bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A toolkit of methods of development-focused health technology assessment
Authors: Bouttell Janet , Briggs Andrew , Hawkins Neil
Published: August 2021

Health technology assessment conducted to inform decisions during technology development (development-focused or DF-HTA) has a number of distinct features compared with HTA conducted to inform reimbursement and usage decisions. In particular, there are a broad range of decisions to be informed related to the development of a technology; multiple markets and decision makers to be considered; a limited (and developing) evidence base; and constrained resources for analysis. These features impact upon methods adopted by analysts. In this paper, we (i) set out methods of DF-HTA against a timeline of technology development; (ii) provide examples of the methods’ use; and (iii) explain how they have been adapted as a result of the features of DF-HTA. We present a toolkit of methods for analysts working with developers of medical technologies. Three categories of methods are described: literature review, stakeholder consultation, and decision analytic modeling. Literature review and stakeholder consultation are often used to fill evidence gaps. Decision analytic modeling is used to synthesize available evidence alongside plausible assumptions to inform developers about price or performance requirements. Methods increase in formality and complexity as the development and evidence base progresses and more resources are available for assessment. We hope this toolkit will be used in conjunction with the framework of features of DF-HTA presented in our earlier article in order to improve the clarity and appropriateness of methods of HTA used in DF-HTA. We also seek to contribute to a continuing dialogue about the nature of, and the best approach to, DF-HTA.
The 1982 Voting Rights Act Extension as a “Critical Juncture”: Ronald Reagan, Bob Dole, and Republican Party-Building
Authors: Johnson Richard
Published: August 2021

Republican support for the 1982 Voting Rights Act (VRA) extension is a puzzle for scholars of racial policy coalitions. The extension contained provisions that were manifestly antithetical to core principles of the “color-blind” policy alliance said to dominate the GOP. Recent scholarship has explained this puzzling decision by arguing that conservatives were confident that the VRA's most objectionable provisions could be undone by the federal bureaucracy and judiciary, while absolving Republicans of the blame of being against voting rights. This article suggests that the picture is more complicated. Applying the concept of “critical junctures” to the 1982 VRA extension, the article highlights the importance of actors’ contingent decisions and reveals a wider range of choices available to political entrepreneurs than has been conventionally understood. Highlighting differing views within the Reagan administration, this article also identifies a wider range of reasons why Republicans supported the act's extension, including career ambition, party-building, policy agenda advancement, and genuine commitment, rather than simply a defensive stance as implied by recent histories.
Stress reactivity and social cognition in pure and co-occurring early childhood relational bullying and victimization
Authors: Perhamus Gretchen R. , Perry Kristin J. , Murray-Close Dianna , Ostrov Jamie M.
Published: August 2021

This study tested the independent effects and interactions of sympathetic nervous system reactivity and hostile attribution biases (HAB) in predicting change in pure and co-occurring relational bullying and victimization experiences over one year. Co-occurring and pure relational bullying and victimization experiences were measured using a dimensional bifactor model, aiming to address methodological limitations of categorical approaches, using data from 300 preschoolers (Mage = 44.70 months, SD = 4.38). Factor scores were then saved and used in nested path analyses with a subset of participants (n = 81) to test main study hypotheses regarding effects of HAB and skin conductance level reactivity (SCL-R). Bifactor models provided good fit to the data at two independent time points. HAB and SCL-R interacted to predict increases in co-occurring relational bullying/victimization with evidence for over- and underarousal pathways.
The Change in Geomechanical Properties of Gas Saturated Methane Hydrate‐Bearing Sand Resulting From Water Saturation
Authors: Priest J. A. , Abbas M. , Hayley J. L.
Published: August 2021

Laboratory tests were carried out on gas‐saturated hydrate‐bearing sand (HBS) specimens that were subsequently water saturated to determine the influence of water saturation on their small‐strain (stiffness) and large‐strain (strength) behavior. Hydrate formed using the “excess gas” method led to significant increases in stiffness and strength of the sand. The magnitude increase in stiffness was largest for the lowest hydrate saturation tests and was sensitive to the distribution of hydrate within the sand. In contrast, increases in strength were directly related to increases in hydrate saturation, and to a lesser extent, on the applied confining stresses. Subsequent water saturation of these gas‐saturated HBS (achieved by flushing up to three times the pore volume of water through the HBS specimen) led to ∼90% and ∼70% reduction in stiffness and strength, respectively, along with a 37% reduction in hydrate volume (initial hydrate pore saturation ∼21.5%). Specimens with higher initial hydrate saturations (∼48%) saw slightly smaller reductions in stiffness and strength associated with ∼17% reduction in hydrate saturation. Changes in behavior appear to be related to the reduction of “cementing” hydrate at particle contacts through dissociation/dissolution of the hydrate, with remaining hydrate being more “pore filling.” Processes that may induce fluid flow in a natural gas‐saturated HBS, such as during the depressurization of the HBS reservoir during hydrate production, may lead to changes in hydrate morphology and affect the geomechanical properties of the HBS even when the HBS are still under hydrate stability conditions.
Ultra-sensitive AAV capsid detection by immunocapture-based qPCR following factor VIII gene transfer
Authors: Sandza Krystal , Clark Annie , Koziol Elli , Akeefe Hassibullah , Yang Fan , Holcomb Jennifer , Patton Kathryn , Hammon Kevin , Mitchell Nina , Wong Wing Y. , Zoog Stephen J. , Kim Benjamin , Henshaw Joshua , Vettermann Christian
Published: August 2021

