bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prebiotic activity of Lactobacillus casei grown on medium containing of Hylocereus undatus extract and its use in the fermentation of goat’s milk kefir
Authors: KUSTYAWATI MARIA ERNA , NURLITA MUKAROMAH EKA , FADHALLAH ESA GHANIM , RIZAL SAMSUL
Published: January 2023

Abstract. Kustyawati ME, Nurlita ME, Fadhallah EG, Rizal S. 2022. Prebiotic activity of Lactobacillus casei grown on medium containing of Hylocereus undatus extract and its use in the fermentation of goat’s milk kefir. Biodiversitas 23: 6513-6519. White dragon fruit extract used as a prebiotic source is thought to be an innovative exploration to enhance its application as a synbiotics in food products. This study aims to quantify the prebiotic index and prebiotic activity score for Lactobacillus casei grown on white dragon fruit extract containing media at different concentrations. The study was carried out using a completely randomized design (CRD) experimental method with one factor, concentration of white dragon fruit extract (P1-P5) with 5 levels (2, 4, 6, 8, and 10% respectively), and was repeated 3 times. The data were analyzed statistically by ANOVA, if the treatments were significantly different then the LSD test (5%). The result showed that all tested media had a beneficial effect on the growth of L. casei (prebiotic index higher than 1), while they did not support the growth of enteric Escherichia coli (prebiotic index less than 1 or negative). The highest score of prebiotic activity for L. casei was grown on 10%, while the lowest was 2%. The addition of 10% prebiotic extract of white dragon fruit in goat's milk fermentation produced goat's milk kefir with characteristics that met Codex Stand 243-2003 and had a DPPH radical scavenging activity of 55.13%.
Characteristic and activity of cellulolytic bacteria isolated from mangrove soil in Northern Coast of Aceh Province, Indonesia
Authors: DEWIYANTI IRMA , DARMAWI DARMAWI , MUCHLISIN ZAINAL A. , HELMI TEUKU Z. , ARISA IKO I. , RAHMIATI RAHMIATI , DESTRI ERLY , FANISHA SITI
Published: January 2023

Abstract. Dewiyanti I, Darmawi D, Muchlisin ZA, Helmi TZ, Arisa II, Rahmiati R, Destri E, Fanisha S. 2022. Characteristic and activity of cellulolytic bacteria isolated from mangrove soil in Northern Coast of Aceh Province, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 23: 6587-6599. The cellulolytic bacteria as decomposing cellulose bacteria is related to the soil fertility and productivity of the mangrove ecosystem, and the presence and activity of enzymes produced can evaluate them. The study aims to analyze the cellulolytic bacteria characterization, cellulase enzyme activity, and production and to evaluate the molecular biology of cellulase bacteria isolated from the mangrove soil on the northern coast of Aceh Province, Indonesia. This study was conducted at six locations, and soil samples were collected randomly with three replications. The results showed that the purified bacteria produced 39 isolates that grew in CMC selective media. The common bacteria discovered have an irregular colony shape, undulate colony edge, raised colony elevation, and cream pigmentation. The bacilli cell is the most common shape, while 22 bacteria out of the 39 isolates showed cellulase activity. The cellulolytic index (CI) ranged from 0.31 to 4.82, and the highest CI was BTM533 (4.82), followed by BTM622 (2.09). The quantitative analysis showed that the highest specific cellulase activity of BTM533 and BTM622 were at 36 hours and 42 hours with the value of 0.042 U mg-1 and 0.129 U mg-1. Among the bacteria isolates, two cellulolytic bacteria with high cellulase activity were identified as Bacillus safensis and B. altitudinis using the 16S rRNA gene molecularly.
Flora and fauna in the areas around artisanal gold mining in Selogiri Sub-district, Wonogiri, Indonesia
Authors: ISWORO SLAMET , OETARI POERNA SRI
Published: January 2023

Abstract. Isworo S, Oetari PS. 2022. Flora and fauna in the areas around artisanal gold mining in Selogiri Sub-district, Wonogiri, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 23: 6600-6618. Artisanal or small-scale gold mining has devastating impacts on the environment due to negligence of the principles of good environmental management. In particular, the mining activities often involve vegetation clearing and topsoil removal, which affect the biotic elements of the mined landscape. Selogiri Sub-district, Wonogiri District, Central Java Province, has a gold mineral resource that drives many traditional mining activities that have an indirect impact on the ecosystem's species diversity and community structure. This research aimed to investigate the diversity of flora and fauna in Selogiri Sub-district by comparing the area where the artisanal gold mining occurred (the inside area) and the areas surrounding the mining (the outside area). Six groups of taxa were observed in this study, including the plant group using the plot method, avifauna (birds) using Indices Ponctuels d'Abondance method, Odonata (dragonflies) and Lepidoptera (butterflies) both using visual encountering survey (VES) method, micromammals (Rodentia) using traps, VES, and camera traps and herpetofauna (amphibians and reptiles) using VES method. The diversity values of each taxa group in the inside and outside area were calculated and Sorensen's Coefficient Similarity Index formula was analyzed to see the community similarity between the two areas. A total of 243 species were found, consisting of Lepidoptera (35%), flora taxa (29%), avifauna (16%), herpetofauna (9%), Odonata (7%), and mammals (3%). The avifauna and Odonata had higher diversity values in the outside area than in the inside area. Similarly, the outside area had a higher diversity value for mammalian taxa documented using the VES method. Meanwhile, using the trap method, the taxa of Lepidoptera, herpetofauna, and mammals had higher diversity value in the inside area than in the outside. Nonetheless, the two areas had moderate similarity in the composition of flora and fauna species, with a community similarity value of less than 60% for all taxa studied. Conservation activities and off-site tree planting are solutions for restoring ecosystem structure and function to support ecological stability and biodiversity.
Effect of type of seedling media and duration of synthetic auxin immersion on germination and initial growth of papaya (Carica papaya) seedlings
Authors: MULATI ANA , SUPRIYONO SUPRIYONO , WIRYOWIDODO WARSOKO
Published: January 2023

