bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The multivalency game ruling the biology of immunity
Authors: Aiassa Lara Victoria , Battaglia Giuseppe , Rizzello Loris
Published: December 2023

Macrophages play a crucial role in our immune system, preserving tissue health and defending against harmful pathogens. This article examines the diversity of macrophages influenced by tissue-specific functions and developmental origins, both in normal and disease conditions. Understanding the spectrum of macrophage activation states, especially in pathological situations where they contribute significantly to disease progression, is essential to develop targeted therapies effectively. These states are characterized by unique receptor compositions and phenotypes, but they share commonalities. Traditional drugs that target individual entities are often insufficient. A promising approach involves using multivalent systems adorned with multiple ligands to selectively target specific macrophage populations based on their phenotype. Achieving this requires constructing supramolecular structures, typically at the nanoscale. This review explores the theoretical foundation of engineered multivalent nanosystems, dissecting the key parameters governing specific interactions. The goal is to design targeting systems based on distinct cell phenotypes, providing a pragmatic approach to navigating macrophage heterogeneity's complexities for more effective therapeutic interventions.
Role of asymmetry and external noise in the development and synchronization of oscillations in the analog Hopfield neural networks with time delay
Authors: Rozier Kelvin , Chechkin Aleksei , Bondarenko Vladimir E.
Published: December 2023

The analog Hopfield neural network with time delay and random connections has been studied for its similarities in activity to human electroencephalogram and its usefulness in other areas of the applied sciences such as speech recognition, image analysis, and electrocardiogram modeling. Our goal here is to understand the mechanisms that affect the rhythmic activity in the neural network and how the addition of a Gaussian noise contributes to the network behavior. The neural network studied is composed of ten identical neurons. We investigated the excitatory and inhibitory networks with symmetric (square matrix) and asymmetric (triangular matrix) connections. The differential equations that model the network are solved numerically using the stochastic second-order Runge–Kutta method. Without noise, the neural networks with symmetric and asymmetric matrices possessed different synchronization properties: fully connected networks were synchronized both in time and in amplitude, while asymmetric networks were synchronized in time only. Saturation outputs of the excitatory neural networks do not depend on the time delay, whereas saturation oscillation amplitudes of inhibitory networks increase with the time delay until the steady state. The addition of the Gaussian noise is shown to significantly amplify small-amplitude oscillations, dramatically accelerates the rate of amplitude growth to saturation, and changes synchronization properties of the neural network outputs.
Direct measurement of the structural change associated with amorphous solidification using static scattering of coherent radiation
Authors: Petersen Charlotte F. , Harrowell Peter
Published: December 2023

In this paper, we demonstrate that the weak temperature dependence of the structure factor of supercooled liquids, a defining feature of the glass transition, is a consequence of the averaging of the scattering intensity due to angular averaging. We show that the speckle at individual wavevectors, calculated from a simulated glass former, exhibits a Debye–Waller factor with a sufficiently large temperature dependence to represent a structural order parameter capable of distinguishing liquid from glass. We also extract from the speckle intensities a quantity proportional to the variance of the local restraint, i.e., a direct experimental measure of the amplitude of structural heterogeneity.
Origin of the success of mGGAs for bandgaps
Authors: Kovács Péter , Blaha Peter , Madsen Georg K. H.
Published: December 2023

One of the well-known limitations of Kohn–Sham density functional theory is the tendency to strongly underestimate bandgaps. Meta-generalized gradient approximations (mGGAs), which include the kinetic energy density in the functional form, have been shown to significantly alleviate this deficiency. In this study, we explore the mechanisms responsible for this improvement from the angle of the underlying local densities. We find that the highest occupied and lowest unoccupied states are distinct in the space of the underlying descriptors. The gap opening is compared to a simple scaling of the local density approximation, and two mechanisms responsible for opening the mGGA gaps are identified. First of all, the relatively large negative derivative of the functional form with respect to reduced kinetic energy tends to elevate the lowest unoccupied state. Second, the curvature of functional, which ensures that it is bounded, tends to lower the highest occupied state. Remarkably, these two mechanisms are found to be transferable over a large and diverse database of compounds.
Room temperature persisting surface charge carriers driven by intense terahertz electric fields in a topological insulator Bi2Se3
Authors: Luo Liang , Cheng Di , Huang Chuankun , Yang Xu , Vaswani Chirag , Mootz Martin , Yao Yongxin , Liu Xinyu , Dobrowolska Margaret , Furdyna Jacek K. , Perakis Ilias E. , Wang Jigang
Published: December 2023

Topologically protected surface current is highly promising for next-generation low-dissipation and disorder-tolerant quantum electronics and computing. Yet, electric transport from the co-existing bulk state dominates the responses of the Dirac surface state, especially at elevated temperatures relevant to technological applications. Here, we present an approach that convincingly showcases the generation, disentanglement, and precise control of enduring surface charge carriers on a topological insulator, Bi2Se3, with high bulk conductivity, all achieved at room temperature. By using pump–probe modulation spectroscopy under ultrabroadband driving tunable from 4 meV to 1.55 eV, we show the terahertz (THz) field-induced surface carriers by discovering their initial temporal responses dominant over high density trivial bulk carriers. Strikingly, the response of the induced surface carrier responses persists for more than ∼5 ps and is enhanced by reducing pump photon energy. The dynamics and lifetime of the distinct surface response manifest themselves as the enhanced THz pump-induced THz transmission, which directly correlates with the transient negative THz conductivity. Increasing the THz driving field reduces the induced surface carrier lifetime and identifies, particularly, an optimal pump field of Es ∼ 224 kV cm−1 for generating the dominant surface response relative to the bulk. This surface carrier dominant regime is suppressed by a joint effect of enhanced surface-bulk scattering and a more rapid saturation of surface excitation compared to the bulk that sets in above Es. The controllability of room temperature topologically surface carriers through pump photon energy offer compelling possibilities for extending this approach to other topological complex materials.
Renormalized one-loop theory of correlations in disperse polymer blends
Authors: Rauscher P. M.
Published: December 2023

