julilili42/papers huggingface dataset:
Investigating attitudinal ambivalence via sequential priming: Evidence for the simultaneous and unintentional activation of opposite evaluations.
2019-02-26

This research tested a central assumption of attitudinal ambivalence research: ambivalent attitude objects simultaneously trigger positive and negative evaluations. It further specifies at which stage this activation is likely to produce an evaluative conflict. Experiments 1 to 3 involved 2 evaluative priming paradigms, in which ambivalent stimuli served either as primes or as targets. The Ambivalent Primes Paradigm tested the degree to which the concurrent and unintentional activation of positivity and negativity influences responding to univalent targets. The Ambivalent Targets Paradigm tested the degree to which ambivalent targets entail an evaluative response conflict irrespective of prime valence. Experiments 1 and 2 revealed slower responses on ambivalent trials compared with congruent trials in both paradigms. Employing a longer stimulus onset asynchrony, Experiment 3 attested to the short-lived nature of the joint activation of opposite evaluations triggered by ambivalent primes. In contrast, the deliberate categorization of ambivalent targets was not affected by this procedural variation. Finally, by relying on a valent/neutral categorization task, Experiments 4 and 5 indicate that conflicts triggered by ambivalent stimuli occur at the response selection rather than the exposure stage. Our findings lend original empirical support to the assumption that positivity and negativity are activated simultaneously and unintentionally in ambivalent attitude objects. Moreover, the present research suggests that ambivalence generates a conflict only if the task at hand requires a univalent categorization. We discuss the extent to which the activation of ambivalent attitudes may be automatic and the implications of our findings for dual-process models of attitudes. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2019 APA, all rights reserved).
Treatment strategies for patients with decompensated liver cirrhosis due to hepatitis C virus infection eligible for liver transplantation: real-life data from five German transplant centers
2019-02-26

Background Even with highly effective direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) treatment of patients with decompensated hepatitis C (HCV) cirrhosis remains challenging. Clinical deterioration and the need for liver transplantation (LT) may arise despite previous antiviral treatment. It is unclear whether in patients with high Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) antiviral treatment is too risky and should thus be deferred until after LT. Treatment choices that are currently made in the real-world setting are unclear. Methods We performed a retrospective multicenter data analysis of patients with decompensated HCV cirrhosis (MELD ≥15) that presented to liver transplant centers that are part of the German Center for Infection Research when highly active DAA therapy was available. Choice of treatment strategy (DAA first vs. transplantation first) was analyzed and correlated with baseline and outcome parameters. Results Thirty-five patients fulfilled the inclusion criteria and their mean MELD score was 18.5±3.78 (median: 17, interquartile range=16–19). In the majority of patients (85.7%) DAA therapy was initiated before LT; survival rates and change in MELD were numerically better in this group compared with those where DAA therapy was withheld (82.1 vs. 40%, P =0.078; ΔMELD: −2.68±6.2 vs. 5.8±14.4, P =0.157). However, DAA treatment was more often initiated in patients with better liver function (MELD: 18±3.54 vs. 21.8±3.9, P =0.008). Three patients discontinued DAA treatment because of clinical deterioration; these patients all had a MELD score above 20 at the start of therapy. Conclusion At liver transplant centers in Germany DAA before LT is attempted in the majority of cases. It appears to be associated with an improved outcome and seems safe at least in individuals with MELD below or equal to 20.
Import of extracellular ATP in yeast and man modulates AMPK and TORC1 signalling
2019-02-27

ABSTRACT AMP-activated kinase (AMPK) and target of rapamycin (TOR) signalling coordinate cell growth, proliferation, metabolism and cell survival with the nutrient environment of cells. The poor vasculature and nutritional stress experienced by cells in solid tumours raises the question: how do they assimilate sufficient nutrients to survive? Here, we show that human and fission yeast cells import ATP and AMP from their external environment to regulate AMPK and TOR signalling. Exposure of fission yeast (Schizosaccharomyces pombe) and human cells to external AMP impeded cell growth; however, in yeast this restraining impact required AMPK. In contrast, external ATP rescued the growth defect of yeast mutants with reduced TORC1 signalling; furthermore, exogenous ATP transiently enhanced TORC1 signalling in both yeast and human cell lines. Addition of the PANX1 channel inhibitor probenecid blocked ATP import into human cell lines suggesting that this channel may be responsible for both ATP release and uptake in mammals. In light of these findings, it is possible that the higher extracellular ATP concentration reported in solid tumours is both scavenged and recognized as an additional energy source beneficial for cell growth.
Comprehensive Profiling by Non‐targeted Stable Isotope Tracing Capillary Electrophoresis‐Mass Spectrometry: A New Tool Complementing Metabolomic Analyses of Polar Metabolites
2019-02-27