Abstract. Mulati A, Supriyono, Wiryowidodo W. 2017. Effect of type of seedling media and duration of synthetic auxin immersion on germination and initial growth of papaya (Carica papaya) seedlings. Cell Biol Dev 1: 64-70. Papaya (Carica papaya L.) is a well-known fruit plant with high economic value. The uniformity of germination and initial growth must be considered to get normal mature plants. Using appropriate seedling media and synthetic auxin can support the germination and initial growth of papaya seedlings. This study aimed to determine the effect of the type of seedling media and the duration of immersion of synthetic auxin, and the combination that had a positive effect on germination and initial growth of papaya seedlings. This research was conducted in Badranrejo, Kemiri, Mojosongo, Boyolali, and the Laboratory of the Faculty of Agriculture, Sebelas Maret University, Surakarta, from April to July 2009. This study used a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with two treatment factors and three replications. The first factor was the type of seedling media: soil, soil + farmer-produced cow manure (1:1), soil + self-produced cow manure (1:1), and soil + farmer-produced cow manure + self-produced cow manure (1:1:1). The second factor was the immersion time in synthetic auxin: 0 hours, 1 hour, 2 hours and 3 hours. Data were analyzed by analysis of variance and if there was a significant difference, proceed with DMRT 5%. The results showed that the interaction between seedling media and immersion time in synthetic auxin did not occur. Therefore, adding cow manure as a medium is unnecessary, especially for papaya seed germination. Synthetic auxin immersion from 1 to 3 hours did not increase all variables of germination and initial growth of papaya seedlings.
The effect of sucrose concentration on growth and induction of somatic embryogenesis in Catharanthus roseus callus
Authors: HERWINALDO DAVID CAHYO , SOLICHATUN SOLICHATUN , ANGGARWULAN ENDANG
Published: January 2023

Abstract. Mohammed NMI, Said AGE. 2018. Date palm (Phoenix dactylifera) seeds germination. Cell Biol Dev 2: 63-68. This study aimed to examine if pre-germination treatments could effectively promote date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) seed germination in the Nursery of the Horticultural Sector, Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation, Khartoum, Sudan. Seeds were soaked in water for 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12 days before being planted in one of the following media: sand:clay (1:1), sand:clay (1:2), sand:clay (1:0), sand:clay (0:1), and sand:clay (2:1). The factorial completely randomized block design was employed in this investigation. The 6-day soaking time resulted in the highest percentage of seeds germinating; as the soaking time increased, the percentage of seeds germinating decreased. The 6-day soaking time also improved seed germination, allowing for a 50 % final germination percentage in the shortest time. Sowing seeds in a 2:1 soil mix decreased germination days, resulting in a substantial increase in germination percentage compared to other soil type mixes evaluated, regardless of soaking duration. In addition, seeds soaked for 6 days and planted in a 2:1 soil mix produced the tallest seedlings.
Morphology and cytology of five soybean varieties (Glycine max) treated with phosphate fertilizer
Authors: DARSONO DAMAR CIPTO , NANDARIYAH NANDARIYAH , SUGIJONO SUGIJONO
Published: January 2023

Abstract. Darsono DC, Nandariyah, Sugijono. 2018. Morphology and cytology of five soybean varieties (Glycine max) treated with phosphate fertilizer. Cell Biol Dev 2: 78-87. The demand for soybeans (Glycine max (L.) Merrill) tends to increase. The first step to increasing soybean productivity is identifying the plant's character. This study aims to study plants' morphological and cytological characteristics (chromosome number) and determine the effect of phosphate fertilizer application on changes in plant morphological and cytological characteristics (chromosome number) in five soybean varieties. The research was carried out from April 2009 to March 2010. Observations of plant morphology were carried out at the Jumantono Dry Land Research and Development Center (Pusat Penelitian dan Pengembangan Lahan Kering Jumantono), Karanganyar, Central Java, Indonesia (07°37' latitude and 110°56' east longitude). The number of chromosomes was analyzed in the Laboratory of Plant Breeding, Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Sebelas Maret, Surakarta, Central Java, Indonesia, and the Laboratory of Animal Anatomy, Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta, Indonesia. Plant morphology research was arranged factorially using a Completely Randomized Block Design (RAKL). The treatment factors were varieties (Argomulyo, Anjasmoro, Kaba, Sibayak, and Wilis) and doses of P fertilizer (0, 18, and 36 kg P2O5/ha (equivalent to 0, 50, and 100 kg SP-36/ha). Therefore, there were 15 treatment combinations, and each combination was repeated 3 times. The observation of the number of chromosomes used the squash method. Quantitative data were analyzed by Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), if significantly different, continued with Duncan's multiple distance test (DMRT) level of 5%. The qualitative analysis was analyzed and presented descriptively. The results showed that each of the five soybean varieties' morphological characteristics differed. Applying phosphate (P) fertilizer from a dose of 0, 18, or 36 kg P2O5/ha could affect plant morphology in the form of an increase in plant height, length of the main root, number of branch roots, length of stem internode, length of petiole, leaf area, and weight of 100 seeds in each soybean variety. The number of chromosomes in five soybean varieties is the same, namely 2n = 40. The application of phosphate (P) fertilizer did not affect the number of chromosomes in the five soybean varieties.
The effect of auxin and auxin inhibitor application on induction and proliferation of protocorms in immature fruit Phalaenopsis amabilis in vitro culture
Authors: CAHYANINGSIH AGUSTINA PUTRI , PITOYO ARI , SOLICHATUN SOLICHATUN
Published: January 2023