Polymer blends are critical in many commercial products and industrial processes and their phase behavior is therefore of paramount importance. In most circumstances, such blends are formulated with samples of high dispersity, which have generally only been studied at the mean-field level. Here, we extend the renormalized one-loop theory of concentration fluctuations to account for blends of disperse polymers. Analyzing the short and long length-scale fluctuations in a consistent manner, various measures of polymer molecular weight and dispersity arise naturally in the free energy. Thermodynamic analysis in terms of moments of the molecular weight distribution(s) provides exact results for the inverse susceptibility and demonstrates that the theory is not formally renormalizable. However, physically motivated approximations allow for an “effective” renormalization, yielding (1) an effective interaction parameter, χe, which depends directly on the sample dispersities (i.e., Mw/Mn) and leaves the form of the mean-field spinodal unchanged, and (2) an apparent interaction parameter χa that depends on higher-order dispersity indices, for instance Mz/Mw, and characterizes the true limits of blend stability accounting for long-range off-critical fluctuations. We demonstrate the importance of dispersity on several example systems, including both “toy” models that may be realized in computer simulation and more realistic industrially relevant blends. We find that the effects of long-range fluctuations are particularly prominent in blends where the component dispersities are mismatched, especially when there is a small quantity of the high-dispersity species. This can be understood as a consequence of the shift in the critical concentration(s) from the monodisperse value(s).
Functionalization of boron phosphide monolayers for spintronic applications by doping with alkali and alkaline earth metals
Authors: Bui Phuong Thuy , On Vo Van , Guerrero-Sanchez J , Hoat D M
Published: December 2023

In this work, new d
0 magnetic materials are developed by doping boron phosphide (BP) monolayers with alkali (Li, Na, and K) and alkaline earth (Be, Mg, and Ca) metals. First-principles calculations confirm the good dynamical and thermal stability of the pristine monolayer. This two-dimensional model is intrinsically a non-magnetic semiconductor with a band gap of 0.90/1.36 eV, as calculated by the PBE/HSE06 functional. B-P chemical bonds are predominantly covalent, generated by electronic hybridization with a small portion of the ionic character formed by the charge transfer from the B atom to the P atom. Doping with Li, Be, and Mg on the B sublattice preserves the non-magnetic nature, causing either a considerable reduction of the band gap or metallization. Meanwhile, the monolayer is significantly magnetized with a total magnetic moment between 0.94 and 3.86 µ

B
in the remaining cases. Herein, magnetic properties are primarily produced by p orbitals of impurities and their neighboring host atoms, whereas Ca-3d orbitals also contribute to the magnetism of Ca-doped systems. Moreover, the doping process enables the emergence of either half-metallic or magnetic semiconductors in the BP monolayer to get prospective d
0 magnetic materials and generate spin current. The results presented herein demonstrate the effectiveness of doping with alkali and alkaline earth metals to obtain magnetized BP monolayers with feature-rich electronic properties, such that the doped systems can be recommended for applications in nano spintronic devices.
Spin wave excitation and detection using different meander-shaped antennas: experiment and simulation
Authors: Hara Taiga , Kasahara Kenji , Aziz Mustafa M , Manago Takashi
Published: December 2023

The excitation and detection of spin waves (SWs) with specific wavenumbers is very important not only for fundamental SW research but also for the development of future SW devices. Conventional SW theoretical and numerical studies focused on the excitation of dynamic magnetization in waveguides, and did not address the practical limitations imposed by the geometry and configuration of the detection antenna. Using the finite element method, we calculated the induced current with meander-shaped antennas on the detection side, and succeeded in simulating the wavenumber filter effect of SW signals on detection. This was confirmed using experimental measurements on permalloy waveguides. In addition, we investigated, using simulation and experimentally, the effects of combinations of different meander-shaped antennas and broadband signal-ground antennas for excitation and detection. It is found advantageous to set the meander antenna on the detection side to enable filtering and selectivity of SW wavenumber. These findings are important for the development of SW devices.
Probing of structural, electrical, and dielectric properties of samarium doped composite of barium titanate (Ba0.5Sm0.5TiO3) and cobalt ferrite (Co0.5Sm0.5Fe2O4)
Authors: Bhat Showket Ahmad , Ikram Mohd
Published: December 2023

