bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Macrodrop‐Impact‐Mediated Fluid Microdispensing
Authors: Lin Shiji , Wang Dehui , Zhang Lijuan , Jin Yakang , Li Zhigang , Bonaccurso Elmar , You Zili , Deng Xu , Chen Longquan
Published: June 2021

High‐resolution fluid dispensing techniques play a critical role in modern digital microfluidics, micro‐biosensing, and advanced fabrication. Though most of existing dispensers can achieve precise and high‐throughput fluid dispensing, they suffer from some inherent problems, such as specially fabricated dispensing micronozzles/microtips, large operating systems, low volume tunability, and poor performance for low surface tension liquids and liquids containing solid/liquid additives. Herein, the authors propose a facile, low‐frequency micro dispensing technique based on the Rayleigh–Plateau instability of singular liquid jets, which are stimulated by the air cavity collapse arising in the impact of microliter drops on non‐wetting surfaces. This novel dispensing strategy is capable to produce single microdrops of low‐viscosity liquids with a tunable volume from picoliters to nanoliters, and the operational surface tension range covers most laboratory solvents. The dispensing function is implemented without using small‐dimension nozzles/tips and enables handling diverse complex liquids. Moreover, the rather simple operating platform allows the integration of the whole dispensing function into a handy portable device with a low cost. Employing this microdispensing technique, the authors have controlled microchemical reactions, handled liquid samples in biological analysis, and fabricated smart materials and devices. The authors envision that this rational microdrop generator would find applications in various research areas.
Accelerated Polysulfide Redox in Binder‐Free Li2S Cathodes Promises High‐Energy‐Density Lithium–Sulfur Batteries
Authors: Fan Qining , Jiang Jicheng , Zhang Shilin , Zhou Tengfei , Pang Wei Kong , Gu Qinfen , Liu Huakun , Guo Zaiping , Wang Jiazhao
Published: June 2021

Challenges from the insulating S and Li2S2/Li2S (Li2S1–2) discharge products are restricting the development of the high‐energy‐density Li–S battery system. The deposition of insulating Li2S1–2 on the surfaces of S based cathodes (e.g., S and Li2S) limits the reaction kinetics, leading to inferior electrochemical performance. In this work, the impact of binders on the deposition of Li2S1–2 on S based cathodes is revealed, along with the interaction between polyvinylidene difluoride and Li2S/polysulfides. This interaction can obstruct the electrochemical reactions near the binder, leading to dense deposition of insulating Li2S1–2 that covers the cathode surface. Without such a binder, localized and uniform Li2S1–2 deposition throughout the whole cathode can be achieved, effectively avoiding surface blockage and significantly improving electrode utilization. A full battery constructed with a binder‐free Li2S cathode delivers a gravimetric and volumetric energy density of 331.0 Wh kg−1 and 281.5 Wh L−1, under ultrahigh Li2S loading (16.2 mgLi2S cm−2) with lean electrolyte (2.0 µL mgLi2S−1), providing a facile but practical approach to the design of next‐generation S‐based batteries.
Towards an affordable magnetomyography instrumentation and low model complexity approach for labour imminency prediction using a novel multiresolution analysis
Authors: Nsugbe Ejay , Sanusi Ibrahim
Published: June 2021

The ability to predict the onset of labour is seen to be an important tool in a clinical setting. Magnetomyography has shown promise in the area of labour imminency prediction, but its clinical application remains limited due to high resource consumption associated with its broad number of channels. In this study, five electrode channels, which account for 3.3% of the total, are used alongside a novel signal decomposition algorithm and low complexity classifiers (logistic regression and linear‐SVM) to classify between labour imminency due within 0 to 48 hours and >48 hours. The results suggest that the parsimonious representation comprising of five electrode channels and novel signal decomposition method alongside the candidate classifiers could allow for greater affordability and hence clinical viability of the magnetomyography‐based prediction model, which carries a good degree of model interpretability. The results showed around a 20% increase on average for the novel decomposition method, alongside a reduced group of features across the various classification metrics considered for both the logistic regression and support vector machine.
A 3D‐Printed Self‐Learning Three‐Linked‐Sphere Robot for Autonomous Confined‐Space Navigation
Authors: Elder Brian , Zou Zonghao , Ghosh Samannoy , Silverberg Oliver , Greenwood Taylor E. , Demir Ebru , Su Vivian Song-En , Pak On Shun , Kong Yong Lin
Published: June 2021

Reinforcement learning control methods can impart robots with the ability to discover effective behavior, reducing their modeling and sensing requirements, and enabling their ability to adapt to environmental changes. However, it remains challenging for a robot to achieve navigation in confined and dynamic environments, which are characteristic of a broad range of biomedical applications, such as endoscopy with ingestible electronics. Herein, a compact, 3D‐printed three‐linked‐sphere robot synergistically integrated with a reinforcement learning algorithm that can perform adaptable, autonomous crawling in a confined channel is demonstrated. The scalable robot consists of three equally sized spheres that are linearly coupled, in which the extension and contraction in specific sequences dictate its navigation. The ability to achieve bidirectional locomotion across frictional surfaces in open and confined spaces without prior knowledge of the environment is also demonstrated. The synergistic integration of a highly scalable robotic apparatus and the model‐free reinforcement learning control strategy can enable autonomous navigation in a broad range of dynamic and confined environments. This capability can enable sensing, imaging, and surgical processes in previously inaccessible confined environments in the human body.
A Review on Active 3D Microstructures via Direct Laser Lithography
Authors: Bernardeschi Irene , Ilyas Muhammad , Beccai Lucia
Published: June 2021

