julilili42/papers huggingface dataset:
Lipoproteins Are Responsible for the Pro-Inflammatory Property of Staphylococcus aureus Extracellular Vesicles
2021-07-01

Staphylococcal aureus (S. aureus), a Gram-positive bacteria, is known to cause various infections. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are a heterogeneous array of membranous structures secreted by cells from all three domains of life, i.e., eukaryotes, bacteria, and archaea. Bacterial EVs are implied to be involved in both bacteria–bacteria and bacteria–host interactions during infections. It is still unclear how S. aureus EVs interact with host cells and induce inflammatory responses. In this study, EVs were isolated from S. aureus and mutant strains deficient in either prelipoprotein lipidation (Δlgt) or major surface proteins (ΔsrtAB). Their immunostimulatory capacities were assessed both in vitro and in vivo. We found that S. aureus EVs induced pro-inflammatory responses both in vitro and in vivo. However, this activity was dependent on lipidated lipoproteins (Lpp), since EVs isolated from the Δlgt showed no stimulation. On the other hand, EVs isolated from the ΔsrtAB mutant showed full immune stimulation, indicating the cell wall anchoring of surface proteins did not play a role in immune stimulation. The immune stimulation of S. aureus EVs was mediated mainly by monocytes/macrophages and was TLR2 dependent. In this study, we demonstrated that not only free Lpp but also EV-imbedded Lpp had high pro-inflammatory activity.
Constraints on Einstein-Maxwell dilaton-axion gravity from X-ray reflection spectroscopy
2021-07-01

Einstein-Maxwell dilaton-axion gravity is a string-inspired model arising from the low energy effective action of heterotic string theory and an important candidate as alternative to General Relativity. Recently, some authors have explored its astrophysical implications in the spectra of accreting black holes and inferred the constraint , where is the black hole dilaton charge and General Relativity is recovered for . In the present paper, we study the impact of a non-vanishing black hole dilaton charge on the reflection spectrum of the disk. From the analysis of a NuSTAR spectrum of the black hole binary EXO 1846-031, we find the constraint (90% CL), which is an order of magnitude more stringent.
Inheritance of DNA methylation differences in the mangroveRhizophora mangle
2021-07-01

Abstract The capacity to respond to environmental challenges ultimately relies on phenotypic variation which manifests from complex interactions of genetic and nongenetic mechanisms through development. While we know something about genetic variation and structure of many species of conservation importance, we know very little about the nongenetic contributions to variation. Rhizophora mangle is a foundation species that occurs in coastal estuarine habitats throughout the neotropics where it provides critical ecosystem functions and is potentially threatened by anthropogenic environmental changes. Several studies have documented landscape‐level patterns of genetic variation in this species, but we know virtually nothing about the inheritance of nongenetic variation. To assess one type of nongenetic variation, we examined the patterns of DNA sequence and DNA methylation in maternal plants and offspring from natural populations of R. mangle from the Gulf Coast of Florida. We used a reduced representation bisulfite sequencing approach (epi‐genotyping by sequencing; epiGBS) to address the following questions: (a) What are the levels of genetic and epigenetic diversity in natural populations of R. mangle ? (b) How are genetic and epigenetic variation structured within and among populations? (c) How faithfully is epigenetic variation inherited? We found low genetic diversity but high epigenetic diversity from natural populations of maternal plants in the field. In addition, a large portion (up to ~25%) of epigenetic differences among offspring grown in common garden was explained by maternal family. Therefore, epigenetic variation could be an important source of response to challenging environments in the genetically depauperate populations of this foundation species.
Discovery of the 5 keV Cyclotron Line Followed by Three Harmonics in Swift J1626.6-5156
2021-07-01

