julilili42/papers huggingface dataset:
Moderate climate signature in cranial anatomy of late holocene human populations from Southern South America
2017-11-08

Abstract Objective The aim of this study is to analyze the association between cranial variation and climate in order to discuss their role during the diversification of southern South American populations. Therefore, the specific objectives are: (1) to explore the spatial pattern of cranial variation with regard to the climatic diversity of the region, and (2) to evaluate the differential impact that the climatic factors may have had on the shape and size of the diverse cranial structures studied. Materials and Methods The variation in shape and size of 361 crania was studied, registering 62 3D landmarks that capture shape and size variation in the face, cranial vault, and base. Mean, minimum, and maximum annual temperature, as well as mean annual precipitation, but also diet and altitude, were matched for each population sample. A PCA, as well as spatial statistical techniques, including kriging, regression, and multimodel inference were employed. Results The facial skeleton size presents a latitudinal pattern which is partially associated with temperature diversity. Both diet and altitude are the variables that mainly explain the skull shape variation, although mean annual temperature also plays a role. The association between climate factors and cranial variation is low to moderate, mean annual temperature explains almost 40% of the entire skull, facial skeleton and cranial vault shape variation, while annual precipitation and minimum annual temperature only contribute to the morphological variation when considered together with maximum annual temperature. The cranial base is the structure less associated with climate diversity. Conclusion These results suggest that climate factors may have had a partial impact on the facial and vault shape, and therefore contributed moderately to the diversification of southern South American populations, while diet and altitude might have had a stronger impact. Therefore, cranial variation at the southern cone has been shaped both by random and nonrandom factors. Particularly, the influence of climate on skull shape has probably been the result of directional selection. This study supports that, although cranial vault is the cranial structure more associated to mean annual temperature, the impact of climate signature on morphology decreases when populations from extreme cold environments are excluded from the analysis. Additionally, it shows that the extent of the geographical scales analyzed, as well as differential sampling may lead to different results regarding the role of ecological factors and evolutionary processes on cranial morphology.
Reading demands in secondary school: Does the linguistic complexity of textbooks increase with grade level and the academic orientation of the school track?
2017-11-09

An adequate level of linguistic complexity in learning materials is believed to be of crucial importance for learning. The implication for school textbooks is that reading complexity should differ systematically between grade levels and between higher and lower tracks in line with what can be called the systematic complexification assumption. However, research has yet to test this hypothesis with a real-world sample of textbooks. In the present study, we used automatic measures from computational linguistic research to analyze 2,928 texts from geography textbooks from four publishers in Germany in terms of their reading demands. We measured a wide range of lexical, syntactic, morphological, and cohesion-related features and developed text classification models for predicting the grade level (Grades 5 to 10) and school track (academic vs. vocational) of the texts using these features. We also tested ten linguistic features that are considered to be particularly important for a reader’s understanding. The results provided only partial support for systematic complexification. The text classification models showed accuracy rates that were clearly above chance but with considerable room for improvement. Furthermore, there were significant differences across grade levels and school tracks for some of the ten linguistic features. Finally, there were marked differences among publishers. The discussion outlines key components for a systematic research program on the causes and consequences of the lack of systematic complexification in reading materials. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2018 APA, all rights reserved)
FOXP1 expression is a prognostic biomarker in follicular lymphoma treated with rituximab and chemotherapy
2017-11-09

Key Points High expression of FOXP1 predicts adverse FFS in patients with FL treated with immunochemotherapy. FOXP1 high and low expressors differ in specific gene mutations and gene expression changes.
Adjustable loop ACL suspension devices demonstrate less reliability in terms of reproducibility and irreversible displacement
2017-11-09

Adjustable loop devices still show biomechanical inferiority and demonstrate heterogeneity of fixation properties with wide- and less-reproducible displacement ranges resultant to the mechanism of adjustment, denoting less reliability. However, three adjustable devices (RIGIDLOOPTM Adjustable, Ultrabutton <sup>◊</sup>, ProCinchTM) demonstrate fixation capacities within the margins of clinical acceptance. RIGIDLOOPTM Adjustable provides the most comparable fixation properties to fixed loop devices.
Beyond genome-wide scan: Association of a cis-regulatory NCR3 variant with mild malaria in a population living in the Republic of Congo
2017-11-09