Abstract. Cahyaningsih AP, Pitoyo A, Solichatun. 2019. The effect of auxin and auxin inhibitor application on induction and proliferation of protocorms in immature fruit Phalaenopsis amabilis in vitro culture. Cell Biol Dev 3: 49-55. Auxin is a hormone that plays an important role in the ovulum development of moth orchid Phalaenopsis amabilis after pollination. Using immature fruit 60 days after pollination as explants are presumed to cause cessation of endogenous auxin distribution due to early fruit harvesting. The research was aimed to investigate the effect of exogenous auxin addition on induction and proliferation protocorm in moth orchid immature fruit explant through in vitro culture. This study used NAA (?-Naphthaleneacetic acid) as auxin in MS medium with 4 treatments: (i) control, (ii) NAA 1 ppm, (iii) NAA 5 ppm, and (iv) TIBA (2,3,5- triiodobenzoic acid) 5 ppm. Observed data include explants' color change, development, anatomy after planting, and protocorm development. Morphological and anatomical data were presented descriptively, and protocorm measurement data were analyzed using One Way ANOVA and followed by a DMRT test of 5% level. The results showed that the culture of immature fruit P. amabilis 60 DAP with the addition of NAA 1 and 5 ppm in immature fruit culture induced protocorm. Still, the protocorm was not able to develop further. Without adding exogenous hormone-induced protocorm formation, immature fruit culture developed some protocorm to form leaf primordia. Next, adding TIBA as auxin transport inhibitor, 5 ppm induced protocorm and developed all protocorms to form leaf primordia.
Physical characteristics of the seeds of soybean (Glycine max) varieties and the effect of fermentation time on the chemical characteristics of tempeh
Authors: SUHARTANTI PRATIWI DWI , HANDAJANI SRI , NANDARIYAH NANDARIYAH
Published: January 2023

Abstract. Suhartanti PD, Handajani S, Nandariyah. 2019. Physical characteristics of the seeds of soybean (Glycine max) varieties and the effect of fermentation time on the chemical characteristics of tempeh. Cell Biol Dev 3: 63-68. Soybean is the main raw material for making tempeh. So far, the raw material for tempeh is imported soybeans. Therefore, Indonesia needs to develop soybean varieties to overcome this. The soybean varieties are expected to be processed into tempeh with good physical and chemical properties. This study aims to determine the effect of different varieties on the physical characteristics of soybean seeds and the effect of fermentation time on the chemical characteristics of tempeh. The research design was a completely randomized design (CRD) with a factorial pattern consisting of two factors, namely soybean varieties (Grobogan, Argomulyo, Seulawah, Anjasmoro, Burangrang, and Galunggung) and variations in fermentation time (30, 42, and 54 hours). The results showed that the difference in varieties did not affect the color of the tempeh. Different varieties affect seed weight, water absorption, and swelling power of soybeans. Soybean varieties that have the best physical characteristics (highest water absorption and swelling power) are Grobogan. Variations in fermentation time affect the chemical properties of tempeh. Longer fermentation time will increase the tempeh's water, ash, and total protein content but decrease the fat and carbohydrate content. The soybean variety with the best chemical characteristics (highest protein content) is Galunggung. The soybean seed coat is yellow and greenish-yellow, and the color of the tempeh is white. The biggest weight is the Grobogan var of 24.14 g. The largest water absorption capacity of Grobogan var is 188%. Therefore, the biggest swelling power of Grobogan var is 150%. Based on the time of fermentation, the highest water content of tempeh was found in Grobogan var (54 hours), with 67.33%. The highest ash content of tempeh was in Anjasmoro var (30 hours), with 1.97%. The highest fat content of tempeh was in Galunggung var (30 hours), with 8.89%. The highest protein content of tempeh was in the Galunggung var. (54 hours), with 25.17%. The highest carbohydrate content was in the Seulawah var (42 hours), with 11.43%.
Effects of mineral levels and leaf extracts of some plants on soil pH and growth rate of selected non-leguminous plants
Authors: NJOGU MWANGI JAMES , MURUNGI JANE I , WANJAU RUTH N.
Published: January 2023

