Coherent spin-state transfer via Heisenberg exchange.

Quantum information science has the potential to revolutionize modern technology by providing resource-efficient approaches to computing1, communication2 and sensing3. Although the physical qubits in a realistic quantum device will inevitably suffer errors, quantum error correction creates a path to fault-tolerant quantum information processing4. Quantum error correction, however, requires that individual qubits can interact with many other qubits in the processor. Engineering such high connectivity can pose a challenge for platforms such as electron spin qubits5, which naturally favour linear arrays. Here we present an experimental demonstration of the transmission of electron spin states via the Heisenberg exchange interaction in an array of spin qubits. Heisenberg exchange coupling-a direct manifestation of the Pauli exclusion principle, which prevents any two electrons with the same spin state from occupying the same orbital-tends to swap the spin states of neighbouring electrons. By precisely controlling the wavefunction overlap between electrons in a semiconductor quadruple quantum dot array, we generate a series of coherent SWAP operations to transfer both single-spin and entangled states back and forth in the array without moving any electrons. Because the process is scalable to large numbers of qubits, state transfer through Heisenberg exchange will be useful for multi-qubit gates and error correction in spin-based quantum computers.

Leaching Approach for ß-Glucosidase Extraction from Fermented Rice Husk in Solid State Cultivation by Aspergillus protuberus.

Environmental problems are caused by the disposal of agrowastes in developing countries. It is imperative to convert such wastes into useful products, which require enzymes such as ß-glucosidase. ß-Glucosidase has variety of applications in biotechnology including food, textile, detergents, pulp and paper, pharmaceutical and biofuel industries. ß-Glucosidase production was performed using the locally isolated Aspergillus protuberus using best growth circumstances on rice husk in solid-state fermentation (SSF). Leaching of ß-glucosidase from fermented rice husk with number of solvents to evaluate their extraction efficacy. Among the different solvents examined, acetate buffer (0.02 M, pH 5.0) proved to be the best solvent. The subsequent parameters were optimized with acetate buffer. Two washes with acetate buffer each by shaking (30 min) in a ratio of 1 g of rice husk: 5 ml of acetate buffer together attained maximum recovery of ß-glucosidase with 41.95 U/g of rice husk.

Plantaricin LD1 purified from Lactobacillus plantarum LD1 inhibits biofilm formation of Enterococcus faecalis ATCC 29212 in tooth model.

Plantaricin LD1 was purified to homogeneity using activity-guided chromatography. Enterococcus faecalis ATCC 29212 was found to be sensitive to plantaricin LD1 showing 13 ± 0·21 mm zone of growth inhibition. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was found to be 50 µg ml-1 against Ent. faecalis ATCC 29212. The in vitro biofilm formation by Ent. faecalis ATCC 29212 was observed, which was completely inhibited in the presence of bacteriocin. Similarly, biofilm formation was also observed on the teeth surface showing purple colour, whereas treated-teeth were clean and indicated no biofilm formation. Further, untreated cells of Ent. faecalis ATCC 29212 were found normal and plantaricin LD1-treated cells were ruptured when seen under light microscope, suggesting killing of target cells. These findings have proven the initial leads for antimicrobial and anti-biofilm activity of plantaricin LD1 against Ent. faecalis and its possible application for the treatment of endodontic diseases.

Long-Distance Superexchange between Semiconductor Quantum-Dot Electron Spins.

Because of their long coherence times and potential for scalability, semiconductor quantum-dot spin qubits hold great promise for quantum information processing. However, maintaining high connectivity between quantum-dot spin qubits, which favor linear arrays with nearest neighbor coupling, presents a challenge for large-scale quantum computing. In this work, we present evidence for long-distance spin-chain-mediated superexchange coupling between electron spin qubits in semiconductor quantum dots. We weakly couple two electron spins to the ends of a two-site spin chain. Depending on the spin state of the chain, we observe oscillations between the distant end spins. We resolve the dynamics of both the end spins and the chain itself, and our measurements agree with simulations. Superexchange is a promising technique to create long-distance coupling between quantum-dot spin qubits.

Poultry-origin extraintestinal Escherichia coli strains carrying the traits associated with urinary tract infection, sepsis, meningitis and avian colibacillosis in India.