Abstract Mass spectrometry (MS) driven metabolomics is a frequently used tool in various areas of life sciences; however, the analysis of polar metabolites is less commonly included. In general, metabolomic analyses lead to the detection of the total amount of all covered metabolites. This is currently a major limitation with respect to metabolites showing high turnover rates, but no changes in their concentration. Such metabolites and pathways could be crucial metabolic nodes (e.g., potential drug targets in cancer metabolism). A stable‐isotope tracing capillary electrophoresis–mass spectrometry (CE‐MS) metabolomic approach was developed to cover both polar metabolites and isotopologues in a non‐targeted way. An in‐house developed software enables high throughput processing of complex multidimensional data. The practicability is demonstrated analyzing [U‐ 13 C]‐glucose exposed prostate cancer and non‐cancer cells. This CE‐MS‐driven analytical strategy complements polar metabolite profiles through isotopologue labeling patterns, thereby improving not only the metabolomic coverage, but also the understanding of metabolism.
Aesthetic Stimuli Attract Visual Spatial Attention
2019-02-27

We investigated the relationship between attention and the aesthetic appearance of visual stimuli. In a first study, we evaluated the aesthetic value of pictures depicting chairs by means of a questionnaire. These pictures were categorized as aesthetic, neutral, or non-aesthetic and used in a second study, in which we employed a dot-probe task and a recognition memory task. In the dot-probe task, two pictures of chairs were presented to the left and to the right of fixation, followed by a dot at one of the chair pictures’ positions. Participants decided at which side the dot had been presented. To investigate the relation between the aesthetic value of the chairs and the orientation of attention, we paired either aesthetic or non-aesthetic pictures with neutral pictures. The results showed that participants reacted faster when the dot appeared at the position of the aesthetic chair than when it appeared at the position of the neutral one. Such a ‘congruency’ effect was absent for non-aesthetic chairs. This interactive pattern of results shows that aesthetic stimuli capture attention. In the recognition memory task, in which participants were asked to decide whether a chair had been presented before or not, aesthetic chairs were more accurately and faster recognized than neutral or non-aesthetic ones. Taken together, these results show that aesthetic stimuli entail prioritized cognitive processing. In a final study, we investigated which particular features of the aesthetic stimuli might be important for this effect by correlating the aesthetic evaluation of the pictures with their Gestalt impression.
Genome Sequence of Flavor-Producing Yeast Saprochaete suaveolens NRRL Y-17571
2019-02-27

Saprochaete suaveolens is an ascomycetous yeast that produces a range of fruity flavors and fragrances. Here, we report the high-contiguity genome sequence of the ex-holotype strain, NRRL Y-17571 (CBS 152.25).
Perceptual saccadic suppression starts in the retina
2019-02-27

Abstract Visual sensitivity, probed through perceptual detectability of very brief visual stimuli, is strongly impaired around the time of rapid eye movements. This robust perceptual phenomenon, called saccadic suppression, is frequently attributed to active suppressive signals that are directly derived from eye movement commands. Here we show instead that visual-only mechanisms, activated by saccade-induced image shifts, can account for all perceptual properties of saccadic suppression that we have investigated. Such mechanisms start at, but are not necessarily exclusive to, the very first stage of visual processing in the brain, the retina. Critically, neural suppression originating in the retina outlasts perceptual suppression around the time of saccades, suggesting that extra-retinal movement-related signals, rather than causing suppression, may instead act to shorten it. Our results demonstrate a far-reaching contribution of visual processing mechanisms to perceptual saccadic suppression, starting in the retina, without the need to invoke explicit motor-based suppression commands.
Allosteric Structural Alterations and Auto-regulation of Rab5 GEF Activity in Rabex5
2019-02-27

