julilili42/papers huggingface dataset:
Cyclophosphamide‐based stem cell mobilization in relapsed multiple myeloma patients: A subgroup analysis from the phase III trial ReLApsE
2017-04-03

Abstract Objective Analysis of the efficiency and toxicity of cyclophosphamide‐based stem cell mobilization in patients with relapsed multiple myeloma ( RMM ). Methods Peripheral blood stem cells ( PBSC s) were mobilized with high dose cyclophosphamide (2 g/m 2 daily on days 1 and 2) and G‐ CSF plus pre‐emptive/rescue plerixafor in RMM patients (first to third relapse) treated within the Re LA psE trial of the German‐Speaking Myeloma Multicenter Group ( GMMG ). Results Mobilization was initiated with high‐dose cyclophosphamide (HD‐CY) and G‐ CSF in 30 patients. Fifteen patients received additional pre‐emptive/rescue administration of plerixafor. Stem cell collection was successful (≥2×10 6 CD 34+ cells per kg bw) in 77% (23/30 patients). Patients with prior high‐dose melphalan collected a significantly lower median total number of PBSC s than patients without prior high‐dose melphalan (3.3×10 6 vs 17×10 6 CD 34+ cells/kg bw). Toxicity of HD‐CY was frequent with 12 serious adverse events ( SAE ) in 37% of patients (11/30 patients). Infections accounted for the majority of SAE reports. In two patients, SAE s were lethal (septic shock). Conclusions These data proof feasibility of PBSC collection at relapse but emphasize the importance of collection and storage of additional PBSC transplants during first‐line treatment when mobilization is more efficient and less toxic.
What Determines Collection Rates of Debt Collection Agencies?
2017-04-03

Abstract We contribute to the literature on debt collection agencies in two ways: First, we present an estimation of the collection rates. The distribution of collection rates exhibits a mean of about 65% and a strong bimodality with peaks at the very ends of the distribution. Second, we investigate potential determinants of the collection success. We find that collection rates are positively related to the exposure at default and to prior debtor‐specific collection rates. In contrast, the age of the account and—if applicable—prior experience with the debtor have a negative impact on collection rates.
Mandating – a likely scrutiny instrument for regional parliaments in EU affairs?
2017-04-03

Scrutinising governments lies at the heart of parliamentary activities in EU affairs. This applies to national as well as to regional parliaments, most of which possess a toolbox of scrutiny instruments, including the power to mandate, allowing for the strongest form of scrutiny vis-à-vis governments. The article investigates the existence of mandating tools in the 70 regional parliaments equipped with legislative competences in Austria, Belgium, Germany, Italy, Spain and the UK, whose role in EU affairs has been strengthened by stipulations in the Lisbon Treaty. It is argued that mandating tools are, first, not widely used; second, they are more commonly applied in cases where national parliaments act as 'policy shapers' – enabling policy transfer – and if meso-level factors involving territorial politics create further incentives. In sum, the regional parliaments in six member states are still trying to find a place in the maturing EU multi-level parliamentary system.
Conclusion: regional parliaments – a distinct role in the EU?
2017-04-03

Regional parliaments can shape EU policy-making via a range of domestic and European channels. In the context of a renewed interest in the subnational level, this article aims to address three core questions: have regional parliaments really been empowered by the early warning system provisions? Which factors explain differences in strength and mobilisation? Finally, what kind of a role do regional parliaments play in EU policy-making today, now that they have had several years to react to the trend towards multilevel parliamentarism? The authors argue that regional parliaments do indeed have the potential to contribute a distinct perspective to EU policy-making, even if their current level of activity is still low. Their distinctive territorial focus sets them apart from national parliaments. Their level of activity still varies greatly between parliaments depending on a number of factors.
Evidentials and (relayed) speech acts: hearsay as quotation
2017-04-03