Abstract We report on observations of the Be/X-ray binary system Swift J1626.6–5156 performed with the Nuclear Spectroscopic Telescope ARray (NuSTAR) during a short outburst in 2021 March, following its detection by the MAXI monitor and Spektrum–Roentgen–Gamma (SRG) observatory. Our analysis of the broadband X-ray spectrum of the source confirms the presence of two absorption-like features at energies E ∼ 9 and E ∼ 17 keV. These had been previously reported in the literature and interpreted as the fundamental cyclotron resonance scattering feature (CRSF) and its first harmonic (based on Rossi X-ray Timing Explorer (RXTE) data). The better sensitivity and energy resolution of NuSTAR, combined with the low-energy coverage of Neutron star Interior Composition Explorer (NICER), allowed us to detect two additional absorption-like features at E ∼ 4.9 keV and E ∼ 13 keV. Therefore, we conclude that, in total, four cyclotron lines are observed in the spectrum of Swift J1626.6–5156: the fundamental CRSF at E ∼ 4.9 keV and three higher spaced harmonics. This discovery makes Swift J1626.6–5156 the second accreting pulsar, after 4U 0115+63, whose spectrum is characterized by more than three lines of a cyclotronic origin, and implies that the source has the weakest confirmed magnetic field among all X-ray pulsars, B ∼ 4 × 10 11 G. This discovery makes Swift J1626.6–5156 one of the prime targets for the upcoming X-ray polarimetry missions covering the soft X-ray band, such as Imaging X-ray Polarimetry Explorer (IXPE) and enhanced X-ray Timing and Polarimetry mission (eXTP).
Lake-Level Changes and Their Paleo-Climatic Implications at the MIS12 Lower Paleolithic (Middle Pleistocene) Site Marathousa 1, Greece
2021-07-01

Lithics and cut-marked mammal bones, excavated from the paleo-lake Marathousa 1 (MAR-1) sediments in the Megalopolis Basin, southern Greece, indicate traces of hominin activity occurring along a paleo-shoreline ca. 444,000 years (444 ka) ago. However, the local environment and climatic conditions promoting hominin activity in the area during the MIS12 glacial remain largely unknown. In order to reconstruct the paleo-environment including paleo-lake levels and governing paleo-climatic factors on a high temporal resolution, we analyzed a 6-meter-long sediment sequence from the archeological site MAR-1 and a Bayesian age model was computed for a better age constrain of the different sedimentary units. A multiproxy approach was applied using ostracods, sponge spicules, diatoms, grain sizes, total organic carbon, total inorganic carbon and conventional X-ray fluorescence analysis. The results from the site represent a protected region surrounded by high mountains under the constant influence of water, either as a shallow partly anoxic water body surrounded by reed belts (&amp;gt;463–457 ka, &amp;lt;434–427 ka), a riverine-lake deltaic system (∼457–448 ka), a floodplain (∼448–444 ka) or a seasonal freshwater pond (∼444–436 ka). The local changes of water levels resemble large trends and rhythms of regional records from the Mediterranean and appear to directly respond to sea surface temperature (SST) changes of the North Atlantic. In particular, when the SSTs are high, more moisture reaches the study area and vice versa. Additional water reaches MAR-1 through melting of the surrounding glaciers after brief warm phases during MIS12 in the Mediterranean realm, which leads to the formation of smaller fresh water ponds, where also the horizon of the excavated remains is placed. Such ponds, rich in ostracods and other microorganisms, provided mammals and humans valuable resources, such as potable water, a wide range of plant species and hunting opportunities. These deposits therefore bear a high archeological potential. The results from our study suggest that the Megalopolis Basin could have served as a refugium for hominins and other organisms due to its capacity to retain freshwater bodies during glacial and interglacial periods.
Collagen fingerprinting traces the introduction of caprines to island Eastern Africa
2021-07-01

The human colonization of eastern Africa's near- and offshore islands was accompanied by the translocation of several domestic, wild and commensal fauna, many of which had long-term impacts on local environments. To better understand the timing and nature of the introduction of domesticated caprines (sheep and goat) to these islands, this study applied collagen peptide fingerprinting (Zooarchaeology by Mass Spectrometry or ZooMS) to archaeological remains from eight Iron Age sites, dating between ca 300 and 1000 CE, in the Zanzibar, Mafia and Comoros archipelagos. Where previous zooarchaeological analyses had identified caprine remains at four of these sites, this study identified goat at seven sites and sheep at three, demonstrating that caprines were more widespread than previously known. The ZooMS results support an introduction of goats to island eastern Africa from at least the seventh century CE, while sheep in our sample arrived one–two centuries later. Goats may have been preferred because, as browsers, they were better adapted to the islands' environments. The results allow for a more accurate understanding of early caprine husbandry in the study region and provide a critical archaeological baseline for examining the potential long-term impacts of translocated fauna on island ecologies.
Novel immunomodulatory properties of low dose cytarabine entrapped in a mannosylated cationic liposome
2021-07-01

