bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Personalnotstand: Der Pflege geht die Luft aus
Authors: Heeser Alexandra
Published: May 2021

In der Pflege herrschte schon vor der Corona-Pandemie Personalnot. Jetzt verschärft sich der Mangel weiter. Gerade Pflegekräfte auf Intensivstationen drohen, dem Job den Rücken zu kehren. Der Mix aus Kündigungen und einem allgemeinen Mehrbedarf erhöht die Brisanz des Problems.
Natalie Gladkov zu Apps auf Rezept: „Wir stehen noch ganz am Anfang“
Authors: Orth Anne
Published: May 2021

Seit Ende Mai 2020 können Hersteller die Aufnahme ihrer digitalen Gesundheitsanwendung (DiGA) ins Verzeichnis des Bundesamtes für Arzneimittel und Medizinprodukte (BfArM) beantragen. Seit Oktober 2020 sind die ersten Gesundheits-Apps zugelassen. Wie ist der Stand bei der Zulassung der DiGAs, was ist in der Rahmenvereinbarung festgelegt und was ändert sich durch das Gesetz zur digitalen Modernisierung von Versorgung und Pflege (DVPMG)? Dazu nimmt Natalie Gladkov, Referentin für Digitale Medizinprodukte beim Bundesverband Medizintechnologie (BVMed), im Gespräch mit kma Stellung.
Haftungsrisiken in der Medizintechnik: Medizinprodukte: Klinikgeschäftsführer sind für die Instandhaltung verantwortlich
Authors: Buschmann Mahnaz
Published: May 2021

Für das Betreiben und Anwenden von Medizinprodukten in einer Gesundheitseinrichtung gibt es zahlreiche Anforderungen: vom Führen von Bestandsverzeichnissen über Prüfung und Wartung der Geräte bis hin zu Meldepflichten. All dies ist in der Medizinprodukte-Betreiberverordnung festgelegt.
A Rare Case of Pediatric Cortical Aneurysm Rupture in an Eight-Year-Old Boy
Authors: Salam Anooja Abdul , Ibbett Imogen , Thani Nova
Published: May 2021

Aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage in the pediatric population is an extremely rare condition. We present an acute intracerebral hemorrhage in an 8-year-old boy, secondary to a ruptured middle cerebral artery cortical branch (M4 segment) aneurysm. There have been very few cases of cortical aneurysm reported in adults and we did not identify any pediatric cases in the literature to date.
Yang–Mills monopoles in extremal Reissner–Nordström black hole metric
Authors: Zhang Xiangqin , Yang Yisong
Published: May 2021

We show that the closed-form monotone solution linking two different vacuum states, for the exterior Yang–Mills wave equation over the extremal Reissner–Nordström spacetime found in the recent work of Bizoń and Kahl [Classical Quantum Gravity 33, 175013 (2016)], is the unique solution to an associated domain-wall type energy minimization problem. We also derive the accompanying interior Yang–Mills wave equation within the same formalism. We obtain a few more closed-form solutions, regular and singular, among other solutions of oscillatory behavior, and discuss several interesting features of the solutions based on some energy considerations.
Inertia- and shear-induced inhomogeneities in non-Brownian mono and bidisperse suspensions under wall-bounded linear shear flow
Authors: Chun Byoungjin , Jung Hyun Wook
Published: May 2021

The effect of finite inertia on the particle distribution of mono and bidisperse suspensions under a wall-bounded linear shear flow has been numerically studied using lattice Boltzmann simulations in the range of the particle Reynolds number (Rep) up to approximately 1 at moderate volume fractions (ϕ¯=0.2). We found that the channel-to-particle size ratio (H/ap) plays an important role in the monodisperse particle distribution at Rep>0.1, such that the particles with H/ap=19 maintain a uniform distribution even at finite inertia, while those with H/ap=32 accumulate in the mid-plane, and the accumulation increases with increasing H/ap and decreasing ϕ¯. The bidisperse particle suspension comprising a mixture of large (H/al=19) and small (H/as=32) particles with ϕl¯=0.05 and ϕs¯=0.15 was also examined, where the subscripts l and s denote large and small particles, respectively. The particle distribution of the mixture was strikingly different from that expected for monodisperse suspensions, such that the net migration of large particles was reversed toward the walls at Res>0.1. Further, it was demonstrated that the inertia-driven concentration gradient of small particles leads to the diffusiophoretic migration of large particles moving toward the walls.
Sustainability-Oriented Decision-Making on Solar Photovoltaic Location Selection
Authors: Lu Shengfang , Lin Ruojue , Ren Jingzheng
Published: May 2021

Determining a desirable location for a solar photovoltaic (PV) power plant is always an essential issue to be discussed among stakeholders. In this chapter, an integrated method combining the techniques of IF-DEMATEL (intuitionistic fuzzy decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory) and TODIM (an acronym in Portuguese for interactive and multicriteria decision-making) is proposed to analyze whether a site is sustainable for solar PV power plants. First, a generic criteria system based on sustainability in determining the location site of solar PV power plants is presented. The sustainability criteria system consists of four categories: geographical conditions, social factors, economic factors, and environmental factors. Then, the hesitant fuzzy set (HFS) and intuitionistic fuzzy set (IFS) are used to accurately describe the preference of experts. IF-DEMATEL is synergistically applied to calculate the weight of each criterion and TODIM is adopted for ranking the different candidates. Finally, a case study is conducted to verify the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Diversity-enabled sweet spots in layered architectures and speed–accuracy trade-offs in sensorimotor control
Authors: Nakahira Yorie , Liu Quanying , Sejnowski Terrence J. , Doyle John C.
Published: May 2021

