bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis of production and input efficiency of tiger shrimp pond in Aceh Jaya district, Indonesia
Authors: Indra  , Safrida  , Marsudi E , Zikri I
Published: February 2020

Shrimp pond is one of the main livelihoods of coastal communities in Aceh Jaya. However, its productivity is classified as very low. This study aims to (1) analyze the factors that influence shrimp pond production in Aceh Jaya, (2) analyze the allocative efficiency of input use in shrimp ponds, and (3) analyze the area of land under the break-even point condition of shrimp ponds the. The method used in this study is a survey method. Sampling was done by a multistage random sampling technique with a sample of 40 farmers. Data were analyzed using the Cob-Douglass production function model, Marginal Production Value and Marginal Costs, and the break-even point. The results showed that the pond area, number of shrimp seed, labor and fertilizer had a significant effect on tiger shrimp production. Variable land area and the number of seed are negatively correlated shrimp production, therefore both variables must be reduced because it is inefficient, while other variables are positively correlated with tiger shrimp production and are not efficient yet. In the future, to increase tiger shrimp production in the study area can be done by increasing the inputs that exist in the model except, land and shrimp feed. The cultivation of tiger prawns in the study area is quite profitable, the break event point production volume is 352.48 kg and the area of land is 0.37 hectares.
Resistant improvement of Fusarium oxysporum and production of Aceh local chilli inoculated with rhizobacteria
Authors: Hafsah S , Yusnizar  , Nura  , Rahmawati M
Published: February 2020

This study aims to obtain information about the induction of local Aceh red chili genotype resistance by using rhizobacteria isolates against the disease caused by F. oxysporum. This research was conducted from March to September 2018. The design used was a completely randomized design with factorial pattern. The experiment consisted of two factors, the first was red chili genotype, namely the genotype Odeng, Lamando Lapaben, Super Amando 002 and “Lanyoe” SS, and the second factor was rhizobacterial isolate, namely HWI 5 (4) and HWI 8 (6) with a comparison of control treatment. The results showed that the Lanyoe genotype had the highest dichotomous height of 24.44 cm. The combination of the best treatment on the disease incidence parameters, and the number of fruits per plant was found in the combination of the Super Lamando genotype with HWI rizobacteria 8 (6) with each value of 1, 00%, and 24.7. The best fruit weights per plant was found in the combination of the Lamando Lapaben genotype with HWI rhizobacteria 5 (4) the average value of fruit weight per plant was 12.33 g.
P status of Andisol and Its correlation with P content of Arabica coffee leaves in Bener Meriah District
Authors: Hifnalisa  , Karim A , Manfarizah  , Syakur  , Sahar A , Sabrina T
Published: February 2020

Bener Meriah district is one of the arabica coffee producing regions in Indonesia with an average production of 700-800 kg ha−1 year−1. Most of arabica coffee in this area are grown in Andisol. This study aims to determine the P status of Andisol, namely P-available, P-total, P-retention, P content of arabica coffee leaves and the correlation between soil P-available and P content of arabica coffee leaves in Bener Meriah district. This research was conducted using survey methods. The observed parameters were made on Andisol planted with arabica coffee which is located at an altitude of 1,200-1,400 m above mean sea level (AMSL) at slopes 0-3, 3-8, 8-15, 15-30, and >30% respectively. The results showed that Andisol Bener Meriah has a P-available ranging from 0.3 to 12.81 ppm (very low-high). Most of the Andisol observed (73.33%) had P-available at very low and low levels. Andisol Bener Meriah has a P-total ranging from 159.4 to 1,246.7 ppm (low-very-high). Most of the Andisol observed (73.33%) have P-total at moderate, high and very high levels. Andisol Bener Meriah has a P-retention ranging from 85.2 to 87.4%. Arabica coffee leaves have P content levels ranging from 0.10% to 0.23%. Most of the arabica coffee leaves (78.57%) were observed have P content at a minimum level.; there is a close relationship between soil P-available with P content of arabica coffee leaves with a value of r = 0.97.
Internet of things: automatic sprinklers in prototyping greenhouse using smartphone based android
Authors: Nasution I S , Iskandar M R , Jayanti D S
Published: February 2020

Automatic sprinklers using a soil moisture sensor is formed based on microcontroller technology. The hard- and software system were designed to adapt the greenhouse prototype. The sensors were calibrated by comparing the value with the standard instruments. Observations were conducted on the kale seedsand it monitored for seven days. Based on the observation result, the sensorsable tomeasure temperature, humidity, light intensity, and soil moisture in the greenhouse. The automatic sprinkle pumped the water according to the values of soil moisture sensor. The values of those sensors have been delivered to webserver and android application. Moreover, the system is able to grow the kale plant in the greenhouseprototypevery well.
Formation of potato micro tubers (Solanum tuberosum L.) by using BAP and coconut water in the in vitro culture
Authors: Sembiring R , Hayati M , Kesumawati E
Published: February 2020

