julilili42/papers huggingface dataset:
Anther smuts of Silene acaulis and S. uniflora in the Outer Hebrides, including an assessment of ITS genotypes of Microbotryum silenes-acaulis
2017-05-11

Anther smuts on <i>Silene acaulis</i> and <i>S. uniflora</i> from the Outer Hebrides, Scotland, UK), are analysed using morphological and molecular techniques, and found to represent <i>Microbotryum silenes-acaulis</i> and <i>M. silenes-inflatae</i>, respectively. This is the first identification of caryophyllaceous anther smuts in the Outer Hebrides according to modern species concepts and the first report of <i>Microbotryum silenes-acaulis</i> confirmed by molecular analysis from the British Isles. Additionally, the genetic structure of <i>Microbotryum silenes-acaulis</i>, based on all currently available ITS sequences, is analysed and discussed. Seven ITS genotypes are determined for <i>Microbotryum silenes-acaulis</i>, including three genotypes in North America and four genotypes in Europe. Compared to European accessions, all North American accessions share specific nucleotides and are genetically divergent.
Ways of improving the precision of eye tracking data: Controlling the influence of dirt and dust on pupil detection
2017-05-12

Eye-tracking technology has to date been primarily employed in research. With recent advances in aordable video-based devices, the implementation of gaze-aware smartphones, and marketable driver monitoring systems, a considerable step towards pervasive eye-tracking has been made. However, several new challenges arise with the usage of eye-tracking in the wild and will need to be tackled to increase the acceptance of this technology. The main challenge is still related to the usage of eye-tracking together with eyeglasses, which in combination with reflections for changing illumination conditions will make a subject "untrackable". If we really want to bring the technology to the consumer, we cannot simply exclude 30% of the population as potential users only because they wear eyeglasses, nor can we make them clean their glasses and the device regularly. Instead, the pupil detection algorithms need to be made robust to potential sources of noise. We hypothesize that the amount of dust and dirt on the eyeglasses and the eye-tracker camera has a significant influence on the performance of currently available pupil detection algorithms. Therefore, in this work, we present a systematic study of the eect of dust and dirt on the pupil detection by simulating various quantities of dirt and dust on eyeglasses. Our results show 1) an overall high robustness to dust in an o-focus layer. 2) the vulnerability of edge-based methods to even small in-focus dust particles. 3) a trade-o between tolerated particle size and particle amount, where a small number of rather large particles showed only a minor performance impact.
The therapeutic alliance in different mental disorders: A comparison of patients with depression, somatoform, and eating disorders
2017-05-12

Objective The therapeutic alliance is intensively investigated in psychotherapy research. However, there is scarce research on the role of the specific diagnosis of the patient in the formation of the therapeutic alliance. Hence, the aim of this study was to address this research gap by comparing the alliance in different mental disorders. Design Our sample comprised 348 patients (mean age = 40 years; 68% female; 133 patients with depression, 122 patients with somatoform disorders, and 93 patients with eating disorders). Methods Patients completed the Working Alliance Inventory and measures of therapeutic outcome in early, middle, and late stages of inpatient psychotherapy. We applied multivariate multilevel models to address the nested data structure. Results All three disorder groups experienced positive alliances that increased across the course of therapy and showed similar alliance–outcome relations that were of comparable strengths as in current meta‐analyses. However, we found perspective incongruence of alliance ratings from patient and therapist in the three disorder groups. Conclusions Our results generally indicate that the working alliance is of importance irrespective of the specific mental disorder. Perspective incongruence feedback of working alliance experiences could help to strengthen coordination between patient and therapist and thereby improve the therapeutic process. Further implications of these findings are discussed. Practitioner points We found no differences in the strengths of alliance ratings and alliance–outcome associations in depressive, somatoform, and eating disorder patients. This indicates that the working alliance is of general clinical importance irrespective of the disorder group and should be a central target in all therapies. We found perspective incongruence in alliance ratings between patient and therapist in all three disorder groups. Perspective incongruence feedback of working alliance experiences could help to strengthen coordination between patient and therapist and thereby improve the therapeutic process.
Response of Gallium Nitride Chemiresistors to Carbon Monoxide is Due to Oxygen Contamination
2017-05-12

