The iron and oxygen content of LMC Classical Cepheids and its implications for the extragalactic distance scale and Hubble constant: Equivalent width analysis with Kurucz stellar atmosphere models

Context. Classical Cepheids are primary distance indicators and a crucial stepping stone in determining the present-day value of the Hubble constant H0 to the precision and accuracy required to constrain apparent deviations from the ΛCDM Concordance Cosmological Model. Aims. We measured the iron and oxygen abundances of a statistically significant sample of 89 Cepheids in the Large Magellanic Cloud (LMC), one of the anchors of the local distance scale, quadrupling the prior sample and including 68 of the 70 Cepheids used to constrain H0 by the SH0ES program. The goal is to constrain the extent to which the luminosity of Cepheids is influenced by their chemical composition, which is an important contributor to the uncertainty on the determination of the Hubble constant itself and a critical factor in the internal consistency of the distance ladder. Methods. We derived stellar parameters and chemical abundances from a self-consistent spectroscopic analysis based on equivalent width of absorption lines. Results. The iron distribution of Cepheids in the LMC can be very accurately described by a single Gaussian with a mean [Fe/H] =-0.409 ± 0.003 dex and σ = 0.076 ± 0.003 dex. We estimate a systematic uncertainty on the absolute mean values of 0.1 dex. The width of the distribution is fully compatible with the measurement error and supports the low dispersion of 0.069 mag seen in the near-infrared Hubble Space Telescope LMC period-luminosity relation. The uniformity of the abundance has the important consequence that the LMC Cepheids alone cannot provide any meaningful constraint on the dependence of the Cepheid period-luminosity relation on chemical composition at any wavelength. This revises a prior claim based on a small sample of 22 LMC Cepheids that there was little dependence (or uncertainty) between composition and near-infrared luminosity, a conclusion which would produce an apparent conflict between anchors of the distance ladder with different mean abundance. The chemical homogeneity of the LMC Cepheid population makes it an ideal environment in which to calibrate the metallicity dependence between the more metal-poor Small Magellanic Cloud and metal-rich Milky Way and NGC 4258

Evaporation process study through in situ and remote sensing data at Tres Quebradas Salt flat

[ES] El cálculo de la evaporación (Ev) es un proceso fundamental en la planificación de inversión en minería no metálica en salares. Disponer de estimaciones confiables de la evaporación permite disminuir una de las principales incertidumbres que poseen los modelos de flujo en este tipo de cuencas. El presente trabajo se centra en el cálculo de la Ev en el salar Tres Quebradas, ubicado en la provincia de Catamarca (Argentina), utilizando el modelo de Priestley-Taylor con datos de satélite. La zona de estudio comprende las lagunas Tres Quebradas y Verde, y una zona central de evaporitas. Para los cálculos se utilizan datos de satélite (CERES y OLI-Landsat 8), información meteorológica, medidas de densidad de salmueras, medidas de Ev en Tanque tipo A y firmas espectrales. Se estimó la Ev en las lagunas del salar y se validó con medidas directas de Ev en Tanque. Complementariamente se estudió el control de la evaporación en las evaporitas a partir de una función dependiente de la profundidad del nivel freático. Los valores obtenidos de Ev fueron de 1302 mm año–1 y 1249 mm año–1 para las lagunas Tres Quebradas y Verde, respectivamente, similares a valores medidos en un Tanque tipo A. Para el caso de las zonas evaporitas se estimó un valor promedio anual de 152 mm año–1, regulado por el nivel freático. En resumen, se obtuvo un caudal promedio de pérdida de agua del sistema por evaporación de 1.31±0.32 m3 s–1, donde más del 80% corresponde a las lagunas y el resto a las evaporitas. Los resultados logrados son consistentes y serán utilizados como dato de entrada en el modelado numérico de flujo para la estimación de la reserva de salmuera de litio.[EN] The calculation of evaporation (Ev) is a fundamental process on the planning of investment for nonmetallic mining in salt flats. Dispose to reliable estimates of evaporation allows to reduce one of the main uncertainties of the flow models in this type of basin. This paper focuses on the calculation of Ev in the Tres Quebradas salt flat, Catamarca (Argentina), applying Priestley-Taylor model whit satellite data. Study area comprises the Tres Quebradas and Verde lagoons, and a central evaporite zone. Satellite data (CERES and OLI-Landsat 8), meteorological information, brine density measurements, evaporation measurements, and spectral signatures to calculations were used. The lagoons evaporation was estimated and by means of a Class A evaporation pan validated. The evaporation control in evaporite zones also was studied using a phreatic level function. Ev values of 1302 mm year–1 and 1249 mm year–1 for the Tres Quebradas and Verde lagoons were obtained, respectively, similar to Class A evaporation pan values measured. In the case of evaporite zones, an average annual value of 152 mm year–1 was estimated, regulated by the phreatic level. In summary, an average annual of system water loss by evaporation of 1.31±0.32 m3 s–1 was obtained, where more than 80% corresponds to the Tres Quebradas and Verde lagoons, and the rest to the central evaporite zone. The results achieved are consistent and will be used as input data in the numerical flow modeling to the estimation of the lithium brine reserve of the salt flats.El trabajo se realizó gracias a un convenio firmado entre el IHLLA (CONICET-UNCPBA-CIC) y la empresa Liex SA. Los autores además desean agradecer al Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas y a la Comisión de Investigaciones Científicas de Buenos Aires por fomentar la aplicación de soluciones científicas a casos reales de interés productivo, al personal técnico de la empresa Liex S.A. por el aporte de información y el financiamiento de las investigaciones, y al Atmospheric Science Data Center de la NASA Langley Research Center por proveer los datos CERES. Además, se agradece a los revisores anónimos que contribuyeron para mejorar el documentoCarmona, F.; Rivas, RE.; Faramiñán, A.; Mancino, C.; Bayala, M.; Perez, W. (2019). Estudio del proceso de evaporación en el Salar Tres Quebradas por medio de medidas in situ y datos de satélite. Revista de Teledetección. 0(54):1-14. https://doi.org/10.4995/raet.2019.12264OJS114054Allen, R.G., Pereira, L.S., Raes, D., Smith, M. 1998. FAO Irrigation and Drainage Paper. p. 56. Crop evapotranspiration. 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Water resources research, 37(2), 329-340. https://doi.org/10.1029/2000WR900255Jiang, B., Liang, S., Ma, H., Zhang, X., Xiao, Z., Zhao, X., Jia, K., Yao, Y., Jia, A. 2016. GLASS daytime allwave net radiation product: Algorithm development and preliminary validation. Remote Sensing, 8(3), 222. https://doi.org/10.3390/rs8030222Kampf, S.K., Tyler, S.T. 2006. Spatial characterization of land surface energy fluxes and uncertainty estimation at the Salar de Atacama, Northern Chile. Advances in Water Resources, 29(2), 336-354. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.advwatres.2005.02.017Long, D., Longuevergne, L., Scanlon, B.R. 2014. Uncertainty in evapotranspiration from land surface modeling, remote sensing, and GRACE satellites. Water Resources Research, 50(2), 1131-1151. https://doi.org/10.1002/2013WR014581Manrique, A. 2014. Explotación del litio, producción y comercialización de baterías de litio en Argentina. - 1a ed. - Mar del Plata: Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata, 2014. E-Book. 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Vulnerability of terrestrial vertebrate food webs to anthropogenic threats in Europe

