bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dynamical Piezomagnetic Effect in Time-Reversal-Invariant Weyl Semimetals with Axionic Charge-Density Waves
Authors: Yu Jiabin , Wieder Benjamin , Liu Chao-xing
Published: June 2021

We predict that dynamical strain can induce a bulk orbital magnetization in time-reversal- (TR-) invariant Weyl semimetals (WSMs) that are gapped by charge-density waves (CDWs) -- a class of systems experimentally observed this past year.
We term this effect the ``dynamical piezomagnetic effect" (DPME).
By studying the low-energy effective theory and a minimal tight-binding (TB) model, we find that the DPME originates from an effective valley axion field that couples the electromagnetic gauge field with a strain-induced pseudo-gauge field.
In particular, the DPME represents the first example of a fundamentally 3D strain effect originating from the Chern-Simons 3-form, in contrast to the previously-studied piezoelectric effects characterized by 2D Berry curvature.
We further find that the DPME has a discontinuous change when the surface of the system undergoes a topological quantum phase transition (TQPT), and thus, that the DPME provides a bulk signature of a boundary TQPT in a TR-invariant Weyl-CDW.
Calibration-free NGS Quantitation of Mutations below 0.01% VAF
Authors: Dai Peng , Wu Lucia , Chen Sherry , Wang Michael , Chen Lauren , Zhang Jinny , Hao Christina , Yao Weijie , Zarka Jabra , Issa Ghayas , Kwong Lawrence , Zhang David
Published: June 2021

The quantitation of rare somatic mutations is essential for basic research and translational clinical applications including minimal residual disease (MRD) detection. Though unique molecular identifier (UMI) has suppressed sequencing error and allowed detection rare mutation, the sequencing depth requirement is high. The blocker displacement amplification (BDA) allele enrichment method allows detection of rare mutations using low sequencing depth, but requires calibration to accurately quantitate the VAF of novel mutations. Here, we present Quantitative Blocker Displacement Amplification (QBDA), a method that allows accurate detection and quantitation of mutations below 0.01% VAF at only 23,000X depth. QBDA integrates sequence-selective variant enrichment into UMI quantitation allowing confident detection of rare mutations and reduced sequencing depth. Using a panel of 20 genes recurrently altered in acute myeloid leukemia, we demonstrate quantitation of various mutations including single base substitutions and indels down to a VAF of 0.001% at a single locus with less than 4 million sequencing reads, allowing a sensitive minimal residual disease (MRD) detection in patients during complete remission. In a comprehensive pan-cancer panel covering 61 genes and a melanoma hotspot panel covering 8 genes, we detect mutations down to 0.1% VAF using only 1 million reads in a broad range of clinical samples including cell-free DNA and FFPE DNA, enabling tissue or liquid biopsy genetic tests with de-centralized sequencing instruments. QBDA ﻿thus provides a convenient and versatile method for sensitive mutation quantitation using low-depth sequencing.
Genetic and Metabolomic Differentiation of Physalis Ixocarpa Brot. Populations in Michoacan State, Mexico
Authors: Martínez-Vega Ariana , Oregel-Zamudio Ernesto , García Ignacio , Villalpando-Arteaga Vinicio , Torres Jesus
Published: June 2021

Physalis ixocarpa Brot. is a native species that is consumed in many localities of the Cienega-Chapala in Mexico's Michoacan state. These fruits are cultivated and collected into traditional maize crops. The fruits are similar to P. Philadelphica, but the differences are in the fruit size and organoleptic properties (flavor, sweetness). According to antecedents of domestication that this zone represents in Mexico, is possible that P. ixocarpa shows incipient differentiation signals in genetic structure and metabolomic fingerprinting. Our objective was find evidences of genetic and metabolomic differentiation among populations of P. ixocarpa in the Cienega-Chapala. We used the sequencing of the chloroplast intergenic sequences psbJ – petA and trnL – rpL32, and the metabolomic fingerprinting by GC-MS. The results showed that exist genetic differentiation (FST) and signatures of selection (Fu's Fs' neutrality test) among populations. Moreover the metabolomic fingerprinting showed differences among populations and an increase of aldehydes, aromatic aldehydes, ester, and alcohols related with organoleptic properties of P. ixocarpa. We conclude that P. ixocarpa is an important genetic resource with signatures of differentiation in the Cienega-Chapala, Michoacan state, Mexico that eventually could be related with domestication signatures.
In Vivo Multimodal Retinal Imaging Correlates With Granular-specific Changes in the Organelles of Retinal Pigment Epithelium of a Murine Model of Stargardt Disease
Authors: Meleppat Ratheesh K. , Ronning Kaitryn E. , Karlen Sarah J. , Burns Marie E. , Pugh Edward N. , Zawadzki Robert J.
Published: June 2021

