julilili42/papers huggingface dataset:
The Slr0058 Protein From Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 Is a Novel Regulatory Protein Involved in PHB Granule Formation
2020-04-30

During phases of nitrogen starvation, the photosynthetic cyanobacterium <i>Synechocystis</i> sp. PCC 6803 produces polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB). This polymer is of high biotechnological relevance because of its potential as biodegradable plastic. Analysis of the <i>Synechocystis</i> genome revealed an operon (<i>slr0058-slr0061</i>) containing several genes, which are putatively related to the PHB metabolism. While Slr0058 show similarities with the regulatory phasin PhaF, the protein Slr0060 could serve as an intracellular PHB depolymerase. Investigation of respective knock-out mutants showed no distinct phenotype for the strain lacking Slr0060, whereas the Δ<i>slr0058</i> mutant displayed a growth impairment as well as a change in pigmentation. During nitrogen starvation, the Δ<i>slr0058</i> mutant produced in average more than twice the amount of PHB granules per cell, while the overall amount of PHB remained the same. This indicates that Slr0058 plays a role in PHB granule formation and controls it surface-to-volume ratio. GFP-tagged Slr0058 did not co-localize with PHB granules during nitrogen starvation but aggregated in distinct foci during vegetative growth. This work helps to better understand the PHB metabolism of <i>Synechocystis</i> sp. PCC 6803, coming closer to a sustainable, industrial production of PHB.
Colors and patterns of black hole X-ray binary GX 339-4
2020-04-30

Black hole X-ray binaries show signs of nonthermal emission in the optical to near-infrared range. We analyzed optical to near-infrared SMARTS data on GX 339-4 over the 2002–2011 period. Using soft state data, we estimated the interstellar extinction toward the source and characteristic color temperatures of the accretion disk. We show that various spectral states of regular outbursts occupy similar regions on color-magnitude diagrams, and that transitions between the states proceed along the same tracks despite substantial differences in the morphology of the observed light curves. We determine the typical duration of hard-to-soft and soft-to-hard state transitions and the hard state at the decaying stage of the outburst to be one, two, and four weeks, respectively. We find that the failed outbursts cannot be easily distinguished from the regular outbursts at their early stages, but if the source reaches 16 mag in V band, it transits to the soft state. By subtracting the contribution of the accretion disk, we obtain spectra of the nonthermal component, which have constant, nearly flat shapes during the transitions between the hard and soft states. In contrast to the slowly evolving nonthermal component seen at optical and near-infrared wavelengths, the mid-infrared spectrum is strongly variable on short timescales and sometimes shows a prominent excess with a cutoff below 10 14 Hz. We show that the radio to optical spectrum can be modeled using three components corresponding to the jet, hot flow, and irradiated accretion disk.
Quantum decoherence by Coulomb interaction
2020-04-30

Abstract The performance of modern quantum devices in communication, metrology or microscopy relies on the quantum–classical interaction which is generally described by the theory of decoherence. Despite the high relevance for long coherence times in quantum electronics, decoherence mechanisms mediated by the Coulomb force are not well understood yet and several competing theoretical models exist. Here, we present an experimental study of the Coulomb-induced decoherence of free electrons in a superposition state in a biprism electron interferometer close to a semiconducting and metallic surface. The decoherence was determined through a contrast loss at different beam path separations, surface distances and conductibilities. To clarify the current literature discussion, four theoretical models were compared to our data. We could rule out three of them and got good agreement with a theory based on macroscopic quantum electrodynamics. The results will enable the determination and minimization of specific decoherence channels in the design of novel quantum instruments.
Synthesis of new asparagine-based glycopeptides for future scanning tunneling microscopy investigations
2020-04-30

For investigations on the biological functions of oligosaccharides and peptidomimetics, new asparagine-based mono- and disaccharides containing glycopeptides were prepared in solution. The applicability of two common peptide coupling reagents, using an orthogonal Fmoc/ t -Bu strategy along with acetyl protecting groups for the carbohydrate moiety, was studied. Thus, the prepared libraries of glycopeptides were designed as model systems of cell surfaces for future investigations by combined preparative mass spectroscopy and scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) using soft-landing electrospray beam deposition (ES-IBD), on metal surfaces.
Development of Composition and Technologies of Dental Gel of Meloxicam
2020-04-30