Adeno-associated virus (AAV)-based gene therapy vectors are replication-incompetent and thus pose minimal risk for horizontal transmission or release into the environment. In studies with AAV5-FVIII-SQ (valoctocogene roxaparvovec), an investigational gene therapy for hemophilia A, residual vector DNA was detectable in blood, secreta, and excreta, but it remained unclear how long structurally intact AAV5 vector capsids were present. Since a comprehensive assessment of vector shedding is required by regulatory agencies, we developed a new method (termed iqPCR) that utilizes capsid-directed immunocapture followed by qPCR amplification of encapsidated DNA. The limit of detection for AAV5 vector capsids was 1.17E+04 and 2.33E+04 vg/mL in plasma and semen, respectively. Acceptable precision, accuracy, selectivity, and specificity were verified; up to 1.00E+09 vg/mL non-encapsidated vector DNA showed no interference. Anti-AAV5 antibody plasma concentrations above 141 ng/mL decreased AAV5 capsid quantification, suggesting that iqPCR mainly detects free capsids and not those complexed with antibodies. In a clinical study, AAV5-FVIII-SQ capsids were found in plasma and semen but became undetectable within nine weeks after dose administration. Hence, iqPCR monitors the presence and shedding kinetics of intact vector capsids following AAV gene therapy and informs the potential risk for horizontal transmission.
Chlorine activated stacking fault removal mechanism in thin film CdTe solar cells: the missing piece
Authors: Hatton Peter , Watts Michael J. , Abbas Ali , Walls John M. , Smith Roger , Goddard Pooja
Published: August 2021

The conversion efficiency of as-deposited, CdTe solar cells is poor and typically less than 5%. A CdCl2 activation treatment increases this to up to 22%. Studies have shown that stacking faults (SFs) are removed and the grain boundaries (GBs) are decorated with chlorine. Thus, SF removal and device efficiency are strongly correlated but whether this is direct or indirect has not been established. Here we explain the passivation responsible for the increase in efficiency but also crucially elucidate the associated SF removal mechanism. The effect of chlorine on a model system containing a SF and two GBs is investigated using density functional theory. The proposed SF removal mechanisms are feasible at the 400 ∘C treatment temperature. It is concluded that the efficiency increase is due to electronic effects in the GBs while SF removal is a by-product of the saturation of the GB with chlorine but is a key signal that sufficient chlorine is present for passivation to occur.
A novel CT scoring method predicts the prognosis of interstitial lung disease associated with anti-MDA5 positive dermatomyositis
Authors: Xu Wenwen , Wu Wanlong , Zhang Danting , Chen Zhiwei , Tao Xinwei , Zhao Jiangfeng , Wang Kaiwen , Wang Xiaodong , Zheng Yu , Ye Shuang
Published: August 2021

Anti-melanoma differentiation-associated gene 5-positive dermatomyositis-associated interstitial lung disease (MDA5+ DM-ILD) is a life-threatening disease. This study aimed to develop a novel pulmonary CT visual scoring method for assessing the prognosis of the disease, and an artificial intelligence (AI) algorithm-based analysis and an idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF)-based scoring were conducted as comparators. A retrospective cohort of hospitalized patients with MDA5+ DM-ILD was analyzed. Since most fatalities occur within the first half year of the disease course, the primary outcome was the six-month all-cause mortality since the time of admission. A ground glass opacity (GGO) and consolidation-weighted CT visual scoring model for MDA5+ DM-ILD, namely ‘MDA5 score’, was then developed with C-index values of 0.80 (95%CI 0.75–0.86) in the derivation dataset (n = 116) and 0.84 (95%CI 0.71–0.97) in the validation dataset (n = 57), respectively. While, the AI algorithm-based analysis, namely ‘AI score’, yielded C-index 0.78 (95%CI 0.72–0.84) for the derivation dataset and 0.77 (95%CI 0.64–0.90) for the validation dataset. These findings suggest that the newly derived ‘MDA5 score’ may serve as an applicable prognostic predictor for MDA5+ DM-ILD and facilitate further clinical trial design. The AI based CT quantitative analysis provided a promising solution for ILD evaluation.
Numerical simulation of the impact of an integrated renovation project on the Maowei Sea hydrodynamic environment
Authors: Wang Cui , Cai Ling , Wu Yaojian , Ouyang Yurong
Published: August 2021

Integrated renovation projects are important for marine ecological environment protection. Three-dimensional hydrodynamics and water quality models are developed for the Maowei Sea to assess the hydrodynamic environment base on the MIKE3 software with high resolution meshes. The results showed that the flow velocity changed minimally after the project, decreasing by approximately 0.12 m/s in the east of the Maowei Sea area and increasing by approximately 0.01 m/s in the northeast of the Shajing Port. The decrease in tidal prism (~ 2.66 × 106 m3) was attributed to land reclamation, and accounted for just 0.86% of the pre-project level. The water exchange half-life increased by approximately 1 day, implying a slightly reduced water exchange capacity. Siltation occurred mainly in the reclamation and dredging areas, amounting to back-silting of approximately 2 cm/year. Reclamation project is the main factor causing the decrease of tidal volume and weakening the hydrodynamics in Maowei Sea. Adaptive management is necessary for such a comprehensive regulation project. According to the result, we suggest that reclamation works should strictly prohibit and dredging schemes should optimize in the subsequent regulation works.
Functional human iPSC-derived alveolar-like cells cultured in a miniaturized 96‑Transwell air–liquid interface model
Authors: Bluhmki Teresa , Traub Stefanie , Müller Ann-Kathrin , Bitzer Sarah , Schruf Eva , Bammert Marie-Therese , Leist Marcel , Gantner Florian , Garnett James P , Heilker Ralf
Published: August 2021