Melanosomes, lipofuscin, and melanolipofuscin are the three principal types of granular pigmented organelles found in the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells. Changes in the density of melanosomes and lipofuscin granules in RPE cells are considered hallmarks of various retinal diseases, including Stargardt disease and age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Herein, we report the potential of an in vivo multimodal imaging technique based on directional back-scattering and short-wavelength fundus autofluorescence (SW-FAF) to study the disease-related changes in the density of melanosomes and lipofuscin granules in RPE cells. Changes in the concentration of these granules in Abca4-/- mice (a model of Stargardt disease) relative to age-matched wild-type (WT) controls were investigated. Directional optical coherence tomography (dOCT) was used to assess the melanosome density in vivo, whereas the AF images and emission spectra acquired with a spectrometer-integrated scanning laser ophthalmoscope (SLO) were used to characterize the lipofuscin and melanolipofuscin granules in the same RPE region. Subcellular-resolution ex vivo imaging using confocal fluorescence microscopy and electron microscopy was performed on the same tissue region to visualize and quantify melanosomes, lipofuscin, and melanolipofuscin granules. Comparisons between in vivo and ex vivo results confirmed an increased concentration of lipofuscin granules and decreased number of melanosomes in the RPE of Abca4-/- mice and provided an explanation for the differences in fluorescence and directionality of RPE scattering observed in vivo in the two mouse strains.
Aqueous Mechano-Bactericidal Action of Acicular Aragonite Crystals
Authors: Negishi Nobuaki , Inaba Tomohiro , Miyazaki Yukari , Ishii Genki , Yingnan Yang , Koura Setsuko
Published: June 2021

Nanoneedle structures on dragonfly and cicada wing surfaces or black silicon nanoneedles demonstrate antibacterial phenomena, namely mechano-bactericidal action. These air-exposed, mechano-bactericidal surfaces serve to destroy adherent bacteria, but their bactericidal action in the water is no precedent to report. Calcium carbonate easily accumulates on surfaces during long-term exposure to hard water. We expect that aragonite nanoneedles, in particular, which grow on TiO2 during the photocatalytic treatment of calcium-rich groundwater, exhibit mechano-bactericidal action against bacteria in water. Here, we show that aragonite nanoneedles are grown on TiO2 ceramics from the calcium bicarbonate in mineral water exhibit mechano-bactericidal action against E. coli K-12 in water. Unmodified, calcite-modified as references and aragonite-modified TiO2 ceramics were exposed to water containing E. coli K-12 (in a petri dish), and their bactericidal action over time was investigated under static and agitated conditions. The surfaces of the materials were observed by scanning electron microscopy, and the live/dead bacterial cells were observed by confocal laser scanning microscopy. Further, the synergistic bactericidal performance achieved by mechano-bactericidal action and photocatalysis was demonstrated. Aragonite itself has a high biological affinity for the human body different from the other whisker-sharpen nano-materials, therefore, the mechano-bactericidal action of acicular aragonite in water is expected to inform the development of safe water purification systems for use in developing countries.
Automated Caries Detection using a 3D Intraoral Scanner. An in Vivo Validation Study
Authors: Michou Stavroula , Lambach Mathias S. , Ntovas Panagiotis , Benetti Ana R. , Bakhshandeh Azam , Rahiotis Christos , Ekstrand Kim R. , Vannahme Christoph
Published: June 2021

The use of 3D intraoral scanners (IOS) and software that can support automated detection and objective monitoring of oral diseases such as caries, tooth wear or periodontal diseases is increasingly receiving attention from researchers and industry. This study clinically validates an automated caries scoring system for occlusal caries detection and classification, previously developed for an IOS system featuring fluorescence (TRIOS 4, 3Shape TRIOS A/S, Denmark). Four algorithms (ALG1, ALG2, ALG3, ALG4) are assessed for the IOS; the first three are based only on fluorescence information, while ALG4 also takes into account the tooth color information. The diagnostic performance of these automated algorithms is compared with the diagnostic performance of the clinical visual examination, while histological assessment is used as reference. Additionally, possible differences between in vitro and in vivo diagnostic performance of the IOS system are investigated. The algorithms show comparable in vivo diagnostic performance to the visual examination. Only minor differences between their in vitro and in vivo diagnostic performance are noted. This novel IOS system exhibits encouraging performance for clinical application on occlusal caries detection and classification. Different approaches can be investigated for possible optimization of the system.
Chemical Composition of Labile Carbon Fractions in Forest Soils as Affected by Soil Parameters
Authors: Filep Tibor , Zacháry Dóra , Jakab Gergely , Szalai Zoltán
Published: June 2021

Understanding how the chemical composition of dissolved and particulate organic matter (DOM and POM) is affected by environment factors is critical because these labile pools of carbon are involved in an array of biological, chemical and physical processes. In this study, the chemical composition of DOM and POM was measured in 13 forest soils using UV-Vis spectroscopy, fluorescence spectroscopy with PARAFAC modelling and FT-IR spectroscopy.There were significant differences between the soils for the SUVA indexes, PARAFAC components and relative intensities of different IR bands. Redundancy analysis (RDA) revealed that soil parameters had a great influence on the chemical composition of DOM and POM with high constrained variability (77.9 and 77.1 %, respectively). The pH of the soils proved to be an important controlling factor for both DOM and POM, regulating the concentration of the C3 PARAFAC component (low-molecular-weight compounds associated with biological activity) and the aromatic compounds of POM (aromaticity, rA1630 and rA1515). The silt content was the other main regulating factor controlling the chemical characteristics of the labile pool, having a strong negative correlation with the SUVA values of DOM due to the preferential adsorption of hydrophobic moieties. RDA analysis also revealed that, despite their different origins, there is a strong correlation between the chemical composition of POM and DOM.
Glycomyces salinus sp. nov., an Actinomycete Isolated From a Hypersaline Habitat
Authors: Li Rui , Jiang Gang-Qiang , Wang Yun , Chen Yi-Guang , Zhou En-Min , Tang Shu-Kun
Published: June 2021