BACKGROUND: Dental gels have several advantages over other oral dosage forms. Being a viscoplastic dosage form, the gel, when applied to the damaged area of the gum or mucous membrane, creates a protective film, preventing mechanical irritation, and providing a localized effect of the drug components. AIM: The aim of this work was to develop the composition and technology of the dental gel of meloxicam, the study of the main technological and consumer characteristics, as well as the local irritating effect of the dosage form. METHODS: Dental gels were prepared using purified water, alcohol, glycerol, and buckthorn oil as solvents, gelling agents used were: Hydroxyethylcellulose Natrosol® 250 HHX Pharm, Carbopol® 974P NF Polymer, and solubilizer Poloxamer 407 (Lutrol® F 127). The bioadhesive component and Noveon® Polycarbophil component were used for dental gel preparation. Aspartame was used as sweetener. Menthol and ascorbic acid were used to correct the organoleptic properties of the pharmaceutical composition. The formulated dental gel of meloxicam at a concentration of 7.5% was evaluated for organoleptic properties, pH, rheological characteristics, bioadhesive properties, and stability under the accelerated aging period. The in vivo local irritant effect was evaluated using ten rabbits by cutaneous, subcutaneous, subconjunctival administration, as well as application to the upper palate. RESULTS: Based on the results of studying technological and organoleptic properties, the optimal composition based on the Natrosol® 250 HHX hydroxyethylcellulose gelling agent, glycerol solvent, and purified water in the ratio 1/5 was selected, the composition contains Noveon® bioadhesive in an amount of 2%. The composition has good taste, pH close to pH of saliva has high bioadhesive properties, satisfactory rheological characteristics. The shelf life of the experimental series by accelerated aging was 2 years. The selected composition does not have a local irritant effect. CONCLUSION: A new dosage form of meloxicam was developed – a gel for use in dental practice.
Calibrating a long-term meteoric 10Be delivery rate into Western US glacial deposits through a comparison of complimentary meteoric and in situ-produced 10Be depth profiles
2020-04-30

Abstract. Meteoric 10Be (10Bemet) concentrations in soil profiles great potential as a geochronometer and a tracer of Earth surface processes, particularly in fine-grained soils lacking quartz that would preclude the use of in situ-produced 10Be (10Bein situ). One prerequisite for using this technique for accurately calculating rates and dates is constraining the delivery, or flux, of 10Bemet to a site. However, few studies to date have quantified long-term (i.e. millennial) delivery rates. In this study, we compared existing concentrations of 10Bein situ with new measurements of 10Bemet in soils sampled from the same depth profiles to calibrate a long-term 10Bemet delivery rate. We did so on the Pinedale and Bull Lake glacial moraines at Fremont Lake, Wyoming (USA) where age, grain sizes, weathering indices, and soil properties are known, as are erosion/denudation rates calculated from 10Bein situ. After ensuring sufficient beryllium retention in each profile, solving for the delivery rate of 10Bemet via Monte Carlo simulations, and normalizing to Holocene-average paleomagnetic intensity, we calculate best-fit fluxes of 0.92 (+/− 0.08) × 106 and 0.71 (+0.09/−0.08) × 106 atoms cm−2 y−1 to the Pinedale and Bull Lake moraines, respectively, and compare these values to two widely-used 10Bemet delivery rate estimation methods. Accurately estimating 10Bemet flux using these methods requires careful consideration of spatial scale as well as temporally varying parameters (e.g. paleomagnetic field intensity) to ensure the most realistic estimates of 10Bemet-derived erosion rates in future studies.
Rotation-invariant clustering of functional cell types in primary visual cortex
2020-04-30

