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Antibiotics are extensively used in human medicine, aquaculture, and animal husbandry, leading to the release of antimicrobial resistance into the environment. This contributes to the rapid spread of antibiotic-resistant genes (ARGs), posing a significant threat to human health and aquatic ecosystems. Conventional wastewater treatment methods often fail to eliminate ARGs, prompting the adoption of advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) to address this growing risk. The study investigates the efficacy of visible light-driven photocatalytic systems utilizing two catalyst types (TiO2-Pd/Cu and g-C3N4-Pd/Cu), with a particular emphasis on their effectiveness in eliminating blaTEM, ermB, qnrS, tetM. intl1, 16 S rDNA and 23 S rDNA through photocatalytic ozonation and peroxone processes. Incorporating O3 into photocatalytic processes significantly enhances target removal efficiency, with the photocatalyst-assisted peroxone process emerging as the most effective AOP. The reemergence of targeted contaminants following treatment highlights the pivotal importance of AOPs and the meticulous selection of catalysts in ensuring sustained treatment efficacy. Furthermore, Polymerase Chain Reaction-Denaturing Gradient Gel Electrophoresis (PCR-DGGE) analysis reveals challenges in eradicating GC-rich bacteria with TiO2 and g-C3N4 processes, while slight differences in Cu/Pd loadings suggest g-C3N4-based ozonation improved antibacterial effectiveness. Terminal Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism analysis highlights the efficacy of the photocatalyst-assisted peroxone process in treating diverse samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we demonstrated experimentally a lateral GaN-based junction field effect transistor (JFET). A selective area regrowth of p-NiO on the as-grown n-GaN channel layer was developed by magnetron sputtering at room temperature to form the p–n junction. A self-aligned gate process and a post metal annealing process were employed to improve the device performances. The measured results show that the annealed JFET exhibits an ON/OFF ratio exceeding 106 and a higher breakdown voltage up to 814 V without any terminal structure. The breakdown voltage is determined by the reverse breakdown of parasitic PN junction between gate and drain. Further, the threshold voltage of the p-NiO/n-GaN JFET exhibits excellent temperature stability in the range of 300–500 K. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Global warming may pose a threat to the productivity of grazed grasslands. In this study, we investigated changes in the warming response of aboveground regrowth with the repetition of simulated grazing in two Mongolian pasture species, Agropyron cristatum and Stipa krylovii. Plants were grown under warming or non-warming conditions and subjected to repeated clipping of aboveground parts three times at 4-week intervals. Aboveground parts collected at each clipping and whole plants harvested at the end of the experiment were dried and weighed. Specific leaf area (SLA) and the content of nitrogen (N) and crude fiber (CF) in leaves were measured to evaluate leaf morphology and pasture nutritional value. In both species, warming had little effect on regrowth when clipping was repeated one or two times. In A. cristatum, however, warming significantly diminished regrowth when clipping was repeated three times. Belowground biomass decreased with clipping–regrowth cycles only in A. cristatum, and the decline was enhanced by warming, implying that the depletion of belowground reserves contributed to the reduction of regrowth in this species. SLA and the N and CF contents were similar in the warming and non-warming treatments, indicating that warming had little effect on leaf morphology and pasture nutritive value in these Mongolian pasture species. Our results suggest that warming would likely have little effect on regrowth performance of grassland plants under lightly grazed conditions, but warming can decrease regrowth when grazing frequency is high, with the degree of decrease being species dependent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Eucalyptus are trees sensitive to interference imposed by weeds mainly during the early growth phase. The repetitive use of herbicides with the same mechanism of action has led to the selection of resistant weeds, and Digitaria insularis stands out for its resistance to glyphosate. Due to its occurrence in eucalyptus plantations, knowledge regarding D. insularis interference in eucalyptus early growth is needed to develop management strategies. This study aimed to confirm D. insularis glyphosate-resistence; and also to evaluate the effect of densities and distances of glyphosate-resistant D. insularis, seeded and in regrowth, on the early growth of Eucalyptus urophylla × E. grandis (Clone AEC-144). Prior to eucalyptus' experiments, D. insularis glyphosate-resistance was confirmed through a dose–response curve experiment. After that, two experiments [one for weed's first growth (seeded) and other for second growth (regrowth)] were carried out in an open area, in 700 L pots, for 105 days after planting eucalyptus seedlings. The treatments consisted of increasing densities of D. insularis (0, 1, 2 and 3 plants m−2) planted at 10, 20 or 30 cm from the eucalyptus seedlings. Eucalyptus height, stem diameter, leaf area and dry matter were evaluated. The eucalyptus variables most sensitive to interference were leaf and stem dry matter, with reductions of 45% and 88.4%, respectively for weeds seeded and regrowth. Weed second growth (regrowth) interfered more aggressively in eucalyptus growth. The coexistence with D. insularis, regardless of density and distance, negatively interfered early tree growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Antibiotics are extensively used in human medicine, aquaculture, and animal husbandry, leading to the release of antimicrobial resistance into the environment. This contributes to the rapid spread of antibiotic-resistant genes (ARGs), posing a significant threat to human health and aquatic ecosystems. Conventional wastewater treatment methods often fail to eliminate ARGs, prompting the adoption of advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) to address this growing risk. The study investigates the efficacy of visible light-driven photocatalytic systems utilizing two catalyst types (TiO2-Pd/Cu and g-C3N4-Pd/Cu), with a particular emphasis on their effectiveness in eliminating bla TEM , ermB, qnrS, tetM. intl1, 16 S rDNA and 23 S rDNA through photocatalytic ozonation and peroxone processes. Incorporating O3 into photocatalytic processes significantly enhances target removal efficiency, with the photocatalyst-assisted peroxone process emerging as the most effective AOP. The reemergence of targeted contaminants following treatment highlights the pivotal importance of AOPs and the meticulous selection of catalysts in ensuring sustained treatment efficacy. Furthermore, Polymerase Chain Reaction-Denaturing Gradient Gel Electrophoresis (PCR-DGGE) analysis reveals challenges in eradicating GC-rich bacteria with TiO2 and g-C3N4 processes, while slight differences in Cu/Pd loadings suggest g-C3N4-based ozonation improved antibacterial effectiveness. Terminal Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism analysis highlights the efficacy of the photocatalyst-assisted peroxone process in treating diverse samples.

