julilili42/papers huggingface dataset:
Iron Kα line of boson stars
2016-10-03

The present paper is a sequel to our previous work [Y. Ni et al., JCAP 1607,\\n049 (2016)] in which we studied the iron K line expected in the\\nreflection spectrum of Kerr black holes with scalar hair. These metrics are\\nsolutions of Einstein's gravity minimally coupled to a massive, complex scalar\\nfield. They form a continuous bridge between a subset of Kerr black holes and a\\nfamily of rotating boson stars depending on one extra parameter, the\\ndimensionless scalar hair parameter , ranging from 0 (Kerr black holes) to 1\\n(boson stars). Here we study the limiting case , corresponding to rotating\\nboson stars. For comparison, spherical boson stars are also considered. We\\nsimulate observations with XIS/Suzaku. Using the fact that current observations\\nare well fit by the Kerr solution and thus requiring that acceptable\\nalternative compact objects must be compatible with a Kerr fit, we find that\\nsome boson star solutions are relatively easy to rule out as potential\\ncandidates to explain astrophysical black holes, while other solutions, which\\nare neither too dilute nor too compact are more elusive and we argue that they\\ncannot be distinguished from Kerr black holes by the analysis of the iron line\\nwith current X-ray facilities.\\n
Tumor Specific Epigenetic Silencing of Corticotropin Releasing Hormone -Binding Protein in Renal Cell Carcinoma: Association of Hypermethylation and Metastasis
2016-10-03

The relevance of Corticotropin Releasing Hormone (CRH)-system in human malignancies is a question of growing interest. Here we investigated hypermethylation and epigenetic silencing of the CRH-Binding Protein (CRHBP) gene in clear cell renal cell cancer (ccRCC). Relative methylation of the CRHBP CpG island (CGI) was determined in 17 tumor cell lines as well as 86 ccRCC samples and 66 paired normal tissues using pyrosequencing and quantitative methylation specific PCR of bisulfite converted DNA. Results were statistically compared with relative mRNA expression levels of CRHBP and clinicopathological parameters of patients. Re-expression of CRHBP following 5-aza-2 ́-deoxycytidine treatment was investigated by quantitative mRNA expression analysis. Real-time impedance analysis was applied for analysis of invasiveness of renal tumor cells following si-RNA knockdown of CRHBP expression or ectopic expression of CRHBP. We found the CRHBP CGI to be frequently methylated in tumor cell lines of renal, prostatic, and bladder cancer. Comparison of methylation in normal and paired renal cancer tissue specimens revealed hypermethylation of the CRHBP CGI in tumors (p<1*10-12). DNA methylation and decreased mRNA expression were correlated (R = 0.83, p<1*10-12). Tumor cell lines showed 5-aza-2 ́-deoxycytidine dependent reduction of methylation and re-expression of CRHBP was associated with altered cellular invasiveness of renal cancer cells in real-time impedance invasion assays. Hypermethylation and inverse relationship with mRNA expression were validated in silico using the TCGA network data. We describe for the first time tumor specific epigenetic silencing of CRHBP and statistical association with aggressive tumors thus suggesting the CRH system to contribute to the development of kidney cancer.
TunableφJosephson junction ratchet
2016-10-03

We demonstrate experimentally the operation of a deterministic Josephson ratchet with tunable asymmetry. The ratchet is based on a φ Josephson junction with a ferromagnetic barrier operating in the underdamped regime. The system is probed also under the action of an additional dc current, which acts as a counterforce trying to stop the ratchet. Under these conditions the ratchet works against the counterforce, thus producing a nonzero output power. Finally, we estimate the efficiency of the φ Josephson junction ratchet.
Refinement of Tissue-Engineering Chamber Implantation in the Rat
2016-10-03

Median longitudinal incisions and thorough wound closure with ongoing intradermal nonresorbable sutures, followed by application of skin glue, are strongly recommended to prevent surgical site complications, such as wound dehiscence, animal harm, and failure of the individual experiment.
Application Of Pedot-Cnt Microelectrodes For Neurotransmitter Sensing
2016-10-03