We report on the influence of oxygen impurities on the gas sensing properties of gallium nitride (GaN) chemiresistors. As shown by XRD, elemental analysis, and TEM characterization, surface oxidation of GaN-for example, upon contact to ambient air atmosphere-creates an oxidative amorphous layer which provides the sites for the sensing toward CO. Treating this powder under dry ammonia at 800 °C converts the oxide layer in nitride, and consequently the sensing performance toward CO is dramatically reduced for ammonia treated GaN gas sensors. Hence the response of GaN sensors to CO is caused by oxygen in the form of amorphous surface oxide or oxynitride.
Foveal thickness reduction after anti-vascular endothelial growth factor treatment in chronic diabetic macular edema
2017-05-12

DME eyes show significantly lower foveal thickness than matched controls after DME resolution achieved with one-year anti-VEGF therapy. Further investigation into the reasonsfor this presumable retinal atrophy using fluorescein angiography and functional parameters as well as establishing possible predictors is warranted. This finding should be considered during the treatment of DME.
Optical Stimulation Effects on TiO2Sensor Dielectric Used in Capacitively-Coupled High-Density CMOS Microelectrode Array
2017-05-12

The effect of optical stimulation of neural tissue is considered in capacitively coupled CMOS microelectrode arrays used for <italic xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">in vitro</i> extracellular recording from neural tissue. Using a 25-nm high-k TiO <sub xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">2</sub> sensor dielectric with 20% ZrO <sub xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">2</sub> , light-induced currents through the dielectric are found at short wavelengths within the visible and relevant spectrum for the above-mentioned purpose. Purely capacitive behavior is obtained for green light and longer wavelength, leakage-induced artifacts at shorter wavelengths are avoided by using optimized operating conditions of recording sites and entire system.
Systemic and ocular fluid compounds as potential biomarkers in age-related macular degeneration
2017-05-15

Biomarkers can help unravel mechanisms of disease and identify new targets for therapy. They can also be useful in clinical practice for monitoring disease progression, evaluation of treatment efficacy and risk assessment in multifactorial diseases, such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD). AMD is a highly prevalent progressive retinal disorder for which multiple genetic and environmental risk factors have been described, but the exact etiology is not yet fully understood. Many compounds have been evaluated for their association with AMD. We performed an extensive literature review of all compounds measured in serum, plasma, vitreous, aqueous humor and urine of AMD patients. Over 3600 articles were screened resulting in more than 100 different compounds analyzed in AMD studies, involved in neovascularization, immunity, lipid metabolism, extracellular matrix, oxidative stress, diet, hormones, and comorbidities (such as kidney disease). For each compound we provide a short description of its function and discuss the results of the studies in relation to its usefulness as AMD biomarker. Additionally, biomarkers identified by hypothesis-free techniques, including metabolomics, proteomics and epigenomics, are covered. In summary, compounds belonging to the oxidative stress pathway, the complement system, and lipid metabolism are the most promising biomarker candidates for AMD. We hope that this comprehensive survey of the literature on systemic and ocular fluid compounds as potential biomarkers in AMD will provide a stepping stone for future research and possible implementation in clinical practice.
Claudin peptidomimetics modulate tissue barriers for enhanced drug delivery
2017-05-15