The use of BAP and coconut water can support the process of forming potato micro tubersin vitro. The research was conducted at the laboratory of tissue culture, Trial Garden of Vegetable Research Center, Berastagi, North Sumatera. This study used a completely randomized 5×4 factorial design. The first factor was BAP concentration at five levels of concentration, i.e 0; 2.5; 5.0; 7.5 and 10 mg/L and the second factor was coconut water concentration at four levels of concentration, i.e 0; 75; 150 and 225 mL/L. The results showed that the best potato explant growth was found at a combination of 0 mg/L of BAP and 0 mg/L of coconut water. The time of potato micro tubers and the fastest number of potato micro tubers were found in the treatment combination of 5 mg/L BAP concentration and 75 mL/L coconut water of coconut water.
Analysis of demand and price of North Sumatera’s layer egg in Aceh
Authors: Safrida  , Indra  , Zikri I , Hajar R S
Published: February 2020

The Aceh demand for layer egg supply from Sumatera Utara will affect the total demand and price of Sumatera Utara’s egg in Aceh. This article aims to analyze the factors influencing the demand and price of layer egg from Sumatera Utara in Aceh Province. The analysis method used in this research is simultaneous regression by Two-Stage Least Square data processing and STATA program. The type of data is secondary data in the form of time series from 2013-2017. The result from the research shows that the variable that has a positive influence on the egg demand in Aceh is the egg price in Sumatera Utara and the total population of Aceh. The variation of layer egg demand in Sumatera Utara can be explained by the variation of egg price in Sumatera Utara, egg price in Aceh, the total population of Aceh, and the number of food industries in Aceh by 62.3%. The variable that has a positive influence on the egg price in Sumatera Utara is egg demand in Aceh. The variation of layer egg price in Sumatera Utara can be explained by the variation of Sumatera Utara’s egg demand in Aceh, egg supply in Sumatera Utara, and egg demand in Aceh by 87.8%.
The effect of shading levels and varieties on the growth and yield of chili plants (Capsicum annuum L.)
Authors: Kesumawati E , Apriyatna D , Rahmawati M
Published: February 2020

This study was aimed to determine the effect of shading levels and chilli variety and the interaction between both factors to the growth and yield of chili plant. This study was designed usingRandomized Completely Design including 2 factors, namely shading and varieties. The shading factor consisted of 3 level namely non-shading, 25% shading and 50% shading, and the varieties of chili factors consisted of 3 level namely Perintis, Kopay and Bemeri. The observed parameters were plant height, number of leaves, number of primary and secondary branches, number of fruit per plant, length of fruit per plant, fruit weight each fuit, fruit weight per plant and potential yield. The result showed that the best growth and yield of chili was found on non-shading compared to the 25% and 50% shading treatment. The best variety of chili treatment was found in the Kopay which gave the best growth and yield compared to Perintis and Bemeri. The best combination treatment was found on non-shading treatment and Bemeri variety which showes the best result of growth and yield.

A post-publication change was made to this article on 11 Mar 2020 to correct the conference title in the PDF header.
Effect of blend percentage and roasting degree on sensory quality of arabica-robusta coffee blend
Authors: Abubakar Y , Gemasih T , Muzaifa M , Hasni D , Sulaiman M I
Published: February 2020

Coffee is one of the most famous commodities in the world. There are two types of coffee planted in Central Aceh District, namely Arabica coffee andRobusta coffee. Robusta has a bitter taste and weaker aroma, while Arabica coffee has a slightly sour taste and strong aroma. Farmer in the area often mixsRobusta and Arabica coffee to produce a coffee blend that provide a better taste. However, the composition used in the blend is not known, so that there is no reference to make coffee blend withthe best quality. Beside blending, roasting also become one of the main factor influencingthe coffee’s flavour. Therefore, it is necessary to investigate the effect of roasting degree and blend composition of Arabicaand Robusta coffee on its sensory quality. This research uses Randomized Block Design (RBD) Factorial with 2 factors. The first factor is the Arabica composition (P) with four levels, P1 = 0% Arabica, P2 = 10% Arabica, P3 = 20% and P4 = 30% Arabica. The second factor is the roasting degree (T) with three levels, ie T1 = light roasting, T2 = medium roasting and T3 = dark roasting. Results show that the coffee roasting degree has a very significant effect on pH and organoleptic and has no significant effect on total soluble solids of the coffee brew. As Arabica coffeepercentage was increased, the acidity of the coffee blend was also increases. Coffee blend with 20%Arabica with medium degree of roasting produces the highest total cup score and provides the best taste.
Effect of salt pretreatment, chitosan, and storage period on the sensory acceptability of peda, fermented sardine (Sardinella sp.)
Authors: Intania M , Arpi N , Hasanuddin
Published: February 2020

