julilili42/papers huggingface dataset:
Semantic object-scene inconsistencies affect eye movements, but not in the way predicted by contextualized meaning maps
2021-05-04

Abstract Semantic information is important in eye-movement control. An important semantic influence on gaze guidance relates to object-scene relationships: objects that are semantically inconsistent with the scene attract more fixations than consistent objects. One interpretation of this effect is that fixations are driven towards inconsistent objects because they are semantically more informative. We tested this explanation using contextualized meaning maps, a method that is based on crowd-sourced ratings to quantify the spatial distribution of context-sensitive ‘meaning’ in images. In Experiment 1, we compared gaze data and contextualized meaning maps for images, in which objects-scene consistency was manipulated. Observers fixated more on inconsistent vs. consistent objects. However, contextualized meaning maps did not assigned higher meaning to image regions that contained semantic inconsistencies. In Experiment 2, a large number of raters evaluated the meaningfulness of a set of carefully selected image-regions. The results suggest that the same scene locations were experienced as slightly less meaningful when they contained inconsistent compared to consistent objects. In summary, we demonstrated that – in the context of our rating task – semantically inconsistent objects are experienced as less meaningful than their consistent counterparts, and that contextualized meaning maps do not capture prototypical influences of image meaning on gaze guidance.
Regional Brain and Spinal Cord Volume Loss in Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 3
2021-05-05

Abstract Background Given that new therapeutic options for spinocerebellar ataxias are on the horizon, there is a need for markers that reflect disease‐related alterations, in particular, in the preataxic stage, in which clinical scales are lacking sensitivity. Objective The objective of this study was to quantify regional brain volumes and upper cervical spinal cord areas in spinocerebellar ataxia type 3 in vivo across the entire time course of the disease. Methods We applied a brain segmentation approach that included a lobular subsegmentation of the cerebellum to magnetic resonance images of 210 ataxic and 48 preataxic spinocerebellar ataxia type 3 mutation carriers and 63 healthy controls. In addition, cervical cord cross‐sectional areas were determined at 2 levels. Results The metrics of cervical spinal cord segments C3 and C2, medulla oblongata, pons, and pallidum, and the cerebellar anterior lobe were reduced in preataxic mutation carriers compared with controls. Those of cervical spinal cord segments C2 and C3, medulla oblongata, pons, midbrain, cerebellar lobules crus II and X, cerebellar white matter, and pallidum were reduced in ataxic compared with nonataxic carriers. Of all metrics studied, pontine volume showed the steepest decline across the disease course. It covaried with ataxia severity, CAG repeat length, and age. The multivariate model derived from this analysis explained 46.33% of the variance of pontine volume. Conclusion Regional brain and spinal cord tissue loss in spinocerebellar ataxia type 3 starts before ataxia onset. Pontine volume appears to be the most promising imaging biomarker candidate for interventional trials that aim at slowing the progression of spinocerebellar ataxia type 3. © 2021 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Genetic Diversity of Botrytis cinerea Revealed by Multilocus Sequencing, and Identification of B. cinerea Populations Showing Genetic Isolation and Distinct Host Adaptation
2021-05-05

Botrytis cinerea is a world-wide occurring plant pathogen, causing pre- and post-harvest gray mold rot on a large number of fruit, vegetable, and flower crops. B. cinerea is closely related to Botrytis pseudocinerea , another broad host range species which often occurs in sympatry with B. cinerea , and to several host-specific species including Botrytis fabae and Botrytis calthae . B. cinerea populations have been shown to be genetically heterogeneous, and attempts have been made to correlate genetic markers to virulence and host adaptation. Here, we present the development of a multilocus sequence typing (MLST) scheme, with 10 genes selected for high variability and phylogenetic congruence, to evaluate the genetic diversity of B. cinerea , B. fabae , and B. pseudocinerea . Using PacBio-assisted simultaneous mass sequencing of PCR products, MLST analysis of about 100 strains from diverse geographical origins and years of isolation was performed, which resulted in high-resolution strain differentiation and robust species separation. Several B. cinerea strains formed an as yet unknown population, referred to as group B, which was well separated from all other B. cinerea strains. Furthermore, the gene cluster for biosynthesis of the phytotoxin botcinic acid was missing in B. cinerea B strains. B. cinerea strains from the monocot Iris pseudacorus were found to form a genetically distinct population, and contained an intact gene cluster for production of the red pigment bikaverin, which is usually degenerated in B. cinerea . Remarkably, these strains were much more aggressive on Iris than other B. cinerea strains, which is the first unequivocal example for host specialization in B. cinerea . Our data reveal new insights into the genetic diversity of B. cinerea and provide evidence for intraspecific differentiation and different degrees of host adaptation of this polyphagous necrotrophic pathogen.
A low-cost, high-performance video-based binocular eye tracker for psychophysical research
2021-05-05

