bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Model independent approach to photodisintegration of 7
Li at the range of energies of interest to BBN
Authors: Aswathi V , Shastri Venkatarama , Shilpashree S P
Published: February 2022

One of the elements that was synthesized primordially in the standard Big Bang Nucleosynthesis is lithium. Lithium, being fragile gets easily destroyed at relatively low temperatures in the mixing process between stellar surface and hot internal layers. So that, at the end of the stellar lifetime the lithium content is believed to be depleted. Series of experimental measurements on lithium isotopes were carried out at High Intensity Gamma Ray Source (HIGS) at Duke Free Electron Laser Laboratory. More recently experiments [1]-[2] were performed, to measure the differential cross section of the photo-neutron reaction channel in photodisintegration of 7
Li, where the progeny nuclei is in the ground state as well as in excited states. The purpose of present contribution is to study the reaction channel 7
Li + γ → 6
Li + n using linearly polarized photons. The model independent irreducible tensor formalism [3]-[5] will be used to study the differential cross section of the reaction. We study the angular dependence of differential cross section by expressing differential cross section in terms of legendre polynomials. In view of the several theoretical and ongoing experimental studies, a detailed theoretical study of the spin structure of the amplitudes in 7
Li + γ → 6
Li + n and their expansion in terms of ’electric’ and ‘magnetic’ amplitudes is needed to analyze the measurements of spin observables as well as differential cross section, which leads to a better understanding of the problem at astrophysical energies
Transition neutrino magnetic moments in CEvNS
Authors: Bolton Patrick D. , Deppisch Frank F , Fridell Kåre , Harz Julia , Hati Chandan , Kulkarni Suchita
Published: February 2022

Coherent Elastic Neutrino Nucleus Scattering (CEυNS) is a novel technique to look for new physics beyond the Standard Model. We study the prospects of probing a transition magnetic moment in CEvNS experiments. Showing the NUCLEUS experiment as an example, we demonstrate that properties of a potential sterile neutrino can be deduced.
Quasi-Dirac neutrinos in the linear seesaw model
Authors: Arbeláez C , Dib C , Monsálvez-Pozo K , Schmidt I
Published: February 2022

We implement a minimal linear seesaw model (LSM) for addressing the Quasi-Dirac (QD) behaviour of heavy neutrinos, focusing on the mass regime of MN
≲ MW
. Here we show that for relatively low neutrino masses, covering the few GeV range, the same-sign to opposite-sign dilepton ratio, Rℓ, can be anywhere between 0 and 1, thus signaling a Quasi-Dirac regime. Particular values of Rℓ are controlled by the width of the QD neutrino and its mass splitting, the latter being equal to the light-neutrino mass mυ
in the LSM scenario. The current upper bound on m

υ1 together with the projected sensitivities of current and future |UNℓ
|2 experimental measurements, set stringent constraints on our low-scale QD mass regime. Some experimental prospects of testing the model by LHC displaced vertex searches are also discussed.
On the cosmological implications of the electroweak vacuum instability: constraining the non-minimal coupling with inflation
Authors: Mantziris Andreas
Published: February 2022

Our current measurements of the Standard Model parameters imply that the Higgs field resides in a metastable electroweak vacuum, where the vacuum can decay to a lower ground state, with cataclysmic repercussions for our Universe. According to our observations, no such event has happened in the observable universe, in spite of the various energetic processes that could have triggered it. This work serves as an overview of a method that uses the metastability of the false vacuum during cosmological inflation to provide constraints on the Higgs curvature coupling ξ. Considering also the effects of the time-dependent Hubble rate on the effective Higgs potential and on our past light-cone space-time geometry, results in state-of-the-art lower ξ-bounds from quadratic and quartic chaotic inflation, and Starobinsky-like power-law inflation.
Development of high-sensitivity radon detector in water for neutrino physics
Authors: Takeda Atsushi , Nakano Yuuki , Okamoto Kohei , Takeuchi Yasuo
Published: February 2022

The contamination of radon (222Rn) originated from the decay chain of the uranium series in water could be serious background source in underground particle physics experiments. We have been developing a system for continuous monitoring of radon in water. We developed a new high-sensitivity radon detector for water by combining an existing high-sensitivity 80 L radon detector for air and membrane degasifier module used for previous version of radon detector for water. The housing component for membrane degasifier has been improved. The background level of the new radon detector for water was measured and it was reduced by approximately half compared to the previous one.
Time Projection Chambers instrumented with resistive MicroMegas for the SAND near detector of DUNE
Authors: Granger Pierre
Published: February 2022

The Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment (DUNE) is a next-generation long-baseline neutrino accelerator experiment aiming for precise measurements of the neutrino oscillation parameters. DUNE will include a near detector complex regrouping three different detectors among which SAND (System for on-Axis Neutrino Detection) that will be the only one permanently on the neutrino beam axis in charge of monitoring in detail the emitted neutrino beam and its stability through time, a crucial characteristic to realize accurate oscillation measurements at the percent level. SAND will reuse the superconducting magnet and the electromagnetic calorimeter of the KLOE experiment. We will describe in the following the proposal of using, as inner tracker of SAND, a large 3D matrix of 1.5cm side scintillator cubes (3DST) surrounded by 3 gaseous Time Projection Chambers. This setup allows to realize accurate beam monitoring combining the 3DST unprecedented capability of neutron detection and energy measurement with the high precision momentum resolution for charged particles offered by the TPCs. The proposed TPC design allows to reach spatial resolutions of a few hundreds of micrometers using 1 cm pads by deploying the resistive MicroMegas technology for the charge readout.
The Role of Traditional Diets in Promoting Food Security for Indigenous Peoples in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: A Systematic Review
Authors: Sidiq F F , Coles D , Hubbard C , Clark B , Frewer L J
Published: February 2022