The blood–brain barrier (BBB) formed by the microvascular endothelium limits cerebral drug delivery. The paraendothelial cleft is sealed by tight junctions (TJs) with a major contribution from claudin‐5, which we selected as a target to modulate BBB permeability. For this purpose, drug‐enhancer peptides were designed based on the first extracellular loop (ECL) of claudin‐5 to allow transient BBB permeabilization. Peptidomimetics (C5C2 and derivatives, nanomolar affinity to claudin‐5) size‐selectively (≤40 kDa) and reversibly (12–48 h) increased the permeability of brain endothelial and claudin‐5–transfected epithelial cell monolayers. Upon peptide uptake, the number of TJ strand particles diminished, claudin‐5 was downregulated and redistributed from cell–cell contacts to the cytosol, and the cell shape was altered. Cellular permeability of doxorubicin (cytostatic drug, 580 Da) was enhanced after peptide administration. Mouse studies (3.5 μmol/kg i.v.) confirmed that, for both C5C2 and a d‐amino acid derivative, brain uptake of Gd–diethylene‐triamine penta‐acetic acid (547 Da) was enhanced within 4 h of treatment. On the basis of our functional data, circular dichroism measurements, molecular modeling, and docking experiments, we suggest an association model between β‐sheets flanked by α‐helices, formed by claudin‐5 ECLs, and the peptides. In conclusion, we identified claudin‐5 peptidomimetics that improve drug delivery through endothelial and epithelial barriers expressing claudin‐5.
Assessing Neuropathological Research carried out on Victims of the ‘Euthanasia’ Programme
2017-05-15

In the 1940s research on mental diseases was limited to a careful clinical examination, including the technique of pneumencephalography – which in the course of the 'euthanasia' programme was sometimes used to kill children by an overdoses of installed air – as well as to necropsy with neuropathological examination of the central nervous system. Necropsy records generally mention 'pneumonia' as cause of death, which is, in effect, often a correct description of the cause of death for patients killed by means of various barbiturate injections over a few days. The entire killing programme was designed to provide the greatest level of secrecy and camouflage the involvement of the government. From approximately 120.000 victims of the 'euthanasia' programme at least 2097 brains were examined by German neuropathologists. At least a total of 170 cases were used in thirty-seven scientific publications. The scientific value of these papers varies quite significantly.
Adverse event management in patients with relapsed and refractory multiple myeloma taking pomalidomide plus low‐dose dexamethasone: A pooled analysis
2017-05-15

Abstract Objectives Heavily pretreated patients with relapsed and refractory multiple myeloma are susceptible to treatment‐related adverse events (AEs). Managing AEs are important to ensure patients continue therapy long enough to receive the best clinical benefit. Data from the MM‐002, MM‐003, and MM‐010 trials were pooled to further characterize the safety profile of pomalidomide plus low‐dose dexamethasone and AE management. Methods This analysis included 1088 patients who received ≥ 2 prior therapies, including lenalidomide and bortezomib, and progressed ≤ 60 days of last therapy. Patients received 28‐day cycles of pomalidomide 4 mg/day on days 1‐21 and low‐dose dexamethasone 40 mg (20 mg if aged &gt; 75 years) weekly until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. Thromboprophylaxis was required. Results The most common grade 3/4 AEs were neutropenia (56.2%), anemia (32.3%), and thrombocytopenia (25.8%), which occurred within the first few cycles of treatment. Grade 3/4 infections occurred in 33.7% patients, of whom 13.9% had pneumonia, and 40.3% had neutropenia. Pomalidomide dose reductions or interruptions were reported in 24.2% and 66.0% of patients, respectively. AEs were managed by dose modifications and/or supportive care. Conclusions Pomalidomide plus low‐dose dexamethasone showed an acceptable safety profile, and AEs were well managed according to study protocols and established guidelines.
Adhesion and friction of the smooth attachment system of the cockroachGromphadorhina portentosaand the influence of the application of fluid adhesives
2017-05-15

