bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Innovative therapeutic strategy using prostaglandin I2 agonist (ONO1301) combined with nano drug delivery system for pulmonary arterial hypertension
Authors: Kanaya Tomomitsu , Miyagawa Shigeru , Kawamura Takuji , Sakai Yoshiki , Masada Kenta , Nawa Nobutoshi , Ishida Hidekazu , Narita Jun , Toda Koichi , Kuratani Toru , Sawa Yoshiki
Published: March 2021

Clinical outcomes of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) may be improved using targeted delivery system. We investigated the efficacy of ONO1301 (prostacyclin agonist) nanospheres (ONONS) in Sugen5416/hypoxia rat models of PAH. The rats were injected with saline (control) or ONONS (n = 10, each) on days 21 and 28, respectively. Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF)-expressing fibroblasts and inflammatory cytokines were measured. Cardiac performance was assessed and targeted delivery was monitored in vivo, using Texas red-labeled nanoparticles. Compared with control, HGF-expressing fibroblasts and HGF expression levels were significantly higher in the ONONS group, while the levels of interleukin-6, interleukin-1β, transforming growth factor-β, and platelet-derived growth factor were lower. Histological assessment revealed significant amelioration of the percent medial wall thickness in pulmonary vasculature of rats in the ONONS group. Rats in the ONONS group showed decreased proliferating cell nuclear antigen-positive smooth muscle cells and improved right ventricle pressure/left ventricle pressure. No difference was seen in the accumulation of Texas red-labeled nanoparticles in the brain, heart, liver, and spleen between PAH and normal rats. However, a significant area of nanoparticles was detected in the lungs of PAH rats. ONONS effectively ameliorated PAH, with selective delivery to the damaged lung.
Effect of isometric exercises on the masseter muscle in older adults with missing dentition: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Takano Satoru , Yamaguchi Kohei , Nakagawa Kazuharu , Yoshimi Kanako , Nakane Ayako , Okumura Takuma , Tohara Haruka
Published: March 2021

Maintaining oral function in older individuals with missing teeth is important for leading a healthy and independent life. This study aimed to evaluate whether simple isometric exercises can maintain and improve the oral function [maximum occlusal force (MOF) and masticatory ability (MA)] and the masticatory muscle properties [masseter muscle thickness (MMT) and echo intensity (MMEI)] in older adults during the maintenance phase of removable prosthetic treatment. Participants were randomly categorized into the intervention and control groups. The mouthpieces were distributed, and participants were instructed to use them for exercising. The intervention group was instructed to perform maximum clenching for 10 s, whereas the control group was instructed to tap the teeth at an arbitrary speed for 10 s. Both were repeated five times at an interval of 5 s between each activity and twice daily for 4 weeks. The outcomes were measured after a month of exercise. The intervention group showed a significant improvement in the MOF, MMT during contraction, MMT at rest and MMEI during contraction. There were no significant differences in the MA and MMEI at rest. In the control group, no improvement was observed in any of the parameters. When the isometric exercises were performed using a mouthpiece, there was an improvement in the oral function and masseter muscle properties in older individuals with Eichner B status who used dentures.
An alcohol-free beer enriched with isomaltulose and a resistant dextrin modulates gut microbiome in subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus and overweight or obesity: a pilot study
Authors: Mateo-Gallego Rocío , Moreno-Indias Isabel , Bea Ana M. , Sánchez-Alcoholado Lidia , Fumanal Antonio J. , Quesada-Molina Mar , Prieto-Martín Ascensión , Gutiérrez-Repiso Carolina , Civeira Fernando , Tinahones Francisco J.
Published: March 2021

An alcohol-free beer including the substitution of regular carbohydrates for low doses of isomaltulose and maltodextrin within meals significantly impacts gut microbiota in diabetic subjects with overweight or obesity.
Ultra-rapid modulation of neurite outgrowth in a gigahertz acoustic streaming system
Authors: He Shan , Wang Zefang , Pang Wei , Liu Chang , Zhang Miaosen , Yang Yang , Duan Xuexin , Wang Yanyan
Published: March 2021

A gigahertz acoustic streaming effect stimulates PC12 cell structure change within 10 min, and produces a higher ratio of neurite-bearing cells compared to NGF stimulation. This method can be of single-cell modulation due to microminiaturization.
Carbon dioxide adsorption based on porous materials
Authors: Sai Bhargava Reddy M. , Ponnamma Deepalekshmi , Sadasivuni Kishor Kumar , Kumar Bijandra , Abdullah Aboubakr M.
Published: March 2021

Global warming is considered one of the world's leading challenges in the 21st century as it causes severe concerns such as climate change, extreme weather events, ocean warming, sea-level rise, declining Arctic sea ice, and acidification of oceans.
Smartphone-based optical analysis systems
Authors: Di Nonno Sarah , Ulber Roland
Published: March 2021

The review describes the design, application and performance of current smartphone-based colorimeters, photo- and spectrometers and fluorimeters. Furthermore, it gives an overview of the advantages and disadvantages of such systems.
Supramolecular rectangles through directional chalcogen bonding
Authors: Dhaka Arun , Jeannin Olivier , Aubert Emmanuel , Espinosa Enrique , Fourmigué Marc
Published: March 2021