A Gram-stain-positive, aerobic, non-motile actinobacterium, designated strain YIM 93776T, was isolated from a saline sediment sample collected from Aiding Lake in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Northwest China. Phylogenetic analysis based on the 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain YIM 93776T was affiliated to the genus Glycomyces, and was closely related to Glycomyces albus TRM 49136T (97.6 % sequence similarity), Glycomyces lacisalsi XHU 5089T (97.0 %) and Glycomyces anabasis EGI 6500139T (96.2 %). The cell wall contained meso-diaminopimelic acid and the whole-cell hydrolysates sugars were galactose, mannose, arabinase, glucose and ribose. The predominant menaquinones were MK-9 (H4) and MK-10 (H4). Diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylinositol, two phosphatidylglyceride, two unidentified phospholipids and two unidentified polar lipids were detected in the polar lipid extracts. Major fatty acids were anteiso-C17:0, iso-C15:0, iso-C16:0, anteiso-C15:0 and anteiso C17:1 A. The draft genome sequence of strain YIM 93776T was 5.37 Mbp in size with 69.5 mol% DNA G+C content. On the basis of morphological, chemotaxonomic and phylogenetic evidence, strain YIM 93776T therefore represents a novel species, for which the name Glycomyces salinus sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is YIM 93776T (= KCTC 49430T = CGMCC 4.7685T).
Downregulation of Circ_0000673 Promotes Cell Proliferation and Migration in Endometriosis Via Suppressing PTEN
Authors: Yang Yongwen , Ban Deying , Zhang Chun , Shen Licong
Published: June 2021

Background: Endometriosis is a prevalent gynecologic disease, affecting up to 10% of women at reproductive age and approximately 50% of women with infertility. The function of circRNAs in various diseases has been highlighted. Dysregulated expression of circRNAs in endometriosis has been reported and circ_0000673 was significantly deregulated. However, its explicit role in pathogenesis of endometriosis is yet to be identified. Methods: circ_0000673 expression was detected in paried ectopic and eutopic endometrium using qPCR and fluorescent in situ hybridization. Knockdown of circ_0000673 in eutopic and normal endometrial stromal cells were done by transfection with lentivirus vectors. The proliferation activity of endometrial stromal cells was evaluated by CCK-8 assay and colony formation assay, while the migration capacity was valued by wound healing assay. PTEN, PI3K and p-AKT were detected by qPCR and western blotting. Dual luciferase assay was performed to assess the bonding between circ_0000673, PTEN and miR-616-3p.Results: The expression of circ_0000673 was reduced in ectopic endometrium. Knockdown of circ_0000673 significantly induced eutopic and normal endometrial cell proliferation and migration. Bioinformatic analysis predicted that circ_0000673 might sponge miR-616-3p. The effect of circ_0000673 knockdown could be recovered by miR-616-3p inhibitor and enhanced by miR-616-3p mimics. Meanwhile, qPCR and western blotting showed that circ_0000673 knockdown inhibited the expression of PTEN, and subsequently activated PI3K and p-Akt. Furthermore, PTEN was confirmed to be a target of miR-616-3p. Conclusion: The results demonstrated that deregulated expression of circ_0000673 could promote endometriosis progression via sponging miR-616-3p and further regulating PTEN.
Design of Experiment Based Optimization of an in Vitro Direct Contact Triculture Blood Brain Barrier Model for Permeability Screening
Authors: Lubin Kelsey E , Knipp Gregory T.
Published: June 2021

Background: The in vivo restrictive properties of the blood brain barrier (BBB) largely arise from astrocyte and pericyte synergistic cell signaling interactions that underlie the brain microvessel endothelial cells (BMEC). In vivo relevant direct contact between astrocytes, pericytes, and BMECS, to our knowledge, has not been established in conventional Transwell® based in vitro screening models of the BBB. We hypothesize that a design of experiments (DOE) optimized direct contact layered triculture model will offer more in vivo relevance for screening in comparison to indirect models. Methods: Plating conditions including the seeding density of all three cell types, matrix protein, and culture time were assessed in DOEP. DOEP was followed by DOEM1 and DOEM2 to assess the influence of medium additives on barrier properties. The permeability of 4 kD dextran, a paracellular marker, was the measured response to arrive at the optimal plating conditions. The optimized model was further assessed for p-glycoprotein function using a substrate and inhibitor along with a set of BBB paracellular and transcellular markers at varying permeation rates.Results: DOEP revealed that length of culture post endothelial cell plating correlated highest with paracellular tightness. In addition, seeding density of the endothelial cell layer influenced paracellular tightness at earlier times of culture, and its impact decreased as culture is extended. Medium additives had varying effects on barrier properties as seen from DOEM1 and DOEM2. At optimal conditions, the model revealed P-gp function along with the ability to differentiate between BBB positive and negative permeants. Conclusions: We have demonstrated that the implementation of DOE based optimization for biologically based systems is an expedited method to establish multi-component in vitro cell models. The direct contact BBB triculture model reveals that the physiologically relevant layering of the three cell types is a practical method of culture to establish a screening model compared to indirect plating methods that incorporate physical barriers between cell types. Additionally, the ability of the model to differentiate between BBB positive and negative permeants suggests that this model may be an enhanced screening tool for potential neuroactive compounds.
68Ga-PSMA and 68Ga-DOTA-RM2 PET/MRI in Staging of High-risk Prostate Cancer Patients: a Prospective Pilot Trial
Authors: Mapelli Paola , Ghezzo Samuele , Gajate Ana Maria Samanes , Preza Erik , Brembilla Giorgio , Cucchiara Vito , Bezzi Carolina , Presotto Luca , Bettinardi Valentino , Savi Annarita , Magnani Patrizia , Menichini Raffaele , Coliva Angela , Neri Ilaria , Gaeta Ettore Di , Gianolli Luigi , Briganti Alberto , De Cobelli Francesco , Scifo Paola , Picchio Maria
Published: June 2021

