Opposite Correlation Research Articles

The way of value of Correlation of genomic DNA microsatellite loci and live weight of Chukchi reindeer

The aim of this work is to study correlations of the frequencies of SSR markers (Inter Simple Sequence Repeat) and live weight of domestic reindeer. A spectrum of 4 amplicons with a fragment size of 240– 330 bp, 350–430 bp, 440–520 bp and 520–570 bp can be considered specific for the Chukchi breed, since deer of all populations is most common. The variability of SSR markers in populations indicates the similarity between them in most allelic frequencies. This confirms the common origin, economic and breeding use of deer of the Chukchi breed. Loci No. 1, 3, 4, 5, 6 are positively associated with each other, while with other loci they have the opposite correlation direction of communication. For all sex and age groups of deer, loci no. 3 (240– 330 bp), no. 4 (330–350) and no. 5 (350–430) are characterized by a moderately crowded inverse relationship with an indicator of live weight. The average value of the correlation coefficient for these loci was equal to: -0.603; -0.648 and -0.646, respectively. By loci No. 6 (440–520 bp), No. 7 (520–570) and No. 8 (650–690), on the contrary, a direct in action and medium in magnitude connection was noted, the correlation coefficient for these loci an average of 0.266; 0.597 and 0.559, respectively. The data obtained allow us to identify trends in the correlation conjugacy of ISSR markers and live weight, and to reduce the search space for genes whose polymorphism is associated with live weight variability in Chukchi populations. Using the analysis of variance, a reliable influence of the «farm» factor (ecology + farm conditions) on the frequency of occurrence of a DNA fragment with an average value of the influence force ηx² = 65,9% was established. The correlation ratio ηx= 0.811 confirms the presence of a close relationship between the attributes.

Possibility to use erythrocyte antigens and feather coloration genes to determine resistance to non-plastic diseases

Non-plastic diseases are a problem in both medical and veterinary practice. These include lymphoid leukemia (LL) and Marek's disease (CM). It should be noted that HM causes losses to poultry three times higher than LL. CM is a highly contagious viral neoplastic disease of chickens. It is known that the degree of resistance of different breeds and lines of chickens to Marek's disease (CM) and lymphoid leukemia (LL) is not the same. To date, little attention has been paid to the role of erythrocyte antigenic factors in the bird's response to morbidity. There is a relationship between the incidence among vaccinated birds and the natural susceptibility to HM birds of certain breeds and lines. The effect of protective reactions in chickens associated with erythrocyte antigenic factors in poultry selected for resistance to non-plastic diseases is still unclear. The objects of the study were chickens and 11-day-old embryos of poultry from one of the farms of Ukraine. The studies were performed on Rhode Island, Leghorn D4 and P-37 chickens. Standard strains of Rouse's sarcoma virus (HRV) were used in the study. Embryos of 11 days of incubation were infected with Rouse virus on the chorio-allantoic membrane (САМ). The results of the studies proved that the resistance to HRV had a significantly opposite correlation only with the presence of B16 antigen and the absence of X31. In chickens of the P-37 line we noted a probable difference in the number of birds of different genetic groups at loci B18 and E 8. Among birds of this line of genotypes rs and ss no individuals with locus E8 were found, while among chickens with genotype rr rarely found a bird with a locus B18. In hens of line D-4 with genotype rr, the frequency of the A12 locus was set more often than in genotypes rs and ss. As for the frequency of the B33 locus, the opposite pattern was observed. Tumor regression was probably more common in birds with antigenic factor B1 and in the absence of B33. Hypersensitivity to non-plastic diseases of chickens carrying B2, B21, B29, X50 antigens has been established. The bird, more resistant to neoplasms, had an increased number of antigens B3, B18, C26. and research in this direction continues. It is assumed that the plumage color gene (s), if present in homozygous form, is an inhibitor of sensitivity. The experiments used embryos and chickens with different plumage color: red, black, white with a yellow tinge, pure white. Their ratio is approximately 2:1:1 or 3 parts “colored” and 1 part white. It was found that among the “colored” embryos were more stable than sensitive. In fact, the resulting cleavage was close to expected.