This paper is devoted to what I will call quotative uses of hearsay evidentials, wherein they report a speech act made by a third party. Occasionally mentioned in the typological literature, quotative uses were first given a formal semantic account by Faller 2002 and have received little attention since. The goal of this paper is to put the spotlight on them. An ongoing debate in the literature is on the semantic status of evidentials and the place of evidentiality among other categories (see Matthewson 2012 and references therein). For Faller (2002, 2007), quotative uses are among the empirical tests that diagnose illocutionary evidentials, ones that deal with the structure of speech acts. In this paper, I re-implement Faller's original proposal within Krifka's (2014) framework that provides an explicit syntax-pragmatics interface. I then show that quotative readings may be the only argument, out of the currently provided in the literature, in favor of the existence of illocutionary evidentials. However, the status of such readings requires further research. I conclude by discussing quotative uses within a broader context of reported speech strategies.
De novoVariants in Neurodevelopmental Disorders with Epilepsy
2017-04-03

Abstract Epilepsy is a frequent feature of neurodevelopmental disorders (NDD) but little is known about genetic differences between NDD with and without epilepsy. We analyzed de novo variants (DNV) in 6753 parent-offspring trios ascertained for different NDD. In the subset of 1942 individuals with NDD with epilepsy, we identified 33 genes with a significant excess of DNV, of which SNAP25 and GABRB2 had previously only limited evidence for disease association. Joint analysis of all individuals with NDD also implicated CACNA1E as a novel disease gene. Comparing NDD with and without epilepsy, we found missense DNV, DNV in specific genes, age of recruitment and severity of intellectual disability to be associated with epilepsy. We further demonstrate to what extent our results impact current genetic testing as well as treatment, emphasizing the benefit of accurate genetic diagnosis in NDD with epilepsy.
First Ams Radiocarbon Direct Dates on Bones from Extinct Megafauna in Camet Norte (Santa Clara Del Mar, Buenos Aires Province, Argentina)
2017-04-03

The first collagen AMS radiocarbon dates from the Camet Norte fossil site (Buenos Aires Province, Argentina) range from ca. 24,730±110 years 14 C BP to 23,690±100 years 14 C BP, or ca.29,000 cal.BP to 27,600 cal.BP.The dates were obtained from specimens of the Level B of this fossil site.The age of the site fits well with the results of previous studies, but the more precise AMS radiocarbon dating allowed for a better determination of the site's chronology.Models were used to better understand the chronological range of the investigated specimens.
Electrical stimulation reduces smokers’ craving by modulating the coupling between dorsal lateral prefrontal cortex and parahippocampal gyrus
2017-04-04

Applying electrical stimulation over the prefrontal cortex can help nicotine dependents reduce cigarette craving. However, the underlying mechanism remains ambiguous. This study investigates this issue with functional magnetic resonance imaging. Thirty-two male chronic smokers received real and sham stimulation over dorsal lateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) separated by 1 week. The neuroimaging data of the resting state, the smoking cue-reactivity task and the emotion task after stimulation were collected. The craving across the cue-reactivity task was diminished during real stimulation as compared with sham stimulation. The whole-brain analysis on the cue-reactivity task revealed a significant interaction between the stimulation condition (real vs sham) and the cue type (smoking vs neutral) in the left superior frontal gyrus and the left middle frontal gyrus. The functional connectivity between the left DLPFC and the right parahippocampal gyrus, as revealed by both psychophysical interaction analysis and the resting state functional connectivity, is altered by electrical stimulation. Moreover, the craving change across the real and sham condition is predicted by alteration of functional connectivity revealed by psychophysical interaction analysis. The local and long-distance coupling, altered by the electrical stimulation, might be the underlying neural mechanism of craving regulation.
Evidence for a Selectively Regulated Prioritization Shift Depending on Walking Situations in Older Adults
2017-04-04