Supramolecular rectangles are built from the 2+2 chalcogen bonding-based (ChB) association of 1,8-bis(telluromethylethynyl)-anthracene and linear ditopic Lewis bases.
Cu2O nanoparticle-catalyzed synthesis of diaryl tetrazolones and investigation of their solid-state properties
Authors: Reason Thomas E. , Goka Benjamin , Krause Jeanette A. , Fionah Abelline K. , Zahran Elsayed M. , Rayat Sundeep
Published: March 2021

1,4-Diaryl tetrazolones 1 have been synthesized by Cu2O nanoparticle-catalyzed C–N coupling of aryl tetrazolones 2 with aryl boronic acids 3 in the presence of oxygen, and their crystal structures have been reported.
Failure of molecular dynamics to provide appropriate structures for quantum mechanical description of the aqueous chloride ion charge-transfer-to-solvent ultraviolet spectrum
Authors: Marin Timothy W. , Janik Ireneusz , Bartels David M. , Chipman Daniel M.
Published: March 2021

Disagreement with experiment of quantum calculations on the aqueous chloride ion charge-transfer-to-solvent spectrum width is attributed to an inadequate variety of structures provided by the underlying classical molecular mechanical simulations.
Purification of novel antioxidant peptides from myofibrillar protein hydrolysate of chicken breast and their antioxidant potential in chemical and H2O2-stressed cell systems
Authors: Chen Jinyu , Yan Yijun , Zhang Leilei , Zheng Jiayu , Guo Jinting , Li Ruohan , Zeng Jiayu
Published: March 2021

Four novel antioxidant peptides from pepsin-hydrolyzed chicken breast myofibrillar protein were identified, synthesized, and characterized.
Constructing compatible interface between Li7La3Zr2O12 solid electrolyte and LiCoO2 cathode for stable cycling performances at 4.5 V
Authors: Dong Yuwan , Su Panzhe , He Guanjie , Zhao Huiling , Bai Ying
Published: March 2021

A compatible interface between Li7La3Zr2O12 and LCoO2 has been constructed through a facile surface modification strategy, which significantly improves the cycling stability of LCoO2 cathode material at a high cut-off voltage of 4.5 V.
Contemporary advancements in the semi-synthesis of bioactive terpenoids and steroids
Authors: Wang Zhuo , Hui Chunngai
Published: March 2021

This review discusses the reemergence of semi-synthesis as an efficient approach to prepare bioactive complex terpenoids and steroids.
An unexpected role of an extra phenolic hydroxyl on the chemical reactivity and bioactivity of catechol or gallol modified hyaluronic acid hydrogels
Authors: Samanta Sumanta , Rangasami Vignesh K. , Murugan N. Arul , Parihar Vijay Singh , Varghese Oommen P. , Oommen Oommen P.
Published: March 2021

Gallic acid-functionalized materials possess superior tissue-adhesive, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory properties due to the lower pKaand faster oxidation kinetics, making them superior to dopamine derivatives for biomedical applications.
Poly[glycidyl oligo(oxyethylene)carbamate]s (PGn-EOmR′ and R-PGn-EOmR′): controlled synthesis and effects of molecular parameters (n and m), side groups (R′), and end-groups (R) on thermoresponsive properties
Authors: He Tingyu , Wang Yanqiu , Xu Liang , Fu Xiangming , Narumi Atsushi , Sato Shin-ichiro , Shen Xiande , Kakuchi Toyoji
Published: March 2021

The organocatalytic ROP and the post-modification reaction produced glycidol-based polymers with a variety of structural characteristics, which changed their shapes over a wide range of desired temperatures.
Guanidium-functionalized cationic molecular umbrellas as antibacterial agents
Authors: Chen Ao , Chen Elliot , Palermo Edmund F.
Published: March 2021

We report the synthesis of guanidinium-functionalized cationic dendrons with pendant alkyl chains of varying lengths, which are classified as antibacterial cationic molecular umbrellas.
Side-chain chiral fluorescent liquid crystal polymers with highly efficient circularly polarized luminescence emission in a glassy-state SmC* film
Authors: Chen Youde , Lu Peng , Li Zhiyan , Yuan Yongjie , Zhang Hailiang
Published: March 2021

A series of high-efficiency CPL-active homopolymer materials in solid films with modulated properties were fabricated.
Etching to unveil active sites of nanocatalysts for electrocatalysis
Authors: Choi Songa , Park Yeji , Kim Hee Jin , Choi Sang-Il , Lee Kwangyeol
Published: March 2021

Surface-active nanocatalysts induced from various etching strategies improve electrocatalytic performances.
Synthesis of benzofuro- and benzothieno[2,3-c]pyridines via copper-catalyzed [4 + 2] annulation of ketoxime acetates with acetoacetanilide
Authors: Rong Binsen , Xu Gaochen , Yan Huan , Zhang Sai , Wu Qinghuan , Zhu Ning , Fang Zheng , Duan Jindian , Guo Kai
Published: March 2021

An efficient copper-catalyzed annulation of ketoxime acetates with acetoacetanilide has been developed for the facile synthesis of benzofuro- and benzothieno[2,3-c]pyridines.
Cyanation: a photochemical approach and applications in organic synthesis
Authors: Patel Roshan I. , Sharma Shivani , Sharma Anuj
Published: March 2021

This review summarises the photocatalytic cyanation strategies to construct C(sp2)–CN, C(sp3)–CN and X–CN (X = N, S) bonds.
Direct CO2capture and conversion to fuels on magnesium nanoparticles under ambient conditions simply using water
Authors: Rawool Sushma A. , Belgamwar Rajesh , Jana Rajkumar , Maity Ayan , Bhumla Ankit , Yigit Nevzat , Datta Ayan , Rupprechter Günther , Polshettiwar Vivek
Published: March 2021