Similar to a convolutional neural network (CNN), the mammalian retina encodes visual information into several dozen nonlinear feature maps, each formed by one ganglion cell type that tiles the visual space in an approximately shift-equivariant manner. Whether such organization into distinct cell types is maintained at the level of cortical image processing is an open question. Predictive models building upon convolutional features have been shown to provide state-of-the-art performance, and have recently been extended to include rotation equivariance in order to account for the orientation selectivity of V1 neurons. However, generally no direct correspondence between CNN feature maps and groups of individual neurons emerges in these models, thus rendering it an open question whether V1 neurons form distinct functional clusters. Here we build upon the rotation-equivariant representation of a CNN-based V1 model and propose a methodology for clustering the representations of neurons in this model to find functional cell types independent of preferred orientations of the neurons. We apply this method to a dataset of 6000 neurons and provide evidence that discrete functional cell types exist in V1. By visualizing the preferred stimuli of these clusters, we highlight the range of non-linear computations executed by V1 neurons.
Estimates for disk and ejecta masses produced in compact binary mergers
2020-05-01

There is irresistible observational evidence that binary systems of compact objects with at least one neutron star are progenitors of short gamma-ray bursts, as well as a production site for r -process elements, at least when some matter is ejected by the merger and an accretion disk is formed. Here, the recent observations of gravitational waves in conjunction with electromagnetic counterparts fuel the need for models predicting the outcome of a given merger and the properties of the associated matter outflows as a function of the initial parameters of the binary. In this manuscript, we provide updated fitting formulas that estimate the disk mass for double neutron star binaries and ejecta masses for black hole–neutron star and double neutron star binaries, fitted to the results of numerical simulations. Our proposed fitting formulas improve on existing models by aiming for analytical simplicity, by covering a larger region of parameter space, and by accounting for regions of parameter space not covered by numerical simulations but with physically manifest merger outcomes.
Computing quantum dynamics in the semiclassical regime
2020-05-01

The semiclassically scaled time-dependent multi-particle Schrödinger equation describes, inter alia , quantum dynamics of nuclei in a molecule. It poses the combined computational challenges of high oscillations and high dimensions. This paper reviews and studies numerical approaches that are robust to the small semiclassical parameter. We present and analyse variationally evolving Gaussian wave packets, Hagedorn’s semiclassical wave packets, continuous superpositions of both thawed and frozen Gaussians, and Wigner function approaches to the direct computation of expectation values of observables. Making good use of classical mechanics is essential for all these approaches. The arising aspects of time integration and high-dimensional quadrature are also discussed.
Becoming More Conscientious or More Open to Experience? Effects of a Two–Week Smartphone–Based Intervention for Personality Change
2020-05-01

Research indicates that it might be possible to change personality traits through intervention, but this clinical research has primarily focused on changing neuroticism. To date, there are no established, proven techniques for changing other domains of personality, such as conscientiousness and openness. This research examined the effects of a two–week smartphone–based intervention to either change one facet of conscientiousness (i.e. self–discipline) or one facet of openness to experience (i.e. openness to action). Two intervention studies (total N = 255) with two active intervention groups for mutual comparisons were conducted. Results of self–reports and observer reports showed that people who wanted to become more self–disciplined were less self–disciplined at pretest. Similarly, people who wanted to become more open to action were less open to action at pretest. The results showed that people who chose the self–discipline intervention showed greater increases in self–discipline, and people who chose the openness to action intervention showed greater increases in openness to action compared with the other group. Changes were maintained until follow–up two and six weeks after the end of the intervention. Future work is needed to examine whether these personality changes are enduring or reflect temporary accentuation as a result of participation in the intervention. © 2020 European Association of Personality Psychology
Accurate position tracking with a single UWB anchor
2020-05-01

Accurate localization and tracking are a fundamental requirement for robotic applications. Localization systems like GPS, optical tracking, simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM) are used for daily life activities, research, and commercial applications. Ultra-wideband (UWB) technology provides another venue to accurately locate devices both indoors and outdoors. In this paper, we study a localization solution with a single UWB anchor, instead of the traditional multi-anchor setup. Besides the challenge of a single UWB ranging source, the only other sensor we require is a low-cost 9 DoF inertial measurement unit (IMU). Under such a configuration, we propose continuous monitoring of UWB range changes to estimate the robot speed when moving on a line. Combining speed estimation with orientation estimation from the IMU sensor, the system becomes temporally observable. We use an Extended Kalman Filter (EKF) to estimate the pose of a robot. With our solution, we can effectively correct the accumulated error and maintain accurate tracking of a moving robot.
Tocilizumab, but not dexamethasone, prevents CRS without affecting antitumor activity of bispecific antibodies
2020-05-01