Significance

Nervous systems use highly effective layered architectures in the sensorimotor control system to minimize the harmful effects of delay and inaccuracy in biological components. To study what makes effective architectures, we develop a theoretical framework that connects the component speed–accuracy trade-offs (SATs) with system SATs and characterizes the system performance of a layered control system. We show that diversity in layers (e.g., planning and reflex) allows fast and accurate sensorimotor control, even when each layer uses slow or inaccurate components. We term such phenomena “diversity-enabled sweet spots (DESSs).” DESSs explain and link the extreme heterogeneities in axon sizes and numbers and the resulting robust performance in sensorimotor control.
Frequent loss of heterozygosity in CRISPR-Cas9–edited early human embryos
Authors: Alanis-Lobato Gregorio , Zohren Jasmin , McCarthy Afshan , Fogarty Norah M. E. , Kubikova Nada , Hardman Emily , Greco Maria , Wells Dagan , Turner James M. A. , Niakan Kathy K.
Published: May 2021

CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing is a promising technique for clinical applications, such as the correction of disease-associated alleles in somatic cells. The use of this approach has also been discussed in the context of heritable editing of the human germ line. However, studies assessing gene correction in early human embryos report low efficiency of mutation repair, high rates of mosaicism, and the possibility of unintended editing outcomes that may have pathologic consequences. We developed computational pipelines to assess single-cell genomics and transcriptomics datasets from OCT4 (
POU5F1
) CRISPR-Cas9–targeted and control human preimplantation embryos. This allowed us to evaluate on-target mutations that would be missed by more conventional genotyping techniques. We observed loss of heterozygosity in edited cells that spanned regions beyond the
POU5F1
on-target locus, as well as segmental loss and gain of chromosome 6, on which the
POU5F1
gene is located. Unintended genome editing outcomes were present in ∼16% of the human embryo cells analyzed and spanned 4–20 kb. Our observations are consistent with recent findings indicating complexity at on-target sites following CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing. Our work underscores the importance of further basic research to assess the safety of genome editing techniques in human embryos, which will inform debates about the potential clinical use of this technology.
Targeted DNA insertion in plants
Authors: Dong Oliver Xiaoou , Ronald Pamela C.
Published: May 2021

Conventional methods of DNA sequence insertion into plants, usingAgrobacterium-mediated transformation or microprojectile bombardment, result in the integration of the DNA at random sites in the genome. These plants may exhibit altered agronomic traits as a consequence of disruption or silencing of genes that serve a critical function. Also, genes of interest inserted at random sites are often not expressed at the desired level. For these reasons, targeted DNA insertion at suitable genomic sites in plants is a desirable alternative. In this paper we review approaches of targeted DNA insertion in plant genomes, discuss current technical challenges, and describe promising applications of targeted DNA insertion for crop genetic improvement.
Porcine germline genome engineering
Authors: Yang Luhan , Church George , Zhao Hong-Ye , Huang Lusheng , Gao Yangbin , Wei Hong-Jiang , Yang Geoffrey
Published: May 2021

Germline editing, the process by which the genome of an individual is edited in such a way that the change is heritable, has been applied to a wide variety of animals [D. A. Sorrell, A. F. Kolb,
Biotechnol. Adv.
23, 431–469 (2005); D. Baltimore et al.,
Science
348, 36–38 (2015)]. Because of its relevancy in agricultural and biomedical research, the pig genome has been extensively modified using a multitude of technologies [K. Lee, K. Farrell, K. Uh,
Reprod. Fertil. Dev.
32, 40–49 (2019); C. Proudfoot, S. Lillico, C. Tait-Burkard,
Anim. Front.
9, 6–12 (2019)]. In this perspective, we will focus on using pigs as the model system to review the current methodologies, applications, and challenges of mammalian germline genome editing. We will also discuss the broad implications of animal germline editing and its clinical potential.
Analysis of off-target effects in CRISPR-based gene drives in the human malaria mosquito
Authors: Garrood William T. , Kranjc Nace , Petri Karl , Kim Daniel Y. , Guo Jimmy A. , Hammond Andrew M. , Morianou Ioanna , Pattanayak Vikram , Joung J. Keith , Crisanti Andrea , Simoni Alekos
Published: May 2021

CRISPR-Cas9 nuclease-based gene drives have been developed toward the aim of control of the human malaria vector
Anopheles gambiae
. Gene drives are based on an active source of Cas9 nuclease in the germline that promotes super-Mendelian inheritance of the transgene by homology-directed repair (“homing”). Understanding whether CRISPR-induced off-target mutations are generated in
Anopheles
mosquitoes is an important aspect of risk assessment before any potential field release of this technology. We compared the frequencies and the propensity of off-target events to occur in four different gene-drive strains, including a deliberately promiscuous set-up, using a nongermline restricted promoter for SpCas9 and a guide RNA with many closely related sites (two or more mismatches) across the mosquito genome. Under this scenario we observed off-target mutations at frequencies no greater than 1.42%. We witnessed no evidence that CRISPR-induced off-target mutations were able to accumulate (or drive) in a mosquito population, despite multiple generations’ exposure to the CRISPR-Cas9 nuclease construct. Furthermore, judicious design of the guide RNA used for homing of the CRISPR construct, combined with tight temporal constriction of Cas9 expression to the germline, rendered off-target mutations undetectable. The findings of this study represent an important milestone for the understanding and managing of CRISPR-Cas9 specificity in mosquitoes, and demonstrates that CRISPR off-target editing in the context of a mosquito gene drive can be reduced to minimal levels.
Revisions to USDA biotechnology regulations: The SECURE rule
Authors: Hoffman Neil E.
Published: May 2021

