bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Systematic Investigation Into the Control of Roughness on the Flow Properties of 3D‐Printed Fractures
Authors: Phillips Tomos , Bultreys Tom , Bisdom Kevin , Kampman Niko , Van Offenwert Stefanie , Mascini Arjen , Cnudde Veerle , Busch Andreas
Published: March 2021

Heterogeneous fracture aperture distribution, dictated by surface roughness, mechanical rock and fracture properties, and effective stress, limits the predictive capabilities of many reservoir‐scale models that commonly assume smooth fracture walls. Numerous experimental studies have probed key hydromechanical responses in single fractures; however, many are constrained by difficulties associated with sample preparation and quantitative roughness characterization. Here, we systematically examine the effect of roughness on fluid flow properties by 3D printing seven self‐affine fractures, each with controlled roughness distributions akin to those observed in nature. Photogrammetric microscopy was employed to validate the 3D topology of each printed fracture surface, enabling quantification using traditional roughness metrics, namely the Joint Roughness Coefficient (JRC). Core‐flooding experiments performed on each fracture across eight incremental confining pressure increases (11–25 bar), shows smoother fractures (JRC < 5.5) exhibit minor permeability variation, whilst rougher fractures (JRC > 7) show as much as a 219% permeability increase. Micro‐computed tomography imaging of the roughest fracture under varying effective stresses (5–13.8 bar), coupled with inspection into the degree of similarity between fracture closure behavior in 3D‐printed and natural rock fractures, highlight the capabilities of 3D‐printed materials to act as useful analogs to natural rocks. Comparison of experimental data to existing empirical aperture‐permeability models demonstrates that fracture contact area is a better permeability predictor than roughness when the mechanical aperture is below ∼20 μm. Such findings are relevant for models incorporating the effects of heterogeneous aperture structures and applied stress to predict fracture flow in the deep subsurface.
Impact of Background Geostrophic Currents With Vorticity on Resonant Triad Interaction Over Mid‐Ocean Ridges
Authors: Wang Shuya , Cao Anzhou , Liang Xinfeng , Chen Xu , Meng Jing
Published: March 2021

Turbulent mixing driven by internal tides (ITs) in the ocean is essential for the maintenance of large‐scale circulation. The resonant triad interaction (RTI) is an important mechanism by which ITs are dissipated. Based on a series of numerical simulations, we show that background geostrophic currents (BGCs) with nonzero vertical relative vorticity significantly impact the RTI by changing the effective Coriolis frequency. BGCs with negative vorticity (Northern Hemisphere) broaden the frequency range of internal waves so as to engender subharmonic waves at frequencies lower than the local Coriolis frequency near the topography. In addition, subharmonic waves at frequencies that are approximately half the tidal frequency are generated along the IT beams in the presence of BGCs with strong negative vorticity. Those subharmonic waves have larger vertical wavenumbers and hence smaller scales. In contrast, BGCs with positive vorticity (Northern Hemisphere) narrow the frequency range of internal waves and lead to the generation of energetic subharmonic beams. Intense RTI occurs when the effective Coriolis frequency is basically equal to half the tidal frequency, with powerful subharmonic waves detected at half the tidal frequency. Furthermore, in the presence of BGCs with vorticity, energy dissipation is significantly enhanced. Therefore, the development of parameterization of IT‐driven mixing should consider the important role of BGCs in modulating RTI.
Maternal transmission of a mild Coffin–Siris syndrome phenotype caused by a SOX11 missense variant
Authors: Hanker Britta , Gillessen-Kaesbach Gabriele , Hüning Irina , Lüdecke Hermann-Josef , Wieczorek Dagmar
Published: March 2021

Here we report for the first time on the maternal transmission of mild Coffin–Siris syndrome (CSS) caused by a SOX11 missense variant. We present two sisters with intellectual disability and muscular hypotonia born to non-consanguineous parents. Cogan ocular motor apraxia was present in both sisters. Body measurements were in a normal range. The mother and both daughters showed hypoplastic nails of the fifth toes. A missense variant in SOX11 [c.139 G > A; p.(Gly47Ser)] in both sisters and their mother was identified. Since 2014, variants in SOX11 are known to cause mild CSS. Most described patients showed intellectual disability, especially concerning acquired language. All of them had hypoplastic nails of the fifth toes. It is of note, that some of these patients show Cogan ocular motor apraxia. The facial dysmorphic features seem not to be specific. We suggest that the combination of Cogan ocular motor apraxia, hypoplastic nails of fifth toes, and developmental delay give the important diagnostic clue for a variant in the SOX11 gene (OMIM 615866, MR 27).
Genetic co-expression networks contribute to creating predictive model and exploring novel biomarkers for the prognosis of breast cancer
Authors: Li Yuan-Kuei , Hsu Huan-Ming , Lin Meng-Chiung , Chang Chi-Wen , Chu Chi-Ming , Chang Yu-Jia , Yu Jyh-Cherng , Chen Chien-Ting , Jian Chen-En , Sun Chien-An , Chen Kang-Hua , Kuo Ming-Hao , Cheng Chia-Shiang , Chang Ya-Ting , Wu Yi-Syuan , Wu Hao-Yi , Yang Ya-Ting , Lin Chen , Lin Hung-Che , Hu Je-Ming , Chang Yu-Tien
Published: March 2021