Peda is one of Indonesian traditional salt fermented whole fish products. Diverse method of making peda resulted in varying quality of the fermented peda. This study aimed to evaluate the descriptive sensory acceptability of sardine peda during storage as affected by various ways of adding salt in the fermentation of peda, and chitosan addition. Factorial Randomized Block Design (RBD) with 3 factors and 2 replications was used. The first factor was the pretreatment, i.e. time of salt addition (P) which consists of P0 = salt was added directly to the fish, P1 = salt was added after soaking fish in water for 6 hours, and P2 = salt was added after leaving fish at room temperature for 6 hours. The second factor was addition of chitosan (K), consists of K1 = no chitosan added, and K2 = 2% chitosan. The third factor was peda storage period at room temperature (S), consists of S1 = 0 months, S2 = 2 months, and S3 = 4 months. The sensory attributes i.e. color, aroma, and taste of the resulted peda was monitored by trained panelist using descriptive sensory test with 5 scale. The results show that P1 treatment with a storage period of up to 2 months (S2) produced the best aroma and taste with the highest descriptive value of 4.3 (= strong) and a relatively high color value of 3.7 (= neutral to bright). The next best treatment was P0 and finally P2. The addition of chitosan did not notably affect the color value, but caused a lower taste value, and a higher aroma value. All peda treatments generally still have neutral color, aroma, and taste (= 3) up to a storage time of 4 months.
Nutrient digestibility on ruminal fermentation in vitro with addition of rumen modifier based on Clove (Syzygium aromaticum. L.) and Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare. Mill.) Essential Oil
Authors: Kurniawati A , Saputra W E , Mahardillah L , Hanim C , Yusiati L M
Published: February 2020

Effect of rumen modifier (RM) with clove or fennel essential oilon nutrient digestibility was studied in in vitro batch fermentation. RMs were mix with feed materialto meet concentration of 0, 25, 50, 75 and 100 μl/l of medium. Feed consist of forage, wheat pollard and rice bran (60:20:20DM based). In vitro gas production technique was used with Ongole grade cattle as rumen microbe donor. Fermentation was done at 39°C. Residuals feed were collected after 24 hours of incubationfor nutrient content analysis as data for calculation of dry matter (DMD), organic matter (OMD), crude protein (CPD) and crude fibre (CPD) digestibility. RMs reduced DMD and OMD (P<0.01) start at clove RM of 25 μl/l whereas fennel RM at 50 μl/l. Range of DMD and OMD value were 30.17 to 43.55% and 35.53 to 47.98% respectively. CPD reduced byclove RM(P<0.05) otherwise did not affected by fennel RM. CPDdecreased at clove RM 50 μl/l and gradually decline with increasing of RM. RM increased CFD (P<0.01), but at 100 μl/l CFD was not significant differentfrom control. In conclusion, fennel essential oil have lesser negative effect on nutrient digestibility as RM at doses 25 to 50 μl/l.

A post-publication change was made to this article on 11 Mar 2020 to correct the conference title in the PDF header.
Carcass characteristics of male New Zealand white rabbits fed complete pellet containing different levels of leucaena leaf meal
Authors: Al-Amin N , Astuti A , Widi T S M
Published: February 2020

The objective of this study was to evaluate the growth performances and carcass characteristics of male New Zealand White rabbits, offered complete feed pellets containing different levels of leucaena leaf meal (LLM). Twenty rabbits (2.0-2.5 months old, 600-1000 g of weight) were divided into four groups, and fed pelleted diets containing 0% LLM (P0), 5% LLM (P1), 10% LLM (P2) and 15% LLM (P3). The feeding trial lasted 10 weeks. The crude proteins (CP) of the diets were 17.7-18.1% and energy ranged 2,277-2,542 kcal/kg. The feed ingredient of the pellets consisted of corn, pollard, Pennisetum purpureum cv. Mott, molasses, soybean meal, LLM, copra cake, tapioca flour, and premix. Feed was offered twice daily and water given ad libitum. After 10 weeks they were slaughtered and slaughter weight (SW), carcass and non-carcass percentage, and meat bone ratio (MBR) were determined. Data were analyzed based on a completely randomized design. The SW (2.23 ± 0.24 kg), carcass percentage (48.01 ± 5.41%), non-carcass percentage (51.99 ± 5.41%), and MBR (2.74 ± 0.53) were highest (P<0.05) in rabbits fed 10% LLM compared to those fed the other diets. It was concluded that inclusion of LLM at 10% level resulted in the highest slaughter weight, carcass percentage, non-carcass percentage and meat bone ration compared to the other treatments. Inclusion level higher than 10% resulted in a reduction in these parameters but not significantly different from that of the controls.
Physical and chemical characteristics of rabbit complete pellet feed containing different level of leucaena leaf meal
Authors: Prayoga J , Astuti A , Kurniawati A
Published: February 2020

This research aimed to evaluate physical and chemical quality of rabbit feed complete pellet with different level of leucaena leaf meal (LLM) replacing the soybean meal. Four formulas of complete pellet with different level of LLM were tested (0%, 5%, 10% and 15%). The crude proteins of the diets were 17.7-18.1% and energy of the diets was 2,277-2,542 kcal/kg. The feed ingredients of the pellets consisted of corn, pollard, Pennisetum purpureum cv. Mott, molasses, soybean meal, LLM, copra cake, tapioca flour, and premix. The data measured were physical quality (hardness and durability), and chemical quality (dry matter, crude protein, crude fiber, extract ether, and ash). Data were analyzed based on a completely randomized design. The results showed that crude fiber and hardness of pellet were significant (P<0.01) between the treatments. The pellets with 15% LLM results highest of crude fiber and highest of pellet hardness. It is concluded that LLM can partially replace soyabean meal even at 15% without reducing the physical and chemical quality of the pellets.
Breast Augmentation by Fat Transplantation With Adipose-Derived Stem/Stromal Cells
Authors: Shin Dong-jin
Published: February 2020

Background

Surgical methods using implants were broadly selected for breast augmentation surgery until recently; however, owing to several associated problems, fat transplantation using adipose-derived stem/stromal cells (ADSCs) has been suggested as an alternative.