Purpose: The aim of the present study is to investigate the synergic role of 68Ga-PSMA PET/MRI and 68Ga-DOTA-RM2 PET/MRI in PCa staging. Methods: Fifteen patients with biopsy-proven PCa underwent both 68Ga-PSMA PET/MRI and 68Ga-DOTA-RM2 PET/MRI within one month. TNM classification based on image findings was performed and semi-quantitative PET and quantitative MRI parameters were collected for each scan. Finally, DICE score between regions of interest manually segmented on the primary tumor on 68Ga-PSMA PET, 68Ga-DOTA-RM2 PET and on T2 MRI was computed. Results: All imaging modalities detected the primary PCa in 15 patients, with slight differences regarding the multifocality of intra-prostatic findings. Two patients presented seminal vesicles involvement on MRI, one of these was also detected by 68Ga-PSMA, with no uptake on 68Ga-DOTA-RM2 images. Regarding extra prostatic disease, 68Ga-PSMA PET, 68Ga-DOTA-RM2 PET and MRI resulted positive in 6, 2 and 4 patients at lymph-nodal level, respectively, and at bone level in 2, 0 and 1 patients, respectively, with 68Ga-PSMA PET detecting more lesions compared to 68Ga-DOTA-RM2 PET. The different findings detected by 68Ga-PSMA PET and 68Ga-DOTA-RM2 PET might reflect the complementary role of these radiotracers, as they detected different foci of intraprostatic disease, seminal vesicle invasion, lymph nodal and bone involvement. Conclusion: These preliminary results suggest a synergic role of 68Ga-PSMA PET, 68Ga-DOTA-RM2 PET and mpMRI in PCa characterization during the staging phase. (EudraCT: 2018-001034-18)
Williamsia soli sp. nov., Isolated from Thermal Power Plant in Yantai
Authors: Zhang Ming-Jing , Li Xue-Han , Peng Li-Yang , Yun Shuai-Ting , Liu Zhuo-Cheng , Zhou Yan-Xia
Published: June 2021

Strain C17T, a novel strain belonging to the phylum Actinobacteria, was isolated from thermal power plant in Yantai, Shandong Province, China. Cells of strain C17T were Gram-stain-positive, aerobic, pink, non-motile and round with neat edges. Strain C17T was able to grow at 4–42 °C (optimum 28 °C), pH 5.5–9.5 (optimum 7.5) and with 0.0–5.0% NaCl (optimum 1.0%, w/v). Phylogenetically, the strain was a member of the family Gordoniaceae, order Mycobacteriales, class Actinobacteria. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequence comparisons revealed that the closest relative was the type strain of Williamsia faeni JCM 17784T with pair-wise sequence similarity of 98.4%. According to the genome, the DNA G + C content obtained from the draft genome sequence was 64.7%, the main resistant antibiotics were rifamycin, aminoglycoside and glycopeptide, the related gene cluster were clbC,clbB,clbA,vanRI,vanRB,vanRC and vanRD. The average amino acid identity(AAI), average nucleotide identity (ANI) and digital DNA–DNA hybridization(dDDH)values between genome sequences of strain C17T and the type strain Williamsia faeni of the recognized taxa compared were 77.5, 77.9 and 20.7%, respectively. Predominant fatty acids were C16:0(31.7%), C18:1ω9c(26.8%), 10-methyl-C18:0 (16.4%), summed feature comprising C16:1ω7c and/or C16:1ω6c (12.2%) and sum in feature comprising C16:1ω6c and/orC16:1ω7c (10.9%). The major isoprenoid quinone was MK-9 and the diagnostic phospholipids were phosphatidylethanolamine(PE), diphos-phatidylglycerol(DPG) and phosphatidylinositol(PI). Therefore, the combined phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and phylogenetic data indicated that the strain is considered to represent a novel species of the genus Williamsia and the name Williamsia soli sp. nov. is proposed for strain C17T (= KCTC 49567T= MCCC 1K04355T).
Microstructure Evolution of Mg-2Y-0.6Nd-0.6Zr Alloy Rolled at Room and Liquid Nitrogen Temperature
Authors: Tan Yun , Li Wei , Li Aiwen , Shi Xiaofang
Published: June 2021

The microstructure evolution, texture, mechanical behavior and twin deformation of the ECAPed Mg-2Y-0.6Nd-0.6Zr alloy at liquid nitrogen temperature were investigated by rolling samples. The ECAP processed material appeared the texture of 45 ° to the extrusion direction and its yield strength reached 93.6 MPa. The results showed that cryorolling encourages twinning in Mg-2Y-0.6Nd-0.6Zr alloy, enhancing the tensile strength and texture. Activation of {10-12} twinning during rolling was found to be more pronounced in the cryorolled samples than in the cold rolled samples owing to a lower temperature. As a result, the cryorolled samples had more twins than and cold rolled ones, the proportion of twin areas of room temperature rolling and ultra-low temperature rolling were: 2.445% and 4.234%.
Pattern of Use and Efficacy of Daratumumab-based Therapy in Patients With Multiple Myeloma in a Real-world Setting: a Single Institution Experience
Authors: Dima Danai , Hu Xiao , Dower Joshua , Zhang Diana , Comenzo Raymond , Varga Cindy
Published: June 2021