Genetic co-expression network (GCN) analysis augments the understanding of breast cancer (BC). We aimed to propose GCN-based modeling for BC relapse-free survival (RFS) prediction and to discover novel biomarkers. We used GCN and Cox proportional hazard regression to create various prediction models using mRNA microarray of 920 tumors and conduct external validation using independent data of 1056 tumors. GCNs of 34 identified candidate genes were plotted in various sizes. Compared to the reference model, the genetic predictors selected from bigger GCNs composed better prediction models. The prediction accuracy and AUC of 3 ~ 15-year RFS are 71.0–81.4% and 74.6–78% respectively (rfm, ACC 63.2–65.5%, AUC 61.9–74.9%). The hazard ratios of risk scores of developing relapse ranged from 1.89 ~ 3.32 (p < 10–8) over all models under the control of the node status. External validation showed the consistent finding. We found top 12 co-expressed genes are relative new or novel biomarkers that have not been explored in BC prognosis or other cancers until this decade. GCN-based modeling creates better prediction models and facilitates novel genes exploration on BC prognosis.
Trends in the incidence and mortality of legionellosis in Japan: a nationwide observational study, 1999–2017
Authors: Fukushima Shinnosuke , Hagiya Hideharu , Otsuka Yuki , Koyama Toshihiro , Otsuka Fumio
Published: March 2021

This study examined temporal trend, seasonality, and geographical variations of legionellosis incidence and mortality in Japan. This nationwide observational study used the Japanese Vital Statistics and Infectious Diseases Weekly Report (1999–2017) data to calculate legionellosis crude and age-adjusted incidence and mortality rates per 100,000 population by age and sex. Incidence was compared among the 4 seasons and regional incidence among 47 prefectures. Of 13,613 (11,194 men) people with legionellosis in Japan, 725 (569 men) were fatal. Increasing incidence trend occurred from 0.0004 (1999) to 1.37 (2017) per 100,000 population. People aged ≥ 70 years accounted for 43.1% overall; men’s age-adjusted incidence rate was consistently approximately five times higher than for women. Significantly higher incidence occurred in summer than in winter (p = 0.013). Geographically, highest incidence (≥ 2.0 per 100,000 population) occurred in Hokuriku District, with increasing trends in Hokkaido and middle-part of Japan. Estimated fatality rates decreased consistently at 5.9% (95% confidence interval: − 8.1, − 3.5) annually, from 1999 to 2017, with no trend change point. Increasing legionellosis incidence occurred in Japan during 1999–2017, with declining estimated fatality rates. In this aging society and warming world, disease clinical burden may further deteriorate in future due to increasing incidence trends.
Longitudinal study of the scalp microbiome suggests coconut oil to enrich healthy scalp commensals
Authors: Saxena Rituja , Mittal Parul , Clavaud Cecile , Dhakan Darshan B. , Roy Nita , Breton Lionel , Misra Namita , Sharma Vineet K.
Published: March 2021

Dandruff is a recurrent chronic scalp disorder, affecting majority of the population worldwide. Recently a metagenomic study of the Indian scalp microbiome described an imperative role of bacterial commensals in providing essential vitamins and amino acids to the scalp. Coconut oil and its formulations are commonly applied on the scalp in several parts of the world to maintain scalp health. Thus, in this study we examined the effect of topical application of coconut oil on the scalp microbiome (bacterial and fungal) at the taxonomic and functional levels and their correlation with scalp physiological parameters. A 16-weeks-long time-course study was performed including 12-weeks of treatment and 4-weeks of relapse phase on a cohort of 140 (70 healthy and 70 dandruff) Indian women, resulting in ~ 900 metagenomic samples. After the treatment phase, an increase in the abundance ofCutibacterium acnesandMalassezia globosain dandruff scalp was observed, which were negatively correlated to dandruff parameters. At the functional level, an enrichment of healthy scalp-related bacterial pathways, such as biotin metabolism and decrease in the fungal pathogenesis pathways was observed. The study provides novel insights on the effect of coconut oil in maintaining a healthy scalp and in modulating the scalp microbiome.
CMIP5 climate projections and RUSLE-based soil erosion assessment in the central part of Iran
Authors: Hateffard Fatemeh , Mohammed Safwan , Alsafadi Karam , Enaruvbe Glory O. , Heidari Ahmad , Abdo Hazem Ghassan , Rodrigo-Comino Jesús
Published: March 2021

Soil erosion (SE) and climate change are closely related to environmental challenges that influence human wellbeing. However, the potential impacts of both processes in semi-arid areas are difficult to be predicted because of atmospheric variations and non-sustainable land use management. Thus, models can be employed to estimate the potential effects of different climatic scenarios on environmental and human interactions. In this research, we present a novel study where changes in soil erosion by water in the central part of Iran under current and future climate scenarios are analyzed using the Climate Model Intercomparison Project-5 (CMIP5) under three Representative Concentration Pathway-RCP 2.6, 4.5 and 8.5 scenarios. Results showed that the estimated annual rate of SE in the study area in 2005, 2010, 2015 and 2019 averaged approximately 12.8 t ha−1 y−1. The rangeland areas registered the highest soil erosion values, especially in RCP2.6 and RCP8.5 for 2070 with overall values of 4.25 t ha−1 y−1 and 4.1 t ha−1 y−1, respectively. They were followed by agriculture fields with 1.31 t ha−1 y−1 and 1.33 t ha−1 y−1. The lowest results were located in the residential areas with 0.61 t ha−1 y−1 and 0.63 t ha−1 y−1 in RCP2.6 and RCP8.5 for 2070, respectively. In contrast, RCP4.5 showed that the total soil erosion could experience a decrease in rangelands by − 0.24 t ha−1 y−1 (2050), and − 0.18 t ha−1 y−1 (2070) or a slight increase in the other land uses. We conclude that this study provides new insights for policymakers and stakeholders to develop appropriate strategies to achieve sustainable land resources planning in semi-arid areas that could be affected by future and unforeseen climate change scenarios.
Entomopathogenic fungi as the microbial frontline against the alien Eucalyptus pest Gonipterus platensis in Brazil
Authors: Jordan Carolina , dos Santos Paula Leite , Oliveira Leiliane Rodrigues dos Santos , Domingues Mauricio Magalhães , Gêa Bianca Cristina Costa , Ribeiro Murilo Fonseca , Mascarin Gabriel Moura , Wilcken Carlos Frederico
Published: March 2021