Abstract Intracellular trafficking depends on the function of Rab GTPases, whose activation is regulated by guanine exchange factors (GEFs). The Rab5 GEF, Rabex5, was previously proposed to be autoinhibited by its C-terminus. Here, we studied full-length Rabex5 and Rabaptin5 proteins as well as domain deletion Rabex5 mutants using hydrogen deuterium exchange mass spectrometry. We generated a structural model of Rabex5, using chemical crosslinking mass spectrometry and integrative modeling techniques. Our results are inconsistent with the previous model of autoinhibition. By correlating structural changes with nucleotide exchange activity for each construct, we uncovered new auto-regulatory roles for the Ubiquitin binding domains and the Linker connecting those domains to the catalytic core of Rabex5. Our results suggest a more complex auto-regulation mechanism than previously thought and imply that Ubiquitin binding serves not only to position Rabex5 but to also control its Rab5 GEF activity through allosteric structural alterations.
Thermally and Magnetically Robust Triplet Ground State Diradical
2019-02-28

High spin ( S = 1) organic diradicals may offer enhanced properties with respect to several emerging technologies, but typically exhibit low singlet triplet energy gaps and possess limited thermal stability. We report triplet ground state diradical 2 with a large singlet-triplet energy gap, Δ E<sub>ST</sub> ≥ 1.7 kcal mol<sup>-1</sup>, leading to nearly exclusive population of triplet ground state at room temperature, and good thermal stability with onset of decomposition at ∼160 °C under inert atmosphere. Magnetic properties of 2 and the previously prepared diradical 1 are characterized by SQUID magnetometry of polycrystalline powders, in polystyrene glass, and in other matrices. Polycrystalline diradical 2 forms a novel one-dimensional (1D) spin-1 ( S = 1) chain of organic radicals with intrachain antiferromagnetic coupling of J'/ k = -14 K, which is associated with the N···N and N···O intermolecular contacts. The intrachain antiferromagnetic coupling in 2 is by far strongest among all studied 1D S = 1 chains of organic radicals, which also makes 1D S = 1 chains of 2 most isotropic, and therefore an excellent system for studies of low-dimensional magnetism. In polystyrene glass and in frozen benzene or dibutyl phthalate solution, both 1 and 2 are monomeric. Diradical 2 is thermally robust and is evaporated under ultrahigh vacuum to form thin films of intact diradicals on silicon substrate, as demonstrated by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Based on C-K NEXAFS spectra and AFM images of the ∼1.5 nm thick films, the diradical molecules form islands on the substrate with molecules stacked approximately along the crystallographic a-axis. The films are stable under ultrahigh vacuum for at least 60 h but show signs of decomposition when exposed to ambient conditions for 7 h.
Transient Stability of Epigenetic Population Differentiation in a Clonal Invader
2019-02-28

Epigenetic variation may play an important role in how plants cope with novel environments. While significant epigenetic differences among plants from contrasting habitats have often been observed in the field, the stability of these differences remains little understood. Here, we combined field monitoring with a multi-generation common garden approach to study the dynamics of DNA methylation variation in invasive Chinese populations of the clonal alligator weed (<i>Alternanthera philoxeroides</i>). Using AFLP and MSAP markers, we found little variation in DNA sequence but substantial epigenetic population differentiation. In the field, these differences remained stable across multiple years, whereas in a common environment they were maintained at first but then progressively eroded. However, some epigenetic differentiation remained even after 10 asexual generations. Our data indicate that epigenetic variation in alligator weed most likely results from a combination of environmental induction and spontaneous epimutation, and that much of it is neither rapidly reversible (phenotypic plasticity) nor long-term stable, but instead displays an intermediate level of stability. Such transient epigenetic stability could be a beneficial mechanism in novel and heterogeneous environments, particularly in a genetically impoverished invader.
Genetic diversity and population structure of Plasmodium falciparum in Kenyan–Ugandan border areas
2019-02-28