Purpose: Multiple myeloma (MM) is an incurable hematologic malignancy, caused by the accelerated growth of clonal plasma cells leading to severe multiorgan failure. Several novel agents have been recently approved for the treatment of this diseases, including daratumumab, a human IgG kappa monoclonal antibody that targets CD38 on the surface of plasma cells. The objective of this retrospective study is to explore the pattern of use, safety and efficacy of daratumumab-based therapy among patients with both newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (NDMM) and relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM) in a real-world setting at a single institution. Methods: 57 patients with MM treated with daratumumab based therapy, from 11/16/2015 to 3/16/2020, were included in the study. Kaplan-Meier method was used to estimate time to hematologic response, as well as progression free survival (PFS) after daratumumab initiation. Log-rank tests were applied to compare PFS among subgroups. Results: The overall hematologic response (ORR) to daratumumab based-therapy was 82.5% and the median progression-free survival (PFS) was 23.5 months. The ORR and PFS among NDMM patients vs RRMM patients were 80% and not reached vs 84.8% and 22 months respectively. Importantly, subgroup analysis based on cytogenetic risks, demonstrated that patients with standard risk cytogenetics sustained a marginally significantly prolonged PFS (24.0 vs 10.0 months, p=0.065) compared to those with high/intermediate risk cytogenetics. When stratified by the treatment line (1st vs 2nd-3rd vs >3rd) and treatment pattern (dara monotherapy vs. combination with PI vs. IMiD vs. PI + IMiD), there were no significant differences in PFS. Daratumumab was generally well tolerated, with no discontinuations due to adverse events.Conclusion: Daratumumab-based therapy has significant efficacy and very good tolerability among MM patients, in a real-world setting.
Respiratory Viral Infections in Pragmatically Selected Adults in Intensive Care Units: A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Cia Cong-Tat , Ling I-Ting , Lee Jen-Chieh , Tsai Huey-Pin , Wang Jen-Ren , Ko Wen-Chien
Published: June 2021

BackgroundRespiratory viruses can be detected in 18.3% to 48.9% of critically ill adults with severe respiratory tract infections (RTIs). The present study aims to assess the clinical significance of respiratory viruses in pragmatically selected adults in medical intensive care unit patients and to identify factors associated with viral respiratory viral tract infections (VRTIs).MethodsWe conducted a prospective study on critically ill adults with suspected RTIs without recognized respiratory pathogens. Viral cultures with monoclonal antibody identification, in-house real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for influenza virus, and FilmArray® respiratory panel were used to detect viral pathogens. Multivariable logistic regression was applied to identify factors associated with VRTIs.ResultsSixty-four (40.5%) of the included 158 critically ill adults had respiratory viruses detected in their respiratory specimens. The commonly detected viruses included influenza virus (20), followed by human rhinovirus/enterovirus (11), respiratory syncitial virus (9), human metapneumovirus (9), human parainfluenza viruses (8), human adenovirus (7), and human coronaviruses (2). The FilmArray® respiratory panel detected respiratory viruses in 54 (34.6%) patients, but showed negative results for seven of 13 patients with influenza A/H3 infection. In the multivariable logistic regression model, patient characters associated with VRTIs included those aged < 65 years, household contact with individuals with upper RTI, the presence of fever, cough with sputum production, and sore throat.ConclusionsRespiratory viruses were not uncommonly detected in the pragmatically selected adults with critical illness. Selective multiplex PCR testing for respiratory viruses is a practical strategy, and the detection rate could be further improved in selected patient population.
Targeting Chromosome Trisomy for Chromosome Editing
Authors: Abe Takuya , Suzuki Yuya , Hirota Kouji
Published: June 2021

A trisomy is a type of aneuploidy characterised by an additional chromosome. The additional chromosome theoretically accepts any kind of changes since it is not necessary for cellular proliferation. This advantage led us to apply two chromosome manipulation methods to autosomal trisomy in chicken DT40 cells. We first corrected chromosome 2 trisomy to disomy by employing counter-selection makers. Upon construction of cells carrying makers targeted in one of the trisomic chromosome 2s, cells that have lost makers integrated in chromosome 2 were subsequently selected. The loss of one of the chromosome 2s had little impacts on the proliferative capacity, indicating unsubstantial role of the additional chromosome 2 in DT40 cells. We next tested large-scale truncations of chromosome 2 to make a mini-chromosome for the assessment of chromosome stability by introducing telomere repeat sequences to delete most of p-arm or q-arm of chromosome 2. The obtained cell lines had 0.7 Mb mini-chromosome, and approximately 0.2% of mini-chromosome was lost per cell division in wild-type background while the rate of chromosome loss was significantly increased by the depletion of DDX11, a cohesin regulatory protein. Collectively, our findings propose that trisomic chromosomes are good targets to make unique artificial chromosomes. (197 words)
Contrast Limited Adaptive Histogram Equalization (CLAHE) Approach for Enhancement of the Microstructures of Friction Stir Welded Joints
Authors: MISHRA AKSHANSH
Published: June 2021

Image processing algorithms are finding various applications in manufacturing and materials industries such as identification of cracks in the fabricated samples, calculating the geometrical properties of the given microstructure, presence of surface defects, etc. The present work deals with the application of Contrast Limited Adaptive Histogram Equalization (CLAHE) algorithm for improving the quality of the microstructure images of the Friction Stir Welded joints. The obtained results showed that the obtained value of quantitative metric features such as Entropy value and RMS Contrast value were high which resulted in enhanced microstructure images.
Learning a weather dictionary of atmospheric patterns using Latent Dirichlet Allocation
Authors: Fery Lucas , Dubrulle Berengere , Pons Flavio , Podvin Berengere , Faranda Davide
Published: June 2021