Direct laser lithography (DLL) is a key enabling technology for 3D constructs at the microscale and its potential is rapidly growing toward the development of active microstructures. The rationale of this work is based on the different involved methodology, which is referred as indirect, when passive microstructures become active through postprocessing steps, and direct, when active structures are directly obtained by fabricating microstructures with active materials or by introducing heterogeneous mechanical properties and specific design. An in‐depth analysis of both indirect and direct methods is provided. In particular, the wide range of materials and strategies involved in each method is reported, including advantages and disadvantages, as well as examples of fabricated structures and their applications. Finally, the different techniques are briefly summarized, and critically discussed by highlighting how the new synergies between DLL and active materials are opening completely new scenarios, in particular for sensing (e.g., mechanical) and actuation at the microscale.
Magnitude and spatial distribution of food and nutrition security during the COVID‐19 pandemic in Tucumán (Argentina)
Authors: Cordero María Laura , Cesani María Florencia
Published: June 2021

Objective

To describe the magnitude and spatial distribution of household food and nutrition security (FNS) during the COVID‐19 pandemic in Tucumán (Argentina) and identify factors associated with food insecurity.

Methods

During April and May 2020 a cross‐sectional quantitative study was performed. Data from 3915 households were analyzed. The study of FNS was performed with the Latin American and Caribbean Scale for Food Security. To identify associated factors, bivariate and multivariate logistic regression models were applied.

Results

Household food insecurity affected 55.9% of the sample (mild: 39.3%, moderate: 10.8%, severe: 5.8%). Analyzing the spatial distribution, the eastern area showed the highest food insecurity prevalence, followed by the south and west areas. Logistic regression analysis showed that household food insecurity varied according to household size, presence of children, socioeconomic status, and health area of residence.

Conclusions

Household size, presence of children, socioeconomic status and public health area of residence were associated to household food insecurity. The perception of hunger was higher in larger households, in those with low and medium socioeconomic status and in households located in the southern area of the province.
Development and scale‐up of thermoplastic poly(ether‐ester) glycol polyurethanes for flexography
Authors: Ferreira Roberta , Dias Rafael , Laqua Letícia , Pavan Felipe , Marangoni Cintia , Machado Ricardo
Published: June 2021

This study presents an experimental essay on the production of thermoplastic polyurethanes for flexographic printing ink applications. Four formulations were obtained by step‐growth polymerization reactions having the pre‐polymer 4,4′‐diphenylmethylene diisocyanate and Voranol 2120 L® catalyzed by dibutyltin dilaurate as common ground. In the chain extension step, ethanol or ethyl acetate was used as solvent, and the use or not of castor oil as a chain extender in addition to hexanedioic acid and 2,2′‐oxydi(ethan‐1‐ol) was evaluated. The chemical structures of the synthesized thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPUs) were evaluated by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, 1H NMR, gel permeation chromatography, differential scanning calorimetry, and rheological features were assessed by density and viscosity analysis. The TPU resins were used to produce flexographic printing inks and further tested by friction, adhesion, gloss, and Gardner viscosity essays. It was found that the castor oil presence enhanced ink viscosity in 66% (from 26,790 to 44,440 Pa s) as well as improved strength. Formulations using ethanol as solvent showed the best results. The experiments were carried in a 250 ml reactor and then, scaled up to 2000 ml, keeping the power transfer per unit of volume constant at around 0.8 W/L. The analytical results from the larger scale were as good as the obtained in scale one, showing promising application.
Another structural correction for 1‐oxo‐1H‐phenalene‐2,3‐dicarbonitriles: Synthesis of a potent BCL‐2 inhibiting 7‐phenoxy derivative
Authors: Sosič Izidor , Gobec Martina , Steinebach Christian , Schlesinger Martin , Bendas Gerd , Gütschow Michael
Published: June 2021

Aromatic scaffolds are an important part of biologically active compounds and molecular probes used to study biochemical pathways and the involved targeted proteins of interest. 1‐Oxo‐1H‐phenalene‐2,3‐dicarbonitrile‐based compounds have been described as inhibitors of the BCL‐2 family of proteins, and this core structure represents numerous possibilities for modifications that could lead to improved inhibitory potencies. Many studies demonstrated intriguing characteristics of these compounds in terms of reactivity and, interestingly, some contradictory literature reports appeared about reaction outcomes to synthesize them. Here, we initially provide a condensed overview of transformations performed on the phenalene scaffold, followed by the resynthesis of a 6‐phenoxy‐substituted derivative. We show that the initial determination of this particular structure was wrong and provide two‐dimensional nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) evidence to assign the structure properly. When preparing new derivatives using the same synthetic route, we observed 6‐ and 7‐substituted regioisomers. After confirming their structures by NMR experiments, the ability of these compounds to inhibit BCL‐2 was evaluated. The most potent 1‐oxo‐1H‐phenalene‐2,3‐dicarbonitrile derivatives inhibited BCL‐2 in the nanomolar range and showed double‐digit micromolar cytotoxicity against four different cancer cell lines.
Probiotics, prebiotics, synbiotics, and fecal microbiota transplantation in the treatment of behavioral symptoms of autism spectrum disorder: A systematic review
Authors: Tan Qiming , Orsso Camila E. , Deehan Edward C. , Kung Janice Y. , Tun Hein M. , Wine Eytan , Madsen Karen L. , Zwaigenbaum Lonnie , Haqq Andrea M.
Published: June 2021

