julilili42/papers huggingface dataset:
Color–color diagrams as tools for assessment of the variable absorption in high mass X-ray binaries
2020-11-10

\\nHigh mass X-ray binaries hold the promise of allowing us to understand the structure of the winds of their supermassive companion stars by using the emission from the compact object as a backlight to evaluate the variable absorption in the structured stellar wind. The wind along the line of sight can change on timescales as short as minutes and below. However, such short timescales are not available for the direct measurement of absorption through X-ray spectroscopy with the current generation of X-ray telescopes. In this paper, we demonstrate the usability of color–color diagrams for assessing the variable absorption in wind accreting high mass X-ray binary systems. We employ partial covering models to describe the spectral shape of high mass X-ray binaries and assess the implication of different absorbers and their variability on the shape of color–color tracks. We show that in taking into account, the ionization of the absorber, and in particular accounting for the variation of ionization with absorption depth, is crucial to describe the observed behavior well. \\n
Diverse chemotypes drive biased signaling by cannabinoid receptors
2020-11-10

Abstract Cannabinoid CB1 and CB2 receptors are members of the G protein-coupled receptor family, which is the largest class of membrane proteins in the human genome. As part of the endocannabinoid system, they have many regulatory functions in the human body. Their malfunction therefore triggers a diverse set of undesired conditions, such as pain, neuropathy, nephropathy, pruritus, osteoporosis, cachexia and Alzheimer’s disease. Although drugs targeting the system exist, the molecular and functional mechanisms involved are still poorly understood, preventing the development of better therapeutics with fewer undesired effects. One path toward the development of better and safer medicines targeting cannabinoid receptors relies on the ability of some compounds to activate a subset of pathways engaged by the receptor while sparing or even inhibiting the others, a phenomenon known as biased signaling. To take advantage of this phenomenon for drug development, a better profiling of the pathways engaged by the receptors is required. Using a BRET-based signaling detection platform, we systematically analyzed the primary signaling cascades activated by CB1 and CB2 receptors, including 9 G protein and 2 β-arrestin subtypes. Given that biased signaling is driven by ligand-specific distinct active conformations of the receptor, establishing a link between the signaling profiles elicited by different drugs and their chemotypes may help designing compounds that selectively activate beneficial pathways while avoiding those leading to undesired effects. We screened a selection of 35 structurally diverse ligands, including endocannabinoids, phytocannabinoids and synthetic compounds structurally similar or significantly different from natural cannabinoids. Our data show that biased signaling is a prominent feature of the cannabinoid receptor system and that, as predicted, ligands with different chemotypes have distinct signaling profiles. The study therefore allows for better understanding of cannabinoid receptors signaling and provides the information about tool compounds that can now be used to link signaling pathways to biological outcomes, aiding the design of improved therapeutics.
Operationalizing niche construction theory with stone tools
2020-11-10

One of the greatest difficulties with evolutionary approaches in the study of stone tools (lithics) has been finding a mechanism for tying culture and biology in a way that preserves human agency and operates at scales that are visible in the archaeological record. The concept of niche construction, whereby organisms actively construct their environments and change the conditions for selection, could provide a solution to this problem. In this review, we evaluate the utility of niche construction theory (NCT) for stone tool archaeology. We apply NCT to lithics both as part of the ‘extended phenotype’ and as residuals or precipitates of other niche-constructing activities, suggesting ways in which archaeologists can employ niche construction feedbacks to generate testable hypotheses about stone tool use. Finally, we compare NCT to other prominent evolutionary approaches, such as human behavioral ecology and dual-inheritance theory, concluding that NCT has several advantages.
EdgeDASH: Exploiting Network-Assisted Adaptive Video Streaming for Edge Caching
2020-11-10