The eucalyptus snout beetle (ESB),Gonipterus platensis, is endemic to Australia but has become a major invasive, destructive pest of Brazilian eucalyptus plantations. Efforts to develop insecticides based on entomopathogenic fungi against ESB are limited by the lack of known virulent strains. We therefore explored the virulence of indigenous Brazilian strains of major entomopathogenic fungi—Beauveriaspp. andMetarhizium anisopliae—against ESB adults. We found widely varying virulence and later capacities for conidial production on infected adult cadavers. Two strains stood out,B. bassianaIBCB-240 andM. anisopliaeIBCB-364, as especially lethal for ESB adults under laboratory conditions, sporulated abundantly on infected insects, and also outperformed comparable strains used in commercial mycoinsecticides. Notably,B. bassianaIBCB-240 exhibited lower LT50values at low inoculum levels (≤ 107conidia mL−1) and smaller LC50values thanM. anisopliaeIBCB-364. Taken together, this study emphasizes natural variation in virulence among indigenousBeauveriaandMetarhiziumstrains against ESB adults and identifies fungal strains with superior lethality to existing commercialized strains for managing this eucalyptus pest in Brazil.
Carbohydrate-controlled serine protease inhibitor (serpin) production in Bifidobacterium longum subsp. longum
Authors: Duboux S. , Golliard M. , Muller J. A. , Bergonzelli G. , Bolten C. J. , Mercenier A. , Kleerebezem M.
Published: March 2021

The Serine Protease Inhibitor (serpin) protein has been suggested to play a key role in the interaction of bifidobacteria with the host. By inhibiting intestinal serine proteases, it might allow bifidobacteria to reside in specific gut niches. In inflammatory diseases where serine proteases contribute to the innate defense mechanism of the host, serpin may dampen the damaging effects of inflammation. In view of the beneficial roles of this protein, it is important to understand how its production is regulated. Here we demonstrate that Bifidobacterium longum NCC 2705 serpin production is tightly regulated by carbohydrates. Galactose and fructose increase the production of this protein while glucose prevents it, suggesting the involvement of catabolite repression. We identified that di- and oligosaccharides containing galactose (GOS) and fructose (FOS) moieties, including the human milk oligosaccharide Lacto-N-tetraose (LNT), are able to activate serpin production. Moreover, we show that the carbohydrate mediated regulation is conserved within B. longum subsp. longum strains but not in other bifidobacterial taxons harboring the serpin coding gene, highlighting that the serpin regulation circuits are not only species- but also subspecies- specific. Our work demonstrates that environmental conditions can modulate expression of an important effector molecule of B. longum, having potential important implications for probiotic manufacturing and supporting the postulated role of serpin in the ability of bifidobacteria to colonize the intestinal tract.
Author Correction: Hepatic SATB1 induces paracrine activation of hepatic stellate cells and is upregulated by HBx
Authors: Gong Jin , Tu Wei , Han Jian , He Jiayi , Liu Jingmei , Han Ping , Wang Yunwu , Li Mengke , Liu Mei , Liao Jiazhi , Tian Dean
Published: March 2021

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Author Correction: Obesity and ethnicity alter gene expression in skin
Authors: Walker Jeanne M. , Garcet Sandra , Aleman Jose O. , Mason Christopher E. , Danko David , Butler Daniel , Zuffa Simone , Swann Jonathan R. , Krueger James , Breslow Jan L. , Holt Peter R.
Published: March 2021

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
A rigid plant oil-based thermoset with a furfural-derived cyclobutane cross-linker
Authors: Tellers Jonathan , Sbirrazzuoli Nicolas , Guigo Nathanael
Published: March 2021

Furfural-based hardener for cross-linking flexible epoxidized linseed oils leading to bulky biobased thermosets with high hardness and good ultimate strength.
Sensitive determination of mercury by magnetic dispersive solid-phase extraction combined with flow-injection-cold vapour-graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry
Authors: García-Mesa J. C. , Montoro-Leal P. , Maireles-Rivas S. , López Guerrero M. M. , Vereda Alonso E.
Published: March 2021

The preconcentration of Hg through MDSPE and cold vapor (CV) resulted in an excellent LOD.
Emerging point-of-care technologies for anemia detection
Authors: An Ran , Huang Yuning , Man Yuncheng , Valentine Russell W. , Kucukal Erdem , Goreke Utku , Sekyonda Zoe , Piccone Connie , Owusu-Ansah Amma , Ahuja Sanjay , Little Jane A. , Gurkan Umut A.
Published: March 2021