Linkage studies have revealed a linkage of mild malaria to chromosome 6p21 that contains the NCR3 gene encoding a natural killer cell receptor, whereas NCR3-412G>C (rs2736191) located in its promoter region was found to be associated with malaria in Burkina Faso. Here we confirmed the association of rs2736191 with mild malaria in a Congolese cohort and investigated its potential cis-regulatory effect. Luciferase assay results indicated that rs2736191-G allele had a significantly increased promoter activity compared to rs2736191-C allele. Furthermore, EMSAs demonstrated an altered binding of two nuclear protein complexes to the rs2736191-C allele in comparison to rs2736191-G allele. Finally, after in silico identification of transcription factor candidates, pull-down western blot experiments confirmed that both STAT4 and RUNX3 bind the region encompassing rs2736191 with a higher affinity for the G allele. To our knowledge, this is the first report that explored the functional role of rs2736191. These results support the hypothesis that genetic variation within natural killer cell receptors alters malaria resistance in humans.
Interrogating Parkinson's disease LRRK2 kinase pathway activity by assessing Rab10 phosphorylation in human neutrophils
2017-11-10

There is compelling evidence for the role of the leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2) and in particular its kinase function in Parkinson's disease. Orally bioavailable, brain penetrant and potent LRRK2 kinase inhibitors are in the later stages of clinical development. Here, we describe a facile and robust assay to quantify LRRK2 kinase pathway activity by measuring LRRK2-mediated phosphorylation of Rab10 in human peripheral blood neutrophils. We use the selective MJFF-pRab10 monoclonal antibody recognising the Rab10 Thr73 phospho-epitope that is phosphorylated by LRRK2. We highlight the feasibility and practicability of using our assay in the clinical setting by studying a few patients with G2019S LRRK2 associated and sporadic Parkinson's as well as healthy controls. We suggest that peripheral blood neutrophils are a valuable resource for LRRK2 research and should be considered for inclusion in Parkinson's bio-repository collections as they are abundant, homogenous and express relatively high levels of LRRK2 as well as Rab10. In contrast, the widely used peripheral blood mononuclear cells are heterogeneous and only a minority of cells (monocytes and contaminating neutrophils) express LRRK2. While our LRRK2 kinase pathway assay could assist in patient stratification based on LRRK2 kinase activity, we envision that it may find greater utility in pharmacodynamic and target engagement studies in future LRRK2 inhibitor trials.
Exploiting Synergies in Catalysis and Gas Sensing using Noble Metal‐Loaded Oxide Composites
2017-11-10

Abstract Noble metal/metal oxide nanocomposites are very important in various fields of catalysis and play an evenly important role in gas sensing. Although there are many similarities regarding the choice of materials, the synthesis and the fundamental mechanisms, both research fields have been mostly treated independently up to now. In both fields, open questions regarding the elementary steps in the interaction of the gases with the active species and the role of the noble metal, the semiconducting metal oxide support and the interface remain. In this concept article, we first outline the importance of such composites in catalysis and gas sensing focussing on Pt/Pd, as well as CeO 2 and SnO 2 as transition metal oxides. Next, the state of art of both fundamental and relevant surface reactions and electronic mechanisms are described. Finally, we highlight the synergy of jointly exploring catalysis and gas sensing of noble metal/metal oxide nanocomposite materials and the benefit for both research fields if they are dealt with simultaneously using advanced characterization and operando methods, sophisticated preparation techniques, testing of the performance, and predictive theoretical modelling.
Pole-to-Pole Connections: Similarities between Arctic and Antarctic Microbiomes and Their Vulnerability to Environmental Change
2017-11-10