AIM: In-depth 'One Health' risk assessment of extraintestinal pathogenic Escherichia coli (ExPEC) strains carrying the traits of urinary tract infection, sepsis, meningitis and avian colibacillosis in poultry of India. METHODS AND RESULTS: A total of 230 E. coli isolates were recovered from chicken samples representing the different sources (faeces vs caeca), stages (poultry farms vs retails butcher shop) or environments (rural vs urban) of poultry in India. Among all poultry-origin E. coli isolates, 49 (21·1%) strains were identified as ExPEC possessing multiple virulence determinants regardless of their association with any specific phylogenetic lineages. Of particular, potentially virulent ExPEC pathotypes, that is, uropathogenic E.coli (UPEC, 20·4%), avian pathogenic E. coli (APEC, 34·6%), septicaemia-associated E. coli (SEPEC, 47·0%) and neonatal meningitis-causing E.39 coli (NMEC, 2·0%) were also detected among all ExPEC strains. CONCLUSIONS: Our study is the first to assess ExPEC strains circulating in the different settings of poultry in India and significantly demonstrates their potential ability to cause multiple extraintestinal infections both in humans and animals. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: The data of our study are in favour of the possibility that poultry-origin putative virulent ExPEC pathotypes consequently constitute a threat risk to 'One Health' or for food safety and a great concern for poultry production of India.

Carbon removal from a mirror-like gold surface by UV light, RF plasma, and IR laser exposure: a comparative study.

A decrease in photon intensity due to carbon contamination on optical elements is a serious issue in synchrotron radiation (SR) beamlines. Photon intensity can be regained by refurbishment of optical elements using suitable techniques. In the literature, three suitable techniques [radio frequency (RF) plasma, ultraviolet (UV) radiation (λ=172nm), and infrared (IR) laser (λ=1064nm) exposure] are reported to remove carbon contaminations from optical elements. These techniques are used independently to remove carbon, and, to the best of our knowledge, no systematic study is available on their relative efficiencies and effects on a mirror surface. We have applied these techniques independently for removal of carbon contamination from a gold surface, and detailed surface characterizations are carried out using soft x-ray reflectivity, x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and atomic force microscopy techniques. Characterization results suggest that all three techniques are capable of removing carbon contamination with certain limitations. Here, detailed relative effects on a gold surface after cleaning experiments with three techniques are discussed.

Appropriate THI model and its threshold for goats in semi-arid regions of India.

The present study was attempted to identify an appropriate THI model and threshold THI for goats of semi-arid regions of India. Sixty non-pregnant goats each from Jamunapari and Barbari breeds were selected for the study. The study was conducted from last week of February to first week of June, during which average THI ranged between 53 and 92. Pulse rate (PR), respiration rate (RR) and rectal temperature (RT) were recorded at 1430 h on alternate days from six goats of each breed randomly during the experiment. Nine THI models were used to calculate THI. An appropriate THI model was predicted on the basis of correlation between THIs calculated from each model and physiological responses. The data of physiological parameters were linked to the THI calculated from identified THI model and threshold THI for each parameter was determined using segmented regression analysis (SegReg Software). The THI models; THI1{(1.8 × Tdb+32)-[(0.55-0.0055 × RH) × (1.8 × Tdb-26.8)]} and THI8{(0.8 × Tdb)+[(RH/100) × (Tdb-14.4)]+46.4)} were found to be equally appropriate for assessing environmental heat stress. Threshold THIs with respect to PR, RR and RT in Jamunapari goat were 71.78, 75.14 and 85.94, respectively and in Barbari goats, threshold THIs for PR and RR were 79.48 and 84.40, respectively. A threshold THI could not be identified for RT in Barbari goats. It can be concluded that THI1 and THI8 were the appropriate THI models for measuring environmental heat stress in goats. Results suggested that PR is the first physiological parameter which alters after the onset of heat stress and is followed by changes in RR and RT. On the basis of differential threshold THIs, it can be concluded that Barbari is better adapted than Jamunapari goats in semi-arid regions of India.

Differential expression of miRNAs and related mRNAs during heat stress in buffalo heifers.