In this critical review, emerging non-invasive and minimally invasive point-of-care anemia detection technologies are discussed, highlighting future directions and the need for multiplexed approaches and integrated disease etiology identification.
A MnO2 nanosheet-mediated photo-controlled DNAzyme for intracellular miRNA cleavage to suppress cell growth
Authors: Liu Yehua , Liu Zhenxiang , Liu Ruiting , Wang Kemin , Shi Hui , Huang Jin
Published: March 2021

A MnO2 nanosheet-mediated photo-controlled DNAzyme (NPD) was designed for intracellular miR-21 cleavage to suppress the growth of breast cancer cells.
Enhancing the crystallisation of insulin using amino acids as soft-templates to control nucleation
Authors: Link Frederik J. , Heng Jerry Y. Y.
Published: March 2021

Amino acid as soft templates in promoting nucleation of insulin.
Rational design of self-supported Ni3S2 nanoparticles as a battery type electrode material for high-voltage (1.8 V) symmetric supercapacitor applications
Authors: Sajjad Muhammad , Khan Yaqoob
Published: March 2021

We developed a high performance SSC device with excellent electrochemical performance in terms of specific capacitance, rate capability, energy density and power density which surpasses most of the reports.
Synergistically enhanced thermoelectric performance by optimizing the composite ratio between hydrothermal Sb2Se3 and self-assembled β-Cu2Se nanowires
Authors: Kim Minsu , Park Dabin , Kim Jooheon
Published: March 2021

Sb2Se3 and β-Cu2Se nanowires were synthesized via hydrothermal reaction and a water-evaporation induced self-assembly method, respectively, and a 70%-Sb2Se3 and 30%-β-Cu2Se disk pellet shows enhanced thermoelectric performance.
Ordered mesoporous metal oxides for electrochemical applications: correlation between structure, electrical properties and device performance
Authors: Celik Erdogan , Ma Yanjiao , Brezesinski Torsten , Elm Matthias T.
Published: March 2021

In this Perspective, the authors review the interplay between structure and charge-transport properties of mesoporous metal oxides, with an emphasis on applications in electrochemical energy storage, catalysis and gas sensing.
Preparation of highly dispersed Pt–Sn/Al2O3 catalysts via supercritical fluid deposition and their catalytic performance
Authors: Jiang Haoxi , Li Guangshen , Wang Jing , Wang Sheng
Published: March 2021

Highly dispersed Pt–Sn/Al2O3, which shows excellent catalytic performance was produced by SFD and their particle size effect was studied.
Improving the efficiency and stability of tin-based perovskite solar cells using anilinium hypophosphite additive
Authors: Obila Jorim Okoth , Lei Hongwei , Ayieta Elijah Omolo , Ogacho Alex Awuor , Aduda Bernard O. , Wang Feng
Published: March 2021

We demonstrate that anilinium hypophosphite can improve the performance and stability of Sn-perovskite solar cells.
The development of a multifunctional 9,10-dibromooctadecanoic acid-encapsulated heterostructure (Ag@Ag2O) as a nanocatalyst against water toxicity
Authors: Hasan Shazia , Rauf Abdul
Published: March 2021

Fatty acid derivatives capped Ag@Ag2O CSN have been easily synthesized. Comparative catalytic degradation studies against various water contaminants, MB, MO and Cr(vi) have been performed. The experimental results are in favor of CSN, compared to simple fatty acid-coated nanoparticles.
Speech-Language Pathologists as Expert and Fact Witnesses in Special Education Disputes and Civil Litigation Cases: A Tutorial
Authors: Seal Brenda Chafin , Power-deFur Lissa
Published: March 2021

Purpose

Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) are not likely to enter practice in school systems with anticipation of special education disputes, or civil and criminal cases that could involve them either as fact or expert witnesses. In this tutorial, we differentiate between the roles of expert and fact witness with guidance to assist SLPs preparing to serve in either role.

Method

Using two sample cases, we present details of conflicts that involve SLPs; Case 1 involves an SLP as expert witness and Case 2 involves an SLP as a fact witness. We offer information to guide SLPs agreeing to serve as an expert witness, important preparation steps for SLPs as expert and fact witnesses, and practice suggestions, including attention to ethical codes, in serving either role.

Conclusions

We caution readers that special education, civil, and criminal disputes vary by case, state and federal statutes, and professional and personal details. We draw several recommendations from the two sample cases that should inform and guide any SLP involved as a fact witness or as an expert witness in cases of dispute.
Deficits in Processing of Lexical Tones in Mandarin-Speaking Children With Developmental Language Disorder: Electrophysiological Evidence
Authors: Cheng Ying-Ying , Wu Hsin-Chi , Shih Hsin-Yi , Yeh Pei-Wen , Yen Huei-Ling , Lee Chia-Ying
Published: March 2021

Purpose

This study explored the neural marker indexing deficits in discriminating lexical tone changes in Mandarin-speaking children with developmental language disorders (DLDs) using mismatch negativity, an event-related potential component for auditory change detection. Mandarin has four lexical tones characterized by a high-level tone (T1), high-rising tone (T2), low-dipping tone (T3), and high-falling tone (T4), in which the T2/T3 contrast is acoustically less discriminable in developmental groups. Therefore, this study further examined how deficits in children with DLD would vary with tonal contrasts' acoustic saliency.