The global biogeography of microorganisms remains poorly resolved, which limits the current understanding of microbial resilience toward environmental changes. Using high-throughput 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing, we characterized the microbial diversity of terrestrial and lacustrine biofilms from the Arctic, Antarctic and temperate regions. Our analyses suggest that bacterial community compositions at the poles are more similar to each other than they are to geographically closer temperate habitats, with 32% of all operational taxonomic units (OTUs) co-occurring in both polar regions. While specific microbial taxa were confined to distinct regions, representing potentially endemic populations, the percentage of cosmopolitan taxa was higher in Arctic (43%) than in Antarctic samples (36%). The overlap in polar microbial OTUs may be explained by natural or anthropogenically-mediated dispersal in combination with environmental filtering. Current and future changing environmental conditions may enhance microbial invasion, establishment of cosmopolitan genotypes and loss of endemic taxa.
Usability of Functional MRI in Clinical Studies for Fast and Reliable Assessment of Renal Perfusion and Quantification of Hemodynamic Effects on the Kidney
2017-11-10

Abstract The purpose of this study was to evaluate contrast‐media–free arterial spin labeling, a technique of functional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), for assessment of kidney perfusion in a clinical study. We examined renal perfusion by arterial spin labeling in 15 healthy adults using a clinical 1.5‐T MRI system, twice under baseline conditions and 60 minutes after a single oral dose of 50 mg captopril. Data evaluation included assessment of interstudy and interrater reproducibility in addition to the pharmacological effect of captopril on kidney perfusion and a sample size calculation for potential application of the technique in pharmacological intervention studies. Interstudy reproducibility of cortical and medullary kidney perfusion was excellent (intraclass correlation coefficients 0.77 and 0.83, respectively). Interrater reproducibility was excellent in the cortex and good in the medulla (intraclass correlation coefficients 0.97 and 0.66, respectively). Ingestion of 50 mg captopril was associated with an 11% drop of systolic blood pressure and a rise in kidney perfusion by 22% in the cortex (369 ± 48 vs 452 ± 56 mL/[min·100 g], P &lt; .001) and 26% in the medulla (157 ± 39 to 198 ± 45 ml/[min·100 g]; P &lt; .01). Statistical power analysis revealed that a small sample size of only 6 participants is needed in a clinical trial to capture an equal change in kidney perfusion to the one induced by 50 mg captopril with a statistical power of 82% and an α error of 0.05. In conclusion, funtional MRI with arterial spin labeling is a reliable method for quantification of kidney perfusion and for fast assessment of pharmacologically induced renal perfusion changes, allowing low case numbers.
The Solidarisation of International Society: The EU in the Global Climate Change Regime
2017-11-10

The European Union more often than not is either assumed or expected to play a leading role in international politics of climate change. This expectation emanates largely from the assumption that the EU as a normative power is able to induce change in international society. This paper intends to explore this assumed transformative potential of the EU in the specific context of climate politics. Suggesting an English School approach, in this paper I conceptualise the EU’s potential transformative impact as the solidarisation of international society. The advantage of such an analytical perspective is that it directs the focus on tensions and ambiguities that always and unavoidably exist in processes of change. In the paper, I first elaborate on the conceptualisation of change as solidarisation. Second, I spell out in detail what such a solidarisation means in international climate politics. Third, an empirical analysis of the EU’s discourse and practices in climate politics reveals whether the EU indeed acts as a source of solidarisation in this particular policy field. In contrast to the widespread assumption that consistency is key to change, this paper suggests that accepting and embracing ambiguities indeed enhances the EU’s contribution to solidarisation.
The evaluation of radiologic methods for access guidance in percutaneous nephrolithotomy: a systematic review of the literature
2017-11-12

Current evidence indicates that both fluoroscopy and US guidance may be successfully used for obtaining percutaneous renal access. Combining the image-guiding modalities - US and fluoroscopy - seems to increase outcome in PNL both with regard to success in achieving access and reducing complications. Furthermore, including US in the access strategy of PNL reduces radiation exposure to surgeon and staff as well as patients.
A binary motor imagery tasks based brain-computer interface for two-dimensional movement control
2017-11-13