Cancer treatment remains unsatisfactory with high rates of recurrence and metastasis. Immunomodulatory agents capable of promoting cellular antitumor immunity while inhibiting the local immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment could greatly improve cancer treatment. We have developed a multi-targeted mannosylated cationic liposome delivery system containing muramyl dipeptide (DS) and low doses of the chemotherapeutic agent cytarabine (Ara-C). Immunomodulation of primary immune cells and immortalized cancer cell lines by Ara-C/DS was assessed by measuring cytokine levels and surface marker expression. As a proof of concept, the generation of targeted cellular immunity was investigated in the context of responses to viral antigens. This report is the first demonstrating that Ara-C combined with DS can modulate immune responses and revert immunosuppression as evidenced by increased IFN-γ and IL-12p40 without changes in IL-10 in peripheral blood mononuclear cells, and increased CD80 and decreased CD163 on immunosuppressive macrophages. Furthermore, Ara-C/DS increased MHC class I expression on cancer cells while increasing the production of antigen-specific IFN-γ<sup>+</sup> CD8<sup>+</sup> T cells in viral peptide-challenged lymphocytes from both humans and vaccinated mice. Taken together, these results are the first to document immunomodulatory properties of Ara-C linked with recognition of antigens and potentially the generation of antitumor immune memory.
How Do Fractures Influence Hyporheic Exchange in Sedimentary Rock Riverbeds?
2021-07-01

Abstract Bedrock rivers represent a hydrogeological environment in which surface water flows along an exposed bedrock surface. Studies of hyporheic exchange have exclusively involved rivers composed of unconsolidated fluvial sediments, leaving a critical knowledge gap. This study evaluates the conditions that could support bedform‐scale hyporheic exchange within a fractured sedimentary bedrock river based on field data collected near Guelph, Canada. Hyporheic exchange at the bedform‐scale was evaluated by numerically modeling the migration of a conservative solute tracer through a bedrock riverbed within a two‐dimensional vertical cross‐section along the flow direction. A stochastic discrete fracture‐matrix framework was developed to represent measured subsurface fractured bedrock properties, producing a probabilistic distribution of potential hyporheic exchange pathways. Flow and transport model results indicate that: (a) bedform‐scale hyporheic exchange within a bedrock river exists with high fluid flow velocities in fractures, yet long solute residence times due to diffusion across the fracture‐matrix boundary; (b) the coincidence of fractures and hydrodynamic head gradients across the riverbed controls the spatial extent of bedform‐scale hyporheic exchange; and (c) the potential variability in hyporheic exchange residence time is large (i.e., tens of years) due to the inherent variability in facture network properties. Our field‐based numerical study indicates that the average (median) residence time may not be a good proxy for the potential natural attenuation capacity of a fractured sedimentary bedrock riverbed and that hyporheic exchange has the potential to emplace surface water contaminants within the fractured porous rock matrix that could become a long‐term source of trace contaminants.
18F-Fluoride PET/CT Imaging of Medication-Related Osteonecrosis of the Jaw in Conservative Treatment—A Case Report
2021-07-01

Medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ) is a serious side effect in antiresorptive treatment. Treatment of MRONJ is considered primarily conservative with oral mouth rinses and antibiotics but may demand surgery, depending on the complaints and general condition of the patient, the extent of the necrosis, and the overall prognosis with respect to the underlying disease. A 77 year old female patient with invasive ductal breast cancer and bone metastases was treated with intravenous bisphosphonate (BP) zoledronic acid. During therapy, she developed MRONJ in the mandible with severe pain. Clinical examination revealed confluent exposed bone of the lower left jaw and a fistula at the right molar region. The panoramic radiograph revealed a mandibular osseous involvement with diffuse radiopaque areas between radiolucent areas. For preoperative planning, 18 F-fluoride positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) of the jaw was performed, showing substantially increased 18 F-fluoride uptake in regions 38 to 47 of the mandible with a focal gap in region 36 (area of clinically exposed bone). CT revealed medullary sclerosis and cortical thickening with confluent periosteal reaction and focal cortical erosion in the regions 37 to 42, whereas the regions 43 to 47 were only subtly sclerotic without cortical thickening. After systemic antibiotic therapy with sultamicillin following significant symptom and pain relief, 18 F-fluoride PET/CT imaging was performed again after 5 months. No changes in either CT and PET were observed in regions 38 to 42, whereas the bony sclerosis was slightly increased in regions 43 to 47 with a slight reduction of 18 F-fluoride uptake. 18 F-fluoride PET/CT showed no significant changes assessing the extent of MRONJ prior and after systemic antibiotic therapy, providing no evidence that conservative treatment reduced the extent of the MRONJ-affected jawbone. The additional information of 18 F-fluoride PET enables to identify the true extent of MRONJ which may be underestimated by CT imaging alone. Patients with MRONJ undergoing conservative treatment could benefit because additional imaging may be avoided as the pre-therapeutic 18 F-fluoride PET/CT delivers all information needed for further treatment. Our findings support the recommendation of a surgical approach as long-term antibiotics cannot downsize the extent of MRONJ.
C5 Variant rs10985126 is Associated with Mortality in Patients with Symptomatic Coronary Artery Disease
2021-07-01

In this study, we provide evidence for the prognostic relevance of rs10985126 in CAD patients. C5 rs10985126 may serve as a prognostic biomarker for risk stratification in high-risk CAD patients and consequently promote tailored therapies.
Robustness of a dynamical systems model with a plastic self-organising vector field to noisy input signals
2021-07-01

Abstract We investigate the robustness with respect to random stimuli of a dynamical system with a plastic self-organising vector field, previously proposed as a conceptual model of a cognitive system and inspired by the self-organised plasticity of the brain. This model of a novel type consists of an ordinary differential equation subjected to the time-dependent “sensory” input, whose time-evolving solution is the vector field of another ordinary differential equation governing the observed behaviour of the system, which in the brain would be neural firings. It is shown that the individual solutions of both these differential equations depend continuously over finite time intervals on the input signals. In addition, under suitable uniformity assumptions, it is shown that the non-autonomous pullback attractor and forward omega limit set of the given two-tier system depend upper semi-continuously on the input signal. The analysis holds for both deterministic and noisy input signals, in the latter case in a pathwise sense.
The Law of Energy Transition in Federal Systems
2021-07-01

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SYNTHESIS AND STRUCTURE OF A RHENIUM TETRAHEDRAL CLUSTER COMPLEX WITH THE {Re4(PO)4}4+ CORE
2021-07-01

By a high-temperature reaction of rhenium(III) iodide and red phosphorus with an excess of sodium cyanide followed by recrystallization from an aqueous solution a new tetrahedral [{Re4(PO)4}(CN)12]8– anionic cluster complex is obtained. It is isolated as a salt of the composition Na8[{Re4(PO)4}(CN)12] 18H2O·MeOH. The structure of the obtained compound is determined by X-ray crystallography. The compound crystallizes in the monoclinic crystal system, P21/n space group, unit cell parameters a = 26.826(3) Å, b = 11.4975(12) Å, c = 29.141(3) Å, β = 97.879(2)°, V = 8903.2(16) Å3, Z = 8.
Is the Technological Revolution Reshaping Our Understanding of Love?
2021-07-01