We demonstrated the use of magnesium nanoparticles (and bulk) to convert CO2(pure & also from the air) to methane, methanol, formic acid and green cement without external energy within a few minutes, using only water as the sole hydrogen source.
Prebiotic access to enantioenriched glyceraldehyde mediated by peptides
Authors: Yu Jinhan , Jones Alexander X. , Legnani Luca , Blackmond Donna G.
Published: March 2021

A prebiotically plausible route to enantioenriched glyceraldehyde is reported via a kinetic resolution mediated by peptides.
Integration of single Co atoms and Ru nanoclusters boosts the cathodic performance of nitrogen-doped 3D graphene in lithium–oxygen batteries
Authors: Liu Mingrui , Li Jing , Chi Bin , Zheng Long , Zhang Yuexing , Zhang Qinghua , Tang Tang , Zheng Lirong , Liao Shijun
Published: March 2021

The catalytic mechanism of RuNC/CoSA-3DNG catalysts in Li–O2 batteries.
Nanoscale metal–organic frameworks for tumor phototherapy
Authors: Huang Xuan , Sun Xu , Wang Weili , Shen Qing , Shen Qian , Tang Xuna , Shao Jinjun
Published: March 2021

Nanoscale metal–organic frameworks (NMOFs) based on different metal ions for phototherapy.
Ultrafast photonics applications based on evanescent field interactions with 2D molybdenum carbide (Mo2C)
Authors: Liu Shunxiang , Lu Jinsheng , Huang Hongfu , Xu Ning , Qu Junle , Wen Qiao
Published: March 2021

We synthesized Mo2C nanosheets by using liquid-phase exfoliation technology, and a D-shaped fibre Mo2C saturable absorber was used as a mode-locker to generate ultrashort-pulse lasers by employing evanescent field interactions.
A Survey of American Speech-Language Pathologists' Perspectives on Augmentative and Alternative Communication Assessment and Intervention Across Language Domains
Authors: Kovacs Thomas
Published: March 2021

Purpose

The aim of the study was to collect information about American speech-language pathologists' preprofessional training, practice, self-perceived competence, adequacy of resources, and interest in continuing education related to augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) assessment and intervention strategies addressing each of the five language domains: semantics, pragmatics, phonology, morphology, and syntax.

Method

An anonymous online survey of American speech-language pathologists was conducted.

Results

A majority of participants rated their preprofessional training for assessing semantic and pragmatic skills positively. Otherwise, a majority of participants rated preprofessional training for assessment and intervention negatively across language domains. High interest in continuing education opportunities addressing assessment and intervention was found across language domains. A discrepancy between responses to questions addressing semantic and pragmatic skills and responses to questions addressing phonological, morphological, and syntactic skills was consistently found for ratings of preprofessional training, practice, perceived competence, and adequacy of resources. In all cases, higher frequencies of positive ratings were found for questions addressing semantic and pragmatic skills.

Conclusions

Improved preprofessional training and continuing education opportunities are needed to support AAC assessment and intervention across language domains. Perspectives and practice patterns reflect a historical emphasis on semantic and pragmatic skills in the external evidence base, even though there are several recent journal articles addressing morphology and syntax in clients who use AAC.
Multi‐agent deep reinforcement learning‐based energy efficient power allocation in downlink MIMO‐NOMA systems
Authors: Jo Sonnam , Jong Chol , Pak Changsop , Ri Hakchol
Published: March 2021

NOMA and MIMO are considered to be the promising technologies to meet huge access demands and high data rate requirements of 5G wireless networks. In this paper, the power allocation problem in a downlink MIMO‐NOMA system to maximize the energy efficiency while ensuring the quality‐of‐service of all users is investigated. Two deep reinforcement learning‐based frameworks are proposed to solve this non‐convex and dynamic optimization problem, referred to as the multi‐agent DDPG/TD3‐based power allocation framework. In particular, with current channel conditions as input, every single agent of two multi‐agent frameworks dynamically outputs the optimum power allocation policy for all users in every cluster by DDPG/TD3 algorithm, and the additional actor network is also added to the conventional multi‐agent model in order to adjust power volumes allocated to clusters to improve overall performance of the system. Finally, both frameworks adjust the entire power allocation policy by updating the weights of neural networks according to the feedback of the system. Simulation results show that the proposed multi‐agent deep reinforcement learning based power allocation frameworks can significantly improve the energy efficiency of the MIMO‐NOMA system under various transmit power limitations and minimum data rates compared with other approaches, including the performance comparison over MIMO‐OMA.
Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency: Comment on ‘Engineering biology and the grand challenges: Do we need a new R&D&I model?’
Authors: Klabukov Ilya , Krasilnikova Olga
Published: March 2021

This comment paper refers to the article published by Gauvreau et al. in Engineering Biology in 2018. Gauvreau et al. discussed various civilian models in the private and public sectors that could boost R&D plus Innovation (R&D&I) progress in the environmental sphere. The authors concluded that there is no tried‐and‐tested R&D&I model for engineering biology that is suited to help solve the problems of many grand and interacting challenges, and further, that the required model will not work without the private sector, so governments must collaborate to develop such a model. However, the authors have not mentioned one of the most famous classic Research & Development (R&D) models used in the creation of disruptive technologies—a unique model of the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) of the US Department of Defense. The present commentary poses questions about the models currently used in innovative research, known as DARPA‐like R&D agencies, and the innovative ecosystems around them.
Asteroid absolute magnitudes and phase curve parameters from Gaia photometry
Authors: Martikainen J. , Muinonen K. , Penttilä A. , Cellino A. , Wang X.-B.
Published: March 2021

Aims. We perform light curve inversion for 491 asteroids to retrieve phase curve parameters, rotation periods, pole longitudes and latitudes, and convex and triaxial ellipsoid shapes by using the sparse photometric observations from Gaia Data Release 2 and the dense ground-based observations from the DAMIT database. We develop a method for the derivation of reference absolute magnitudes and phase curves from the Gaia data, allowing for comparative studies involving hundreds of asteroids.