Solar disinfection (SODIS) is an affordable and sustainable Household Water Treatment (HWT) method endorsed by WHO. However, its limitations include longer sunlight exposure requirements, incomplete microbial inactivation, and post-SODIS microbial regrowth during monsoon and winter seasons in subtropical climates. To address these limitations, the performance of SODIS with H2O2 for microbial inactivation during the monsoon and winter seasons in Bangladesh was evaluated following the WHO HWT protocols. Moreover, the process was verified using drinking water samples collected from restaurants, households, and slums. All SODIS experiments were conducted using reflective reactors with PET bottles and plastic bags, adding 10 mg/L of H2O2, and exposing them to sunlight for 6 h. The results showed that E. coli was completely inactivated within 2 h in plastic bags and within 3 h in PET bottles during the monsoon season, achieving an LRV of > 5. In winter, both achieved an LRV > 5 within 3 h and plastic bags showed more efficient in microbial inactivation than PET bottles. The microbial inactivation rates were 5 times higher than those of conventional SODIS. No regrowth of microorganisms was observed during the subsequent post-SODIS period of 12 h and 24 h at room temperature. The study findings suggest that SODIS with H2O2 has the potential for complete microorganism inactivation with shorter sunlight exposure in subtropical climates with moderate to low solar irradiation and can be adopted as a reliable disinfection option for rural and urban communities with unsafe drinking water supply. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is an alternative modality for thyroid nodules (TNs) and many studies have also confirmed its favorable efficacy and safety. The scope of RFA increases in clinical practice and the aim of our study was to evaluate the efficacy of RFA. Methods: We conducted a prospective study to evaluate the efficacy of RFA for thyroid nodules between January 2017 and December 2022 at our institution. We assessed the change in nodal volume, volume reduction ratio (VRR), technique effective (TE) rate, complete ablation (CA) rate, and nodal regrowth rate and time after RFA. Results: We performed RFA for 1703 patients with TNs between January 2017 and December 2022, of which a total of 970 eligible patients were enrolled in the study. The preoperative volume of TNs was 6.23 ± 8.11ml, with 821 benign and 149 malignant nodules. The post-RFA TE and adjusted TE rate were 80% and 88.8%, respectively. CA was achieved in 145 (14.9%) patients with a mean time of 18.32± 12.98 months; nodal regrowth occurred in 15 (1.5%) patients with a mean time of 29.80 ± 12.47 months. TNs volume and VRR changed significantly at years 1 and 2 after RFA and stabilized after 5 years. A serious postoperative adverse event occurred in one patient with cervical sympathetic chain injury resulting in Horner's syndrome. A transient or permanent damage of the recurrent laryngeal nerve could not be evaluated due to the lack of postoperative laryngoscopy, and this is a significant limitation of the study. Conclusion: The expanded RFA indications were also effective for TNs, with no significant change in long-term efficacy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The perennity of grassland species such as Lolium perenne greatly depends on their ability to regrow after cutting or grazing. Refoliation largely relies on the mobilization of fructans in the remaining tissues and on the associated sucrose synthesis and transport towards the basal leaf meristems. However, nothing is known yet about the sucrose synthesis pathway. Sucrose Phosphate Synthase (SPS) and Sucrose Synthase (SuS) activities, together with their transcripts, were monitored during the first hours after defoliation along the leaf axis of mature leaf sheaths and elongating leaf bases (ELB) where the leaf meristems are located. In leaf sheaths, which undergo a sink‐source transition, fructan and sucrose contents declined while SPS and SuS activities increased, along with the expression of LpSPSA, LpSPSD.2, LpSuS1, LpSuS2, and LpSuS4. In ELB, which continue to act as a strong carbon sink, SPS and SuS activities increased to varying degrees while the expression of all the LpSPS and LpSuS genes decreased after defoliation. SPS and SuS both contribute to refoliation but are regulated differently depending on the source or sink status of the tissues. Together with fructan metabolism, they represent key determinants of ryegrass perennity and, more generally, of grassland sustainability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Postoperative nonfunctioning pituitary tumor (NFPT) regrowth is a significant concern, but its predictive factors are not well established. This study aimed to elucidate the pathological characteristics of NFPTs indicated for reoperation for tumor regrowth. Methods: Pathological, radiological, and clinical data were collected from patients who underwent repeat operation for NFPT at Moriyama Memorial Hospital (MMH) between April 2018 and September 2023. For comparison, we also gathered data from patients who underwent initial surgery for NFPT during the same period at MMH. Results: Overall, 61 and 244 NFPT patients who respectively underwent reoperation and initial operation were evaluated. The mean period between the previous operation and reoperation was 113 months. Immunonegativity for any adenohypophyseal hormone was significantly more frequent in the reoperation group than in the initial operation group. In addition, the rate of hormone-negative but transcription factor-positive (H-/TF+) tumors among silent gonadotroph tumors was significantly higher in the reoperation group than in the initial operation group. Furthermore, seven silent corticotroph tumors (SCTs) in the reoperation group were ACTH-negative but TPIT-positive. Because most of the previous surgeries were performed in other hospitals a long time ago, we could procure the previous pathological results with immunohistochemistry (IHC) only from 21 patients. IHC for TF had not been performed in all the previous specimens. IHC for adenohypophyseal hormone was almost the same as the current results, and many H-/TF+ tumors were previously diagnosed as NCT. In addition, the reoperated patients were classified into 3 groups on the basis of the condition of the previous operation: gross total resection (GTR), 12 patients; subtotal resection (STR), 17 patients; and partial resection (PR), 32 patients. The mean Ki-67 LI in the GTR, STR, and PR subgroups were 1.82, 1.37, and 0.84, respectively, with the value being significantly higher in the GTR subgroup than in the PR subgroup (P < 0.05). Conclusions: The ratio of H-/TF+ tumors is significantly higher in symptomatically regrown tumors than in the initial cases, which used to be diagnosed as NCT. PR cases tend to grow symptomatically in a shorter period, even with lower Ki-67 LI than GTR cases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herein, epitaxially regrown n+ (In)GaN source/drain layers for radio frequency high electron mobility transistors, addressing material and electrical characterization, are reported. A range of n+ GaN and n+ InGaN layers with indium 4–12 at% and silicon 0–5.1 × 1020 cm−3 are evaluated. The active carrier concentration in n+ InGaN exceeds 2 × 1020 cm−3. The layers exhibit so‐called V‐defects, observed by atomic force microscope and transmission electron microscope (TEM), which are associated with local composition changes. In addition to the high Si doping levels, nitrogen vacancies are also considered to contribute toward their net carrier concentration. Due to its relevance for device processing, selectivity analysis is performed, and the optimal process conditions for selective regrowth are identified. Regrowth under high temperature (800 °C) is found to be conducive to improved selectivity. However, a high thermal budget negatively impacts the overall regrowth process, as reported here for In0.17Al0.83N and Al0.26Ga0.74N barriers: whereas the InAlN barrier suffers from intermixing, the AlGaN barrier demonstrates high‐temperature stability. The impact of intermixing is studied from complementary TEM and DC electrical measurements. A low overall contact resistance of 75 Ω μm is obtained with the regrown n+ InGaN layers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In communities where people lack on-demand, safely managed drinking water, stored household water often becomes contaminated by fecal bacteria, regardless of the source-water quality. The objectives of this paper are to assess and control bacterial contamination in stored household water