We describe a high-performance, pupil-based binocular eye tracker that approaches the performance of a well-established commercial system, but at a fraction of the cost. The eye tracker is built from standard hardware components, and its software (written in Visual C++) can be easily implemented. Because of its fast and simple linear calibration scheme, the eye tracker performs best in the central 10 degrees of the visual field. The eye tracker possesses a number of useful features: (1) automated calibration simultaneously in both eyes while subjects fixate four fixation points sequentially on a computer screen, (2) automated real-time continuous analysis of measurement noise, (3) automated blink detection, (4) and real-time analysis of pupil centration artifacts. This last feature is critical because it is known that pupil diameter changes can be erroneously registered by pupil-based trackers as a change in eye position. We evaluated the performance of our system against that of a well-established commercial system using simultaneous measurements in 10 participants. We propose our low-cost eye tracker as a promising resource for studies of binocular eye movements.
The ischiofemoral space of the hip is influenced by the frontal knee alignment
2021-05-05

Abstract Purpose The ischiofemoral distance (IFD), defined as the distance between the ischial tuberosity and the lesser trochanter of the femur, is gaining recognition as an extra‐articular cause of hip pain. It is unknown whether the IFD is influenced by the frontal knee alignment. The aim of this study was to determine the influence of realignment surgery around the knee on the IFD. It was hypothesized that valgisation osteotomy around the knee is associated with reduction of the IFD. Methods A consecutive series of 154 patients undergoing frontal realignment procedures around the knee in 2017 were included in this study. Long‐leg standing radiographs were obtained before surgery and postoperatively. The IFD was measured between the ischium and the lesser trochanter at three different levels (proximal, middle and distal margins of the lesser trochanter parallel to the horizontal orientation of the pelvis) on standardized long‐leg radiographs with the patient in upright standing position. The knee alignment was determined by measuring the hip knee ankle angle, mechanical lateral distal femur angle and the medial mechanical proximal tibia angle. Linear regression was performed to determine the influence of the change of frontal knee alignment on the IFD. Results Linear regression showed a direct influence of the overall change in frontal knee alignment on the IFD of the hip, regardless of the site of the osteotomy (β‐0.4, confidence‐interval − 0.5 to − 0.3, p &lt; 0.001). Valgisation osteotomy around the knee induced a significant reduction of the ipsilateral IFD ( p &lt; 0.001), while varisation osteotomy induced a significant increase ( p &lt; 0.001). The amount of ISD change was 0.4 mm per corresponding degree of change in frontal knee alignment. Conclusion These findings are relevant to both the hip and knee surgeons when planning an osteotomy or arthroplasty procedure. Correction of a malalignment of the knee may resolve an ischiofemoral conflict in the hip. The concept deserves inclusion in the diagnostic workup of both the hip and knee joints. Level of evidence IV.
Burkitt lymphoma with a granulomatous reaction: an M1/Th1‐polarised microenvironment is associated with controlled growth and spontaneous regression
2021-05-05

Aims Burkitt lymphoma (BL) is an aggressive B‐cell lymphoma that, in some instances, may show a granulomatous reaction associated with a favourable prognosis and occasional spontaneous regression. In the present study, we aimed to define the tumour microenvironment (TME) in four such cases, two of which regressed spontaneously. Methods and results All cases showed aggregates of tumour cells with the typical morphology, molecular cytogenetics and immunophenotype of BL surrounded by a florid epithelioid granulomatous reaction. All four cases were Epstein–Barr virus (EBV)‐positive with type I latency. Investigation of the TME showed similar features in all four cases. The analysis revealed a proinflammatory response triggered by Th1 lymphocytes and M1 polarised macrophages encircling the neoplastic cells with a peculiar topographic distribution. Conclusions Our data provide an in‐vivo picture of the role that specific immune cell subsets might play during the early phase of BL, which may be capable of maintaining the tumour in a self‐limited state or inducing its regression. These novel results may provide insights into new potential therapeutic avenues in EBV‐positive BL patients in the era of cellular immunotherapy.
Sialic acid‐binding immunoglobulin‐like lectin (Sigelac)‐15 is a rapidly internalised cell‐surface antigen expressed by acute myeloid leukaemia cells
2021-05-05