The emerging role of a microbiota‐gut‐brain axis in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) suggests that modulating gut microbial composition may offer a tractable approach to addressing the lifelong challenges of ASD. The aim of this systematic review was to provide an overview and critically evaluate the current evidence on the efficacy and safety of probiotic, prebiotic, synbiotic, and fecal microbiota transplantation therapies for core and co‐occurring behavioral symptoms in individuals with ASD. Comprehensive searches of MEDLINE, EMBASE, Scopus, Web of Science Core Collection, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar were performed from inception to March 5, 2020, and two update searches were completed on October 25, 2020, and April 22, 2021, respectively. A total of 4306 publications were identified, of which 14 articles met the inclusion criteria. Data were extracted independently by two reviewers using a preconstructed form. Results of probiotic studies do not confirm the supposed beneficial effect of probiotics on ASD, whereas prebiotics and synbiotic combinations appear to be efficacious in selective behavioral symptoms. Evidence of the efficacy of fecal microbiota transplantation in ASD is still scarce but supports further research. Overall, the current evidence base to suggest beneficial effects of these modalities in ASD is limited and inconclusive. More clinical trials are currently looking at the use of microbial‐based therapies in ASD. With a robust double‐blind randomized controlled protocol to investigate the efficacy, these trials should provide significant and definitive results.

Lay Summary

There is a link between altered gut bacteria and autism spectrum disorder. Some people believe that modulating bacterial composition in the gut may help reduce autism symptoms, but evidence from human studies suggesting beneficial effects of probiotic, prebiotic, and combination thereof as well as fecal transplants in autism spectrum disorder is limited and inconclusive. Current data should not encourage use of these modalities. Further clinical studies are needed.
Functional communication training and delay to reinforcement for the treatment of elopement in a boy with Dravet syndrome
Authors: Vascelli Luca , Iacomini Silvia , Berardo Federica
Published: June 2021

This study used a functional communication training procedure with delay to reinforcement to increase communication and decrease elopement of a 14‐year‐old boy with Dravet syndrome. The initial functional analysis showed that elopement was maintained by access to tangibles and avoidance of requests. The experimental design used was multiple probes across settings experimental design. The results indicated that the communication level increased, and elopement decreased during sessions conducted in the rehabilitation center and the home environment. Implications for practice are discussed.
A novel COL1A1 variant in a family with clinical features of hypermobile Ehlers‐Danlos syndrome that proved to be a COL1‐related overlap disorder
Authors: Foy Malika , De Mazancourt Philippe , Métay Corinne , Carlier Robert , Allamand Valérie , Gartioux Corine , Gillas Fabrice , Miri Nawel , Jobic Valérie , Mekki Ahmed , Richard Pascale , Michot Caroline , Benistan Karelle
Published: June 2021

COL1‐related overlap disorder is a condition, which is not yet considered as part of the 2017 EDS classification. However, it should be investigated as an alternative diagnosis for any patient with hypermobile EDS. This could allow providing appropriate genetic counseling.
Upgrading Octane Number of Naphtha by a Robust and Easily Attainable Metal‐Organic Framework through Selective Molecular Sieving of Alkane Isomers
Authors: Wang Hao , Dong Xinglong , Ding Jiayu , Wang Kaifang , Yu Liang , Zhang Shang , Han Yu , Gong Qihan , Ma An , Li Jing
Published: June 2021

The separation of alkanes, particularly monobranched and dibranched isomers, is of paramount importance in the petrochemical industry for optimizing the feedstock of ethylene production as well as for upgrading the octane number of gasoline. Here, we report the full separation of linear/monobranched alkanes from their dibranched isomers by a robust and easily scalable metal‐organic framework material, Co3(HCOO)6. The compound completely excludes dibranched alkanes but adsorbs their linear and monobranched isomers, as evidenced by single‐component and multicomponent adsorption measurements. More importantly, the material exhibits excellent performance in separating naphtha and is capable of providing high quality feedstock for the production of ethylene and gasoline components with high octane number, making it a promising candidate for naphtha separation in petrochemical industry.
Low‐Concentration C2H6 Capture Enabled by Size Matching in the Ultramicropore
Authors: Jiang Xue , Wang Yu , Cao Jian‐Wei , Ye Zi‐Ming , Zhang Tao , Liu De‐Xuan , Li Kai‐Lei , Yang Rong , Wang Teng , Zhang Qiu‐Yu , Chen Kai‐Jie
Published: June 2021