Method

Event-related potentials were measured using the multideviant oddball paradigm described by Lee et al. (2012), who used Mandarin syllables [i] in T3 as the standard sound (80%), T1 as the large deviant (10%), and T2 as the small deviant (10%). Twelve children with DLD aged between 4 and 6 years participated in this study, and 12 age-matched children with typical development were selected from the data set of Lee et al. (2012) as the controls.

Results

The T1/T3 change elicited adultlike mismatch negativity in both the DLD and control groups, while no group difference was revealed. The T2/T3 change elicited a robust positive mismatch response (P-MMR) in children with DLD, while the P-MMR was less significant in the control group. The group comparisons revealed a larger P-MMR in children with DLD than in the control group. Furthermore, children with lower scores in language assessments tend to reveal larger P-MMRs.

Conclusions

This study demonstrated that deficits in children with DLD in discriminating subtle lexical tone changes reflect greater positivity of P-MMR to T2/T3 change. This implies that MMR to T2/T3 may serve as a neural marker for evaluating language delay in preschoolers.
Assessment of Children With Hearing Loss and Co-Occurring Medical Disorders: Challenging Cases
Authors: Brown Taylor M. , Baas Becky S. , Stoeckel Ruth E. , Belf Lee A. , Poling Gayla L.
Published: March 2021

Purpose

Assessing children with hearing loss and co-occurring medical disorders can be challenging. The purpose of this clinical focus article is to highlight multidisciplinary decision making and evaluation considerations when assessing communication skills of children with hearing loss and co-occurring disorders: velopharyngeal insufficiency, childhood apraxia of speech, and autism spectrum disorder.

Method

Case examples are described to illustrate multidisciplinary decision-making processes for assessing the communication skills of children with hearing loss who have co-occurring velopharyngeal insufficiency, childhood apraxia of speech, or autism spectrum disorder.

Conclusions

Clinicians must have knowledge of speech sound development, language development, and social communication for differential diagnosis and treatment planning for children with hearing loss and co-occurring disorders. A team-based approach is recommended when assessing and treating children with hearing loss. Speech-language pathologists and audiologists should feel comfortable recommending other professionals to help with differential diagnosis and treatment considerations when appropriate. Continued assessment and monitoring by a multidisciplinary team for individuals with hearing loss is recommended across the life-span.
Generalized Rotne–Prager–Yamakawa approximation for Brownian dynamics in shear flow in bounded, unbounded, and periodic domains
Authors: Cichocki Bogdan , Szymczak Piotr , Żuk Paweł J.
Published: March 2021

Inclusion of hydrodynamic interactions is essential for a quantitatively accurate Brownian dynamics simulation of colloidal suspensions or polymer solutions. We use the generalized Rotne–Prager–Yamakawa (GRPY) approximation, which takes into account all long-ranged terms in the hydrodynamic interactions, to derive the complete set of hydrodynamic matrices in different geometries: unbounded space, periodic boundary conditions of Lees–Edwards type, and vicinity of a free surface. The construction is carried out both for non-overlapping as well as for overlapping particles. We include the dipolar degrees of freedom, which allows one to use this formalism to simulate the dynamics of suspensions in a shear flow and to study the evolution of their rheological properties. Finally, we provide an open-source numerical package, which implements the GRPY algorithm in Lees–Edwards periodic boundary conditions.
A Monte Carlo based solar radiation forecastability estimation
Authors: Voyant Cyril , Lauret Philippe , Notton Gilles , Duchaud Jean-Laurent , Fouilloy Alexis , David Mathieu , Yaseen Zaher Mundher , Soubdhan Ted
Published: March 2021

Based on the reported literature and commonly used metrics in the realm of solar forecasting, a new methodology is developed for estimating a metric called forecastability (F). It reveals the extent to which solar radiation time series can be forecasted and provides the crucial context for judging the inherent difficulty associated with a particular forecast situation. Unlike the score given by the standard smart persistence model, the F metric which is bounded between 0% and 100% is easier to interpret, hence making comparisons between forecasting studies more consistent. This approach uses the Monte Carlo method and estimates F from the standard error metric RMSE and the persistence predictor. Based on the time series of solar radiation measured at six very different locations (with optimized clear sky model) from a meteorological point of view, it is shown that F varies between 25.5% and 68.2% and that it exists a link between forecastability and errors obtained by machine learning prediction methods. The proposed methodology is validated for 3 parameters that may affect the F estimation (time horizon, temporal granularity, and solar radiation components) and for 50 time series relative to McClear web service and to the central archive of Baseline Surface Radiation Network.
Flutamide induces uterus and ovary damage in the mouse via apoptosis and excessive autophagy of cells following triggering of the unfolded protein response
Authors: Yu Haiming , Zhou Xiaoqing , Zhang Yujing , Wen Kexin , Yan Zhengli , Fu Hu , Zhu Yongfei
Published: March 2021