Ensuring Food security within indigenous communities may depend on ensuring the continuation of access to traditional food resources. A systematic literature review focused on traditional diets and food security for indigenous peoples in Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs) examined the role of such diets in relation to food security and other factors. Thirty-seven studies matching the inclusion criteria were identified through literature searches, and thematic analysis applied to identify important findings. The results indicate that traditional foods have a significant role in promoting and maintaining food security, as well as in the preservation of cultures and the environments in which these are embedded. The research suggests that there is a need to promote and preserve traditional food knowledge within indigenous peoples.
The Genetic Diversity of Kemang (Manifera kemaga Blume) collection from Bogor in the Germplasm Garden
Authors: Mulyaningsih E S , Anggraheni Y G D , Yurika O , Santun L S , Hidayat Y S
Published: February 2022

Kemang (Mangifera kemanga) is a wild relative of mango (Mangifera indica) with a tree-shaped habitus. Kemang was even designated as the identity flora of Bogor Regency. Several accessions of Kemang are found in the Cibinong Science Center Botanic Garden (CSC-BG) area, but their diversity has not been disclosed. This study aimed to provide information on the genetic diversity of the accessions Kemang in the CSC-BG Garden germplasm. A total of 17 out of 58 accessions were successfully obtained from young tissue samples, but for RAPD analysis, 13 accession numbers were used. The performance of each plant and physiological conditions and equipment became an obstacle to obtaining samples from all accessions. Further out of the 32 primers screened, 24 were selected (polymorphic), giving 312 clear and bright bands in 13 accessions. As much as 75.0% of primers were polymorphic, 6.25% monomorphic, and 18.75% did not produce bands. Furthermore, all primers had a moderate informative PIC value. The phylogenetic tree and scatter plot of PCoA show similar groupings. While the correlation between accession Kemang 2 and Kemang 13 has the highest closeness and vice versa in Kemang 7 and Kemang 6. These results provide information on the initial genetic diversity of the Kemang population in Germplasm Garden CSC BG.
Study of P Nutrient Soil Test Calibration in Determining P Fertilization Recommendations Shallots in Ultisol Soil
Authors: Lestari I P , Susila A D , Sutandi A , Nursyamsi D
Published: February 2022

The P calibration test was carried out from March 2015 to January 2016, the selected location was in Kentrong Village, Malangsari Village, Cipanas, Lebak, Banten Province. The research objective was to determine the recommendation for P fertilization of shallot plants in Ultisols using soil testing, with a single location approach. The study used a split-plot design with 5 replications.The main plot treatment was the soil P nutrient status, namely 0X, 1 / 4X, 1 / 2X, 3 / 4X, and X, where X is half the value of nutrient absorption P of 1033.3 kg P ha−1. The P application used phosphoric acid (H3PO4), the dosages of each level were 0, 258.3, 516.65, 775, and 1033.3 kg P ha−1, equivalent to 0, 0.97, 1.94, 2.9, and 3.87 kg P plot−1. Fertilization of P in subplots using SP-36, the doses of P fertilizer for subplots were 0, 591.6, 1183.3, 1774.9, and 2366.6 kg P2O5 ha−1, equivalent to 0, 0.44, 0.89, 1.33, and 1.77 kg P2O5 plot−1. The results showed that the interval limits for the availability of P nutrients extracted with Truog for very low, low, medium, high and very high classifications were <1, 1 - <9, 9 - <28, ≥ 28 ppm P. Maximum requirement for P fertilizer for shallot plants in ultisol soils in low and medium nutrient availability classes are 1850 kg P2O5 ha−1 and 1310 kg P2O5 ha-1. The optimum requirement for P fertilizer is 1315 kg P2O5 ha−1 and 765 kg P2O5 ha−1
Characterization of peatland indigenous bacteria and their potential as biological control agents of Ganoderma sp. the causes of oil palm stem rot disease
Authors: Saputra R , Hamzah A , Utami L P
Published: February 2022

Ganoderma is known to be the most destructive pathogen of oil palm crops in Southeast Asia, including Indonesia, and causes heavy losses. Various control methods such as technical culture, mechanical, and chemical control have been attempted, but these techniques have not been able to control the disease successfully. One of the efforts to overcome the conditions and characteristics of Ganoderma which is difficult to control is to apply biological control. This study aims to obtain candidate antagonist bacteria indigenous to peatlands that can control Ganoderma sp. This research was exploratory research with laboratory testing. Based on the exploration results, 10 isolates were obtained based on initial characteristics and were not pathogenic after the Hypersensitivity Reaction assay. Based on the results of the inhibitory ability test, 3 isolates (LPTUNRI-A1.2, A1.1, and A2.5) were obtained that could suppress the development of Ganoderma sp. LPTUNRI-Gan003 in vitro. From its characteristics, it is suspected that it has similarities with Bacillus sp.
Drought tolerance screening of selected rice varieties by limited semi controlled field system
Authors: Susanto Untung , Rohaeni Wage Ratna , Arifin Samsul
Published: February 2022

