julilili42/papers huggingface dataset:
Pseudoleucite syenites at Loch Borralan, Scotland: Petrology and a genetic model
2020-09-01

ABSTRACT The alkaline Loch Borralan intrusion (Assynt Region, NW Highlands of Scotland) consists of a composite arrangement of several ultramafic to felsic plutonic rock bodies which were emplaced around 430 Ma into the Moine Thrust Zone during the Caledonian Orogeny. Some of the Loch Borralan rocks are ultrapotassic and contain pseudoleucite, i.e., a pseudomorph of alkali feldspar and nepheline after leucite. In total, 25 samples have been investigated, representing garnet-bearing pseudoleucite syenites and accompanying rock types such as nepheline-garnet-bearing syenites, alkali feldspar syenites, an amphibole syenite, a biotite-clinopyroxene syenite, and calcite-bearing glimmerites. Pseudoleucite is always associated with garnet, biotite, orthoclase, and minor clinopyroxene and titanite. Mineral chemical data indicate rather primitive magma compositions with no major differences between the various investigated main rock units. The abundant occurrence of up to 2 cm large, mostly euhedral pseudoleucite crystals and petrological phase considerations suggest that magmatic leucite physically separated from its host magma as a flotation cumulate. Based on our data and a comparison with previous field-based and experimental work, K-rich basanitic to tephriphonolitic melts that originated from a K-enriched mantle source may be parental to these rocks. The high liquidus temperatures at low pressures (e.g., ∼1100 °C at 1 bar PH2O) required to crystallize leucite could have resulted from the ascent of successive melt batches in a composite intrusion. Later melt batches would increase the temperature in earlier, already partially cooled batches, causing an increase in temperature and a decrease in pressure during ascent. The subsequent decomposition of leucite to pseudoleucite is interpreted to result from either dry breakdown or autometasomatism, i.e., involvement of late-magmatic fluids.
Evaluation of antibacterial properties of polyelectrolyte multilayer coatings by norm tests
2020-09-01

Abstract Medical implants play a central role in modern medicine and both, naturally derived and synthetic materials have been explored as biomaterials for such devices. However, when implanted into living tissue, most materials initiate a host response. In addition, implants often cause bacterial infections leading to complications. Polyelectrolyte multilayer (PEM) coatings can be used for functionalization of medical implants improving the implant integration and reducing foreign body reactions. Some PEMs are also known to show antibacterial properties. We developed a PEM coating suggesting that it can decrease the risk of bacterial infections occurring after implantation while being highly biocompatible. We applied two different standard tests for evaluating the PEM’s antibacterial properties, the ISO norm (ISO 22196) and one ASTM norm (ASTM E2180) test. We found a reduction of bacterial growth on the PEM but to a different degree depending on the testing method. This result demonstrates the need for defining proper method to evaluate antibacterial properties of surface coatings.
Composite polyelectrolyte multilayers for biofunctionalization of medical devices
2020-09-01

Abstract Polyelectrolyte multilayer coatings (PEM) are prepared by alternative layer-by-layer deposition of cationic and anionic polyelectrolyte monolayers on charged surfaces. The thickness of the coatings ranges from nm to few μm. Their properties such as roughness, stiffness, surface charge and surface energy can be precisely tuned to fulfill different technical or biological requirements. The coating process is based on self-assembly of polyelectrolytes. Advantages of these coatings are their easy handling, no harsh chemistry and the possibility for coatings on complex geometries. The PEM coatings can be prepared from a variety of suitable polyelectrolytes. Their stability varies from very durable PEM coatings that are only soluble in strong solvents to quickly degradable, which may be applied as drug release system. One example of such a degradable PEM system is the one based on the polyelectrolyte pair Hyaluronan (HA) and Chitosan (CHI). These biopolymers originate from natural sources and show low toxicity towards human cells. However, HA/CHI multilayers shows only weak adhesiveness for human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC). In this article, we summarize our approaches to enhance the HA/CHI multilayer by incorporation of a non-polymer substance -graphene oxide- to improve the cell adhesion and keep such properties as low cytotoxicity and biodegradability. Different approaches for incorporation of graphene oxide were performed and the cellular adhesion was tested by metabolic assay.
A Postcard from the COVID ‐19 Crisis Response: Lessons and Opportunities for Remediation
2020-09-01