Intrauterine exposure to flutamide not only causes abnormal development of the reproductive organs in male offspring, but also damages ovaries and uteri. The unfolded protein response (UPR) is believed to play an important role in embryo development and teratogenic processes. In the present study, pregnant mice were administered either flutamide (300 mg kg−1 day−1, p.o.) on an equivalent volume of soybean oil (control) on Days 12–18 of gestation. Eight weeks after birth, female offspring in the flutamide-treated group had a lower bodyweight and lower ovarian and uterine weights, but there was no significant difference in uterine and ovarian weights normalised by bodyweight between the flutamide-treated and control groups. Furthermore, histopathological changes were observed in all uteri and ovaries in the flutamide-treated group, with fewer and less-developed follicles in the ovaries. In both the uteri and ovaries, flutamide increased the expression of UPR members, although the expression of cell cycle-related genes remained unchanged compared with the control group. Flutamide increased the expression of all autophagy- and apoptosis-related genes evaluated in the uterus, as well as some in the ovary. The results suggest that the in utero exposure of mice to flutamide may contribute to uterine and ovarian damage in the offspring, with endoplasmic reticulum stress possibly triggered by the UPR leading to the induction of excessive autophagy and apoptosis.
Vapor condensation with daytime radiative cooling
Authors: Zhou Ming , Song Haomin , Xu Xingyu , Shahsafi Alireza , Qu Yurui , Xia Zhenyang , Ma Zhenqiang , Kats Mikhail A. , Zhu Jia , Ooi Boon S. , Gan Qiaoqiang , Yu Zongfu
Published: March 2021

Significance

Traditionally, the cooling for passive vapor condensation is mainly provided by convection and conduction. However, these mechanisms do not work when the vapor temperature is near the ambient air temperature. At such temperatures, radiative condensation remains effective. However, existing radiative vapor condensers must operate during the nighttime. Here, a novel radiative-cooling technique is applied to extend radiative condensation to both daytime and nighttime. The technique uses engineered thermal radiators that do not require lithography or other costly fabrication techniques and can be manufactured to cover large areas. When combined with traditional convective and conductive condensers, this passive technology can potentially double the water production rate for passive water technologies.
Twenty-year economic impacts of deworming
Authors: Hamory Joan , Miguel Edward , Walker Michael , Kremer Michael , Baird Sarah
Published: March 2021

Significance

The belief that investing in child health and nutrition can generate improvements in individuals’ future quality of life is the rationale for many policy initiatives around the world. Yet there remains limited evidence on the causal impacts of child health gains on adult living standards, especially in developing countries. This study contributes evidence that addresses leading methodological concerns, by using variation in child health via a randomized health intervention that provided deworming treatment to Kenyan children. We estimate impacts on individual living standards up to 20 y later among a representative sample of participants, and find those in the deworming treatment group experience meaningful gains in adult living standards and earnings, and shifts in sectors of residence and employment.
Phragmidium barclayi.
Authors:   USA, USDA-ARS
Published: March 2021

There is little published information on this plant pathogenic fungus, which is limited to parts of Asia. It infects Rubus spp., which exist in other regions of the world with similar environmental conditions, therefore this species may pose a threat to native or agricultural plants if introduced.
Phragmidium griseum.
Authors:   USA, USDA-ARS
Published: March 2021

There is little published information on this plant pathogenic fungus, which is limited to parts of Asia. It infects Rubus spp., which exist in other regions of the world with similar environmental conditions, therefore this species may pose a threat to native or agricultural plants if introduced.
Raffaelea lauricola (laurel wilt).
Authors: Fraedrich Stephen
Published: March 2021

Laurel wilt is responsible for the death of hundreds of millions of redbay (Persea borbonia sensu lato) trees throughout the southeastern USA, and the disease is also having significant effects on other species such as sassafras (Sassafras albidum) in natural ecosystems and avocado (Persea americana) in commercial production areas of south Florida. Laurel wilt is caused by the pathogen Raffaelea lauricola, a fungal symbiont of the redbay ambrosia beetle, Xyleborus glabratus. Thus far, the disease is confined to members of the Lauraceae that are native to the USA, or native to such places as the Caribbean, Central America and Europe and grown in the USA. The beetle and fungus are native to Asia and were likely introduced with untreated solid wood packing material at Port Wentworth, Georgia in the early 2000s. Since that time laurel wilt has spread rapidly in the coastal plains of the southeastern USA, spreading north into central North Carolina, as far west as Texas, and reaching the southernmost counties of Florida. Current models suggest that X. glabratus can tolerate temperature conditions that occur throughout much of the eastern USA, and so the disease threatens sassafras throughout much of this region. The disease poses a threat to lauraceous species indigenous to other areas of the Americas as well as Europe and Africa.
Gomphocarpus physocarpus (balloon cotton bush).
Authors: Rojas-Sandoval Julissa , Acevedo-Rodríguez Pedro
Published: March 2021

G. physocarpus is a shrub, widely naturalized in tropical, subtropical and semiarid ecosystems. It commonly grows as a weed in waste places, disturbed sites, open woodlands, grasslands, wetlands, and along roadsides and it is also planted as an ornamental in gardens, yards and parks (Wagner et al., 1999; Motooka et al., 2003; Queensland Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries, 2011). In Hawaii and Australia, this species has been recorded invading active pastures and sugarcane plantations as well as coastal and dry forests (Motooka et al., 2003; Queensland Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries, 2011). Features such as high drought tolerance, fast-growing, weedy behaviour, and wind-dispersed seeds are factors facilitating the invasion of this species into new habitats. In addition, each plant produces large numbers of small seeds which are successfully dispersed by wind aided by the tuft of silky hairs attached to each seed (Notten, 2010). Currently, G. physocarpus is listed as invasive in Hawaii, French Polynesia, the Canary Islands, New Caledonia, China and Australia and as potentially invasive in Cuba, Jamaica, India and Italy (Oviedo Prieto et al., 2012; DAISIE, 2014; PIER, 2014; USDA-ARS, 2014).
Crassocephalum crepidioides (redflower ragleaf).
Authors: Rojas-Sandoval Julissa , Acevedo-Rodríguez Pedro
Published: March 2021