The results demonstrate that participants could move the cursor in the 2D plane effectively. The proposed control strategy is based only on a basic two-motor imagery BCI, which enables more people to use it in real-life applications.
Differential contribution of interleukin‐10 promoter variants in malaria and schistosomiasis mono‐ and co‐infections among Nigerian children
2017-11-13

Abstract Objective Interleukin‐10 ( IL ‐10) is an anti‐inflammatory cytokine produced by Th1 cells and macrophages. The rationale of this study was to examine and validate possible contributions of IL ‐10 promoter polymorphisms in sub‐Saharan Africa in children infected with either Plasmodium falciparum or Schistosoma haematobium and in children co‐infected with both parasites. Materials and Methods A total of 309 Nigerian children aged 4–15 years were recruited. The study group consisted of individuals infected either with P. falciparum ( n = 76) or S. haematobium ( n = 94) in mono‐infections, a group of children co‐infected with both P. falciparum and S. haematobium ( n = 62) and matched healthy controls ( n = 77). The IL ‐10 promoter polymorphisms ‐1082G/A, ‐819C/T and ‐592C/A were genotyped by direct sequencing. Results The frequencies of the IL ‐10 ‐1082 GG genotype, the ‐1082G allele and haplotype GCC (positions ‐1082, ‐819 and ‐592) were higher in children infected with P. falciparum than in healthy controls, indicating that the ‐1082 GG genotype and the ‐1082G allele and the GCC haplotype are associated with increased susceptibility to malaria infection ( OR = 3.4, 95% CI = 1.2–10.8, P = 0.02; OR = 2.5, 95% CI = 1.1–3.4, P = 0.02; OR = 3.8, 95% CI = 2.0–7.2, P = 0.0001, respectively). Children with the ‐ 1082 GG genotype had a higher parasitaemia than children with the ‐1082 AA or ‐1082 AG genotypes ( P = 0.0017). Haplotype GCC occurred more frequently in children infected with S. haematobium, while haplotype GTA was less frequent than in controls ( OR = 2.2, 95% CI = 1.2–4.4, P = 0.017 and OR = 0.1, 95% CI = 0.02–0.5, P = 0.0004, respectively). No differences in the frequencies of IL ‐10 promoter polymorphisms were observed between children with P. falciparum – S. haematobium co‐infections and healthy controls. Conclusion Although IL ‐10 promoter polymorphisms are not associated with P. falciparum and S. haematobium co‐infection, variant ‐1082G/A and haplotype GCC are associated with malaria, whereas the IL ‐10 haplotypes GCC and GTA are associated with schistosomiasis.
Let Us Not Play It by Ear: Auditory Gating and Audiovisual Perception During Rapid Goal-Directed Action
2017-11-13

Susceptibility to audiovisual illusions is altered during rapid upper-limb reaching movements. Although, this change in perception appears to be linked to the movement's real-time characteristics, the mechanism for this alteration remains unknown. In this paper, we examined whether this modulation of multisensory perception could be explained by a decrease in auditory perceptual sensitivity. In two protocols, participants were instructed to perform rapid reaches to a visual target and report the number of auditory events (beeps) they perceived. One or 2 brief beeps were presented with either 0, 1, or 2 brief visual flashes at 0, 100, or 200 ms (protocol 1), or 0, 200, or 400 ms (protocol 2) relative to movement onset. The results revealed a significant, stable, decrease in auditory perception when the stimuli were presented during the movement, as compared to after the movement, and no-movement trials. Overall, the findings of this paper suggest that auditory perceptual sensitivity is monotonically reduced as one engages in visually guided goal-directed actions.
Defining Baseline Epigenetic Landscapes in the Rat Liver
2017-11-13