Vertebrate species worldwide are currently facing significant declines in many populations. Although we have gained substantial knowledge about the direct threats that affect individual species, these threats only represent a fraction of the broader vertebrate threat profile, which is also shaped by species interactions. For example, threats faced by prey species can jeopardize the survival of their predators due to food resource scarcity. Yet, indirect threats arising from species interactions have received limited investigation thus far. In this study, we investigate the indirect consequences of anthropogenic threats on biodiversity in the context of European vertebrate food webs. We integrated data on trophic interactions among over 800 terrestrial vertebrates, along with their associated human-induced threats. We quantified and mapped the vulnerability of various components of the food web, including species, interactions, and trophic groups to six major threats: pollution, agricultural intensification, climate change, direct exploitation, urbanization, and invasive alien species and diseases. Direct exploitation and agricultural intensification were two major threats for terrestrial vertebrate food webs: affecting 34% and 31% of species, respectively, they threaten 85% and 69% of interactions in Europe. By integrating network ecology with threat impact assessments, our study contributes to a better understanding of the magnitude of anthropogenic impacts on biodiversity

Bifidobacterium adolescentis as a key member of the human gut microbiota in the production of GABA

Gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA) is the principal inhibitory neurotransmitter playing a key role in anxiety and depression disorders in mammals. Recent studies revealed that members of the gut microbiota are able to produce GABA modulating the gut–brain axis response. Among members of the human gut microbiota, bifidobacteria are well known to establish many metabolic and physiologic interactions with the host. In this study, we performed genome analyses of more than 1,000 bifidobacterial strains publicly available revealing that Bifidobacterium adolescentis taxon might represent a model GABA producer in human gastrointestinal tract. Moreover, the in silico screening of human/animal metagenomic datasets showed an intriguing association/correlation between B. adolescentis load and mental disorders such as depression and anxiety. Interestingly, in vitro screening of 82 B. adolescentis strains allowed identifying two high GABA producers, i.e. B. adolescentis PRL2019 and B. adolescentis HD17T2H, which were employed in an in vivo trial in rats. Feeding Groningen rats with a supplementation of B. adolescentis strains, confirmed the ability of these microorganisms to stimulate the in vivo production of GABA highlighting their potential implication in gut–brain axis interactions

A report of laryngeal adenocystic carcinoma metastatic to the spleen and the role of splenectomy in the management of metastatic disease: a case report