Mid-latitude circulation dynamics is often described in terms of weather regimes, represented by atmospheric field configurations extracted using pattern recognition techniques. Each pattern is given by a given combination of distinct elements, corresponding to synoptic objects (cyclones and anticyclones). Such intrication makes it arduous to detect or quantify shifts in atmospheric circulation - possibly due to anthropogenic forcings - impacting recurrence and intensity of climate extremes. Here we apply Latent Dirichlet Allocation (LDA), typically used for topic modeling in linguistic studies, to build a weather dictionary: in analogy with linguistics, we define daily maps of a gridded target observable as documents, and the grid-points composing the map as words. LDA provides a representation of documents in terms of a combination of spatial patterns named motifs, which are latent patterns inferred from the set of snapshots. For atmospheric data, we find that motifs correspond to pure synoptic objects (cyclones and anticyclones), that can be seen as building blocks of weather regimes. We show that LDA weights provide a natural way to characterize the impact of climate change on the recurrence of regimes associated with extreme events.
Marginal deformations from type IIA supergravity
Authors: Bobev Nikolay , Bomans Pieter , Gautason Fridrik Freyr , Min Vincent S.
Published: June 2021

We study marginal deformations of a class of three-dimensional N=2
SCFTs that admit a holographic dual description in massive type IIA
supergravity. We compute the dimension of the conformal manifold in
these SCFTs and identify a special submanifold with enhanced flavor
symmetry. We show how to apply the TsT transformation of Lunin-Maldacena
to construct explicit supersymmetric AdS_44
solutions of massive type IIA supergravity with non-trivial internal
fluxes that are the holographic dual of these marginal deformations.
Finally, we also briefly comment on a class of RG flows between some of
these SCFTs that also admit a holographic realization.
Equity market anomalies in major European economies
Authors: Pandey Asheesh , Sehgal Sanjay , Kumar Mohapatra Amiya , Kumar Samanta Pradeepta
Published: June 2021

This paper investigates five leading equity market anomalies – size, value, momentum, profitability, and asset growth, for four Western European markets, namely, Germany, France, Italy and Spain, from January 2002 to March 2018. The study tests whether these anomalies reverse under different macro-economic uncertainty conditions, and evaluates if strategies based on time diversification can be formed using these equity market anomalies. Market anomalies were tested using four major asset pricing models – the Capital Asset Pricing Model, the Fama-French three-factor model, the Carhart model, and the Fama-French five-factor model. Macro-economic uncertainty was tested using two proxies, namely VIX and default premiums. Time diversified strategies were examined by estimating Sharpe ratios of combined portfolios formed by combining winner univariate portfolios. Value effect in Germany, Size effect in France and Profitability effect in Italy and Spain provide the highest unadjusted returns on long side strategies. No significant reversal of these anomalies was found under different macroeconomic uncertainties. Asset pricing tests show that CAPM works well for Spain and Italy, while Carhart’s model explains returns in Germany. The Fama-French five factor model does not seem to be a good descriptor of asset pricing for data. No suitable model for explaining asset returns is identified for France. Finally, it is observed that some of the equity market anomalies seem to be countercyclical and therefore provide time diversification opportunities. The study has implications for academicians, investors, and policy makers by providing insights for developing profitable investment strategies and highlighting the efficacy of alternative models as performance benchmarks.
A contribution to Norway’s political geography: The Haugean parliamentarians in the Storting (Norwegian parliament) in the 19th century
Authors: Bjørn Minde Kjell
Published: June 2021

During the modernization of the Norwegian economy in the 1800s, different national and international pietistic and puritan groups, such as the Haugeans in Norway, probably played an important role in promotion of economic growth. The importance they had on the modernization of society in Norway, however, is not limited to the modernization of the economy alone, but also to the expansion of civil and political rights.An important underlying question in the assessment of the role the Haugeans may have played in the modernization process in Norway is if they were numerous and strong enough in the Parliament and elsewhere to affect the community and leave a lasting influence on Norwegian history.This study is an attempt to contribute to such a clarification by trying to identify the number of Haugean-minded members in the Norwegian Parliament during the 1800s. Efforts to identify who they were and how many of the representatives that were Haugean-minded members of the Parliament, has been going on for a long time. Paradoxically, at present there is still no consensus. The estimates have ranged from 4 to 49.The survey indicates that the number may have been slightly higher than assumed. 73 were elected as representatives or deputy representatives, of which 60 took seats in the Storting during 1814–1910.The figure may have been higher than this as well, but only future research can determine how much higher.
MiRNA-103b Downregulates ITGB3 and Mediates Apoptosis in Ex Vivo Stored Human Platelets
Authors: Dahiya Neetu , Atreya Chintamani
Published: June 2021

Background:

Blood bank-stored human platelets are one of the life-saving transfusion
products to prevent bleeding in multiple clinical settings. In ex vivo storage, platelets undergo apoptosis
and it is highly desirable to prevent this process to preserve platelet quality. However, underlying
mechanisms of apoptosis are not well understood in stored platelets. Integrin beta 3 (ITGB3)
glycoprotein plays multiple roles in platelet physiological processes, and it was reported in other
cell types that downregulation of ITGB3 induces apoptosis. Small noncoding regulatory RNAs
known as microRNAs (miRNAs), some of which are abundant in platelets such as miR-103b that
belong to miR-103 family of miRNAs, known to play key roles in platelet functions both in vivo
and during storage; Cellular miR-103 downregulates certain genes in other cell types and promotes
apoptosis. However, whether miR-103b can target and downregulate ITGB3 in stored platelets and
such miRNA regulation promotes apoptosis is not known. Here, we tested this working hypothesis.