Characterization of the hepatic epigenome following exposure to chemicals and therapeutic drugs provides novel insights into toxicological and pharmacological mechanisms, however appreciation of genome-wide inter- and intra-strain baseline epigenetic variation, particularly in under-characterized species such as the rat is limited. Material & methods: To enhance the utility of epigenomic endpoints safety assessment, we map both DNA modifications (5-methyl-cytosine and 5-hydroxymethyl-cytosine) and enhancer related chromatin marks (H3K4me1 and H3K27ac) across multiple male and female rat livers for two important outbred laboratory rat strains (Sprague-Dawley and Wistar). Results & conclusion: Integration of DNA modification, enhancer chromatin marks and gene expression profiles reveals clear gender-specific chromatin states at genes which exhibit gender-specific transcription. Taken together this work provides a valuable baseline liver epigenome resource for rat strains that are commonly used in chemical and pharmaceutical safety assessment.
MEGASITE MANAGEMENT TOOL (MMT): A DECISION SUPPORT SYSTEM BUILT USING MAPWINDOW ACTIVEX CONTROL
2017-11-13

Abstract. Megasite Management Tool (MMT) is planning and evaluation software for contaminated sites. Using different statistical modules, MMT produces maps which help decision makers in rehabilitating contaminated sites. The input data used by MMT is of geographic nature and exists as shapefile and raster format. As MMT is built using simple windows forms application, the objective of the study was to find a way to visualize geographic data and to allow the user to edit its attribute information. Therefore, the application requirement was to find GIS libraries which offer capabilities such as (1) map viewer with navigation tools (2) library to read/write geographic data and (3) software which allows free distribution of the developed components. A research on these requirements led to the discovery of MapWindow ActiveX components which not only offered these capabilities but also provided free and open source licensing options for redistribution. Although considerable amount of reports and publications exist on MMT, the major contribution provided by MapWindow libraries have been under played. The current study emphasises upon the contribution and advantages MapWindow ActiveX provides for incorporating GIS functionality to an already existing application. Similar components for other languages have also been reviewed.
Pathogen‐Associated Molecular Patterns (PAMP) andPAMP‐Triggered Immunity
2017-11-13

Abstract Recent years have witnessed significant advances in our understanding of the molecular mechanisms that govern plant disease resistance. One of the most important benefits of this development is a new concept of how seemingly unrelated types of microbial resistance in plants are functionally linked and how they might be evolutionarily related. For a long time, research on microbial elicitor‐induced plant non‐cultivar‐specific defences and microbial avirulence factor‐induced host plant cultivar‐specific defences had coexisted without providing an integrated model for plant disease resistance. Recent landmark insights have significantly reshaped our view of plant immunity. Among those achievements are (i) the realisation of conceptual and mechanistic similarities in animal and plant immunity, (ii) the identification of plant pattern recognition receptors that recognise pathogen‐ or microbe‐associated molecular patterns (PAMPs/MAMPs), (iii) evidence that PAMP‐triggered immunity is a biologically important element of the plant immune system and (iv) that suppression of PAMP‐triggered immunity is a major strategy of adapted pathogens to facilitate infections of susceptible host plants. This chapter highlights recent progress made in PAMP research, with particular emphasis on the findings mentioned above.
Legal Methodology in the German Dictatorships
2017-11-13

The article compares the legal methodologies in the National Socialist State (NS, 1933–1945) and in the German Democratic Republic (GDR, 1949–1990). Their concept of law differed in a significant way from the preceding periods. Law was no longer regarded as the will of the community but as the will of the dictator (the ‘leader’ or the party) and at the same time as the utterance of the official ideology. This antinomy between voluntaristic and ideological principle characterises the legal methodology in both dictatorships. The theories of the sources of law are dominated by the voluntaristic, authoritative element. Therefore, the will of the ‘leader’ or the party, i.e., the statute, is the only real source of law. Customary law is negligible, judge-made law is not approved, a court’s right of inspection doesn’t exist. The ideological principle gains much greater importance in the interpretation of the law. In the NS, the law must be interpreted in accordance with the ‘National Socialist ideology’, in the GDR, which is ‘partially’ socialist, according to the communist ideology. The former voluntaristic ‘subjective-historical’ interpretation is abandoned. Jurisprudence in the NS and GDR also demanded ideological, ‘essential’ concepts, whereas the precedent ‘bourgeois’ theory preferred ‘functional’ concepts according to the specific purpose of a statute. The formation of systems failed in both dictatorships, probably because of the ideological setting.