ABSTRACT Two different measurement techniques were applied to study the attachment of the smooth foot pads of the Madagascar hissing cockroach Gromphadorhina portentosa. The attachment of the non-manipulated adhesive organs was compared with that of manipulated ones (depletion or substitution by artificial secretions). From measurements of the friction on a centrifuge, it can be concluded that on nanorough surfaces, the insect appears to benefit from employing emulsions instead of pure oils to avoid excessive friction. Measurements performed with a nanotribometer on single attachment organs showed that, in the non-manipulated euplantulae, friction was clearly increased in the push direction, whereas the arolium of the fore tarsus showed higher friction in the pull direction. The surface of the euplantulae shows an imbricate appearance, whereupon the ledges face distally, which might contribute to the observed frictional anisotropy in the push direction. Upon depletion of the tarsal adhesion-mediating secretion or its replacement by oily fluids, in several cases, the anisotropic effect of the euplantula disappeared due to the decrease of friction forces in push-direction. In the euplantulae, adhesion was one to two orders of magnitude lower than friction. Whereas the tenacity was slightly decreased with depleted secretion, it was considerably increased after artificial application of oily liquids. In terms of adhesion, it is concluded that the semi-solid consistence of the natural adhesion-mediating secretion facilitates the detachment of the tarsus during locomotion. In terms of friction, on smooth to nanorough surfaces, the insects appear to benefit from employing emulsions instead of pure oils to avoid excessive friction forces, whereas on rougher surfaces the tarsal fluid rather functions in improving surface contact by keeping the cuticle compliable and compensating surface asperities of the substratum.
Pulsatile flow in ventricular catheters for hydrocephalus
2017-05-15

The obstruction of ventricular catheters (VCs) is a major problem in the standard treatment of hydrocephalus, the flow pattern of the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) being one important factor thereof. As a first approach to this problem, some of the authors studied previously the CSF flow through VCs under time-independent boundary conditions by means of computational fluid dynamics in three-dimensional models. This allowed us to derive a few basic principles which led to designs with improved flow patterns regarding the obstruction problem. However, the flow of the CSF has actually a pulsatile nature because of the heart beating and blood flow. To address this fact, here we extend our previous computational study to models with oscillatory boundary conditions. The new results will be compared with the results for constant flows and discussed. It turns out that the corrections due to the pulsatility of the CSF are quantitatively small, which reinforces our previous findings and conclusions. This article is part of the themed issue ‘Mathematical methods in medicine: neuroscience, cardiology and pathology’.
Sleep supports inhibitory operant conditioning memory in Aplysia
2017-05-15

Sleep supports memory consolidation as shown in mammals and invertebrates such as bees and Drosophila. Here, we show that sleep's memory function is preserved in Aplysia californica with an even simpler nervous system. Animals performed on an inhibitory conditioning task (“learning that a food is inedible”) three times, at Training, Retrieval 1, and Retrieval 2, with 17-h intervals between tests. Compared with Wake animals, remaining awake between Training and Retrieval 1, Sleep animals with undisturbed post-training sleep, performed significantly better at Retrieval 1 and 2. Control experiments testing retrieval only after ∼34 h, confirmed the consolidating effect of sleep occurring within 17 h after training.
Add-on Antidepressants in the Naturalistic Treatment of Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorder – When, Who, and How?
2017-05-15

Abstract The aim of this study was to evaluate antidepressant add-on treatment within the acute treatment of schizophrenia spectrum disorder patients. Antidepressant add-on was evaluated in 365 patients within a naturalistic multicenter study. Patients with/without antidepressant add-on were compared regarding clinical and treatment-related variables, response and remission, and remission of depressive and negative symptoms. The efficacy of antidepressant add-on treatment was furthermore analyzed applying marginal structure models. Twenty-three percent of the patients received antidepressant add-on for a mean duration of 50.28 (33.42) days. Patients with the diagnosis of a schizoaffective disorder, multiple illness episodes, and a longer duration of their illness as well as those with significantly fewer baseline positive symptoms, more negative and depressive symptoms, more side effects, and less subjective well-being were augmented with antidepressants. At discharge no significant effect of antidepressant add-on treatment was observed in terms of a 25% improvement (p=0.2623), a 50% improvement (p=0.3946), remission (p=0.0552), or remission of depressive (p=0.6336) and negative symptoms (p=0.8756). Also, when analyzing marginal structure models considering the diagnostic subgroups, no significant effect was found. Add-on with antidepressants is common. A final recommendation in terms of this strategy’s efficacy cannot be given.
Circumbinary discs: Numerical and physical behaviour
2017-05-16

