julilili42/papers huggingface dataset:
Disc kinematics and stability in high-mass star formation
2019-10-16

Context. In the disc-mediated accretion scenario for the formation of the most massive stars, high densities and high accretion rates could induce gravitational instabilities in the disc, forcing it to fragment and produce companion objects. Aims. We investigate the effects of inclination and spatial resolution on the observable kinematics and stability of discs in high-mass star formation. Methods. We studied a high-resolution 3D radiation-hydrodynamic simulation that leads to the fragmentation of a massive disc. Using RADMC-3D we produced 1.3 mm continuum and CH 3 CN line cubes at different inclinations. The model was set to different distances, and synthetic observations were created for ALMA at ~80 mas resolution and NOEMA at ~0.4′′. Results. The synthetic ALMA observations resolve all fragments and their kinematics well. The synthetic NOEMA observations at 800 pc with linear resolution of ~300 au are able to resolve the fragments, while at 2000 pc with linear resolution of ~800 au only a single structure slightly elongated towards the brightest fragment is observed. The position–velocity (PV) plots show the differential rotation of material best in the edge-on views. A discontinuity is seen at a radius of ~250 au, corresponding to the position of the centrifugal barrier. As the observations become less resolved, the inner high-velocity components of the disc become blended with the envelope and the PV plots resemble rigid-body-like rotation. Protostellar mass estimates from PV plots of poorly resolved observations are therefore overestimated. We fit the emission of CH 3 CN (12 K −11 K ) lines and produce maps of gas temperature with values in the range of 100–300 K. Studying the Toomre stability of the discs, we find low Q values below the critical value for stability against gravitational collapse at the positions of the fragments and in the arms connecting the fragments for the resolved observations. For the poorly resolved observations we find low Q values in the outskirts of the disc. Therefore, although we could not resolve any of the fragments, we are able to predict that the disc is unstable and fragmenting. This conclusion is valid regardless of our knowledge about the inclination of the disc. Conclusions. These synthetic observations reveal the potential and limitations of studying discs in high-mass star formation with current (millimetre) interferometers. While the extremely high spatial resolution of ALMA reveals objects in extraordinary detail, rotational structures and instabilities within accretion discs can also be identified in poorly resolved observations.
Predictive Pattern Classification Can Distinguish Gender Identity Subtypes from Behavior and Brain Imaging
2019-10-16

Abstract The exact neurobiological underpinnings of gender identity (i.e., the subjective perception of oneself belonging to a certain gender) still remain unknown. Combining both resting-state functional connectivity and behavioral data, we examined gender identity in cisgender and transgender persons using a data-driven machine learning strategy. Intrinsic functional connectivity and questionnaire data were obtained from cisgender (men/women) and transgender (trans men/trans women) individuals. Machine learning algorithms reliably detected gender identity with high prediction accuracy in each of the four groups based on connectivity signatures alone. The four normative gender groups were classified with accuracies ranging from 48% to 62% (exceeding chance level at 25%). These connectivity-based classification accuracies exceeded those obtained from a widely established behavioral instrument for gender identity. Using canonical correlation analyses, functional brain measurements and questionnaire data were then integrated to delineate nine canonical vectors (i.e., brain-gender axes), providing a multilevel window into the conventional sex dichotomy. Our dimensional gender perspective captures four distinguishable brain phenotypes for gender identity, advocating a biologically grounded reconceptualization of gender dimorphism. We hope to pave the way towards objective, data-driven diagnostic markers for gender identity and transgender, taking into account neurobiological and behavioral differences in an integrative modeling approach.
Less is more! Rapid increase in plant species richness after reduced mowing of urban grasslands
2019-10-16

Abstract Urban lawns provide space for recreation in cities, and they are an important part of urban green infrastructures. However, most lawns are intensively managed. As only few plant species can survive the frequent mowing, urban lawns typically harbor only a limited number of plant species. To improve the biodiversity of urban lawns, it is often suggested to reduce the mowing frequency. Here, we studied the plant diversity of urban grasslands that have recently undergone management changes from mowing every few weeks to mowing only once or twice per season and compared them to intensively managed lawns. Within six years after the management changes, the grasslands with reduced mowing frequency indeed hosted 30% more plant species than intensively managed lawns, and they were more heterogeneous both within and between grasslands. Additionally, the species composition of less frequently mown grasslands shifted from common mowing-tolerant lawn species to typical meadow species. Our study thus shows that the reduction of mowing is a simple and effective tool for increasing the biodiversity in urban grasslands.
Effectiveness of a Social Media–Based, Health Literacy–Sensitive Diabetes Self‐Management Intervention: A Randomized Controlled Trial
2019-10-17