Objective:

Our objective of this study is to validate the abundance of miR-103b in stored platelets
and identify whether ITGB3 is a target of miR-103b for the downregulation and this interaction promotes
apoptosis.

Methods:

RT-qPCR validation of miR-103b was performed in 11 donor samples at 3 different storage
time points. In-silico analysis was performed to identify predicted targets of the miR-103b. The
miRNA and messenger RNA interactions were confirmed using different biochemical approaches
such as qRT-PCR, western blotting and, suppression of luciferase reporter gene expression by ectopic
expression of miR-103b in HeLa cells. Final validation of the functional role of miR-103b in
ITGB3 downregulation and resulting induction of apoptosis was assessed in stored platelets by
FACS analysis following ectopic expression of miR-103b.

Results:

Using the Target Scan Vert algorithm, we identified several integrin subunit-encoding mRNAs
as potential targets of miR-103b. While ITGB3 and ITGB6 were found to have two targeting
sites for miR-103b, since ITGB3 is known to play a role in apoptosis, we chose this for further validation
in this study. Ectopic expression of miR-103b decreased the luciferase reporter activity in
HeLa cells and decreased ITGB3 mRNA and protein levels in platelets, concomitant with an increase
in apoptosis.

Conclusion:

The results demonstrate that in stored platelets, miR-103b is highly expressed and can
interact with and downregulate ITGB3 and promote apoptosis in stored platelets.
MicroRNA Levels in Cervical Cancer Samples and Relationship with Lesion Grade and HPV Infection
Authors: Hoelzle Carolina R. , Arnoult Solène , Borém Cinthya R.M. , Ottone Mariana , de Magalhães Kênia C.S.F. , da Silva Istéfani L. , Simões Renata T.
Published: June 2021

Background:

miR-21, miR-214 and miR-let-7a are three validated and well-known miRNAs.
miR-21 is described as an “oncomir” while miR-214 and miR-let-7a are described mainly as
tumor suppressors. The role of these miRNAs remains unclear in cervical cancer, an important malignancy
among women worldwide and responsible for many deaths every year.

Objective:

The objective of this study is to describe the expression profile of miR-21, miR-214 and
miR-let-7a in plasma and in cervical scraping from a control group and patients with different
grades of cervical lesions and invasive cervical cancer and correlate with HPV infection groups.

Methods:

Plasma and cervical scraping were submitted to DNA and RNA extraction. HPV detection
and typing were performed by conventional PCR followed by PAGE to amplicons interpretation.
The miRNA relative expression in plasma and cervical scraping samples was performed by real
time PCR using specific TaqMan probes.

Results:

miR-21 (p=0.0277) and miR-214 (p=0.0151) were up-regulated in cervical scraping samples
of invasive cervical cancer (ICC) group. However, miR-214 was also up-regulated in the LSIL
group (p=0.0062). Both miRNAs were not related to HPV infection. However, miR-let-7a was
higher in HPV positive plasma samples (p=0.0433) than in HPV negative plasma samples and the
correlation analysis confirmed the association between the levels of this miRNA with the presence
of HPV (p=0.0407; r=0.3029), but not with lesion grade (p>0.05).

Conclusion:

Our results suggest that miR-21 is related to cervical cancer progression and miR-214
appears to have an ambiguous role in cervical lesions. miR-let-7a may be upregulated at a systemic
level in patients with HPV infection.
Synthesis of Eugenyl Cinnamate from Clove Oil (Syzygium aromaticum) via Bromination-Dehydrobromination Methods
Authors:   Division of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Institut Teknologi Bandung, Alni Anita , Fauzia Shinta Ellisya , Mujahidin Didin
Published: June 2021

Synthesis of bioactive materials based on Indonesian natural products as precursors are potential to achieve a sustainable supply of modern medicines. Eugenyl cinnamate is a crucial building block in many bioactive compounds such as hepatoprotective silibinin. This research features simple synthesis of eugenyl cinnamate from eugenol, an essential oil presents as major constituent of clove oil (Syzygium aromaticum). The transformations were carried out via protection of hydroxyl group, bromination, and dehydrobromination reactions of eugenol (1) consecutively. The products of the synthesis were purified by gravity column chromatography and were characterized by FTIR and NMR spectroscopy. Benzylation of eugenol was carried out under basic condition with high yield (94.3%). Characterization by spectroscopic methods showed that eugenyl benzyl ether (2) was formed. Bromination of eugenyl benzyl ether yielded three products, namely: dibromo (3a and 3b), and tri-bromo eugenyl benzyl ether (3c). Compound 3a and 3b were epimers based on intensive NMR analysis (1H, 13C and DEPT). These epimers were separable using simple gravitational colomn chromatography. To improve the selectivity of the reaction, protecting group was changed to acetyl to yield eugenyl acetyl ether (4). Bromination of (4) yielded the desired dibromo product (5). The dehydrobromination reaction of compound 5 with cinnamic acid yielded the eugenyl cinnamate (6) with yield of 23.2%.
Determination of Radiochemical Purity of 99mTc-DTPA Using One-System Method of Paper Chromatography
Authors:   Center for Radioisotope and Radiopharmaceutical Technology – BATAN, Kawasan Puspiptek, Tangerang  Selatan, Banten, 15314, Indonesia, Maskur Maskur , Lestari Enny ,   Center for Radioisotope and Radiopharmaceutical Technology – BATAN, Kawasan Puspiptek, Tangerang  Selatan, Banten, 15314, Indonesia, Putra Amal Rezka ,   Center for Radioisotope and Radiopharmaceutical Technology – BATAN, Kawasan Puspiptek, Tangerang  Selatan, Banten, 15314, Indonesia, Kurniasih Dede ,   Center for Radioisotope and Radiopharmaceutical Technology – BATAN, Kawasan Puspiptek, Tangerang  Selatan, Banten, 15314, Indonesia, Sarmini Endang ,   Center for Radioisotope and Radiopharmaceutical Technology – BATAN, Kawasan Puspiptek, Tangerang  Selatan, Banten, 15314, Indonesia, Tahyan Yayan ,   Center for Radioisotope and Radiopharmaceutical Technology – BATAN, Kawasan Puspiptek, Tangerang  Selatan, Banten, 15314, Indonesia, Gunawan Adang Hardi ,   Center for Radioisotope and Radiopharmaceutical Technology – BATAN, Kawasan Puspiptek, Tangerang  Selatan, Banten, 15314, Indonesia, Aries Arni ,   Center for Radioisotope and Radiopharmaceutical Technology – BATAN, Kawasan Puspiptek, Tangerang  Selatan, Banten, 15314, Indonesia
Published: June 2021