Summary Sialic acid‐binding immunoglobulin‐like lectin (Siglec)‐15 has recently been identified as a critical tumour checkpoint, augmenting the expression and function of programmed death‐ligand 1. We raised a monoclonal antibody, A9E8, specific for Siglec‐15 using phage display. A9E8 stained myeloid leukaemia cell lines and peripheral cluster of differentiation (CD)33 + blasts and CD34 + leukaemia stem cells from patients with acute myeloid leukaemia (AML). By contrast, there was minimal expression on healthy donor leucocytes or CD34 + stem cells from non‐AML donors, suggesting targeting Siglec‐15 may have significant therapeutic advantages over its fellow Siglec CD33. After binding, A9E8 was rapidly internalised (half‐life of 180 s) into K562 cells. Antibodies to Siglec‐15 therefore hold therapeutic potential for AML treatment.
The relationship between emotional intelligence and quality of life in schizophrenia and bipolar I disorder
2021-05-05

Abstract Purpose Social cognitive skills, both psychosocial functioning and well-being of patients with schizophrenia (SZ) or bipolar disorder (BD), have consistently been shown to be interrelated. While previous research mainly focused on emotion perception, the present study investigates the impact of the other subdomains of emotion processing on a subjective Quality of Life (QoL) estimate and objective QoL indicators. We hypothesized that patients with better performance in the Mayer-Salovey-Caruso Emotional Intelligence Test (MSCEIT) report better QoL; and assumed that SZ and BD patients report comparable subjective QoL, whereas BD patients show higher levels of objective QoL. Methods Patients diagnosed with either SZ ( n = 63) or BD ( n = 60), as well as 80 healthy controls, were included into a cross-sectional study. Emotional Intelligence (EI) and QoL were assessed using the MSCEIT and the German version of the Lancashire Quality of Life Profile. Results The two patient groups were comparable with regard to overall EI, as well as subjective and objective QoL, but indicated significantly lower levels of EI and QoL than healthy controls. Whereas EI was not associated with both patient groups’ subjective QoL, a significant correlation of EI with objective QoL was only observed in SZ. However, overall effect sizes were small. Conclusion Our findings point to a difference in the interrelation between EI and QoL in patients suffering from SZ and BD, and suggest that they may have different needs to achieve recovery. It will be critical to develop training programs targeting EI in SZ, and to examine their impact on objective QoL in these patients.
Comparison of Premixed Human Insulin 30/70 to Biphasic Aspart 30 in Well-Controlled Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Using Continuous Glucose Monitoring
2021-05-05

Aim: To compare in terms of glycemic variability two premixed insulins, Premixed Human Insulin 30/70 (PHI) and Biphasic Aspart 30 (BiAsp30), using Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) and to estimate the correlation of Glycated Albumin (GA) and Fructosamine (FA) with CGM data. Patients-Data: A total of 36 well-controlled patients with type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) underwent 7-day CGM with PHI and subsequently with BiAsp30. GA and FA were measured at the first and last day of each week of CGM. Results: BiAsp30 was associated with lower Average Blood Glucose (ABG) during the 23:00–03:00 period (PHI: 135.08 ± 28.94 mg/dL, BiAsp30: 117.75 ± 21.24 mg/dL, p &lt; 0.001) and the 00:00–06:00 period (PHI: 120.42 ± 23.13 mg/dL, BiAsp30: 111.17 ± 14.74 mg/dL, p = 0.008), as well as with more time below range (&lt;70 mg/dL) (TBR) during the 23:00–03:00 period in the week (PHI: 3.65 ± 5.93%, BiAsp30: 11.12 ± 16.07%, p = 0.005). PHI was associated with lower ABG before breakfast (PHI: 111.75 ± 23.9 mg/dL, BiAsp30: 128.25 ± 35.9 mg/dL, p = 0.013). There were no differences between the two groups in ABG, Time In Range and Time Below Range during the entire 24-h period for 7 days, p = 0.502, p = 0.534, and p = 0.258 respectively, and in TBR for the 00:00–06:00 period p = 0.253. Total daily insulin requirements were higher for BiAsp30 (PHI: 47.92 ± 12.18 IU, BiAsp30: 49.58 ± 14.12 IU, p = 0.001). GA and FA correlated significantly with ABG (GA: r = 0.512, p = 0.011, FA: r = 0.555, p = 0.005). Conclusions: In well-controlled patients with T2DM, BiAsp30 is an equally effective alternative to PHI.
A Different Experience in a Different Moment? Teachers’ Social Media Use Before and During the COVID-19 Pandemic
2021-05-05