Abstract This article seeks to explore how technology affects the way we understand and practise love, against the background of the theme of the 11th Assembly of the World Council of Churches, “Christ’s love moves the world to reconciliation and unity.” The article argues that we need a deeper, theologically informed interdisciplinary engagement about new understandings of technology and how technology might contribute to human flourishing. It concludes that dialogue between theology, ethics, and technology is crucial to prevent the negative effects of the digital‐technological revolution on how we love and relate to one another.
Evaluation of a Rapid Antigen Test To Detect SARS-CoV-2 Infection and Identify Potentially Infectious Individuals
2021-07-02

The identification and isolation of highly infectious SARS-CoV-2-infected individuals is an important public health strategy. Rapid antigen detection tests (RADT) are promising candidates for large-scale screenings due to timely results and feasibility for on-site testing.
On the “cartilaginous rider” in the endocasts of turtle brain cavities
2021-07-02

Abstract In recent years, paleoneurology became a very popular research field and hundreds of brain-endocasts were described. The interpretation of a dorsal protuberance of the brain-endocast puzzled researchers for a long time, the so-called (cartilaginous) rider. This is mainly because of technical limitations in the past and due to non-accessibility of comparative material. Using turtles as a case-study, we conducted a literature review and studied embryological data in addition to fossil and extant species’ endocasts. We assessed three hypotheses on the origin of the rider as relating to 1) the pineal gland, to 2) the blood vessel system, and to 3) skull roof elements. Based on our integrated anatomical observations, we refute the pineal gland hypothesis (1) and an exclusive blood vessel explanation (2). However, we show that, in most cases, the cartilaginous origin applies (3). The related cartilages, mainly the anterior process of the chondrocranial tectum synoticum, can persist until adulthood. Its diversity is interpreted in regard to the mechanical support for the temporal skull region, the shape of which has been shown to be in turn related to neck retraction and jaw mechanics. Finally, we highlight the value of embryological data to provide profound hypotheses for evolutionary research despite its low quantitative evaluability. We argue that it should be studied in conjunction with modern computer-aided data acquisition whenever possible.
General-relativistic treatment of tidal g-mode resonances in coalescing binaries of neutron stars – I. Theoretical framework and crust breaking
2021-07-02

ABSTRACT During the final stages of a neutron-star binary coalescence, stellar quasi-normal modes can become resonantly excited by tidal fields. If the strain exerted by the excited modes exceeds the extent to which the crust can respond linearly, localized crustal failures may occur. In this work, we re-examine resonant g-mode excitations of relativistic neutron stars in the last ∼10 s of an inspiral. We adopt realistic equations of state that pass constraints from GW170817, include third-order post-Newtonian terms for the conservation orbital motion, and employ a 2.5 post-Newtonian scheme for gravitational back-reaction. Frequency modulations of the modes due to tidal fields, Lorentz forces, and (slow) rotation are also considered to investigate the maximal strain achievable by resonantly excited g modes. Depending on the equation of state, degree of stratification, and stellar magnetic field, we find that certain g-mode excitations may be able to break the crust some seconds prior to coalescence.
Design, Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of Novel Pyrazolo[1,2,4]triazolopyrimidine Derivatives as Potential Anticancer Agents
2021-07-02

Three novel pyrazolo-[4,3-e][1,2,4]triazolopyrimidine derivatives (1, 2, and 3) were designed, synthesized, and evaluated for their in vitro biological activity. All three compounds exhibited different levels of cytotoxicity against cervical and breast cancer cell lines. However, compound 1 showed the best antiproliferative activity against all tested tumor cell lines, including HCC1937 and HeLa cells, which express high levels of wild-type epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). Western blot analyses demonstrated that compound 1 inhibited the activation of EGFR, protein kinase B (Akt), and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (Erk)1/2 in breast and cervical cancer cells at concentrations of 7 and 11 μM, respectively. The results from docking experiments with EGFR suggested the binding of compound 1 at the ATP binding site of EGFR. Furthermore, the crystal structure of compound 3 (7-(4-bromophenyl)-9-(pyridin-4-yl)-7H-pyrazolo[4,3-e][1,2,4]triazolo[1,5-c]pyrimidine) was determined by single crystal X-ray analysis. Our work represents a promising starting point for the development of a new series of compounds targeting EGFR.