Objectives

This study evaluated the clinical benefits of fat transplantation using ADSCs for breast augmentation.

Methods

The clinical effects were investigated in 105 patients who underwent breast augmentation with ADSCs and fat transplantation. Liposuction was performed in the abdominal and/or thigh regions; ADSCs were isolated from the fat, mixed with refined fat, and transplanted into each breast; and changes in the breast volume were measured.

Results

The average increase in breast volume was approximately 185 mL at 2 weeks after operation. Fat engraftment rates were 85.1, 75.1, and 73.7% of augmented volumes after 1, 3, and 6 months, respectively. A total of 39 patients who received >60 million ADSCs exhibited a transplanted fat engraftment rate of 90.5% (average increase, 162 mL), whereas this rate was 68.9% (average increase, 115 mL) in 31 patients who received <60 million ADSCs.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates that breast augmentation with ADSCs and fat transplantation is effective. Surgical outcomes substantially improved with increased numbers of implanted ADSCs.

Level of Evidence: 4
A Novel CMA+DD_LMS Blind Equalization Algorithm for Underwater Acoustic Communication
Authors: Sun Jianqiu , Li Xingguang , Chen Kang , Cui Wei , Chu Ming
Published: February 2020

The performance of underwater acoustic communication system is affected seriously by inter-symbol interference caused by multipath effects. Therefore, a novel blind equalization algorithm based on constant modulus algorithm (CMA) and decision-directed least mean square (DD_LMS) is adopted to improve the equalization ability of the system. Firstly, the LMS algorithm is improved by introducing inverse hyperbolic sine function and three adjustment factors to control step-size and the appropriate parameter values are set through the simulation of three adjustment factors. Secondly, the error values of the step-size function are replaced with error expectations to improve the anti-noise performance. Finally, the improved step-size function is introduced into the CMA and DD_LMS algorithm and the difference of the iteration error of adjacent k times is used as the switching condition of the dual mode algorithm. The results show that the algorithm has good equalization and anti-noise performance at both high and low signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), especially at low SNR, its steady-state error is ~10 dB lower than the traditional CMA and its convergence speed is ~15% higher than the traditional CMA. This algorithm can be used to effectively improve the communication efficiency of the communication system of underwater robots, which has good application value.
Multiple solutions and their asymptotics for laminar flows through a porous channel with different permeabilities
Authors: Guo Hongxia , Gui Changfeng , Lin Ping , Zhao Mingfeng
Published: February 2020

The existence and multiplicity of similarity solutions for the steady, incompressible and fully developed laminar flows in a uniformly porous channel with two permeable walls are investigated. We shall focus on the so-called asymmetric case where the upper wall is with an amount of flow injection and the lower wall with a different amount of suction. The numerical results suggest that there exist three solutions designated as type $I$, type $II$ and type $III$ for the asymmetric case, type $I$ solution exists for all non-negative Reynolds number and types $II$ and $III$ solutions appear simultaneously at a common Reynolds number that depends on the value of asymmetric parameter $a$ and with the increase of $a$ the common Reynolds numbers are decreasing. We also theoretically show that there exist three solutions. The corresponding asymptotic solution for each of the multiple solutions is constructed by the method of boundary layer correction or matched asymptotic expansion for the most difficult high Reynolds number case. These asymptotic solutions are all verified by their corresponding numerical solutions.
A Green, Economic “Switch-On” Sensor for Cefixime Analysis Based on Black Soya Bean Carbon Quantum Dots
Authors: Zhang Yuecheng , Wang Jingyuan , Wu Wenbo , Li Chengjia , Ma Hongyan
Published: February 2020

Background

Cefixime is a third-generation oral cephalosporin antibiotic widely used to treat bacterial infections. Typical methods for cefixime analysis use expensive instruments or sophisticated experimental procedures, and thus a sensitive and practical method is urgently needed for cefixime detection and analysis.

Objective

To develop a sensitive and robust cefixime “switch-on” sensor based on carbon quantum dots (CQDs).

Methods

In this study, black soya beans were used as an inexpensive carbon source for a “green” synthesis of fluorescent black soya bean (BS)-carbon quantum dots (CQDs). The fluorescence of these particles could be efficiently quenched by Ce(IV)due to the ground state recombination and electron transfer (ET) between Ce(IV)and BS-CQDs. In the presence of cefixime, the ET was interrupted and the fluorescent signal was recovered.

Results/Conclusions

This method showed high sensitivity and an impressively low detection limit of 169 nM.