Multiferroic composites exhibit remarkable magnetoelectric (ME) characteristics, offering diverse applications. The study investigated samarium (Sm) doped composites, specifically (1 − x)Ba0.5Sm0.5TiO3–xCo0.5Sm0.5Fe2O4 (x = 0.0,0.02,0.04,0.06), formed by combining Sm doped BaTiO3 and CoFe2O4 using the solid-state reaction method. X-ray diffraction analysis revealed a tetragonal structure in Ba0.5Sm0.5TiO3 (SmBT) and a cubic spinel secondary phase in Co0.5Sm0.5Fe2O4 (SmCF), suggesting uniform distribution of grains. The optical bandgap in SmBT and the composite showed a slight decrease (from 3.14 eV to 3.01 eV) with increasing Sm concentration, as observed in optical studies. The dielectric measurements showed that the dielectric constant of SmBT was higher (ϵ′ = 526.3) between 80 Hz and 8 MHz, while the composites had a lower dielectric constant (ϵ′ = 438.4) at lower frequencies and the real part of dielectric was fitted by Havriliak–Negami (H–N) model shows that the dielectric curves exhibit a characteristic dispersion pattern known as the cole–cole mode (grains) also confirmed by cole–cole plot. The response exhibited linearity, adhering to the universal dielectric response model. Ferroelectric behaviour in the underlying material confirms SmBT non-centrosymmetric character and the storage efficiency (η) of all composites surpassed 90%, reaching a peak of 94.8% with a ferrite content of 0.02. The versatility of the Sm-doped composites offers opportunities for diverse applications in fields such as electronics, telecommunications, and biomedical devices. Notably, these materials can be utilized in Memory Devices, Actuators, and other relevant applications.
Simulating selected magnetic properties of Tb
x
Pr1−
x
Al2, a magnetocaloric compound
Authors: Tedesco Julio C G , Jandre Vagner , Carvalho Alexandre Magnus G , Kockelmann Winfried , Többens Daniel M , Cardoso Lisandro P , Coelho Adelino A , Bordallo Heloisa N
Published: December 2023

Tb
x
Pr1−x
Al2 are ferrimagnetic materials exhibiting magnetocaloric effect that have gained considerable attention due to their potential use as an alternative in refrigeration, magnetic sensors and in information storage technology. Here using the mean field approach numerical simulations were conducted for x = 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, and 0.75, to analyze selected physical properties, such as x-ray and neutron powder diffraction, magnetization and heat capacity. The simulations successfully reproduced the experimental data providing a comprehensive characterization and improved understanding of this family of compound.
Towards the high-throughput prediction of finite-temperature properties using the quasi-harmonic approximation
Authors: Pallikara Ioanna , Skelton Jonathan M
Published: December 2023

Lattice dynamics calculations within the quasi-harmonic approximation (QHA) provide an infrastructure for modelling the finite-temperature properties of periodic solids at a modest computational cost. With the recent widespread interest in materials discovery by data mining, a database of computed finite-temperature properties would be highly desirable. In this work we provide a first step toward this goal with a comparative study of the accuracy of five exchange-correlation functionals, spanning the local density approximation (LDA), generalised-gradient approximation (GGA) and meta-GGA levels of theory, for predicting the properties of ten Group 1, 2 and 12 binary metal oxides. We find that the predictions are bounded by the LDA, which tends to underestimate lattice parameters and cell volumes relative to experiments, but yields the most accurate results for bulk moduli, expansion coefficients and Grüneisen parameters, and the PBE GGA, which shows the opposite behaviour. The PBEsol GGA gives the best overall predictions of the lattice parameters and volumes whilst also giving relatively reliable results for other properties. Our results demonstrate that, given a suitable choice of functional, a variety of finite-temperature properties can be predicted with useful accuracy, and hence that high-throughout QHA calculations are technically feasible.
A receptive field transfer strategy via layer-aligned distillation learning for fault signal denoising
Authors: Pu Huaxiang , Zhang Ke , Li Haifeng
Published: December 2023

To improve fault diagnosis performance in complex noise environments, effective signal denoising techniques are necessary. However, traditional denoising methods have proven inadequate for multivariate fault signal denoising, neglecting the correlation among these signals. To this end, we propose a novel denoising module, inspired by traditional signal decomposition and reconstruction methods. Furthermore, to enhance the performance of proposed denoising module, we consider the influence of the receptive field and develop a receptive field transfer strategy using layer-aligned distillation learning. The experiments demonstrate that our approach effectively balances the denoising performance and computational load, offering a novel strategy for developing high-performance denoising networks. What’s more, our strategy reduces the difficulty for fault diagnosis tasks under complex noise environments.
A quantum fluctuation description of charge qubits
Authors: Benatti F , Carollo F , Floreanini R , Narnhofer H , Valiera F
Published: December 2023

We consider a specific instance of a superconducting circuit, the so-called charge-qubit, consisting of a capacitor and a Josephson junction that we describe by means of the BCS microscopic model in terms of two tunnelling superconducting systems in the strong-coupling quasi-spin formulation. Then, by means of collective observables we derive the Hamiltonian governing the quantum behaviour of the circuit in the limit of a large numberNof quasi-spins. Our approach relies on suitablequantum fluctuations, i.e. on collective quasi-spin operators, different from mean-field observables, that retain a quantum character in the large-Nlimit. These collective operators generate the Heisenberg algebra on the circle and we show that their dynamics reproduces the phenomenological one generated by the charge qubit Hamiltonian obtained by quantizing the macroscopic classical Hamiltonian of the circuit. The microscopic derivation of the emergent, large-Nbehaviour provides a rigorous setting to investigate more in detail both general quantum circuits and quantum macroscopic scenarios; in particular, in the specific case of charge-qubits, it allows to explicitly obtain the temperature dependence of the critical Josephson current in the strong coupling regime, a result not accessible using standard approximation techniques.
An introduction to edible Armillaria novae-zelandiae from Indonesia
Authors: Putra I P , Nurhayat O D , Sibero M T , Hermawan R
Published: December 2023