Low‐concentration ethane capture is crucial for environmental protection and natural gas purification. The ideal physisorbent with strong C2H6 interaction and large C2H6 uptake at low‐concentration level has rarely been reported, due to the large pKa value and small quadrupole moment of C2H6. Herein, we demonstrate the perfectly size matching between the ultramicropore (pore size of 4.6 Å) and ethane (kinetic diameter of 4.4 Å) in a nickel pyridine‐4‐carboxylate metal–organic framework (IISERP‐MOF2), which enables the record‐breaking performance for low concentration C2H6 capture. IISERP‐MOF2 exhibits the large C2H6 adsorption enthalpy of 56.7 kJ/mol, and record‐high C2H6 uptake at low pressure of 0.01–0.1 bar and 298 K (1.8 mmol/g at 0.01 bar). Molecule simulations and C2H6‐loading crystal structure analysis revealed that the maximized interaction sites in IISERP‐MOF2 with ethane molecule originates the strong C2H6 adsorption. The dynamic breakthrough experiments for gas mixtures of C2H6/N2(1/999, v/v) and C2H6/CH4 (5/95, v/v) proved the excellent low‐concentration C2H6 capture performance.
Numerical study on porosity distribution and analysis of ignition instability in packed beds of spheres
Authors: Xue Zhijia , Yu Qingbo , Ma Shanshan , Fu Xinyou
Published: June 2021

Porosity distribution is an important factor that affects premixed flame stability in packed beds. In this paper, the discrete element method is used to simulate the sphere packing in cylindrical, conical, and pyramidal packed beds. The anisotropic characteristics of porosity and ignition temperature distributions in packed beds are calculated and analyzed. The results show that the distance of the oscillation period of the packed bed filled with spheres of the same diameter is approximately equal to the sphere diameter. The oscillation amplitude of radial and axial porosity curves can be reduced by filling with mixed spheres of different diameters in cylindrical packed beds. The influence factors on the oscillation period distance of the radial and axial porosity curves include the diameter difference of the spheres and the mixing ratio of the number of spheres. In the cylindrical double‐layer packed beds, the interfacial porosity can be decreased by the increase of the diameter difference among the spheres. Increasing the divergent angle of the conical packed beds can weaken the influence of wall effect on the radial and axial porosities, which makes the uniformity of the porosity in the conical packed beds better than that of the cylindrical and the pyramidal beds. The inhomogeneity of tangential porosity distribution in the packed beds is inherent. In the packed beds, the ignition temperature of premixed gas is negatively correlated with porosity, sphere diameter, equivalent ratio of mixed gas, and divergent angle of conical packed beds, and it is positively correlated with superficial velocity.
A semi‐empirical mathematical model to specify the pH of bicarbonate‐buffered cell culture medium formulations
Authors: Duong Tam T. , Piret James M. , Balcarcel R. Robert
Published: June 2021

The carbon dioxide/bicarbonate system is routinely used as a buffer in mammalian cell culture medium. However, due to the continuous degassing of carbon dioxide and its dependence on temperature, it is difficult to achieve the target pH during preparation at ambient temperature and without control of dissolved carbon dioxide, and even more so at cell culture operating conditions. These problems were amplified when preparing multiple (e.g., 20) customized preparations of an in‐sourced proprietary medium during research and process development of mammalian cell culture systems. Thus, a mathematical model was created to specify the amount of acid or base to add during preparation so as to achieve the target pH of each medium at process conditions without having to do titration. The relationship between gaseous carbon dioxide and the dissolved carbon dioxide in the proprietary medium containing unknown species was specified using a modified Henry's law equation (as done in prior work). Further, to allow medium preparation without doing titration, the acid/base properties of the proprietary medium were fitted by a parameter related to its Net Medium Acids during specification of model parameters. A subset of the solutions was prepared and tested in bioreactors with controlled CO2 flow to validate the model. Then, the model was used to assess the equivalence of the pHs of the customized medium formulations despite variations in pCO2 that occurred during incubation and sampling.
Rhodium‐Catalyzed Direct C—H Alkenylation of Indoles with Alkenyl Borates
Authors: Wang Ze‐Tian , Zheng Zi‐Ang , Li Peng‐Jie , Zhou Chun‐Ni , Cai Shao‐Jun , Xiao Biao , Wang Liang
Published: June 2021

Main observation and conclusion

A new Rh(III)‐catalyzed direct C—H alkenylation of 2,3‐unsubstitued indoles with alkenyl borates through C—H activation followed by transmetallation was described. This protocol provides an efficient method for the synthesis of terminal C2‐alkenylindoles under mild conditions, and also shows broad substrate scope and high functional group tolerance with respect to both components. Furthermore, the C2‐alkenylated indole can be easily transformed into carboline derivative, which is an important polycyclic indole moiety in natural products and drug molecules.
Computational Analysis of Synthetic Planning: Past and Future
Authors: Wang Zhuang , Zhang Wenhan , Liu Bo
Published: June 2021

Computer‐aided synthesis planning (CASP) integrates intuition of chemists and reliability of computers. As an in‐between of unique creativities of human beings and unparalleled calculational capability of computers, CASP has become an important tool used in academic and industrial research. With explosion of novel chemical reactions, increasing of computer performance, and revolution of algorithms, CASP will play more significant roles in the synthetic chemistry field, inspiring novel and highly efficient syntheses of natural products and drug candidates. In this article, we review the progress in computational analysis of synthetic planning from rule‐based programs (e.g., LHASA and SECS) in the early stage to machine learning (e.g., neural networks and seq2seq methods) in more recent years.
A novel polyethylene glycol (PEG)‐drug conjugate of Venetoclax, a Bcl‐2 inhibitor, for treatment of acute myeloid leukemia (AML)
Authors: Ando Hidenori , Murakami Yuta , Eshima Kiyoshi , Ishida Tatsuhiro
Published: June 2021

Background

Venetoclax (VTX) is an anticancer drug. It is a selective Bcl‐2 inhibitor that is clinically used for the treatment of patients with lymphomas and leukemias. Treatment with VTX, however, is accompanied by severe adverse events such as tumor lysis syndrome and neutropenia, because VTX readily binds to serum proteins, which results in poor pharmacokinetics and poor tumor tissue concentration. To avoid such adverse events, VTX is administered using a daily or weekly ramp‐up schedule that is cumbersome in clinical situations.