While edge video caching has great potential to decrease the core network traffic as well as the users' experienced latency, it is often challenging to exploit the caches in current client-driven video streaming solutions due to two key reasons. First, even those clients interested in the same content might request different quality levels as a video content is encoded into multiple qualities to match a wide range of network conditions and device capabilities. Second, the clients, who select the quality of the next chunk to request, are unaware of the cached content at the network edge. Hence, it becomes imperative to develop network-side solutions to exploit caching. This can also mitigate some performance issues, in particular for the scenarios in which multiple video clients compete for some bottleneck capacity. In this paper, we propose a network-side control logic running at a WiFi AP to facilitate the use of cached video content. In particular, an AP can assign a client station a different video quality than its request, in case the alternative quality provides a better utility. We formulate the quality assignment problem as an optimization problem and develop several heuristics with polynomial complexity. Compared to the baseline where the clients determine the quality adaptation, our proposals, referred to as EdgeDASH, offer higher video quality, higher cache hits, and lower stalling ratio which are essential for user's satisfaction. Our simulations show that EdgeDASH facilitates significant cache hits and decreases the buffer stalls only by changing the client's request by one quality level. Moreover, from our analysis, we conclude that the network assistance provides significant performance improvement, especially when the clients with identical interests compete for a bottleneck link's capacity.
Optogenetic investigation of BMP target gene expression diversity
2020-11-11

Signaling molecules activate distinct patterns of gene expression to coordinate embryogenesis, but how spatiotemporal expression diversity is generated is an open question. In zebrafish, a BMP signaling gradient patterns the dorsal-ventral axis. We systematically identified target genes responding to BMP and found that they have diverse spatiotemporal expression patterns. Transcriptional responses to optogenetically delivered high- and low-amplitude BMP signaling pulses indicate that spatiotemporal expression is not fully defined by different BMP signaling activation thresholds. Additionally, we observed negligible correlations between spatiotemporal expression and transcription kinetics for the majority of analyzed genes in response to BMP signaling pulses. In contrast, spatial differences between BMP target genes largely collapsed when FGF and Nodal signaling were inhibited. Our results suggest that, similar to other patterning systems, combinatorial signaling is likely to be a major driver of spatial diversity in BMP-dependent gene expression in zebrafish.
A stratigraphy-based method for reconstructing ice core orientation
2020-11-11

Abstract Ever since the first deep ice cores were drilled, it has been a challenge to determine their original, in-situ orientation. In general, the orientation of an ice core is lost as the drill is free to rotate during transport to the surface. For shallow ice cores, it is usually possible to match the adjacent core breaks, which preserves the orientation of the ice column. However, this method fails for deep ice cores, such as the EastGRIP ice core in Northeast Greenland. We provide a method to reconstruct ice core orientation using visual stratigraphy and borehole geometry. As the EastGRIP ice core is drilled through the Northeast Greenland Ice Stream, we use information about the directional structures to perform a full geographical re-orientation. We compared the core orientation with logging data from core break matching and the pattern of the stereographic projections of the crystals’ c -axis orientations. Both comparisons agree very well with the proposed orientation method. The method works well for 441 out of 451 samples from a depth of 1375–2120 m in the EastGRIP ice core. It can also be applied to other ice cores, providing a better foundation for interpreting physical properties and understanding the flow of ice.
Nucleon resonances with higher spins in soft-wall AdS/QCD
2020-11-11

We present a study of electroexcitation of nucleon resonances with higher\\nspins, in a soft-wall AdS/QCD model, comparing our results with existing data\\nfrom the CLAS Collaboration at JLab, from MAMI, and other experiments.\\n
Tandem Olefin Isomerization/Cyclization Catalyzed by Complex Nickel Hydride and Brønsted Acid
2020-11-11

We disclose a nickel/Brønsted acid-catalyzed tandem process consisting of double bond isomerization of allyl ethers and amines and subsequent intramolecular reaction with nucleophiles. The process is accomplished by [(Me<sub>3</sub>P)<sub>4</sub>NiH]N(SO<sub>2</sub>CF<sub>3</sub>)<sub>2</sub> in the presence of triflic acid. The methodology provides rapid access to tetrahydropyran-fused indoles and other oxacyclic scaffolds under very low catalyst loadings.
Quantifying the effect of ocean bed properties on ice sheet geometry over 40 000 years with a full-Stokes model
2020-11-11

