julilili42/papers huggingface dataset:
Trans-Mucosal Efficacy of Non-Thermal Plasma Treatment on Cervical Cancer Tissue and Human Cervix Uteri by a Next Generation Electrosurgical Argon Plasma Device
2020-01-22

Non-invasive physical plasma (NIPP) generated by non-thermally operated electrosurgical argon plasma sources is a promising treatment for local chronic inflammatory, precancerous and cancerous diseases. NIPP-enabling plasma sources are highly available and medically approved. The purpose of this study is the investigation of the effects of non-thermal NIPP on cancer cell proliferation, viability and apoptosis and the identification of the underlying biochemical and molecular modes of action. For this, cervical cancer (CC) single cells and healthy human cervical tissue were analyzed by cell counting, caspase activity assays, microscopic and flow-cytometric viability measurements and molecular tissue characterization using Raman imaging. NIPP treatment caused an immediate and persisting decrease in CC cell growth and cell viability associated with significant plasma-dependent effects on lipid structures. These effects could also be identified in primary cells from healthy cervical tissue and could be traced into the basal cell layer of superficially NIPP-treated cervical mucosa. This study shows that NIPP treatment with non-thermally operated electrosurgical argon plasma devices is a promising method for the treatment of human mucosa, inducing specific molecular changes in cells.
Pitfalls in the characterization of circulating and tissue-resident human γδ T cells
2020-01-22

Abstract Dissection of the role and function of human γδ T cells and their heterogeneous subsets in cancer, inflammation, and auto-immune diseases is a growing and dynamic research field of increasing interest to the scientific community. Therefore, harmonization and standardization of techniques for the characterization of peripheral and tissue-resident γδ T cells is crucial to facilitate comparability between published and emerging research. The application of commercially available reagents to classify γδ T cells, in particular the combination of multiple Abs, is not always trouble-free, posing major demands on researchers entering this field. Occasionally, even entire γδ T cell subsets may remain undetected when certain Abs are combined in flow cytometric analysis with multicolor Ab panels, or might be lost during cell isolation procedures. Here, based on the recent literature and our own experience, we provide an overview of methods commonly employed for the phenotypic and functional characterization of human γδ T cells including advanced polychromatic flow cytometry, mass cytometry, immunohistochemistry, and magnetic cell isolation. We highlight potential pitfalls and discuss how to circumvent these obstacles.
Redirection of ambient light improves predator detection in a diurnal fish
2020-01-22

Cases where animals use controlled illumination to improve vision are rare and thus far limited to chemiluminescence, which only functions in darkness. This constraint was recently relaxed by studies on Tripterygion delaisi , a small triplefin that redirects sunlight instead. By reflecting light sideways with its iris, it has been suggested to induce and detect eyeshine in nearby micro-prey. Here, we test whether ‘diurnal active photolocation’ also improves T. delaisi 's ability to detect the cryptobenthic sit-and-wait predator Scorpaena porcus, a scorpionfish with strong daytime retroreflective eyeshine. Three independent experiments revealed that triplefins in which light redirection was artificially suppressed approached scorpionfish significantly closer than two control treatments before moving away to a safer distance. Visual modelling confirmed that ocular light redirection by a triplefin is sufficiently strong to generate a luminance increase in scorpionfish eyeshine that can be perceived by the triplefin over 6–8 cm under average conditions. These distances coincide well with the closest approaches observed. We conclude that light redirection by small, diurnal fish significantly contributes to their ability to visually detect cryptic predators, strongly widening the conditions under which active sensing with light is feasible. We discuss the consequences for fish eye evolution.
Implementation Intentions Related to Self-Regulatory Processes Do Not Enhance Learning in a Multimedia Environment
2020-01-22

Learners face various obstacles during learning from illustrated texts that can be conceptualized against the backdrop of frameworks of self-regulated learning. According to these frameworks, for learning to be successful, students must use appropriate cognitive strategies, hold adequate self-efficacy beliefs, and invest sufficient effort in learning. We investigated whether implementation intentions (if-then-plans) relating to these self-regulatory processes improve learning in a multimedia environment and whether they differ in their effectiveness depending on the self-regulatory process that they address. Learners were either asked to internalize an implementation intention relating to cognitive strategies, self-efficacy beliefs, or effort, or they did not receive any instructional support (control condition). Then, they learned about a mechanical system from a multimedia message and finally were tested on the learned contents. Contrary to expectations, none of the implementation intentions increased learning outcome, compared with the control condition, nor did the conditions differ from each other. However, implementation intentions interacted with the self-efficacy beliefs that learners already held. Higher self-efficacy beliefs were associated with better learning outcome, unless learners received an implementation intention telling them to use a multimedia-specific cognitive strategy. Interfering cognitive processes are discussed as a possible explanation for this interaction. In summary, implementation intentions should be further investigated and optimized before they can be implemented in real-life learning contexts.
A new concept for estimating the influence of vegetation on throughfall kinetic energy using aerial laser scanning
2020-01-22