The majority study ofArmillariaglobally had been focused onA. mellea. The Indonesian data of genusArmillariaremains poor. During our fungus foray in West Java (Indonesia), some basidiomata ofsupa jambu(local name) consumed by the local people were collected. In the field, the specimens were morphologically identified asArmillaria. The present study was to confirm the species identity of our specimens based on morphological and molecular evidence. The fresh basidiomata were used for the examination. The combination of morphological and molecular analyses confirmed our specimen asArmillaria novae-zelandiae. Armillaria novae-zelandiaeFIPIA-DEP50 was identified by its viscid, thin, striate, honey-yellow pileus, semi-bulbous to bulbous stipe which darken to black with age towards the base. Spore moderately thick walled, ellipsoid, to elongate-ellipsoid, smooth with some internal structure.Armillaria novae-zelandiaeFIPIA-DEP50 is generally smaller in stature than the other closely related species (A.sparreiandA. hinnulea). The BLAST result revealed that our specimen exhibits 98% similarity toArmillaria novae-zelandiaeas the top hit. The phylogenetic tree nested our specimens withA. novae-zelandiaeclade (BS 100%) andA. melleaas its sister clade. The current study provides the first edibility information and herbarium collection ofA. novae-zelandiaefor Indonesia.
Genetic structure of Ilyoplax delsmani (Crustacea: Decapoda: Brachyura: Dotillidae) on the western Indonesian waters
Authors: Murniati D C , Nakano T , Asakura A
Published: December 2023

Estuarine crab disperses passively to different areas during their larval stage through sea currents. Ilyoplax delsmani, one of the estuarine crabs, is widely distributed in the Indo-Malaysia Archipelago. The present study aims to discern the genetic structure of Ilyoplax delsmani in the western part of Indonesia. Specimens were collected from three sites, i.e. one site in Kalimantan and two sites in Java Island. We analyzed the genetic structure of I. delsmani with COI gene using MEGA-X, DNASP v6.12.03, Arlequin v3.5.2.2., and Network v10.2. The constructed phylogenetic tree with MEGA-X with maximum likelihood (ML) using Kimura 2 parameter based on the COI gene revealed two distinct clades, i.e., Kalimantan_5133-Java_5135 as Clade 1 and Java_5136 as Clade 2. The genetic distance within the clade range from 0.2% to 2.2%, meanwhile the distance between the clades is approximately 19.3%–20.7%. Moreover, the haplotype network and FST
values calculated between pairs of localities generate a congruent result with the phylogenetic tree. Through calculation using MEGA-X, we estimate that the divergence time between both clades is approximately 42.49 mya, aligning with the middle Eocene period. Hence, we deduce that both clades represent distinct species.
Prey composition of six Nepenthes species in Pematang Gadung, West Kalimantan
Authors: Utari N , Sulistijorini  , Ariyanti N S
Published: December 2023

Nepenthes traps prey using its pitcher as an adaptation to thrive in low-nutrient habitats. This study aims to identify and analyze the composition of prey trapped in the pitchers of six Nepenthes species occur in Pematang Gadung. The preys were collected by purposive sampling from five pitchers of each species (N. ampullaria, N. bicalcarata, N. gracilis, N. mirabilis, N. rafflesiana and, N. x hookeriana) in two habitat types (peat swamp forest and heath forest). The diversity of prey trapped by Nepenthes was analyzed using Past Software Version 4.0. based on the Shannon index (H′) for each species and the Jaccard index to compare prey diversity between habitat types. A total of 1149 individual prey was collected, comprise seven orders of insects (Class Insecta) and one order of arachnids (Class Arachnida). The predominant prey was the insect of order Hymenoptera (85.90%), especially the family Formicidae. The other orders of insects were Diptera (10.36%), Coleoptera (1.48%), Blattodea (0.96%), Orthoptera (0.61%), and Hemiptera (0.09%). The order of arachnid was Araneae (0.61%). The most diverse prey was found in the pitchers of N. gracilis (H′= 0.79). The diversity of prey trapped by Nepenthes in both habitats has high similarity (JI = 0.71).
Occurrence and distribution of Badnavirus in six Piper species in Java
Authors: Hardiyanti S , Miftakhurohmah  , Sari M P , Wahyuno D , Bermawie N , Wahyuni S , Meilawati N L W
Published: December 2023

Badnavirus, a member of the Caulimoviridae family, is known to cause economic losses in various crops, including Piper spp. However, there is no information on Badnavirus infection in Piper spp. and its distribution in Java. The aim of this study was to determine the presence of Badnavirus in Piper spp and its distribution in Java. The research included field observation, sample collection, and virus detection by PCR. A total of 96 samples of Piper spp. were collected from West Java, Central Java and Yogyakarta Province. The degenerate primer Badna FP and RP were successfully used to amplify DNA fragments of 600 bp from leaf samples. Within the Java region, six species of Piper were identified, namely P. betle, P. crocatum, P. retrofractum, P. sarmentosum, P. cubeba, and P. colubrinum. These species were found in both Bogor and Bogor Regency. In Sleman and Magelang, P. betle, P. crocatum, and P. retrofractum were present, while in Yogyakarta only P. betle and P. crocatum were found. Five species of Piper were infected by Badnavirus, except for P. colubrinum, which remained free from infection. This research was proven that Badnavirus has infected members of Piper spp. and has spread throughout the Java Region.
Phoma spp. are causal agent of white leaf spot disease of ginger in Indonesia
Authors: Wahyuno D , Sari M P , Hardiyanti S , Miftakhurohmah
Published: December 2023