Drought tolerance is important trait for rice. Developing simple system for drought tolerance screening will increase efficiency and effectiveness of breeding for the certain purpose. This research aimed to screen selected variety for drought under limited semi controlled space system. The trial was conducted at the limited open space with controlled irrigation and drainage system in the area of Indonesian Centre of Rice Research green houses in Subang, West Java, from July to November 2019. Twenty varieties selected from previous drought screenings using concrete box method were transplanted at 21 days after sowing with planting space of 20 x 20 cm 1 – 3 seedling/hill in a single row of 10 plants followed randomized complete block design with two replications. The materials were watered for 4 weeks since transplanting. Re-watering was given until harvesting since IR 20 (drought sensitive check) was completely dry. The results showed variation level of drought tolerance among the tested genotypes. Based on leaf drying score at five weeks after treatment, Inpago 9 and Cisaat along with Salumpikit (drought tolerant check) were considered relatively tolerant. Inpago 9 (41.8 g) followed by Inpari 42 (34.7 g), and Inpago 8 (30.1 g) had the highest yield.
Panicle blast severity identification in advance generation rice lines
Authors: Pramudyawardani Estria F , Santoso  , Sitaresmi T , Hairmansis A , Nafisah  , Imamuddin A
Published: February 2022

Harvest failure due to blast (Pyricularia oryzae) in Indonesia was ranked fourth during 2015-2020. Establishing a panicle blast-resistant rice variety is crucial to prevent broader damage. The research aimed to evaluate the yield productivity at the blast endemic areas. The field experiment was held from April to July 2019 at Curugkembar Sukabumi. The statistic field design used Augmented with five blocks to manage 122 advanced rice lines in total, and six check varieties included leaf blast-resistant varieties. Pest and disease control based on Integrated Pest Management (IPM) standards, except for blast disease. Leaf blast infection occurs from vegetative and lasts to generative, which then continues to be a severed panicle blast. All tested lines and varieties were infected, with different severity. Two rice lines were resistant to panicle blast (scale 0), two lines were moderate resistant (scale 3), and the rest were susceptible (scale 5-9). The results of the augmented analysis for yield production showed that BP30533D-SKI-29-3-3 (8.96 t/ha) and BP31501D-SKI-28-1-0-0 (7.69 t/ha) lines were significantly better than INPARI 41 (3.6 t/ha) but susceptible to panicle blast (scaled 5 and 7). This result indicates that yield testing and blast screening would be better to run simultaneously.
Utilization of Local Fruits as Food Source for the Dayak Jangkang Tribe, West Kalimantan
Authors: Ege Benediktus , Julung Hendrikus , Supiandi Markus Iyus , Mahanal Susriyati , Zubaidah Siti
Published: February 2022

The Jangkang Dayak tribe still maintains customs and traditions in utilizing forest resources to meet food needs, one of which is the use of local fruits. The purpose of this study was to describe the use of local fruit by the tribe of the Jangkang Dayak as a food source. The research method used is the survey method. The selection of key informants and recommendations uses a snowball sampling technique, namely the technique of selecting informants from the recommendations of previously selected informants. The resource persons in this study consisted of village heads, traditional leaders and community leaders. The instruments used are semi-structured interview sheets and participatory observation sheets. The data collection procedure was carried out by visiting the informants who were the targets in this study. Descriptive qualitative data analysis consisted of data collection, data reduction, data presentation and conclusion drawing. The results of the study found 23 types of local fruit plants from 17 families used by the community of the Jangkang Dayak as a food source. The recommendation from this research is to maintain and maintain the diversity of local fruit plants which are a source of food for the community and to be documented in writing, so that they can be studied and inherited in a sustainable manner.
Phylogenetic relationships and evolutionary trends in Tillandsia subgenus Diaphoranthema and xerophytic species of subgenus Phytarrhiza (Bromeliaceae: Tillandsioideae)
Authors: Donadío Sabina , Till Walter , Pozner Raúl , Barfuss Michael H J , Giussani Liliana M , Starr Julian R
Published: February 2022

Tillandsia subgenera Diaphoranthema and Phytarrhiza s.s. are closely related epiphytic and epilithic plants adapted to xeric habitats in the Americas. Several studies suggested that subgenus Diaphoranthema and the xerophytic species of subgenus Phytarrhiza should not be segregated into different subgenera. In recent phylogenetic analyses of Tillandsioideae, subgenus Phytarrhiza s.l. is revealed as highly polyphyletic, showing a xerophytic lineage closely related to subgenus Diaphoranthema. Moreover, the evolution of neotenic traits, a selfing breeding system and polyembryony have yet to be fully investigated in a phylogenetic context. Infrageneric classifications and phylogenetic relationships were inferred using the plastid matK-trnK and nuclear ETS markers and morphology. Phylogenetic analyses of individual and combined molecular data sets were performed under parsimony and Bayesian inference. Our results confirm subgenus Diaphoranthema as monophyletic if three xeric species of subgenus Phytarrhiza are included. In subgenus Diaphoranthema, aggregates Loliacea and Rectangula were recovered as monophyletic, whereas Myosura was paraphyletic and Caliginosa, Capillaris and Recurvata were polyphyletic. Alternative groupings and morphological trends are discussed. Analysis of morphological characters associated with heterochrony indicates that neoteny may not be the only paedomorphic process in the evolution of this group. Furthermore, paedomorphosis would occur in some vegetative structures, inflorescences and flowers, whereas some fruit and seed traits could be modified by peramorphosis.
Aortic valve reimplantation in patients with connective tissue syndromes: A 15-year follow-up
Authors: Forteza Gil Alberto , Martinez-Lopez Daniel , Centeno Jorge , Rivas Oyarzabal Jorge , García Suarez Jessica , de Villarreal Soto Juan Esteban , Rosado Elsa Carolina Ríos , Vera Puente Beatriz , Villar García Susana , Ospina Mosquera Victor Manuel , Mingo Susana , Moñivas Vanesa , Serrano-Fiz Santiago , Martínez López Daniel
Published: February 2022

OBJECTIVES

The goal of this study was to analyse early- and long-term outcomes of aortic valve reimplantation (David operation) in patients with heritable thoracic aortic disease.