Aims

To overcome these shortcomings, we prepared a novel polyethylene glycol (PEG)‐drug conjugate of VTX (PEG‐VTX) and evaluated its cytotoxic effects on acute myeloid leukemia (AML) both in vitro and in vivo.

Methods and results

VTX and 4‐armed PEG derivatives were covalently attached through an amide bond linker. In a series of in vitro studies, PEG‐VTX selectively induced potent growth inhibition of MV4‐11 human AML cells via the inducement of Bcl‐2‐mediated apoptosis. PEG‐VTX had the effect of free VTX, presumably due to the protease‐mediated release of VTX from the conjugates. In in vivo studies with AML tumor‐xenograft mice models, intravenous PEG‐VTX promoted sufficient tumor growth suppression. Compared with a regimen of oral free VTX, the intravenous regimen in those studies used a VTX dosage that was 15–30 times smaller for an OCI‐AML‐2 xenograft model and a dosing regimen that was less frequent for an MV4‐11 xenograft model. The most important development, however, was the absence of weight loss related to severe side effects throughout the treatments. An increase in water solubility and the resultant hydrodynamic size of VTX via PEGylation improved the pharmacokinetics of VTX by avoiding protein interactions and lessening the extravasation from blood. The result was an increase in tumor accumulation and a decrease in the nonspecific distribution of VTX.

Conclusion

The results of this study suggest that PEG‐VTX could be an alternative therapeutic option for the safe and effective treatment of patients with AML.
Investigation on the Effects of MnCl2 Doping on Structural and Optical Properties of DAST Single Crystals as Materials for Second Order Nonlinear Optics
Authors: Sivakumar Thirumuruganantham , Eniya Palaniyasan , Sundar Jeyaperumal Kalyana , Thirunavukkarasu Arisiappan , Lakshmi Muppudathi Anna , Kanthimathi Gomathinayagam
Published: June 2021

The intent is to explore the optoelectronic properties of metal ions doped stilbazolium derivative, 4‐N,N′‐dimethylamino‐N‐methyl‐4‐stilbazolium tosylate (MnCl2‐DAST) nonlinear optical crystal materials for the existing technological necessities. The Mn‐DAST single crystals are crystallized by adopting the slow evaporation solution technique (SEST). The structural and crystallographic dimensions of grown crystals are affirmed using single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction and powder crystal X‐ray diffraction. Fourier transform infrared spectra are performed to explicate the functional groups and energy dispersive X‐ray analysis (EDAX) spectra confirm the presence of the chemical elements of grown crystals. The UV–vis absorption spectra of DAST and Mn‐DAST crystals exhibit all possible n–π* and π–π* electronic transitions. The blue shift is observed in the doped materials due to the exchange of lone pair electrons between the metal ions and organic molecule. Tremendously, the second order harmonic generation (SHG) efficiency of Mn (0.01 mol%) doped DAST crystals has 1.68 times larger than that of DAST crystal. From the metal‐organic crystals (Mn‐DAST), all the results brought out are the promising materials in the design of nonlinear optical applications.
Silicon in turfgrass: A review
Authors: Guertal Elizabeth A. , Datnoff Lawrence E.
Published: June 2021

Silicon (Si) is a “quasi‐essential” element that helps plants to overcome various abiotic and biotic stresses. This review summarizes research which examined application of Si in turfgrass management and its impact on plant health. Research on inclusion of Si in turfgrass has largely centered upon three areas: plant disease suppression, improvement in wear tolerance, and reductions in drought and salinity stress. Of these, the ability of Si to reduce turf diseases has received the most attention, with applications of Si often reducing various diseases, including gray leaf spot, dollar spot, and brown patch, in creeping bentgrass, bermudagrass, perennial ryegrass, and St. Augustinegrass. One potential constraint to its effectiveness is that Si application rates for disease reduction are often quite high (e.g., rates as high as 400 to 2,000 kg Si ha–1). Responses were also variable with turfgrass species, soil type, and soil Si content, and the measured response was often not great enough to produce turf of desirable quality without additional use of fungicides. More research is needed in the area of Si and turf wear, as the use of Si to “harden” turfgrass and improve wear and ball roll is widely marketed in turfgrass maintenance. Further research is also needed to identify best soil extractants for measuring soluble Si and to calibrate this extractable Si for the determination of critical levels of soil Si across soil types and turfgrass species.
Phase transition in electrorheological plasmas
Authors: Dietz Christopher , Budak Johannes , Kamprich Tobias , Kretschmer Michael , Thoma Markus H.
Published: June 2021