This column reviews the general features of PHT3D Version 2, a reactive multicomponent transport model that couples the geochemical modeling software PHREEQC-2 (Parkhurst and Appelo 1999) with three-dimensional groundwater flow and transport simulators
Call for Review Papers: Tissue Engineering, Part B
2020-09-01

As we continue to navigate the disruption of the COVID-19 outbreak, Tissue Engineering, Part B: Reviews (IF 6.512) would like to personally invite all researchers in the field to submit their review papers for prompt and thorough consideration in the journal.Many researchers are currently experiencing multiple changes in their academic routines as presented by the COVID-19 pandemic.This is why the Editors-in-Chief of Tissue Engineering, Part B: Reviews would like to issue an open call for review articles to be given thorough, expedited review and consideration in the journal.Reviews of exceptional merit will receive an additional benefit of a global press release announcement highlighting their research to the global Tissue Engineering audience around the world, and
Gamification as an approach to improve resilience and reduce attrition in mobile mental health interventions: A randomized controlled trial
2020-09-02

Forty percent of all general-practitioner appointments are related to mental illness, although less than 35% of individuals have access to therapy and psychological care, indicating a pressing need for accessible and affordable therapy tools. The ubiquity of smartphones offers a delivery platform for such tools. Previous research suggests that gamification-turning intervention content into a game format-could increase engagement with prevention and early-stage mobile interventions. This study aimed to explore the effects of a gamified mobile mental health intervention on improvements in resilience, in comparison with active and inactive control conditions. Differences between conditions on changes in personal growth, anxiety and psychological wellbeing, as well as differences in attrition rates, were also assessed. The eQuoo app was developed and published on all leading mobile platforms. The app educates users about psychological concepts including emotional bids, generalization, and reciprocity through psychoeducation, storytelling, and gamification. In total, 358 participants completed in a 5-week, 3-armed (eQuoo, "treatment as usual" cognitive behavioral therapy journal app, no-intervention waitlist) randomized controlled trial. Relevant scales were administered to all participants on days 1, 17, and 35. Repeated-measures ANOVA revealed statistically significant increases in resilience in the test group compared with both control groups over 5 weeks. The app also significantly increased personal growth, positive relations with others, and anxiety. With 90% adherence, eQuoo retained 21% more participants than the control or waitlist groups. Intervention delivered via eQuoo significantly raised mental well-being and decreased self-reported anxiety while enhancing adherence in comparison with the control conditions. Mobile apps using gamification can be a valuable and effective platform for well-being and mental health interventions and may enhance motivation and reduce attrition. Future research should measure eQuoo's effect on anxiety with a more sensitive tool and examine the impact of eQuoo on a clinical population.
Search for dark matter signals towards a selection of recently detected DES dwarf galaxy satellites of the Milky Way with H.E.S.S.
2020-09-02

Dwarf spheroidal galaxy satellites of the Milky Way are prime targets for indirect detection of dark matter with gamma rays due to their proximity, high dark matter content, and absence of nonthermal emission processes. Recently, the Dark Energy Survey (DES) revealed the existence of new ultrafaint dwarf spheroidal galaxies in the southern-hemisphere sky, therefore ideally located for ground-based observations with the imaging atmospheric Cherenkov telescope array H.E.S.S. We present a search for very-high-energy (E≳100 GeV) gamma-ray emission using H.E.S.S. observations carried out recently towards Reticulum II, Tucana II, Tucana III, Tucana IV, and Grus II satellites. No significant very-high-energy gamma-ray excess is found from the observations on any individual object nor in the combined analysis of all the datasets. Using the most recent modeling of the dark matter distribution in the dwarf galaxy halo, we compute for the first time on DES satellites individual and combined constraints from Cherenkov telescope observations on the annihilation cross section of dark matter particles in the form of Weakly Interacting Massive Particles. The combined 95% C.L. observed upper limits reach ⟨σv⟩≃ in the channel and in the channels for a dark matter mass of 1.5 TeV. The H.E.S.S. constraints well complement the results from Fermi-LAT, HAWC, MAGIC, and VERITAS and are currently the most stringent in the channels in the multi-GeV/multi-TeV mass range.
Hypotheses about sub-optimal hydration in the weeks before coronavirus disease (COVID-19) as a risk factor for dying from COVID-19
2020-09-02