Abstract Soil loss caused by erosion has enormous economic and social impacts. Splash effects of rainfall are an important driver of erosion processes; however, effects of vegetation on splash erosion are still not fully understood. Splash erosion processes under vegetation are investigated by means of throughfall kinetic energy (TKE). Previous studies on TKE utilized a heterogeneous set of plant and canopy parameters to assess vegetation's influence on erosion by rain splash but remained on individual plant‐ or plot‐levels. In the present study we developed a method for the area‐wide estimation of the influence of vegetation on TKE using remote sensing methods. In a literature review we identified key vegetation variables influencing splash erosion and developed a conceptual model to describe the interaction of vegetation and raindrops. Our model considers both amplifying and protecting effect of vegetation layers according to their height above the ground and aggregates them into a new indicator: the Vegetation Splash Factor (VSF). It is based on the proportional contribution of drips per layer, which can be calculated via the vegetation cover profile from airborne LiDAR datasets. In a case study, we calculated the VSF using a LiDAR dataset for La Campana National Park in central Chile. The studied catchment comprises a heterogeneous mosaic of vegetation layer combinations and types and is hence well suited to test the approach. We calculated a VSF map showing the relation between vegetation structure and its expected influence on TKE. Mean VSF was 1.42, indicating amplifying overall effect of vegetation on TKE that was present in 81% of the area. Values below 1 indicating a protective effect were calculated for 19% of the area. For future work, we recommend refining the weighting factor by calibration to local conditions using field‐reference data and comparing the VSF with TKE field measurements. © 2020 The Authors. Earth Surface Processes and Landforms published by John Wiley &amp; Sons Ltd
A computational intelligence based approach for optimized operation scheduling of energy plants
2020-01-22

Abstract This paper describes a methodology for optimizing the operation schedule of energy plants, which is exemplarily applied for a combined heat and power plant and a heat pump. The methodology is based on the computational intelligence algorithms Ant Colony Optimization and Simulated Annealing and allows a customized description of the optimization objective. This is demonstrated by several optimization objectives that have been considered, such as the price on the electricity market. The methodology replaces a conventional, guided operating mode of the system with an intelligent, prognostic-based operation planning. In this way, the systems can be operated more economically and/or more sustainably.
A new take on the low-mass brown dwarf companions on wide orbits in Upper-Scorpius
2020-01-22

\\nContext. The Upper-Scorpius association (5–11 Myr) contains a unique population of low-mass (M ≤ 30MJup) brown dwarfs either free-floating, forming wide pairs, or on wide orbits around solar-type and massive stars. The detailed relative characterization of their physical properties (mass, radius, temperature, composition, and ongoing accretion) offers the opportunity to potentially explore their origin and mechanisms of formation.\\nAims. In this study, we aim to characterize the chemical and physical properties of three young, late-M brown dwarfs claimed to be companions of the Upper-Scorpius stars USco 161031.9-16191305, HIP 77900, and HIP 78530 using medium-resolution spectroscopy at UV (0.30−0.56μm; Rλ ~ 3300), optical (0.55−1.02μm; Rλ ~ 5400), and NIR (1.02−2.48μm; Rλ ~ 4300) wavelengths. The spectra of six free-floating analogs from the same association are analyzed for comparison and to explore the potential physical differences between these substellar objects found in different configurations. We also aim to examine and analyze hydrogen emission lines at UV and optical wavelengths to investigate the presence of ongoing accretion processes.\\nMethods. The X-shooter spectrograph at VLT was used to obtain the spectra of the nine young brown dwarfs over the 0.3−2.5μm range simultaneously. Performing a forward modeling of the observed spectra with the <monospace>ForMoSA</monospace> code, we infer the Teff, log (g), and radius of our objects. The code compares here the <monospace>BT-SETTL15</monospace> models to the observed spectra using the Nested Sampling Bayesian inference method. Mass is determined using evolutionary models, and a new analysis of the physical association is presented based on Gaia-DR2 astrometry.\\nResults. The Teff and log (g) determined for our companions are compatible with those found for free-floating analogs of the Upper-Scorpius association and with evolutionary model predictions at the age of the association. However the final accuracy on the Teff estimates is strongly limited by nonreproducibility of the <monospace>BT-SETTL15</monospace> models in the range of Teff corresponding to the M8–M9 spectral types. We identified Hα, Hβ, Hγ, and Ca II H and K emission lines in the spectrum of several objects. We attribute these lines to chromospheric activity except for the free-floating object USco 1608-2315 for which they are indicative of active accretion ( ). We confirm the four-fold over-luminosity of USco 161031.9-16191305 B down to 0.3 μm, which could be explained in part by the activity of this object and if the companion is an unresolved multiple system.\\n
Performing a task jointly enhances the sound-induced flash illusion
2020-01-22