Abstract. Njogu MJ, Murungi JI, Wanjau RN. 2021. Effects of mineral levels and leaf extracts of some plants on soil pH and growth rate of selected non-leguminous plants. Cell Biol Dev 5: 76-89. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of growth rate on non-leguminous plants such as wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), kale (Brassica oleracea var acephala), and coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.) grown on acidic soils treated with leaves and leaf extracts of plants known to have a high buffering capacity and mineralization capacity, i.e., Jacaranda mimosifolia D. Don, Cordia africana Lam, Croton macrostachyus Hochst. ex Delile, Vitex keniensis Turril, Tithonia diversifolia (Hemsl.) A.Gray, Manihot esculenta Crantz, Carica papaya L., and Helianthus annuus L. For this investigation, the leaves and leaf extracts were applied to the soil with a pH of 4.75. Leaf extracts and leaves of eight species were combined according to the macronutrient content and mineralization of chosen plants discovered in Nyandarua County, Kenya. Wheat, kale, and coriander growth rates were determined by comparing the dry mass of uprooted seedlings from the trial and control studies every fourteen days for 60 days. Flame photometry, atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS), UV/visible spectroscopy, and turbidimetry were used to determine macronutrients in leaf extracts. The analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Student-Newman-Keuls (SNK) tests were used to analyze the data. For 60 days, the mean pH value of leaf extracts ranged from 4.580.27a to 7.440.04d. K+; 189.95±0.17c, Ca2+; 367.33±0.67e, Mg2+; 114.33e±0.33, PO43-; 55.38±0.23f, NO3-; 322.25±0.40f, and SO42-; 56.48±0.23e had the greatest mean levels in leaves (?g/g). Macronutrient levels were significantly different in soil treated with leaves and leaf extract (Le), commercial NPK fertilizers (Cf), and untreated soil (Us). Wheat (dry mass) grew at a mean rate of 1.27±0.13b g/wk (Le), 1.26±0.12b g/wk (Cf) and 0.32±0.02a g/wk (Us), while in (height) was 7.29±1.43b cm/wk (Le), 6.20±1.95b cm/wk (Cf), 3.98±0.97a cm/wk (Us). For kales 0.20±0.01a g/wk (Le), 0.30±0.02a g/wk (Cf), and 0.03±0.01b g/k (Us), while in (height) 2.15±0.85c cm/wk (Le), 2.57±0.88b cm/wk (Cf), and 1.04±0.02a cm/wk (Us). The mean growth rate for corianders was 0.16±0.01a g/wk (Le), 0.17±0.02a g/wk (Cf), and 0.10±0.01a g/k (Us), while in (height) 1.85±0.56b cm/wk (Le), 1.86±0.58b cm/wk (Cf) and 0.79±0.18a cm/wk (Us). This study's findings show that the plant's leaves and leaf extracts can be used in place of inorganic fertilizers and should be recommended for agroforestry in low-pH environments.
Digital holographic approaches to the detection and characterization of microplastics in water environments
Authors: Valentino Marika , Sirico Daniele Gaetano , Memmolo Pasquale , Miccio Lisa , Bianco Vittorio , Ferraro Pietro
Published: January 2023

Microplastic (MP) pollution is seriously threatening the environmental health of the world, which has accelerated the development of new identification and characterization methods. Digital holography (DH) is one of the emerging tools to detect MPs in a high-throughput flow. Here, we review advances in MP screening by DH. We examine the problem from both the hardware and software viewpoints. Automatic analysis based on smart DH processing is reported by highlighting the role played by artificial intelligence for classification and regression tasks. In this framework, the continuous development and availability in recent years of field-portable holographic flow cytometers for water monitoring also is discussed.
High-precision FoM measurement setup for Ti:sapphire crystals
Authors: Miller Vojtěch , Žídek Karel
Published: January 2023

The figure of merit (FoM) of Ti:sapphire (Ti:Sa) crystals is a generally used means to evaluate the quality of the crystals. Despite the importance of Ti:Sa, the question of FoM measurement precision stayed out of focus, while the commercially available spectrometers provide unsatisfactory

3

σ

precision reaching

±
60
%

. In this paper, we present a setup for a single-pass high-precision transmission measurement for three different wavelengths (532, 780, and 1560 nm) based on Nd:YAG and Er:YAG lasers. A synchronous detection via a double integrated sphere enabled us to achieve the transmission uncertainty of 0,01–0,03%. With the presented setup, we show that it is possible to determine the FoM values with

3
σ

precision of

±
7

,

5

%

. Owing to the high FoM precision, we were able to trace spatial inhomogeneities of an unannealed Ti:Sa crystal produced by a commercial manufacturer Crytur. Our measurements demonstrate that the FoM values can be significantly affected by the crystal inhomogeneities and angular mismatch between the

c

axis of the Ti:Sa and polarization orientation.
Compact, ultrabroadband and temperature-insensitive arbitrary ratio power splitter based on adiabatic rib waveguides
Authors: Liu Xiang , Zhao Yingxuan , Huang Haiyang , Li Yang , She Xiaojuan , Liao Han , Zhu Junbo , Zhu Zijian , Huang Rui , Liu Hongbao , Sheng Zhen , Gan Fuwan
Published: January 2023

We propose a compact, ultrabroadband and temperature-insensitive adiabatic directional coupler based on rib silicon waveguide-enabling arbitrary splitting ratios. Simulation results show that the device can achieve arbitrary splitting ratios from 1400 to 1600 nm, equal to 50%:50%, 60%:40%, 70%:30%, 80%:20%, and 90%:10% for the fundamental transverse electric mode. The designed device has an excess loss of less than 0.19 dB on the operational waveband. Furthermore, the proposed device shows a great robustness to fabrication imperfection, with a waveguide width deviation of 50 nm and ambient temperature change from 0°C to 200°C. These properties make the design a potential candidate for ultrahigh-density photonic integration chips.
Modeling of ringdown cavity maladjustment based on the extreme learning machine
Authors: He Xing , Tian Zhongzhou , Lin Haiqi , Wang Shuai , Yang Ping
Published: January 2023

In the cavity ringdown technique, cavity maladjustment may affect the accuracy of measurement. The effect of maladjustment is complex and nonlinear. Therefore, a neural network method of an extreme learning machine is presented to model the nonlinear relation between the intracavity loss and the cavity maladjustments. This method was tested by two-dimensional angular scanning simulations and experiments. After dataset training, this method finely predicted the intracavity loss at certain maladjustments. The root mean square values of the prediction deviation were about 0.27 ppm in simulation and about 0.44 ppm in experiment. This method was further applied to a cavity ringdown system for high reflectivity measurement. The measurement uncertainty was improved from ±0.0025% to±0.0019%.
Architecture and key digital signal processing techniques of a next-generation passive optical network [Invited]
Authors: Li Fan , Yin Mingzhu , Luo Zhibin , Wang Xiaowu , Rong Limin , Li Zhaohui
Published: January 2023