In keeping with the directive in Executive Order 13874 (Modernizing the Regulatory Framework for Agricultural Biotechnology Products) to adopt regulatory approaches that are proportionate to risk and avoid arbitrary distinctions across like products, the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) revised its biotechnology regulations by promulgating the Sustainable, Ecological, Consistent, Uniform, Responsible, and Efficient (SECURE) rule. Specifically, the SECURE rule 1) establishes exemptions for plants modified by genetic engineering where the modification could otherwise have been made through conventional breeding, 2) uses risk posed by the introduced trait to determine whether an organism is regulated, rather than relying on whether the organism was developed using a plant pest, and 3) provides a mechanism for a rapid initial review to efficiently distinguish plants developed using genetic engineering that do not pose plausible pathways to increased plant pest risk from those that do. As a result of the focused oversight on potentially riskier crops developed using genetic engineering, USDA is expected to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of its oversight program. The reduced regulatory burden is expected to promote innovation by expanding the number and diversity of developers to include smaller businesses and academics and to increase the number and variety of traits being developed through biotechnology.
Attaining the promise of plant gene editing at scale
Authors: Nasti Ryan A. , Voytas Daniel F.
Published: May 2021

Crop improvement relies heavily on genetic variation that arises spontaneously through mutation. Modern breeding methods are very adept at combining this genetic variation in ways that achieve remarkable improvements in plant performance. Novel traits have also been created through mutation breeding and transgenesis. The advent of gene editing, however, marks a turning point: With gene editing, synthetic variation will increasingly supplement and, in some cases, supplant the genetic variation that occurs naturally. We are still in the very early stages of realizing the opportunity provided by plant gene editing. At present, typically only one or a few genes are targeted for mutation at a time, and most mutations result in loss of gene function. New technological developments, however, promise to make it possible to perform gene editing at scale. RNA virus vectors, for example, can deliver gene-editing reagents to the germ line through infection and create hundreds to thousands of diverse mutations in the progeny of infected plants. With developmental regulators, edited somatic cells can be induced to form meristems that yield seed-producing shoots, thereby increasing throughput and shrinking timescales for creating edited plants. As these approaches are refined and others developed, they will allow for accelerated breeding, the domestication of orphan crops and the reengineering of metabolism in a more directed manner than has ever previously been possible.
High-dimensional mass cytometry analysis of NK cell alterations in AML identifies a subgroup with adverse clinical outcome
Authors: Chretien Anne-Sophie , Devillier Raynier , Granjeaud Samuel , Cordier Charlotte , Demerle Clemence , Salem Nassim , Wlosik Julia , Orlanducci Florence , Gorvel Laurent , Fattori Stephane , Hospital Marie-Anne , Pakradouni Jihane , Gregori Emilie , Paul Magali , Rochigneux Philippe , Pagliardini Thomas , Morey Mathieu , Fauriat Cyril , Dulphy Nicolas , Toubert Antoine , Luche Herve , Malissen Marie , Blaise Didier , Nunès Jacques A. , Vey Norbert , Olive Daniel
Published: May 2021

Significance

This work provides a report of accumulation of unconventional CD56−CD16+NK cells in nonvirally induced malignancies. Increased frequency of CD56−CD16+NK cells is associated with adverse clinical outcome in AML, as well as other maturation defects, and might contribute to a defective control of AML progression. Pseudotime analysis highlights a disruption in the maturation process of conventional NK cells in AML patients, leading to a bifurcation point absent in healthy subjects. This analysis, combined with the reduced frequency of conventional NK cells observed in AML patients, suggests that unconventional CD56−CD16+NK cells derive from an aberrant maturation of conventional NK cells. Overall, accumulation of CD56−CD16+NK cells could be an important feature of immune escape from innate immunity.
The history and evolution of the Denisovan-
EPAS1
haplotype in Tibetans
Authors: Zhang Xinjun , Witt Kelsey E. , Bañuelos Mayra M. , Ko Amy , Yuan Kai , Xu Shuhua , Nielsen Rasmus , Huerta-Sanchez Emilia
Published: May 2021

Significance

The discovery of the archaic Denisovan hominins is one of the most significant findings in human evolutionary biology in the last decade. However, as of today, we have more questions than answers regarding this mysterious hominin group. This study leverages the information from the well-known example of adaptive introgression on the
EPAS1
gene in Tibetans, to gain insight on the history of our species’ interaction with Denisovans. We show that the Tibetan-
EPAS1
haplotype came from the East Asian-specific Denisovan introgression event, and it remained selectively neutral for a long time in the population before positive selection occurred, which may be concurrent with the permanent inhabitation of the Tibetan Plateau after the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM).
Chemotactic movement of a polarity site enables yeast cells to find their mates
Authors: Ghose Debraj , Jacobs Katherine , Ramirez Samuel , Elston Timothy , Lew Daniel
Published: May 2021

