julilili42/papers huggingface dataset:
Environmental differences explain subtle yet detectable genetic structure in a widespread pollinator
2021-07-10

Abstract Background The environment is a strong driver of genetic structure in many natural populations, yet often neglected in population genetic studies. This may be a particular problem in vagile species, where subtle structure cannot be explained by limitations to dispersal. These species might falsely be considered panmictic and hence potentially mismanaged. Here we analysed the genetic structure in an economically important and widespread pollinator, the buff-tailed bumble bee ( Bombus terrestris ), which is considered to be quasi-panmictic at mainland continental scales. We first quantified population structure in Romania and Bulgaria with spatially implicit Fst and Bayesian clustering analyses. We then incorporated environmental information to infer the influence of the permeability of the habitat matrix between populations (resistance distances) as well as environmental differences among sites in explaining population divergence. Results Genetic structure of the buff-tailed bumble bee was subtle and not detected by Bayesian clustering. As expected, geographic distance and habitat permeability were not informative in explaining the spatial pattern of genetic divergence. Yet, environmental variables related to temperature, vegetation and topography were highly informative, explaining between 33 and 39% of the genetic variation observed. Conclusions Where in the past spatially implicit approaches had repeatedly failed, incorporating environmental data proved to be highly beneficial in detecting and unravelling the drivers of genetic structure in this vagile and opportunistic species. Indeed, structure followed a pattern of isolation by environment, where the establishment of dispersers is limited by environmental differences among populations, resulting in the disruption of genetic connectivity and the divergence of populations through genetic drift and divergent natural selection. With this work, we highlight the potential of incorporating environmental differences among population locations to complement the more traditional approach of isolation by geographic distance, in order to obtain a holistic understanding of the processes driving structure in natural populations.
Learning Cascaded Detection Tasks with Weakly-Supervised Domain Adaptation
2021-07-11

In order to handle the challenges of autonomous driving, deep learning has proven to be crucial in tackling increasingly complex tasks, such as 3D detection or instance segmentation. State-of-the-art approaches for image-based detection tasks tackle this complexity by operating in a cascaded fashion: they first extract a 2D bounding box based on which additional attributes, e.g. instance masks, are inferred. While these methods perform well, a key challenge remains the lack of accurate and cheap annotations for the growing variety of tasks. Synthetic data presents a promising solution but, despite the effort in domain adaptation research, the gap between synthetic and real data remains an open problem. In this work, we propose a weakly supervised domain adaptation setting which exploits the structure of cascaded detection tasks. In particular, we learn to infer the attributes solely from the source domain while leveraging 2D bounding boxes as weak labels in both domains to explain the domain shift. We further encourage domain-invariant features through class-wise feature alignment using ground-truth class information, which is not available in the unsupervised setting. As our experiments demonstrate, the approach is competitive with fully supervised settings while outperforming unsupervised adaptation approaches by a large margin.
Theory of classical metastability in open quantum systems
2021-07-12

We present a general theory of classical metastability in open quantum systems. Metastability is a consequence of a large separation in timescales in the dynamics, leading to the existence of a regime when states of the system appear stationary, before eventual relaxation toward a true stationary state at much larger times. In this work, we focus on the emergence of classical metastability, i.e., when metastable states of an open quantum system with separation of timescales can be approximated as probabilistic mixtures of a finite number of states. We find that a number of classical features follow from this approximation, for the manifold of metastable states, long-time dynamics between them, and symmetries of the dynamics. Namely, those states are approximately disjoint and thus play the role of metastable phases, the relaxation toward the stationary state is approximated by a classical stochastic dynamics between them, and weak symmetries correspond to their permutations. Importantly, the classical dynamics is observed not only on average but also at the level of individual quantum trajectories: We show that time coarse-grained continuous measurement records can be viewed as noisy classical trajectories, while their statistics can be approximated by that of the classical dynamics. Among others, this explains how first-order dynamical phase transitions arise from metastability. Finally, to verify the presence of classical metastability in a given open quantum system, we develop an efficient numerical approach that delivers the set of metastable phases together with the effective classical dynamics. Since the proximity to a first-order dissipative phase transition manifests as metastability, the theory and tools introduced in this work can be used to investigate such transitions—which occur in the large size limit—through the metastable behavior of many-body systems of moderate sizes accessible to numerics.
Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells Dampen Airway Inflammation Through Prostaglandin E2 Receptor 4
2021-07-12