Teachers participate in professional development activities to enhance their pedagogical knowledge and share best practices—and the increasing role of technologies in education, including social media, is shifting how this professional development occurs. The COVID-19 pandemic provided an opportunity to further consider the role of social media for professional learning. Using intensive longitudinal methods, we investigated 14 teachers’ use of social media both before and during the pandemic (n = 386 total responses). We found some general patterns in social media platforms uptake and their purposes, but teachers’ use of social media was largely idiosyncratic. Also, teachers demonstrated notable shifts in social media use after the pandemic started; multi-level models indicated that teachers were more likely to use social media to connect and share, especially, compared to before the pandemic. Higher levels of COVID-related stress were also associated with more use of social media for emotional and community benefits.
Estimation of Relative Entropy Measures based on Quantile Regression
2021-05-05

The estimation of relative entropy measures such as mutual information, conditional and joint entropy, or transfer entropy requires the estimation of conditional and joint densities. When the data are continuous, a multi-variate kernel density estimation or a discretization scheme is usually applied. The problem with this discretization approach is that for mutual information as well as transfer entropy the resulting measure does not converge monotonically to the true value when the number of discrete bins is increased. In the absence of a distribution theory, hypothesis testing is only possible by means of bootstrapping. We propose to estimate the necessary joint and conditional frequencies by means of quantile regression. This allows us to avoid arbitrary binning and all associated problems. Moreover, due to the semi-parametric nature of this approach, the computational burden is decisively reduced compared to multi-variate kernel density estimation. Instead, we show that we can flexibly use quantile regressions to estimate densities in order to calculate joint, conditional and transfer entropy as well as mutual information. Furthermore, by casting our into a Generalized Method of Moments framework, we develop the asymptotic theory to conduct inference on relative entropy measures for multiple variables.
MAPK and JAK-STAT pathways dysregulation in plasmablastic lymphoma
2021-05-06

Plasmablastic lymphoma (PBL) is an aggressive B-cell lymphoma with an immunoblastic/large-cell morphology and terminal B-cell differentiation. The differential diagnosis from Burkitt lymphoma, plasma cell myeloma and some variants of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma may be challenging because of the overlapping morphological, genetic and immunophenotypic features. Furthermore, the genomic landscape in PBL is not well known. To characterize the genetic and molecular heterogeneity of these tumors, we investigated 34 cases of PBL using an integrated approach, including fluorescence in situ hybridization, targeted sequencing of 94 B-cell lymphoma-related genes, and copy-number arrays. PBL were characterized by high genetic complexity including MYC translocations (87%), gains of 1q21.1-q44, trisomy 7, 8q23.2- q24.21, 11p13-p11.2, 11q14.2-q25, 12p and 19p13.3-p13.13, losses of 1p33, 1p31.1-p22.3, 13q and 17p13.3-p11.2, and recurrent mutations of STAT3 (37%), NRAS and TP53 (33%), MYC and EP300 (19%) and CARD11, SOCS1 and TET2 (11%). Pathway enrichment analysis suggested a cooperative action between MYC alterations and MAPK (49%) and JAK-STAT (40%) signaling pathways. Of note, Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-negative PBL cases had higher mutational and copy-number load and more frequent TP53, CARD11 and MYC mutations, whereas EBVpositive PBL tended to have more mutations affecting the JAK-STAT pathway. In conclusion, these findings further unravel the distinctive molecular heterogeneity of PBL identifying novel molecular targets and the different genetic profile of these tumors in relation to EBV infection.
Digital Transformations of Classrooms in Virtual Reality
2021-05-06