Ultrasonic imaging of microscale processes in quartz gouge during compression and shearing

Active ultrasonic monitoring in rock joints and gouge materials has the potential to detect the signatures of shear failure for a wide range of sliding modes, from slow and stable movements to fast and unstable sliding. While these collected measurements currently are being used to identify the seismic precursors to shear failure in rock joints and gouge materials, the underlying physical processes and contact scale mechanisms that control the changes in ultrasonic wave attributes are still poorly understood. To address this knowledge gap, this paper aims to investigate the relationship between the variations in ultrasonic wave attributes and the underlying particle scale mechanisms during both compression and shearing. Our double direct shear experiments were coupled with ultrasonic wave propagation measurements on granular quartz gouges, in which the gouge layers were sheared under different sliding velocities and constant normal stress conditions. Simultaneously, ultrasonic waveforms were continuously recorded during shearing with a fast data acquisition system and three pairs of ultrasonic wave transducers embedded at the two sides of the gouge layers. Different particle comminution mechanisms were observed from the non-uniform distribution of normal and shear stresses through the changes in ultrasonic transmissivity and scanning electron microscope (SEM) images. Our results show that the signatures of the geometry- and time-dependent variations of the inter-particle contact quality and pore volume changes with sliding velocity and slip accumulation were clearly captured from the variations in the transmitted wave amplitude and the dominant frequency, respectively. In addition, we found that variations in dominant frequency corresponded to dilation and compaction of the granular gouge layer during compression as well as stable and unstable sliding. Our results therefore confirmed that non-destructive acoustic techniques are capable of capturing a variety of micromechanical processes during fault gouge deformation and may prove useful in natural settings. • Identifying particle abrasion and splitting at different locations using SEM images. • Nonlinear evolution of amplitude with normal stress and particles comminution. • Reverse relation between amplitude and slip velocity in stable and unstable sliding. • Opposite correlation between dominant frequency and porosity variation.

Seasonal dynamics of prokaryotes and their associations with diatoms in the Southern Ocean as revealed by an autonomous sampler.

The Southern Ocean remains one of the least explored marine environments. The investigation of temporal microbial dynamics has thus far been hampered by the limited access to this remote ocean. We present here high-resolution seasonal observations of the prokaryotic community composition during phytoplankton blooms induced by natural iron fertilization. A total of 18 seawater samples were collected by a moored remote autonomous sampler over 4 months at 5-11 day intervals in offshore surface waters (central Kerguelen Plateau). Illumina sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene revealed that among the most abundant amplicon sequence variants, SAR92 and Aurantivirga were the first bloom responders, Pseudomonadaceae, Nitrincolaceae and Polaribacter had successive peaks during the spring bloom decline, and Amylibacter increased in relative abundance later in the season. SAR11 and SUP05 were abundant prior to and after the blooms. Using network analysis, we identified two groups of diatoms representative of the spring and summer bloom that had opposite correlation patterns with prokaryotic taxa. Our study provides the first seasonal picture of microbial community dynamics in the open Southern Ocean and thereby offers biological insights to the cycling of carbon and iron, and to an important puzzling issue that is the modest nitrate decrease associated to iron fertilization.

Feeding preference and growth response of early adults abalone, Haliotis squamata on some macroalgae

Abstract. Yusup DS, Mahardika IG, Suarna IW, Giri INA. 2020. Feeding preference and growth response of early adults abalone, Haliotis squamata on some macroalgae. Biodiversitas 21: 4369-4375. Study on early adult Haliotis squamata fresh feed has evaluated some macroalgae, however, a study on Enteromorpha sp., Halymenia sp., and Hypnea sp. have not been carried out. This study was proposed to evaluate the feeding preference (feed response and feed intake) and the growth performance of early adult H. squamata on some macroalgae. Seven species of macroalgae were evaluated as unpair feeding choice and the experiment design employed was completely randomized design. The results showed that H. squamata responded variously to the seven macroalgae species and the food deprivation (fasting) data showed mounting response to all macroalgae. Ulva lactuca and Enteromorpha sp. were the most responded which up to four times higher compared to the least responded i.e. Halymenia sp. and Sargassum sp. The highest to the lowest palatable feed intake (FI) were Gracillaria sp, Eucheuma spinosum, Ulva lactuca, Halymenia sp., Enteromorpha sp., Sargassum sp. and Hypnea sp. respectively. The first four palatable macroalgae resulted in various growth responses of H. squamata. Except for Halymenia sp., the feed intake (FI) rate showed an opposite linear correlation to growth response and FCR. The daily growth rate (g/day) was Ulva lactuca (0.104), Enteropmorpha sp. (0.085), Gracillaria sp. (0.084), and Halymenia sp. (0.016). 