C. crepidiodes is an invasive herb included in the Global Compendium of Weeds and classified as one of the most aggressive weeds occurring in tropical and subtropical regions (Randall, 2012). It is a pioneer species with the capability to produce large amounts of hairy wind-dispersed seeds. However, Chen et al. (2009) suggest that seed dispersal ability is limited. Chen et al. (2009) report that the species has only a moderate invasive capacity and that its wide distribution in China possibly correlates with its cultivation.
Forficula auricularia (European earwig).
Authors: Maczey Norbert
Published: March 2021

The European earwig, Forficula auricularia, is a polyphagous insect that is native to large parts of Europe and western Asia as far east as western Siberia. In the early twentieth century it was accidentally introduced into North America where it became widespread in a number of states/provinces of both the USA and Canada. It has also invaded Australia and New Zealand, and more recently Mexico, Chile and the Falkland Islands. Although economic damage to vegetable and flower gardens is generally minor, when high population densities occur it is a major pest in gardens and greenhouses, and a significant nuisance in households. Within and sometimes also outside its native range it is also regarded as a beneficial organism used or encouraged as a biological control agent to control other insect pests in orchards and gardens.
Kuehneola japonica.
Authors:   USA, USDA-ARS
Published: March 2021

There is little published information on this plant pathogenic fungus, which has limited geographic distribution. As hosts exist in other regions of the world with similar environmental conditions, this species may pose a threat to native or agricultural plants if introduced.
Trichoconiella padwickii (stackburn disease).
Authors:   USA, USDA-ARS
Published: March 2021

T. padwickii, previously known as Alternaria padwickii, is an asexually reproducing fungus that infects seeds of rice [Oryza sativa]. It is one of several fungi responsible for seed discolouration, seed rot and seedling blight, but has also been detected as a sheath-rotting pathogen (Naeimi et al., 2003). It occurs in southern Asia and in countries on other continents worldwide, but its presence in mainland North America is not confirmed. Transport to and transmission in new areas may be prevented by use of tested clean seed. Where the pathogen is already present, application of seed treatments should reduce disease incidence, but the fungus has an undetermined ability to survive as sclerotia in plant debris and soil.
Ulex europaeus (gorse).
Authors: Rojas-Sandoval Julissa , Pasiecznik Nick
Published: March 2021

U. europaeus was spread intentionally through most of the world in the 1800s and 1900s as a hedge plant, an ornamental and as a forage, although it is unlikely that it will be distributed to new areas for these purposes in future. It has large seeds and there is a threat from inadvertent introduction, but this is not high. U. europaeus was already declared a noxious weed 100 years ago in Australia and New Zealand, and is now a serious weed in many other countries, and poses a threat elsewhere where it is present but not yet invasive. It is an aggressive colonizer of disturbed habitats, and the risk from continued invasion in suitable climatic zones in countries where present is high. It is a tough, spiny, long-lived, tall shrub with a long-lived seed bank and is difficult to control. Thickets displace vegetation in grassland habitats, and outgrow and supplant tree seedlings in plantation forests. Heavy infestations modify soil and hydrological conditions, and so modify ecosystem processes. This plant poses a serious fire risk for indigenous ecosystems as well as managed habitats and human habitations.
Blattella germanica (German cockroach).
Authors: Beverley Claire
Published: March 2021

B. germanica is one of the most widespread cockroaches in the genus Blattella. It is native to North Africa (Ethiopia and Sudan) and has since spread rapidly around the world facilitated by international trade. This species is not tolerant of cold conditions and lives in close association with humans and/or human activities. B. germanica can be a major pest species which is both a nuisance and can cause health problems (allergies and infections). This species can also vector a number of potentially harmful pathogens and is linked with the spread of pathogens in hospitals and can lead to food borne illnesses. The ability of this species to spread rapidly is exacerbated by a resistance to chemicals for control.
Acacia crassicarpa (northern wattle).
Authors: Pasieczni Nick , McDonald Duncan
Published: March 2021

A. crassicarpa is one of the fastest-growing acacias for planting on degraded sites in the seasonally-dry tropics. It tolerates a range of soil types, particularly those of low fertility. It is a nitrogen-fixing tree that produces abundant natural root nodulation. It is fire resistant and competes favourably against weed species such as Imperata cylindrica. It has the potential to produce a dense hardwood that can be used in industrial pulp production, as sawn or round timber for construction or as fuelwood.
Leucaena leucocephala (leucaena).
Authors: Rojas-Sandoval Julissa , Acevedo-Rodríguez Pedro
Published: March 2021

L. leucocephala is a versatile, fast-growing, nitrogen-fixing tree well suited to management in agroforestry systems. It has been, and still is, the most important species of Leucaena, both in terms of indigenous use of pods for food in Mexico and wider use as an exotic for livestock fodder, green manure, small wood products such as fuelwood and poles, and soil conservation. The value of L. leucocephala lies in its combination of multiple products, exceptional fodder quality, fast growth, and ease of propagation and management by farmers. It is one of the foremost tropical fodder trees, often being described as the 'alfalfa of the tropics' and was one of the first species to be used for the production of green manure in alley farming systems and live-barrier slope stabilization. These uses and benefits, combined with abundantly available seed, led to pantropical promotion and planting of L. leucocephala which was often heralded as a 'miracle tree' by national and international development agencies. With wider planting, a number of important limitations have become apparent including lack of cold and drought tolerance, poor growth on acid soils, heavy pod production resulting in weediness, low wood durability, and susceptibility to an important defoliating insect pest, the psyllid, Heteropsylla cubana. No other factor has halted promotion and use of L. leucocephala, and prompted the search for new genetic diversity and alternatives, with such urgency as the spread of the psyllid. The very extensive literature on L. leucocephala has been the focus of numerous reviews including those by Oakes (1968), Gray (1968), Pound and Martínez-Cairo (1983), National Research Council (1984), Brewbaker (1987), Hocking (1993), Jones et al. (1992, 1997) and Hughes (1998b).
Populus nigra (black poplar).
Authors: Praciak Andrew
Published: March 2021