Methods. For both general convex shapes and ellipsoid shapes, we computed least-squares solutions using either the Levenberg-Marquardt optimization algorithm or the Nelder-Mead downhill simplex method. Virtual observations were generated by adding Gaussian random errors to the observations, and, later on, a Markov chain Monte Carlo method was applied to sample the spin, shape, and scattering parameters. Absolute magnitude and phase curve retrieval was developed for the reference geometry of equatorial illumination and observations based on model magnitudes averaged over rotational phase.

Results. The derived photometric slope values showed wide variations within each assumed Tholen class. The computed Gaia G-band absolute magnitudes matched notably well with the V-band absolute magnitudes retrieved from the Jet Propulsion Laboratory Small-Body Database. Finally, the reference phase curves were well fitted with the H, G1, G2 phase function. The resulting G1, G2 distribution differed, in an intriguing way, from the G1, G2 distribution that is based on the phase curves corresponding to light curve brightness maxima.
Non-synchronous rotations in massive binary systems
Authors: Putkuri C. , Gamen R. , Morrell N. I. , Benvenuto O. G. , Barbá R. H. , Arias J. I.
Published: March 2021

Context. The OWN Survey has detected several O-type stars with composite spectra whose individual components show very different line broadening. Some of these stars have been revealed as binary systems whose components are asynchronous. This fact may be related to the processes acting in these systems (e.g., angular-momentum transfer, tidal forces, etc.) or to the origin of the binaries themselves.

Aims. We aim to determine the orbital and physical parameters of the massive star HD 96264A in order to confirm its binary nature and to constrain the evolutionary status of its stellar components.

Methods. We computed the spectroscopic orbit of the system based on the radial velocity analysis of 37 high-resolution, high-S/N, multi-epoch optical spectra. We disentangled the composite spectrum and determined the physical properties of the individual stellar components using FASTWIND models incorporated to the IACOB-GBAT tool. We also computed a set of evolutionary models to estimate the age of the system and explore its tidal evolution.

Results. HD 96264A is a binary system composed of an O9.2 IV primary and a B0 V(n) secondary, with minimum masses of 15.0 ± 0.5 M⊙ and 9.9 ± 0.4 M⊙, respectively, in a wide and eccentric orbit (P = 124.336 ± 0.008 d; e = 0.265 ± 0.005). The primary and secondary components have different projected rotational velocities (∼40 and ∼215 km s−1 respectively), and the physical properties derived through quantitative spectroscopic analyses include masses of ∼20.5 M⊙ and 16.8 M⊙, respectively. The evolutionary models indicate an approximate age of 4.5 Myr for both stars in the pair, corresponding to current masses and radii of 26.0 M⊙ and 10.8 R⊙ for the primary, and 17.9 M⊙ and 7.0 R⊙ for the secondary.

Conclusions. The youth and wide orbit of the system indicate that the non-synchronous rotational nature of its components is a consequence of the stellar formation process rather than tidal evolution. This circumstance should be accounted for in theories of binary star formation.
Wavelength-tunable, narrow-band thermal emitter based on moiré patterns
Authors: Kim Meeri
Published: March 2021

The device has an impressively large tuning range-to-bandwidth ratio, which makes it ideal for applications like gas sensing and infrared imaging.
Optimization of active blade pitching of a vertical axis wind turbine using analytical and CFD based metamodel
Authors: Guevara Pablo , Rochester Phillip , Vijayaraghavan Krishna
Published: March 2021

This study optimizes the active blade pitching (ABP) motion of a vertical axis wind turbine (VAWT) to increase its power output over a wide range of tip speed ratios (TSRs). The study begins by developing a simplified analytical model to compute the torque output of the VAWT as a function of its ABP. The analytical model is used to generate a preliminary optimal ABP at a single TSR. Next, computational fluid dynamics simulations are employed to develop metamodels of the response of the VAWT. These metamodels are used to determine the final optimal ABP. The optimization procedure is then repeated for different TSRs to determine an optimal ABP as a function of the TSR. The power outputs for the ABP-driven VAWT are compared with those of a fixed blade VAWT at different TSRs. The results indicate a 13% increase in the maximum power output of the VAWT compared to an optimal fixed pitch strategy. The torque outputs of the ABP-driven VAWT are then compared with those of a fixed blade VAWT at low TSRs. The results indicate that ABP would significantly improve the self-starting capability of VAWTs.
Characterization of reliability of anti-soiling coatings using tapping mode-AFM phase imaging
Authors: Bhaduri Sonali , Mallick Sudhanshu , Shiradkar Narendra , Kottantharayil Anil
Published: March 2021