Significance

Many cells use extracellular chemical gradients to orient growth or movement in a specific direction. This is critical for development, wound healing, innate immunity, axon guidance, fertilization, and many other processes. However, how cells convert a chemical gradient into a directional response is poorly understood. We use the budding yeast as a model system for gradient sensing and combine experiments and computational modeling to propose a mechanism for how a cell can decode complex and dynamic spatial chemical gradients. The mechanism involves exploration by a subcellular front and may yield clues to other search processes where cells extend projections to seek out specific targets.
Unveiling the spatial distribution of molecular coherences at conical intersections by covariance X-ray diffraction signals
Authors: Cavaletto Stefano M. , Keefer Daniel , Rouxel Jérémy R. , Aleotti Flavia , Segatta Francesco , Garavelli Marco , Mukamel Shaul
Published: May 2021

Significance

Monitoring the real-space motion of the electrons directly involved in ultrafast molecular dynamics is a challenging goal, hindered by the strong contributions of the remaining inactive electrons. Molecular quantum coherences can provide a direct window into elementary electronic dynamics, but they could not be separately imaged so far. Here, we demonstrate a time- and frequency-resolved X-ray diffraction technique, which can employ existing stochastic X-ray pulses to separately image the coherence contributions. The technique can selectively follow the relevant electrons involved in the ultrafast dynamics and identify the confined molecular regions covered by their motion. It enables readily feasible measurements and can be straightforwardly extended to full three-dimensional imaging via X-ray and electron diffraction.
Cell influx and contractile actomyosin force drive mammary bud growth and invagination
Authors: Trela Ewelina , Lan Qiang , Myllymäki Satu-Marja , Villeneuve Clémentine , Lindström Riitta , Kumar Vinod , Wickström Sara A. , Mikkola Marja L.
Published: May 2021

The mammary gland develops from the surface ectoderm during embryogenesis and proceeds through morphological phases defined as placode, hillock, bud, and bulb stages followed by branching morphogenesis. During this early morphogenesis, the mammary bud undergoes an invagination process where the thickened bud initially protrudes above the surface epithelium and then transforms to a bulb and sinks into the underlying mesenchyme. The signaling pathways regulating the early morphogenetic steps have been identified to some extent, but the underlying cellular mechanisms remain ill defined. Here, we use 3D and 4D confocal microscopy to show that the early growth of the mammary rudiment is accomplished by migration-driven cell influx, with minor contributions of cell hypertrophy and proliferation. We delineate a hitherto undescribed invagination mechanism driven by thin, elongated keratinocytes—ring cells—that form a contractile rim around the mammary bud and likely exert force via the actomyosin network. Furthermore, we show that conditional deletion of nonmuscle myosin IIA (NMIIA) impairs invagination, resulting in abnormal mammary bud shape.
Mesenchymal-to-epithelial transitions require tissue-specific interactions with distinct laminins
Authors: Pitsidianaki Ioanna , Morgan Jason , Adams Jamie , Campbell Kyra
Published: May 2021

Mesenchymal-to-epithelial transition (MET) converts cells from migratory mesenchymal to polarized epithelial states. Despite its importance for both normal and pathological processes, very little is known about the regulation of MET in vivo. Here we exploit midgut morphogenesis in Drosophila melanogaster to investigate the mechanisms underlying MET. We show that down-regulation of the EMT transcription factor Serpent is required for MET, but not sufficient, as interactions with the surrounding mesoderm are also essential. We find that midgut MET relies on the secretion of specific laminins via the CopII secretory pathway from both mesoderm and midgut cells. We show that secretion of the laminin trimer containing the Wingblister α-subunit from the mesoderm is an upstream cue for midgut MET, leading to basal polarization of αPS1 integrin in midgut cells. Polarized αPS1 is required for the formation of a monolayered columnar epithelium and for the apical polarization of αPS3, Baz, and E-Cad. Secretion of a distinct LamininA-containing trimer from midgut cells is required to reinforce the localization of αPS1 basally, and αPS3 apically, for robust repolarization. Our data suggest that targeting these MET pathways, in conjunction with therapies preventing EMT, may present a two-pronged strategy toward blocking metastasis in cancer.
ESCRT, not intralumenal fragments, sorts ubiquitinated vacuole membrane proteins for degradation
Authors: Yang Xi , Reist Lucas , Chomchai Dominic A. , Chen Liang , Arines Felichi Mae , Li Ming
Published: May 2021

The lysosome (or vacuole in fungi and plants) is an essential organelle for nutrient sensing and cellular homeostasis. In response to environmental stresses such as starvation, the yeast vacuole can adjust its membrane composition by selectively internalizing membrane proteins into the lumen for degradation. Regarding the selective internalization mechanism, two competing models have been proposed. One model suggests that the ESCRT machinery is responsible for the sorting. In contrast, the ESCRT-independent intralumenal fragment (ILF) pathway proposes that the fragment generated by homotypic vacuole fusion is responsible for the sorting. Here, we applied a microfluidics-based imaging method to capture the complete degradation process in vivo. Combining live-cell imaging with a synchronized ubiquitination system, we demonstrated that ILF cargoes are not degraded through intralumenal fragments. Instead, ESCRTs function on the vacuole membrane to sort them into the lumen for degradation. We further discussed challenges in reconstituting vacuole membrane protein degradation.
Interlaboratory comparison of relative humidity standards among Latin American National Metrology Institutes (SIM.T-S10)
Authors: Brionizio J D , Mendoza J , Zapata D , Armijos D , Sánchez C , Bohórquez A , Riveros A , Castro F , Marchant M E , Skabar J G , Sica A , Robatto O , Villa H
Published: May 2021