Emerging evidence suggests a mechanistic role for myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) in lung diseases like asthma. Previously, we showed that adoptive transfer of MDSCs dampens lung inflammation in murine models of asthma through cyclooxygenase-2 and arginase-1 pathways. Here, we further dissected this mechanism by studying the role and therapeutic relevance of the downstream mediator prostaglandin E2 receptor 4 (EP4) in a murine model of asthma. We adoptively transferred MDSCs generated using an EP4 agonist in a murine model of asthma and studied the consequences on airway inflammation. Furthermore, pegylated human arginase-1 was used to model MDSC effector activities. We demonstrate that the selective EP4 agonist L-902,688 increased the number and suppressive activity of MDSCs through arginase-1 and nitric oxide synthase-2. These results showed that adoptive transfer of EP4-primed MDSCs, EP4 agonism alone or arginase-1 administration ameliorated lung inflammatory responses and histopathological changes in asthmatic mice. Collectively, our results provide evidence that MDSCs dampen airway inflammation in murine asthma through a mechanism involving EP4.
Hippocampal Sequencing Mechanisms Are Disrupted in a Maternal Immune Activation Model of Schizophrenia Risk
2021-07-12

Episodic memory requires information to be stored and recalled in sequential order, and these processes are disrupted in schizophrenia. Hippocampal phase precession and theta sequences are thought to provide a biological mechanism for sequential ordering of experience at timescales suitable for plasticity. These phenomena have not previously been examined in any models of schizophrenia risk. Here, we examine these phenomena in a maternal immune activation (MIA) rodent model. We show that while individual pyramidal cells in the CA1 region continue to precess normally in MIA animals, the starting phase of precession as an animal enters a new place field is considerably more variable in MIA animals than in controls. A critical consequence of this change is a disorganization of the ordered representation of experience via theta sequences. These results provide the first evidence of a biological-level mechanism that, if it occurs in schizophrenia, may explain aspects of disorganized sequential processing that contribute to the cognitive symptoms of the disorder.<b>SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT</b> Hippocampal phase precession and theta sequences have been proposed as biophysical mechanisms by which the sequential structure of cognition might be ordered. Disturbances of sequential processing have frequently been observed in schizophrenia. Here, we show for the first time that phase precession and theta sequences are disrupted in a maternal immune activation (MIA) model of schizophrenia risk. This is a result of greater variability in the starting phase of precession, indicating that the mechanisms that coordinate precession at the assembly level are disrupted. We propose that this disturbance in phase precession underlies some of the disorganized cognitive symptoms that occur in schizophrenia. These findings could have important preclinical significance for the identification and treatment of schizophrenia risk factors.
The impact of narrative writing on empathy, perspective-taking, and attitude: Two randomized controlled experiments on violations of Covid-19 protection regulations
2021-07-12