<b>Background:</b> Older adults have increased risks of balance issues and falls when walking and performing turns in daily situations. Changes of prioritization during different walking situations associated with dual tasking may contribute to these deficits. The objective of this study was therefore to investigate whether older adults demonstrate changes of prioritization during different walking paths. <b>Methods:</b> In total, 1,054 subjects with an age range from 50 to 83 years were selected from the first follow-up visit of the TREND (Tuebinger evaluation of Risk factors for Early detection of Neurodegenerative Disorders) study. They were classified according to their performance on the Trail Making Test (TMT) into good and poor TMT performers (based on recent results showing that cognitive flexibility affects prioritization strategies during straight walking). Absolute dual-task performance and relative dual-task costs (DTC, relative performance under dual-task conditions compared with single-task conditions) were assessed in two paradigms: walking while subtracting serial 7 s and walking while checking boxes on a clipboard. Both tasks were performed on straight and curved paths. <b>Results:</b> Overall, the poor TMT performers group performed worse in all single and dual tasks. Interestingly, the relative change in performance measured by dual-task costs differed in the groups between the two walking paths. On straight paths, poor TMT performers had a similar DTC of walking to that of good performers (<i>p</i> = 0.10) but had a significantly lower DTC of subtracting (<i>p</i> = 0.02). On curved paths, poor performers had a similar DTC of subtracting (<i>p</i> = 0.10), but their DTC of walking was significantly higher (<i>p</i> < 0.0001). <b>Conclusion:</b> Given that walking on curved paths is considered more difficult than that on straight paths and that the serial subtracting dual task is more difficult than the box checking dual task, this study in older adults provides evidence for the existence of a (walking) situation-dependent change of prioritization. If confirmed in other studies, situation-dependent change of prioritization should be included as a potential factor contributing to gait and balance impairments, and increased fall risk in older adults.
Preprint: Human Understanding of Robot Motion: The Role of Velocity and Orientation
2017-04-04

A general problem in human-robot interaction is how to test the quality of single robot behavior, in order to develop robust and human-acceptable skills. The most typical approach are user tests with subjective measures (questionnaires). We propose a new experimental paradigm that combines subjective measures with an objective behavioral measure, namely viewing times of images viewed as self-paced slide show. We applied this paradigm to human-aware robot navigation. With three experiments, we studied the influence of two aspects of humans' understanding of robot motion: velocity profiles and the robot's orientation. A decreasing velocity profile impaired observers' comprehension of observed motion, and robot orientations diverting from the robot's motion vector caused reduced perceived autonomy ratings. We conclude that the viewing time paradigm is a promising tool for studying human-aware robot behavior and that the design of human-aware robot navigation needs to consider both the velocity and the orientation of robots.
How do horizontal cells ‘talk’ to cone photoreceptors? Different levels of complexity at the cone–horizontal cell synapse
2017-04-05

Abstract The first synapse of the retina plays a fundamental role in the visual system. Due to its importance, it is critical that it encodes information from the outside world with the greatest accuracy and precision possible. Cone photoreceptor axon terminals contain many individual synaptic sites, each represented by a presynaptic structure called a ‘ribbon’. These synapses are both highly sophisticated and conserved. Each ribbon relays the light signal to one ON cone bipolar cell and several OFF cone bipolar cells, while two dendritic processes from a GABAergic interneuron, the horizontal cell, modulate the cone output via parallel feedback mechanisms. The presence of these three partners within a single synapse has raised numerous questions, and its anatomical and functional complexity is still only partially understood. However, the understanding of this synapse has recently evolved, as a consequence of progress in understanding dendritic signal processing and its role in facilitating global versus local signalling. Indeed, for the downstream retinal network, dendritic processing in horizontal cells may be essential, as they must support important functional operations such as contrast enhancement, which requires spatial averaging of the photoreceptor array, while at the same time preserving accurate spatial information. Here, we review recent progress made towards a better understanding of the cone synapse, with an emphasis on horizontal cell function, and discuss why such complexity might be necessary for early visual processing. image
Myoclonus epilepsy and ataxia due to KCNC1 mutation: Analysis of 20 cases and K+ channel properties
2017-04-05