Main text

This report presents the results of a comparison in the context of an international collaboration that gives confidence in the relative humidity measurements carried out by several Latin-American institutes within the Mutual Recognition Arrangement (MRA) of the International Committee on Weights and Measures (CIPM). This interlaboratory comparison of humidity standards, the first one in Latin-America and one of the few of this type in the world, was organized in two rounds and carried out by the following National Metrology Institutes: INMETRO (Brazil), IBMETRO (Bolivia), INEN (Ecuador), INM (Colombia), CENAMEP AIP (Panama), ENAER (Chile), INTI (Argentina), LATU (Uruguay) and INTN (Paraguay). The interlaboratory comparison was performed in the scope of relative humidity in the range from 30 %rh to 90 %rh at temperatures of 20 °C and 40 °C. In this comparison, INMETRO was the reference laboratory, and acted as coordinator together with IBMETRO. Two thermohygrometers with capacitive humidity sensors were used as transfer standards, which were calibrated three times by the reference laboratory during the course of the interlaboratory comparison. A technical protocol prepared by INMETRO and IBMETRO circulated among the participants for comments. To sum up, the participants used their own calibration procedures for calibrating the transfer standards together with some instructions given in the technical protocol. Besides, the participants had to submit with the measurement results the respective uncertainties estimated according to their internal procedures and the Guide to the Expression of Uncertainty in Measurement (GUM). The performance of each participating laboratory was evaluated by comparing its measurements results with those of the reference laboratory by means of the normalized error, according to ISO/IEC 17043:2010, and by the degree of equivalence.

To reach the main text of this paper, click on Final Report. Note that this text is that which appears in Appendix B of the BIPM key comparison database https://www.bipm.org/kcdb/.

The final report has been peer-reviewed and approved for publication by the CCT, according to the provisions of the CIPM Mutual Recognition Arrangement (CIPM MRA).
Acoustic velocity and phonon frequencies of GaxIn1−xSb alloys under pressure, temperature, and compositions
Authors: Elkenany Elkenany B
Published: May 2021

In the present work, we have reported the empirical pseudo-potential method (EPM) based on the virtual crystal approximation (VCA) incorporated the compositional disorder effect (CDE) to study some physical properties of GaxIn1−xSb alloys. The dependence of the acoustic velocity and phonon frequencies for the studied alloys with the Ga content has been analyzed. The phonon frequencies and the sound velocity under the effect of pressure and temperature have been determined. The obtained outcomes were generally in very good agreement with the accessible experimental and theoretical data. The acoustic velocity and phonon frequencies of GaxIn1−xSb under pressure and temperature have not been fully studied, so, we highlighted the study of this topic. The alloy under investigation could be useful in optoelectronic and photonic materials.
Quantum properties of superposition opposite coherent states using quantum scissors with conditional measurements
Authors: Ren Gang , Yu Hai-Jun , Zhang Chun-Zao , Zhang Wen-Hai
Published: May 2021

We analyze the quantum properties for the output state of the superposition coherent states with the opposite phase using a quantum scissor. From the perspectives of theoretical calculation and numerical analysis, we discuss the effects of the parameters of the quantum scissors device on different superposition coherent states, such as the probability of successful photon scissor, fidelity, signal gain and squeezing. An interesting finding is that when the input quantum states are even/odd coherent states, signal gain and squeezing for the output quantum state only depend on the amplitude and are independent of the parameters of the quantum scissors. In addition, the quantum properties for other superposition coherent states which are dependent of the amplitude of coherent and the transmittance of beam splitters are also discussed.
Curing inflationary degeneracies using reheating predictions and relic gravitational waves
Authors: Mishra Swagat S. , Sahni Varun , Starobinsky Alexei A.
Published: May 2021

It is well known that the inflationary scenario often displays different sets of
degeneracies in its predictions for CMB observables.
These degeneracies usually arise either because multiple inflationary models
predict similar values for the scalar spectral index n

S
and the tensor-to-scalar
ratio r, or because within the same model, the values of {n

S
, r}
are insensitive to some of the model parameters,
making it difficult for CMB observations alone to constitute a unique probe of inflationary cosmology.
We demonstrate that by taking into account constraints on the post-inflationary reheating parameters such as
the duration of reheating N
re, its temperature T
re and especially its equation
of state (EOS),
w
re, it is possible to break this degeneracy in certain classes of inflationary models
where identical values of {n

S
, r} can correspond to different reheating w
re.
In particular, we show how reheating constraints can break inflationary degeneracies in the T-model and the
E-model α-attractors. Non-canonical inflation is also studied.
The relic gravitational wave (GW)
spectrum provides us with another tool to break inflationary degeneracies.
This is because the GW spectrum
is sensitive
to the post-inflationary EOS of the universe. Indeed
a stiff EOS during reheating (w
re > 1/3) gives rise to a small scale blue tilt in the spectral index
n
GW = d log ΩGW/d log k > 0, while a soft EOS (w
re < 1/3)
results in a red tilt.
Relic GWs therefore provide us with valuable information about the post-inflationary epoch,
and their spectrum
can be used to cure inflationary degeneracies in {n

S
, r}.
Supercontinuum-illumination for long-working-distance microscopic imaging of air–liquid mixed sprays in the near-nozzle region
Authors: Huang Zhenqiang , Tan Wenjiang , Si Jinhai , Zeng Shijia , Hou Xun
Published: May 2021