The more efficient and effective quality control techniques for 99mTc-DTPA are needed because 99mTc has a short half-life of around 6.0 hours. We have succeeded in developing a one-system of Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC) for radiochemical purity testing system that is faster and more practical. Two-system method of TLC for radiochemical purity testing uses mobile phase of methyl ethyl ketone indicated as system A and 0.9% sodium chloride solution indicated as system B. One-system method uses the mobile phase of a mixture solution of acetone and 0.9% sodium chloride. In this study, the determination of radiochemical purity of the one-system of TLC has been successfully developed using the Whatman-1 paper stationary phase and the mixture of mobile phase between acetone and 0.9% sodium chloride solution. The mobile phase of acetone: 0.9% sodium chloride with a ratio of 9:1 shows the most optimum results. This phase can separate 99mTc-DTPA (Rf = 0.4-0.6) from 99mTcO4- (Rf = 0.9-1.0) and 99mTcO2 (Rf = 0.0-0.1) as radiochemical impurities. This result shows that the one-system of TLC method can be used for radiochemical purity testing of 99mTc-DTPA radiopharmaceutical kits. This method can completely separate the product compound (99mTc-DTPA) from its impurities (99mTcO2 and 99mTcO4-).
Characterization of the Curcuminoids Fingerprint Profile in Curcuma and Zingiber Genera by TLC – Digital Image Analysis
Authors:   Chemistry Department, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Brawijaya, Syarifah Anisa Lailatusy , Retnowati Rurini , Sulistyarti Hermin
Published: June 2021

Curcuma longa, C. xanthorrhiza, C. heyneana, and Zingiber cassumunar contain high curcuminoid and have relatively similar yellow color. Therefore, they are potentially adulterated and difficult to differentiate in the form of powder. Hence, it is necessary to characterize the fingerprints compound profile by a simple and rapid method. This research aims to determine fingerprint compound profile of curcuminoid using Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC) and digital image analysis. The result of the research identified that the fingerprint compound profile of curcuminoid on the four rhizomes was obtained by TLC method using silica gel 60 GF254 as the stationary phase, chloroform: dichloromethane: methanol (13:6:1) as the mobile phase, and observation under UV 254 nm light and citroborate reagent. Thereafter, the digital image analysis was carried out using Image J software according to the gray value and % of RGB (red-green-blue) value. Based on gray value and % of RGB, both Curcuma and Zingiber genera were differentiated through curcumin compound (Rf 0.63), demethoxycurcumin (Rf 0.34), bisdemethoxycurcumin (Rf 0.21). The profile of fingerprint compound on Curcuma longa, C. xanthorrhiza, C. heyneana, and Zingiber cassumunar was differentiated through Rf 0.26; Rf 0.17; and Rf 0.10.
Simple and Rapid Device for Mercury Detection Based on The Formation of Mercury(II)-Dithizonate on Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) Membrane
Authors:   Chemistry Department, University of Brawijaya, Sulistyarti Hermin ,   Centre for Low Cost and Automated Method and Instrumentation (LCAMIA), University of Brawijaya, Wijaya Mega Madha ,   Chemistry Department, University of Brawijaya,   Centre for Low Cost and Automated Method and Instrumentation (LCAMIA), University of Brawijaya, Setyowati Dewi ,   Chemistry Department, University of Brawijaya,   Centre for Low Cost and Automated Method and Instrumentation (LCAMIA), University of Brawijaya, Sutrisno Sutrisno ,   Chemistry Department, University of Brawijaya,   Centre for Low Cost and Automated Method and Instrumentation (LCAMIA), University of Brawijaya, Sulistyo Erwin ,   Mechanical Engineering Department, University of Brawijaya Malang,   Centre for Low Cost and Automated Method and Instrumentation (LCAMIA), University of Brawijaya
Published: June 2021

A new analytical device for mercury detection has been developed by doping dithizone on to hydrophobic PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene) membrane to form a blue dithizone membrane which instantaneously changed to orange color of mercury(II)-dithizonate complex, when this dithizone membrane was contacted to mercury(II) solution. The higher concentration of mercury showed the greater intensity of the orange colour mercury(II)-dithizonate complex. The design and chemicals were optimized to obtain the best performance for mercury measurement. This method is prospective as mercury test kit for simple, low cost, and rapid semi-quantitative method for mercury(II) determination from 1-10 mgL-1 suits for on-site mercury detection and has been applied to cosmetics with satisfactory results.