The present experiment was aimed to study differential expression of miRNAs and related mRNAs during heat stress (HS) in buffalo heifers. Twelve Murrah buffalo heifers aged between 1.5 and 2.0 years, weighting between 250 and 300 Kg were randomly assigned into two equal groups. The animals were kept in the psychrometric chamber under Thermo-neutral (TN; THI = 72) and HS (THI = 87-90) conditions for 6 h every day between 1000 and 1600 h for 21 days. The blood sampling was done at 1500 h on 15th day of the experiment and physiological parameters viz. pulse rate (PR), respiratory rate (RR) and rectal temperature (RT) were recorded at 1500 h on day -5, -3, -1, 0, +1, +3, +5 with respect to blood sampling. PBMCs were used for extraction of miRNAs and total RNA; and first strand cDNA was synthesized. qPCR was performed for relative gene expression studies. Physiological, hematological (erythrocytic indices), biochemical (triglycerides, urea, ALT, AST, LDH), redox (SOD, ROS) and endocrine parameters (T4) altered significantly (P < 0.05) during HS as compared to TN. Out of eight targeted miRNAs only four were expressed in buffalo heifers. The relative expression of bta-mir-142, bta-mir-1248 and bta-mir-2332 was significantly (P < 0.05) up-regulated whereas expression of bta-mir-2478 was significantly (P < 0.05) down-regulated during HS as compared to TN. The relative expression of the predicted target genes i.e. HSF1, HSP60, HSP70, HSPA8 and HSP90 were significantly (P < 0.05) up-regulated whereas HSF4 expression was significantly (P < 0.05) down-regulated during HS as compared to TN. It can be concluded that a THI of 87-90 could lead to a moderate HS in buffalo heifers. Differential expression studies of miRNAs and related mRNAs in present study deciphers the role of miRNAs in the heat tolerance in buffalo heifers.

Synthesis and carbonic anhydrase inhibition studies of sulfonamide based indole-1,2,3-triazole chalcone hybrids.

Sulfonamide is one of the most promising classes of classical carbonic anhydrase (CA, EC 4.2.1.1) inhibitors. A novel series of indolylchalcones incorporating benzenesulfonamide-1,2,3-triazole (6a-q) has been synthesized by click chemistry reaction and investigated for hCA inhibitory activity against a panel of human carbonic anhydrases (hCAs). Most of these newly synthesized compounds exhibited interesting inhibition constants, in the nanomolar range, with some derivatives being more potent than the standard drug acetazolamide (AAZ) on hCA I isoform. Among the tested compounds, the compounds 6d (18.8 nM), 6q (38.3 nM) and 6e (50.4 nM) were 13, 6 and 5 times more potent than AAZ against hCA I isoform, respectively. Compounds 6o, 6m and 6f efficiently inhibited isoform hCA XII, with KIs in the range of 10-41.9 nM. Several compounds were also active against isoforms hCA II and hCA IX, with KIs under 100 nM. These indolylchalcone-benzenesulfonamide-1,2,3-triazole hybrids may be considered as potential leads for hCA I-selective inhibitors.

Survivors of deliberate self-harm attempt in the military milieu: An exploratory study of psychiatric morbidity and psychosocial correlates.

BACKGROUND: Deliberate self-harm (DSH) is common in modern society. A million people worldwide die from suicide each year, leading to a large toll on human resources and economy. Research has revealed DSH as an important indicator of eventual suicide worldwide. The present study focused on DSH attempters among Armed Forces personnel and family members with the aim of identifying modifiable factors to provide recommendations for primary prevention in the military milieu. METHODS: Hundred cases of survivors of DSH were evaluated in a case-control study using psychiatry assessment instruments (the Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview, Pierce Suicide Intent Scale, Hamilton's Depression and Anxiety Scales and presumptive life event scale) to assess psychiatric morbidity and psychosocial correlates. The findings were compared with those of 100 healthy matched controls. The data were analysed using SPSS software. RESULT: The majority of DSH survivors (98%) had concurrent psychiatric morbidity, major depressive disorder (23%) being the commonest diagnosis followed by psychotic disorder and alcohol use disorder. Presence of relationship problems (69%) and financial difficulties (19%) were significant triggering factors in our study. Many DSH attempters had voiced suicidal ideation (66%) before their act and had history of aggression or violence (76%) in the past. CONCLUSION: Our findings are discussed in relation with findings in the literature. Recommendations regarding awareness campaign, specific skill development programs and the need for early intervention in individuals with psychiatric morbidity have been proposed to prevent such behaviours.