Abstract. Simulations of ice sheet evolution over glacial cycles require integration of observational constraints using ensemble studies with fast ice sheet models. These include physical parameterisations with uncertainties, for example, relating to grounding-line migration. More complete ice dynamic models are slow and have thus far only be applied for &lt; 1000 years, leaving many model parameters unconstrained. Here we apply a 3D thermomechanically coupled full-Stokes ice sheet model to the Ekström Ice Shelf embayment, East Antarctica, over a full glacial cycle (40 000 years). We test the model response to differing ocean bed properties that provide an envelope of potential ocean substrates seawards of today's grounding line. The end-member scenarios include a hard, high-friction ocean bed and a soft, low-friction ocean bed. We find that predicted ice volumes differ by &gt; 50 % under almost equal forcing. Grounding-line positions differ by up to 49 km, show significant hysteresis, and migrate non-steadily in both scenarios with long quiescent phases disrupted by leaps of rapid migration. The simulations quantify the evolution of two different ice sheet geometries (namely thick and slow vs. thin and fast), triggered by the variable grounding-line migration over the differing ocean beds. Our study extends the timescales of 3D full-Stokes by an order of magnitude compared to previous studies with the help of parallelisation. The extended time frame for full-Stokes models is a first step towards better understanding other processes such as erosion and sediment redistribution in the ice shelf cavity impacting the entire catchment geometry.
Genetic Spectrum of Syndromic and Non-Syndromic Hearing Loss in Pakistani Families
2020-11-11

The current molecular genetic diagnostic rates for hereditary hearing loss (HL) vary considerably according to the population background. Pakistan and other countries with high rates of consanguineous marriages have served as a unique resource for studying rare and novel forms of recessive HL. A combined exome sequencing, bioinformatics analysis, and gene mapping approach for 21 consanguineous Pakistani families revealed 13 pathogenic or likely pathogenic variants in the genes GJB2, MYO7A, FGF3, CDC14A, SLITRK6, CDH23, and MYO15A, with an overall resolve rate of 61.9%. GJB2 and MYO7A were the most frequently involved genes in this cohort. All the identified variants were either homozygous or compound heterozygous, with two of them not previously described in the literature (15.4%). Overall, seven missense variants (53.8%), three nonsense variants (23.1%), two frameshift variants (15.4%), and one splice-site variant (7.7%) were observed. Syndromic HL was identified in five (23.8%) of the 21 families studied. This study reflects the extreme genetic heterogeneity observed in HL and expands the spectrum of variants in deafness-associated genes.
ECMO implantation training: Needle penetration in 3D printable materials and porcine aorta
2020-11-11

Aim Patients with cardiogenic shock or ARDS, for example, in COVID-19/SARS-CoV-2, may require extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). An ECLS/ECMO model simulating challenging vascular anatomy is desirable for cannula insertion training purposes. We assessed the ability of various 3D-printable materials to mimic the penetration properties of human tissue by using porcine aortae. Methods: A test bench for needle penetration and piercing in sampled porcine aorta and preselected 3D-printable polymers was assembled. The 3D-printable materials had Shore A hardness of 10, 20, and 50. 17G Vygon 1.0 × 1.4 mm × 70 mm needles were used for penetration tests. Results: For the porcine tissue and Shore A 10, Shore A 20, and Shore A 50 polymers, penetration forces of 0.9036 N, 0.9725 N, 1.0386 N, and 1.254 N were needed, respectively. For piercing through the porcine tissue and Shore A 10, Shore A 20, and Shore A 50 polymers, forces of 0.8399 N, 1.244 N, 1.475 N, and 1.482 N were needed, respectively. ANOVA showed different variances among the groups, and pairwise two-tailed t-tests showed significantly different needle penetration and piercing forces, except for penetration of Shore A 10 and 20 polymers (p = 0.234 and p = 0.0857). Significantly higher forces were required for all other materials. Conclusion: Shore A 10 and 20 polymers have similar needle penetration properties compared to the porcine tissue. Significantly more force is needed to pierce through the material fully. The most similar tested material to porcine aorta for needle penetration and piercing in ECMO-implantation is the silicon Shore A 10 polymer. This silicon could be a 3D-printable material in surgical training for ECMO-implantation.
Hemolytic uremic syndrome caused by Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli in a renal transplant recipient case report
2020-11-11