Comparison of different rice flour- and wheat flour-based butter cookies for acrylamide formation

Acrylamide (AcA) contents of different rice flour- and wheat flour-based butter cookies baked at 130 °C for 20, 55, or 90 min were investigated. AcA contents of different flour-based cookies increased with baking time. Color parameters in terms of CIE L*, b*, C*, and ΔE values showed significant opposite correlation to the AcA formation in each of the raw flour cookie. The cookies based on white rice flour had the lowest AcA contents ranging from not detectable (ND) to 204 μg/kg, followed by cookies based on brown rice flour (ND to 450 μg/kg), white wheat flour (155 μg/kg to 661 μg/kg), and whole wheat flour (306 μg/kg to 982 μg/kg). Considerably lower AcA levels were found in the rice flour-based cookies than in the wheat flour-based cookies, as well as in the milled flour-based cookies than in the whole-grain cookies. Although the flour source was considered to play a primary role in determining the AcA content, AcA content was apparently not dependent on the quantities of reducing sugars and free asparagine in the starting raw flour and cookies during baking. In summary, given its reducing potential for AcA formation, rice flour could be used in the production of cookies safe from heat-induced contaminants.

Adipokines expression profiles in both plasma and peri renal adipose tissue in Large White and Meishan sows: A possible involvement in the fattening and the onset of puberty

In pig, backfat deposition is strongly related to the growth and reproductive performance. However, the molecular regulatory mechanisms of adipose tissue are not clearly understood. Adipose tissue is now recognized as an important endocrine organ that secretes a variety of factors including adipokines. However, the regulation of expression pattern of these adipokines in both plasma and visceral white adipose tissue (WAT) in lean and fat pig is unclear. In the present study, we used two representative porcine breeds (Large White, LW; Meishan, MS) with contrasting backfat thickness and sexual maturity age. Using specific ELISA assays, we determined the plasma profile of eight adipokines, leptin, adiponectin, visfatin, apelin, chemerin, resistin, omentin and vaspin in LW and MS sows. By RT-qPCR and western-blot we also investigated the mRNA and protein levels of these adipokines and their cognate receptors (LEPR, ADIPOR1, ADIPOR2, CMKLR1, CCRL2, GPR1, APLNR, TLR4, ROR1, CAP1 and HSPA5) in the peri renal WAT, respectively. At both plasma and peri renal WAT level, we found that the amounts of leptin, chemerin, resistin and vaspin were higher whereas those of adiponectin and omentin were lower in MS than LW sows. Plasma and adipose tissue visfatin and apelin levels were not different between the two breeds. Moreover, we noted that the variations of peri renal WAT adipokines observed between MS and LW were similar at the protein and mRNA level except for chemerin and apelin suggesting post-transcriptional modifications for these two adipokines. Finally, among the eight adipokines studied, we showed that only the plasma concentrations of leptin and chemerin were positively and those of adiponectin, negatively associated with the thickness of fat and opposite correlation was found for the onset of puberty in both LW and MS animals. Taken together, these results support a potential involvement of adipokines in WAT regulation and its link with the onset of the puberty in sows.

New insight into 20(S)-ginsenoside Rh2 against T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia associated with the gut microbiota and the immune system