To address urgent need for strategies to limit mortality from coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), this review describes experimental, clinical and epidemiological evidence that suggests that chronic sub-optimal hydration in the weeks before infection might increase risk of COVID-19 mortality in multiple ways. Sub-optimal hydration is associated with key risk factors for COVID-19 mortality, including older age, male sex, race-ethnicity and chronic disease. Chronic hypertonicity, total body water deficit and/or hypovolemia cause multiple intracellular and/or physiologic adaptations that preferentially retain body water and favor positive total body water balance when challenged by infection. Via effects on serum/glucocorticoid-regulated kinase 1 (SGK1) signaling, aldosterone, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), aquaporin 5 (AQP5) and/or Na<sup>+</sup>/K<sup>+</sup>-ATPase, chronic sub-optimal hydration in the weeks before exposure to COVID-19 may conceivably result in: greater abundance of angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptors in the lung, which increases likelihood of COVID-19 infection, lung epithelial cells which are pre-set for exaggerated immune response, increased capacity for capillary leakage of fluid into the airway space, and/or reduced capacity for both passive and active transport of fluid out of the airways. The hypothesized hydration effects suggest hypotheses regarding strategies for COVID-19 risk reduction, such as public health recommendations to increase intake of drinking water, hydration screening alongside COVID-19 testing, and treatment tailored to the pre-infection hydration condition. Hydration may link risk factors and pathways in a unified mechanism for COVID-19 mortality. Attention to hydration holds potential to reduce COVID-19 mortality and disparities via at least 5 pathways simultaneously.
Genetic Loss of LCK Kinase Leads to Acceleration of Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia
2020-09-02

Most patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) exhibit an indolent disease course and unresponsive B cell receptors (BCRs) exemplified by an anergic phenotype of their leukemic cells. In up to 5% of patients, CLL transforms from an indolent subtype to an aggressive form of B cell lymphoma (Richter's syndrome), which is associated with worse disease outcome and severe downregulation of NFAT2. Here we show that ablation of the tyrosine kinase LCK, which has previously been characterized as a main NFAT2 target gene in CLL, leads to loss of the anergic phenotype, thereby restoring BCR signaling, which results in an acceleration of CLL. Our study identifies LCK as a main player in mediating BCR unresponsiveness and its role as a crucial regulator of anergy in CLL.
Dynamics of respect: Evidence from two different national and political contexts
2020-09-02

<p xmlns="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/JATS1">In (post-)modern, plural societies, consisting of numerous subgroups, mutual respect between groups plays a central role for a constructive social and political life. In this article, we examine whether group members’ perception of being respected by outgroups fosters respect for these outgroups. In Study 1, we employed a panel sample of supporters of the Tea Party movement in the United States (N = 422). In Study 2, we employed a panel sample of members of the LGBTI community in Germany (N = 262). As disapproved target outgroups, we chose in Study 1 homosexuals in the United States, while in Study 2, we chose supporters of the German populist, right-wing political party „Alternative für Deutschland“. Our studies thus constituted a complementary, nearly symmetrical constellation of a liberal group and a conservative political group each. Among Tea Party movement supporters, respect from a disapproved outgroup consistently predicted respect for that outgroup. Among German LGBTI community members, this effect of respect from a disapproved outgroup was found in some of our analyses. For this latter sample, there was furthermore a tendency of societal respect to predict respect for a disapproved outgroup longitudinally. Additionally, we observed for both of our samples that respect from other ingroup members decreased respect for a disapproved outgroup. The dynamics of mutual respect in these two complementary intergroup contexts are discussed as well as the importance of direct intergroup reciprocity and superordinate group membership as routes to mutual respect.
Stability of misoprostol tablets collected in Malawi and Rwanda: Importance of intact primary packaging
2020-09-02

