Quantum dynamics of a d-wave Josephson junction

Here we present the direct observation of macroscopic quantum properties in an all high-critical-temperature superconductor d-wave Josephson junction. Although dissipation caused by low-energy excitations is expected to strongly suppress macroscopic quantum effects, we demonstrate energy level quantization in our d-wave Josephson junction. The result indicates that the role of dissipation mechanisms in high-temperature superconductors has to be revised, and it may also have consequences for the class of solid-state "quiet" quantum bits with superior coherence time.     

Gambusia holbrooki,the ‘tadpolefish’: The impact of its predatory behaviour on four protected species of European amphibians

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Identification of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Pestalotiopsis bicilita,Diplodia seriata</Emphasis> and <Emphasis Type="Italic">Diaporthe eres</Emphasis> causing fruit rot in withered grapes in Italy

Pestalotiopsis biciliata, Diplodia seriata and Diaporthe eres were recovered from severely diseased bunches of withered grapes for Amarone wine production. To our knowledge this post-harvest disease has never been seen before in withered grapes. Fruit rot occurred with bunches containing decayed berries partially or totally covered by whitish mycelium. Morphological and phylogenetic analyses of fungal isolates from symptomatic fruits enabled species delimitation. Pathogenicity tests revealed that the three species are able to infect grape berries confirming that they are casual agents of fruit rot. This study provides preliminary insights on this post-harvest disease that might have important implications in grape quality.     

Leaching behaviour of a sandy soil amended with natural and NH4+ and K+ saturated clinoptilolite and chabazite

Using saturated or enriched zeolites as slow release fertilizers (SRFs) is considered as an environmental-friendly strategy to enhance use of macronutrients in sandy soils. In this paper, two natural zeolites, clinoptilolite (CLI) and chabazite (CHA) were used as mineral precursors to prepare NH₄⁺/K⁺ saturated clinoptilolite (NH₄⁺/K⁺-CLI) and chabazite (NH₄⁺/K⁺-CHA) as zeolitic nutrient sources (ZNSs). Comparison between the nutrient retention capabilities of these ZNSs was one of the main objectives of this study. The NH₄⁺/K⁺-CLI and NH₄⁺/K⁺-CHA were prepared by soaking the zeolites in NH₄Cl and KCl solutions, respectively. Leaching tests were performed on a sandy soil amended with chemical fertilizers (CFs), NH₄⁺/K⁺-CLI and NH₄⁺/K⁺-CHA to evaluate the leaching properties of them. The results indicated that approximately 84% and 88% of the NH₄⁺ and K⁺ of soils fertilized with CFs were lost during the experiment, respectively. While, the NH₄⁺ and K⁺ losses from soils amended with NH₄⁺/K⁺-CLI and NH₄⁺/K⁺-CHA were 29%, 23%, and 14%, 24%, respectively. Despite of drastic changes in leaching behavior of CFs, nutrient losses from ZNSs were more uniform during the experiments. No significant difference was found between the two studied zeolites on reduction of K⁺ loss. However, CHA was more effective in preventing NH₄⁺ loss during leaching.     

Wide Range Applications of Spirulina: From Earth to Space Missions

Spirulina is the most studied cyanobacterium species for both pharmacological applications and the food industry. The aim of the present review is to summarize the potential benefits of the use of Spirulina for improving healthcare both in space and on Earth. Regarding the first field of application, Spirulina could represent a new technology for the sustainment of long-duration manned missions to planets beyond the Lower Earth Orbit (e.g., Mars); furthermore, it could help astronauts stay healthy while exposed to a variety of stress factors that can have negative consequences even after years. As far as the second field of application, Spirulina could have an active role in various aspects of medicine, such as metabolism, oncology, ophthalmology, central and peripheral nervous systems, and nephrology. The recent findings of the capacity of Spirulina to improve stem cells mobility and to increase immune response have opened new intriguing scenarios in oncological and infectious diseases, respectively.