With rapid developments in consumer-level head-mounted displays and computer\\ngraphics, immersive VR has the potential to take online and remote learning\\ncloser to real-world settings. However, the effects of such digital\\ntransformations on learners, particularly for VR, have not been evaluated in\\ndepth. This work investigates the interaction-related effects of sitting\\npositions of learners, visualization styles of peer-learners and teachers, and\\nhand-raising behaviors of virtual peer-learners on learners in an immersive VR\\nclassroom, using eye tracking data. Our results indicate that learners sitting\\nin the back of the virtual classroom may have difficulties extracting\\ninformation. Additionally, we find indications that learners engage with\\nlectures more efficiently if virtual avatars are visualized with realistic\\nstyles. Lastly, we find different eye movement behaviors towards different\\nperformance levels of virtual peer-learners, which should be investigated\\nfurther. Our findings present an important baseline for design decisions for VR\\nclassrooms.\\n
ANKRD11 variants: KBG syndrome and beyond
2021-05-06

Abstract Mutations affecting the transcriptional regulator Ankyrin Repeat Domain 11 (ANKRD11) are mainly associated with the multisystem developmental disorder known as KBG syndrome, but have also been identified in individuals with Cornelia de Lange syndrome (CdLS) and other developmental disorders caused by variants affecting different chromatin regulators. The extensive functional overlap of these proteins results in shared phenotypical features, which complicate the assessment of the clinical diagnosis. Additionally, re‐evaluation of individuals at a later age occasionally reveals that the initial phenotype has evolved toward clinical features more reminiscent of a developmental disorder different from the one that was initially diagnosed. For this reason, variants in ANKRD11 can be ascribed to a broader class of disorders that fall within the category of the so‐called chromatinopathies. In this work, we report on the clinical characterization of 23 individuals with variants in ANKRD11 . The subjects present primarily with developmental delay, intellectual disability and dysmorphic features, and all but two received an initial clinical diagnosis of either KBG syndrome or CdLS. The number and the severity of the clinical signs are overlapping but variable and result in a broad spectrum of phenotypes, which could be partially accounted for by the presence of additional molecular diagnoses and distinct pathogenic mechanisms.
Antidiabetic, Antimicrobial, and Molecular Profiling of Selected Medicinal Plants
2021-05-06

Natural products have been the center of attraction ever since they were discovered. Among them, plant-based natural products were popular as analgesics, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, and cosmetics and possess widespread biotechnological applications. The use of plant products as cosmetics and therapeutics is deep-rooted in Nepalese society. Although there are few ethnobotanical studies conducted, extensive research of these valuable medicinal plants has not been a priority due to the limitation of technology and infrastructure. Here, we selected 4 traditionally used medicinal plants to examine their bioactive properties and their enzyme inhibition potential. α-Glucosidase and α-amylase inhibitory activities were investigated using an in vitro model followed up by antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. The present study shows that ethyl acetate fraction of Melastoma melabathrium (IC50 9.1 ± 0.3 μg/mL) and water fraction Acacia catechu (IC50 9.0 ± 0.6 μg/mL) exhibit strong α-glucosidase inhibition. Likewise, the highest α-amylase inhibition was shown by crude extracts of Ficus religiosa (IC50 29.2 ± 1.2 μg/mL) and ethyl acetate fractions of Shorea robusta (IC50 69.3 ± 1.1 μg/mL), and the highest radical scavenging activity was shown by F. religiosa with an IC50 67.4 ± 0.6 μg/mL. Furthermore, to identify the metabolites within the fractions, we employed high-resolution mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS) and annotated 17 known metabolites which justify our assumption on activity. Of 4 medicinal plants examined, ethyl acetate fraction of S. robusta, ethyl acetate fraction of M. melabathrium, and water or ethyl acetate fraction of A. catechu extracts illustrated the best activities. With our study, we set up a foundation that provides authentic evidence to the community for use of these traditional plants. The annotated metabolites in this study support earlier experimental evidence towards the inhibition of enzymes. Further study is necessary to explore the clinical efficacy of these secondary molecules, which might be alternatives for the treatment of diabetes and pathogens.