Misoprostol is listed in the WHO essential medicines list and can be used for induction of labour, for prevention and treatment of post-partum haemorrhage, and for abortions. The compound is unstable, and substandard misoprostol preparations have been detected in low- and middle-income countries. We now investigated the stability of misoprostol tablets according to the international guidelines for stability testing of pharmaceutical products. Three brands (four batches) of misoprostol tablets were collected in Malawi and Rwanda: the originator product, a WHO-prequalified product, and a generic product without WHO prequalification. A further batch of the originator product was collected in Germany. To investigate the effect of damage to the primary packaging, additional blister strips of one sample were intentionally damaged with a needle and investigated in parallel. Samples were placed in stability chambers for six months at 40°C/75% relative humidity (RH) and at 25°C/60% RH. After 0, 1, 2, 3 and 6 months, misoprostol content was determined according to the International Pharmacopeia. At 40°C/75% RH, all samples showed a decline of misoprostol content, but four of the batches still remained within the pharmacopeial specifications, while one of the two batches of the generic product without WHO-prequalification showed a final content of 86.2% which is out of specifications. Damage to the primary packaging greatly decreased stability, resulting in a final content of only 48.2% of the declared misoprostol amount. At 25°C/60% RH all samples remained in specifications for six months, even the sample with the damaged blister. Dissolution of misoprostol remained in specifications of the pharmacopoeia for six months for all batches, except for the sample with damaged blisters stored at 40°C/75% RH. This study confirms that the stability of misoprostol tablets must be ensured by intact, good-quality primary packaging. Careful supplier qualification is required in the procurement process.
A study of neural networks point source extraction on simulated Fermi/LATtelescope images
2020-09-02

Abstract Astrophysical images in the GeV band are challenging to analyze due to the strong contribution of the background and foreground astrophysical diffuse emission and relatively broad point spread function of modern space‐based instruments. In certain cases, even finding of point sources on the image becomes a non‐trivial task. We present a method for point sources extraction using a convolution neural network (CNN) trained on our own artificial dataset, which imitates images from the Fermi Large Area Telescope. These images are raw count photon maps of 10 × 10 deg 2 covering energies from 1 to 10 GeV. We compare different CNN architectures that demonstrate accuracy increase by ≈15% and reduces the inference time by at least the factor of four accuracy improvement with respect to a similar state‐of‐the‐art models.
Forward and Pullback Dynamics of Nonautonomous Integrodifference Equations: Basic Constructions
2020-09-02

Abstract In theoretical ecology, models describing the spatial dispersal and the temporal evolution of species having non-overlapping generations are often based on integrodifference equations. For various such applications the environment has an aperiodic influence on the models leading to nonautonomous integrodifference equations. In order to capture their long-term behaviour comprehensively, both pullback and forward attractors, as well as forward limit sets are constructed for general infinite-dimensional nonautonomous dynamical systems in discrete time. While the theory of pullback attractors, but not their application to integrodifference equations, is meanwhile well-established, the present novel approach is needed in order to understand their future behaviour.
Asymptomatic SARS Coronavirus 2 infection: Invisible yet invincible
2020-09-03

While successful containment measures of COVID-19 in China and many European countries have led to flattened curves, case numbers are rising dramatically in other countries, with the emergence of a second wave expected. Asymptomatic individuals carrying SARS-CoV-2 are hidden drivers of the pandemic, and infectivity studies confirm the existence of transmission by asymptomatic individuals. The data addressed here show that characteristics of asymptomatic and presymptomatic infection are not identical. Younger age correlates strongly with asymptomatic and mild infections and children as hidden drivers. The estimated proportion of asymptomatic infections ranges from 18% to 81%. The current perception of asymptomatic infections does not provide clear guidance for public-health measures. Asymptomatic infections will be a key contributor in the spread of COVID-19. Asymptomatic cases should be reported in official COVID-19 statistics.
Effectiveness of HIIE versus MICT in Improving Cardiometabolic Risk Factors in Health and Disease: A Meta-analysis
2020-09-03