METHODS

This is a retrospective observational analysis using data from a prospectively maintained surgical database from March 2004 to April 2021. Patients with heritable thoracic aortic disease were included in the study.

RESULTS

A total of 157 patients with aortic root aneurysm with the diagnosis of heritable thoracic aortic disease received the David procedure. Marfan syndrome was found in 143 (91.1%) patients, Loeys-Dietz in 13 and Ehler-Danlos in 1 patient. The median age was 35.0 (IQR: 17.5) years and the median ascending aorta diameter in the Valsalva sinuses was 48 mm (IQR: 4). A Valsalva graft was used in 8 patients; the David V technique was performed in the rest of the cases. The median follow-up time was 7.3 years [standard deviation: 0.58, 95% confidence interval (CI): 6.12–8.05]. Only 2 patients died during the follow-up period. The overall survival was 99% (95% CI: 95%; 99%); 98% (95% CI: 92%; 99%); and 98% (95% CI: 92%; 99%) at 5, 10 and 15 years. Freedom from significant aortic regurgitation (AR> II), reintervention and postoperative type-B dissection was 90% (95% CI: 77%; 95%), 96% (95% CI: 91%; 99%) and 87% (95% CI: 68%; 95%) at 15 years, respectively. No differences were found in any outcome between Marfan syndrome and Loeys-Dietz syndrome. No statistically significant differences in survival were found when we compared expected gender- and age-specific population survival values.

CONCLUSIONS

The David operation is an excellent option for the treatment of patients with heritable thoracic aortic disease and dilatated aortic root. Surgical expertise in referral centres is essential to achieve the best long-term results.
Multimorbidity and exit from paid employment: the effect of specific combinations of chronic health conditions
Authors: Gurgel do Amaral Gabriel S , Ots Patricia , Brouwer Sandra , van Zon Sander K R
Published: February 2022

Background

This study aimed to assess the association between multimorbidity and exit from paid employment, and which combinations of chronic health conditions (CHCs) have the strongest association with exit from paid employment.

Methods

Data from 111 208 workers aged 18–64 years from Lifelines were enriched with monthly employment data from Statistics Netherlands. Exit from paid employment during follow-up was defined as a change from paid employment to unemployment, disability benefits, economic inactivity or early retirement. CHCs included cardiovascular diseases (CVD), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), type 2 diabetes (T2DM) and depression. Cox-proportional hazards models were used to examine the impact of multimorbidity and combinations of CHCs on exit from paid employment.

Results

Multimorbidity increased the risk of exiting paid employment compared with workers without CHCs (hazard ratio (HR): 1.52; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.35–1.71) or one CHC (HR: 1.14; 95% CI: 1.01–1.28). The risk for exit from paid employment increased among workers with COPD if they additionally had CVD (HR: 1.39; 95% CI: 1.03–1.88), depression (HR: 1.46; 95% CI: 1.10–1.93) or RA (HR: 1.44; 95% CI: 1.08–1.91), for workers with T2DM if they additionally had CVD (HR: 1.43; 95% CI: 1.07–1.91) or depression (HR: 2.09; 95% CI: 1.51–2.91) and for workers with depression who also had T2DM (HR: 1.68; 95% CI: 1.21–2.32).

Conclusion

This study showed that workers with multimorbidity, especially having a combination of COPD and depression or T2DM and depression, have a higher risk for early exit from paid employment and, therefore, may need tailored support at the workplace.
Genome assembly of the JD17 soybean provides a new reference genome for comparative genomics
Authors: Yi Xinxin , Liu Jing , Chen Shengcai , Wu Hao , Liu Min , Xu Qing , Lei Lingshan , Lee Seunghee , Zhang Bao , Kudrna Dave , Fan Wei , Wing Rod A , Wang Xuelu , Zhang Mengchen , Zhang Jianwei , Yang Chunyan , Chen Nansheng
Published: February 2022

Cultivated soybean (Glycine max) is an important source for protein and oil. Many elite cultivars with different traits have been developed for different conditions. Each soybean strain has its own genetic diversity, and the availability of more high-quality soybean genomes can enhance comparative genomic analysis for identifying genetic underpinnings for its unique traits. In this study, we constructed a high-quality de novo assembly of an elite soybean cultivar Jidou 17 (JD17) with chromosome contiguity and high accuracy. We annotated 52,840 gene models and reconstructed 74,054 high-quality full-length transcripts. We performed a genome-wide comparative analysis based on the reference genome of JD17 with 3 published soybeans (WM82, ZH13, and W05), which identified 5 large inversions and 2 large translocations specific to JD17, 20,984–46,912 presence–absence variations spanning 13.1–46.9 Mb in size. A total of 1,695,741–3,664,629 SNPs and 446,689–800,489 Indels were identified and annotated between JD17 and them. Symbiotic nitrogen fixation genes were identified and the effects from these variants were further evaluated. It was found that the coding sequences of 9 nitrogen fixation-related genes were greatly affected. The high-quality genome assembly of JD17 can serve as a valuable reference for soybean functional genomics research.
The Association Between Severity of Radiographic Knee OA and Recurrent Falls in Middle and Older Aged Adults: The Osteoarthritis Initiative
Authors: Harris Rebekah , Strotmeyer Elsa S , Sharma Leena , Kwoh C Kent , Brach Jennifer S , Boudreau Robert , Cauley Jane A
Published: February 2022

Background

Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is the most prevalent type of OA and a leading cause of disability in the United States. Falls are a major public health concern in older adults. Our aim was to examine how the severity of radiographic KOA affects recurrent falls in a cohort of middle-aged and older individuals enrolled in the Osteoarthritis Initiative.