In order to circumvent the limited access and donor variability of human primary alveolar cells, directed differentiation of human pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) into alveolar-like cells, provides a promising tool for respiratory disease modeling and drug discovery assays. In this work, a unique, miniaturized 96-Transwell microplate system is described where hiPSC-derived alveolar-like cells were cultured at an air–liquid interface (ALI). To this end, hiPSCs were differentiated into lung epithelial progenitor cells (LPCs) and subsequently matured into a functional alveolar type 2 (AT2)-like epithelium with monolayer-like morphology. AT2-like cells cultured at the physiological ALI conditions displayed characteristics of AT2 cells with classical alveolar surfactant protein expressions and lamellar-body like structures. The integrity of the epithelial barriers between the AT2-like cells was confirmed by applying a custom-made device for 96-parallelized transepithelial electric resistance (TEER) measurements. In order to generate an IPF disease-like phenotype in vitro, the functional AT2-like cells were stimulated with cytokines and growth factors present in the alveolar tissue of IPF patients. The cytokines stimulated the secretion of pro-fibrotic biomarker proteins both on the mRNA (messenger ribonucleic acid) and protein level. Thus, the hiPSC-derived and cellular model system enables the recapitulation of certain IPF hallmarks, while paving the route towards a miniaturized medium throughput approach of pharmaceutical drug discovery.
The adsorption characteristics of Cu(II) and Zn(II) on the sediments at the mouth of a typical urban polluted river in Dianchi Lake: taking Xinhe as an example
Authors: Ma Xiang-shu , Liu Leng , Fang Yi-chuan , Sun Xiao-long
Published: August 2021

This study is to determine the spatial distribution characteristics of Cu and Zn adsorption on the sediments of the estuary of Dianchi Lake, as well as the composite adsorption law of Cu and Zn on combinations of sediment organic matter, metal oxides, and organic–inorganic composites. The relationship between the adsorption contribution of each component of the substance. A static adsorption experiment was applied to the sediments in the estuary of Dianchi Lake. The relationship between adsorption capacity and sediment composition was analyzed through correlation analysis and redundant analysis. The results show that along the direction of the river flow and the vertical depth, the adsorption capacity presents a relatively obvious spatial distribution law; the change trend of sediment component content is not the same as the change trend of Cu and Zn adsorption capacity. The change trend of the sediment component content is not the same as the change trend of the adsorption amount of Cu and Zn, and the compound effect between the components affects the adsorption amount. The adsorption of Cu by the four groups of sediments after different treatments is more in line with the Freundlich isotherm adsorption model; When adsorbing Zn, the untreated and removed organic matter and iron-aluminum oxide group are in good agreement with the Freundlich model, while the organic matter-removed group and the iron-aluminum oxide removal group are more consistent with the Langmuir isotherm adsorption model; The adsorption contribution rate of organic–inorganic composites in sediments is not a simple addition of organic matter and iron-aluminum oxides, but a more complex quantitative relationship.
Impact of severe hypoglycemia on the heat shock and related protein response
Authors: Atkin Alexander S. , Moin Abu Saleh Md , Nandakumar Manjula , Al-Qaissi Ahmed , Sathyapalan Thozhukat , Atkin Stephen L. , Butler Alexandra E.
Published: August 2021

Heat shock proteins contribute to diabetes-induced complications and are affected by glycemic control. Our hypothesis was that hypoglycemia-induced heat shock and related protein changes would be amplified in type 2 diabetes (T2D). This prospective, case–control study enrolled 23 T2D patients and 23 control subjects who underwent hyperinsulinemic-induced hypoglycemia (≤ 2.0 mmol/L (36 mg/dl)) with blood sampling at baseline, at hypoglycemia and after a 24-h post-hypoglycemia follow-up period. Proteomic analysis of heat shock-related and pro-inflammatory proteins was performed. At baseline, MAPKAPK5 (p = 0.02) and UBE2G2 (p = 0.003) were elevated and STUB1 decreased (p = 0.007) in T2D. At hypoglycemia: PPP3CA (p < 0.03) was increased and EPHA2 (p = 0.01) reduced in T2D; by contrast, three proteins were reduced in controls [HSPA1A (p = 0.007), HSPB1 (p < 0.02), SMAD3 (p = 0.005)] while only MAPKAPK5 was elevated (p = 0.02). In the post-hypoglycemia follow-up period, most proteins normalized to baseline by 24-h; however, STIP1 (p = 0.003), UBE2N (p = 0.004) and UBE2L3 (p < 0.04) were decreased in controls at 24-h. No protein differed from baseline at 24-h in T2D. Pro-inflammatory interleukin-6 increased at 4-h post-hypoglycemia in controls and T2D (p < 0.05 and p < 0.003, respectively) and correlated with HSPA1A; anti-inflammatory IL-10 decreased 2-h post-hypoglycemia in T2D only. Other pro-inflammatory proteins, IL-1α, IFN-γ and TNF-α, were unchanged. Heat shock and related proteins differed at baseline between T2D and controls, with an exaggerated response of heat shock and related proteins to hypoglycemia that returned to baseline, though with changes at 24-h in controls alone. An increase in pro-inflammatory IL-6, with a decrease in anti-inflammatory IL-10, suggests that the HSP system is overactivated due to underlying inflammation in T2D.

Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03102801.
Sustainable production of graphene from petroleum coke using electrochemical exfoliation
Authors: Saha Sanjit , Lakhe Pritishma , Mason Matthew J. , Coleman Bryan J. , Arole Kailash , Zhao Xiaofei , Yakovlev Sergey , Uppili Sundararajan , Green Micah J. , Hule Rohan A.
Published: August 2021

Petroleum coke is a solid, carbonaceous by-product of oil refining and is normally used for heating or as an anode in aluminum and steel production. These applications contribute to carbon emissions, but here we show that petroleum coke has another potential avenue: as a precursor for graphene production. This path presents an environmentally and economically sustainable use for a low-value industrial stream. Electrochemical exfoliation is used to produce graphene nanosheets from petroleum coke, rather than graphite. The final product is separated from the unreacted material by a two-step centrifuging process. SEM and TEM images confirm that the final product contains few-layered nanosheets, and the Raman spectra confirm that the exfoliated coke product is indeed graphene. Post-annealing of this product substantially increases the electrical conductivity. This new finding holds potential for the petroleum industry to produce a value-added nanomaterial and enhance the economic impact of slurry oil and slurry oil-derived coke streams by orders of magnitude; this route also allows these streams to be directed away from high-emissions uses.
Mechanical origin of martensite-like structures in two-dimensional ReS2
Authors: Huang Lingli , Zheng Fangyuan , Chen Honglin , Thi Quoc Huy , Chen Xin , Liu Haijun , Lee Chun-Sing , Deng Qingming , Zhao Jiong , Ly Thuc Hue
Published: August 2021

Martensite is a needle-shaped microstructure formed by a rapid, diffusionless transformation and significantly affects the mechanical properties of materials. Here, in two-dimensional ReS2 we show that martensite-like domain structures can form via a diffusionless transformation, involving small lattice deformations. By analyzing the strain distribution and topology of the as-grown chemical vapor deposition samples, we find that cooling-induced strain at the ReS2/substrate interface is responsible for the mechanical loading and is essential for martensite-like domain formation. Meanwhile, the effect of cooling rate, flake size and substrate on the microstructures revealed the mechanical origin of the transformation. The strain-induced lattice reconstructions are rationalized and possibly lead to ferroelastic effects. In view of the strong anisotropy in electronic and optical properties in two dimensional materials like ReS2, opportunities exist for strain-correlated micro/nanostructure engineering, which has potential use in next-generation strain-tunable devices.
Monitoring the surface tension by the pendant drop technique for detection of insulin fibrillogenesis
Authors: Siposova Katarina , Sedlakova Dagmar , Musatov Andrey
Published: August 2021

Monitoring the aggregation of amyloid-prone proteins is critical for understanding the mechanism of amyloid fibril formation.
Mapping vitamin B6 metabolism by hydrazoCEST magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Brun Emilie Marie Sophie Patit-Tha , Calvert Nicholas David , Suchý Mojmír , Kirby Alexia , Melkus Gerd , Garipov Ruslan , Addison Christina L. , Shuhendler Adam J.
Published: August 2021

2-Hydrazinonicotinic acid can selectively map the critical coenzyme pyridoxal 5′-phosphate by CEST-MRI in vitro and in vivo.
Non-porous interpenetrating Co-bpe MOF for colorimetric iodide sensing
Authors: Rani Deepika , Bhasin Kuldeep Kumar , Singh Monika
Published: August 2021

An interpenetrating non-porous ladder shaped MOF, Co-bpe, display remarkable solvatochromic iodide sensing through a double nucleophilic substitution mechanism.
Reversible single-crystal to single-crystal phase transformation between a new Werner clathrate and its apohost
Authors: Matos Catiúcia R. M. O. , Sanii Rana , Wang Shi-Qiang , Ronconi Célia M. , Zaworotko Michael J.
Published: August 2021

A new Werner complex exhibits reversible transformation between apohost and host–guest phase induced by nitrobenzene.
3d–4f magnetic exchange interactions and anisotropy in a series of heterobimetallic vanadium(iv)–lanthanide(iii) Schiff base complexes
Authors: Kotrle Kamil , Nemec Ivan , Moncol Jan , Čižmár Erik , Herchel Radovan
Published: August 2021

3d–4f complexes were prepared and their X-ray analyses revealed changes in the coordination number upon changing the lanthanide (Gd → Er). The VIV–LnIII magnetic exchange was fit from magnetic data and calculated by DFT and CASSCF theoretical models.
A progressive nucleation mechanism enables stable zinc stripping–plating behavior
Authors: Li Yihu , Wu Pengfei , Zhong Wei , Xie Chunlin , Xie Yanling , Zhang Qi , Sun Dan , Tang Yougen , Wang Haiyan
Published: August 2021

The preferential adsorption of cation additives enables the transformation of a zinc nucleation mechanism from instantaneous nucleation to progressive nucleation, which ultimately realizes a stable zinc stripping/plating behavior.
The mechanism and regulation of the electrosorption selectivity of inorganic anions during capacitive deionization
Authors: Deng WenYang , Jia XueRu , Chen Yi , Wang Zhen , Chen FangFang , Chen WenQing , Ao TianQi
Published: August 2021