Applying an external electric AC field to a dusty plasma, the micro‐particles arrange in strings or chains. In analogy to electrorheological fluids, such a system is called electrorheological plasma. Turning gradually the AC field into a DC field, the string formation is diminished until it vanishes completely in the DC case. In this way, a cross‐over transition from a string‐like to an isotropic micro‐particle many‐body system can be investigated. Experimental investigations of electrorheological plasmas are performed under microgravity conditions in parabolic flights. For analysing the image data, a supervised machine learning code was developed and a continuous cross over was found. A molecular dynamics simulation showed qualitatively similar results but also some deviations from the experimental results.
Metastatic malignant melanoma mimicking a salivary gland basaloid neoplasm after treatment with nivolumab
Authors: Lajara Sigfred , Landau Michael
Published: June 2021

Malignant melanoma is a well‐known diagnostic pitfall, given its propensity to metastasize to different sites and mimic various entities. In this report, we present a fine‐needle aspiration biopsy (FNA) of a metastatic melanoma with basaloid features that is occurring in the preauricular/parotid area. The patient is a 17‐year‐old male with a history of excision of melanoma of the left temple, and was undergoing adjuvant treatment with nivolumab. The prior excision was positive for S100, HMB‐45, melan‐A, and tyrosinase. On follow‐up, he presented with non‐FDG avid left preauricular area lesions. FNA was performed, and on‐site evaluation demonstrated a cellular basaloid neoplasm with focal fibrillary stroma. Immunohistochemical stains revealed that the tumor cells were positive for SOX‐10, S100, MITF, and HMGA2, and were negative for HMB‐45, melan‐A, tyrosinase, p63, cam 5.2 and PLAG1. The positive S100, SOX‐10, and MITF results and negative cam 5.2 result supported the diagnosis of melanoma. Nivolumab was then stopped, Dabrafenib/Trametinib were started, and the patient underwent excision of the nodules. Nine‐months later, he developed a rib metastasis that was positive for S100, SOX‐10, melan‐A, and tyrosinase. This report emphasizes that melanoma involving the parotid gland region has the potential to be misdiagnosed by FNA as a salivary gland neoplasm because of overlapping cytologic features and immunophenotypes. This pitfall is avoided by careful morphologic analysis and judicious use of ancillary studies.
Pkd1 and Wnt5a genetically interact to control lymphatic vascular morphogenesis in mice
Authors: Chau Tevin C. Y. , Baek Sungmin , Coxam Baptiste , Skoczylas Renae , Rondon‐Galeano Maria , Bower Neil I. , Wainwright Elanor N. , Stacker Steven A. , Cooper Helen M. , Koopman Peter A. , Lagendijk Anne K. , Harvey Natasha L. , François Mathias , Hogan Benjamin M.
Published: June 2021

Background

Lymphatic vascular development is regulated by well‐characterized signaling and transcriptional pathways. These pathways regulate lymphatic endothelial cell (LEC) migration, motility, polarity, and morphogenesis. Canonical and non‐canonical WNT signaling pathways are known to control LEC polarity and development of lymphatic vessels and valves. PKD1, encoding Polycystin‐1, is the most commonly mutated gene in polycystic kidney disease but has also been shown to be essential in lymphatic vascular morphogenesis. The mechanism by which Pkd1 acts during lymphangiogenesis remains unclear.

Results

Here we find that loss of non‐canonical WNT signaling components Wnt5a and Ryk phenocopy lymphatic defects seen in Pkd1 knockout mice. To investigate genetic interaction, we generated Pkd1;Wnt5a double knockout mice. Loss of Wnt5a suppressed phenotypes seen in the lymphatic vasculature of Pkd1−/− mice and Pkd1 deletion suppressed phenotypes observed in Wnt5a−/− mice. Thus, we report mutually suppressive roles for Pkd1 and Wnt5a, with developing lymphatic networks restored to a more wild type state in double mutant mice. This genetic interaction between Pkd1 and the non‐canonical WNT signaling pathway ultimately controls LEC polarity and the morphogenesis of developing vessel networks.

Conclusion

Our work suggests that Pkd1 acts at least in part by regulating non‐canonical WNT signaling during the formation of lymphatic vascular networks.
Hatching date influences winter habitat occupancy: Examining seasonal interactions across the full annual cycle in a migratory songbird
Authors: Akresh Michael E. , King David I. , Marra Peter P.
Published: June 2021

Birds experience a sequence of critical events during their life cycle, and past events can subsequently determine future performance via carry‐over effects. Events during the non‐breeding season may influence breeding season phenology or productivity. Less is understood about how events during the breeding season affect individuals subsequently in their life cycle. Using stable carbon isotopes, we examined carry‐over effects throughout the annual cycle of prairie warblers (Setophaga discolor), a declining Nearctic–Neotropical migratory passerine bird. In drier winters, juvenile males that hatched earlier at our study site in Massachusetts, USA, occupied wetter, better‐quality winter habitat in the Caribbean, as indicated by depleted carbon isotope signatures. For juveniles that were sampled again as adults, repeatability in isotope signatures indicated similar winter habitat occupancy across years. Thus, hatching date of juvenile males appears to influence lifetime winter habitat occupancy. For adult males, reproductive success did not carry over to influence winter habitat occupancy. We did not find temporally consecutive “domino” effects across the annual cycle (breeding to wintering to breeding) or interseasonal, intergenerational effects. Our finding that a male's hatching date can have a lasting effect on winter habitat occupancy represents an important contribution to our understanding of seasonal interactions in migratory birds.
Temporal patterns of forest seedling emergence across different disturbance histories
Authors: Bowd Elle J. , McBurney Lachlan , Blair David P. , Lindenmayer David B.
Published: June 2021

Forest ecosystems experience a myriad of natural and anthropogenic disturbances that shape ecological communities. Seedling emergence is a critical, preliminary stage in the recovery of forests post​ disturbance and is triggered by a series of abiotic and biotic changes. However, the long‐term influence of different disturbance histories on patterns of seedling emergence is poorly understood.