Leaf spot disease is a serious constraint on ginger cultivation in Indonesia. The disease is primarily caused by certain fungal species. Another species of fungus that has never been reported before in Indonesia was consistently isolated from the collected samples of whitish spot symptom from Bogor and Sukabumi, West Java. The present study is aimed to determine the fungal identity and confirmed its pathogenicity as well as exploring its characteristics. Leaf tissue isolation, morphological characteristic observation and molecular analysis for determining the fungal identity, a pathogenicity test, disease occurrence observation on red- and white-ginger, colony characteristic on four different media and its response on PDA medium amanded with 0 – 500 ppm of mancozeb or copper hydroxide had been carried out in the plant pathology laboratory of ISMCRI in Bogor. The fungus was identified as a group of Phoma based on morphological characteristic, homology and phylogeny analysis. The carrot agar medium is the best medium for growing and sporulation of the fungus. The disease incidence and severity occurrence were more severe on white-ginger than the red-one. Mancozeb inhibited the fungus growth more effectively than copper hydroxide, but 500 ppm is not inhibiting the fungal growth.
Study of plankton in Jakarta Bay and surrounding Java Sea: a comparison of community and water quality
Authors: Firdaus M R , Thoha H , Rachman A , Fitriya N , Sianturi O R , Intan M D B , Prayitno H B , Lastrini S , Bayhaqi A , Nasution A K
Published: December 2023

Jakarta Bay is a pivotal national water area in Indonesia, experiencing intense anthropogenic pressure from the surrounding lands. As a result, numerous scientists have conducted studies on the water of Jakarta Bay to observe marine life, including plankton. However, most studies have focused solely within the Jakarta Bay area, resulting in a lack of comprehensive ecological information beyond its boundaries. This study aims to bridge this gap by expanding the plankton investigation beyond Jakarta Bay. It focuses on the waters of the Java Sea that border it, while also examining their relationship with water quality. Plankton samples were collected in June 2019 at fifteen stations—eight located in the Jakarta Bay area and seven in the adjacent Java Sea. Water quality data, such as temperature, salinity, pH, and nutrient levels, were also gathered. The study revealed that phytoplankton abundance in Jakarta Bay was six times higher, and zooplankton density was 2.6 times higher than in the adjacent Java Sea. However, both phytoplankton and zooplankton diversity were slightly lower in Jakarta Bay compared to the Java Sea, though not significantly. Despite this, the study offers valuable new insights into the plankton community beyond Jakarta Bay.
Diversity of endophytic bacteria isolated from mangrove Bruguiera gymnorrhiza (L.) Lam.) and Rhizopora mucronata Poir. originated from Enggano island
Authors: Wibowo R H , Darwis W , Sipriyadi  , Fatimatuzzahra  , Adfa M , Sinaga L R , Simanjuntak P H C , Hidayah T
Published: December 2023

Endophytic bacteria are bacteria that live colonizing in plant tissues without causing harmful effects. Endophytic bacteria are found in the vascular tissues of plant, including mangroves (B. gymnorrhiza (L.) Lam. ) and R. mucronata Poir.). Mangroves have numerous advantages, one of them is as a medicinal plant. This study aims to obtain the diversity of endophytic bacteria isolated from Enggano Island mangroves (B. gymnorrhiza (L.) Lam. and R. mucronata Poir.). Endophytic bacteria were isolated using the grinding method through which the surface was sterilized with natrium hypochlorite and alcohol 70%. The obtained isolates were then identified in terms of morphological characters, Gram staining, and then biochemical tests. A total of 40 bacterial isolates were successfully isolated from the roots, stems, and leaves of both mangrove species. It was observed that 20 endophytic bacterial isolates were associated with mangrove B. gymnorrhiza (L.) Lam., while the remaining 20 isolates were from R. mucronata Poir. Based on morphological observation, Gram staining, and a series of biochemical tests, those 40 isolates were found to to be closely related with Bacilus, Micrococcus, and Pseudomonas. To conclude, B. gymnorrhiza (L.) Lam. and R. mucronata Poir. have a high diversity in endophytic bacteria.
Wildlife diversity and ecology for sustainable eco-edutourism in Peramun Hill, Belitung, Indonesia
Authors: Rianti P , Arisanti S , Sandika A M P
Published: December 2023