Power loss due to dust deposition on photovoltaic (PV) modules (also referred to as soiling) is a severe challenge to the economic viability of PV deployment in sunbelt countries like India and the Middle East. Anti-soiling coatings are nano/micrometer thick transparent coatings, which mitigate dust deposition on PV module. In this study, Tapping Mode Atomic Force Microscopy (TM-AFM) phase imaging was used to characterize the surface changes of four different commercial hydrophobic anti-soiling coatings as they were subjected to outdoor field exposure tests and three different indoor accelerated stress tests. The anti-soiling coatings were applied via manual spray coating method on solar glass substrates. The phase angle for not-coated glass shows a tight distribution around zero. The phase angle distribution of coated surface showed a larger spread. When the coatings were subjected to different environmental stressors, the phase angle distributions became tighter and, in some cases, collapsed to tight distributions around zero, indicating that the coatings were partly or completely removed from the glass surface. We demonstrate a correlation of the changes in surface coverage identified from phase angle distributions to contact angle and surface roughness, thus establishing TM-AFM phase imaging as a promising approach to characterize anti-soiling coatings subjected to environmental stress. While the analysis of the phase angle distribution is able to resolve the removal of the coating, contact angle and surface roughness cannot do so unambiguously.
Measurements of nanomagnetic bead relaxation dynamics using planar Hall effect magnetometer
Authors: Das Proloy T. , Nhalil H. , Schultz M. , Grosz A. , Klein L.
Published: March 2021

We study the magnetization dynamics of nanomagnetic beads with a diameter ranging from 80 to 250 nm in frequency and time domains using a high-resolution elliptical planar Hall effect (EPHE) sensor integrated with a fluidic channel. We find that the dynamics are well described with Cole–Cole and exponential decay models for frequency and time domains, respectively. We discuss the potential use of EPHE sensors in lab-on-a-chip applications.
Enhancing weak magnetic field MME coupling in NdFeB magnet/piezoelectric composite cantilevers with stress concentration effect
Authors: Yu Zhonghui , Chu Zhaoqiang , Yang Jikun , Pourhosseini Asl Mohammad Javad , Li Zhanmiao , Dong Shuxiang
Published: March 2021

In this work, we theoretically and experimentally report a NdFeB magnet/piezoelectric composite cantilever with varying stiffness for enhancing magneto-mechano-electric (MME) coupling under weak AC magnetic field Hac excitation. Measurement results show that the MME composite cantilever can produce a relatively high peak-peak output power of 12.8 mW and a peak-peak current of 0.735 mApp under Hac = 7 Oe at a resonance frequency of 36 Hz. Even when Hac is as low as 0.2 Oe, equivalent to the level of the earth magnetic field, it can still drive 4 LED lighting. The obtained results are obviously superior to previous reports, confirming the MME cantilever harvester has potential to harvest the stray magnetic field energy from electrical power cables for continuously powering wireless sensor networks.
Pore-scale simulation of miscible viscous fingering with dissolution reaction in porous media
Authors: Lei Timan , Luo Kai H.
Published: March 2021

Global climate change is happening but may be mitigated by the technology of geological carbon dioxide (CO2) sequestration. To gain comprehensive insights into this approach, we perform pore-scale simulations of displacement between two miscible fluids in porous media using a new multiple-relaxation-time lattice Boltzmann model. This study marks the first attempt to investigate viscous fingering dynamics in miscible displacement, considering the coexistence of viscosity contrast and dissolution reaction. Simulation results capture different fingering patterns that depend on dissolution (Damköhler number Da), diffusion (Peclet number Pe), and viscosity contrast (viscosity ratio R). From simulations of unstable viscous flows, dissolution is found to delay fingering onset, slow down fingering propagation, and inhibit or reinforce the late-stage fingering intensity. In simulations with stable viscosity contrasts, the displacement features fingering phenomena when dissolution is fast enough. In addition, we conduct a parametric study to assess the impact of Pe, R, and Da. The results suggest that increasing Pe or R destabilizes fingering, but increasing Da first suppresses and gradually intensifies fingering. Finally, for every fixed Da, we determine the phase boundary between stable and unstable regimes in a Pe–R phase plane. A unified scaling law is developed to approximate boundary lines obtained under different Da values. By comparing reactive and nonreactive cases, we classify four distinct regimes: stable, unstable, reactive stable, and reactive unstable. These pore-scale insights are helpful in understanding and predicting the displacement stability during the geological CO2 sequestration, which is of importance to the pre-evaluation of the storage efficiency and safety.
Nonlinear saturation of thermal instabilities
Authors: Beron-Vera F. J.
Published: March 2021

Recent low-frequency simulations of a one-layer model with lateral buoyancy inhomogeneity have revealed circulatory motions resembling quite closely submesoscale features on the ocean surface often visible in satellite observations. This model is known to lack a high-wavenumber instability cutoff and, thus, to possibly undergo ultraviolet catastrophe. However, the numerically observed instabilities, referred to as “thermal” due the ability of the above inhomogeneous-layer model to incorporate thermodynamic processes, are not seen to grow indefinitely. In this note, I show that the presence of a convex pseudo-energy–momentum integral of motion for the inviscid, unforced dynamics can arrest their nonlinear grow in the zonally symmetric case. Our result is an application of Arnold and Shepherd's methods.
The epidemiology of diabetes in the Waikato region: an analysis of primary care data
Authors: Chepulis Lynne , Morison Brittany , Keenan Rawiri , Paul Ryan , Lao Chunhuan , Lawrenson Ross
Published: March 2021