Our different senses are stimulated continuously. Through multisensory integration, different sensory inputs may or may not be combined into a unitary percept. Simultaneous with this stimulation, people are frequently engaged in social interactions, but how multisensory integration and social processing combine is largely unknown. The present study investigated if, and how, the multisensory sound-induced flash illusion is affected by a social manipulation. In the sound-induced flash illusion, a participant typically receives one visual flash and two auditory beeps and she/he is required to indicate the number of flashes that were perceived. Often, the auditory beeps alter the perception of the flashes such that a participant tends to perceive two flashes instead of one flash. We tested whether performing a flash counting task with a partner (confederate), who was required to indicate the number of presented beeps, would modulate this illusion. We found that the sound-induced flash illusion was perceived significantly more often when the flash counting task was performed with the confederate compared to performing it alone. Yet, we no longer find this effect if visual access between the two individuals is prevented. These findings, combined with previous results, suggest that performing a multisensory task jointly - in this case an audiovisual task - lowers the extent to which an individual attends to visual information - which in turn affects the multisensory integration process.
Arabidopsis thaliana WRKY25 Transcription Factor Mediates Oxidative Stress Tolerance and Regulates Senescence in a Redox-Dependent Manner
2020-01-23

Senescence is the last developmental step in plant life and is accompanied by a massive change in gene expression implying a strong participation of transcriptional regulators. In the past decade, the WRKY53 transcription factor was disclosed to be a central node of a complex regulatory network of leaf senescence and to underlie a tight multi-layer control of expression, activity and protein stability. Here, we identify WRKY25 as a redox-sensitive up-stream regulatory factor of <i>WRKY53</i> expression. Under non-oxidizing conditions, WRKY25 binds to a specific W-box in the <i>WRKY53</i> promoter and acts as a positive regulator of <i>WRKY53</i> expression in a transient expression system using Arabidopsis protoplasts, whereas oxidizing conditions dampened the action of WRKY25. However, overexpression of <i>WRKY25</i> did not accelerate senescence but increased lifespan of Arabidopsis plants, whereas the knock-out of the gene resulted in the opposite phenotype, indicating a more complex regulatory function of WRKY25 within the WRKY subnetwork of senescence regulation. In addition, overexpression of WRKY25 mediated higher tolerance to oxidative stress and the intracellular H<sub>2</sub>O<sub>2</sub> level is lower in <i>WRKY25</i> overexpressing plants and higher in <i>wrky25</i> mutants compared to wildtype plants suggesting that WRKY25 is also involved in controlling intracellular redox conditions. Consistently, <i>WRKY25</i> overexpressers had higher and <i>wrky</i> mutants lower H<sub>2</sub>O<sub>2</sub> scavenging capacity. Like already shown for WRKY53, MEKK1 positively influenced the activation potential of WRKY25 on the <i>WRKY53</i> promoter. Taken together, WRKY53, WRKY25, MEKK1 and H<sub>2</sub>O<sub>2</sub> interplay with each other in a complex network. As H<sub>2</sub>O<sub>2</sub> signaling molecule participates in many stress responses, WRKK25 acts most likely as integrators of environmental signals into senescence regulation.
Improving the dynamics of quantum sensors with reinforcement learning
2020-01-23

Abstract Recently proposed quantum-chaotic sensors achieve quantum enhancements in measurement precision by applying nonlinear control pulses to the dynamics of the quantum sensor while using classical initial states that are easy to prepare. Here, we use the cross-entropy method of reinforcement learning (RL) to optimize the strength and position of control pulses. Compared to the quantum-chaotic sensors with periodic control pulses in the presence of superradiant damping, we find that decoherence can be fought even better and measurement precision can be enhanced further by optimizing the control. In some examples, we find enhancements in sensitivity by more than an order of magnitude. By visualizing the evolution of the quantum state, the mechanism exploited by the RL method is identified as a kind of spin-squeezing strategy that is adapted to the superradiant damping.
Technical note on introducing a digital workflow for newborns with craniofacial anomalies based on intraoral scans - part I: 3D printed and milled palatal stimulation plate for trisomy 21
2020-01-23