In this work, composite microelectrodes from poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) and carbon nanotubes (CNT) are characterized as electrochemical sensing material for neurotransmitters. Dopamine can be detected using square wave voltammetry at these microelectrodes. The CNTs improve the sensitivity by a factor of two. In addition, the selectivity towards dopamine in the presence of ascorbic acid and uric acid was examined. While both electrodes, PEDOT and PEDOT-CNT are able to detect all measured concentrations of dopamine in the presence of uric acid, small concentrations of dopamine and ascorbic acid are only distinguishable at PEDOT-CNT electrodes. Changing the pH has a strong influence on the selectivity. Moreover, it is possible to detect concentrations as low as 1 mM dopamine in complex cell culture medium. Finally, other catecholamines like serotonin, epinephrine, norepinephrine and l-dopa are also electrochemically detectable at PEDOT-CNT microelectrodes.
Phase I/Phase II Study of Blinatumomab in Pediatric Patients With Relapsed/Refractory Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia
2016-10-04

Purpose Blinatumomab is a bispecific T-cell engager antibody construct targeting CD19 on B-cell lymphoblasts. We evaluated the safety, pharmacokinetics, recommended dosage, and potential for efficacy of blinatumomab in children with relapsed/refractory B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia (BCP-ALL). Methods This open-label study enrolled children &lt; 18 years old with relapsed/refractory BCP-ALL in a phase I dosage-escalation part and a phase II part, using 6-week treatment cycles. Primary end points were maximum-tolerated dosage (phase I) and complete remission rate within the first two cycles (phase II). Results We treated 49 patients in phase I and 44 patients in phase II. Four patients had dose-limiting toxicities in cycle 1 (phase I). Three experienced grade 4 cytokine-release syndrome (one attributed to grade 5 cardiac failure); one had fatal respiratory failure. The maximum-tolerated dosage was 15 μg/m 2 /d. Blinatumomab pharmacokinetics was linear across dosage levels and consistent among age groups. On the basis of the phase I data, the recommended blinatumomab dosage for children with relapsed/refractory ALL was 5 μg/m 2 /d for the first 7 days, followed by 15 μg/m 2 /d thereafter. Among the 70 patients who received the recommended dosage, 27 (39%; 95% CI, 27% to 51%) achieved complete remission within the first two cycles, 14 (52%) of whom achieved complete minimal residual disease response. The most frequent grade ≥ 3 adverse events were anemia (36%), thrombocytopenia (21%), and hypokalemia (17%). Three patients (4%) and one patient (1%) had cytokine-release syndrome of grade 3 and 4, respectively. Two patients (3%) interrupted treatment after grade 2 seizures. Conclusion This trial, which to the best of our knowledge was the first such trial in pediatrics, demonstrated antileukemic activity of single-agent blinatumomab with complete minimal residual disease response in children with relapsed/refractory BCP-ALL. Blinatumomab may represent an important new treatment option in this setting, requiring further investigation in curative indications.
The Continuing Shame of Europe: Discourses on migration policy in Germany and the UK
2016-10-04

This article considers the matter of death at the EU external border and provides some explanation for this phenomenon. From a historical policy perspective it will provide evidence and discussions of why and how the ‘shame of Europe’ has emerged. It traces back how the policy regime was established and why it prevails. A discourse analysis of policy developments in migration control will be used to look at two of the major players of the EU migration control apparatus: Germany and the United Kingdom. A deconstruction of the control regimes of irregular migration taking shape between 1973 and 1999 has generated evidence for three hegemonic shifts that contributed to the shame of Europe: (1) a conceptual shift that demonized irregular migrants and re-labelled them to enemies; (2) logics of urgency/necessity/speed; and (3) securitization and normalization.
Functional vascular anatomy of the peritoneum in health and disease
2016-10-04