We study the evolution of circumbinary disks under the gravitational\\ninfluence of the binary using two-dimensional hydrodynamical simulations to\\ninvestigate the impact of disk and binary parameters on the dynamical aspects\\nof the disk. To distinguish between physical and numerical effects we apply\\nthree hydrodynamical codes. First we analyse in detail numerical issues\\nconcerning the conditions at the boundaries and grid resolution. We then\\nperform a series of simulations with different binary (eccentricity, mass\\nratio) and disk parameters (viscosity, aspect ratio) starting from a reference\\nmodel with Kepler-16 parameters.\\n Concerning the numerical aspects we find that the inner grid radius must be\\nof the order of the binary semi-major axis, with free outflow conditions\\napplied such that mass can flow onto the central binary. A closed inner\\nboundary leads to unstable evolutions.\\n We find that the inner disk turns eccentric and precesses for all\\ninvestigated physical parameters. The precession rate is slow with periods\\n( ) starting at around 500 binary orbits ( ) for\\nhigh viscosity and large where the inner hole is smaller and more\\ncircular. Reducing and increases the gap size and\\n reaches 2500 . For varying binary mass ratios\\n the gap size remains constant whereas \\ndecreases for increasing .\\n For varying binary eccentricities we find two separate\\nbranches in the gap size and eccentricity diagram. The bifurcation occurs at\\naround where the gap is smallest with the\\nshortest . For smaller and larger than\\n the gap size and increase. Circular\\nbinaries create the most eccentric disks.\\n
Application of the movement disorder society prodromal Parkinson's disease research criteria in 2 independent prospective cohorts
2017-05-16

ABSTRACT Background: The research criteria for prodromal PD of the MDS propose a new approach for the assessment of the individual probability of prodromal PD. These criteria require a testing of their reliability in different prospective cohorts. Objectives: The objective was to evaluate the MDS prodromal PD criteria in 2 independent prospective studies. Methods: Prodromal PD probabilities of the Tübingen Evaluation of Risk Factors for Early Detection of Neurodegeneration cohort (TREND study, n = 650, recruited by the presence of probable rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder, depression, and/or hyposmia or none of these at baseline and 2‐, 4‐, and 6‐year follow‐up) and the population‐based Prospective Evaluation of Risk Factors for Idiopathic Parkinson's Syndrome cohort (PRIPS Tübingen subsample; n = 715, baseline and 3‐ and 5‐year follow‐up) were calculated. Baseline posttest probabilities, time to PD diagnosis, marker constellations, and longitudinal changes of prodromal PD probabilities were analyzed. Results: Incident PD cases (TREND, n = 10; PRIPS = 7) showed significantly higher likelihood ratios of risk and prodromal markers at baseline when compared with nonconverters. Only 2 of 17 incident PD cases met the criteria for probable prodromal PD (ie, posttest probability &gt; 80%) and 5 had possible prodromal PD (ie, &gt; 50%) 1.4 to 3.8 years before diagnosis. The criteria showed high specificity and negative predictive values (&gt;98%), but low sensitivity (TREND, 30%; PRIPS, 14%) and positive predictive values (TREND, 19%, PRIPS, 50%). The individual risk for prodromal PD in incident PD cases showed an inverse correlation with the time to conversion (Spearman rho = .80, P = .006) and unlike in nonconverters, increased during follow‐up. Conclusion: The MDS prodromal criteria provide a practical framework for the calculation of prodromal PD risk. Although specificity of the criteria is high, most patients will not meet the criteria before diagnosis unless testing is thoroughly performed with numerous and highly specific markers objectively assessed. © 2017 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society