We demonstrate the optical diagnosis of air–liquid mixed sprays in the near-nozzle region using the supercontinuum (SC)-illumination long-working-distance microscopic imaging method, enabling the imaging of microdroplets, ligament structures, and cavities. In addition, SC-illumination long-working-distance microscopic imaging effectively suppresses speckles and reveals the ligament structures in the sprays more accurately. Finally, analysis of the droplet size distribution of the sprays under different air and liquid flow rates indicates that SC-illumination long-working-distance microscopic imaging offers several advantages for studying spray dynamics at the small structure level.
Controlling high harmonic generation using inhomogeneous two-color driving laser pulse
Authors: Mandal Ankur , Deshmukh Pranawa C , Singh Kamal P
Published: May 2021

High harmonic generation (HHG) is strongly modified near plasmonic nanostructures due to confinement and inhomogeneity of the electromagnetic field. Previous studies have revealed low-intensity generation of HHG and extension of the plateau; however, the roles of potential shape and a combination of inhomogeneous infrared (IR) and blue fields on HHG have not been studied. In this work, we study HHG driven by inhomogeneous two-color (800–400 nm) IR and blue femtosecond pulses by numerically solving the time-dependent Schrödinger equation. HHG spectra are computed for two different models: for a short-range potential, which supports a single-bound state, and for a long-range potential, which supports a Rydberg series, to show potential dependence on inhomogeneous two-color HHG. A substantial enhancement in the value of the cut-off resulting from inhomogeneity up to the ∼600th order, extending beyond the water window, is found for both the models. The HHG spectra are highly sensitive to the relative phase of the two-color fields and this sensitivity increases with increasing inhomogeneity. Possibilities of efficiently generating and controlling attosecond pulse train and isolated attosecond pulse are discussed.
Photodynamic therapy using silicon phthalocyanine conjugated with bovine serum albumin as a drug delivery system
Authors: Silva E P O , Ribeiro N M , Cardoso M A G , Pacheco-Soares C , Jr M Beltrame
Published: May 2021

In the present study, we describe a new silicon phthalocyanine conjugated to bovine serum albumin (PcSiN3M-BSA) and its photodynamic activity in murine macrophages cells (J774.A1). The nonconjugated precursor, bis(trimethylaminoethanoxy)–phthalocyaninato silicon (IV) (PcSiN3M), was also studied. Compounds PcSiN3M and PcSiN3M-BSA showed no cytotoxicity in the dark, but exhibited high photodynamic activities following exposure to 5 µM photosensitizers and 45 J cm−2 irradiation. These conditions were sufficient to decrease the cell viability to 40% and 5% in cells treated with PcSiN3M and PcSiN3M-BSA, respectively. These results demonstrated an increase of 87% in the photodynamic activity of PcSiN3M when conjugated with BSA. The results shown in this work suggest that PcSiN3M-BSA had higher uptake by J774.A1 cells, which contributed to its higher photoactivity compared with the unconjugated form, PcSiN3N.
Coherent control of complex conductivity in a conductive atomic medium
Authors: Ali Sajid , Ur Rahman Amin , Amin Bacha Bakht , Ullah Arif , Ul Haq Imran
Published: May 2021

The conductivity of a conductive atomic medium is controlled and modified by the strength and detuning of the control fields. At the probe resonance point the value of conductivity is measured to 500 S m−1 and at the control field resonance point the value of conductivity is measured to 600 S m−1. High value of conductivity is reported at the resonance points of the probe as well as the control field. At low decay and low intensity of the control field the value of conductivity is high, while contrast behaviors are also true. The significant modification in the value of complex conductivity may be useful for forward and backward emf-generation.
Linear optical circuits characterization by means of thermal field correlation measurement
Authors: Katamadze K G , Avosopiants G V , Romanova A V , Bogdanov Yu I , Kulik S P
Published: May 2021

We present a novel technique for linear optical circuits characterization, based on thermal field correlation measurements. Unlike the other known methods for multichannel interferometers measurements, proposed technique is robust to the input and output phase fluctuations and does not require any single-photon sources and detectors. This method has been tested in a numerical experiment and has proven to be effective even in the presence of noise.
Electronic and elastic properties of ternary fluoro-perovskite RbCaF3
Authors: Arora Gunjan , Ahuja Gagan , Ahuja Ushma
Published: May 2021

We present the electronic and elastic properties of cubic perovskite type RbCaF3computed using linear combination of atomic orbitals method within the framework of density functional theory (DFT). We have performedab-initiocalculations using the hybrid approach of Hartree-Fock and DFT namely, B3LYP (Becke’s 3 parameter functional combined with the nonlocal correlation functional of Lee-Yang-Parr) to determine the electronic response of Rb based cubic perovskite. In addition, we have computed elastic constants, bulk modulus, shear modulus, Young’s modulus and elastic anisotropes of RbCaF3. The results are found to be consistent with previously reported studies. The studied perovskite compound is mechanically stable, brittle in nature and show large elastic anisotropy. The band structure calculations reveal that RbCaF3 possesses indirect band gap with valence band maximum at R point and the conduction band minimum at theΓpoint of the irreducible Brillouin zone.
Isolation of Ureolytic Bacteria of Soft Coral and Their Potential in Microbially Induced Calcite Precipitation (MICP)
Authors: Susilowati P E , Ardianti D , Kartini S. , Sudiana I N , Zaeni A
Published: May 2021