Abstract The peritoneum consists of a layer of mesothelial cells on a connective tissue base which is perfused with circulatory and lymphatic vessels. Total effective blood flow to the human peritoneum is estimated between 60 and 100 mL/min, representing 1–2 % of the cardiac outflow. The parietal peritoneum accounts for about 30 % of the peritoneal surface (anterior abdominal wall 4 %) and is vascularized from the circumflex, iliac, lumbar, intercostal, and epigastric arteries, giving rise to a quadrangular network of large, parallel blood vessels and their perpendicular offshoots. Parietal vessels drain into the inferior vena cava. The visceral peritoneum accounts for 70 % of the peritoneal surface and derives its blood supply from the three major arteries that supply the splanchnic organs, celiac and superior and inferior mesenteric. These vessels give rise to smaller arteries that anastomose extensively. The visceral peritoneum drains into the portal vein. Drugs absorbed are subject to first-pass hepatic metabolism. Peritoneal inflammation and cancer invasion induce neoangiogenesis, leading to the development of an important microvascular network. Anatomy of neovessels is abnormal and characterized by large size, varying diameter, convolution and blood extravasation. Neovessels have a defective ultrastructure: formation of large “mother vessels” requires degradation of venular and capillary basement membranes. Mother vessels give birth to numerous “daughter vessels”. Diffuse neoangiogenesis can be observed before appearance of macroscopic peritoneal metastasis. Multiplication of the peritoneal capillary surface by neoangiogenesis surface increases the part of cardiac outflow directed to the peritoneum.
Increased expression of progesterone receptor membrane component 1 is associated with aggressive phenotype and poor prognosis in ER-positive and negative breast cancer
2016-10-04

Abstract Objective: Expression of progesterone receptor membrane component 1 (PGRMC1) has been shown to be higher in breast cancer than normal tissue. We have previously shown that certain progestogens strongly stimulate proliferation of breast cancer cells overexpressing PGRMC1, and therefore hypothesize that PGRMC1 may play a critical role in breast cancer progression. Because little information is available if expression of PGRMC1 is also associated with worse prognosis for breast cancer patients, in this study we investigated the clinicopathologic significance of PGRMC1 expression in breast cancer tissue. Methods: Expression of PGRMC1 was analyzed by immunohistochemical staining of primary tumor tissues obtained from 69 breast cancer patients. A labeling score was developed, and results were correlated with tumor size, lymph node metastasis, and clinical outcome. Results: Overexpression of PGRMC1 is correlating with larger tumor size and lymph node metastasis. Kaplan-Meier survival curves indicate that patients with PGRMC1 high tumors have poorer disease-free and overall survival independent from the estrogen receptor status than breast cancer patients with PGRMC1 low tumors. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that the expression of PGRMC1 might be useful for predicting prognosis in patients with breast cancer.
Bow shock nebulae of hot massive stars in a magnetized medium
2016-10-04

A significant fraction of OB-type, main-sequence massive stars are classified\\nas runaway and move supersonically through the interstellar medium (ISM). Their\\nstrong stellar winds interact with their surroundings where the typical\\nstrength of the local ISM magnetic field is about 3.5-7 micro-G, which can\\nresult in the formation of bow shock nebulae. We investigate the effects of\\nsuch magnetic fields, aligned with the motion of the flow, on the formation and\\nemission properties of these circumstellar structures. Our axisymmetric,\\nmagneto-hydrodynamical simulations with optically-thin radiative cooling,\\nheating and anisotropic thermal conduction show that the presence of the\\nbackground ISM magnetic field affects the projected optical emission our bow\\nshocks at Ha and [OIII] lambda 5007 which become fainter by about 1-2 orders of\\nmagnitude, respectively. Radiative transfer calculations against dust opacity\\nindicate that the magnetic field slightly diminishes their projected infrared\\nemission and that our bow shocks emit brightly at 60 micron. This may explain\\nwhy the bow shocks generated by ionizing runaway massive stars are often\\ndifficult to identify. Finally, we discuss our results in the context of the\\nbow shock of Zeta Ophiuchi and we support the interpretation of its imperfect\\nmorphology as an evidence of the presence of an ISM magnetic field not aligned\\nwith the motion of its driving star.\\n
Role of BCL9L in transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β)-induced epithelial-to-mesenchymal-transition (EMT) and metastasis of pancreatic cancer
2016-10-04