ABSTRACT INTRODUCTION Diabetes mellitus is common in primary care, yet little has been reported of its primary care prevalence or the clinical characteristics of patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). AIM To determine the prevalence of diabetes mellitus and clinical characteristics of diabetes patients in primary care in the Waikato region. METHODS Primary care data were extracted from the electronic records of 15 general practices for patients aged >20 years with current diabetes mellitus at 20 June 2017. Diabetes mellitus was defined as having a glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) of ≥50 mmol/mol (6.7%) or having being dispensed two or more anti-diabetic medications in the previous 12 months. Additional data collected included patients’ ethnicity, age, sex and years since diagnosis. RESULTS The overall prevalence of diabetes mellitus was 5.7% and was higher for Māori (8.6%), Asian (7.0%) and Pacific peoples (9.1%) than Europeans (5.0%; all P < 0.001). For patients with T2DM for whom current diabetes annual review data were available (n = 2227) the mean body mass index (BMI) was 32.8 ± 0.2 kg/m2, but BMI was higher in Māori, younger patients, females and patients diagnosed <2 years previously (all P < 0.001). Similarly, HbA1c levels were highest in Māori and younger patients (both P < 0.001), with 40% of patients overall having a HbA1c of ≤53 mmol/mol (7.0%). Approximately 70% of all patients had at least one measure of hypertension (systolic ≥130 or diastolic ≥80 mmHg), or dyslipidaemia. More than 85% of patients had completed a recent retinal screen and foot check. DISCUSSION We found that management of T2DM was suboptimal, with measures for many patients not meeting clinical targets. Support should be provided to improve weight and glycaemic management, particularly for Māori, females and younger patients.
Attitudes of general practitioners and practice nurses regarding older person health assessments
Authors: Ramisetty Sai Ram , D’Amore Angelo , Mitchell Eleanor K. L.
Published: March 2021

Health assessments (HAs) are available for community-dwelling older people to receive annually from general practitioners (GPs), but have low uptake. Little is known regarding the views of GPs and practice nurses (PNs) towards older person HAs and whether this might contribute to the low uptake. The objective of this study was to explore the attitudes of GPs and PNs towards older person HAs. Fifty-eight participant responses to an online questionnaire were analysed through descriptive statistics and content analysis. Most participants (77%) found older person HAs to be useful. Participants felt HAs identified health problems that may otherwise be missed (n = 21). The main barriers to delivery of HAs were patient refusal (n = 25) and insufficient practitioner time (n = 19). The most requested change to HAs was increased patient education and public awareness regarding older person HAs (n = 10). Health professionals felt increased patient education and public awareness, particularly to address patient misconceptions regarding older person HAs, may improve HA uptake.
“Extraordinary” modulation instability in optics and hydrodynamics
Authors: Vanderhaegen Guillaume , Naveau Corentin , Szriftgiser Pascal , Kudlinski Alexandre , Conforti Matteo , Mussot Arnaud , Onorato Miguel , Trillo Stefano , Chabchoub Amin , Akhmediev Nail
Published: March 2021

Significance

Modulation instability (MI) is a ubiquitous phenomenon in physics, corresponding to the growth of a weakly modulated continuous wave in a nonlinear medium and leading to the generation of a large-amplitude periodic wave train. In space, it transforms weakly modulated plane waves into spatially periodic patterns. In frequency domain, the MI is the result of energy transfer from a strong single spectral component into sidebands. While linear stability analysis predicts a limited band of unstable frequencies of modulation, recent developments based on a nonlinear theory revealed the existence of MI beyond this limited frequency range. These experimental studies are the first experimental demonstrations of the “extraordinary” MI phenomenon. Achieved both in optics and hydrodynamics, they clearly further highlight the interdisciplinary of this process.
Diversity in health care institutions reduces Israeli patients’ prejudice toward Arabs
Authors: Weiss Chagai M.
Published: March 2021

Significance

Diversity in public institutions is thought to improve provision for minority group members. However, the effects of such diversity on majority group members’ prejudice toward minorities are unclear. In this paper, I demonstrate that diversity in health care institutions can facilitate positive intergroup contact between majority group members and minorities in elevated social positions. In turn, this unique contact serves to reduce prejudice. These findings emphasize how the demographic makeup of public institutions and specifically, institutions providing health care can affect mass attitudes, even in a context of intractable conflict.
Structural relaxation and crystallization in supercooled water from 170 to 260 K
Authors: Kringle Loni , Thornley Wyatt A. , Kay Bruce D. , Kimmel Greg A.
Published: March 2021

Significance

Water plays a prominent role in many areas of physical and biological sciences. Water, though commonplace, is also highly unusual in comparison to most liquids. Promising models to explain water’s anomalous properties propose that it is a heterogeneous, temperature-dependent mixture of two structural motifs. Key phenomena related to this structural heterogeneity are predicted to occur for deeply supercooled water where fast crystallization has prevented experiments. We use a pulsed laser heating technique to examine the rate of structural relaxation for supercooled water at previously inaccessible temperatures. The results suggest that the complex relaxation kinetics are governed by a distribution of energetic barriers for rearrangement within a structurally heterogeneous environment. Furthermore, the structural relaxation is always fast compared to crystallization.
Teia anartoides (painted apple moth).
Authors: Suckling D
Published: March 2021