Objective To comprehensively describe the new syndrome of myoclonus epilepsy and ataxia due to potassium channel mutation (MEAK), including cellular electrophysiological characterization of observed clinical improvement with fever. Methods We analyzed clinical, electroclinical, and neuroimaging data for 20 patients with MEAK due to recurrent KCNC1 p.R320H mutation. In vitro electrophysiological studies were conducted using whole cell patch‐clamp to explore biophysical properties of wild‐type and mutant K V 3.1 channels. Results Symptoms began at between 3 and 15 years of age (median = 9.5), with progressively severe myoclonus and rare tonic–clonic seizures. Ataxia was present early, but quickly became overshadowed by myoclonus; 10 patients were wheelchair‐bound by their late teenage years. Mild cognitive decline occurred in half. Early death was not observed. Electroencephalogram (EEG) showed generalized spike and polyspike wave discharges, with documented photosensitivity in most. Polygraphic EEG–electromyographic studies demonstrated a cortical origin for myoclonus and striking coactivation of agonist and antagonist muscles. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed symmetrical cerebellar atrophy, which appeared progressive, and a prominent corpus callosum. Unexpectedly, transient clinical improvement with fever was noted in 6 patients. To explore this, we performed high‐temperature in vitro recordings. At elevated temperatures, there was a robust leftward shift in activation of wild‐type K V 3.1, increasing channel availability. Interpretation MEAK has a relatively homogeneous presentation, resembling Unverricht–Lundborg disease, despite the genetic and biological basis being quite different. A remarkable improvement with fever may be explained by the temperature‐dependent leftward shift in activation of wild‐type K V 3.1 subunit–containing channels, which would counter the loss of function observed for mutant channels, highlighting KCNC1 as a potential target for precision therapeutics. Ann Neurol 2017;81:677–689
Neutrophil alterations in pregnancy‐associated malaria and induction of neutrophil chemotaxis by Plasmodium falciparum
2017-04-05

Summary Pregnancy‐associated malaria ( PAM ) is a severe form of the disease caused by sequestration of Plasmodium falciparum ‐infected red blood cells ( iRBC s) in the developing placenta. Pathogenesis of PAM is partially based on immunopathology, with frequent monocyte infiltration into the placenta. Neutrophils are abundant blood cells that are essential for immune defence but may also cause inflammatory pathology. Their role in PAM remains unclear. We analysed neutrophil alterations in the context of PAM to better understand their contribution to disease development. Pregnant women exposed to Plasmodium falciparum had decreased numbers of circulating neutrophils. Placental‐like BeWo cells stimulated with malaria parasites produced the neutrophil chemoattractant IL ‐8 and recruited neutrophils in a trans‐well assay. Finally, immunostaining of a PAM placenta confirmed neutrophil accumulation in the intervillous space. Our data indicate neutrophils may play a role in placental malaria and should be more closely examined as an etiological agent in the pathophysiology of disease.
Scarification in sub‐Saharan Africa: social skin, remedy and medical import
2017-04-05

Summary Various forms of body modification may be observed in sub‐Saharan Africa. Hypotheses and theories of scarification and tribal marking in sub‐Saharan Africa are described, plus the procedure of scarification, examples from several African countries, assumed effects in prevention and treatment of diseases, and the medical risks resulting from unsterile manipulation.
Uniparental disomy determined by whole‐exome sequencing in a spectrum of rare motoneuron diseases and ataxias
2017-04-05

Abstract Background The genetic causes of many rare inherited motoneuron diseases and ataxias ( MND and ATX ) remain largely unresolved, especially for sporadic patients, despite tremendous advances in gene discovery. Whole exome data is often available for patients, but it is rarely evaluated for unusual inheritance patterns, such as uniparental disomy ( UPD ). UPD is the inheritance of two copies of a chromosomal region from one parent, which may generate homozygosity for a deleterious recessive variant from only one carrier‐parent. Detection of UPD ‐caused homozygous disease‐causing variants is detrimental to accurate genetic counseling. Whole‐exome sequencing can allow for the detection of such events. Methods We systematically studied the exomes of a phenotypically heterogeneous cohort of unresolved cases ( n = 96 families) to reveal UPD events hindering a diagnosis and to evaluate the prevalence of UPD in recessive MND and ATX . Results One hereditary spastic paraplegia case harbored homozygous regions spanning 80% of chromosome 16. A homozygous disease‐causing mutation in the SPG 35 disease gene was then identified within this region. Conclusion This study demonstrates the ability to detect UPD in exome data of index patients. Our results suggest that UPD is a rare mechanism for recessive MND and ATX .
Male‐to‐female gender dysphoria: Gender‐specific differences in resting‐state networks
2017-04-05