T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) is a hematopoietic malignancy associated with unfavorable factors including male gender and over nine years of age. Chemotherapy toxicity continues to present a major challenge. There is a need to develop novel natural agents to improve survival and quality of life in patients with T-ALL. 20(S)-ginsenoside Rh2 (GRh2) exhibits immune regulation and anti-tumor effects in both cellular and murine xenograft models. In the present study, the anti-cancer mechanisms of 20(S)-GRh2 involved in the immune system and intestinal microbiota were investigated in T-ALL mice. We revealed that 20(S)–Rh2 suppressed T-ALL by blocking the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway, and enhanced immunity in the spleen by regulating immune factors. In addition, 20(S)-GRh2 altered the composition of the gut microbiota, and promoted intestinal homeostasis by elevating the levels of tight junction proteins, antimicrobial peptides and IgA. 20(S)-GRh2 ameliorated the LPS-induced inflammatory response in the intestine of T-ALL mice. Furthermore, Bacteroidetes, Verrucomicrobia, Akkermansia, Lactobacillus, and Lachnospiraceae_NK4A136_group were positively correlated with anti-tumor immune factors, intestinal barrier-related factors, and the anti-inflammatory response. Conversely, Firmicutes, Proteobacteria, Parabacteroides and Alistipes had the opposite correlation. Collectively, these results suggest that 20(S)-GRh2 is a safe and effective natural product, that shows promise for the prevention and treatment of T-ALL.

Differential Expression of Ormdl Genes in the Islets of Mice and Humans with Obesity

SummaryThe orosomucoid-like (Ormdl) proteins play a critical role in sphingolipid homeostasis, inflammation, and ER stress, all of which are associated with obesity and βcell dysfunction. However, their roles in β cells and obesity remain unknown. Here, we show that islets from overweight/obese human donors displayed marginally reduced ORMDL1-2 expression, whereas ORMDL3 expression was significantly downregulated compared with islets from lean donors. In contrast, Ormdl3 was substantially upregulated in the islets of leptin-deficient obese (ob/ob) mice compared with lean mice. Treatment of ob/ob mice and their islets with leptin markedly reduced islet Ormld3 expression. Ormdl3 knockdown in a β cell line induced expression of pro-apoptotic markers, which was rescued by ceramide synthase inhibitor fumonisin B1. Our results reveal differential expression of Ormdl3 in the islets of a mouse model and humans with obesity, highlight the potential effect of leptin in this differential regulation, and suggest a role for Ormdl3 in β cell apoptosis.

Characterization of Tumor Blood Vasculature Expression of Human Invasive Bladder Cancer by Laser Capture Microdissection and Transcriptional Profiling

Tumor-associated blood vessels differ from normal vessels and play key roles in tumor progression. We aimed to identify biomolecules that are expressed differentially in human bladder cancer-associated blood vessels to find novel biomarkers and mechanisms involved in tumor-associated angiogenesis. The transcriptome of tumor blood vasculature from human invasive bladder carcinoma (I-BLCA) and normal bladder tissue vasculature was compared using differential expression and unsupervised hierarchical clustering analyses. Pathway analysis identified up-regulation of genes involved in the proliferation, cell cycle, angiogenesis, inflammation, and transforming growth factor-β signaling in tumor blood vasculature. A common consensus gene expression signature was identified between bladder cancer tumor blood vasculature with tumor blood vasculature of other solid cancers, which correlated with the overall survival of patients with several of the solid cancers investigated in The Cancer Genome Atlas data set. In bladder tumor blood vasculature, the secreted factor angiopoietin-like protein 2 (ANGPTL2), was confirmed to be up-regulated by quantitative RT-PCR and immunohistochemical staining. The up-regulation of ANGPTL2 in plasma was also observed in non-invasive bladder carcinoma and I-BLCA. We semiquantitatively analyzed expression of ANGPTL2 in tissue microarrays from I-BLCA and surprisingly found an opposite correlation between staining intensity and progression-free survival. Our results indicate that ANGPTL2 might serve as a potential biomarker to predict progression-free survival in I-BLCA.