P. nigra (black poplar) is a fast-growing tree utilized for afforestation and as an ornamental in all the temperate areas of the world. It is also utilized in breeding programmes as a parent, because it is compatible with many other Populus species. It is adaptable to many environments and different soil types, exhibits excellent rooting ability of stem cuttings and good resistance to pathogens.
Prosopis juliflora (mesquite).
Authors: Pasiecznik Nick
Published: March 2021

P. juliflora, known commonly as mesquite or algarrobo in its native neotropical region, is a tough and resilient tree providing fuelwood in arid lands world-wide. As a tree it will grow to about 13 m (-20 m) in height, and produce robust, hard and strong timber suitable for construction purposes and fine furniture production. It can grow on any type of soil, including highly alkaline and saline soils. It requires very little rainfall (it can survive on 70 mm per year). The pods provide a valuable fodder and human food crop, and are nutritious and palatable. The foliage, however, is not palatable, even to camels and goats, except the tips of very tender twigs; thus, the species is suitable for use in hedges and live fences. It has been used in reclamation reforestation of mining spoil, wastelands and sand dunes (Hocking, 1993).
Salix cinerea (grey sallow).
Authors: Pasiecznik Nick
Published: March 2021

S. cinerea (grey sallow) is included in the section Capreae of subgenus Caprisalix (Rechinger, 1964). It is a broadleaved willow, typically a large shrub generally much branched from the base with numerous intercrossing branches. Bark is dark grey, becoming fissured with age. The species forms a broad, rounded crown. Twigs are densely pubescent, remaining so at least until the end of the first year; wood of peeled twigs with long, scattered striae. Leaves very variable, usually ovate or oblanceolate, 2-9 cm long, 1-3 cm wide, dull grey-green and pubescent above or dark green and slightly lustrous. Catkins appearing in advance of the leaves in March and April. Male flowers with 2 free stamens. Capsule up to 10 mm (Meikle, 1984; Newsholme, 1992). S. cinerea is a Eurasian species, common throughout Europe, from the Mediterranean to Scandinavia (including Spain and Portugal, Sicily, Sardinia, Corsica, the Aegean Islands and Turkey). Its range extends eastward to Asia, from the Crimea to the Caucasus, from northern Iran to Siberia, and north of the Caspian and Aral seas to the Chinese border (Jalas and Suominen, 1976; Skvortsov, 1999).It is a useful species in erosion control projects, and to protect marshlands and riverbanks. Because of its early flowering, it is also important for honeybees (Schiechtl, 1996). Hybrids with S. viminalis (S. × calodendron) are grown in the UK, Germany and Denmark to produce biomass as a energy source (McElroy et al., 1983).
Bauhinia purpurea (purple bauhinia).
Authors: Rojas-Sandov Julissa
Published: March 2021

B. purpurea is widely distributed throughout the Indo-Pakistan subcontinent, and has been introduced into other tropical and subtropical regions, including Africa, South-East Asia and Australia. It is a medium-size multipurpose tree, which besides timber and fuelwood provides fodder, food, tannin and gum The bark, roots and flowers have medicinal properties. B. purpurea is widely planted as an ornamental tree in parks, gardens and homesteads, and along avenues. It can be propagated by direct seeding or planting out stumps or nursery-raised container seedlings. Air layering has also given promising results.
Biomimetic models of the human eye, and their applications
Authors: Regal Simon , Troughton Joseph , Djenizian Thierry , Ramuz Marc
Published: March 2021

Replicating the functionality of the human eye has been a challenge for more than a century, creating a great wealth of biomimetic and bioinspired devices, and providing ever improving models of the eye for myriad research purposes. As improvements in microelectronics have proceeded, individual components of the eye have been replicated, and models of the optical behaviour of the eye have improved. This review explores both work developed for improving medical components, with an ultimate aim of a fully functioning prosthetic eye, and work looking at improving existing devices through biomimetic means. It is hoped that this holistic approach to the subject will aid in the cross pollination of ideas between the two research foci. The review starts by summarising the reported measurements of optical parameters of various components of the eye. It then charts the development of individual bionic components. Particular focus is put on the development of bionic and biomimetic forms of the two main adaptive components of the eye, namely the lens and the iris, and the challenges faced in modelling the light sensitive retina. Work on each of these components is thoroughly reviewed, including an overview of the principles behind the many different approaches used to mimic the functionality, and discussion of the pros and cons of each approach. This is concluded by an overview of several reported models of the complete or semi-complete eye, including details of the components used and a summary of the models’ functionality. Finally, some consideration is given to the direction of travel of this field of research, and which existing approaches are likely to bring us closer to the long term goal of a fully functional analogue of the eye.