Methods

About 3 972 participants, mean age of 63 years, 58% female were included. Participants were divided into 5 mutually exclusive groups based on their worst Kellgren–Lawrence grade of radiographic KOA from annual x-rays from baseline to 36 months. Generalized estimating equations for repeated logistic regression were used to model the association between KOA severity and the likelihood of recurrent falls (≥2 falls/year) over 5 years of follow-up (>36 to 96 months).

Results

Older adults (≥age 65) with KOA were at higher odds of recurrent falls in comparison to individuals without KOA in multivariate models (possible OA odds ratio [OR] = 2.22, 95% CI = 1.09–4.52; mild OA OR = 2.48, 95% CI = 1.34–4.62; unilateral moderate–severe OA OR = 2.84, 95% CI = 1.47–5.50; bilateral moderate–severe OA OR = 2.52, 95% CI = 1.13–5.62). Middle-aged adults (aged 45–64) with KOA did not have increased odds of recurrent falls in comparison to those without KOA except for possible KOA (OR = 1.86, 95% CI = 1.01–2.78; KOA severity × Age interaction = 0.025).

Conclusion

Older adults with radiographic evidence of KOA have an increased likelihood of experiencing recurrent falls in comparison to those without KOA independent of established risk factors. Our results suggest that fall prevention efforts should include older adults with all stages of KOA.
Theoretical modelling of seismic dispersion, attenuation and frequency-dependent anisotropy in a fluid-saturated porous rock with intersecting fractures
Authors: Guo Junxin , Zhao Luanxiao , Chen Xiaofei , Yang Zhifang , Li Hongbing , Liu Chao
Published: February 2022

Detection of intersecting open fractures is an important task in many earth science domains. To quantify the seismic responses in the fluid-saturated porous rock with intersecting open fractures, we develop a theoretical model based on Biot's equations of dynamic poroelasticity. The seismic dispersion, attenuation and frequency-dependent anisotropy due to joint effects of fracture–background wave-induced fluid flow (FB-WIFF), and fracture–fracture wave-induced fluid flow (FF-WIFF), as well as elastic scattering are investigated. The numerical results on a fluid-saturated porous and fractured sandstone show that the characteristic frequency of FF-WIFF is controlled by fracture connectivity and fluid viscosity. Variations of fracture connectivity and fluid viscosity may result in the coupling of FF-WIFF with FB-WIFF or elastic scattering. When the fracture connectivity tends to zero, the FF-WIFF vanishes and FB-WIFF becomes most significant. Besides fracture connectivity and fluid viscosity, the fracture geometry and fluid bulk modulus also affect the magnitudes of these three mechanisms and their interplay. Due to effects of these three mechanisms, the P-wave anisotropy varies greatly with frequencies. Furthermore, the fracture intersection angle also influences the P-wave anisotropy significantly. Our model agrees well with previous models in the frequency limits and for the special case with parallel fractures. Since our model incorporates the effects of FF-WIFF, it has a great potential to be applied in the detection for effective fracture networks for fluid flow.
Long-term vitamin A supplementation in a preclinical mouse model forRhoD190N-associated retinitis pigmentosa
Authors: Cui Xuan , Kim Hye Jin , Cheng Chia-Hua , Jenny Laura A , Lima de Carvalho Jose Ronaldo , Chang Ya-Ju , Kong Yang , Hsu Chun-Wei , Huang I-Wen , Ragi Sara D , Lin Chyuan-Sheng , Li Xiaorong , Sparrow Janet R , Tsang Stephen H
Published: February 2022

Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is caused by one of many possible gene mutations. The National Institutes of Health recommends high daily doses of vitamin A palmitate for RP patients. There is a critical knowledge gap surrounding the therapeutic applicability of vitamin A to patients with the different subtypes of the disease. Here, we present a case report of a patient with RP caused by a p.D190N mutation in Rhodopsin (RHO) associated with abnormally high quantitative autofluorescence values after long-term vitamin A supplementation. We investigated the effects of vitamin A treatment strategy on RP caused by the p.D190N mutation in RHO by exposing Rhodopsin p.D190N (RhoD190N/+) and wild-type (WT) mice to experimental vitamin A-supplemented and standard control diets. The patient’s case suggests that the vitamin A treatment strategy should be further studied to determine its effect on RP caused by p.D190N mutation in RHO and other mutations. Our mouse experiments revealed that RhoD190N/+ mice on the vitamin A diet exhibited higher levels of autofluorescence and lipofuscin metabolites compared to WT mice on the same diet and isogenic controls on the standard control diet. Vitamin A supplementation diminished photoreceptor function in RhoD190N/+ mice while preserving cone response in WT mice. Our findings highlight the importance of more investigations into the efficacy of clinical treatments like vitamin A for patients with certain genetic subtypes of disease and of genotyping in the precision care of inherited retinal degenerations.
Research on energy management strategy of photovoltaic–battery energy storage system
Authors: Wang Zheng , Xiao Yanli , Wan Ye , Liu Ke , Wang Xiyuan
Published: February 2022