IMMUNOLOGICAL PARAMETERS OF BONE MARROW IN NON-SMALL CELL LUNG CANCER

Introduction Generation of most immunocompetent cells takes place in bone marrow Bone marrow. As well, bone marrow is a peripheral lymphoid organ where antitumor effector cells and memory cells are present. The aim of the work is to estimate peripheral lymphoid cell subpopulations in bone marrow of lung cancer patients. Materials and methods Study has been done in 68 pts with lung cancer: squamous cell cancer (n = 28), adenocarcinoma (n = 38), other forms (n = 2). In all cases standard diagnostic and staging procedures were performed, as well as morphological (myelogram) and immunological study of bone marrow lymphocyte subpopulations. Multicolor Flow cytomtry was used for study of bone marrow lymphocyte populations. We studied T-cells and its subpopulations, B-cells, NK-cells, perforin-positive cells, and CD27-positive cells. Results Squamous cell lung cancer was characterized by higher content of bone marrow mature T-cells (CD3), and CD8 lymphocytes. More typical for adenocarcinoma was mature B-cell reaction (CD20). Effector (perforin-positive) populations of lymphocytes also were related to histological type of cancer: for adenocarcinoma presence of CD4-positive cytotoxic lymphocytes and CD27-expression on effector cells. Perforin-containing lymphoid cells were in opposite correlation to erythrocaryocytes. Conclusion Subpopulational lymphocyte content of bone marrow is related to histological variant of cancer and erythropoiesis in lung cancer patients.

Leaf Characteristics at Recovery Stage Affect Seed Oil and Protein Content Under the Interactive Effects of Nitrogen and Waterlogging in Rapeseed

Four nitrogen rates (0, 90, 180, and 270 kg ha−1) were applied to the waterlogging-tolerant variety ZS 9 and the sensitive variety GH01. Seedlings with five leaves were waterlogged for 0 (control) or 10 days to investigate the effects of nitrogen on the quality of waterlogged rapeseed. Compared with controls, the seed oil content of waterlogged rapeseed increased slightly in GH01 and significantly in ZS 9 with nitrogen application, which can be explained by the following. (1) after waterlogging, the biomass distribution in roots and leaves of ZS 9 decreased, which alleviated physiological water shortage. Conversely, biomass distribution in roots of GH01 increased, which was not synchronized with the leaf biomass change. (2) After waterlogging at 90–270 kg N ha−1, the leaf number at bolting and flowering was increased in ZS 9 but decreased in GH01 compared with the control. The decrease in leaf area and SPAD value were greater for GH01 after waterlogging, which limited photosynthesis. (3) The leaf soluble protein at bolting was highest in ZS 9 and lowest in GH01. The sensitive variety showed poor growth. The inhibition of seed protein synthesis resulted in an increase in the oil content of waterlogged rapeseed with nitrogen. The seed oil of the waterlogging-tolerant variety was most significantly negatively correlated with leaf soluble protein content at the flowering stage, while the protein content showed the opposite correlation. The seed oil of the waterlogging-sensitive variety was most significantly negatively correlated with the number of leaves at the bolting and flowering stage, while the seed protein content had opposite correlations.

Abstract C035: Relationship between ancestry fractions and gene expression in triple-negative breast cancer in Hispanic/Latina women

Abstract Background: Breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed form of invasive cancer in women and the second leading cause of cancer death. Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) accounts for 10-20% of the disease. This aggressive subtype lacks receptors for estrogen, progesterone, and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2), drastically reducing treatment options. Hispanic/Latinas, who derive ancestry from European, African, and Native origins, are at least 30% more likely to be diagnosed with TNBC compared to non-Hispanic White women. However, little is known about the genomic architecture of TNBCs in Hispanic/Latinas. The goal of our study was to test the association between genetic ancestry and gene expression in TNBC samples from Hispanics/Latinas to help identify potential therapeutic targets. Methods and Results: We obtained 41 TNBC tissues through collaboration with the National Cancer Institute in Colombia along with demographic and clinical information. Genetic ancestry proportions were estimated using a panel of 106 Ancestry Informative Markers (AIMs). RNA was extracted from FFPE tissues, qualified using Agilent chips, and used for RNA sequencing at the Translational Genomics Core at the Stanley S. Scott Cancer Center. We used an online tool (http://cbc.mc.vanderbilt.edu/tnbc/) to validate TNBC status, and 33 of the 41 samples were confirmed. Quality control procedures ensured that the samples were of acceptable quality for further analysis. Individuals were classified as having high or low genetic ancestry proportions for each of the ancestral components, based on mean ancestry proportions overall. Differential gene expression between individuals in each ancestry category was estimated utilizing DESeq2 in R-Studio. Average genetic ancestry proportions for the 33 samples analyzed were 0.52 European (18 individuals were in the high European ancestry group, 14 in the low European ancestry group), 0.36 Indigenous American (15 high, 17 low) and 0.1 African (8 high, 24 low). We observed that 91 genes were differentially expressed between high vs. low European ancestry, 21 for the Native and 12 for the African. Interestingly, 5 genes were common between the European and Native ancestries. LGALS9C and MESP1 had significant differences in normalized counts between high and low ancestry for both the Europeans and Natives, though the subgroups displayed opposite correlation patterns. These results were validated by real-time PCR. Using cBioPortal, we found that MESP1 and LGALS9C were associated with amplification in 2.8% and 1.5% of breast cancer cases, respectively. LGALS9C expression displays an inverse correlation with disease outcome in several cancers, including breast. Conclusions: Our data suggest that expression levels of several genes, most notably MESP1 and LGALS9C, may be ancestry specific in TNBC patients from Colombia. Confirmation and further understanding of these findings are of outmost importance given that they could be therapeutic targets. Citation Format: Laura Carrasquilla, Jone Garai, Silvia J. Serrano-Gomez, Maria C. Sanabria-Salas, Melody C. Baddoo, Laura Fejerman, Jovanny Zabaleta. Relationship between ancestry fractions and gene expression in triple-negative breast cancer in Hispanic/Latina women [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Eleventh AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2018 Nov 2-5; New Orleans, LA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2020;29(6 Suppl):Abstract nr C035.

