exposure to bactericidal antibiotics resulted in 1,000 fold higher viable cell counts compared to non-pretreated cultures. Triclosan pretreatment also protected S. aureus biofilms against otherwise lethal doses of antibiotics as shown by live/dead cell staining and viable cell counting. Triclosan mediated antibiotic tolerance in planktonic and biofilm cultures required an active stringent response because a pppGpp 0 strain was not protected from antibiotic killing. Incubation of S. aureus with triclosan also altered biofilm structure due to SarA-mediated overproduction of the polysaccharide intercellular adhesin (PIA) in the biofilm matrix. Thus, physiologically relevant concentrations of triclosan can trigger (p)ppGpp dependent antibiotic tolerance as well as SarA dependent biofilm formation. Importance The prevalent bacterium Staphylococcus aureus infects skin lesions and indwelling devices, and this can cause sepsis with 33% mortality. Intrinsic to this is the formation of co-ordinated communities (biofilms) protected by a polysaccharide coat. S. aureus is increasingly difficult to eradicate due to its antibiotic resistance. Protection against Methicillin Resistant S. aureus (MRSA) includes pre-hospital admission washing with products containing biocides. The biocide triclosan is the predominant antibacterial compound in sewage in Ontario due to its use in household and hospital settings. Levels of triclosan accumulate with exposure in humans. The significance of our research is in identifying the mechanisms triggered by exposure of S. aureus to physiological levels of triclosan that go on to raise the tolerance of S. aureus to antibiotics and promote the formation of biofilms. This understanding will inform future criteria used to determine effective antimicrobial treatments.