Highlights

This low-cost, simple strategy for cefixime detection exhibits excellent stability, selectivity, and sensitivity. Moreover, it was successfully applied for the detection of cefixime in tablets and in a complex biological environment, confirming its great potential utility for drug analysis, biological process research, and clinical research.
Transcriptome-Wide Identification of MicroRNAs and Analysis of Their Potential Roles in Development of Indian Meal Moth (Lepidoptera:Pyralidae)
Authors: Chen Er-Hu , Tao Ye-Xin , Song Wei , Shen Fei , Yuan Ming-Long , Tang Pei-An
Published: February 2020

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have been reported to play indispensable roles in regulating various developmental processes via the posttranscriptional repression of target genes in insect species. In the present paper, we studied the miRNAs in Indian meal moth (Plodia interpunctella (Hübener)), one of the most economically important stored grains pests around the world. In total, 12 small RNA libraries from four developmental stages of P. interpunctella were constructed, and 178 known and 23 novel miRNAs were identified. In addition, the expression profiles of these miRNAs were assessed across different developmental stages and miRNAs that were highly expressed in eggs, larvae, pupae, and adults were identified. Specifically, 100, 61, and 52 miRNAs were differentially expressed between eggs and larvae, larvae and pupae, and pupae and adults, respectively. The KEGG and GO analysis of the predicted target genes suggested the essential roles of miRNAs in the regulation of complex development of P. interpunctella. Importantly, we also found a set of miRNAs might be involved in the larval metamorphic molting process, with their expressions increasing and then decreasing during the larva-pupa-adult stages of P. interpunctella. In conclusion, the current paper has discovered numerous miRNAs, and some key miRNAs that might be responsible for regulating development in P. interpunctella. To our knowledge, this is the first study to document miRNAs and their expression patterns in interpunctella, and those findings would lay an important molecular foundation for future functional analysis of these miRNAs in P. interpunctella.
A Double-Edged Pluralism: Paradoxes of Diversity in the International Institute Movement, 1945–1965
Authors: Iacovetta Franca , Toffoli Erica
Published: February 2020

As a study in US pluralism, this article examines the International Institute movement—an urban network of liberal pluralist social welfare and intercultural agencies—in the early post-1945 era. It argues that the institutes were practitioners of a double-edged, or paradoxical, pluralism, in which progressive and conservative elements coexisted in tension with each other. An assessment of Institute records from the national headquarters and several local affiliates dealing with group and cultural programs and casework methods considers the possibilities, limits, tensions, and ironic implications of institute theories and practices. The analysis highlights the challenge of attaining that ever-elusive “balance” between promoting cultural diversity (and integration) and ensuring a degree of assimilation. It sheds light on a major irony—namely, that the application of modestly relativist cultural insights often generated hypotheses of im/migrant pathology. And, in regard to processes of racialization, it illuminates a paradox: that race could inflect institute “cultural” theory and practice with respect to both ethnic and racialized im/migrants and minoritized Americans. Finally, the authors suggest their framework might be of wider applicability and that critical historical thinking about contemporary multiculturalism and its long roots is both timely and important.
Distorted surfaces of magnetic helium-peculiar stars: an application to a Cen
Authors: Krtička J , Mikulášek Z , Prvák M , Niemczura E , Leone F , Wade G
Published: February 2020

Helium-peculiar magnetic chemically peculiar stars show variations of helium abundance across their surfaces. As a result of associated atmospheric scale height variations, the stellar surface becomes distorted, with helium-rich regions dented inwards. Effectively, on top of flux variations due to opacity effects, the depressed helium-rich surface regions become less bright in the optical regions and brighter in the ultraviolet. We study the observational effects of the aspherical surface on the light curves of a Cen. We simulate the light curves of this star adopting surface distributions of He, N, O, Si, and Fe derived from Doppler mapping and introducing the effect of distortion proportional to helium abundance. We show that while most of the optical and UV variations of this star result from flux redistribution due to the non-uniform surface distributions of helium and iron, the reduction of light variations due to the helium-related surface distortion leads to a better agreement between simulated optical light curves and the light curves observed with the BRITE satellites.
TESS observations of Be stars: a new interpretation
Authors: Balona L A , Ozuyar D
Published: February 2020

Light curves of 57 classical Be stars in TESS sectors 1–15 are examined. In most Be stars, the periodogram shows groups at a fundamental and one or more harmonics, which we attribute to rotation. In about 40 per cent of the stars, the group is just a single narrow or slightly broadened peak. In about 30 per cent, it consists of a multiple, closely spaced peaks. These groups can be interpreted as non-coherent variations most likely associated with photospheric gas clouds. Approximate rotational frequencies for about 74 per cent of the stars can be derived. Comparison with the projected rotational velocities shows that the photometric frequency is consistent with rotation. The first harmonic plays a prominent role in many Be stars and manifests itself in either single-wave or double-wave light curves. The reduction in amplitude of β Cep pulsations in a few Be stars during an outburst and their subsequent recovery is most likely an obscuration effect. Other instances of possible obscuration of the photosphere are suspected. A simple model, which attempts to explain these observations and other general properties of Be stars, is proposed.
Inference on accretion flow properties of XTE J1752-223 during its 2009-10 outburst
Authors: Chatterjee Kaushik , Debnath Dipak , Chatterjee Debjit , Jana Arghajit , Chakrabarti Sandip K
Published: February 2020