Selecting or rewarding teachers? International evidence from primary schools

Using data from the existing four waves of PIRLS, this paper examines the effect of teacher quality on fourth-grade students’ literacy test scores by exploiting variations induced by reforms in teachers’ selection and/or reward schemes. We construct an original data set of reforms by the government taking place at the national level after World War II and affecting the working conditions of primary school teachers. We match these indicators of reform activities with the year of entry into the profession for each teacher, our identifying assumption being that new entrants are mainly affected by the reform, with the impact of the reforms dissipating over time. We show that more selective recruitment processes are positively correlated with pupil achievements, while better teacher working conditions (including to some extent retirement policies) exhibit the opposite correlation.

Entropy generation versus transition time of heat exchanger during transient processes

The flexibility of thermal power plants plays a critical role to accommodate high penetration of fluctuant renewable energy. Heat exchanger is the key device restricting the flexibility and energy efficiency of thermal power plants owing to its large thermal inertia. Therefore, evaluation of the additional entropy generation and transition time for the heat exchanger during transient processes is important, which are quantitative measures of the efficiency and flexibility. Consequently, dynamic models of a heat exchanger are developed. The dynamic behaviors of the heat exchanger are analyzed using numerical simulation and entropy generation analyses. The relationship between additional entropy generation and transition time is determined. Results show that: when flow rate decreases and temperature increases, this relationship is synergetic for hot fluid, metal wall and heat exchanger. The opposite correlation occurs when flow rate increases and temperature decreases. However, the cold fluid has the contrary tendency. The augmentation in heat transfer resistance reduces the additional entropy generation and transition time, whereas the effect of increasing the range of the boundary disturbances, such as temperature and flow rate, is on the contrary. For a heat exchanger, the additional entropy generation versus the transition time can be described by an exponential function.

Combining sensory and texturometer parameters to characterize different type of cosmetic ingredients.

Sensory properties have a great importance for cosmetics and personal care products. If literature permits to consult articles comparing different formulations on their sensory attributes, there are only a few articles concerning ingredients. The overall objective of this study was to carry out an original study combining the sensory evaluation of different natures of ingredients, in order to initiate a sensory data set that could help researchers to identify differentiating sensory characteristics, as well as initiating a comparison between sensory data and texturometer instrumental measurements. Oils, glycolic extracts, butter and starch were evaluated according to descriptive sensory analysis methodology with the help of panel of 25 experts. In order to compare responses obtained from the panel to instrumental measurements, texture analyzes were performed in compression traction model. Significant differences were detected in ten of the eleven evaluated sensory attributes, indicating that ingredients have distinct sensory profiles. The mainly discriminative attributes for the analyzed ingredients were: gloss, opacity, fluidity, freshness, whitening and oily residue. The oils are mostly related to oily residue and slipperiness while extracts are mostly related to gloss, fluidity and freshness attributes. Both Tapioca Starch and Shea Butter were related to non-fluidity, opacity, and Tapioca Starch was related to freshness too. This study was completed by a texturometer analysis which lead to show the opposite correlation between the sensory attribute fluidity and the consistent index.