in Toamasina, a rapidly urbanizing city in eastern coastal Madagascar. We collected samples of source water and stored household water from 10 representative households that use different water sources and different storage strategies, and we analyzed the samples for several fecal indicator bacteria. We also tested three methods that residents of Toamasina could realistically employ for cleaning their household water storage vessels, assessing the effect of the cleaning methods on measured bacterial levels in the water. Consistent with the previous literature, we found that concentrations of total coliforms in stored household water were significantly higher than in the corresponding source water (p < 0.05). In 100% of households that stored their water in 20 L polyethylene jerrycans (n = 4), biofilms on the walls of the jerrycan harbored total coliforms and Enterococcus. The use of a closed storage container was, on its own, not found to provide a meaningful protective effect against bacterial regrowth; to be protective, closed storage containers must be combined with high-quality source water and/or with adequate cleaning to prevent biofilm formation. A dilute solution of sodium hypochlorite, known locally as Sûr'Eau or Manadio Rano, was both the most effective and the least expensive method for cleaning household water storage containers. We conclude that regular and effective cleaning of storage containers is an essential component of safe water storage. Because household storage of collected water is common in many low- and middle-income countries, these results are important towards the worldwide achievement of the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goal 6. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The performance of seven Urochloa grass genotypes (three worldwide cultivars cv. Basilisk, cv. Piata, cv. Xaraes and four landrace cv. Adamaoua1, cv. Adamaoua2, cv. North1 and cv. North2) subjected to two cutting regimes (mid‐June cut and mid‐July cut) was evaluated for regrowth characteristics, seed yields, seed quality and herbage production in 2020 and 2021 cropping seasons at Wakwa, Ngaoundere, Cameroon. This divergence in harvesting practices raises concerns regarding the effectiveness and efficiency of forage utilization, as well as the potential impact on livestock productivity and sustainable farming systems. A split plot design with five replications and a 1‐year‐old sward was used for the study. In both years, genotypes were significantly different for plant height and tiller numbers at 12 weeks after cutting (P ≤ 0.007). In 2020, the dry matter yield (DMY) ranged between 8.78 t/ha (cv. Piata) and 12.75 t/ha (cv. Xaraes) for June cut regrowth and between 7.69 t/ha (cv. Piata) and 10.26 t/ha (cv. Xaraes) for July cut regrowth. In 2021, DMY ranged between 6.06 t/ha (Adamaoua2) and 13.95 t/ha (cv. Xaraes) for the June cut and between 6.55 t/ha (cv. Adamaoua2) and 10.47 t/ha (cv. Basilisk) for the July cut. For flowering behavior and seed yields, Basilisk flowered earliest while cv. Xaraes flowered latest. In 2020, seed yields were 74.80 kg/ha and 107.72 kg/ha for June cut and July cut regrowth, respectively, whereas in 2021, seed yields were 331 kg/ha and 431 kg/ha for June cut and July cut regrowth, respectively. cv. Adamaoua1 produced the highest seed yield in both years. The cutting regimes evaluated in this study were indifferent for DMY and seed yield. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Widespread generalist species, particularly the non-native invasive ones, are expected to be enhanced by climate change resulting in a biotic homogenization of ecosystems. The red seaweed Asparagopsis armata is a non-native opportunistic species, widely distributed in the European coasts of the North Atlantic, where it has been considered invasive. In this work, we examined the effects of temperature and irradiance on the vegetative propagation process of this species in a laboratory experiment. We considered vegetative propagation due to its implications in the invasion process (as it is considered one of the main sources of recruitment). In gametophytes, the process was characterized through the survival rates of hook-shaped specialized structures and the production and growth of new plantlets from hooks of 1-3cm in length. In tetrasporophytes, the growth and phycobiliprotein contents of previously excised tufts was analyzed. For gametophytes, results revealed how vegetative propagation for this species was conditioned by the low survival rates of hooks once detached from the main thallus. In our experiment, survival probabilities after 30 days of culture were always below 50%. Comparisons among environmental conditions showed lower survival rates under increasing levels of temperature and decreasing levels of irradiance. In fact, mass mortality was detected at 18°C and low irradiance, where almost any hook-shaped fragment survived. Nevertheless, patterns of appearance and growth of plantlets at different temperatures and irradiances were not clear. In the case of tetrasporophytes, only positive growth rates were registered at 15°C and 55-60 µmol/m²/s after 30 days of culture. Higher concentration of phycobiliproteins was detected at higher temperatures during the first days of culture, while not clear patterns were detected at the end. In the light of climate change, understanding these reproduction patterns is necessary in order to adopt better management actions in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AlN epilayers were grown on magnetron-sputtered (MS) (11–22) AlN buffers on m-plane sapphire substrates at 1450 °C via hydride vapour phase epitaxy (HVPE). The MS buffers were annealed at high temperatures of 1400–1600 °C. All the samples were characterised using X-ray diffraction, atomic force microscopy, scanning electron microscope and Raman spectrometry. The crystal quality of epilayers regrown by HVPE was improved significantly compared to that of the MS counterpart. With an increasing annealing temperature, the crystal quality of both MS buffers and AlN epilayers measured along [11–23] and [1–100] improved first and then decreased, maybe due to the decomposition of MS buffers, while the corresponding anisotropy along the two directions decreased first and then increased. The optimum quality of the AlN epilayer was obtained at the annealing temperature of around 1500 °C. In addition, it was found that the anisotropy for the epilayers decreased significantly compared to that of annealed MS buffers when the annealing temperature was below 1500 °C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A dual-purpose cultivation system allows cereals to produce both roughage and concentrate during one growing season. To establish a cultivation system for rye, the appropriate time for foliage mowing was determined to ensure a yield of nutrient-rich roughage from the first crop and abundant grain from the second crop. This is because the stage of growth at defoliation affects the yield and quality of both crops. The experimental rye line '4R-504' was grown in two successive cropping seasons; 2019/2020 and 2020/2021. Foliage was mowed at three different growth stages: the booting stage (BT), the early-heading stage (EH), and the fully heading stage (FH). Along with the growth stage, the plants grew taller, and the highest dry matter yield in the first crop was observed in FH (757 g m−2), which was 1.5 times higher than that in BT (480 g m−2). Although the nutritional value was higher in plants harvested at an earlier growth stage, the EH and FH plants showed a higher dry matter yield, resulting in a higher production of metabolizable energy per area. Plants that had been mowed earlier regrew vigorously and produced an abundant amount of grains in the second crop. BT showed the highest grain yield of 239 g m−2, which corresponds to 60% of the yield from the unmowed control. FH produced grains of only 76 g m−2, which barely met the requirement of the dual-purpose cropping system. To enhance the nutritional yield of roughage, it is recommended to harvest the first crop at the early heading stage. Conversely, to achieve a higher grain yield, defoliation should be carried out during the booting stage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) has been widely used as a disinfectant in water and wastewater treatment, because of its high efficiency and low cost, whereas the bio-toxicity of its disinfection byproducts (DBPs) raised great concern. Performic acid (PFA) produces less DBPs and shows strong oxidation abilities. In this study, the effect of temperature on NaOCl and PFA disinfection as well as bacteria regrowth were evaluated. First, the inactivation of Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Bacillus subtilis by NaOCl and PFA at 4 and 20 °C, detected by cell cultured-based plate counting were fitted to kinetic models, and the predicted CTs were calculated. The results showed that NaOCl was more effective than PFA for E. coli and S. aureus inactivation, and the temperature was positively correlated to disinfection. Second, bacteria regrowth was evaluated at different temperatures (4 and 20 °C) of disinfection and storage. The results showed that the bacteria inactivated by NaOCl regrew prominently, especially for those inactivated at 4 and stored at 4 °C, probably through the mechanism of reactivation of viable but non-culturable (VBNC) bacteria. PFA was superior in suppressing bacteria regrowth, and it may be used as an alternate disinfectant in water treatment in cold environment. HIGHLIGHTS Performic acid was more efficient than NaClO on B. subtilis inactivation.; Performic acid was superior than NaClO in the inhibition of bacteria regrowth.; Bacteria regrowth was prominent after NaClO disinfection.; Performic acid could be used as an alternate disinfectant in cold environments.;