Abstract Aims The purpose of the study was to evaluate the effects of a social media–based, health literacy–sensitive diabetes management intervention on patient activation, self‐care behaviors, and glucose control compared to telephone‐based, health literacy–sensitive diabetes management intervention and usual care. Additionally, this study aimed to identify how patient health literacy influenced the effectiveness of health literacy–sensitive diabetes management interventions. Design 3 (treatment condition) × 2 (health literacy level) randomized factorial trial. Methods In total, 151 patients diagnosed with type 2 diabetes were randomly assigned to the social media–based or telephone‐based, health literacy–sensitive diabetes management interventions or the usual care control. The health literacy–sensitive diabetes management intervention consisted of an initial face‐to‐face diabetes nurse education using easy‐to‐read educational materials, the teach‐back method, and eight weekly action‐planning sessions guided with the use of social media or phone calls for each group. Findings Patients with high health literacy at the 9‐week follow‐up showed higher levels of patient activation than those with low health literacy in the control group, but the effect of health literacy was no longer significant when patients were provided with social media–based or telephone‐based interventions. Patients who received the telephone‐based, health literacy–sensitive diabetes management intervention had a significantly higher score for self‐care behaviors than the usual care control group at 9 weeks’ follow‐up. No other effects for self‐care behaviors or glycated hemoglobin were significant at follow‐up. Conclusions The social media–based, health literacy–sensitive diabetes management intervention was effective at mitigating the disadvantages faced by people with low health literacy when attempting to improve self‐care activation. Clinical Relevance Social media–based self‐management interventions accommodating low health literacy have the potential to help people overcome their disadvantages associated with low health literacy.
Keratinocyte-derived IκBζ drives psoriasis and associated systemic inflammation
2019-10-17

The transcriptional activator IκBζ is a key regulator of psoriasis, but which cells mediate its pathogenic effect remains unknown. Here we found that IκBζ expression in keratinocytes triggers not only skin lesions but also systemic inflammation in mouse psoriasis models. Specific depletion of IκBζ in keratinocytes was sufficient to suppress the induction of imiquimod- or IL-36-mediated psoriasis. Moreover, IκBζ ablation in keratinocytes prevented the onset of psoriatic lesions and systemic inflammation in keratinocyte-specific IL-17A-transgenic mice. Mechanistically, this psoriasis protection was mediated by IκBζ deficiency in keratinocytes abrogating the induction of specific proinflammatory target genes, including Cxcl5, Cxcl2, Csf2, and Csf3, in response to IL-17A or IL-36. These IκBζ-dependent genes trigger the generation and recruitment of neutrophils and monocytes that are needed for skin inflammation. Consequently, our data uncover a surprisingly pivotal role of keratinocytes and keratinocyte-derived IκBζ as key mediators of psoriasis and psoriasis-related systemic inflammation.
A change of scenery: Does the setting of an instructional video affect learning?
2019-10-17

Two experiments investigated the effects of an instructional video's setting on learners' retention and application of the video content. Experiment 1 explored competing hypotheses based on theoretical assumptions about whether an authentic setting would serve as a distraction or as a cue for the instructor's expertise. Participants (N = 59) watched a video about floral diagrams and floral formulas that was either shot in a greenhouse (authentic setting) or in front of a white wall (neutral setting). Results showed a beneficial effect of the authentic setting on retention, but not on the application of the video content. Experiment 2 aimed to replicate and extend these findings by investigating whether reinstating the authentic setting as a contextual cue during the test phase would further improve test performance. After watching a video that was either shot in an authentic or a neutral setting, participants (N = 149) worked on the retention and application test while a screenshot of the authentic or the neutral setting was presented as a background. Contrary to our expectations, the effect of setting on retention did not replicate and there was no evidence for context effects, despite using the same learning materials and a comparable sample as in Experiment 1. Findings are discussed with regard to potential boundary conditions.
In Situ Generation of Fullerene from a Poly(fullerene)
2019-10-17

ABSTRACT This article appraises the thermal, photo‐ and photo‐oxidative stability of poly(fullerene)‐ alt ‐[bismethylbenzene)]s (PFBMBs) prepared by the atom transfer radical addition polymerization (ATRAP) with particular attention paid to their use as additives in organic photovoltaic devices. PFBMBs are of interest due to their well‐defined structures based on alternating, main‐chain, fullerene‐methylene links. This work shows by way of a wide range of characterization techniques and a small library of PFBMBs with varying side chains, however, that PFBMBs are relatively unstable. Given that prior work has shown that other main‐chain fullerene polymers, such as poly(pyrrolidinofullerene)s, are inherently stable, we suggest a degradation mechanism specific to the fullerene‐methylene links of PFBMBs, which explains their unusual behavior. This work suggests that polymers based on fullerene each have their own specific stabilities and qualities and that PFBMBs might be of more use in purposes other than OPVs where in situ delivery of fullerene is required, for example, in medical applications. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2019 , 57 , 1434–1452
On the existence of dual solutions for Lorentzian cost functions
2019-10-17