Could EEG Help Predict Antidepressant Response?

Could EEG Help Predict Antidepressant Response?

Benchmark ab initio calculations on intermolecular structures and the exciton character of poly(p-phenylenevinylene) dimers.

Benchmark ab initio calculations have been performed for poly(p-phenylenevinylene) (PPV) dimers, a paradigmatic material for studying excitation energy transfer mechanisms. Second-order Møller-Plesset perturbation theory was utilized with the scaled opposite spin approach (SOS-MP2) and correlation consistent basis sets to determine the geometric properties and interaction energies in the ground state. Vertical excitations and optimized structures for the S1 state were computed using the SOS second-order algebraic diagrammatic construction method. For the ground state properties, extrapolation to the complete basis set (CBS) limit and correction for the basis set superposition error (BSSE) were performed. While all results computed with different basis sets and considering BSSE correction or not agreed at the CBS limit, a strong bias was observed either using augmented basis sets or BSSE corrections, proving that these approaches are not advisable for calculating intermolecular distances and interaction energies with smaller basis sets. The lower states for vertical excitations were largely local excitons where the hole/electron pair was confined to single chains. For higher excited states, interchain charge transfer (CT) states were also observed. Geometry optimization of the S1 state led to significant reductions in the intermolecular distances and energetic stabilization, with Stokes shifts between 1.4 eV and 0.9 eV (with increasing chain length), and significant CT values between 0.5e and 0.4e.

Geographic effects on stable isotopic composition of precipitation across Thailand

ABSTRACTThis study investigated the spatial variation of isotopes in precipitation over Thailand in relation to geographic condition. Monthly data (2013–2015) of stable isotopes (δ2H and δ18O) in precipitation within the region 5°37′–20°27′N, 98°04′–105°31′E were analysed using the least squares regression method to determine the possible effects of latitude and longitude on δ18O and d-excess in precipitation. Results showed that the spatial variability of isotopes in precipitation is affected by both continental and amount effects and that the variation is slightly greater in terms of latitude than longitude. Latitude and longitude effects both exhibited negative and positive correlations. Negative correlation, whereby isotopic values decreased with increasing latitude, was found during the June–August and September–November periods. Conversely, a positive relationship appeared in the December–February and March–May seasons. These effects had opposite correlation owing to the various moisture sources and different precipitation patterns between seasons. Furthermore, weak correlation for both latitude and longitude effects was revealed during September–November because of the intraseasonal variation of the monsoon. Consequently, the isotopic composition of precipitation in Thailand is controlled not only by geography but also by moisture source and precipitation pattern.

Sex steroid hormone receptors of telocytes - potential key role in leiomyoma development.

Uterine leiomyoma is the most widespread benign tumor affecting women of childbearing age. There are still gaps in the understanding of its pathogenesis. Telocytes are unique cells found in more than 50 different locations inside the human body. The functional relationship between cells could clarify the pathogenesis of leiomyomata. Examination of membrane receptors on telocytes could explain their role in fibrosis, oxidative stress, and myometrial contractility. This research was conducted to assess the density of telocytes in terms of their putative role in leiomyoma formation by focusing on their correlation with the expression of estrogen and progesterone receptors. For gross evaluation of uterine tissue samples from leiomyoma, routine histology of adjacent and unaffected myometrium was performed. Immunohistochemical analysis of c-kit, tryptase, CD34, PDGFRα (telocyte-specific), and ER and PRs (estrogen and progesterone receptors) was performed to examine uterine telocytes and the expression of sex steroid receptors. The decline in telocyte density in leiomyoma foci was correlated with high progesterone expression and low estrogen receptor expression. The unchanged myometrium showed the opposite correlation and balance between both steroid hormone receptors. The difference in sex steroid receptor expression is correlated with the density of uterine telocytes, which emphasizes their conductor function. A reduction in telocyte density and the changes in examined marker expression demonstrate the involvement of telocytes in local homeostasis. The expression of membrane receptors explicitly indicates their functional potential in the human myometrium, focusing attention on contractility and local homeostasis.