In communities where people lack on-demand, safely managed drinking water, stored household water often becomes contaminated by fecal bacteria, regardless of the source-water quality. The objectives of this paper are to assess and control bacterial contamination in stored household water in Toamasina, a rapidly urbanizing city in eastern coastal Madagascar. We collected samples of source water and stored household water from 10 representative households that use different water sources and different storage strategies, and we analyzed the samples for several fecal indicator bacteria. We also tested three methods that residents of Toamasina could realistically employ for cleaning their household water storage vessels, assessing the effect of the cleaning methods on measured bacterial levels in the water. Consistent with the previous literature, we found that concentrations of total coliforms in stored household water were significantly higher than in the corresponding source water (p < 0.05). In 100% of households that stored their water in 20 L polyethylene jerrycans (n = 4), biofilms on the walls of the jerrycan harbored total coliforms and Enterococcus. The use of a closed storage container was, on its own, not found to provide a meaningful protective effect against bacterial regrowth; to be protective, closed storage containers must be combined with high-quality source water and/or with adequate cleaning to prevent biofilm formation. A dilute solution of sodium hypochlorite, known locally as Sûr’Eau or Manadio Rano, was both the most effective and the least expensive method for cleaning household water storage containers. We conclude that regular and effective cleaning of storage containers is an essential component of safe water storage. Because household storage of collected water is common in many low- and middle-income countries, these results are important towards the worldwide achievement of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 6.

Abstract Background Forest landscape restoration (FLR), often through tree planting, is one of the priorities in many global and national initiatives for carbon offsetting as part of climate change mitigation and biodiversity conservation. However, active efforts to meet FLR objectives entail substantial costs for the procurement of planting stocks and require an experienced workforce for planting and nurturing tree seedlings. Alternatively, restoration projects can be more cost-effective and potentially may have greater biodiversity gain through assisting and accelerating natural forest regeneration. The use of perches is one of the strategies under Assisted Natural Regeneration (ANR) and is used to attract avian seed dispersers to degraded habitats for increased tree seed supply and seedling establishment. This systematic review and potential meta-analysis aim to determine the effectiveness of artificial and natural perches in promoting natural forest regeneration. Specifically, we will evaluate their effectiveness in driving seed richness, seed density, seedling richness, and seedling density. The results will synthesize available evidence on the topic, identify knowledge gaps we need filling to upscale the strategy, and inform their use in concert with other ANR strategies. Methods The search strategy was informed through a literature scan and discussions with stakeholders and experts. A total of eight databases, which include an organizational library and a web-based search engine, will be searched using the refined search string in English. The search string was formed using keywords corresponding to the PICO structure of the research question, and its comprehensiveness was evaluated using 10 benchmark articles. The search results will be screened by the review team (composed of a primary and at least two secondary reviewers) using the set eligibility criteria at the title and abstract level, followed by the full-text screening. The screened studies will then undergo critical appraisal using the assessment criteria based on risk of bias and methods. Data from the accepted studies will be extracted to the standard data sheet for meta-analysis. Effect size (Hedges’ g) will be computed to determine whether perches are effective in increasing seed dispersal and seedling establishment in degraded sites. The effect of potential modifiers relating to the landscape will be explored via mixed models.

Wooded meadows are characterised by traditional-historic human use. Deliberate selection of species, pollarding and haymaking has created a complex and biodiverse habitat where small trees and shrubs were prevalent. This study set out to document what happens to such trees and shrubs during succession to forest, the normal fate when wooded meadows are abandoned but also when other open to semi-open patches revert to forest. The study was conducted at a site in southern Sweden where traditional management was abandoned by 1923 when the area was protected for research and allowed to follow natural succession. The current study is a follow-up of a 1937-inventory of small trees and shrubs. The results show a decrease in both population size and canopy cover in the selected species during the past 86 years. Hence, we can expect a loss of these species when wooded meadow are abandoned and left to developed into forests. On the other hand, several tree and shrub specimens endured for a century, pointing to the slow changes involved as well as the potential for restoration.

Widespread generalist species, particularly the non-native invasive ones, are expected to be enhanced by climate change resulting in a biotic homogenization of ecosystems. The red seaweed Asparagopsis armata is a non-native opportunistic species, widely distributed in the European coasts of the North Atlantic, where it has been considered invasive. In this work, we examined the effects of temperature and irradiance on the vegetative propagation process of this species in a laboratory experiment. We considered vegetative propagation due to its implications in the invasion process (as it is considered one of the main sources of recruitment). In gametophytes, the process was characterized through the survival rates of hook-shaped specialized structures and the production and growth of new plantlets from hooks of 1-3cm in length. In tetrasporophytes, the growth and phycobiliprotein contents of previously excised tufts was analyzed. For gametophytes, results revealed how vegetative propagation for this species was conditioned by the low survival rates of hooks once detached from the main thallus. In our experiment, survival probabilities after 30 days of culture were always below 50%. Comparisons among environmental conditions showed lower survival rates under increasing levels of temperature and decreasing levels of irradiance. In fact, mass mortality was detected at 18°C and low irradiance, where almost any hook-shaped fragment survived. Nevertheless, patterns of appearance and growth of plantlets at different temperatures and irradiances were not clear. In the case of tetrasporophytes, only positive growth rates were registered at 15°C and 55-60 µmol/m2/s after 30 days of culture. Higher concentration of phycobiliproteins was detected at higher temperatures during the first days of culture, while not clear patterns were detected at the end. In the light of climate change, understanding these reproduction patterns is necessary in order to adopt better management actions in the future.