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) has a low overall survival rate, which is approximately 20% during the first year and decreases to less than 6% within five years of the disease. This is due to premature dissemination accompanied by a lack of disease-specific symptoms during the initial stages. Additionally, to date there are no biomarkers for an early prognosis available.A growing number of studies indicate that epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT), triggered by WNT-, TGF-β- and other signaling pathways is crucial for the initiation of the metastatic process in PDAC. Here we show, that BCL9L is up-regulated in PDAC cell lines and patient tissue compared to non-cancer controls. RNAi-induced BCL9L knockdown negatively affected proliferation, migration and invasion of pancreatic cancer cells. On a molecular basis, BCL9L depletion provoked an increment of E-cadherin protein levels, with concomitant increase of β-catenin retention at the plasma membrane. This is linked to the induction of a strong epithelial phenotype in pancreatic cancer cells upon BCL9L knockdown even in the presence of the EMT-inducer TGF-β. Finally, xenograft mouse models of pancreatic cancer revealed a highly significant reduction in the number of liver metastases upon BCL9L knockdown. Taken together, our findings underline the key importance of BCL9L for EMT and thus progression and metastasis of pancreatic cancer cells. Direct targeting of this protein might be a valuable approach to effectively antagonize invasion and metastasis of PDAC.
TRIGGERING SUBLIMATION-DRIVEN ACTIVITY OF MAIN BELT COMETS
2016-10-04

ABSTRACT It has been suggested that the comet-like activity of main belt comets (MBCs) is due to the sublimation of sub-surface water–ice that has been exposed as a result of their surfaces being impacted by meter-sized bodies. We have examined the viability of this scenario by simulating impacts between meter-sized and kilometer-sized objects using a smooth particle hydrodynamics approach. Simulations have been carried out for different values of the impact velocity and impact angle, as well as different target material and water-mass fractions. Results indicate that for the range of impact velocities corresponding to those in the asteroid belt, the depth of an impact crater is slightly larger than 10 m, suggesting that if the activation of MBCs is due to the sublimation of sub-surface water–ice, this ice has to exist no deeper than a few meters from the surface. Results also show that ice exposure occurs in the bottom and on the interior surface of impact craters, as well as on the surface of the target where some of the ejected icy inclusions are re-accreted. While our results demonstrate that the impact scenario is indeed a viable mechanism to expose ice and trigger the activity of MBCs, they also indicate that the activity of the current MBCs is likely due to ice sublimation from multiple impact sites and/or the water contents of these objects (and other asteroids in the outer asteroid belt) is larger than the 5% that is traditionally considered in models of terrestrial planet formation, providing more ice for sublimation. We present the details of our simulations and discuss their results and implications.
The Positron Emission Tomography Tracer 3’-Deoxy-3’-[18F]Fluorothymidine ([18F]FLT) Is Not Suitable to Detect Tissue Proliferation Induced by Systemic Yersinia enterocolitica Infection in Mice
2016-10-04

Most frequently, gram-negative bacterial infections in humans are caused by Enterobacteriaceae and remain a major challenge in medical diagnostics. We non-invasively imaged moderate and severe systemic Yersinia enterocolitica infections in mice using the positron emission tomography (PET) tracer 3'-deoxy-3'-[18F]fluorothymidine ([18F]FLT), which is a marker of proliferation, and compared the in vivo results to the ex vivo biodistributions, bacterial loads, and histologies of the corresponding organs. Y. enterocolitica infection is detectable with histology using H&E staining and immunohistochemistry for Ki 67. [18F]FLT revealed only background uptake in the spleen, which is the main manifestation site of systemic Y. enterocolitica-infected mice. The uptake was independent of the infection dose. Antibody-based thymidine kinase 1 (Tk-1) staining confirmed the negative [18F]FLT-PET data. Histological alterations of spleen tissue, observed via Ki 67-antibody-based staining, can not be detected by [18F]FLT-PET in this model. Thus, the proliferation marker [18F]FLT is not a suitable tracer for the diagnosis of systemic Y. enterocolitica infection in the C57BL/6 animal model of yersiniosis.
Perspectives in immunotherapy: meeting report from the “Immunotherapy Bridge”, Napoli, December 5th 2015
2016-10-04

Harnessing the immune system and preventing immune escape, the immunotherapy of cancer provides great potential for clinical application, in broad patient populations, achieving both conventional and unconventional clinical responses. After the substantial advances in melanoma, the focus of cancer immunotherapy has expanded to include many other cancers. Targeting immune checkpoints and further mechanisms used by tumors to avoid anticancer immunity, different approaches are under evaluation, including combination therapies.
Influence of female sex and fertile age on neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders
2016-10-06