Peramun Hill, one of the sites in Belitong Geopark, Belitung Regency, has a unique land-cross section and is a sustainable tourism area, providing an ecosystem service to nature and local society. Therefore, carrying out wildlife diversity information can be the guideline for managing conservation and eco-edu tourism. This study aims to record wildlife biodiversity and its ecological function at Peramun Hill. We used the purposive sampling method and analyzed with richness index, diversity, Evenness, and Kruskal-Wallis’s test. We recorded 12 species of Pisces (fish), six species of amphibians, eight species of reptiles, 18 species of aves, and seven species of mammals. It includes the endemic mammalian species, Cephalophacus bancanus saltator, and a newly recorded reptile species, Cnemaspis purnamae. Two wildlife species are classified as data deficient, two are vulnerable, three are endangered, seven are critically endangered, and four are protected in Indonesia. These findings show that Peramun Hill has low species richness and is dominated by particular species in the entire habitat area. The various types of ecosystems in the area (primary, secondary, and agroforestry forest) might affect wildlife biodiversity. Therefore, biodiversity conservation must be managed, especially in ecosystem services such as sustainable tourism.
Reproduction characteristic of local sheep in North Sumatra Province, Indonesia
Authors: Tiesnamurti B , Febretrisiana A , Anwar A , Destomo A
Published: December 2023

In Indonesia, sheep farming is an important activity and contribute significantly to meat production and farmers welfare. This study aimed to evaluate the reproduction activities of sheep from several districts in North Sumatra Province. Data were analyzed using general linear model with body weight, body condition score and litter size as dependent variables, whereas the independent variables was location, breed, sex and age, respectively. The result showed that body weight was significantly influenced (P<0.05) by sex, age and location of the study with LS mean of 21.7 kg. The least square means of body condition score was 2.1 and there was significant contribution (P<0.05) of location, sex and age, respectively. The least square means of litter size from this study was 1.36, with the range from 1-3 and there was no significant influence (P>0.05) of location, breed and age, respectively. The higher proportion of ewes compared to ram, the availability young sheep as well as the pre-weaning lambs, indicating that mating, lambing and raising post weaning lambs occurred accordingly and not influenced by season. The plantation areas seem favorable for sheep development in the region.
Antioxidant, cytotoxic properties, and chemical constituents of soil Streptomyces spp. isolated from Muna Islands, Southeast Sulawesi, Indonesia
Authors: Prastya M E , Simbolon S , Priyanto J A , Yuswan A , Permatasari V , Primahana G , Dewi R T
Published: December 2023

Soil Streptomyces are filamentous Gram-positive bacteria which were the biggest producer of remarkable bioactive compounds with multiple biological roles. This study aimed to assess the antioxidant and cytotoxic activities of crude extract derived from 3 soil Streptomyces strains, namely APM-7, APM-11, and APM-21, which was isolated from Muna Islands, Southeast Sulawesi as well as profiling its compounds using gas chromatography and mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The results indicated that the ethyl acetate extract of APM-7 strain showed the most antioxidant potential with an IC50 value for both 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2’-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) of 31.61 and 57.91 μg/mL, respectively. Interestingly, this corresponding extract exhibited the highest total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC) values of 41.74 mg GAE/g extract and 32.51 mg QE/g extract. The cytotoxic effect of APM-7 extract (100 μg/mL) against human breast carcinoma cells (MCF-7) was found as having the best with the inhibition value of 81.31%. GC-MS analysis of APM-7 extract revealed 12 peaks which included some dominant compounds, including isophorone and Bis (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate which might be responsible for the antioxidant and cytotoxic properties. Our results indicate that the Streptomyces sp. strain APM-7 could be developed as medically useful compounds.
Characteristics and activity of SpmoB domain of particulate methane monooxygenase expressed in Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3)
Authors: Rusmana I , Karomah L , Akhdiya A , Suwanto A
Published: December 2023

Particulate methane monooxygenase is one of the methane monooxygenases of methanotrophic bacteria. The enzyme can convert methane to methanol in mild conditions. Cupredoxin domain recombinant protein (SpmoB) of particulate methane monooxygenase can oxidize methane to methanol. This protein was expressed in Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3) with Lac operon-based induction. SpmoB protein was isolated and refolded from the E. coli recombinant inclusion body. The pH and temperature dependence of SpmoB activity was also investigated to increase its activity. the SpmoB protein expressed by E. coli BL21 (DE3) is about 39 kDa. The SpmoB inclusion body was solubilized in 8 M urea followed by stepwise dialysis to get the active form SpmoB protein. The specific activity of the refolded protein was 0.46 methanol mg protein-1 min-1, which was higher than that of SpmoB from the previous study. The SpmoB was an acidic protein with the highest methanol production at pH six and a temperature of 30°C, which are higher than full-length pMMO. The SpmoB activity was stable at pH 6 to 8, and the Vmax and Km were 0.380 μM methanol s-1 and 44.27 μM, respectively.
Sonneratia sp. as a phytoremediator potential of selected heavy metal contamination on mangrove sediment along Selangor River in Peninsular Malaysia
Authors: Nyangon L , Gandaseca S , Wahid S A , Pazi A M M , Alias M A
Published: December 2023

This study aimed to examine Sonneratia sp as a potential plant for phytoremediation of selected heavy metal contamination of mangrove sediment in Peninsular Malaysia. Five stations were established along Selangor riverbanks under Sonneratia sp trees zone. Five sub-plots (2 m x 2 m) were established for samples collection each plot. Collected samples were prepared and analysed in the laboratory. There was a significant difference of selected heavy metal concentration on sediment and on Sonneratia sp (roots, barks and leaves) between five stations for Zn and Cr, while it was not significant difference for Cu, Pb and Cd. Bio-concentration Factors (BCF) also revealed the species ability to contain elements absorbed differed by vegetative parts where higher average accumulation occurred in leaves for Zn (0.363) and Cd (0.633), in barks for Pb (0.070) and Cr (0.396), while in roots for Cu (2.242). Translocation factor (TF) of Cr in barks was the most concentrated vegetative parts per elements measured in roots at ratio of 1.814 while the lowest was Pb in leaves at 0.515. Sonneratia caseolaris is a good vegetation for uptake the heavy metal from mangrove and can be recommended as a phytoremediation potential of heavy contamination of mangrove sediment.
Antifungal effect of Pseudomonas azotoformans UICC B-91 metabolites on hyphal growth of Trichophyton mentagrophytes
Authors: Pratiwi R H , Putri Y A , Mangunwardoyo W , Sufiandi S
Published: December 2023