This study aims to investigate the dual impacts of heterotrophic ammoniaoxidizing bacteria (HAOB) strains on the regrowth of Italian ryegrass by studying cytokinin delivery from roots to leaves. The dual impacts encompass both the "soil-inside-role" and "soil-outside-role," which refer to the HAOB operating inside and outside the rhizosphere soil within the rhizosphere microenvironment. The experimental design consisted of two sets of experiments, Exp-1 and Exp-2, involving different treatments. In Exp-1, various concentrations of NO3- were added to the roots to observe the soil-inside-role on cytokinin delivery from roots to leaves. In Exp-2, NO3- addition was combined with HAOB inoculation to observe the combined effects of the root-outside-role and root-inside-role on cytokinin synthesis and transport. The results indicated that NO3- concentrations ranging from 30 to 40 mmol L-1 had the most optimal effect on increasing leaf cytokinin content and delivery from roots to leaves, consequently promoting greater leaf regrowth biomass. When inoculated, the HAOB strain significantly increased rhizosphere soil nitrification rates under the soil-inside-role, leading to increased NO3- release from the soil and a subsequent boost in cytokinin delivery from roots to leaves. Additionally, the HAOB strain independently enhanced cytokinin delivery from roots to leaves outside the rhizosphere soil within the rhizosphere microenvironment, demonstrating its soil-outside-role. The combined effects of the soil-inside-role and soil-outside-role substantially increased leaf cytokinin content, playing a crucial role in promoting Italian ryegrass regrowth. The study's findings shed light on the mechanisms through which HAOB can enhance plant growth by performing dual roles in the rhizosphere, offering potential applications in agriculture. Understanding the interaction between HAOB, cytokinins, and plant growth could lead to more effective strategies for improving crop productivity and promoting sustainable agriculture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to determine a sainfoin variety best suited to the soil and weather conditions of the Great Lake Basin region inUlaangom soum of Uvs aimag (province). We carried out studies into five varieties of sainfoin, including Peschany 1251, Tashyl 3, Novosibirsky 1284, Shortandisky 83, and Mikhailovsky-5, which were compared with each other without irrigation trial. Sainfoin has a high resistance to cold winter conditions, high temperatures and and dry drought conditions. Sainfoin varieties growing in Mongolia are highly palatable perennial leguminous plants. According to the result of our research, sainfoin is well acclimatized to Uvs province's soil and weather conditions. The variety with the highest performance showing is Taskhyl 3, which was generated atthe Plant Research Center of Khakassia, a republic of Russia located in southern Siberia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study is to assess the suitability of vitrification cryo-plate (V cryo-plate) and dehydration cryo-plate (D cryo-plate) methods for the long-term conservation of eight autochthonous Prunus domestica L. genotypes originating from the Balkan Peninsula region. In vitro shoot tips were briefly pre-cultured for 1 day at 23 °C in the dark on a medium containing 0.3 M sucrose and then embedded in calcium alginate gel within the wells of the aluminum cryo-plates. In the V cryo-plate protocol, dehydration was carried out at room temperature using the following vitrification solutions: original plant vitrification solution 2 (PVS2) and 90% PVS2 solution (for 20 and 40 min) and plant vitrification solution 3 (PVS3) (for 60 and 80 min). In the D cryo-plate protocol, desiccation was performed for 2, 2.5, or 3 h over silica gel at 23 °C. The effect of different treatments was evaluated by monitoring the regrowth of both non-frozen and cryo-preserved explants. After cryo-preservation, five genotypes achieved regrowth rates over 40% in at least one of the applied protocols, while two genotypes showed regrowth rates of around 10%. A significant improvement in regrowth success for all genotypes using both cryo-plate methods was achieved by pre-culturing shoot tips for 7 days on a medium containing 0.5 M sucrose in complete darkness at 4 °C. Shoots regenerated from cryo-preserved explants were further monitored in vitro. By the third subculture, they had not only regained but had even exceeded the multiplication capacity (index of multiplication, length of axial, and lateral shoots) of shoots regenerated from dissection controls. Following multiplication, the cryo-preserved shoots were successfully rooted and rooting ability was assessed by monitoring the percentage of rooting, number and length of roots, and height of rooted plantlets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives To confirm both efficiency and sustainability of algal growth inhibition, various laboratory-scale experiments were conducted and the growth inhibitory effect of Microcystis aeruginosa (M. aeruginosa) was investigated through ultrasonic re-irradiation during the regrowth period after the first ultrasound irradiation. Methods Experiments with different times of irradiation [i.e., control group A (0 hr), experimental group B (2 hr) applied with only the first ultrasound irradiation, and experimental group C (0.5 hr), D (1 hr), and E (1.5 hr) applied with both first and second irradiations] were performed. Results and Discussion As a result of both Chlorophyll-a (Chl-a) concentration and cell number of M. aeruginosa, the experimental group (B) with only first ultrasound irradiation (2 hr) displayed rapid regrowth of algae after initial decrease whereas the experimental group (C, D, and E) with both first ultrasound irradiation (2 hr) and second ultrasound irradiation (0.5 hr, 1 hr, and 1.5 hr) confirmed the delay of algae regrowth. Based on the specific growth rate constant (µ) and first order decay rate constant (k), algal growth from the experimental groups (C, D, E) with the secondary ultrasound irradiation was more significantly inhibited due to repetitive inactivation of algae growth. According to the SEM and TEM results, damages to algae cells were clearly observed under the influence of ultrasound, and both decrease in gas vesicles and rupture of cell membrane in M. aeruginosa were also monitored. Conclusion Through this study, the algae growth inhibitory effect by ultrasonic irradiations was confirmed, and the re-irradiation of ultrasound contributed to the repetitive inactivation of algae growth, indicating that the second ultrasonic irradiation time required to inhibit algal regrowth can be reduced compared to the first irradiation. Therefore, periodic ultrasonic irradiation is required for long-term inhibition of algae growth in stagnant waters, but the appropriate frequency of ultrasonic irradiation may vary depending on the influence of various complex factors such as the size of the stagnant waters, the frequency of algal blooms, water temperature, light irradiation, nutrients, flow rate, etc. Finally, many field studies under various conditions are warranted to establish an optimized ultrasound irradiation protocol.