Photovoltaics have the advantages of being clean and renewable and have gained a wide range of applications. It is promising to use photovoltaic energy for the power supply of buildings, as the building sector accounts for a large portion of global energy consumption with a constantly increasing trend. However, photovoltaics are greatly affected by time and environment, and it is usually combined with batteries to form a photovoltaic–battery energy storage system to meet the load demand. This paper aims to analyze and compare energy management strategies of an on-grid solar photovoltaic–battery system for a real building project in a typical May and October region, but unlike other studies, the strategies used in this paper are very simple and easy to implement. It can also realize photovoltaic, battery and grid to meet the load power demand. Two strategies are used in this paper. Strategy 1 is to maximize the utilization of the energy generated by photovoltaics: while the energy generated by photovoltaics cannot meet the load demand, the battery will provide energy, and while the battery cannot meet the load demand, the grid will provide energy. The photovoltaic energy is given priority to the battery under the premise of meeting the load demand. Strategy 2 is to use the time-of-use electricity price, and the battery obtains cheap electricity at night to meet the load of the high electricity price the next day. The feasibility of the strategy used is demonstrated by actual data of buildings and photovoltaic–battery energy storage systems. This study can provide theoretical references for the energy management and system operation to facility managers and building occupants.
A5 GLUTEN-SPECIFIC T CELL ACTIVATION BY MHC CLASS II EXPRESSING ORGANOID MONOLAYERS
Authors: Rahmani S , Hann A , Galipeau H J , Chirdo F G , Didar T , Verdu E
Published: February 2022

NOT PUBLISHED AT AUTHOR’S REQUEST

Funding Agencies: CIHR
A21 OVEREXPRESSION OF ASCL2 ALTERS DIFFERENTIATION IN ESOPHAGEAL ORGANOIDS
Authors: Hamilton M , Jean D , Boudreau F , Giroux V
Published: February 2022

Background

The first population of stem cells in the esophageal epithelium was recently identified with the marker Keratin 15 ( Krt15). However, little is known about the mechanisms underlying the expansion and the function of these stem cells. It was shown that the transcription factor ASCL2 is upregulated in Krt15+ cells compared to Krt15- cells. Interestingly, ASCL2 is a gene target of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway, which acts as a regulator of proliferation and maintenance of the stemness state. The ultimate goal of my research project is to determine the role of ASCL2 in the maintenance of esophageal stem cells and to identify its binding partners.

Aims

Investigate the role of ASCL2 in esophageal epithelial biology.

Methods

Lentiviral infection approach was used to obtain mouse esophageal organoids overexpressing ASCL2. Organoid culture, immunostaining (such as IF and H&E), qPCR, WB and proliferation assay were used to characterize the effect of ASCL2 overexpression on morphology, differentiation, proliferation, self-renewal and gene expression.

Results

First, ASCL2 overexpression was confirmed by WB. Interestingly, the morphology of organoid overexpressing ASCL2 was severely altered: organoids were smaller and less differentiated. Defect in differentiation was investigated by qPCR and IF using relevant markers such as p63, Krt13, Wnt5a and NT5E. Indeed, we observed an increase in basal marker ( p63), a decrease in suprabasal markers ( Krt13, Wnt5a) and in a stem cell marker ( NT5E). We also investigated the role of ASCL2 in self-renewal and observed that organoid formation capacity was reduced in ASCL2-overexpressing organoids. Furthermore, proliferation was also reduced in WST-1 assays. We also observed lower expression of the gene Top2a, a recently identified marker of the proliferative basal cell population in the human esophagus. Finally, we observed significant changes in the expression of genes associated with quiescent stem cells (Clu, ZFP36L2 and Anxa1).

Conclusions

ASCL2 overexpression alters differentiation and proliferation in organoids. ASCL2 could play a role in orchestrating cell fate decision in the esophageal epithelium.

Funding Agencies

NSERC, Canada Research Chair
A50 IMPACT OF SHORT CHAIN FATTY ACIDS ON PATHOGENICTY OF COMMENSAL BACTERIA IN PEDIATRIC INFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASES
Authors: Bording-Jorgensen M , Gartke T , Armstrong H , Wine E
Published: February 2022

Background

Dietary fibers are fermented by microbiota into many different compounds including short-chain fatty acids (SCFA). The gut microenvironment is essential not only for human health but also in maintaining a rich biodiversity of bacterial species. It is well known that the microbiome is altered in Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBD), which likely changes the microenvironment and has other health effects on individuals with IBD. Pathobionts are organisms that can induce pathology under specific conditions, and several have already been associated with IBD, such as adherent invasive Escherichia coli (AIEC) and Helicobacter hepaticus. Although these bacteria have been associated with IBD, it is still largely unknown what conditions make these bacteria become pathogenic.

Aims

Determine the role of SCFA composition on the pathogenic potential of commensal bacteria isolated from non-IBD and IBD pediatric patients.

Methods

Anaerobic bacteria were isolated during colonoscopy from pediatric IBD and non-IBD patients and identified using 16S sequencing. PMA-activated human monocytes (THP-1) and colonic epithelial cells (Caco2) were grown in the presence of SCFA (acetate, butyrate, formate, propionate, and succinate). The ability of commensal bacteria ( Bacteroides fragilis, Clostridium innocuum, Ruminococcus, Parabacteroides merdae, Bifidobacterium infantis and E. coli HB101) and the pathobiont AIEC to invade cells was assessed using a gentamicin protection assay. Immune activation was quantified with IL-1b and IL-6 by ELISA, as well as reactive oxygen species (ROS) using DCFDHA.