Microbial-induced CaCO3 precipitation (MICP) via urea hydrolysis (ureolysis). Application of MICP is performed either by augmenting the site with ureolytic bacteria or by stimulating indigenous ureolytic bacteria. Alternative approaches to promote in situ MICP in soils biostimulation. Biostimulation encourages indigenous urea-hydrolysis bacteria by providing appropriate enrichment and precipitation media; it relies on the natural ubiquity of ureolytic soil bacteria. This study aims to obtain potential bacteria for calcium carbonate precipitation. The research methods used were (1) isolation of indigenous bacteria from soft corals and selection of potential bacteria for calcium carbonate precipitation; (2) morphological identification of selected isolates; (3) characterization of bacterial activity. This research has successfully grown 5 indigenous bacterial isolates from soft corals. One isolate, MICP-36, was able to grow on Marine Agar containing 25 g/L urea. The results MICP-36, was Gram positive and had a prosthetic cell shape. This isolate can induce calcium carbonate deposits of 0.083 g / mL. The test survival of bacteria in concrete showed that MICP-36 was able to live until the 28th day.
Antibacterial Activity of Ethanol Extract and Ethyl Acetate of Ginseng Bugis (Talinum Panicullatum Gaertn.) Leaves Against Staphylococcus Aureus and Escherichia coli Bacteria
Authors: Emelda A , Fitriana  , Adnan R S
Published: May 2021

Ginseng bugis leaf (Talinum paniculatum Gaertn.) contains flavonoids which are potential as antibacterial compounds. The aims of the research are to obtain the antibacterial activity of ethanol and ethyl acetate extracts from ginseng bugis leaves against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. This study used ethanol and ethyl acetate extracts divided in 8 concentration series, namely 0.1%, 0.5%, 1%, 2%, 4%, 8%, 16%, and 32%. Testing antibacterial activity using the agar diffusion. The results of the screening test showed that ethanol extract and ethyl acetate of ginseng bugis leaf have inhibitory concentration at 0.5% against the test bacteria. The results of testing the antibacterial activity of ethanol extract and ethyl acetate have MIC value at a concentration of 2% and MBC value at a concentration of 8%.
Characterization of the gene encoding chitinase enzyme from bacillus isolates insulated from some locations in Southeast Sulawesi
Authors: Muzuni  , Yanti NA , Prasetya WM
Published: May 2021

This study aimed to determine the isolates of local Bacillus that have potential chitinolytic activity and to know the characteristic of the gene encoding chitinase enzyme from local Bacillus isolates from Southeast Sulawesi that were selected to have chitinolytic activity. Selection of chitinolytic bacteria based on bacterial ability to form clear zone on chitin agar medium which was grew by spread method and incubated for 4 days. From 5 test isolates used, one isolate which had chitinolytic activity was isolate Bacillus sp. Rh 3.8. The amplification of the gene encoding chitinase enzyme selected bacterial isolates was done by PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) technique using Chitbac F and Chitbac R primers. Sequence analysis was conducted by BLASTn, mapping of restriction enzyme using Bioedit software, analysis of amino acid using expasy software, analysis of hydrophobicity using Bioedit software, phylogenetic tree construction using MEGA software. The results showed that the characters of the gene encoding chitinase enzyme was a gene measuring 804 bp. Based on BLASTn analysis, the gene has 100% similarity with Bacillus thuringiensis SCG0402 (CP017577). The gene has 9 restriction enzyme cutting sites. Based on hydrophobicity analysis shows that the amino acid sequence of chitinase enzyme is dominant exist on hydrophilic region. The results of phylogenetic tree construction show isolates of the Bacillus sp. Rh 3.8 is a group with Bacillus thuringiensis so this strain is a species of Bacillus thuringiensis.
Phytotoxity Test of Probiotic Bacteria in Jack Bean Seed (Canavalia ensiformis L) Through Seed Viability Test
Authors: Sarijan  , Adrianus  , Ekowati Nurhening Y , Panga Nurhaya J
Published: May 2021

Phytotoxicity test of probiotic bacteria was carried out to determine its effect on the germination of jack bean seeds (Canavalia ensiformis L). The study was conducted in February to March 2017, at the Seed Health Laboratory and Seed Center of the Bogor Institute of Agriculture. The study was designed in a Randomized Block Design with seven treatments and three replications. The test results showed that three pairs of probiotics were toxic and three other pairs of probiotics that were not toxic to the growth of Canavalia ensiformis. The three pairs of probiotics that are not toxic are AcCKB20-P24 (D1), AcCKB4-B28 (D3), and AcCKW5-P24 (D4). The three pairs of probiotics that are not toxic are recommended for use in making bio-organic fertilizers for Canavalia ensiformis.
Distribution patterns and abundance of mullet fish populations (Mugil sp.) estuary areas
Authors: Sunarni  , Wairara Stenly M. B. S. , Sajriawati  , Elviana Sisca
Published: May 2021

Mullet fish (Mugil sp.) Is one type of fish found in the estuary area of the city of Merauke. In ecosystems, these fish play an important role in the food web, namely as a link between the lower trophic level to the higher one. The high utilization of mullet fish as both consumption and commercial fish is feared to have an impact on ecosystem imbalances. Information about the distribution patterns and abundance of mullets is not widely known. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to analyze the distribution patterns and abundance of mullets (Mugil sp.). This research was conducted in October to December 2016. The method used was Purposive Random Sampling which consisted of two sampling stations, namely Station 1 (Payumb Coastal Area) and Station 2 (Coastal Lamp One). Sampling is done at high tide and low tide conditions. To find out the distribution pattern of mullet fish, the Morisita Distribution Index formula is used while the abundance of mullet fish uses abundance index formula. The results showed that the distribution pattern of mullets at station 1 at high tide included the criteria for grouping / grouping (id> 1), while at low tide included the uniform criteria (id <1). At station 2 the distribution pattern of mullets both at high tide and low tide includes uniform criteria (id <1). The abundance of mullets both at station 1 or 2 at high tide and low tide is in the overflow category (id <1). Based on the results of the study it can be concluded that the distribution pattern of mullets at stations 1 and 2 includes criteria for grouping / clustering and uniform while abundance is not abundant.
Quality of organic fertilizer made from water hyacinth with the addition of corncobs waste and soybean dregs
Authors: Fitrihidajati H , Rachmadiarti F , Winarsih  , Purnomo T , Kuntjoro S
Published: May 2021