Influence of the core-hole effect on optical properties of magnesium oxide (MgO) near the Mg L-edge region.

The influence of the core-hole effect on optical properties of magnesium oxide (MgO) is established through experimental determination of optical constants and first-principles density functional theory studies. Optical constants (δ and ß) of MgO thin film are measured in the spectral region 40-300 eV using reflectance spectroscopy techniques at the Indus-1 synchrotron radiation source. The obtained optical constants show strong core exciton features near the Mg L-edge region, causing significant mismatch with Henke's tabulated values. On comparing the experimentally obtained optical constants with Henke's tabulated values, an edge shift of ∼3.0 eV is also observed. Distinct evidence of effects of core exciton on optical constants (δ and ß) in the near Mg L-edge absorption spectra are confirmed through first-principles simulations.

A novel combination of silane-coated silica colloid with hybrid RNA extraction protocol and RNA enrichment for downstream applications of spermatozoal RNA.

Spermatozoa are specialised cells with low RNA content as compared to somatic cells. The suitable sperm RNA extraction and enrichment protocols for downstream applications are available for human, cattle, stallion and mouse but not for buffalo spermatozoa. Therefore, the present work was conducted to find out suitable colloidal solution for sperm purification and appropriate protocol for sperm RNA extraction and enrichment/amplification of RNA. For purification, we used PVP-coated silica colloidal solution (PVP-Si), silane-coated silica colloidal solution (Silane-Si) and iodixanol. Sperm recovery rate, total sperm motility and progressive sperm motility were significantly improved after separation by Silane-Si and iodixanol compared to PVA-Si method. The combined guanidinium thiocyanate-phenol-chloroform (GTPC) with silica matrix (SM)-based RNA extraction yielded more quantity of RNA in compared to individual method. The hybrid of SM and GTPC into a single protocol yielded 360-450 ng RNA from 30 million buffalo spermatozoa. For the first time, we adopted new way to enrich sperm RNA that increased the RNA concentration 4-5 times that was sufficient for downstream applications. The linear amplification of sperm RNA increased RNA concentration around 27-45 times. In summary, Silane-Si colloid for sperm separation, hybrid SM and GTPC protocol for sperm RNA extraction followed by enrichment or amplification of RNA was found suitable for high-throughput analyses of buffalo sperm RNA.

Prevalence and spatial distribution of Ixodid tick populations in the forest fringes of Western Ghats reported with human cases of Kyasanur forest disease and monkey deaths in South India.

Kyasanur forest disease (KFD) is a major tick-borne viral haemorrhagic fever caused by KFD virus (KFDV) (Flaviviridae). The disease was reported to be confined to five districts of Karnataka state India until 2011. During 2012-2016, emergence of KFD has been reported in newer areas of Karnataka and adjoining states. Therefore, survey of tick vectors was carried out in these new areas of Karnataka and adjoining states reported with monkey deaths and human cases of KFD. In all selected sites, ticks from the forest floor were collected by lint clothes using flagging method. Tick samples were tested for KFDV nucleic acid by real-time RT-PCR. A total of 4772 ticks, comprising eight species of genus Haemaphysalis and one species each of genus Amblyomma, Ixodes and Rhipicephalus was collected. Haemaphysalis spinigera, the principal vector of KFDV was the predominant tick species (59.5%) collected followed by H. turturis (8.6%). The abundance of H. spinigera ranged from 9.2 to 33.9 per man-hour in the six districts surveyed. Of 214 (4418 tick samples) pools screened by real-time RT-PCR, two pools of H. spinigera were positive for KFDV. High abundance of Haemaphysalis vectors in the six districts indicated that the districts are receptive for KFD outbreaks. KFDV was detected in the tick vectors in the new foci of the KFD. Data on tick distribution will be useful in creating KFD risk map for strengthening the ongoing preventive measures such as vaccination and supply of insect repellents to the high risk groups and intensive health education.

Structural variation in a synchrotron-induced contamination layer (a-C:H) deposited on a toroidal Au mirror surface.