A passive optical network (PON) with low cost and high capacity has been explored and recommended for supporting the emerged commercial mobile fronthaul, resident, and industry services. To meet the requirement in the future, the development of the PON, including cost, data rate, and latency, is still being driven by utilizing an improved PON architecture, transmitter, and receiver. In this paper, we review the results of our recent work that focused on the promising solution for the next-generation passive optical network, which mainly includes three aspects: (1) a new uplink PON architecture with a laser sharing technique based on filter bank multicarrier is investigated to provide high spectrum efficiency uplink access for multiple asynchronous users; (2) a transmitter with a low-resolution digital-to-analog converter is explored for the uplink of the PON with advanced modulation formats, and a low computational complexity noise shaping technique is utilized to eliminate the quantization noise; and (3) for the receiver, a sub-Nyquist sampling reception technique based on optical arccos function shaping is investigated, which enables optical network units to receive high-rata aggregated data with a low-speed analog-to-digital converter.
Dynamically switchable multifunctional terahertz absorber based on graphene and vanadium dioxide hybrid metamaterials
Authors: Wen Yujiao , Qi Yunping , Wang Li , Zhou Zihao , Chen Haowen , Zhao Shiyu , Wang Xiangxian
Published: January 2023

A multifunctional terahertz absorber based on a hybrid configuration of vanadium dioxide (

V
O

2

)

and graphene is proposed, which is enabled to dynamically switch between ultrabroadband and double-narrowband absorption characteristics using the phase-shifting property of

V
O

2

. When

V
O

2

is in the metallic phase and the Fermi energy level of graphene is 0.01 eV, ultrabroadband absorption from 3.04 THz to 8.78 THz can be achieved. The absorption can be continuously adjusted from 0.7% to 99.9% by changing the conductivity of the

V
O

2

through temperature. When

V
O

2

is in the insulating phase and Fermi energy level of graphene is 0.4 eV, the proposed absorber exhibits a double-narrowband absorption characteristic, achieving 99.8% and 97.3% absorption at 1.79 THz and 4.62 THz, respectively. Since graphene is an electronically controlled material, it is able to dynamically modulate the resonant frequency and absorption intensity by changing the Fermi energy level of graphene. In addition, the physical mechanism of the multifunctional absorber is revealed using electric field distribution and the impedance-matching theory. The proposed absorber has potential applications in optical switching, image processing, and stealth technology.
Adaptive optics LEO uplink pre-compensation with finite spatial modes
Authors: Walsh Shane , Schediwy Sascha
Published: January 2023

Adaptive optics pre-compensation of free-space optical communications uplink from ground to space is complicated by the “point ahead angle” due to spacecraft velocity and the finite speed of light, as well as anisoplanatism of the uplink beam and the wavefront beacon. This Letter explores how pre-compensation varies with the number of spatial modes applied and how it varies with a beacon at the point-ahead angle versus a downlink beacon. Using a w0 = 16 cm Gaussian beam propagating through a modified Hufnagel–Valley model as an example, we find pre-compensation performance plateaus beyond ∼100 applied modes regardless of integrated turbulence strength, and that a point ahead beacon provides a 1–4 dB gain in median received power and an order-of-magnitude reduction in scintillation over a downlink beacon at wavelengths typical of optical communications. Modeling tailored to specific scenarios should be conducted to determine whether implementing a resource-intensive point ahead beacon is the optimum path to meeting link requirements.
Digitally balanced detection scheme in multiple reference optical coherence tomography
Authors: Arangath Anand , Neuhaus Kai , Alexandrov Sergey , Leahy Martin
Published: January 2023

Digitally balanced detection (DBD) has been studied in Fourier domain optical coherence tomography systems to improve sensitivity. We report a technical advancement in a multiple reference optical coherence tomography (MR-OCT) system with the implementation of the DBD technique. We used a free-space, polarization-based balanced detection configuration, which is scalable and suitable for miniaturization. The efficiency of common-mode noise rejection is limited in free-space systems due to the non-uniform illumination of the sensors. We show that recording the signals separately and balancing them in the digital domain improves common mode rejection and signal quality. The application of the DBD scheme for MR-OCT achieves an average sensitivity improvement of 5 ± 0.5 dB over its analogue balanced detection counterpart. We also show that DBD improves the contrast on images of Scotch tapes and mouse eyes.
Assessing dengue fever risk in Costa Rica by using climate variables and machine learning techniques
Authors: Barboza Luis A. , Chou-Chen Shu-Wei , Vásquez Paola , García Yury E. , Calvo Juan G. , Hidalgo Hugo G. , Sanchez Fabio
Published: January 2023

Dengue fever is a vector-borne disease affecting millions yearly, mostly in tropical and subtropical countries. Driven mainly by social and environmental factors, dengue incidence and geographical expansion have increased in recent decades. Therefore, understanding how climate variables drive dengue outbreaks is challenging and a problem of interest for decision-makers that could aid in improving surveillance and resource allocation. Here, we explore the effect of climate variables on relative dengue risk in 32 cantons of interest for public health authorities in Costa Rica. Relative dengue risk is forecast using a Generalized Additive Model for location, scale, and shape and a Random Forest approach. Models use a training period from 2000 to 2020 and predicted climatic variables obtained with a vector auto-regressive model. Results show reliable projections, and climate variables predictions allow for a prospective instead of a retrospective study.
Parameter extraction and selection for a scalable N-type SiC MOSFETs model and characteristic verification along with conventional dc-dc buck converter integration
Authors: Khalid Hassan , Mekhilef Saad , Siddique Marif Daula , Wahyudie Addy , Ahmed Mahrous , Seyedmahmoudian Mehdi , Stojcevski Alex
Published: January 2023