Objective Two randomized controlled experiments investigated if writing a narrative text about a fictional person who shows disapproved of behavior in the Covid-19 pandemic influenced empathy, perspective-taking, attitude, and attribution of causes regarding that person’s behavior. Methods In both studies, a fictional scenario was described, and participants answered questions regarding empathy, perspective-taking, attitude, and attribution regarding a fictional person’s disapproved of behavior (pre-post-measurement). Participants were randomly assigned to one of two conditions. In the experimental condition, they wrote a narrative text about the fictional person. In the control condition, they wrote about an unrelated topic. Results We found that writing a narrative text increased empathy more strongly than writing about an unrelated topic; Study 1: p = 0.004, part. η 2 = 0.06, Study 2: p &lt; .001, part. η 2 = 0.19. This did not apply to perspective-taking; Study 1: p = 0.415; Study 2: p = 0.074. We also found that writing a narrative text about a fictional person resulted in a more positive attitude toward this person; Study 1: p = 0.005, part. η 2 = 0.06; Study 2: p&lt;0.001, part. η 2 = 0.10. Finally, in Study 2 we found that participants who wrote a narrative text attributed the person’s behavior to internal causes to a lesser degree; p = 0.007, part. η 2 = 0.05. Conclusion Our findings indicate that empathy and attitude are positively modifiable through narrative writing tasks. Empathy training could potentially prevent discrimination related to Covid-19. Trial registration The studies presented in this article were pre-registered on the pre-registration platform AsPredicted (aspredicted.org) before we began data collection; registration numbers and URL: #44754 https://aspredicted.org/vx37t.pdf (Study 1), and #44753 https://aspredicted.org/ig7kq.pdf (Study 2).
Factors influencing utilization and perception of health care: a qualitative study among traumatized Yazidi refugees in Germany
2021-07-12

Abstract Background Ensuring adequate utilization of healthcare services for displaced populations is critical, yet there are well-documented treatment gaps. Yazidi women captured by the Islamic State (IS) were subjected to extreme trauma and violence. This study aims to understand perceptions of healthcare providers and utilization of these services among women who experienced extreme trauma. Methods This is a qualitative study with voluntary participation offered to approximately 400 women resettled through the Special Quota Program. An empirical approach was used to collect data and a grounded theory approach was used for content analysis. Participants ranked their interactions with providers on a Likert scale. Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms were assessed using the impact of event scale-revised questionnaire. Results A total of 116 Yazidi women participated in this study. The women experienced an average of 6.8 months of captivity by IS and 93% met criteria for probable PTSD. Eighty-three percent of the women interacted with a physician; 80% found this interaction helpful. Sixty-nine percent interacted with psychologists; 61% found this interaction helpful. Six themes emerged: “reminders of trauma” and “hopelessness” in relation to the traumatic experience; “immediate relief” and “healing through pharmaceutical treatment” in relation to provider interventions, and “support” and “cultural differences” in relation to interactions with providers. Conclusions There exist major barriers to care for Yazidi women who experienced extreme trauma, particularly in regards to psychiatric care. Perceptions of healthcare providers and perceived effectiveness of therapy are critical factors that must be taken into consideration to improve healthcare utilization and outcomes.
Influence of Spinal Cord Stimulation on Insulin Sensitivity in Chronic Pain Patients
2021-07-12

Abstract Background and Objective This prospective, sham-controlled, randomized, cross-over study (NCT03637075), was designed to test the hypothesis that spinal cord stimulation (SCS) for the treatment of pain can also improve glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity when compared to sham stimulation. Methods Ten non-diabetic participants (5 females, mean age 48.8 years) who had an SCS system implanted for the treatment of chronic neuropathic pain were studied. Whilst applying a hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp, sham-stimulation and tonic stimulation were performed for 45 min (n=4) or 60 min (n=6) in each case randomly. The insulin sensitivity index and pain levels were determined. A second investigation, BurstDR stimulation was also conducted and the result was compared to that of sham stimulation (cross-over design). Results The insulin sensitivity improved significantly under the tonic stimulation when compared to the sham stimulation (p=0.037). BurstDR stimulation independently did not lead to a significantly improved insulin sensitivity compared to that after sham stimulation (p=0.16). We also examined the pain during the test and found no significant difference between sham and tonic stimulation (p=0.687). Conclusion The results of this study show that tonic stimulation used for the treatment of pain could also improve glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity. Further investigations are required to investigate the clinical relevance of the role of glucose metabolism in diabetic chronic pain participants and its underlying mechanisms.
Perfect quantum-state synchronization
2021-07-12