The dual problem of optimal transportation in Lorentz-Finsler geometry is studied. It is shown that in general no solution exists even in the presence of an optimal coupling. Under natural assumptions dual solutions are established. It is further shown that the existence of a dual solution implies that the optimal transport is timelike on a set of full measure. In the second part the persistence of absolute continuity along an optimal transportation under obvious assumptions is proven and a solution to the relativistic Monge problem is provided.
Hypoxia induced Sonic Hedgehog signaling regulates cancer stemness, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition and invasion in cholangiocarcinoma
2019-10-18

Aberrant activation of Sonic Hedgehog (SHH) pathway has been implicated in a variety of cancers including cholangiocarcinoma (CC); however, the influencing factors are still unknown. Additionally, intratumoral hypoxia is known to contribute towards therapeutic resistance through modulatory effects on various pathways. In this study, we investigated the relationship between hypoxia and SHH pathway activation and the effect of this interplay on cancer stemness and epithelial-to- mesenchymal transition (EMT) during cholangiocarcinogenesis. Hypoxia promoted SHH pathway activation, evidenced by upregulated SHH and SMO levels, and enhanced glioma-associated oncogene homolog 1 (GLI1) nuclear translocation; whereas silencing of HIF-1α impaired SHH upregulation. Hypoxia also enhanced the expression of cancer stem cell (CSC) transcription factors (NANOG, Oct4, SOX2), CD133 and EMT markers (N-cadherin, Vimentin), thereby supporting invasion. Cyclopamine treatment suppressed hypoxia induced SHH pathway activation, consequently reducing invasiveness by downregulating the expression of CSC transcription factors, CD133 and EMT. Cyclopamine induced apoptosis in CC cells under hypoxia, suggesting that hypoxia induced activation of SHH pathway has modulatory effects on CC progression. Therefore, SHH signaling is proposed as a target for CC treatment, which is refractory to standard chemotherapy.
High prevalence of norovirus and rotavirus co‐infection in children with acute gastroenteritis hospitalised in Brazzaville, Republic of Congo
2019-10-18

Abstract Objective To evaluate the clinical severity of diarrhoea associated to viral co‐infection in children with acute gastroenteritis. Methods About 461 children under five years hospitalised with acute diarrhoea (266 males and 187 females) were enrolled in the study. Using stool samples, rotavirus and adenovirus infections were investigated by ELISA, and norovirus infections by nested duplex RT‐PCR. We assessed social, demographic, clinical and behavioural conditions that might influence the occurrence of rotavirus, adenovirus and norovirus infections. Results Mono‐viral infection was detected in 49% and mixed viral infection in 12% of patients. The prevalence of mixed infection was neither dependent on age nor sex. Three samples were infected with all three viruses. A significant association was found between fever (axillary temperature&gt; 37.5 °C) and rotavirus–norovirus dual infection (aOR (CI 95%) = 2.1 (1.14–3.84), P = 0.016; aOR (CI 95%) = 0.37 (0.19–0.73), P = 0.004). Mixed infection was the most common during the dry season from June to October (71.4% versus 54.7%, P = 0.023). Conclusion Co‐infection with both rotavirus and norovirus is common in under‐five hospitalised children but does not contribute to the severity of the disease.
The challenges of translation
2019-10-18

Cancer immunotherapy is a highly active area in translational medicine where the challenges and rewards of developing new drugs "from bench to bedside" become particularly visible. Here, we comment on both, the scientific and non-scientific hurdles of this translational process using the example of bispecific antibodies (bsAbs) and chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells, two closely related strategies for antibody-guided recruitment of T cells against cancer. Both exert impressive therapeutic activity and were recently approved for treatment of B-cell malignancies. We discuss how the efficacy of these auspicious therapeutic tools may be further improved, in particular against solid tumors, but we also address another critical issue: Since both approaches were already introduced in the 1980s, why did it take almost thirty years until they became clinically available?
The effects of anesthesia induction and positive pressure ventilation on right-ventricular function: An echocardiography-based prospective observational study
2019-10-18