Bispecific antibodies (bsAb) and chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells allow for antibody guided recruitment of T cells against tumors. Both are successfully used for treatment of CD19 expressing leukemias, but may cause cytokine release syndrome (CRS) as a major dose-limiting side effect. For CRS prevention, steroids are recommended prior to bsAb treatment, despite their well-known lymphotoxic activity. The IL-6 receptor antibody tocilizumab is established for treatment of CRS induced by CAR T cells, but was not considered for CRS prevention in bsAb therapy. We here compared the influence of dexamethasone and tocilizumab on bsAb-mediated T cell proliferation and tumor lysis in vitro and in vivo and found that dexamethasone profoundly inhibited T cell proliferation and antitumor activity as induced by two different bsAb, particularly at low effector:target ratios, whereas tocilizumab did not affect efficacy. When we applied tocilizumab early during treatment of three patients with a newly developed PSMAxCD3 bsAb, significant CRS attenuation despite high IL-6 serum levels was observed. Thus, early IL-6 blockade may reduce the undesired sequelae of CRS upon bsAb therapy without affecting therapeutic activity, allowing in turn for safe application of effective doses.
A cross-cultural investigation of young children's spontaneous invention of tool use behaviours
2020-05-01

Through the mechanisms of observation, imitation and teaching, young children readily pick up the tool using behaviours of their culture. However, little is known about the baseline abilities of children's tool use: what they might be capable of inventing on their own in the absence of socially provided information. It has been shown that children can spontaneously invent 11 of 12 candidate tool using behaviours observed within the foraging behaviours of wild non-human apes (Reindl et al . 2016 Proc. R. Soc. B 283 , 20152402. ( doi:10.1098/rspb.2015.2402 )). However, no investigations to date have examined how tool use invention in children might vary across cultural contexts. The current study investigated the levels of spontaneous tool use invention in 2- to 5-year-old children from San Bushmen communities in South Africa and children in a large city in Australia on the same 12 candidate problem-solving tasks. Children in both cultural contexts correctly invented all 12 candidate tool using behaviours, suggesting that these behaviours are within the general cognitive and physical capacities of human children and can be produced in the absence of direct social learning mechanisms such as teaching or observation. Children in both cultures were more likely to invent those tool behaviours more frequently observed in great ape populations than those less frequently observed, suggesting there is similarity in the level of difficulty of invention across these behaviours for all great ape species. However, children in the Australian sample invented tool behaviours and succeeded on the tasks more often than did the Bushmen children, highlighting that aspects of a child's social or cultural environment may influence the rates of their tool use invention on such task sets, even when direct social information is absent.
Phenotypic and genetic spectrum of epilepsy with myoclonic atonic seizures
2020-05-01

Abstract Objective We aimed to describe the extent of neurodevelopmental impairments and identify the genetic etiologies in a large cohort of patients with epilepsy with myoclonic atonic seizures (MAE). Methods We deeply phenotyped MAE patients for epilepsy features, intellectual disability, autism spectrum disorder, and attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder using standardized neuropsychological instruments. We performed exome analysis (whole exome sequencing) filtered on epilepsy and neuropsychiatric gene sets to identify genetic etiologies. Results We analyzed 101 patients with MAE (70% male). The median age of seizure onset was 34 months (range = 6‐72 months). The main seizure types were myoclonic atonic or atonic in 100%, generalized tonic‐clonic in 72%, myoclonic in 69%, absence in 60%, and tonic seizures in 19% of patients. We observed intellectual disability in 62% of patients, with extremely low adaptive behavioral scores in 69%. In addition, 24% exhibited symptoms of autism and 37% exhibited attention‐deficit/hyperactivity symptoms. We discovered pathogenic variants in 12 (14%) of 85 patients, including five previously published patients. These were pathogenic genetic variants in SYNGAP1 (n = 3), KIAA2022 (n = 2), and SLC6A1 (n = 2), as well as KCNA2 , SCN2A, STX1B, KCNB1, and MECP2 (n = 1 each). We also identified three new candidate genes, ASH1L, CHD4, and SMARCA2 in one patient each. Significance MAE is associated with significant neurodevelopmental impairment. MAE is genetically heterogeneous, and we identified a pathogenic genetic etiology in 14% of this cohort by exome analysis. These findings suggest that MAE is a manifestation of several etiologies rather than a discrete syndromic entity.
Addressing Nanomaterial Immunosafety by Evaluating Innate Immunity across Living Species
2020-05-01