Abstract Introduction Recent research found gender‐related differences in resting‐state functional connectivity (rs‐ FC ) measured by functional magnetic resonance imaging ( fMRI ). To the best of our knowledge, there are no studies examining the differences in rs‐ FC between men, women, and individuals who report a discrepancy between their anatomical sex and their gender identity, i.e. gender dysphoria ( GD ). Methods To address this important issue, we present the first fMRI study systematically investigating the differences in typical resting‐state networks ( RSN s) and hormonal treatment effects in 26 male‐to‐female GD individuals (MtFs) compared with 19 men and 20 women. Results Differences between male and female control groups were found only in the auditory RSN , whereas differences between both control groups and MtFs were found in the auditory and fronto‐parietal RSN s, including both primary sensory areas (e.g. calcarine gyrus) and higher order cognitive areas such as the middle and posterior cingulate and dorsomedial prefrontal cortex. Overall, differences in MtFs compared with men and women were more pronounced before cross‐sex hormonal treatment. Interestingly, rs‐ FC between MtFs and women did not differ significantly after treatment. When comparing hormonally untreated and treated MtFs, we found differences in connectivity of the calcarine gyrus and thalamus in the context of the auditory network, as well as the inferior frontal gyrus in context of the fronto‐parietal network. Conclusion Our results provide first evidence that MtFs exhibit patterns of rs‐ FC which are different from both their assigned and their aspired gender, indicating an intermediate position between the two sexes. We suggest that the present study constitutes a starting point for future research designed to clarify whether the brains of individuals with GD are more similar to their assigned or their aspired gender.
Self-Perception of Medical Students’ Knowledge and Interest in Disaster Medicine: Nine Years After the Approval of the Curriculum in German Universities
2017-04-05

Abstract Background Following the recommendations of the World Association for Disaster and Emergency Medicine (WADEM; Madison, Wisconsin USA) to develop standards for training the undergraduates in disaster-relevant fields (2004), a German curriculum was approved in 2006. This paper aims to describe the level of training and interest of medical students nine years later. Problem The aim of this study was to assess the self-perception of medical students’ knowledge and interest in disaster medicine nine years after the implementation of a standardized disaster medicine curriculum in German medical schools. Methods This prospective, cross-sectional, observational study was conducted with medical students in Germany using a web-based, purpose-designed questionnaire consisting of 27 mandatory and 11 optional questions. Results Nine hundred ninety-two students from 36 of 37 medical schools in Germany participated. More than one-half of medical students were aware of the field of disaster medicine. One hundred twenty-one students undertook training internally within their university and 307 undertook training externally at other institutions. Only a small content of the curriculum was taught. A difference in self-perception of knowledge between trained and untrained participants was found, despite the level of training being low in both groups. Participants were generally highly motivated to learn disaster medicine in a variety of institutions. Conclusion German students are still largely not well educated regarding disaster medicine, despite their high motivation. The curriculum of 2006 was not implemented as originally planned and the number of trained students still remains low as the self-perception of knowledge. Currently, there is no clear and standardized training concept in place. A renewal in the agreement of implementation of the curriculum at medical schools should be targeted in order to follow the recommendation of WADEM. Wunderlich R Ragazzoni L Ingrassia PL Della Corte F Grundgeiger J Bickelmayer JW Domres B . Self-perception of medical students’ knowledge and interest in disaster medicine: nine years after the approval of the curriculum in German universities . Prehosp Disaster Med . 2017 ; 32 ( 4 ): 374 – 381 .