Abstract Thrombotic microangiopathies are disorders characterized by nonimmune microangiopathic hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia, and multi-systemic failure. They are classified as thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura, atypical hemolytic-uremic syndrome, and typical hemolytic uremic syndrome. The latter is associated with intestinal infections by Shiga toxin-producing bacteria. Typical hemolytic uremic syndrome in adults is an extremely rare condition, characterized by high morbidity and mortality. It has been seldom described in solid organ transplant recipients. Here is presented the case of a kidney transplant recipient who had typical hemolytic uremic syndrome with multisystem commitment, refractory to management and with a fatal outcome.
Erratum: Compact High-Tc Superconducting Terahertz emitter operating up to 86 K [Phys. Rev. Applied 10, 024041 (2018)]
2020-11-11

Received 11 September 2020DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevApplied.14.059901© 2020 American Physical SocietyPhysics Subject Headings (PhySH)Research AreasOptoelectronicsPhysical SystemsCupratesHigh-temperature superconductorsJosephson junctionsOptical materials & elementsTechniquesMicrowave techniquesTerahertz techniquesCondensed Matter, Materials & Applied PhysicsPlasma Physics
Arsenic mobilization by anaerobic iron-dependent methane oxidation
2020-11-12

Abstract Arsenic groundwater contamination threatens the health of millions of people worldwide, particularly in South and Southeast Asia. In most cases, the release of arsenic from sediment was caused by microbial reductive dissolution of arsenic-bearing iron(III) minerals with organic carbon being used as microbial electron donor. Although in many arsenic-contaminated aquifers high concentrations of methane were observed, its role in arsenic mobilization is unknown. Here, using microcosms experiments and hydrogeochemical and microbial community analyses, we demonstrate that methane functions as electron donor for methanotrophs, triggering the reductive dissolution of arsenic-bearing iron(III) minerals, increasing the abundance of genes related to methane oxidation, and ultimately mobilizing arsenic into the water. Our findings provide evidence for a methane-mediated mechanism for arsenic mobilization that is distinct from previously described pathways. Taking this together with the common presence of methane in arsenic-contaminated aquifers, we suggest that this methane-driven arsenic mobilization may contribute to arsenic contamination of groundwater on a global scale.
How People Evaluate Anti-Corona Measures for Their Social Spheres: Attitude, Subjective Norm, and Perceived Behavioral Control
2020-11-12

Restrictions on outdoor activities, tips for hygiene, and tips for mental health are among the most common initiatives to counter the COVID-19 pandemic. These measures aim to protect people's health and, at the same time, impact their social lives. So far, it is little known how people evaluate those anti-Corona measures with regard to their social spheres (close family, wider family and friends, colleagues, and society). Furthermore, it is plausible that the subjective evaluation of attitudinal objects and especially severe events, like the COVID-19 pandemic and the related counter-measures, is multidimensional. Against this background, we combine the social spheres with the elements of the Theory of Planned Behavior. On the methodological basis of the Means-End Theory of Complex Cognitive Structures, we determine the perceived relevance and quality of the attitude, subjective norm, perceived behavioral control, and social spheres regarding anti-Corona measures. Furthermore, the applied methodology allows the deduction of norm strategies to define the priority of securing or increasing the effectiveness of elements of anti-Corona measures. Based on the answers of 663 participants, we found that the protection from COVID-19 and its consequences (attitude) are more important to people than the practicability of anti-Corona measures in their social lives (perceived behavioral control), which, again, has a higher subjective relevance than the willingness to fulfill the expectations of others (subjective norm). Additionally, people distinguish between their close family (higher subjective relevance) and their other social spheres (lower subjective relevance). The people attribute the highest quality to the tips on hygiene, followed by the restrictions on outdoor activities and the tips for mental health. The protection and practicability of the anti-Corona measures have higher quality ratings than the willingness to fulfill the expectations of others. Based on the norm strategies, policymakers should secure the effectiveness of the current anti-Corona measures with a high priority by focusing on the protection and practicability with regard to close and wider family and friends. Increasing the effectiveness of the protection and practicability of anti-Corona measures in work and society also has a high priority. Focusing on the subjective norm should be of lower priority.
Lithium in Portuguese Bottled Natural Mineral Waters—Potential for Health Benefits?
2020-11-12