Abstract Background Advanced digital workflows in orthodontics and dentistry often require a combination of different software solutions to create patient appliances, which may be a complex and time-consuming process. The main objective of this technical note is to discuss treatment of craniofacial anomalies using digital technologies. We present a fully digital, linear workflow for manufacturing palatal plates for infants with craniofacial anomalies based on intraoral scanning. Switching to intraoral scanning in infant care is advantageous as taking conventional impressions carries the risk of impression material aspiration and/or infections caused by material remaining in the oronasal cavity. Material and methods The fully digital linear workflow presented in this technical note can be used to design and manufacture palatal plates for cleft palate patients as well as infants with functional disorders. We describe the workflow implemented in an infant with trisomy 21. The maxilla was registered using a digital scanner and a stimulation plate was created using dental CAD software and an individual impression tray module on a virtual model. Plates were manufactured using both additive and subtractive methods. Methacrylate based light curing resin and Poly-Ether-Ether-Ketone were the materials used. Results The palatal area was successfully scanned to create a virtual model. The plates fitted well onto the palatal area. Manual post-processing was necessary to optimize a functional ridge along the vestibular fold and remove support structures from the additively manufactured plate as well as the milled plate produced from a blank. The additively manufactured plate fitted better than the milled one. Conclusion Implementing a fully digital linear workflow into clinical routine for treatment of neonates and infants with craniofacial disorders is feasible. The software solution presented here is suitable for this purpose and does not require additional software for the design. This is the key advantage of this workflow, which makes digital treatment accessible to all clinicians who want to deal with digital technology. Whether additive or subtractive manufacturing is preferred depends on the appliance material of choice and influences the fit of the appliance.
The Whole-Institution Approach at the University of Tübingen: Sustainable Development Set in Practice
2020-01-23

In the following paper, we scrutinize understandings and values behind Sustainable Development (SD) in a case study of the University of Tübingen, Germany. In so doing, we adopt the perspective of the whole-institution approach of SD. We do not only analyze documents, but combine our investigations with empirical research on key actors’ understandings and values of SD, as well as the competencies and the knowledge to set SD in practice. First, we demonstrate that actors’ understandings and the values behind them at the University of Tübingen are in accord with the United Nations’ understanding of SD (‘Brundtland Report’). Second, we show that at the University of Tübingen, many actors already work in line with the whole-institution approach; this shall be further fostered and strengthened by the Competence Centre for SD. Finally, we demonstrate that both knowledge and competencies are fundamental to act for SD. It is suggested that the University of Tübingen should explicitly adopt the general understanding of SD in the above-mentioned sense, and develop a sustainability strategy, not least in order to support the actors to acquire specific knowledge to reach SD for the whole university. Finally, we discuss the potential and limits of transferring the findings to other Higher Education Institutions (HEI) and the challenges of necessary global perspectives.
Collisional formation of massive exomoons of superterrestrial exoplanets
2020-01-23

ABSTRACT Exomoons orbiting terrestrial or superterrestrial exoplanets have not yet been discovered; their possible existence and properties are therefore still an unresolved question. Here, we explore the collisional formation of exomoons through giant planetary impacts. We make use of smooth particle hydrodynamical collision simulations and survey a large phase space of terrestrial/superterrestrial planetary collisions. We characterize the properties of such collisions, finding one rare case in which an exomoon forms through a graze and capture scenario, in addition to a few graze and merge or hit and run scenarios. Typically however, our collisions form massive circumplanetary discs, for which we use follow-up N-body simulations in order to derive lower limit mass estimates for the ensuing exomoons. We investigate the mass, long-term tidal-stability, composition and origin of material in both the discs and the exomoons. Our giant impact models often generate relatively iron-rich moons that form beyond the synchronous radius of the planet, and would thus tidally evolve outward with stable orbits, rather than be destroyed. Our results suggest that it is extremely difficult to collisionally form currently-detectable exomoons orbiting superterrestrial planets, through single giant impacts. It might be possible to form massive, detectable exomoons through several mergers of smaller exomoons, formed by multiple impacts, however more studies are required in order to reach a conclusion. Given the current observational initiatives, the search should focus primarily on more massive planet categories. However, about a quarter of the exomoons predicted by our models are approximately Mercury-mass or more, and are much more likely to be detectable given a factor 2 improvement in the detection capability of future instruments, providing further motivation for their development.
Introspection about backward crosstalk in dual-task performance
2020-01-23

Abstract The present study investigated participants’ ability to introspect about the effect of between-task crosstalk in dual tasks. In two experiments, participants performed a compatibility-based backward crosstalk dual task, and additionally provided estimates of their RTs (introspective reaction times, IRTs) after each trial (Experiment 1) or after each pair of prime and test trials (Experiment 2). In both experiments, the objective performance showed the typical backward crosstalk effect and its sequential modulation depending on compatibility in the previous trial. Very similar patterns were observed in IRTs, despite the typical unawareness of the PRP effect. In sum, these results demonstrate the reliability of between-task crosstalk in dual tasks and that people’s introspection about the temporal processing demands in this complex dual-task situation is intriguingly accurate and severely limited at the same time.