A carbon layer deposited on an optical component is the result of complex interactions between the optical surface, adsorbed hydrocarbons, photons and secondary electrons (photoelectrons generated on the surface of optical elements). In the present study a synchrotron-induced contamination layer on a 340 mm × 60 mm Au-coated toroidal mirror has been characterized. The contamination layer showed a strong variation in structural properties from the centre of the mirror to the edge region (along the long dimension of the mirror) due to the Gaussian distribution of the incident photon beam intensity/power on the mirror surface. Raman scattering measurements were carried out at 12 equidistant (25 mm) locations along the length of the mirror. The surface contamination layer that formed on the Au surface was observed to be hydrogenated amorphous carbon film in nature. The effects of the synchrotron beam intensity/power distribution on the structural properties of the contamination layer are discussed. The I(D)/I(G) ratio, cluster size and disordering were found to increase whereas the sp2:sp3 ratio, G peak position and H content decreased with photon dose. The structural parameters of the contamination layer in the central region were estimated (thickness ≃ 400 Å, roughness ≃ 60 Å, density ≃ 72% of bulk graphitic carbon density) by soft X-ray reflectivity measurements. The amorphous nature of the layer in the central region was observed by grazing-incidence X-ray diffraction.

Estimation of endogenous levels of osteopontin, total antioxidant capacity and malondialdehyde in seminal plasma: Application for fertility assessment in buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) bulls.

This study was attempted to identify subfertile bulls by quantifying the endogenous levels of osteopontin (OPN), total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and malondialdehyde (MDA) in seminal plasma of buffalo bulls. On the basis of conception rate, buffalo bulls were classified into two groups: high-fertile (conception rate >50%) and subfertile bulls (conception rate <40%). A total of 100 ejaculates (10 ejaculates from each bull) were collected through artificial vagina method. The concentration of OPN, TAC and catalase (CAT) of high-fertile bulls was found to be higher (p < .05) than that of subfertile bulls. Further, MDA level in seminal plasma was found to be lower (p < .05) in high-fertile bulls compared with subfertile bulls. The fertility status had no effect on the superoxide dismutase (SOD) concentration in seminal plasma of both the groups. The levels of OPN (r = .678, p = 0.013) and TAC (r = .648, p = .042) were found to be positively correlated with bull fertility and the level of MDA (r = -.718, p = .019) was found to be negatively correlated with bull fertility. However, the fertility of bulls was not found to be significantly correlated with SOD, CAT and sperm motility. In conclusion, seminal OPN, TAC and MDA tended to be more realistic in identification of subfertile bulls from breeding herds.

Evaluation of Metabolic Syndrome and Vitamin D Receptor Gene Polymorphism in Male Factor Infertility.

Male factor infertility (MFI) is a growing health issue in society. The vitamin D receptor gene (VDR) is expressed in many tissues and modulates expression of several other genes. The purpose of this study was to investigate the association between MetSyn, VDR gene (FokI, rs-2228570; C > T) polymorphisms and MFI in Indian adults. Fifty cases and fifty-four controls, fulfilling inclusion and exclusion criteria, were included with their informed consent. Fasting plasma glucose, triglyceride, HDL-C were estimated by clinical chemistry analyzer (Beckmam Coulter DXC 800, USA). Serum insulin was measured by electrochemiluminescence immunoassay and VDR gene polymorphism by RFLP-PCR. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS 20.0. MetSyn was more frequent in MFI cases than controls. There was significant difference between waist circumference, fasting plasma glucose, triglycerides in MFI cases and controls. There was significant difference in HOMA-IR between MFI cases and controls (p value < 0.05) and serum insulin was significantly raised in MFI cases (p value < 0.05). VDR gene polymorphism was found to be associated with MFI cases as compared to controls and the serum level of vitamin D was also decreased in MFI cases than in controls (p value < 0.05). This study provides evidence that insulin resistance is more in MFI cases than in controls and occurrence of MetSyn and its components is higher in MFI cases than in controls. Our findings provide evidence that VDR gene (FokI, rs-2228570; C > T) polymorphism increases the risk of male factor infertility.

Amnion Epithelial Cells of Buffalo (Bubalus Bubalis) Term Placenta Expressed Embryonic Stem Cells Markers and Differentiated into Cells of Neurogenic Lineage In Vitro.