Pseudomonas azotoformans UICC B-91 is known to have antimicrobial potential. The purpose of this study was to determine the inhibition mechanism of the metabolites of P. azotoformans UICC B-91 on the activity of Trichophyton mentagrophytes through morphological observations. The results showed that the metabolites produced by P. azotoformans UICC B-91 were inhibited growth of T. mentagrophytes. The zone of inhibition produced by the extract solution of P. azotoformans UICC B-91 against T. mentagrophytes at concentrations of 100 mg/mL and 80 mg/mL showed strong inhibitory power, with average values of 17.82 ± 0.32 mm and 10.79 ± 0.74 mm, respectively. The microscopic morphology of T. mentagrophytes after treatment with 0.1 g of ethyl acetate extract of P. azotoformans UICC B-91 showed wider hyphae compared to the control hyphae; abnormal cytoplasm; and granular structures between the hyphae, attached to the lateral side of the hyphae, and between the cell wall and the cell membrane. The mechanism of inhibition of the metabolites from the ethyl acetate extract of P. azotoformans UICC B-91 against T. mentagrophytes is thought to involve interference with cell walls and the function of the cell membrane.
Characteristic comparison of human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived adult and fetal β-like cells: a differential gene expression analysis
Authors: Dany F , Nikmah U A , Mariya S S , Panjaitan N S D , Rinendyaputri R , Sunarno
Published: December 2023

Differentiating human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) into β cells for type 1 diabetes (T1D) management is a crucial step. Functionality characterization of hiPSC-derived β cells in some cases, however, only considers morphology and proliferation aspect without examining their distinct molecular properties. Thus, we aimed to investigate the difference between hiPSC-derived adult and fetal β-like cells by differentially expressed gene (DEG) analysis. We retrieved one Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) dataset with the ID GSE70901 comprising 16 samples and GEO2RAnalyze menu performed the analysis. Network clustering was conducted through the STRING version 12.0, Cytoscape version 3.10.0, and CytoCluster 1.0 plugin by considering overall centrality parameters. Enrichment analysis was performed in DAVID 2021 and updated Enrichr tools. Two main clusters were each related to ribosome and carbohydrate metabolism. Enrichment results showed that some molecular pathways might contrast hiPSC-derived adult from fetal β-like cells, notably ribosome (p value <0.001). Cytoscape identified five significant subclusters with the densest one being ribosomal complex genes, such as RPS2, RPL5, and RPLP0 (p value <0.001). This in silico analysis provides insights into genetic signatures with their potential role in pancreatic β cell maturation, which should be validated in more thorough studies.
Calliandra honey and nutritional deficiency influence to spermatozoa motility and viability in Rattus norvegiccus
Authors: Adikara Y A R , Wurlina W , Mulyati S , Susilowati S , Restiadi T I , Mustofa I , Safitri E
Published: December 2023

Nutritional deficiency or malnutrition is one of the severe health problems that causes changes in body weight, body composition, and physical function. The potential of calliandra honey to spermatozoa motility and viability, in the male white rat (Rattus norvegiccus) undergoing nutritional deficiency will be investigated in this research. 24 male white rats with body weights 250-300 grams were used and divided into four groups with each group containing six white rats. The first group was the negative control (C-) group, C+ was the group with fasting condition but without honey administration, T1 and T2 were the fasting treatment in ten days with 30% and 50% honey, respectively. The result was significance differences between C-group with C+ or T1 and T2 (p<0.05). The T1 and T2 can increase the motility and viability of spermatozoa and the difference significant with C+ (p<0.05), but it cannot restore the motility and viability of spermatozoa to normal conditions. It can be concluded that the administration of Calliandra honey in the T1 and T2 with concentrations of 30% and 50% can already improve the quality of spermatozoa which can be seen from the motility and viability of spermatozoa.
Synergistic flame retardancy and electrical conductivity in di-glycidyl ether of bisphenol-A epoxy composites with polyaniline and aluminum Tri-hydroxide
Authors: Afzal Ayesha , Albargi Hasan B , Rashid Iqra Abdul , Tariq Asra , Khaliq Zubair , Shakir H M Fayzan , Qadir Muhammad Bilal , Sharif M Rehan , Nadeem Raveel , Jalalah Mohammed , Abdullah M M , Al-Syadi Aref M
Published: December 2023