ABSTRACT Purpose We aimed to investigate differences between high-intensity interval exercise (HIIE, including high-intensity interval training and sprint interval training) and moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) on physical fitness, body composition, blood pressure, blood lipids, insulin and glucose metabolism, inflammation, and endothelial function. Methods Differences between HIIE and MICT were summarized using a random-effects meta-analysis on the effect size (Cohen’s d ). A meta-regression was conducted using the following subgroups: population, age, training duration, men ratio, exercise type, baseline values (clinical relevant ranges), and type of HIIE. Studies were included if at least one of the following outcomes were reported: maximal oxygen uptake (V ̇O 2max ), flow-mediated dilation (FMD), body mass index (BMI), body mass, percent body fat, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), triglycerides, total cholesterol, C-reactive protein (CRP), fasting glucose and insulin, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), and insulin resistance (HOMA-IR). A total of 55 studies were included. Results Overall, HIIE was superior to MICT in improving V ̇O 2max ( d = 0.40, P &lt; 0.001) and FMD ( d = 0.54, P &lt; 0.05). Oppositely, MICT was superior to HIIE in improving HbA1c ( d = −0.27, P &lt; 0.05). No differences were observed in BMI ( d = −0.02), body mass ( d = −0.05), percent body fat ( d = 0.04), systolic blood pressure ( d = −0.04), diastolic blood pressure ( d = 0.03), HDL ( d = −0.05), LDL ( d = 0.08), triglycerides ( d = 0.03), total cholesterol ( d = 0.14), CRP ( d = −0.11), fasting insulin ( d = 0.02), fasting glucose ( d = 0.02), and HOMA-IR ( d = −0.04). Moderator analyses indicated that the difference between HIIE and MICT was affected by different subgroups. Conclusion Overall, HIIE showed to be more effective in improving cardiovascular health and cardiorespiratory fitness, whereas MICT was superior in improving long-term glucose metabolism. In the process of personalized training counseling, health-enhancing effects of exercise training may be improved by considering the individual risk profiles.
The shape of partial correlation matrices
2020-09-03

The correlational structure of a set of variables is often conveniently described by the pairwise partial correlations as they contain the same information as the Pearson correlations with the advantage of straightforward identifications of conditional linear independence. For mathematical convenience, multiple matrix representations of the pairwise partial correlations exist in the literature but their properties have not been investigated thoroughly. In this paper, we derive necessary and sufficient conditions for the eigenvalues of differently defined partial correlation matrices so that the correlation structure is a valid one. Equipped with these conditions, we will then emphasize the intricacies of algorithmic generations of correlation structures via partial correlation matrices. Furthermore, we examine the space of valid partial correlation structures and juxtapose it with the space of valid Pearson correlation structures. As these spaces turn out to be equal in volume for every dimension and equivalent with respect to rotation, a simple formula allows the creation of valid partial correlation matrices by the use of current algorithms for the generation and approximation of correlation matrices. Lastly, we derive simple conditions on the partial correlations for frequently assumed sparse structures.
A mesh microelectrode array for non-invasive electrophysiology within neural organoids
2020-09-03

Abstract Organoids are emerging in vitro models of human physiology. Neural models require the evaluation of functional activity of single cells and networks, which is best measured by microelectrode arrays. The characteristics of organoids clash with existing in vitro or in vivo microelectrode arrays. With inspiration from implantable mesh electronics and growth of organoids on polymer scaffolds, we fabricated suspended hammock-like mesh microelectrode arrays for neural organoids. We have demonstrated the growth of organoids enveloping these meshes and the culture of organoids on meshes for up to one year. Furthermore, we present proof-of-principle recordings of spontaneous electrical activity across the volume of an organoid. Our concept enables a new class of microelectrode arrays for in vitro models of three-dimensional electrically active tissue.