There is increasing epidemiologic and experimental evidence that lithium (Li) exhibits significant health benefits, even at concentrations lower than the therapeutic oral doses prescribed as treatment for mental disorders. The aim of this study is to determine the content of Li in 18 brands of bottled natural mineral waters that are available on the Portuguese market and from which the sources are found within the Portuguese territory, to provide data for Li intake from drinking water. Analyses of Li were performed by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry. The results indicate highly different Li concentrations in natural mineral waters: one group with low Li concentrations (up to 11 μg Li/L) and a second group with Li concentrations higher than 100 μg/L. The highest Li concentrations (&gt;1500 μg Li/L) were observed in the highly mineralized Na-HCO3 type waters that are naturally carbonated (&gt;250 mg/L free CO2). As a highly bioavailable source for Li dietary intake these natural mineral waters have potential for Li health benefits but should be consumed in a controlled manner due to its Na and F− contents. The consumption of as little as 0.25 L/day of Vidago natural mineral water (2220 μg Li/L), can contribute up to 50% of the proposed daily requirement of 1 mg Li/day for an adult (70 kg body weight). In future, Li epidemiological studies that concern the potential Li effect or health benefits from Li in drinking water should consider not only the Li intake from tap water but also intake from natural mineral water that is consumed in order to adjust the Li intake of the subjects.
Testing horizon topology with electromagnetic observations
2020-11-12

In general relativity without a cosmological constant, a classical theorem\\ndue to Hawking states that stationary black holes must be topologically\\nspherical. This result is one of the several ingredients that collectively\\nimply the uniqueness of the Kerr metric. If, however, general relativity\\ndescribes gravity inexactly at high energies or over cosmological scales,\\nHawking's result may not apply, and black holes with non-trivial topology may\\nbe, at least mathematically, permissible. While tests involving electromagnetic\\nand gravitational-wave data have been used to place tight constraints on\\nvarious theoretical departures from a Kerr description of astrophysical black\\nholes, relatively little attention has been paid to topological alternatives.\\nIn this paper, we derive a new exact solution in an theory of gravity\\nwhich admits topologically non-trivial black holes, and calculate observables\\nlike fluorescent K iron-line profiles and black hole images from\\nhypothetical astrophysical systems which house these objects, to provide a\\ntheoretical basis for new tests of black hole nature. On the basis of\\nqualitative comparisons, we show that topologically non-trivial objects would\\nleave a strong imprint on electromagnetic observables and can be easily\\ndistinguished from general-relativistic black holes in nearly all cases.\\n
The Tupí-Guaraní language family
2020-11-12

Abstract Attempts to classify Tupí-Guaraní languages have so far been inconsistent with archaeological evidence and ignored information from historical sources. The case of Tupinambá is most illustrative in this regard. Using both Bayesian phylogenetic analysis and a stochastic algorithm that reconstructs phylogenetic trees by relying on maximum likelihood estimation, we suggest a new internal classification of the Tupí-Guaraní branch. The results of the analyses are in accordance with the most recent genetic research on Tupían populations and challenge previous classifications by suggesting, among others, that Tupinambá should not be considered a ‘Guaraní’ language.