Spectral and timing properties of the stellar-mass black hole candidate XTE J1752-223 during its 2009-10 outburst are studied using RXTE PCA data in the 2.5–25 keV energy range. Low frequency quasi-periodic oscillations are seen during outburst. The spectral analysis is done using two types of models: one is the combined disc blackbody plus power-law model and the other is Transonic flow solution based Two Component Advective Flow (TCAF) model. Light-curve profiles and evolution of hardness ratios are studied using MAXI GSC and Swift BAT data. Based on the evolution of the temporal and the spectral properties, we find that the object evolved through the following spectral states: hard, hard-intermediate, and soft-intermediate/soft. From the TCAF model fitted spectral analysis, we also estimate the probable mass of the black hole in the range of 8.1−11.9 M⊙, and more precisely, the mass appears to be 10 ± 1.9 M⊙.
A Small-Bodied Troodontid (Dinosauria, Theropoda) from the Upper Cretaceous Wulansuhai Formation of Inner Mongolia, China
Authors: Wang Shuo , Tan Qingwei , Zhang Qiyue , Steigler Josef , Zhang Huitao , Tan Lin
Published: February 2020

A new small-bodied troodontid (LH PV39) recovered from the Upper Cretaceous Wulansuhai Formation, Suhongtu, Inner Mongolia, China, is described. The new specimen preserves six postaxial cervical vertebrae, five completely fused sacral and four posterior caudal vertebrae in addition to two manual unguals. The completely fused neurocentral junctions indicate that a skeletally mature individual of the same species of LH PV39 would be smaller thanPhilovenatorand comparable in body size to a skeletal mature individual ofAlmas. The extremely dorsoventrally compressed sacral centra and neural canal, and the middle three sacral centra that are shorter and wider than the first and the last one distinguishing LH PV39 from other known troodontids. A series of phylogenetic analyses were conducted using modified published matrices. By coding LH PV39 in different strategies, the troodontid affinity of LH PV39 is confirmed and it was recovered as the sister taxon of eitherMeiandSinovenator(LH PV39 scored as a separate OTU) orLinhevenator(incorporating LH PV39 intoPhilovenator) in the best resolved coelurosaurian interrelationships. The referral of LH PV39 toPhilovenatordoes not seriously alter the phylogenetic position ofPhilovenatornor the interrelationships of troodontids. This new finding confirms that the small and large sized troodontids are coexisted in the Gobi Desert of the Mongolia Plateau until the end of Cretaceous.
Biocomputational Analysis Establishes Genetic Association of Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) and Migraine
Authors: Roy Nilanjan , Mazumder Arpita
Published: February 2020

An autoimmune disease and a neurological disease do not tie up together but if statistics say that 61% of people are affected by Rheumatoid Arthritis (an autoimmune disease) and Migraine (a neurological disease) at the same time it is really a point to be noted. The previous studies show that Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) and Migraine are related anatomically but our goal was to dig out any other similarities except it. Therefore, we studied their genes and hoped to get something fascinating. We assessed the genes from the literature study and Genetic Home Reference (https://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/). After that, the genetic sequences of these genes were extracted from NCBI (National Center for Biotechnology Information,http://ncbi.nlm.nih.gov) and by applying multiple sequence alignment, we created a phylogenetic tree by Mega (Molecular Evolutionary Genetics Analysis). Surprisingly, we found 10 pairs of genes with similar genetic structures and common ancestry. Therefore, we can say these 10 pairs of genes are related to each other closely, which is why Migraine and Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) are found together in a person. At the last part of this study, we used protein expression for the evaluation of the result. Here our bioinformatics approach may help to strengthen the connectedness of these two diverse diseases.
Super-resolved polarisation-enhanced second harmonic generation for direct imaging of nanoscale changes in collagen architecture
Authors: Johnson Peter , Karvounis Artemis , Singh H. Johnson , Brereton Christopher J. , Bourdakos Konstantinos , Lunn Kerry , Roberts James JW , Davies Donna E , Muskens Otto L. , Jones Mark G , Mahajan Sumeet
Published: February 2020

Super-resolution (SR) optical microscopy has allowed the investigation of many biological structures below the diffraction limit, however, most of the techniques are hampered by the need for fluorescent labels. Non-linear label-free techniques such as Second Harmonic Generation (SHG) provide structurally specific contrast without the addition of exogenous labels, allowing observation of unperturbed biological systems. Here we achieve super-resolution SHG (SR-SHG) for the first time. We use the photonic nanojet (PNJ) phenomena to achieve a resolution of ~λ/6 with respect to the fundamental wavelength, a ~2.7-fold improvement over diffraction-limited SHG under the same imaging conditions. Crucially we find that the polarisation properties of excitation are maintained in a PNJ allowing the resolution to be further enhanced by detection of polarisation-resolved SHG (p-SHG) by observing anisotropy in signals. These new findings allowed us to visualise biological SHG-active structures such as collagen at an unprecedented and previously unresolvable spatial scale. Moreover, we demonstrate that the use of an array of self-assembled high-index spheres overcomes the issue of a limited field of view for such a method, allowing PNJ-assisted SR-SHG to be used over a large area. Dysregulation of collagen at the nanoscale occurs in many diseases and is an underlying cause in diseases such as lung fibrosis. Here we are able to demonstrate that pSR-SHG allows unprecedented observation of changes at the nanoscale that are invisible by conventional diffraction-limited SHG imaging. The ability to non-destructively image SHG-active biological structures without labels at the nanoscale with a relatively simple optical method heralds the promise of a new tool to understand biological phenomena and drive drug discovery.
Effects of the dynein inhibitor dynarrestin on the number of motor proteins transporting synaptic cargos
Authors: Hayashi Kumiko , Miyamoto Miki G. , Niwa Shinsuke
Published: February 2020