We investigate the most general mechanisms that lead to perfect\\nsynchronization of the quantum states of all subsystems of an open quantum\\nsystem starting from an arbitrary initial state. We provide a necessary and\\nsufficient condition for such "quantum-state synchronization", prove tight\\nlower bounds on the dimension of the environment's Hilbert space in two main\\nclasses of quantum-state synchronizers, and give an analytical solution for\\ntheir construction. The functioning of the found quantum-state synchronizer of\\ntwo qubits is demonstrated experimentally on an IBM quantum computer and we\\nshow that the remaining asynchronicity is a sensitive measure of the quantum\\ncomputer's imperfection.\\n
Ancylotherium pentelicum (Mammalia, Chalicotheriidae) from the late Miocene of Kerassia (Greece) and remarks on its intraspecific variability
2021-07-12

Abstract The first detailed description of Ancylotherium pentelicum (Gaudry and Lartet, 1856) from the late Miocene (Turolian) of Kerassia (Greece) is provided based on three metapodial elements. Potential intraspecific variability of this species in the Eastern Mediterranean has been previously discussed, but no decisive conclusions could be drawn. The present comparison of metapodial elements of A. pentelicum from Kerassia, Pikermi, Samos (Greece), Pinaryaka, Salihpaşalar (Turkey), Kiro Kuchuk (North Macedonia), and Hadjidimovo (Bulgaria) provides evidence for the existence of notable intraspecific variation in both the morphology and especially the size of the species. The morphological differences in the shape and occurrence of some metapodial articular facets are probably associated with the anticipated individual variability and not with sexual dimorphism. On the other hand, the notable metrical variability observed among metapodials of A. pentelicum may be indicative of sexual dimorphism, as has been previously documented in other chalicotheriids.
Motives for studying dental medicine in Germany
2021-07-12

Abstract Introduction Aim of this study was to investigate the motives for studying dental medicine of pupils and students accepted for first semester. Methods Motives of pupils from secondary schools (grades 10–12) around Tübingen and accepted students at the Dental School Tübingen were evaluated using a five‐level Likert scale. Information about age, gender, family, apprenticeship and university enrolment was also included in the assessment. Results A total of 402 out of 409 participants filled out the questionnaires. Of these, 390 (280 females and 110 males) could be evaluated; the mean age was 17.4 years. Sixty‐one planned an apprenticeship and 64 already completed it; 93 were readily accepted at university. All participants highly rated the motives “help patients” and “good career prospects.” As next, women chose “diversified activity” and men “scientific interest.” Participants who planned an apprenticeship rated “help patients” significantly higher than the other participants, whilst the motive “high responsibility of the dental profession” amongst interviewees with completed apprenticeship was highly significant in comparison with the rest. Conclusion Empathy for patients and high responsibility of the dental profession are more important than prestige or social standing. An apprenticeship seems to greatly influence the career choice by giving more weight to “high responsibility of the dental profession.” In future, such results can help universities design selection tests to target specific groups. The high proportion of female dentists and the attitude towards work and family of the generations Y and Z may bring change to the traditional practice model in Germany.
Speed or duration? Effects of implicit stimulus attributes on perceived duration
2021-07-12

The human ability to keep track of time can be distorted by several non-temporal stimulus aspects such as size or intensity. First studies indicate that not only physical but also implicit stimulus aspects can affect duration estimates. The present study expands these findings by investigating the effects of linguistic expressions including speed and duration information via temporal reproduction (Experiments 1 and 2) and temporal bisection tasks (Experiment 3). In Experiment 1, implicit duration was manipulated by combining verbs that denote slow or fast motion with a path expression (to stroll to school vs. to spurt to school). Reproduced durations were consistent with an effect of implicit duration but not implicit speed. To control whether implicit speed affects perceived duration when exempted from duration information, single manner of motion verbs were presented in Experiments 2 and 3. The results speak against an effect of implicit speed analogous to physical speed.
Paleoecological implications of Lower-Middle Triassic stromatolites and microbe-metazoan build-ups in the Germanic Basin: Insights into the aftermath of the Permian – Triassic crisis
2021-07-12