Background: Gender and age at onset are important epidemiological factors influencing prevalence, clinical presentation, and treatment response in autoimmune diseases. Objective: To evaluate the impact of female sex and fertile age on aquaporin-4-antibody (AQP4-ab) status, attack localization, and response to attack treatment in patients with neuromyelitis optica (NMO) and its spectrum disorders (neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD)). Methods: Female-to-male ratios, diagnosis at last visit (NMO vs NMOSD), attack localization, attack treatment, and outcome were compared according to sex and age at disease or attack onset. Results: A total of 186 NMO/SD patients (82% female) were included. In AQP4-ab-positive patients, female predominance was most pronounced during fertile age (female-to-male ratio 23:1). Female patients were more likely to be positive for AQP4-abs (92% vs 55%; p &lt; 0.001). Interval between onset and diagnosis of NMO/SD was longer in women than in men (mean 54 vs 27 months; p = 0.023). In women, attacks occurring ⩽40 years of age were more likely to show complete remission ( p = 0.003) and better response to high-dose intravenous steroids ( p = 0.005) compared to woman at &gt;40 years. Conclusion: Our data suggest an influence of sex and age on susceptibility to AQP4-ab-positive NMO/SD. Genetic and hormonal factors might contribute to pathophysiology of NMO/SD.
Prospects for Higgs physics at energies up to 100 TeV
2016-10-06

We summarize the prospects for Higgs boson physics at future proton-proton colliders with centre of mass (c.m.) energies up to 100 TeV. We first provide the production cross sections for the Higgs boson of the Standard Model from 13 TeV to 100 TeV, in the main production mechanisms and in subleading but important ones such as double Higgs production, triple production and associated production with two gauge bosons or with a single top quark. We then discuss the production of Higgs particles in beyond the Standard Model scenarios, starting with the one in the continuum of a pair of scalar, fermionic and vector dark matter particles in Higgs-portal models in various channels with virtual Higgs exchange. The cross sections for the production of the heavier CP-even and CP-odd neutral Higgs states and the charged Higgs states in two-Higgs doublet models, with a specific study of the case of the Minimal Supersymmetric Standard Model, are then given. The sensitivity of a 100 TeV proton machine to probe the new Higgs states is discussed and compared to that of the LHC with a c.m. energy of 14 TeV and at high luminosity.
A Rigid CNC Pincer Ligand Acting as a Tripodal Cp Analogue
2016-10-06

The unusual Cp‐like behavior of an anionic bis(NHC)carbazolide pincer ligand coordinating to a Cp*Ru fragment in a facial mode is presented. The unexpected facial coordination is demonstrated by single‐crystal X‐ray structure analysis.
Electroweak corrections to gauge-boson pair production processes at the LHC including leptonic W/Z decays
2016-10-06

We briefly report on results of the first calculations of next-to-leading-order electroweak corrections to W-and Z-boson pair production at the LHC that fully take into account leptonic W/Zboson decays and off-shell effects.For W-pair production we generally confirm the validity of a double-pole approximation based on doubly-resonant contributions, but also reveal its failure to describe transverse-lepton-momentum distributions in the high-energy tails.For Z-pair production we zoom into the ZZ * off-shell region, where direct Z-pair production delivers irreducible background to the Higgs-boson signal, and find that electroweak corrections cannot be trivially extrapolated from the on-shell ZZ region.
Towards cognitively plausible data science in language research
2016-10-07

Abstract Over the past 10 years, Cognitive Linguistics has taken a quantitative turn. Yet, concerns have been raised that this preoccupation with quantification and modelling may not bring us any closer to understanding how language works. We show that this objection is unfounded, especially if we rely on modelling techniques based on biologically and psychologically plausible learning algorithms. These make it possible to take a quantitative approach, while generating and testing specific hypotheses that will advance our understanding of how knowledge of language emerges from exposure to usage.
H.E.S.S. Limits on Linelike Dark Matter Signatures in the 100 GeV to 2 TeV Energy Range Close to the Galactic Center
2016-10-07

No significant excess associated with dark matter annihilations was found in the energy range of 100 GeV to 2 TeV and upper limits on the gamma-ray flux and the velocity weighted annihilation cross section are derived adopting an Einasto dark matter halo profile. Expected limits for present and future large statistics H.E.S.S. observations are also given.