Here, we address this research gap by using an 11‐year dataset gathered between 2009 and 2020 to quantify the influence of different histories of natural (wildfire) and anthropogenic (clearcut and postfire salvage logging) disturbances on emerging seedlings in early‐successional Mountain Ash forests in southeastern Australia. We also describe patterns of seedling emergence across older successional forests varying in stand age (stands that regenerated in <1900s, 1939, 1970–90, and 2007–11).

Seedling emergence was highest in the first three years post disturbance. Stand age and disturbance history significantly influenced the composition and abundance of plant seedlings. Specifically, in salvage‐logged forests, plant seedlings were the most different from similarly aged forests with other disturbance histories. For instance, relative to clearcut and unlogged, burnt forests of the same age, salvage logging had the lowest overall richness, the lowest counts of Acacia seedlings, and an absence of common species including Acacia obliquinervia, Acacia frigescens, Cassinia arcuealta, Olearia argophylla, Pimelea axiflora, Polyscias sambucifolia, and Prosanthera melissifolia over the survey period.

Synthesis: Our findings provide important new insights into the influence of different disturbance histories on regenerating forests and can help predict plant community responses to future disturbances, which may influence forest recovery under altered disturbance regimes.
Relevant factors for neurologists to define effectiveness of migraine preventive drugs and take decisions on treatment. My‐LIFE European Delphi survey
Authors: Pozo‐Rosich Patricia , Gil‐Gouveia Raquel , Donnet Anne , Poole Anne‐Christine , Gendolla Astrid , Afridi Shazia , Sanchez‐De la Rosa Rainel , Terwindt Gisela M. , Tassorelli Cristina
Published: June 2021

Background

Clinical guidelines agree that preventive treatment should be considered in patients with uncontrolled migraine despite acute medications or patients with ≥4 migraine days per month. However, the criteria to define the effectiveness of treatment and the factors that inform the decision to (dis)continue it are not clearly defined in clinical practice.

Methods

Overall, 148 healthcare practitioners from five European countries completed a two‐wave questionnaire. The Steering Committee defined a simulated set of 108 migraine patient profiles based on the combination of five factors (frequency of the attacks, intensity of the attacks, use of acute migraine medications, patient perception and presence/absence of tolerable side effects). These profiles were used in a Delphi survey among European neurologists to identify the criteria that should be used to decide treatment response and continuation using a conjoint analysis approach.

Results

Consensus was reached for 82/108 (76%) of profiles regarding treatment response, and for 86/108 (80%) regarding treatment continuation. Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that a ≥50% reduction in the use of acute migraine medications and positive patient's perception of treatment were the most important factors that lead to the decision of continuing (combined factors, OR = 18.3, 95% CI 13.4–25.05).

Conclusions

This survey identifies two relevant outcome measures: one objective (use of acute migraine treatment medications) and one subjective (positive patient perception) that guide the clinician decision to continue preventive treatment in migraine patients.

Significance

In clinical practice, criteria to define the effectiveness of migraine preventive treatment and factors that guide treatment stop or continuation are not clearly defined. In this simulated clinical setting study, a reduction in the use of acute migraine medications was the factor associated with preventive treatment effectiveness definition. This study also revealed that factors strongly associated with the decision of treatment continuation in real life are the acute migraine medications use and a positive patient's perception of treatment effectiveness.
Exergy Efficiency and Enviroeconomic Analysis of Solar Photovoltaic Power in Nepal
Authors: Miskat Monirul Islam , Rashedi Ahmad
Published: June 2021

As Nepal has been combating the energy crisis for decades, renewable energy will be crucial for its sustainable solution. This study aims to explore exergetic efficiency and environmental cost of solar photovoltaic (PV) technology in different cities of Nepal. The solar exergy efficiency of 12 cities of Nepal is evaluated herein with various parameters. It is observed that the city of Janakpur carries the highest amount of solar PV exergy efficiency of 25.77% and 36.27%, considering solar cell efficiency of 12% and 22.5%, respectively. Similarly, Bharatpur has the lowest solar PV exergy efficiency of 23.96% and 34.46%, with solar cell efficiency of 12% and 22.5%, respectively. In addition, average thermal exergy efficiency of solar PV varies between 7.69% and 17.70%, whereas total exergy efficiency varies between 19.71–29.58% and 30.19–40.2%. It is also found that the months of March and April carry the maximum average solar exergy efficiency, whereas July and August bring the least. In addition, an enviroeconomic study on various cities demonstrates that the cities of Mahendranagar and Dhangadhi produce solar power with higher environmental cost. Finally, the study encourages relevant policymakers to develop robust renewable energy policies that enhance the solar energy share in Nepalese energy dynamics.
Simply Coupling TiO2 Nanospheres with Cu2O Particles to Boost the Photocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution through p–n Heterojunction‐Induced Charge Transfer
Authors: Yang Ka , Cheng Gang , Chen Rong , Zhao Kai , Liang Ying , Li Weijie , Han Chao
Published: June 2021