This article describes a systematic study of the oxidative etching and regrowth behaviors of Pd nanocrystals, including single‐crystal cubes bounded by {100} facets, single‐crystal octahedra and tetrahedra enclosed by {111} facets; and multiple‐twinned icosahedra covered by {111} facets and twin boundaries. During etching, Pd atoms are preferentially oxidized and removed from the corners regardless of the type of nanocrystal, and the resultant Pd2+ ions are then reduced back to elemental Pd. For cubes and icosahedra, the newly formed Pd atoms are deposited on the {100} facets and twin boundaries, respectively, due to their relatively higher energies. For octahedra and tetrahedra, the Pd atoms self‐nucleate in the solution phase, followed by their growth into small particles. We can control the regrowth rate relative to etching rate by varying the concentration of HCl in the reaction solution. As the concentration of HCl is increased, 18‐nm Pd cubes are transformed into octahedra of 23, 18, and 13 nm, respectively, in edge length. Due to the absence of regrowth, however, Pd octahedra are transformed into truncated octahedra, cuboctahedra, and spheres with decreasing sizes whereas Pd tetrahedra evolve into truncated tetrahedra and spheres. In contrast, Pd icosahedra with twin boundaries on the surface are converted to asymmetric icosahedra, flower‐like icosahedra, and spheres. This work not only advances the understanding of etching and growth behaviors of metal nanocrystals with various shapes and twin structures but also offers an alternative method for controlling their shape and size. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The quaternary barrier InAlGaN is suitable for GaN high‐electron‐mobility transistors (HEMT) power microwave applications. High doping of the semiconductor under the drain and source is a known suitable solution to achieve low ohmic contact resistance. However, InAlGaN quaternary alloys require a low thermal budget to avoid indium desorption from the active layer during regrowth and thus deteriorating the barrier. Herein, a selective‐area growth technique at 850 °C by metal–organic vapor‐phase epitaxy (MOVPE) to achieve low contact resistance with respect to temperature constraint is presented. Regrowth temperature and mask geometry are investigated to achieve selectivity and control of the regrowth rate. The use of H2 as carrier gas decomposes the GaN buffer layer and damages the surface, creating material cluster during regrowth. Growth with N2 carrier gas shows nonselective epitaxy, as there are deposits on the entire surface of the dielectric mask. Switching from one carrier gas to another depending on the step in the MOVPE reactor helps to control both the morphology and selectivity. The resulting high doping levels of 8 × 1019 cm−3 lead to a low contact resistance of 0.26 Ω mm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Forest landscape restoration (FLR), often through tree planting, is one of the priorities in many global and national initiatives for carbon offsetting as part of climate change mitigation and biodiversity conservation. However, active efforts to meet FLR objectives entail substantial costs for the procurement of planting stocks and require an experienced workforce for planting and nurturing tree seedlings. Alternatively, restoration projects can be more cost-effective and potentially may have greater biodiversity gain through assisting and accelerating natural forest regeneration. The use of perches is one of the strategies under Assisted Natural Regeneration (ANR) and is used to attract avian seed dispersers to degraded habitats for increased tree seed supply and seedling establishment. This systematic review and potential meta-analysis aim to determine the effectiveness of artificial and natural perches in promoting natural forest regeneration. Specifically, we will evaluate their effectiveness in driving seed richness, seed density, seedling richness, and seedling density. The results will synthesize available evidence on the topic, identify knowledge gaps we need filling to upscale the strategy, and inform their use in concert with other ANR strategies. Methods: The search strategy was informed through a literature scan and discussions with stakeholders and experts. A total of eight databases, which include an organizational library and a web-based search engine, will be searched using the refined search string in English. The search string was formed using keywords corresponding to the PICO structure of the research question, and its comprehensiveness was evaluated using 10 benchmark articles. The search results will be screened by the review team (composed of a primary and at least two secondary reviewers) using the set eligibility criteria at the title and abstract level, followed by the full-text screening. The screened studies will then undergo critical appraisal using the assessment criteria based on risk of bias and methods. Data from the accepted studies will be extracted to the standard data sheet for meta-analysis. Effect size (Hedges' g) will be computed to determine whether perches are effective in increasing seed dispersal and seedling establishment in degraded sites. The effect of potential modifiers relating to the landscape will be explored via mixed models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding the severity and extent of near surface critical zone (CZ) disturbances and their ecosystem response is a pressing concern in the face of increasing human and natural disturbances. Predicting disturbance severity and recovery in a changing climate requires comprehensive understanding of ecosystem feedbacks among vegetation and the surrounding environment, including climate, hydrology, geomorphology, and biogeochemistry. Field surveys and satellite remote sensing have limited ability to effectively capture the spatial and temporal variability of disturbance and CZ properties. Technological advances in remote sensing using new sensors and new platforms have improved observations of changes in vegetation canopy structure and productivity; however, integrating measures of forest disturbance from various sensing platforms is complex. By connecting the potential for remote sensing technologies to observe different CZ disturbance vectors, we show that lower severity disturbance and slower vegetation recovery are more difficult to quantify. Case studies in montane forests from the western United States highlight new opportunities, including evaluating post‐disturbance forest recovery at multiple scales, shedding light on understory vegetation regrowth, detecting specific physiological responses, and refining ecohydrological modeling. Learning from regional CZ disturbance case studies, we propose future directions to synthesize fragmented findings with (a) new data analysis using new or existing sensors, (b) data fusion across multiple sensors and platforms, (c) increasing the value of ground‐based observations, (d) disturbance modeling, and (e) synthesis to improve understanding of disturbance. Key Points: Increasing remote sensing capabilities improve observations of disturbance severity and recovery in varying critical zone settingsCase studies present how new approaches from multiple platforms and sensors better quantify post‐disturbance recovery of montane forestsWe suggest integrating the new approaches to refine remote sensing capabilities and resolve critical zone processes at multiple scales [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is recognized as an effective technique for the treatment of benign thyroid nodules (BTNs), although the long-term results are limited. This study aimed to evaluate the residual vital volume increase, regrowth, and new growth over a 2-year period after RFA among different nodule volume groups.Subjects and Methods This retrospective study evaluated 135 patients with 153 BTNs who underwent ultrasound guided RFA. The BTNs were categorized into small (30 mL) according to the initial volume of BTNs prior to ablation. The volume changes of each nodule were analyzed at 1, 3, 6, 12 and 24 months after RFA. New growth was defined as the growth in volume not found in the early follow-up on ultrasonography.Results The initial ablation ratio of all BTNs was 99.67%. The mean volume reduction ratio (VRR) of BTNs was 85.53% after 2-year follow-up. The small nodule group showed a lower VRR compared to the other two groups at the 1-month follow-up, and there was no difference of VRR at the subsequent follow-ups. The incidence of residual vital volume increase was 4.58%. The overall incidence of regrowth was 3.92% and the mean timing of regrowth was 16.71 months. New growth occurred in 18.95% of patients. No further treatment was required in the majority of cases.Conclusion RFA achieved a clinically relevant volume reduction in different sizes of single BTNs which persisted for at least 2 years, thereby preventing the need for retreatment.