T. anartoides, widely known as the painted apple moth (PAM), is native to south-eastern Australia where it is a common pest on urban garden plants. It attacks a wide range of crop plants and could be a significant threat to the horticultural industry. It was detected in Glendene, Auckland, New Zealand in April 1999 and it was the target of an eradication programme from 1999-2006. Aerial spraying of the insecticidal pathogen Bacillus thuringiensis var. kurstaki (Btk) began in January 2002 and a total of up to 12,000 ha was treated during 40 aerial applications and the sterile insect technique was also used.
Phragmidium rosae-moschatae (musk rose rust).
Authors:   USA, USDA-ARS
Published: March 2021

This rust attacks species of Rosa native to Asia. None of these host species are related to species of common ornamental roses, thus this rust species does not appear to be a threat to the North American and other rose industries.
Harpophora maydis (late wilt of maize).
Authors:   USA, USDA-ARS
Published: March 2021

H. maydis is a soilborne and apparently seedborne fungus, related to the root-infecting species in the genus Gaeumannomyces. It is known from only a few scattered countries, where it can cause significant losses, but may have been unobserved in others in which the primary host, maize [Zea mays], is grown. This fungus was reported recently from Portugal and Spain (Molinero-Ruiz et al., 2010). No dispersal by fungal propagules has been demonstrated, so that, other than in soil, its likely means of spread over borders would be in seed. Importation of the fungus with seed is considered to be the source in Hungary (Pécsi and Németh, 1998). Although research has been carried out on chemical and biological control methods, the development and use of resistant varieties is the most practical means of control. Regulation and testing of imported seed should prevent transport of the pathogen to new regions.
Pseudocercospora fuligena (black leaf mould).
Authors: Baysal-Gurel Fulya
Published: March 2021

Pseudocercospora fuligena is not on an alert list or listed as a regulated pest.
Chrysomyxa rhododendri (European rhododendron rust).
Authors:   USA, USDA-ARS
Published: March 2021

C. rhododendri is a heteroecious rust fungus; an obligate parasite completing stages of its life cycle on different plants. Mating of haploid strains occurs on species of Picea, followed by the production of asexual aeciospores that infect Rhododendron species. Another asexual form producing urediniospores occurs on Rhododendron, followed by the production of teliospores (the sexual stage). All stages are known from Europe. The fungus was reported in 1954 on Rhododendron in the northwestern USA, but the aecial form has not been found in North America. The fungus is a Regulated Pest for the USA; it has been introduced into the UK, New Zealand and Australia. As an invasive species, this rust is damaging on species of Picea and Rhododendron. As latent infections on Rhododendron can be overlooked, accidental introduction of the rust may occur through the importation of these popular ornamental plants (Savile, 1973).
Didymascella thujina (cedar leaf blight).
Authors: Kope Harry H
Published: March 2021

In North America seedling mortality rates of up to 97% have been recorded resulting in large economic losses to growers. Seedling mortality of nursery-grown seedlings also occurs when they are planted into reforestation areas. Seedling mortality greatly reduces the number of plants suitable for planting. Kope and Trotter (1998b) have shown that the growth and yield of younger (< 4 years of age) western red cedar trees can be affected by cedar leaf blight. A decrease of 30% in stem diameter, 50% in shoot biomass and 35% in root biomass has been recorded for blight-affected trees compared to unblighted trees in reforestation sites. This decrease in tree growth and yield can contribute to additional years of tree maintenance in reforestation sites, before the trees can compete with other plants and the site is considered adequately reforested.
Globodera rostochiensis (yellow potato cyst nematode).
Authors: Rowe Janet
Published: March 2021

G. rostochiensis is a world wide pest of temperate areas, including both temperate countries and temperate regions of tropical countries, for example India's Nigrilis region. Distribution is linked to that of the potato crop. Potato cyst nematode is considered to have originated from the Andes region of South America, from where it spread to Europe with potatoes. The ease with which it has been transported across continents proves what a resilient pest it is. The cyst form which adheres to host roots, stolons and tubers and to soil particles during transportation gives rise to new infestations where climate and food source are both available and favourable. Secondary means of dispersal is through the movement of contaminated farm machinery, farming implements and contaminated footwear. Cysts are also successfully spread by wind dispersal, during winter storms or sand storms where top soil is redistributed. Rain which causes flooding and water to run off fields into trenches or irrigation channels also redistributes cysts into adjoining areas.
Hop stunt viroid (hop stunt viroid).
Authors: Radišek Sebastjan
Published: March 2021

Hop stunt viroid (HSVd) is a covalently closed, single-stranded RNA molecule of 297 nucleotides (Sano et al., 1985). Variants consisting of 294-303 nucleotides have been described from different hosts (Kofalvi et al., 1997; Amari et al., 2001). HSVd has a rod-like conformation with five domains, a central conserved region (CCR) similar to members of genera Pospiviroid and Cocadviroid, and a terminal conserved hairpin (TCH) which is also present in the genus Cocadviroid (Flores et al., 1997). Replication is known to occur through an asymmetric, rolling-circle model because longer-than-unit minus strands have been found in infected tissue (Flores et al., 2005). HSVd was named due to the first identification of the pathogen on hop plants originating from Japan (Yamamoto et al., 1973). In a wide range of host species, infection by HSVd appears to be latent, whereas in hop, Citrus and Prunus species it causes specific disorders and economic damage (Hadidi et al., 2003).
Paracoccus marginatus (papaya mealybug).
Authors: Watson Gillian
Published: March 2021