Most silicon carbide (SiC) MOSFET models are application-specific. These are already defined by the manufacturers and their parameters are mostly partially accessible due to restrictions. The desired characteristic of any SiC model becomes highly important if an individual wants to visualize the impact of changing intrinsic parameters as well. Also, it requires a model prior knowledge to vary these parameters accordingly. This paper proposes the parameter extraction and its selection for Silicon Carbide (SiC) power N-MOSFET model in a unique way. The extracted parameters are verified through practical implementation with a small-scale high power DC-DC 5 to 2.5 output voltage buck converter using both hardware and software emphasis. The parameters extracted using the proposed method are also tested to verify the static and dynamic characteristics of SiC MOSFET. These parameters include intrinsic, junction and overlapping capacitance. The parameters thus extracted for the SiC MOSFET are analyzed by device performance. This includes input, output transfer characteristics and transient delays under different temperature conditions and loading capabilities. The simulation and experimental results show that the parameters are highly accurate. With its development, researchers will be able to simulate and test any change in intrinsic parameters along with circuit emphasis.
SHP-1 tyrosine phosphatase binding to c-Src kinase phosphor-dependent conformations: A comparative structural framework
Authors: Gul Mehreen , Navid Ahmad , Fakhar Muhammad , Rashid Sajid
Published: January 2023

SHP-1 is a cytosolic tyrosine phosphatase that is primarily expressed in hematopoietic cells. It acts as a negative regulator of numerous signaling pathways and controls multiple cellular functions involved in cancer pathogenesis. This study describes the binding preferences of SHP-1 (pY536) to c-Srcopen (pY416) and c-Srcclose (pY527) through in silico approaches. Molecular dynamics simulation analysis revealed more conformational changes in c-Srcclose upon binding to SHP-1, as compared to its active/open conformation that is stabilized by the cooperative binding of the C-SH2 domain and C-terminal tail of SHP-1 to c-Src SH2 and KD. In contrast, c-Srcclose and SHP-1 interaction is mediated by PTP domain-specific WPD-loop (WPDXGXP) and Q-loop (QTXXQYXF) binding to c-Srcclose C-terminal tail residues. The dynamic correlation analysis demonstrated a positive correlation for SHP-1 PTP with KD, SH3, and the C-terminal tail of c-Srcclose. In the case of the c-Srcopen-SHP-1 complex, SH3 and SH2 domains of c-Srcopen were correlated to C-SH2 and the C-terminal tail of SHP-1. Our findings reveal that SHP1-dependent c-Src activation through dephosphorylation relies on the conformational shift in the inhibitory C-terminal tail that may ease the recruitment of the N-SH2 domain to phosphotyrosine residue, resulting in the relieving of the PTP domain. Collectively, this study delineates the intermolecular interaction paradigm and underlying conformational readjustments in SHP-1 due to binding with the c-Src active and inactive state. This study will largely help in devising novel therapeutic strategies for targeting cancer development.
Tramadol regulates the activation of human platelets via Rac but not Rho/Rho-kinase
Authors: Iida Hiroki , Onuma Takashi , Nakashima Daiki , Mizutani Daisuke , Hori Takamitsu , Ueda Kyohei , Hioki Tomoyuki , Kim Woo , Enomoto Yukiko , Doi Tomoaki , Matsushima-Nishiwaki Rie , Yamaguchi Shinobu , Tachi Junko , Tanabe Kumiko , Ogura Shinji , Iwama Toru , Kozawa Osamu , Tokuda Haruhiko
Published: January 2023

Tramadol is a useful analgesic which acts as a serotonin and noradrenaline reuptake inhibitor in addition to μ-opioid receptor agonist. Cytoplasmic serotonin modulates the small GTPase activity through serotonylation, which is closely related to the human platelet activation. We recently reported that the combination of subthreshold collagen and CXCL12 synergistically activates human platelets. We herein investigated the effect and the mechanism of tramadol on the synergistic effect. Tramadol attenuated the synergistically stimulated platelet aggregation (300 μM of tramadol, 64.3% decrease, p<0.05). Not morphine or reboxetine, but duloxetine, fluvoxamine and sertraline attenuated the synergistic effect of the combination on the platelet aggregation (30 μM of fluvoxamine, 67.3% decrease, p<0.05; 30 μM of sertraline, 67.8% decrease, p<0.05). The geranylgeranyltransferase inhibitor GGTI-286 attenuated the aggregation of synergistically stimulated platelet (50 μM of GGTI-286, 80.8% decrease, p<0.05), in which GTP-binding Rac was increased. The Rac1-GEF interaction inhibitor NSC23766 suppressed the platelet activation and the phosphorylation of p38 MAPK and HSP27 induced by the combination of collagen and CXCL12. Tramadol and fluvoxamine almost completely attenuated the levels of GTP-binding Rac and the phosphorylation of both p38 MAPK and HSP27 stimulated by the combination. Suppression of the platelet aggregation after the duloxetine administration was observed in 2 of 5 patients in pain clinic. These results suggest that tramadol negatively regulates the combination of subthreshold collagen and CXCL12-induced platelet activation via Rac upstream of p38 MAPK.
Factors affecting motivation of close-to-community sexual and reproductive health workers in low-income urban settlements in Bangladesh: A qualitative study
Authors: Mahmud Ilias , Siddiqua Sumona , Akhter Irin , Sarker Malabika , Theobald Sally , Rashid Sabina Faiz
Published: January 2023