Summary Kenya has, in the last decade, made tremendous progress in the fight against malaria. Nevertheless, continued surveillance of the genetic diversity and population structure of Plasmodium falciparum is required to refine malaria control and to adapt and improve elimination strategies. Twelve neutral microsatellite loci were genotyped in 201 P. falciparum isolates obtained from the Kenyan–Ugandan border (Busia) and from two inland malaria‐endemic sites situated in western (Nyando) and coastal (Msambweni) Kenya. Analyses were done to assess the genetic diversity (allelic richness and expected heterozygosity, [ H e ]), multilocus linkage disequilibrium ( ) and population structure. A similarly high degree of genetic diversity was observed among the three parasite populations surveyed (mean H e = 0.76; P &gt; 0.05). Except in Msambweni, random association of microsatellite loci was observed, indicating high parasite out‐breeding. Low to moderate genetic structure ( F ST = 0.022–0.076; P &lt; 0.0001) was observed with only 5% variance in allele frequencies observed among the populations. This study shows that the genetic diversity of P. falciparum populations at the Kenyan–Ugandan border is comparable to the parasite populations from inland Kenya. In addition, high genetic diversity, panmixia and weak population structure in this study highlight the fitness of Kenyan P. falciparum populations to successfully withstand malaria control interventions.
Synthesis and Characterization of Three Multi‐Shell Metalloid Gold Clusters Au32(R3P)12Cl8
2019-02-28

Abstract Three multi‐shell metalloid gold clusters of the composition Au 32 (R 3 P) 12 Cl 8 (R=Et, n Pr, n Bu) were synthesized in a straightforward fashion by reducing R 3 PAuCl with NaBH 4 in ethanol. The Au 32 core comprises two shells, with the inner one constituting a tilted icosahedron and the outer one showing a distorted dodecahedral arrangement. The outer shell is completed by eight chloride atoms and twelve R 3 P groups. The inner icosahedron shows bond lengths typical for elemental gold while the distances of the gold atoms in the dodecahedral arrangement are in the region of aurophilic interactions. Quantum‐chemical calculations illustrate that the Jahn–Teller effect observed within the cluster core can be attributed to the electronic shell filling. The easily reproducible synthesis, good solubility, and high yields of these clusters render them perfect starting points for further research.
IMI – Industry Guidelines and Ethical Considerations for Myopia Control Report
2019-02-28

Undertaking MC treatment in minors creates an ethical challenge for a wide variety of stakeholders. Regulatory bodies, manufacturers, academics, and clinicians all share an ethical responsibility to ensure that the products used for MC are safe and efficacious and that patients understand the benefits and potential risks of such products. This International Myopia Institute report highlights these ethical challenges and provides stakeholders with recommendations and guidelines in the development, financial support, prescribing, and advertising of such treatments.
An update on glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency in children from Brazzaville, Republic of Congo
2019-02-28

This study gives an update on G6PD deficiency among Congolese children. Understanding the distribution of G6PD deficiency in other geographical regions is recommended before primaquine is adopted in the malaria control programme.
Combining timing characteristics with physical broad-band spectral modelling of black hole X-ray binary GX 339–4
2019-02-28

ABSTRACT GX 339–4 is a black hole X-ray binary that is a key focus of accretion studies, since it goes into outburst roughly every 2–3 yr. Tracking of its radio, infrared (IR), and X-ray flux during multiple outbursts reveals tight broad-band correlations. The radio emission originates in a compact, self-absorbed jet; however, the origin of the X-ray emission is still debated: jet base or corona? We fit 20 quasi-simultaneous radio, IR, optical, and X-ray observations of GX 339–4 covering three separate outbursts in 2005, 2007, 2010–2011, with a composite corona+jet model, where inverse Compton emission from both regions contributes to the X-ray emission. Using a recently proposed identifier of the X-ray variability properties known as power-spectral hue, we attempt to explain both the spectral and evolving timing characteristics, with the model. We find the X-ray spectra are best fit by inverse Compton scattering in a dominant hot corona (kTe ∼ hundreds of keV). However, radio and IR-optical constraints imply a non-negligible contribution from inverse Compton scattering off hotter electrons (kTe ≥ 511 keV) in the base of the jets, ranging from a few up to ∼50 per cent of the integrated 3–100 keV flux. We also find that the physical properties of the jet show interesting correlations with the shape of the broad-band X-ray variability of the source, posing intriguing suggestions for the connection between the jet and corona.
Development and validation of a multiple‐choice questionnaire‐based theoretical test in direct ophthalmoscopy
2019-02-28