Paracoccus marginatus is a mealybug native to Central America. It has been spread accidentally outside its native range by trade in live plant material, such as papaya fruits. It became an invasive pest in the Caribbean Islands and USA (Florida) in 1994-2002; the West and Central Pacific islands in 2002-2006; South-East Asia and the Indo-Pacific islands in 2008-2010; West Africa in 2010-2016; East Africa from 2015; and Israel in 2016. The pest is expected to continue spreading, and climate warming is likely to increase the areas where it can establish. It is polyphagous and spreads rapidly, forming heavy infestations on aerial plant parts and killing some host-plants, including papaya. It poses a threat to commercial papaya plantations.
Plum pox virus (Sharka).
Authors: Damsteegt Vern
Published: March 2021

Plum pox virus disease (Sharka) is one of the most destructive diseases of stone fruits. The causal agent, Plum pox virus (PPV) is easily transmitted by many aphid species in a non-persistent manner, by manmade grafting (nursery trade), and has a very wide host range among Prunus species. Infected plants may not show symptoms for several months and symptoms are often transient in appearance. The disease symptoms are often mistaken for other maladies and the virus can become established before the first recognition of the disease. Although spread is difficult to control within a local area because of aphid vectors, the long distance spread can be controlled by strict quarantine regulations and use of virus-free certified nursery stock.
Alopecurus myosuroides (black-grass).
Authors: Riches Charlie
Published: March 2021

A. myosuroides is an annual grass which is native to Eurasia and grows in moist meadows, deciduous forests, and cultivated or disturbed ground. A significant weed species in temperate cereal crops, it has become one of the most damaging weeds of winter cereals in Western Europe with the changes in agricultural practice over the past 30 years from regular ploughing to reduced tillage systems, suppression of broadleaf weeds in continuous cereals, and the move away from burning of stubbles. These changes have allowed the weed to invade well-drained lighter soils in addition to the heavier clay soils on which it is dominant. It has been introduced repeatedly as a weed of cultivation into many temperate and warm temperate regions but has not spread to a large degree out of cultivation. A. myosuroides has been listed as a noxious weed in the state of Washington, one of the states where winter wheat is a major crop. Due to its propensity to evolve resistance to herbicides it is a threat to the productivity of continuous cereal growing in high-input systems of temperate areas.
Puccinia gladioli.
Authors:   USA, USDA-ARS
Published: March 2021

P. gladioli is a heteroecious rust fungus, an obligate parasite with alternating life stages on different plants. The asexual form occurs on species of Valerianella, producing aeciospores that then infect Gladiolus species. The production of teliospores, the sexual stage, on Gladiolus, completes the cycle. Both stages are known in Europe, North Africa and southwestern Asia, but only the aecial form has been reported in North America, and only on the west coast. The fungus is a Regulated Pest for the USA (Wise et al., 2004) and is absent from South Africa and Australia, where other Gladiolus species are native or naturalized. Although not a significant problem in its native range, this rust fungus could be damaging as an invasive in other temperate areas. Small amounts of infection may be overlooked; therefore accidental introduction of the rust could occur through importation of infected germplasm by the horticultural industry or flower enthusiasts.
Austropuccinia psidii (myrtle rust).
Authors: Carnegie Angus J. , Giblin Fiona R.
Published: March 2021

Austropuccinia psidii is a rust fungus with a wide and expanding host range within the Myrtaceae, with over 440 host species currently known (Carnegie and Lidbetter, 2012; Morin et al., 2012; Pegg et al., 2014). Like many rusts, urediniospores of A. psidii can be wind-dispersed over long distances. Viable spores have been detected on clothing and personal effects following visits to rust-affected plantations (Langrell et al., 2003), and this is a viable pathway for dispersal. Furthermore, there are several instances of (accidental) long-distance movement of A. psidii on diseased plants, both within and between continents (Loope et al., 2007; Kawanishi et al., 2009; Carnegie and Cooper, 2011; Zambino and Nolan, 2012). Under sub-optimal conditions, the rust can remain un-symptomatic within plants for more than a month (Carnegie and Lidbetter, 2012). This combination of wide host range and ease of long-distance dispersal make A. psidii a successful invasive pathogen. It has spread quickly once established in new countries, including Jamaica (MacLachlan, 1938), Hawaii (Uchida and Loope, 2009), Australia (Carnegie and Cooper, 2011; Pegg et al., 2014) and New Caledonia (DAVAR Nouvelle-Calédonie, 2014). Severe impact on a range of Myrtaceae has been recorded in amenity plantings, commercial plantations and the native environment. A. psidii was first identified as an invasive pathogen in the 1930s when it caused extensive damage to allspice (Pimenta dioica) plantations in Jamaica (Smith, 1935; MacLachlan, 1938). A. psidii has been identified as a quarantine risk for some time in many countries including Australia (Australian Quarantine Service, 1985; Grgurinovic et al., 2006), South Africa (Coutinho et al., 1998) and New Zealand (Kriticos and Leriche, 2008).
Argemone mexicana (Mexican poppy).
Authors: Vélez-Gavilán Jeanine
Published: March 2021

A. mexicana is a widespread annual weed primarily associated with agricultural crops and wastelands. It is a major weed of a number of crops in the tropics and warm temperate regions and is persistent as it produces a seed bank. In India in particular, the species is a health hazard and because of its prickliness, is a nuisance to subsistence farmers. In South Africa the seeds of A. mexicana have been declared as 'noxious' as its seeds or bits of seeds may represent a hazard to human or animal health when consumed (NDA, 2001). It is reported as invasive in many countries in Asia, Africa, the Caribbean and Americas, and Oceania (Australia and a number of Pacific island states).