Aim of the present study was the isolation, culture, and characterization of amniotic membrane-derived epithelial cells (AE) from term placenta collected postpartum in buffalo. We found that cultured cells were of polygonal in shape, resistance to trypsin digestion and expressed cytokeratin-18 indicating that they were of epithelial origin. These cells have negative expression of mesenchymal stem cell markers (CD29, CD44, and CD105) and positive for pluripotency marker (OCT4) genes indicated that cultured cells were not contaminated with mesenchymal stem cells. Immunofluorescence staining with pluripotent stem cell surface markers, SSEA-1, SSEA-4, TRA-1-60, and TRA-1-81 indicated that these cells may retain pluripotent stem cell characteristics even after long period of differentiation. Differentiation potential of these cells was determined by their potential to differentiate into cells of neurogenic lineages using retinoic acid. In conclusion, we demonstrate that AE cells expressed pluripotent stem cell markers and have propensity to differentiate into cells of neurogenic lineage upon directed differentiation in vitro.

"Click" reaction mediated synthesis of costunolide and dehydrocostuslactone derivatives and evaluation of their cytotoxic activity.

As part of pharmacological-phytochemical integrated studies on medicinal plants from Indian flora, costunolide (1) and dehydrocostus lactone (2), were isolated as major phytochemicals from Saussurea lappa, a plant traditionally used in different Asian systems of medicine. A series of 1,4-disubstituted-1,2,3-triazoles conjugates were synthesized through diastereo selective Michael addition followed by regioselective Huisgen 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition reactions. All these triazolyl derivatives (5a-5j) & (7a-7j) were well characterized using modern spectroscopic techniques and evaluated for their anticancer activity against a panel of five human cancerous celllines. The results indicated that all the analogs displayed moderate cytotoxic activity.

Cadaveric study using radio-opaque contrast to determine arterial communication between the two bellies of gastrocnemius muscles.

INTRODUCTION: Gastrocnemius muscle is a workhorse flap to cover upper third tibial defects but has a limitation in covering middle one-third tibial defects. The inferiorly based hemi gastrocnemius muscle flap can be useful for reconstruction of the middle third of the leg. The arterial communication between the gastrocnemius muscle heads has been demonstrated, the consistent location, however, was not studied in large specimens. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was conducted on sixty specimens of gastrocnemius muscles harvested from thirty fresh cadavers to determine arterial communication between two heads of gastrocnemius muscle using radio-opaque contrast with future application of taking one head of muscle distally based for coverage of middle third defect of tibia. A total of 60 specimens were obtained from thirty fresh cadavers. In thirty specimens, medial sural artery ligated and divided and 20 ml iohexol (350) given through popliteal artery. In remaining thirty specimens lateral sural artery ligated and divided and 20 ml iohexol (350) given through popliteal artery. Digital X-rays of gastrocnemius muscle specimens were taken, and collaterals between two bellies in lower half were noted and the distance of collaterals from the muscles top edge was also noted. RESULTS: We found the communications between both bellies of the gastrocnemius muscle in all specimens in both legs. The mean distance of communications from the upper edge of the medial belly was 15.88 cm and from upper edge of the lateral belly was 14.72 cm in the right leg, respectively. The mean distance of communications from upper edge of the medial belly was 16.01 cm and from upper edge of the lateral belly was 13.78 cm in the left leg. The distal communications between gastrocnemius bellies were not constant in their location, but all the connections were present in distal 3.79 cm of raphe. CONCLUSION: This study supports the future application of inferior-based hemigastrocnemius muscles flap to cover defects of middle third leg. When distally based hemigastrocnemius flap is planned roughly 1/3(rd) of distal attachment or distal 3.79 cm of connection between raphe should be maintained to preserve the vascular communications between the two bellies.

Malsoor virus, a novel bat phlebovirus, is closely related to severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome virus and heartland virus.

During a survey in the year 2010, a novel phlebovirus was isolated from the Rousettus leschenaultii species of bats in western India. The virus was identified by electron microscopy from infected Vero E6 cells. Phylogenic analysis of the complete genome showed its close relation to severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS) and Heartland viruses, which makes it imperative to further study its natural ecology and potential as a novel emerging zoonotic virus.