Abstract The interaction of a living organism with external foreign agents is a central issue for its survival and adaptation to the environment. Nanosafety should be considered within this perspective, and it should be examined that how different organisms interact with engineered nanomaterials (NM) by either mounting a defensive response or by physiologically adapting to them. Herein, the interaction of NM with one of the major biological systems deputed to recognition of and response to foreign challenges, i.e., the immune system, is specifically addressed. The main focus is innate immunity, the only type of immunity in plants, invertebrates, and lower vertebrates, and that coexists with adaptive immunity in higher vertebrates. Because of their presence in the majority of eukaryotic living organisms, innate immune responses can be viewed in a comparative context. In the majority of cases, the interaction of NM with living organisms results in innate immune reactions that eliminate the possible danger with mechanisms that do not lead to damage. While in some cases such interaction may lead to pathological consequences, in some other cases beneficial effects can be identified.
Gravitational-wave versus x-ray tests of strong-field gravity
2020-05-01

Electromagnetic observations of the radiation emitted by an accretion disk\\naround a black hole, as well as gravitational wave observations of coalescing\\nbinaries, can be used to probe strong-field gravity. We here compare the\\nconstraints that these two types of observations can impose on theory-agnostic,\\nparametric deviations from the Schwarzschild metric. On the gravitational wave\\nside, we begin by computing the leading-order deviation to the Hamiltonian of a\\nbinary system in a quasi-circular orbit within the post-Newtonian\\napproximation, given a parametric deformation of the Schwarzschild metrics of\\neach binary component. We then compute the leading-order deviation to the\\ngravitational waves emitted by such a binary in the frequency domain, assuming\\npurely Einsteinian radiation-reaction. We compare this model to the LIGO-Virgo\\ncollaboration gravitational wave detections and place constraints on the metric\\ndeformation parameters, concluding with an estimate of the constraining power\\nof aLIGO at design sensitivity. On the electromagnetic side, we first simulate\\nobservations with current and future X-ray instruments of an X-ray binary with\\na parametrically-deformed Schwarzschild black hole, and we then estimate\\nconstraints on the deformation parameters using these observations.We find that\\ncurrent gravitational wave observations have already placed constraints on the\\nmetric deformation parameters than are slightly more stringent than what can be\\nachieved with current X-ray instruments. Moreover, future gravitational wave\\nobservations with aLIGO at design sensitivity by 2026 will be even more\\nstringent, becoming stronger than constraints achievable with future ATHENA\\nX-ray observations before it flies in 2034.\\n
Modeling Bias in Supermassive Black Hole Spin Measurements
2020-05-01

Abstract X-ray reflection spectroscopy (or iron line method) is a powerful tool to probe the strong gravity region of black holes, and currently is the only technique for measuring the spin of the supermassive ones. While all the available relativistic reflection models assume thin accretion disks, we know that several sources accrete near or above the Eddington limit and therefore must have thick accretion disks. In this work, we employ the Polish donut model for the description of thick disks. We thus estimate the systematic error on the spin measurement when a source with a thick accretion disk is fitted with a thin disk model. Our results clearly show that spin measurements can be significantly affected by the morphology of the accretion disk. Current spin measurements of sources with high-mass accretion rate are therefore not reliable.