Synaptic cargo transport by kinesin and dynein in hippocampal neurons was investigated using non-invasive measurements of transport force based on non-equilibrium statistical mechanics. Although direct physical measurements such as force measurement using optical tweezers are difficult in an intracellular environment, the non-invasive estimations enabled enumerating force producing units (FPUs) carrying a cargo comprising the motor proteins generating force. The number of FPUs served as a barometer for stable and long-distance transport by multiple motors, which was then used to quantify the extent of damage to axonal transport by dynarrestin, a dynein inhibitor. We found that dynarrestin decreased the FPU for retrograde transport more than anterograde transport. In the future, these measurements may be used to quantify the damage to axonal transport resulting from neuronal diseases including Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and Huntington’s diseases.
Hippocampal and Parahippocampal Grey Matter Structural Integrity Assessed by Multimodal Imaging is Associated With Episodic Memory in Old Age
Authors: Köhncke Ylva , Düzel Sandra , Sander Myriam C. , Lindenberger Ulman , Kühn Simone , Brandmaier Andreas M.
Published: February 2020

Maintained structural integrity of hippocampal and cortical grey matter may explain why some older adults show rather preserved episodic memory. However, viable measurement models for estimating individual differences in grey matter structural integrity are lacking; instead, findings rely on fallible single indicators of integrity. Here, we introduce multitrait-multimethod (MTMM) methodology to capture individual differences in grey matter integrity, based on multimodal structural imaging in a large sample of 1,522 healthy adults aged 60 to 88 years from the Berlin Aging Study II, including 331 participants who underwent MR imaging. Structural integrity factors expressed the common variance of voxel-based morphometry (VBM), mean diffusivity (MD), and magnetization transfer ratio (MT) for each of four regions of interest (ROI): hippocampus, parahippocampal gyrus, prefrontal cortex, and precuneus. Except for precuneus, the integrity factors correlated with episodic memory. Associations with hippocampal and parahippocampal integrity persisted after controlling for age, sex, and education. Our results support the proposition that episodic memory ability in old age benefits from maintained structural integrity of hippocampus and parahippocampal gyrus. Exploratory follow-up analyses on sex differences showed that this effect is restricted to men. Multimodal factors of structural brain integrity might help improve our biological understanding of human memory aging.
Midbrain modulation of conditioned learning
Authors: Rizzi Giorgio , Li Zhuoliang , Hogrefe Norbert , Tan Kelly R.
Published: February 2020

The firing activity of striatal cholinergic interneurons (CINs) is a neural correlate of conditioned learning. However, its circuitry is not entirely described. Here we report that midbrain GABA and Glutamate neurons discriminate auditory cues and encode the association of a predictive stimulus with a footshock. Through their mono- and di-synaptic inputs via the thalamic-parafasicular sub-nucleus onto CINs, they contribute to processing fear learning.
Interaction of theXanthomonaseffectors XopQ and XopX results in induction of rice immune responses
Authors: Deb Sohini , Ghosh Palash , Patel Hitendra K. , Sonti Ramesh V.
Published: February 2020

Xanthomonas oryzaepv.oryzaeuses several type III secretion system (T3SS) effectors, namely XopN, XopQ, XopX, and XopZ, to suppress rice immune responses that are induced following treatment with cell wall degrading enzymes. Here we show that the T3SS secreted effector XopX interacts with two of the eight rice 14-3-3 proteins. Mutants of XopX that are defective in 14-3-3 binding are also defective in suppression of immune responses, suggesting that interaction with 14-3-3 proteins is required for suppression of host innate immunity. However,Agrobacteriummediated delivery of both XopX and XopQ into rice cells results in induction of rice immune responses. These immune responses are not observed when either protein is individually delivered into rice cells. XopQ-XopX induced rice immune responses are not observed in a XopX mutant that is defective in 14-3-3 binding. Yeast two-hybrid and BiFC assays indicate that XopQ and XopX interact with each other. In a screen forXanthomonaseffectors which can suppress XopQ-XopX induced rice immune responses, five effectors were identified, namely XopU, XopV, XopP, XopG and AvrBs2, which were able to do so. These results suggest a complex interplay ofXanthomonasT3SS effectors in suppression of pathogen triggered immunity and effector triggered immunity to promote virulence on rice.

Significance statement

This work studies the role of the type III effector XopX in the suppression and induction of rice immune responses, by differential interaction with the 14-3-3 proteins, or with the type III effector XopQ respectively. We have also identified a subset of type III effectors which can suppress this form of immune responses.
Subfield-specific Effects of Chronic Mild Unpredictable Stress on Hippocampal Astrocytes
Authors: Virmani Garima , D’almeida Priyal , Nandi Arnab , Marathe Swananda
Published: February 2020

Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is a debilitating neuropsychiatric illness affecting over 20% of the population worldwide. Despite its prevalence, our understanding of its pathophysiology is severely limited, thus hampering the development of novel therapeutic strategies. Recent advances have clearly established astrocytes as major players in the pathophysiology, and plausibly pathogenesis, of major depression. In particular, astrocyte density in the hippocampus is severely diminished in MDD patients and correlates strongly with the disease outcome. Moreover, astrocyte densities from different subfields of the hippocampus show varying trends in terms of their correlation to the disease outcome. Given the central role that hippocampus plays in the pathophysiology of depression and in the action of antidepressant drugs, changes in hippocampal astrocyte density and physiology may have a significant effect on behavioral symptoms of MDD. In this study, we used Chronic Mild Unpredictable Stress (CMUS) in mice, which induces a depressive-like state, and examined its effects on astrocytes from different subfields of the hippocampus. We used S100β immunostaining to estimate the number of astrocytes per mm2from various hippocampal subfields. Furthermore, using confocal images of fluorescently labeled GFAP-immunopositive hippocampal astrocytes, we quantified various morphology-related parameters and performed Sholl analysis. We found that CMUS exerts differential effects on astrocyte cell density, ramification, cell radius, surface area, and process width of hippocampal astrocytes from different hippocampal subfields. Taken together, our study reveals that chronic stress doesn’t uniformly affect all hippocampal astrocytes; but exerts its effects differentially on different astrocytic subpopulations within the hippocampus.
Dynamic, adaptive sampling during nanopore sequencing using Bayesian experimental design
Authors: Weilguny Lukas , De Maio Nicola , Munro Rory , Manser Charlotte , Birney Ewan , Loose Matt , Goldman Nick
Published: February 2020

One particularly promising feature of nanopore sequencing is the ability to reject reads, enabling real-time selection of molecules without complex sample preparation. This is based on the idea of deciding whether a molecule warrants full sequencing depending on reading a small initial part. Previously, such decisions have been based ona prioridetermination of which regions of the genome were considered of interest. Instead, here we consider more general and complex strategies that incorporate already-observed data in order to optimize the rejection strategy and maximise information gain from the sequencing process. For example, in the presence of coverage bias redistributing data from areas of high to areas of low coverage would be desirable.

We present BOSS-RUNS, a mathematical and algorithmic framework to calculate the expected benefit of new reads and generate dynamically updated decision strategies for nanopore sequencing. During sequencing, in real time, we quantify the current uncertainty at each site of one or multiple reference genomes, and for each novel DNA fragment being sequenced we decide whether the potential decrease in uncertainty at the sites it will most likely cover warrants reading it in its entirety. This dynamic, adaptive sampling allows real-time focus of sequencing efforts onto areas of highest benefit.

We demonstrate the effectiveness of BOSS-RUNS by mitigating coverage bias across and within the species of a microbial community. Additionally, we show that our approach leads to improved variant calling due to its ability to sample more data at the most relevant genomic positions.
The Interplay of Core and Peripheral Actors in the Trajectory of an Accounting Innovation: Insights from Beyond Budgeting*
Authors: Becker Sebastian D. , Messner Martin , Schäffer Utz
Published: February 2020

Previous studies on accounting innovations emphasize the key role played by innovators and other core actors in theorizing and popularizing such innovations. This paper extends this literature by drawing attention to the role of actors who occupy a more peripheral position within the innovation‐based field. We regard accounting innovations as strategic action fields, in which core and peripheral actors interact to shape the trajectory of the innovation. In contrast to core actors, peripheral actors only weakly identify with the innovation‐based field and often occupy a core position in some other industry, professional, and/or geographical field. Given their embeddedness in these other fields, they are likely to try to accommodate an innovation with existing practices. Such frame blending can be problematic for core actors who envisage a more radical frame shift. Using the case of Beyond Budgeting, we show how the interplay between core and peripheral actors shapes the trajectory of an innovation, in terms of the composition of the field and the framing tactics that dominate at different stages in the development of the field. Our paper advances a perspective on accounting innovations which highlights the variable nature of the innovation space, in terms of different actors entering and exiting this space over time, as well as the importance of considering the overlaps between an innovation‐based field and other (industry, professional, geographical) fields.
Differentiation of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell into germ‐like cell under effect of co‐culture with testicular cell tissue
Authors: Majidi Fatemeh , Bamehr Hadi , Shalchian Zohreh , Kouchakian Mohammad‐Reza , Mohammadzadeh Nima , Khalili Ahmad
Published: February 2020

Supplements produced by mouse testicular cells (mTCs) and the interaction between cells can increase the differentiation rate of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (hUCMSCs) into the germ‐like cells. We studied the differentiation rate of hUCMSCs into the germ‐like cells under effect of mTCs co‐culturing. Isolated hUCMSCs from postpartum human umbilical cords were cultured. Then, the expression of mesenchymal (CD73, CD90 and CD105) and haematopoietic (CD34 and CD45) markers of hUCMSCs were confirmed by flow cytometry. Then, the hUCMSCs were cultured in four distinct groups: (a) control, (b) co‐culture until D0, (c) co‐culture until D5 and (d) co‐culture until D10, in order to differentiate into the germ‐like cells. After 10 days, the expression of OCT4, VASA, Fragilis and SYCP3 genes were examined by Real‐Time qPCR. The flow cytometry indicated a high expression of mesenchymal markers and a low expression of haematopoietic markers (CD73:98.6%, CD90: 99.1%, CD105: 99.5%, CD34: 4.22% and CD45: 2.54%). The expression of OCT4 decreased during the time while the expression of VASA, Fragilis and SYCP3 markers increased in the co‐culture with testicular cells (p value <.05). Co‐culture with mTCs may be used as an effective method to differentiate hUCMSCs into germ‐like cells.