Explore and verify the influence of hydration energy and valence on selectivity of anions, and the role of anion's shape
Solvent free enantioselective catalysis with chiral cobalt(iii) Werner complexes via ball milling
Authors: Kabes Connor Q. , Jameson Bailey L. , Gladysz John A.
Published: August 2021

The title technique is applied for the first time to cobalt(iii) hydrogen bond donor catalysts, a large family of recently developed salts that enable numerous enantioselective organic reactions and feature an earth abundant metal.
Poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) bearing fluoro-containing phenylboronic acid for specific recognition of glucose
Authors: Bao Wenji , Hai Wenfeng , Bao Layue , Yang Fan , Liu Yushuang , Goda Tatsuro , Liu Jinghai
Published: August 2021

The interactions between different boric acid conjugated polythiophene derivatives and glucose were compared. An F substituent on the benzene ring of phenylboronic acid enhanced the sensitivity to glucose under physiological pH conditions.
Tailored amorphization of graphitic carbon nitride triggers superior photocatalytic C–C coupling towards the synthesis of perfluoroalkyl derivatives
Authors: Longobardo Francesco , Gentile Giuseppe , Criado Alejandro , Actis Arianna , Colussi Sara , Dal Santo Vladimiro , Chiesa Mario , Filippini Giacomo , Fornasiero Paolo , Prato Maurizio , Melchionna Michele
Published: August 2021

Modified carbon nitrides were prepared from graphitic carbon nitride by thermal amorphization. The investigation of the amorphization/catalytic activity relationship was carried out in the context of perfluoroalkyl compound synthesis.
Bifurcating reactions: distribution of products from energy distribution in a shared reactive mode
Authors: Bharadwaz Priyam , Maldonado-Domínguez Mauricio , Srnec Martin
Published: August 2021

Reactive Mode Composition Factor (RMCF) analysis is a powerful tool to forecast the product distribution of bifurcating reactions through analysis of the kinetic energy distribution within the first transition state traversed by the reacting system.
Curvature-driven feedback on aggregation–diffusion of proteins in lipid bilayers
Authors: Mahapatra Arijit , Saintillan David , Rangamani Padmini
Published: August 2021

Curvature-driven feedback limits the extent of aggregation of the curvature-inducing proteins in the membrane.
Depletion forces drive reversible capture of live bacteria on non-adhesive surfaces
Authors: Niu Wuqi Amy , Rivera Sylvia L. , Siegrist M. Sloan , Santore Maria M.
Published: August 2021

Dissolved polymer can drive the reversible adhesion of living bacteria on a non-adhesive surface, defeating the non-adhesive underlying surface character.
Measurement and monitoring of overhead transmission line sag in smart grid: A review
Authors: Mahin Ayman Uddin , Islam Shama Naz , Ahmed Fabliha , Hossain Md. Farhad
Published: August 2021

In a transmission line, sag is intentionally provided to relax the tension on the wire when placed between two terminals. However, thermal stress and extreme weather conditions can cause increases in transmission line sag, which can eventually damage transmission line infrastructure. In this regard, this paper examines a number of sag measurement techniques based on physical or optical properties and integrated with signal processing and communication technologies. The performance of different sag measurement methods is compared in terms of accuracy, precision and key feature. Several challenges and limitations of the existing sag measurement mechanisms are reported. A number of recommendations to address the identified challenges are made. Moreover, an efficient communication framework for sag related information exchange is proposed. This comprehensive review of the sag measurement techniques will facilitate the evolution of new and efficient real‐time sag measurement and monitoring methods.
Pseudo‐Siamese residual atrous pyramid network for multi‐focus image fusion
Authors: Jiang Limai , Fan Hui , Li Jinjiang , Tu Changhe
Published: August 2021

Depth of field is one of the critical reasons to limit the richness of image information. Usually, in a scene with multiple targets, when the distance between each target and the lens is different, the clear scene image can be get within a certain distance range. This situation restricts the further image processing, such as semantic segmentation, object recognition and 3D reconstruction. Multi‐focus image fusion uses two or more images focused on different targets to fuse scene information, which can solve this problem to a great extent. In general, two or more multi‐focus images can cover almost all near/far targets. The fusion of more than two multi‐focus images can be accomplished by cascading the fusion results of the previous two images and the next image to be processed many times. Therefore, the paper focus on the fusion of two multi‐focus images. Inspired by this, new Pseudo‐Siamese neural network with several residual atrous convolution pyramids with multi‐level perception ability to perceive the multi‐level features and consistency relations of multi‐focus image pairs is proposed, and multi‐layer residual blocks are used to fuse the extracted features. In this process, the residual of the groundtruth and the generated image will be learned. Finally, a fully focused image without blur will be generated. After several ablation experiments and comparison experiments with other methods, the results show that the performance of the method proposed in this paper is state‐of‐the‐art, and overall better than other methods, which are advanced.
χ1 Fornacis cluster DANCe
Authors: Galli P. A. B. , Bouy H. , Olivares J. , Miret-Roig N. , Sarro L. M. , Barrado D. , Berihuete A.
Published: August 2021

Context. The χ1 Fornacis cluster (Alessi 13) is one of a few open clusters of its age and distance in the Solar neighbourhood that ought to benefit from more attention as it can serve as a cornerstone for numerous future studies related to star and planet formation.