Abstract The aftermath of the Permian – Triassic crisis is characterized by ubiquitous occurrences of microbial sediments around the world. For instance, Triassic deposits of the Germanic Basin have shown to provide a rich record of stromatolites as well as of microbe-metazoan build-ups with non-spicular demosponges. Despite their paleoecological significance, however, all of these microbialites have only rarely been studied. This study aims to fill this gap by examining and comparing microbialites from the Upper Buntsandstein (Olenekian, Early Triassic) and the lower Middle Muschelkalk (Anisian, Middle Triassic). By combining analytical petrography (optical microscopy, micro X-ray fluorescence, Raman spectroscopy) and geochemistry (δ 13 C carb , δ 18 O carb ), we show that all studied microbialites formed in hypersaline lagoons to sabkha environments. Olenekian deposits in Jena and surroundings and Anisian strata at Werbach contain stromatolites. Anisian successions at Hardheim, in contrast, host microbe-metazoan build-ups. Thus, the key-difference is the absence or presence of non-spicular demosponges in microbialites. After the Permian – Triassic crisis, the widespread microbialites (e.g., stromatolites/microbe-metazoan build-ups) possibly resulted from suppressed ecological competition and occupied the vacant ecological niche. It seems plausible that microbes and non-spicular demosponges had a mutualistic relationship and it is tempting to speculate that the investigated microbial-metazoan build-ups reflect an ancient evolutionary and ecologic association. Furthermore, both microbes and non-spicular demosponges may benefit from elevated salinities. Perhaps it was minor differences in salinities that controlled whether or not non-spicular demosponges could develop.
The Sensitivity Of Lactate Threshold Methods To Changes In Fitness In Work-matched HIIT And MICT
2021-07-12

PURPOSE: to investigate the sensitivity of lactate threshold methods to changes in fitness by six weeks (3x/week) of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) in healthy sedentary individuals. METHODS: 42 men and women engaged in HIIT (N = 21, 10-min warm-up, four 4-min high-intensity intervals at the power output (PO) at 90% of the maximal heart rate, 4-min recovery periods and a 5-min cool-down at 30 W) or MICT (N = 21, 60-min cycling at the PO at 90% of the first lactate turning point). A step-incremental test to volitional exhaustion was performed pre- (PRE) and post-training (POST) to measure the maximal oxygen uptake (V̇O2max), peak PO (POpeak), and the lactate thresholds: Log-log (n = 1), onset of blood lactate accumulation (OBLA, n = 5), baseline plus fixed values (Bsln+, n = 3), Dmax (n = 5), lactate turning points (LTP, n = 2), and the minimum lactate-intensity ratio (LTratio, n = 1). RESULTS: a significant increase in V̇O2max was observed in HIIT (∆ = 5.3 ± 2.1 mL·kg-1·min-1, p < 0.001) and MICT (∆ = 2.2 ± 2.6 mL·kg-1·min-1, p < 0.001), with a greater increase in HIIT (p < 0.001). A significant increase in POpeakwas observed in HIIT (∆ = 30 ± 10 W, p < 0.001) and MICT (∆ = 17 ± 12 W, p < 0.001), with a greater increase in HIIT (p < 0.01). All the lactate threshold methods showed a significant increase in HIIT, with the exception of LTratio (∆ = 8 ± 17 W, p = 0.13). In MICT, Log-log (∆ = 1 ± 23 W, p = 0.89) and Dmax (∆ = 4 ± 11 W, p = 0.06) were the only ones that did not show a significant increase from PRE to POST. In HIIT, the greatest sensitivity to changes in fitness was in the LTP2 and ModDmax methods. In MICT, the Bsln+ and OBLA methods were the most sensitive ones. When comparing HIIT vs MICT, all the Dmax (i.e., Dmax, ModDmax, Exp-Dmax, Log-Poly-ModDmax, and Log-Exp-ModDmax) and LTP methods (i.e., LTP1 and LTP2) showed a greater increase in HIIT than MICT. CONCLUSIONS: our findings suggest that the most sensitive lactate thresholds methods to changes in fitness in HIIT are the ones describing the changes in the lactate curve shape - LTP and Dmax. In MICT, methods with fixed lactate concentration values presented the greatest sensitivity, in a progressive manner, i.e., lower lactate concentrations showed the greatest improvements, which may reflect that MICT has its greatest effects in the basic endurance range.