Developing an efficient photocatalyst for solar‐to‐hydrogen production is regarded as a promising approach to tackle the energy and environmental challenges that we are currently facing. Herein, the TiO2–Cu2O nanocomposite is synthesized via a chemical reduction approach at ambient temperature and used as a photocatalyst. The composition and structure characterizations indicate that Cu2O particles are loaded on the surface of TiO2 nanospheres. The photocatalytic performance of the as‐obtained materials is evaluated by a solar‐to‐hydrogen production test. It is found that the optimized TiO2–Cu2O nanocomposite (TC‐20) exhibits a hydrogen evolution rate of 7139.02 μmol g−1 h−1, which is nearly 7 times that of pristine TiO2. Based on the photoluminescence spectra and photo/electrochemical measurements, the boosted photocatalytic H2 evolution performance comes from the promoted separation efficiency of photoinduced electron–hole pairs, which originates from the formed p–n heterojunction of the TiO2–Cu2O nanocomposite.
Design and Use of a Novel In Situ Simultaneous Thermal Analysis Cell for an Accurate “Real Time” Monitoring of the Heat and Weight Changes Occurring in Electrochemical Capacitors
Authors: Hess Lars H. , Bothe Annika , Balducci Andrea
Published: June 2021

Herein, the design and use of a novel in situ simultaneous thermal analysis (STA) cell is reported the first time, which allows a precise monitoring of the variation of heat flow, mass loss, resistance, and capacitance occurring in electrical double layer capacitors (EDLCs) operating in conditions comparable to real applications. Utilizing this in situ STA cell, the impact of the operating voltage on the stability of EDLCs during float tests is investigated, and it is shown that the first hours of these tests are the most critical for the stability of the devices. The novel in situ STA cell proposed here can be utilized for the investigation of any kind of electrochemical system, and it can be considered a novel and powerful tool for the investigation of the heating and mass variations occurring in these systems.
Neuroscience literacy and substance use prevention: How well do young people understand their brain?
Authors: Debenham Jennifer , Newton Nicola , Champion Katrina , Lawler Siobhan , Lees Briana , Stapinski Lexine , Teesson Maree , Birrell Louise
Published: June 2021

Issue

Reducing substance use harm in young people is a major public health priority, however, health promotion messages often struggle to achieve meaningful engagement. Neuroscience‐based teachings may provide an innovative new way to engage young people in credible harm minimisation health promotion. This study aims to evaluate the acceptability and credibility of a series of neuroscience‐based drug education animations and investigate neuroscience literacy in young people.

Methods

Three animations were developed around the impact of alcohol, MDMA and cannabis use on the growing brain, labelled the ‘Respect Your Brain’ video series. Sixty young people (mean age 21.9 years; 48% female) viewed the animations and completed a 20‐minute web‐based, self‐report survey to provide feedback on the animations and a 19‐item neuroscience literacy survey, assessing knowledge and attitudes towards the brain.

Results

The Alcohol, Cannabis and MDMA videos were rated as good or very good by the majority of participants (82%, 89% and 85%, respectively) and all participants wanted to see more ‘Respect your Brain’ videos. On average the Alcohol, Cannabis and MDMA videos were rated as containing the right level of detail and being interesting, relevant and engaging by the majority of participants (80%, 81% and 83%, respectively). Participants scored an average of 74% in the neuroscience literacy questionnaire, demonstrating some knowledge of brain functioning and positive attitudes towards the brain.

Conclusion

This study provides evidence that age‐appropriate, neuroscience‐based resources on alcohol, Cannabis and MDMA are engaging and relevant to young people and offer a potential new avenue to reduce alcohol and other drug related harm and promote healthy lifestyle choices in young people.
Opportunities for strengthening sexual health education in schools: Findings from a student needs assessment in NSW
Authors: Roth Caecilia , Cheng Yan , Wilson Eleanor G. , Botfield Jessica , Stuart Anne , Estoesta Jane
Published: June 2021

Issue addressed

Comprehensive sexuality education (CSE) is important for the sexual and reproductive health of young people. To better understand young people's views and experiences of sexual health education in NSW, a student needs assessment survey was conducted in 2017.

Methods

This paper presents the findings from 1603 NSW students in Years 8‐12 following online recruitment. Descriptive analyses explored students’ views and experiences in relation to sources of sexual health information, education providers, school‐based topics covered and resources drawn on.

Results

Findings indicate that school, parents, friends and social media are students’ most common sources of information on sexual and reproductive health. Approximately one‐third of students reported wanting more information on topics related to relationships, reproductive health, consent and sexual decision‐making and sexual harassment, abuse and bullying, and two‐thirds of transgender and gender diverse students wanted more information on gender identity. For the topics which students reported receiving the least information about at school, they were most likely to seek this out on social media and websites.

Conclusion

Findings provide valuable insight for improving CSE in NSW. The influence of social media, parents and the internet should be taken into consideration when developing resources and programme content. Professional development for educators could contribute to improving the quality of CSE delivered. Accurate and up to date resources must be utilised to support student engagement and effective learning.