Aims. We take advantage of the early installment of the third data release of the Gaia space mission in combination with archival data and our own observations, to expand the census of cluster members and revisit some properties of the cluster.

Methods. We applied a probabilistic method to infer membership probabilities over a field of more than 1000 deg2 to select the most likely cluster members and derive the distances, spatial velocities, and physical properties of the stars in this sample.

Results. We identify 164 high-probability cluster members (including 61 new members) covering the magnitude range from 5.1 to 19.6 mag in the G-band. Our sample of cluster members is complete down to 0.04 M⊙. We derive the distance of 108.4 ± 0.3 pc from Bayesian inference and confirm that the cluster is comoving with the Tucana-Horologium, Columba, and Carina young stellar associations. We investigate the kinematics of the cluster from a subsample of stars with measured radial velocities and we do not detect any significant expansion or rotation effects in the cluster. Our results suggest that the cluster is somewhat younger (about 30 Myr) than previously thought. Based on spectroscopic observations, we argue that the cluster is mass-segregated and that the distribution of spectral types shows little variation compared to other young stellar groups.

Conclusions. In this study, we deliver the most complete census of cluster members that can be done with Gaia data alone and we use this new sample to provide an updated picture on the 6D structure of the cluster.
Suppression of lithium depletion in young low-mass stars from fast rotation
Authors: Constantino T. , Baraffe I. , Goffrey T. , Pratt J. , Guillet T. , Vlaykov D. G. , Amard L.
Published: August 2021

We compute rotating 1D stellar evolution models that include a modified temperature gradient in convection zones and criterion for convective instability inspired by rotating 3D hydrodynamical simulations performed with the MUSIC code. In those 3D simulations we found that convective properties strongly depend on the Solberg–Høiland criterion for stability. We therefore incorporated this into 1D stellar evolution models by replacing the usual Schwarzschild criterion for stability and also modifying the temperature gradient in convection zones. We computed a grid of 1D models between 0.55 and 1.2 stellar masses from the pre-main sequence to the end of main sequence in order to study the problem of lithium depletion in low-mass main sequence stars. This is an ideal test case because many of those stars are born as fast rotators and the rate of lithium depletion is very sensitive to the changes in the stellar structure. Additionally, observations show a correlation between slow rotation and lithium depletion, contrary to expectations from standard models of rotationally driven mixing. By suppressing convection, and therefore decreasing the temperature at the base of the convective envelope, lithium burning is strongly quenched in our rapidly rotating models to an extent sufficient to account for the lithium spread observed in young open clusters.
The Development and Optimization of Primer Sets Used to Study the Relative Expression of Androgen Receptor Gene in Turkey (Meleagris gallopavo)
Authors: Nugroho Herjuno Ari , Widayanti Rini , Pangestiningsih Tri Wahyu , Supriyani Eli
Published: August 2021

The Androgen Receptor (AR) Gene’s expression is essential during puberty and testes maturation, which is also used as a reference for Turkey’s breeding program. Therefore, this study aims to develop and optimize two primer sets for studying relative expression using qPCR technology. The primers were designed to amplify specific regions in the AR gene as the main target, and the β-actin gene as an internal control. They were tested using in-silico and amplicon sequencing, as well as efficiency calculation with a constructed standard curve from serially diluted reactions. Based on the sequencing methods, the primers amplified the corresponding regions of the respective targets. The primer for AR gene had an efficiency of 98.03%, a slope of -3.37, and an R2 of 0.995, while that of the β-actin gene had an efficiency of 98.01%, a slope of -3.371, and an R2 of 0.999. The two efficiencies exceeded the standard (93 -103%) value and the melting curve analysis showed that no non-specific amplification was discovered for both primers. According to the tests, the primers are suggested as acceptable to be used for the relative expression study of the AR gene in Turkey.
Polymorphism Exploration of Growth Family (GH, GHRH and PIT-1) Genes Polymorphisms of Local Swamp Buffalo for Productivity Improvement in North Tapanuli Regency, North Sumatra
Authors: Anggraeni Anneke , Thalib Chalid , Ardhati Rani Hapsari Angga
Published: August 2021

Genetic improvement of livestock productivity can be done through molecular selection on the genes controlling growth traits. Genetic polymorphism of the growth family (GH, GHRH, and PIT1) genes were studied in local swamp buffalo (106 hds.) from a government buffalo breeding station (46 heads) and smallholders (60 heads) in North Tapanuli District, North Sumatra Province. Genotype variants of the three genes were identified by PCR-RFLP method using restriction enzymes of MspI (GH gene), HaeIII (GHRH gene) and HinfI (PIT -1 gene). Genotyping on individual GH_g.1547T>C, GHRH_g.4666G>C, and PIT -1_g.1256G >A loci resulted only one type genotype, respectively TT, CC, an d AA, with one type of allele, respectively T, C, and A. Heterozygosity observation (Ho) and expectation (He) values values and the PIC value for each locus was 0.00. It could be suggested to increase genotype frequenciest of the three growth genes that are positively associated with the growth traits and economic traits of the buffalo.
The cytotoxic activity of pine needles ethanolic extract of Pinus merkusii on HeLa cell lines
Authors: Proboningrat Annise , Fadholly Amaq , Agus Sudjarwo Sri , Abdul Rantam Fedik , Budianto Achmad Agung
Published: August 2021