Abstract Purpose Direct ophthalmoscopy can reveal systemic, neurologic and ophthalmic conditions, but is poorly mastered among young physicians. A theoretical test is needed to measure effect of educational interventions. We developed and gathered validity evidence for a multiple‐choice questionnaire ( MCQ )‐based theoretical test in direct ophthalmoscopy. Methods The MCQ was developed by interviewing experts. Then, validity evidence was evaluated using Messick's validity framework. Content was ensured by inviting the experts to contribute in a Delphi‐like process. Response process was ensured by piloting and by streamlining all instructions. Then, the test was taken by ophthalmologists and by medical students without experience in direct ophthalmoscopy. Results were used to evaluate internal structure (item quality analysis and internal consistency), relations to other variables (correlation of test scores to experience level) and consequences (establishment of pass–fail score and the consequences of its use). Results The first phase of the study yielded 100 MCQ s. In second phase, we identified that 60 items fulfilled predefined relevance and item quality requirements. These items demonstrated very high internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = 0.95), significantly discriminated medical students from specialists (p &lt; 0.001, independent samples t ‐test) and the established pass–fail score of 50 (83%) correct answers resulted in no false positives (students passing) and no false negatives (specialists failing). A Decision study identified that sampling 15 items suffice for certification. Conclusion We developed and validated an MCQ ‐based theoretical test in direct ophthalmoscopy that enables an evidence‐based approach to measuring, evaluating and certifying the theoretical knowledge necessary for direct ophthalmoscopy.
Polar localization of the ATPase ClpV-5 occurs independent of type VI secretion system apparatus proteins in Burkholderia thailandensis
2019-02-28

ClpV-5-sfGFP foci formation and localization was examined in a B. thailandensis mutant harboring a deletion of the entire T6SS-5 gene cluster. We found that ClpV-5-sfGFP localization to discrete foci was not abolished in the absence of the T6SS-5 apparatus. Furthermore, the number of ClpV-5-sfGFP foci displaying a polar localization was not significantly different from that of ClpV-5-sfGFP expressed in the wild type genetic background. These findings suggest the presence of a T6SS-independent localization mechanism for ClpV-5 of the T6SS-5 targeting host cells.
Ch’oe Namsŏn and Identity Construction through Negotiation with the Colonizer
2019-02-28

This paper takes a closer look at Ch’oe Namsŏn’s construction of Korean identity during the colonial period. Ch’oe was ambiguous towards Japan, seeing it as many other intellectuals did, as a model for Korea’s modernization, and was aware that Japan would be both Korea’s “oldest friend” and “biggest obstacle” in this regard. After his imprisonment for his role in the Korean independence movement in 1919, he started to cooperate with the Japanese to influence colonial knowledge production and therefore decided to “negotiate” directly with the colonizer. In his “Treatise on Purham culture,” Ch’oe included Japan in the same cultural sphere and saw it as less of Other than the West and China. While his theses and arguments were based on Japanese research and written in Japanese, Ch’oe maintained a Korean identity within the colonial setting not by a “negation” of Japanese research, but by “negotiation” through its reinterpretation and autoethnography. Due to his referring to Japanese scholars and due to the ambiguity of his mimicry his work can be considered “at once resemblance and menace,” and simultaneously as collaboration and resistance.
Revised paleoaltimetry data show low Tibetan Plateau elevation during the Eocene
2019-03-01

Ancient height of the Tibetan Plateau The elevation of the Tibetan Plateau has a major impact on climate, affecting the monsoons and regional weather patterns. Although some isotope proxies have suggested a roughly equivalent height for the plateau as far back as the Eocene (∼40 million years ago), other lines of evidence suggest a lower elevation in the distant past. Botsyun et al. used a model to show that several previously overlooked factors contribute to the isotopic record from the Eocene (see the Perspective by van Hinsbergen and Boschman). The results harmonize the isotopic record with other proxies and argue for a Tibetan Plateau that was about 1000 meters lower than it is today. Science , this issue p. eaaq1436 ; see also p. 928