Results

The SCFA propionate and formate significantly decreased invasion for HB101 and LF82 into macrophages but not epithelial cells. Bacteria isolated from an IBD environment had a higher invasion potential independent of the addition of SCFA, compared to bacteria from a non-IBD environment. However, butyrate was found to significantly increase invasion of non-IBD B. fragilis into Caco2 cells but not macrophages. Bacteria isolated from IBD patients tended to have a higher inflammatory response with both elevated IL-1b as well as ROS production.

Conclusions

Microenvironment changes, such as in SCFA concentrations, during a disease state can affect the host response to microbes including commensals. Commensal bacteria from IBD patients tend to be more proinflammatory, suggesting that they play a role in driving inflammation. SCFA are beneficial factors for gut health; however, what is still unknown is the interaction between microbes and the host after microenvironmental shifts that likely causes bacterial stress. Understanding the host-microbe interactions and the role diet can have on this dynamic relationship has the potential for discovering new therapeutic options for those suffering from IBD.

Funding Agencies

CIHRWeston Family Foundation
A57 ULCERATIVE COLITIS DISEASE ACTIVITY IS DOMINATED BY INNATE IMMUNITY AND FEATURES OF TISSUE REMODELING
Authors: Madill-Thomsen K , Venner J , Pon S , Kroeker K , Peerani F , Dieleman L A , Wong K , Baugmart D C , Halloran P , Halloran B
Published: February 2022

Background

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory condition affecting the colonic epithelium, with potential roles for the inflammasome, complement activation, T cells, and the microbiome in pathogenesis. We applied an established method of microarray-based gene expression analysis to a set of 128 UC biopsies (from 113 patients), to elucidate the molecular changes associated with active UC.

Aims

Our aim was to describe the molecules most associated with UC disease activity (the endoscopic Mayo score) and to annotate these molecules into biological processes.

Methods

128 UC colonic biopsies were collected at the University of Alberta Hospital (Edmonton, Alberta) and Cedars-Sinai Hospital (Los Angeles, California) during standard of care colonoscopy. Biopsies were processed using Affymetrix microarrays. Gene expression data from the population was visualized using volcano plots (showing fold change and association between genes and endoscopic Mayo score), and heatmaps (showing expression of the top 30 genes in a previously established cell panel). Overexpression of top genes was analyzed using Gene Ontology and KEGG pathways.

Results

The volcano plot (Figure 1A) showed strong associations between the endoscopic Mayo score and components of innate immunity, e.g. complement factor B (CFB), C1-inhibitor (also known as SERPING1), chitinase 3-like 1 (CHI3L1), and inflammasome genes (ZBP1 and PIM2). Moderate associations with calprotectin (S100A8 and S100A9), other inflammasome components (CASP1 and NLRP3), and T cell transcripts (i.e. CTLA4, PDL1) were observed. Targets of biologic therapy (TNFA, ITGA4/B7, IL12B) were weakly associated with the endoscopic Mayo score.

Expression of the top genes in a cell panel (Figure 1B) showed primary expression in monocytes, macrophages, dendritic cells, and polymorphonucleocytes, with some expression in colon epithelial and endothelial cells. Minimal expression was found in CD4/CD8 T cells or NK cells.

Pathway analysis represented extracellular matrix remodeling, complement regulation, and TNFA signaling, but revealed no pathways associated with adaptive immunity (Table 1).

Conclusions

UC disease activity, as assessed by the endoscopic Mayo score, was strongly associated with tissue remodeling and molecules of innate immunity that were largely found in myeloid cells, colon epithelium, and endothelium. Cognate T cells were not dominant features of UC disease activity. These data suggest that the driver of ongoing UC activity is independent of the cognate T cell response.

Funding Agencies

None
A58 CHARACTERIZATION OF THE 37/67 KDA LAMININ RECEPTOR IN COLORECTAL CANCER CELLS
Authors: Cloutier G , Khalfaoui T , Beaulieu J
Published: February 2022

Background

The interaction between cells and extracellular matrix components like laminin or elastin is a crucial step in cancer development and the metastasis process. The 67 kDa Laminin Receptor (67LR) was one of the first cell surface receptors for laminin to be discovered in the 1980s. The 67LR has been reported to be the cytoplasmic 37 kDa small ribosomal subunit protein RPSA (40S ribosomal protein SA) combined with another yet to be identified component to become the 67 kDa membrane receptor. The mechanism by which the ribosomal protein becomes the 67LR membrane receptor is still unclear, but it is presumed that the process involves post-translational modifications combined with homo or hetero-dimerization with non-associated ribosomal proteins. Interestingly, the 67LR confers aggressiveness and a poor prognosis to a wide variety of cancers.

Aims

The aim of this study was to confirm the overexpression of 67LR at the membrane of colorectal cancer cells (CRC) and to identify its homo or hetero-dimerization partners.

Methods

To detect the expression of 67LR in colorectal cancer we performed indirect immunofluorescence on tissues from normal and diseased colons. To confirm the presence of 67LR at the membrane of CRC cells we used a cellular fractionation protocol combined with ultracentrifugation and detergent treatment to separate ribosome-containing fractions from the membranes to isolate membrane associated 67LR-related components. Mass spectrometry analysis to study the molecular identity of 67LR was performed on immunoreactive bands corresponding to RPSA and 67LR from different subcellular fractions.