Several efforts have been made to discover new anticancer agents based on natural ingredients. Meanwhile, previous studies have shown that different Pine genus species exhibit cytotoxic activity against various types of cancer cells. This plant is rich in phenolic compounds, especially procyanidins, flavonoids, and phenolic acids. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the in vitro cytotoxicity of Pinus merkusii needles extract on HeLa cancer cell lines. The cytotoxicity assessment was measured using MTT assay and expressed as IC50 value. The results showed that the ethanolic extract poses a dose and time-dependent cytotoxic activity with an IC50 value of 542.5 µg/ml at 48 hours of incubation. Based on this result, Pinus merkusii needles’ ethanolic extract has the potential of a novel candidate for an anticancer agent.
Efficiency the Utilization of Folow up Palm Plants foor Increasing Production Beef Cattle in District Pasaman Barat
Authors: Wahyuni Rahmi , Dewi R.A. , Harmaini  , Asmairicen S.
Published: August 2021

The main problem in the development of cattle business people in palm plantation, one exeption availibility of forage animal feed whether in quantity n quality. Other side the existence of palm leaves the midrib has been waste of a disturbing and not been utilized by farmers. To the touch technological innovations feed in te form of silage then palm leaves the midrib has been animal feed worthy of in eating of cattle. The purpose of this research is identify the effects the provisio of feed based silage palm leaves midrib increased body weight on cattle beef and analyzing efficiency the cost of animal feed. Research in farmer group Tanjung Keramat in district Kinali, Pasaman Barat in february until april 2017. Respondent are set down in purposive sampling. This research used 18 tail local bulls created the average 2 until 2, 5 years. Treatment provides was P1 control grass field is 10% from body weght (25 Kg) + bran is 10% from body weght (2,5 Kg) , P2 granting of silage then palm leaves (10 kg) + bran (1,5 Kg) + gliserida ( 2 Kg). In an analysis using t tableindependent sample t-testα=5%. Result of research shows P1 increase body weight cattle 0,68 kg/tail/day and P2 0,81 kg/ tail/ day . Provision of feed based silage then palm leaves significant compared feed control t test (-6,9) > t tabel (2,4). With efficiency cost feed during 90 days P1 (Rp. 967.500,-/cattle) and P2 (Rp. 675.500,-/cattle). So, with provision palm leaves besides increasing body weight cattle, can also reducing the grass that drain time dan energy can reduce the cost daily cattle feed.
The utilization of agricultural and livestock waste and the effect on new rice varieties yield on rainfed rice land of Ponjong - Gunungkidul
Authors: Riyanto Damasus
Published: August 2021

It is believed that environmentally friendly management of agricultural land through the use of liquid and fermented organic microorganisms can preserve soil fertility, increase the soil microbial population, preserve the environment, as well as increase soil productivity. This research aims to determine the application of various local microorganisms (LMO) to the growth and yield of new rice varieties on the rainfed land of Ponjong-Gunungkidul. Furthermore, it was conducted from February to May 2017, and used a Randomized Completely Block Design (RCBD) with 3 replications and 6 different treatments, namely: M1 = Local Microorganisms of vegetable waste, M2=Local Microorganisms of fruit waste, M3= Local Microorganisms from banana weevils, M4= Local Microorganisms from urine and cow manure, M5 = Local Microorganisms from Gliricidia sp leaves, M6=A mixture of the five local microorganisms ingredients. The results showed that the application of organic fertilizers produced from agricultural and livestock waste and liquid microorganisms was able to increase the total number of the microbial population about seven times on M6 treatment compare to M1 treatment, while the Nitrogen fixation bacteria population and Phosphate solubilizing bacteria increased about six and three times, respectively on the soil rhizosphere. The harvested dry grain yield of the variety Inpari 33 (7.78 tons ha-1) showed a higher yield than that of Inpari Sidenuk and Inpari 19, namely 6.93 tons. ha-1 or 7.13 tons ha. The observation of growth and yield components revealed that the number of tillers, the number of filled grains per panicle, the weight of 1000 grains, and plant biomass showed a significant result and higher differences of Inpari 33 variety than the other 2 varieties used in this research by applying a mixture of five agricultural and livestock wastes ingredients (M6)
Detection of ovine herpesvirus-2 in clinical cases of sheep-associated malignant catarrhal fever in balinese cattle and apparently healthy sheep in East Nusa Tenggara
Authors: Wiyono Agus , Nuradji Harimurti , Sanam Maxs UE , Simarmata Yohanes TRMR , Damayanti Rini
Published: August 2021

Malignant catarrhal fever (MCF) is a disease causing a fatal outcome in cattle and generates economic losses worldwide. This study aims to detect the cause of the disease in Balinese cattle showing clinical signs such as high fever, serous ocular mucopurulent nasal discharges, and enlargement of pre-scapularis and pre-femoralis lymphnodes. These cattle were previously housed 50 meters away from a flock of sheep which were brought from Sabu Island 3 months earlier. Samples including blood, ocular, nasal, and vaginal swabs were collected from 22 sheep, 30 goats, 33 clinically healthy cattle (22 Balinese and 11 Ongole cattle), and 3 infected Balinese cattle. Samples were processed and tested using A nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test. Results showed t hat 12 sheep out of 22 and 3 out of 3 infected Balinese cattle were positive MCF, suggesting a potential spread of the disease from sheep to Balinese cattle. No goats and Ongole cattle that were positive indicate that these animals are less susceptible to Ovine Herpesvirus-2 (OvHV-2) infection compared to Balinese cattle. The finding of 5 positive samples from 22 healthy Balinese cattle shows the potential of sub-clinical infection of OvHV-2.
Study on parturition of beef cattle in small holder farm: stage, placental weight, and placentomes
Authors: Gustari Sri , Agus Prihatno Surya , Kusumawati Asmarani , Budiyanto Agung , Setyawan Erif Maha Nugraha , Adi Yosua Kristian , Priyo Jr Topas Wicaksono
Published: August 2021