The purposed of this research was 1) described the nutrient quality of organic fertilizer made from water hyacinth with the addition of corncobs waste and soybean dregs, 2) described the difference in quality of the organic fertilizer made from water hyacinth with the addition of corncobs waste and soybean dregs, 3) described the best quality from organic fertilizer made from water hyacinth with the addition of corncobs waste and soybean dregs. The method of this research was experimental with completely randomized design. The experiment consisted of one treatment factor namely the type of raw material water hyacinth which included three types, namely P1: with the addition of corncobs waste; P2: with the addition of soybean dregs; P3: with the addition of corncobs waste and soybean dregs (50%:50% ratio). Each type of treatment was carried out three times so that the sample amounted 9. The measured parameters were nutrient content included C, N, C/N, P, K, and pH. The research was conducted at the Ecology Laboratory, FMIPA, Unesa. Data was analysed by descriptively quantitative and statistically used 1-way Anava. The results showed that 1) Based on the criteria of soil chemical properties, organic fertilizer content has the same quality in elements C, N, K, C/N (very high), pH neutral, and P was very low, 2) There was a difference in the effect of the type of material on the amount of nutrient content of organic fertilizer, 3) Water hyacinth that addition with corncobs waste had a higher amount nutrient in several elements namely C, N, K, C/N. Whereas organic fertilizer with addition soybean dregs had a higher amount of content in the element P.
The Diversity of Tolerant Fish in the Coastal Waters of Lusi Island Sidoarjo Regency
Authors: Fachrudiana A A , Rachmadiarti F
Published: May 2021

One of the government’s effort in overcoming the Lapindo mudflow is to drain mud through the Porong River to form sediments which over time form an artificial island called Lusi Island. As a result of the mud accumulation in the waters of the Lusi Island region can reduce the waters quality and existing organisms diversity. The purpose of this research was to descibed the diversity of fish that are tolerant in the Coastal Waters of Lusi Island Sidoarjo Regency, explained the relationship between the diversity index of fish and water quality in the Coastal Waters of Lusi Island Sidoarjo Regency, explained the relative abundance index of toleran fish in the Coastal Waters of Lusi Island Sidoarjo Regency, and know the water quality in the Coastal Waters of Lusi Island Sidoarjo Regency based on the diversity of fish. This research was did in November 2019 - February 2020. The type of research was observational reseach. Accumulation of sample fish and physical chemical quality of the waters were taken at five station. Identification fish of water based on morphological charateristics. The diversity index was analyzed according to the Shannon-Wiener index. The relative abundance index was analyzed index was analyzed based on the Odum Abundance. The result revealed that there were eleven species belonging to nine family. The relation between water quality and fish diversity index showed a positive relation which the bigger value of water quality was also followed by the bigger value of fish diversity index. The highest relative abundance index is in Mystus nigriceps fish species with 50% percentage and the lowest is Ethmalosa fimbriata with 3% percentage. The value of fish diversity in the Coastal Waters of Lusi Island Sidoarjo Regency is 2.31 which included in the uncontaminated category. So, it can be concluded the relation of fish diversity index with the physical and chemical quality of the water in the territorial waters of Lusi island Sidoarjo Regency is classified as not polluted, because the value of H > 2.0 which according to Lee, Wang & Kuo is included in the uncotaminated category.
Synthesis and charcterization of Cu-doped TiO2 (Cu/TiO2) nanoparticle as antifungal phytophthora palmivora
Authors: Natsir M , Maulidiyah M , Watoni A H , Arif J , Sari A , Salim L O A , Sarjuna S , Irwan I , Nurdin M
Published: May 2021

Preparation of Cu-doped TiO2 nanoparticles (Cu/TiO2) as antifungal Phytophthorapalmivorahas been carried out. In this study, we did a synthesis of Cu/TiO2

nanoparticles by the sol-gel method and determine the performance of the modification of Cu/TiO2 nanoparticles as antifungal agents P. palmivora. The stages of this research include synthesis of Cu/TiO2 nanoparticles using the sol-gel method, characterization of Cu/TiO2 nanoparticles using UV-Vis DRS and characterization of Cu/TiO2 nanoparticles using SEM-EDX, and P. palmivora antifungal activity test. TiO2 is known to be used as an antifungal agent and to increase photocatalyticactivity, TiO2 is doped with Cu metal ions to be active in visible light. The results showed that Cu/TiO2 has a band gap energy of 3.12 eV. Based on the results of SEM-EDX analysis of TiO2-Cu nanoparticles confirmed the presence of elements Cu (2.16%), Ti (28.74%) and O (69.10%) with morphological shapes such as irregular spheres. Cu/TiO2 nanoparticles have a strong ability at concentrations of 0.05% and 2.5% in inhibiting the growth of the fungus P. palmivora. Percent inhibition respectively 60.41% and 75% and at concentrations>3% have activities that can kill P. palmivora fungus.