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Introduction</p> <p>Adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) of the larynx is a rare malignancy characterized by an indolent course and late pulmonary metastases. Metastases from the larynx to the spleen are an unusual event. In the present report, we discuss a patient with adenoid cystic carcinoma of the larynx metastatic to the spleen. A review of the literature did not yield any other such incidents. We review the clinical presentation and course of adenoid cystic carcinoma, as well as the role of splenectomy for metastases.</p> <p>Case presentation</p> <p>We present a case of laryngeal adenoid cystic carcinoma in a 26-year-old Caucasian man treated with total laryngectomy and ionizing radiation. He initially developed asynchronous pulmonary metastases, which were resected. Our patient subsequently presented with a symptomatic splenic lesion consistent with metastatic disease, for which he underwent laparoscopic splenectomy.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>Splenectomy might be indicated for isolated metastases. A splenectomy effectively addresses symptoms and serves as a cytoreduction modality.</p

Sensitization, energy transfer and infra-red emission decay modulation in Yb3+-doped NaYF4 nanoparticles with visible light through a perfluoroanthraquinone chromophore

The authors thank Dr. R. Wilson for XRD measurements. H.L., Y.P., H.Y., J.H. and H.G. are funded by the China Scholarship Council (CSC) and Queen Mary University of London. H. L. also would like to thank the support from China Postdoctoral Science Foundation Funded Project (2017M611440). I.H. acknowledges funding from the Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad (grant MAT2016-80438-P), the EU FP7 (Marie Curie-CIG-Grant 303535). WPG would like to thank EPSRC for support (EP/K004484/1 and EP/L020114/1) and NSFC (61574095). X.C. was supported by the Centre of Excellence in Medical Engineering funded by the Wellcome Trust and EPSRC under grant number WT088641/Z/09/Z. We are grateful to the EPSRC UK NMSF at Swansea University for mass spectrometry

Direct Type I IFN but Not MDA5/TLR3 Activation of Dendritic Cells Is Required for Maturation and Metabolic Shift to Glycolysis after Poly IC Stimulation

We thank the Rockefeller University Center for Clinical and Translational Science (UL1 TR000043 NCATS, NIH) for technical support

Correlation of expression of BP1, a homeobox gene, with estrogen receptor status in breast cancer

BACKGROUND: BP1 is a novel homeobox gene cloned in our laboratory. Our previous studies in leukemia demonstrated that BP1 has oncogenic properties, including as a modulator of cell survival. Here BP1 expression was examined in breast cancer, and the relationship between BP1 expression and clinicopathological data was determined. METHODS: Total RNA was isolated from cell lines, tumors, and matched normal adjacent tissue or tissue from autopsy. Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction was performed to evaluate BP1 expression. Statistical analysis was accomplished with SAS. RESULTS: Analysis of 46 invasive ductal breast tumors demonstrated BP1 expression in 80% of them, compared with a lack of expression in six normal breast tissues and low-level expression in one normal breast tissue. Remarkably, 100% of tumors that were negative for the estrogen receptor (ER) were BP1-positive, whereas 73% of ER-positive tumors expressed BP1 (P = 0.03). BP1 expression was also associated with race: 89% of the tumors of African American women were BP1-positive, whereas 57% of those from Caucasian women expressed BP1 (P = 0.04). However, there was no significant difference in BP1 expression between grades I, II, and III tumors. Interestingly, BP1 mRNA expression was correlated with the ability of malignant cell lines to cause breast cancer in mice. CONCLUSION: Because BP1 is expressed abnormally in breast tumors, it could provide a useful target for therapy, particularly in patients with ER-negative tumors. The frequent expression of BP1 in all tumor grades suggests that activation of BP1 is an early event

Dendritic Cells/Natural Killer Cross-Talk: A Novel Target for Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type-1 Protease Inhibitors

BACKGROUND: HIV-1 Protease Inhibitors, namely PIs, originally designed to inhibit HIV-1 aspartic protease, can modulate the immune response by mechanisms largely unknown, and independent from their activity on viral replication. Here, we analyzed the ability of PIs to interfere with differentiation program of monocytes toward dendritic cell (DCs) lineage, a key process in the inflammatory response. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: Monocytes from healthy donors were isolated and induced to differentiate in vitro in the presence or absence of saquinavir, ritonavir, nelfinavir, indinavir or amprenavir (sqv, rtv, nlfv, idv, apv, respectively). These drugs demonstrated a differential ability to sustain the generation of immature DCs (iDCs) with an altered phenotype, including low levels of CD1a, CD86, CD36 and CD209. DCs generated in the presence of rtv also failed to acquire the typical phenotype of mature DCs (mDCs), and secreted lower amounts of IL-12 and IL-15. Accordingly, these aberrant mDCs failed to support activation of autologous Natural Killer (NK) cells, and resulted highly susceptible to NK cell-mediated cytotoxicity. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: Our findings uncover novel functional properties of PIs within the DC-NK cell cross-talk, unveiling the heterogeneous ability of members of this class drugs to drive the generation of atypical monocyte-derived DCs (MDDCs) showing an aberrant phenotype, a failure to respond appropriately to bacterial endotoxin, a weak ability to prime autologous NK cells, and a high susceptibility to NK cell killing. These unexpected properties might contribute to limit inflammation and viral spreading in HIV-1 infected patients under PIs treatment, and open novel therapeutical perspectives for this class drugs as immunomodulators in autoimmunity and cancer