Results

Immunolocalization of 67LR revealed an overexpression in colorectal cancer tissues. Following analysis by western blotting a 67 kDa immunoreactive protein was found in the supernatant of the 210,000 x g centrifugation while a 37 kDa protein was detected in the pellet solubilized with detergent, suggesting that the 37 kDa form is associated with the membrane. Furthermore, mass spectrometry analysis of the 67 kDa immunoreactive band present in the soluble fraction did not identify any RPSA-related peptides but found a 67 kDa elastin binding receptor (67EBP) related peptide, an elastin receptor that can also bind laminin. The identity of the 67EBP was then confirmed using a shRNA knockdown approach.

Conclusions

These results suggest a possible confusion between the 67 kDa laminin receptor (67LR) and 67 kDa elastin receptor (67EBP) and the possibility that the 37 kDa protein acts as a cell membrane laminin receptor.

Funding Agencies

CIHR
A59 A RARE PRESENTATION OF COLLAGENOUS GASTRODUODENITIS WITH 10 YEAR FOLLOW UP
Authors: Akhtar N H , Akhtar D , Tam L , Nimmo M , Donnellan F
Published: February 2022

Background

Collagenous gastritis(CG) is a rare form of gastritis defined histologically by the presence of >10um of subepithelial surface collagen deposition. CG can further be categorized in childhood onset CG and adult onset CG. The prevalence of childhood CG is 2.1/100,000 in children aged younger than 18. Adult onset CG remains a rare entity. Here, we describe a rare presentation of collagenous gastroduodenitis in an adult patient and the interval progression over a 10 year period.

Aims

To increase awareness of a rare condition with limited data on available treatment modalities and clinical outcomes in adults.

Methods

Case Report

Results

A 35 year old female with no past medical history presented with worsening fatigue and increased shortness of breath with no overt gastrointestinal bleeding symptoms. There was no previous history of radiation exposure or family history of autoimmune disease. Laboratory investigations revealed iron deficiency anemia with a hemoglobin of 69 and a ferritin of 11. TTG serology and anti-parietal antibody was also negative. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy biopsies confirmed the diagnosis of collagenous gastritis localized to the gastric body with the presence of acute and chronic inflammatory changes. The patient was started on proton pump inhibitor therapy. In the interval period, the patient denies any new onset of gastrointestinal symptoms other than occasional heartburn. She remains iron deficient and requires regular iron infusions. Follow up endoscopy 10 years later now demonstrates diffuse mucosal abnormalities with a nodular contour involving the entire stomach and extending into the duodenal bulb. Biopsies showed features compatible with collagenous gastroduodenitis with active inflammation and pyloric metaplasia(Figure 1). There was atrophy of the stomach mucosa with no parietal cells identified and no endocrine hyperplasia. Immunostaining for Helicobacter pylori was negative. Flexible sigmoidoscopy was also performed revealing endoscopically normal colonic mucosa to the descending colon.

Conclusions

CG is a rare disease entity with unclear pathogenesis. Multiple case reports describe some association with autoimmune disease such as celiac disease. To date, no standard treatment has been identified for the management of CG. CG presents endoscopically with nodular changes, mucosal atrophy and collagen deposition. Over time, adult onset CG can progress to involve the entire stomach. Clinically, adult onset CG usually presents with a diarrhea predominant phenotype with associated collagenous colitis. Treatment modalities that have been trialed include PPI, corticosteroids, sucralfate, azathioprine,5-aminosalicylates, iron supplementation and hypoallergenic diets. Here we describe a rare presentation of collagenous gastroduodenitis and subsequent 10 year follow up in order to better understand this disease entity.

Funding Agencies

None
A72 GASTROPARESIS: CLINICAL CHARACTERISTICS, ETIOLOGIES & RESPONSE TO TREATMENT
Authors: Letellier A , Rolland S
Published: February 2022

Background

Gastroparesis is a gastrointestinal motor disorder characterized by a delay in gastric emptying without evidence of mechanical obstruction. Data pertaining to the demographic and clinical characteristics of gastroparesis in the Canadian population is sparse.

Aims

To review the authors’ experience with gastroparesis.

Methods

This is a retrospective observational study conducted at the Hôpital Maisonneuve-Rosemont, a tertiary care center affiliated with the University of Montréal. We collected clinical data from all patients who had a diagnosis of gastroparesis confirmed by gastric emptying scintigraphy from January 2017 to December 2019. The authors reviewed medical records for details on gastroparesis etiologies, response to pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic treatment.

Results

80 patients met the inclusion criteria. 66,8% of them were females. Average age was 62,4 ± 15,7 years. The most frequently identified etiologies of gastroparesis were idiopathic (36.3%), type 1 and 2 diabetes (40%) and medication-induced (23.8%). 82.8% of idiopathic cases were women. 56.6% of patients achieved complete resolution of symptoms with only one pharmacological agent. Response to pharmacologic treatment were mixed, with domperidone and prucalopride having the highest rates of complete resolution of symptoms. Simultaneous use of 2 pharmacologic agents was attempted in 14 patients, half of which achieved resolution of symptoms. All of these patients had at least partial amelioration of their symptoms with the addition of another pharmacologic treatment. Few patients were referred to a dietician, but 66,7% clinically improved with nutritional counselling. Non-pharmacologic approach alone (nutrition consultation, counselling from the physician, withdrawal of causal medication) leads to at least partial amelioration of symptoms in 77,8% of patients.

Conclusions

Diabetic gastroparesis represents the most frequent cause of gastroparesis in our study, with a significant female preponderance. Improvement in symptoms was associated with the use non-pharmacological interventions, as well as simultaneous use of two pharmacological agents.

Funding Agencies

None