This study focuses on developing and characterizing multifunctional composites based on the diglycidyl ether of bisphenol-A (DGEBA) epoxy matrix. The aim is to enhance fire resistance and electrical conductivity properties for applications in various fields. To achieve this, aluminum tri-hydroxide (ATH) was incorporated as a flame retardant (FR) agent, while polyaniline (PANI) was added to impart electrical conductivity. The composites were categorized into three groups: the first containing flame retardant (FR), the second containing PANI for conductivity, and the third containing both PANI and FR for combined effects. E 60-FP emerged as the optimal multifunctional composite, exhibiting superior mechanical properties among the tested formulations. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) results provided valuable insights into the thermal stability of E 60-FP, revealing that it retained 42% of its initial mass at a temperature of 600 °C. Additionally, the composite achieved a V-0 rating in the UL 94 test, confirming its excellent fire resistance. Notably, E 60-FP displayed impressive mechanical strength, with a tensile strength of 7.2 MPa and a tensile modulus of 1117.6 MPa. Its flexural strength and modulus were measured at 31.2 MPa and 2800.2 MPa, respectively. Furthermore, the composite E 60-FP exhibited remarkable electrical conductivity, measuring 6.1 × 10–6 S cm−1. These findings highlight the potential of DGEBA epoxy composites containing PANI and ATH as promising materials for applications requiring fire resistance and electrical conductivity properties.
Effect of T4 treatment on the corrosion resistance of Mg-4Al-6Er-0.3Mn alloy
Authors: Liang Liang , Ma Hongbin , Qin Qingwei , Liu Ye , Wang Jinhui , Han Li , Jin Peipeng
Published: December 2023

The Mg-Al alloys exhibit poor corrosion resistance when they exposed to Cl- attack. To solve this problem, Erbium (Er) and Manganese (Mn) are added to the Mg-4Al alloy and the Mg-4Al-6Er-0.3Mn is T4 treated to enhance the corrosion resistance of the alloy. Then the corrosion behaviors of the as-extruded alloy and the T4 alloy are investigated in this paper. It is found that the effective cathode Mg17Al12 is significantly reduced in the alloy due to the precipitation of Mg17Al12 being suppressed by Al2Er and the dissolution of the Mg17Al12 in the alloy. It is observed that the corrosion products transform from needle-like to tetrahedral-shaped corrosion products during the transformation process, which leads to severe pit corrosion. The results show that the T4 treatment can delay the transformation of the morphologies of the corrosion products, thereby improved the alloy corrosion resistance during the early stages of corrosion.
Flexible learning in complex worlds
Authors: Leimar Olof , Quiñones Andrés E , Bshary Redouan
Published: December 2023

Cognitive flexibility can enhance the ability to adjust to changing environments. Here, we use learning simulations to investigate the possible advantages of flexible learning in volatile (changing) environments. We compare two established learning mechanisms, one with constant learning rates and one with rates that adjust to volatility. We study an ecologically relevant case of volatility, based on observations of developing cleaner fish Labroides dimidiatus that experience a transition from a simpler to a more complex foraging environment. There are other similar transitions in nature, such as migrating to a new and different habitat. We also examine two traditional approaches to volatile environments in experimental psychology and behavioral ecology: reversal learning, and learning set formation (consisting of a sequence of different discrimination tasks). These provide experimental measures of cognitive flexibility. Concerning transitions to a complex world, we show that both constant and flexible learning rates perform well, losing only a small proportion of available rewards in the period after a transition, but flexible rates perform better than constant rates. For reversal learning, flexible rates improve the performance with each successive reversal because of increasing learning rates, but this does not happen for constant rates. For learning set formation, we find no improvement in performance with successive shifts to new stimuli to discriminate for either flexible or constant learning rates. Flexible learning rates might thus explain increasing performance in reversal learning but not in learning set formation, and this can shed light on the nature of cognitive flexibility in a given system.
Enhanced efficacy of the novel recombinant clone VasSF in a mouse model of antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis
Authors: Koura Minako , Kameoka Yosuke , Kishi Fukuko , Yamakawa Yoshio , Ito Fuyu , Sugamata Ryuichi , Doi Yuko , Uno Kazuko , Nakayama Toshinori , Miki Takashi , Nakajima Hiroshi , Suzuki Kazuo , Suzuki Osamu
Published: December 2023

Based on the efficacy of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) for the treatment of antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis (AAV), we developed a recombinant single-chain-fragment variable clone, VasSF, therapeutic against AAV in a mouse model (SCG/Kj mice). VasSF is thought to bind to vasculitis-associated apolipoprotein A-II (APOA2) as a target molecule. VasSF is a promising new drug against AAV, but difficulties in the yield and purification of VasSF remain unresolved. We produced monomers of new VasSF molecules by modifying the plasmid structure for VasSF expression and simplifying the purification method using high-performance liquid chromatography. We compared the therapeutic effects between 5-day continuous administration of the monomers, as in IVIg treatment, and single shots of 5-day-equivalent doses. We also evaluated the life-prolonging effect of the single-shot treatment. Two-dimensional western blots were used to examine the binding of VasSF to APOA2. Our improved manufacturing method resulted in a 100-fold higher yield of VasSF than in our previous study. Monomerization of VasSF stabilized its efficacy. Single shots of a small amount (1/80 000 of IVIg) produced sufficient therapeutic effects, including decreased glomerular crescent formation, a decreasing trend of serum ANCA against myeloperoxidase (MPO-ANCA), decreases in multiple proinflammatory cytokines, and a trend toward prolonged survival. Two-dimensional western blots confirmed the binding of VasSF to APOA2. The newly produced pure VasSF monomers are stable and therapeutic for AAV with a single low-dose injection, possibly by removing vasculitis-associated APOA2. Thus, the new VasSF described herein is a promising drug against AAV.