10 research outputs found
Heuristic Models of Two-Fermion Relativistic Systems with Field-Type Interaction
We use the chain of simple heuristic expedients to obtain perturbative and
exactly solvable relativistic spectra for a family of two-fermionic bound
systems with Coulomb-like interaction. In the case of electromagnetic
interaction the spectrum coincides up to the second order in a coupling
constant with that following from the quantum electrodynamics. Discrepancy
occurs only for S-states which is the well-known difficulty in the bound-state
problem. The confinement interaction is considered too.
PACS number(s): 03.65.Pm, 03.65.Ge, 12.39.PnComment: 16 pages, LaTeX 2.0
Two-step spacetime deformation induced dynamical torsion
We extend the geometrical ideas of the spacetime deformations to study the
physical foundation of the post-Riemannian geometry. To this aim, we construct
the theory of 'two-step spacetime deformation' as a guiding principle. We
address the theory of teleparallel gravity and construct a consistent
Einstein-Cartan (EC) theory with the 'dynamical torsion'. We show that the
equations of the standard EC theory, in which the equation defining torsion is
the algebraic type and, in fact, no propagation of torsion is allowed, can be
equivalently replaced by the set of 'modified EC equations' in which the
torsion, in general, is dynamical. The special physical constraint imposed upon
the spacetime deformations yields the short-range propagating spin-spin
interaction.Comment: 17 pages, no fifure
An Anomalous Type IV Secretion System in Rickettsia Is Evolutionarily Conserved
Bacterial type IV secretion systems (T4SSs) comprise a diverse transporter family functioning in conjugation, competence, and effector molecule (DNA and/or protein) translocation. Thirteen genome sequences from Rickettsia, obligate intracellular symbionts/pathogens of a wide range of eukaryotes, have revealed a reduced T4SS relative to the Agrobacterium tumefaciens archetype (vir). However, the Rickettsia T4SS has not been functionally characterized for its role in symbiosis/virulence, and none of its substrates are known.Superimposition of T4SS structural/functional information over previously identified Rickettsia components implicate a functional Rickettsia T4SS. virB4, virB8 and virB9 are duplicated, yet only one copy of each has the conserved features of similar genes in other T4SSs. An extraordinarily duplicated VirB6 gene encodes five hydrophobic proteins conserved only in a short region known to be involved in DNA transfer in A. tumefaciens. virB1, virB2 and virB7 are newly identified, revealing a Rickettsia T4SS lacking only virB5 relative to the vir archetype. Phylogeny estimation suggests vertical inheritance of all components, despite gene rearrangements into an archipelago of five islets. Similarities of Rickettsia VirB7/VirB9 to ComB7/ComB9 proteins of epsilon-proteobacteria, as well as phylogenetic affinities to the Legionella lvh T4SS, imply the Rickettsiales ancestor acquired a vir-like locus from distantly related bacteria, perhaps while residing in a protozoan host. Modern modifications of these systems likely reflect diversification with various eukaryotic host cells.We present the rvh (Rickettsiales vir homolog) T4SS, an evolutionary conserved transporter with an unknown role in rickettsial biology. This work lays the foundation for future laboratory characterization of this system, and also identifies the Legionella lvh T4SS as a suitable genetic model
Role of Immunotherapy in Advanced Gastroesophageal Cancer
Immunotherapy and tumor microenvironment have been at the forefront of cancer research over the past several decades. Here, we will review the role of immunotherapy in advanced gastroesophageal cancers including targeted antibodies, immunomodulating agents, vaccines, oncolytic virus therapy, and adoptive immunotherapy, and discuss the future direction for immunotherapy in this population.
Targeted antibodies are already standard-of-care. An anti-PD-1 monoclonal antibody is currently FDA approved for second-line treatment of locally advanced or metastatic ESCC, as well as beyond second-line treatment of advanced G/GEJ cancers, and recent data suggests it may be considered in first-line treatment of advanced G/GEJ cancers. Combination therapies such as immunotherapy plus chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy, vaccines, oncolytic viral therapy, and adoptive immunotherapy in varying combinations are currently under active investigation. Several trials are ongoing and are hoped to reach more efficacious and individualized treatment options in advanced gastroesophageal cancer, where novel treatment options are desperately needed