Close-to-community (CTC) health workers play a vital role in providing sexual and reproductive health services in low-income urban settlements in Bangladesh. Retention of CTC health workers is a challenge, and work motivation plays a vital role in this regard. Here, we explored the factors which affect their work motivation. We conducted 22 in-depth interviews in two phases with purposively selected CTC health workers operating in low-income urban settlements in Dhaka, Bangladesh. We analyzed our data using the framework technique which involved identifying, abstracting, charting, and matching themes across the interviews following the two-factor theory on work motivation suggested by Herzberg and colleagues. Our results suggest that factors affecting CTC sexual and reproductive health workers’ work motivation include both extrinsic and intrinsic factors. Extrinsic or hygiene factors include financial incentives, job security, community attitude, relationship with the stakeholders, supportive and regular supervision, monitoring, and physical safety and security. While, the intrinsic factors or motivators are the perceived quality of the services provided, witnessing the positive impact of the work in the community, the opportunity to serve vulnerable clients, professional development opportunities, recognition, and clients’ compliance. In the context of a high unemployment rate, people might take a CTC health worker’s job temporarily to earn a living or to use it as a pathway move to more secure employment. To maintain and improve the work motivation of the CTC sexual and reproductive health workers serving in low-income urban settlements, organizations should provide adequate financial incentives, job security, and professional development opportunities in addition to supportive and regular supervision.
The association between low-level viraemia and subsequent viral non-suppression among people living with HIV/AIDS on antiretroviral therapy in Uganda
Authors: Nanyeenya Nicholus , Chang Larry William , Kiwanuka Noah , Nasuuna Esther , Nakanjako Damalie , Nakigozi Gertrude , Kibira Simon P. S. , Nabadda Susan , Kiyaga Charles , Makumbi Fredrick
Published: January 2023

Background

Uganda’s efforts to end the HIV epidemic by 2030 are threatened by the increasing number of PLHIV with low-level viraemia (LLV). We conducted a study to determine the prevalence of LLV and the association between LLV and subsequent viral non-suppression from 2016 to 2020 among PLHIV on ART in Uganda.

Method

This was a retrospective cohort study, using the national viral load (VL) program data from 2016 to 2020. LLV was defined as a VL result of at least 50 copies/ml, but less than 1,000 copies/ml. Multivariable logistic regression was used to determine the factors associated with LLV, and cox proportional hazards regression model was used to determine the association between LLV and viral non-suppression.

Results

A cohort of 17,783 PLHIV, of which 1,466 PLHIV (8.2%) had LLV and 16,317 (91.8%) had a non-detectable VL was retrospectively followed from 2016 to 2020. There were increasing numbers of PLHIV with LLV from 2.0% in 2016 to 8.6% in 2020; and LLV was associated with male sex, second line ART regimen and being of lower age. 32.5% of the PLHIV with LLV (476 out of 1,466 PLHIV) became non-suppressed, as compared to 7.7% of the PLHIV (1,254 out of 16,317 PLHIV) with a non-detectable viral load who became non-suppressed during the follow-up period. PLHIV with LLV had 4.1 times the hazard rate of developing viral non-suppression, as compared to PLHIV with a non-detectable VL (adjusted hazard ratio was 4.1, 95% CI: 3.7 to 4.7, p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Our study indicated that PLHIV with LLV increased from 2.0% in 2016 to 8.6% in 2020, and PLHIV with LLV had 4.1 times the hazard rate of developing viral non-suppression, as compared to PLHIV with a non-detectable VL. Hence the need to review the VL testing algorithm and also manage LLV in Uganda.
Middle ear effusion, ventilation tubes and neurological development in childhood
Authors: Thorsen Jonathan , Pedersen Tine Marie , Mora-Jensen Anna-Rosa Cecilie , Bjarnadóttir Elín , Bager Søren Christensen , Bisgaard Hans , Stokholm Jakob
Published: January 2023

Background

Otitis media with middle ear effusion (MEE) can be treated with ventilation tubes (VT) insertion, and it has been speculated that prolonged MEE in childhood can affect neurological development, which in turn may be important for later academic achievements.

Objective

To investigate the association between middle ear effusion (MEE), treatment with ventilation tubes (VT) and childhood neurological development.

Study design

We examined 663 children from the Copenhagen Prospective Studies on Asthma in Childhood 2010 (COPSAC2010) unselected mother-child cohort study. Children were followed by study pediatricians with regular visits from pregnancy until 3 years of age. MEE was diagnosed using tympanometry at age 1, 2 and 3 years. Information regarding VT from age 0–3 years was obtained from national registries. We assessed age at achievement of gross motor milestones from birth, language scores at 1 and 2 years, cognitive score at 2.5 years and general development score at age 3 years using standardized quantitative tests.

Results

Children with MEE had a lower 1-year word production vs. children with no disease: (median 2, IQR [0–6] vs. 4, IQR [1–7]; p = 0.017), and a lower 1-year word comprehension (median 36; IQR [21–63] vs. 47, IQR [27–84]; p = 0.03). Children with VT had a lower 2-5-year cognitive score vs. children with no disease; estimate -2.34; 95% CI [-4.56;-0.12]; p = 0.039. No differences were found between children with vs. without middle ear disease regarding age at achievement of gross motor milestones, word production at 2 years or the general developmental score at 3 years.