Abstract Background: General anesthesia induction with the initiation of positive pressure ventilation creates a vulnerable phase for patients. The impact of positive intrathoracic pressure on cardiac performance has been studied but remains controversial. 3D echocardiography is a valid and MRI-validated bed-side tool to evaluate the right ventricle (RV). The aim of this study was to assess the impact of anesthesia induction (using midazolam, sufentanil and rocuronium, followed by sevoflurane) with positive pressure ventilation (PEEP 5, tidal volume 6 – 8 ml/kg) on 2D and 3D echocardiography derived parameters of RV function. Methods: A prospective observational study on fifty-three patients undergoing elective cardiac surgery in a tertiary care university hospital was designed. Transthoracic echocardiography exams were performed before and immediately after anesthesia induction and were recorded together with hemodynamic parameters and ventilator settings. Results: After anesthesia induction TAPSE (mean difference -1.6mm (95% CI -2.6mm to -0.7mm; p=0.0013) as well as the Tissue Doppler derived tricuspid annulus peak velocity (TDITVs’) were significantly reduced (mean difference -1.9% (95% CI: -2.6 to -1.2; p&lt;0.0001), but global right ventricular ejection fraction (RVEF; p=0.1607) and right ventricular stroke volume (RVSV; p=0.1838) did not change. Conclusions: This data shows a preserved right ventricular ejection fraction and right ventricular stroke volume after anesthesia induction and initiation of positive pressure ventilation. However, the baso-apical right ventricular function is significantly reduced. Larger studies are needed in order to determine the clinical impact of these findings especially in patients presenting with impaired right ventricular function before anesthesia induction. Trial registration: Retrospecitvely registered, 6 th June 2016, ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier NCT02820727.
Induced polarization applied to biogeophysics: recent advances and future prospects
2019-10-19

ABSTRACT This paper provides an update on the fast‐evolving field of the induced polarization method applied to biogeophysics. It emphasizes recent advances in the understanding of the induced polarization signals stemming from biological materials and their activity, points out new developments and applications, and identifies existing knowledge gaps. The focus of this review is on the application of induced polarization to study living organisms: soil microorganisms and plants (both roots and stems). We first discuss observed links between the induced polarization signal and microbial cell structure, activity and biofilm formation. We provide an up‐to‐date conceptual model of the electrical behaviour of the microbial cells and biofilms under the influence of an external electrical field. We also review the latest biogeophysical studies, including work on hydrocarbon biodegradation, contaminant sequestration, soil strengthening and peatland characterization. We then elaborate on the induced polarization signature of the plant‐root zone, relying on a conceptual model for the generation of biogeophysical signals from a plant‐root cell. First laboratory experiments show that single roots and root system are highly polarizable. They also present encouraging results for imaging root systems embedded in a medium, and gaining information on the mass density distribution, the structure or the physiological characteristics of root systems. In addition, we highlight the application of induced polarization to characterize wood and tree structures through tomography of the stem. Finally, we discuss up‐ and down‐scaling between laboratory and field studies, as well as joint interpretation of induced polarization and other environmental data. We emphasize the need for intermediate‐scale studies and the benefits of using induced polarization as a time‐lapse monitoring method. We conclude with the promising integration of induced polarization in interdisciplinary mechanistic models to better understand and quantify subsurface biogeochemical processes.
Feature-based Molecular Networking in the GNPS Analysis Environment
2019-10-20

Abstract Molecular networking has become a key method used to visualize and annotate the chemical space in non-targeted mass spectrometry-based experiments. However, distinguishing isomeric compounds and quantitative interpretation are currently limited. Therefore, we created Feature-based Molecular Networking (FBMN) as a new analysis method in the Global Natural Products Social Molecular Networking (GNPS) infrastructure. FBMN leverages feature detection and alignment tools to enhance quantitative analyses and isomer distinction, including from ion-mobility spectrometry experiments, in molecular networks.
Tests of the Kerr Hypothesis with GRS 1915+105 Using Different relxill Flavors
2019-10-20

Abstract In a previous paper, we tried to test the Kerr nature of the stellar-mass black hole in GRS 1915+105 by analyzing NuSTAR data of 2012 with our reflection model relxill _ nk . We found that the choice of the intensity profile of the reflection component is crucial and eventually we were not able to get any constraint on the spacetime metric around the black hole in GRS 1915+105. In the present paper, we study the same source with Suzaku data of 2007. We confirm that the intensity profile plays an important role, but now we find quite stringent constraints consistent with the Kerr hypothesis. The key differences with respect to our previous study are likely the lower disk temperature in the Suzaku observation and the higher energy resolution near the iron line of the Suzaku data. We also apply different relxill flavors (different descriptions of the coronal spectrum and variable disk electron density) obtaining essentially the same results. We thus conclude that this choice is not very important for our tests of the Kerr hypothesis while the intensity profile does play an important role, and that with high-quality data it is possible to measure both the spacetime metric and the intensity profile.