Scientific data on the length of parturition stage, placental weight, and the number of placentomes in Ongole (PO), Simental Ongole (SimPO), Limosin and Ongole (LimPO) breeds in Yogyakarta Province are not yet known. This research aimed to study parturition stage, placental weight, and placentomes number on beef catlle in small holder farm. This research was carried out on small farmers in the Special Region of Yogyakarta Province. There were 22 PO, 7 simpo, and 4 limpo cattle. The first study determined length stage of parturition. The second study determined the weight of the placenta and the number of placentomes. Data collected were analyzed descriptively. The results of first stage in PO, SimPO, and LimPO cattle were 73.7, 44.5, and 62. 9 hours. The duration of second stage in PO, SimPO, and LimPO cattles were 58.1, 78.7, and 24.5 minutes. The duration of third stage in PO, SimPO, and LimPO cattle were 4.3, 4.8, and 3.5 hours. The placenta weight in PO and SimPO cattle showed that the average of placenta weight was 4.1 and 3.6 Kg. The number of placentomes in PO, SimPO, dan LimPO cattle were 92.5, 92.8, and 102.6. This research showed that the average of stage I in PO was longer than SimPO and LimPO, stage II and stage III in SimPO was longer than PO and LimPO. In addition, the average of placenta weight in PO was heavier than SimPO and LimPO cows. The average number of placentomes in LimPO was higher than PO and SimPO cattle.
Diversity of Rodent Species and Its Potency as the Vector for Transmitting Rodent Borne Parasitic Disease in Households
Authors: Herawati Nur ‘Aini , Sudarmaji
Published: August 2021

Rodent species have been known as the major pest in the agricultural sector leading to economic losses. They are also identified as the vector for several rodent -borne zoonotic diseases. However, a specific study on observing their diversity in households closed to lowland irrigated agroecosystems that correspond to disease distribution’s role is limited. To address this issue, a field study was performed during the 2019 -2020 cropping season in two sites (Yogyakarta and West Java) which were categorized as the rice production centers. Trapping was conducted consecutively for 13-30 days using 65-75 snap traps. Roasted coconut and salty fish were used to attract rodents. In West Java, 3 rodent species (Rattus argentiventer,Rattus tanezumi,Bandicota indica) and insectivore small mammal (Suncus murinus) were discovered from 1,950 trap nights. Meanwhile, the setting of 900 trap nights in Yogyakarta indicated less diverse rodents with only one species (Rattus tanezumi) and the same insectivore discovered. All captured animals were dissected and observed for the endoparasites. We obtained two potent species of parasites (Taenia taeniaeformisandCapillaria hepatica), which can be transmitted by rodents to the local people if they do not apply a proper health practice.
Raising student’s awareness of tsunami hazard in rumah tahfizh bakti ilaahi (RTBI) Bengkulu
Authors: S Wahyuni Ade , Islam Mukhlis , Elhusna
Published: August 2021

Educating people about disaster risk reduction is part of the responsibility of the local University. Enhancing people’s preparedness before disaster strike and how to cope with it, is compulsory and the education need to be done continuously since the natural disaster cannot be predicted. Seismic hazard is quite high in Bengkulu. The RTBI was chosen because of the locations which prone to tsunami hazard and most of the students come from different part of Bengkulu, so the knowledge about tsunami hazard nearby their area is very limited. This paper explains about the process of raising awareness of Tsunami hazard for students in RTBI. Twenty six students were involved in this study. The questionnaire was prepared to study their knowledge about tsunami hazard. The knowledge that they can absorb during the study could be measured by comparing their answer in the questionnaire before and after the study. The result shows, after the study, the students were more aware about the vulnerability of the area and know what to do when the disaster happen.
Numerical study of bracing section variations in an eccentrically braced frame
Authors: Haris Sabril , Nidiasari  , Triaz Pramadhani Putri Sonya
Published: August 2021

Eccentrically Braced Frame (EBF) is a better option for the earthquake-prone country due to it having a better strength, stiffness, energy dissipation and ductility than Moment Resisting Frame (MRF) structure and more so than structures made of concrete. The structure’s ductility was influenced by the cross-sectional dimension and link element of the frame. This study aims to determine the relation behavior of EBF with the varied link element and cross-sectional of bracing with the ultimate load and ductility of the structure. The analysis was done using MSC. PATRAN/NASTRAN student edition software. A total of three-link model variations, each one represents the three-link variations of EBF; short link, intermediate link, and long link. As for the cross-sectional, variation was made on the flange and web thickness of the IWF profile and web thickness of the HSS profile. The most optimum performance of the structure was determined by displacement control and static monotonic loading. The result indicates that variations in the crosssectional of bracing effects the short link EBF the most, while the intermediate and long link EBF doesn’t show a significant change in terms of ultimate load. Meanwhile, ductility is not bound by the increase of bracing thickness.