Conclusion

Our study supports the previous findings of an association between MEE and concurrent early language development, but not later neurological endpoints up to the age of 3. As VT can be a treatment of those with symptoms of delayed development, we cannot conclude whether treatment with VT had positive or negative effects on neurodevelopment.
Direct implantation of hair-follicle-associated pluripotent (HAP) stem cells repairs intracerebral hemorrhage and reduces neuroinflammation in mouse model
Authors: Obara Koya , Shirai Kyoumi , Hamada Yuko , Arakawa Nobuko , Hasegawa Ayami , Takaoka Nanako , Aki Ryoichi , Hoffman Robert M. , Amoh Yasuyuki
Published: January 2023

Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is a leading cause of mortality with ineffective treatment. Hair-follicle-associated pluripotent (HAP) stem cells can differentiate into neurons, glial cells and many other types of cells. HAP stem cells have been shown to repair peripheral-nerve and spinal-cord injury in mouse models. In the present study, HAP stem cells from C57BL/6J mice were implanted into the injured brain of C57BL/6J or nude mice with induced ICH. After allo transplantation, HAP stem cells differentiated to neurons, astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, and microglia in the ICH site of nude mice. After autologous transplantation in C57BL/6J mice, HAP stem cells suppressed astrocyte and microglia infiltration in the injured brain. The mRNA expression levels of IL-10 and TGF-β1, measured by quantitative Real-Time RT-PCR, in the brain of C57BL/6J mice with ICH was increased by HAP-stem-cell implantation compared to the non-implanted mice. Quantitative sensorimotor function analysis, with modified limb-placing test and the cylinder test, demonstrated a significant functional improvement in the HAP-stem-cell-implanted C57BL/6J mice, compared to non-implanted mice. HAP stem cells have critical advantages over induced pluripotent stem cells, embryonic stem cells as they do not develop tumors, are autologous, and do not require genetic manipulation. The present study demonstrates future clinical potential of HAP-stem-cell repair of ICH, currently a recalcitrant disease.
Effect of statins on inflammation and cardiac function in patients with chronic Chagas disease: A protocol for pathophysiological studies in a multicenter, placebo-controlled, proof-of-concept phase II trial
Authors: Campos-Estrada Carolina , Urarte Edurne , Denegri Marisol , Villalón Litzi , González-Herrera Fabiola , Kemmerling Ulrike , Maya Juan D.
Published: January 2023

Background

Cardiac complications, including heart failure and arrhythmias, are the leading causes of disability and death in Chagas disease (CD). CD, caused by the Trypanosoma cruzi parasite, afflicts 7 million people in Latin America, and its incidence is increasing in non-endemic countries due to migration. The cardiac involvement is explained by parasite-dependent, immune-mediated myocardial injury, microvascular abnormalities, and ischemia. Current treatment of early CD includes the administration of nifurtimox and benznidazole. However, their efficacy is low in the chronic phase and may induce severe adverse events, forcing therapy to halt. Therefore, finding innovative approaches to treat this life-threatening tropical disease is of utmost importance. Thus, improving the efficacy of the current antichagasic drugs by modifying the inflammatory response would render the current treatment more effective. It has been reported that, in mice, simvastatin decreases cardiac inflammation and endothelial activation, and improves cardiac function, effects that require clinical confirmation.

Objective

The study aims to analyze whether two doses of Atorvastatin, administered after CD treatment is completed, are safe and more efficacious than the antiparasitic drugs alone in reducing general inflammation and improving endothelial and cardiac functions in a proof-of-concept, placebo-controlled phase II trial.

Methods

300 subjects will be recruited from four Chilean hospitals with an active Program for the Control of Chagas Disease. 40 or 80 mg/day of atorvastatin or placebo will be administered after completion of the antichagasic therapy. The patients will be followed up for 12 months. Efficacy will be determined by measuring changes in plasma levels of anti-inflammatory and pro-inflammatory cytokines, soluble cell adhesion molecules, BNP, and cTnT. Also, the resting 12-lead ECG and a 2D-echocardiogram will be obtained to evaluate cardiac function.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04984616.
Human butyrylcholinesterase in Cohn fraction IV-4 purified in a single chromatography step on Hupresin
Authors: M. Schopfer Lawrence , David Emilie , Hinrichs Steven H. , Lockridge Oksana
Published: January 2023

Protection from the toxicity of nerve agents is achieved by pretreatment with human butyrylcholinesterase (BChE). Current methods for purifying large quantities of BChE from frozen Cohn fraction IV-4 produce 99% pure enzyme, but the yield is low (21%). Our goal was to simplify the purification procedure and increase the yield. Butyrylcholinesterase was extracted from frozen Cohn fraction IV-4 in 10 volumes of water pH 6. The filtered extract was pumped onto a Hupresin affinity column. The previously utilized anion exchange chromatography step was omitted. Solvent and detergent reagents used to inactivate lipid enveloped virus, bacteria and protozoa did not bind to Hupresin. BChE was eluted with 0.1 M tetramethylammonium bromide in 20 mM sodium phosphate pH 8.0. BChE protein was concentrated on a Pellicon tangential flow filtration system and demonstrated to be highly purified by mass spectrometry. A high pump rate produced protein aggregates, but a low pump rate caused minimal turbidity. Possible contamination by prekallikrein and prekallikrein activator was examined by LC-MS/MS and by a chromogenic substrate assay for kallikrein activity. Prekallikrein and kallikrein were not detected by mass spectrometry in the 99% pure BChE. The chromogenic assay indicated kallikrein activity was less than 9 mU/mL. This new, 1-step chromatography protocol on Hupresin increased the yield of butyrylcholinesterase by 200%. The new method significantly reduces production costs by optimizing yield of 99% pure butyrylcholinesterase.