Abstract Background The focus of triticale breeding in the southern Great Plains of the United States has been to increase forage yield for autumn–winter seasons when most other forage species are dormant. This study aims to estimate the trends of seasonal yield changes over time. Methods Yield trials had been conducted in a randomized complete block design for up to two decades. Seasonal yield changes over time were estimated using linear regression analysis. Results The analysis revealed a significant positive relation between autumn forage yield (relative to common checks) and calendar years when the trials were conducted. The estimated improvement of autumn forage yield was about 1.9% per year on medium and heavy soil at Ardmore, Oklahoma, and about 5.4% per year on light soil at Burneyville, Oklahoma. However, winter forage yield change was minimal and the spring forage yield increase was negative, although this decline was not significant. Total forage yield improvements were about 0.6% and 0.7% per year at Ardmore and Burneyville, respectively. Similar results were also observed when years of cultivars' introduction were used instead. Conclusions The results indicate a significant gain in autumn forage yield, but a minor gain in the total forage yield due to the yield tradeoff between the autumn and spring seasons.

Understanding the metabolism of tropical grasses in response to management practises imposed in pastoral environments allows for improvements in the management and use of mineral fertilisers. This study aimed to quantify metabolite content in different plant parts of Marandu grass (Urochloa brizantha), with a specific focus on the influence of nitrogen fertilisation and its effects following successive cuts. The treatments corresponded to four nitrogen (N) rates (0, 75, 150, and 225 kg N ha-1) and the number of cuts (one, two and three cuts). The plants were fractionated into leaves, stems, and roots to assess the content of water-soluble carbohydrates (WSC), starch, albumin, globulin, prolamin, and glutelin content. N fertilisation influenced the WSC and starch content in different parts of the plant, varying according to the cuts made. In the leaves and roots, fertilisation reduced the content of WSC and starch with one cut, as these were utilised as energy sources for assimilating the excess nitrogen in the soil. There was an increase in the concentration of all protein groups with nitrogen fertilisation in all parts of the plant with one cut. In plants cut two and three times, N fertilisation led to specific increases and decreases in different parts of the plants as an adaptive strategy for allocating resources as the number of cuts increased. Our results broaden our understanding of carbohydrate and protein metabolism in tropical grasses, thereby providing subsidies for the rational use of nitrogen fertilisers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Study Design: Retrospective cohort study. Objectives: Intraspinal solitary fibrous tumor (SFT)/hemangiopericytoma (HPC) is often misdiagnosed preoperatively as schwannoma or meningioma because its imaging characteristics are not well understood. As postoperative prognosis differs among the 3 lesions, predicting the probability of SFT/HPC preoperatively is essential. Thus, this study investigates the imaging characteristics of SFT/HPC compared with those of schwannoma or meningioma and evaluates surgical outcomes. Methods: The preoperative imaging findings, tumor resection extent, recurrence and regrowth rates, and neurological improvement were compared between 10 patients with SFT/HPC and 42 patients with schwannoma or 40 patients with meningioma. Results: Most patients with SFT/HPC showed isointensity on both T1- and T2-weighted images compared with patients with schwannoma (P = 0.011 and 0.029, respectively) and no significant difference compared with patients with meningioma (P = 0.575 and 0.845, respectively). Almost all patients with SFT/HPC showed highly uniformizing enhancement patterns, similar to those with meningioma (P = 0.496). Compared with meningioma, SFT/HPC lacked the dural tail sign and intratumoral calcification and exhibited irregular shape. Of the 5 patients who underwent partial resection, 60% exhibited tumor recurrence and regrowth following surgery. Conclusions: Complete en bloc surgical resection should be attempted in patients with intraspinal SFT/HPC to prevent postoperative recurrence or regrowth. As this tumor is often preoperatively misdiagnosed, we recommend that the imaging findings exhibited in this study should be used to positively suspect SFT/HPC. This will enhance patient outcomes by enabling more appropriate preoperative surgical planning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Understanding the severity and extent of near surface critical zone (CZ) disturbances and their ecosystem response is a pressing concern in the face of increasing human and natural disturbances. Predicting disturbance severity and recovery in a changing climate requires comprehensive understanding of ecosystem feedbacks among vegetation and the surrounding environment, including climate, hydrology, geomorphology, and biogeochemistry. Field surveys and satellite remote sensing have limited ability to effectively capture the spatial and temporal variability of disturbance and CZ properties. Technological advances in remote sensing using new sensors and new platforms have improved observations of changes in vegetation canopy structure and productivity; however, integrating measures of forest disturbance from various sensing platforms is complex. By connecting the potential for remote sensing technologies to observe different CZ disturbance vectors, we show that lower severity disturbance and slower vegetation recovery are more difficult to quantify. Case studies in montane forests from the western United States highlight new opportunities, including evaluating post‐disturbance forest recovery at multiple scales, shedding light on understory vegetation regrowth, detecting specific physiological responses, and refining ecohydrological modeling. Learning from regional CZ disturbance case studies, we propose future directions to synthesize fragmented findings with (a) new data analysis using new or existing sensors, (b) data fusion across multiple sensors and platforms, (c) increasing the value of ground‐based observations, (d) disturbance modeling, and (e) synthesis to improve understanding of disturbance.

AlN epilayers were grown on magnetron-sputtered (MS) (11–22) AlN buffers on m-plane sapphire substrates at 1450 °C via hydride vapour phase epitaxy (HVPE). The MS buffers were annealed at high temperatures of 1400–1600 °C. All the samples were characterised using X-ray diffraction, atomic force microscopy, scanning electron microscope and Raman spectrometry. The crystal quality of epilayers regrown by HVPE was improved significantly compared to that of the MS counterpart. With an increasing annealing temperature, the crystal quality of both MS buffers and AlN epilayers measured along [11–23] and [1–100] improved first and then decreased, maybe due to the decomposition of MS buffers, while the corresponding anisotropy along the two directions decreased first and then increased. The optimum quality of the AlN epilayer was obtained at the annealing temperature of around 1500 °C. In addition, it was found that the anisotropy for the epilayers decreased significantly compared to that of annealed MS buffers when the annealing temperature was below 1500 °C.

Nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) infection is estimated as the most serious waterborne infectious disease. NTM are ubiquitous in drinking water supply systems, which could be one of the possible exposure pathways for NTM disease, posing a serious concern to human health. Characteristics of NTM, such as exposure via inhalation, disinfectant resistance, survival in oligotrophic conditions, and association with amoebae, are largely different from those of Escherichia coli (E. coli) which has been traditionally regarded as a model bacterium causing gastrointestinal diseases in water safety. However, the fate of NTM in water supply systems from source water to the point of use has not been systematically revealed yet. Thus, this review proposes that NTM should be regarded as alternative model bacteria in water use by updating the current knowledge on the occurrence, removal efficiency, and regrowth of NTM in water supply systems. Moreover, we demonstrate the need to establish a comprehensive quantitative microbial risk assessment to identify the critical control point, which is indispensable to mitigate NTM risk in water use. HIGHLIGHTS Waterborne NTM are posing a significant health threat in many countries.; NTM are persistent and can regrow in drinking water, which is so different from traditional model bacterium (E. coli).; The fate of NTM from source to the point of use remains unclear.; Comprehensive risk assessment is lacking for NTM in water supply systems.; NTM can be new model bacteria to revisit the management of water supply systems.;

Greywater is an important alternative water resource which could be treated and reused in buildings, reducing the freshwater demand in drought affected areas. For the successful implementation of this solution, it is important to ensure the microbial safety of treated greywater. This study examined the microbiological quality of treated greywater produced by an emergent nature-based technology (green roofs) and a chlorination process. Specifically, the effect of substrate, substrate depth, and vegetation on the removal of total coliforms, Escherichia coli, and enterococci in experimental green roofs treating greywater was examined for a period of about 12 months. In addition, the ability of chlorination to inactivate the abovementioned pathogen indicators was evaluated and their potential regrowth was examined. Results shown that green roofs filled with 10 cm of perlite reduce total coliform concentration by about 0.4 log units while green roofs filled with 20 cm of vermiculite reduce total coliform concentration by about 1.2 log units. In addition, the use of vegetation in green roofs improves the removal of pathogenic bacteria by about 0.5 log units in comparison with unvegetated systems. In all cases, the effluents of green roofs failed to satisfy the criteria for indoor reuse of treated greywater for non-potable uses such as toilet flushing without a disinfection process. The addition of 3 mg/L of chlorine in the effluent provided safe greywater microbiological quality for storage periods of less than 24 h, while longer periods resulted in the significant regrowth of pathogens. In contrast, a chlorination dose of 7 mg/L completely secured inactivation of pathogen indicators for periods of up to 3 days. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The viability of epitaxial regrowth of non-intentionally doped InP to passivate lateral mesa surfaces of InGaAs photodiodes lattice-matched to InP is investigated, evaluating whether the residual doping of the regrown layer can be responsible for un unexpected increase of the surface current. The effect of residual doping is evaluated via numerical calculations of dark current, considering the range of doping concentrations expected for non-intentionally doped InP. The calculations show that the increase in dark current due to the residual doping of the regrown InP layer is not enough to justify the observed increase in surface current. On the other hand, the technique is still valid as a passivation method if the photodetector pixel is isolated by etching only the top contact layer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The high nutritional value of brassicas can increase productivity in traditional forage production systems. The objective of the study was to compare the nutritional value and yield of dry matter (DM) and nutrients between forage brassicas and traditional autumn-winter species. The forage brassicas were Winfred, Hunter and Graza radish and the traditional forages were oats, triticale, barley, wheat and berseem clover. The study was conducted in Matamoros, Coahuila, Mexico in the 2018-2019 cycle, under a randomized complete block experimental design with four repetitions. The regrowth capacity, the nutritional composition of the forage and the yields of DM and nutrients were determined. All species showed regrowth capacity, with three cuts in berseem clover in 154 d, and with two cuts in brassicas (150-154 d) and cereals (133-144 d). The brassicas had nutritional composition similar to that of berseem clover and better than that of cereals, mainly due to their higher content of net energy of lactation (NEl; 6.57 to 7.32 MJ kg-1 DM). The DM yields of the brassicas were similar to those observed in traditional forages; however, due to their high nutritional composition, the brassicas were equal to or superior in production of crude protein (CP) (1,608 to 2,986 kg ha-1) and NEl (62,819 to 84,044 MJ ha-1) to traditional forages. In general, forage brassicas can increase nutrient yield with respect to cereals and berseem clover, especially in the production of NEL (27.5 to 47.3 %). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We used detailed life-history data collected over a six-year period from a colour-banded population of riflemen (Acanthisitta chloris) at Kowhai Bush, near Kaikōura, to estimate population vital rates and assess their likely contribution to a concurrent population decline. Both mean juvenile survival (18%) and mean adult survival (49%) were low in comparison with reports from other populations. In contrast, breeding success was high, with pairs producing c. 3 fledglings per season on average. High breeding success was likely associated with nestbox use. We then used survival and breeding success estimates to parameterise a population matrix model, and perturbation analysis of this model confirmed a projected negative trend, with reduced recruitment having the greatest absolute contribution to population decline. We discuss possible explanations for the comparatively low rates of recruitment and survival observed. Data from other populations of riflemen experiencing stable or positive population trajectories would be especially useful to better understand factors affecting vital rates, and to identify the thresholds that signal a rifleman population at risk of decline. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to investigate the effect of a soil ammonia‐oxidizing bacterial (AOB) strain on Italian ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam.) regrowth. Potted Italian ryegrass was used as test material. We isolated and screened an AOB strain from the soil for use in inoculation of other soils to increase nitrification. The sequence of the two isolated and screened AOB strains (S2_8_1 and S2_7_25) were 100% similar to that of Ensifer sesbaniae and Acinetobacter pittii. The nitrification inhibitor 3,4‐dimethylpyrazole phosphate (DMPP) was also added to the soil to inhibit nitrification. The experimental design involving the inoculation of the soils with the AOB strain included seven treatments: (1) regrowth without any additives, (2) regrowth with blank enrichment medium added to the soil, (3) regrowth with S2_8_1 strain inoculation, (4) regrowth with S2_7_25 strain inoculation, (5) regrowth with DMPP added to the soil, (6) regrowth with DMPP added to the soil and with S2_8_1 strain inoculation, and (7) regrowth with DMPP added to the soil and with S2_7_25 strain inoculation. Compared with regrowth treatment without any additives, the regrowth treatment with S2_8_1 and S2_7_25 inoculations significantly increased leaf biomass by 23.5–48.6%, the leaf net photosynthetic rate by 27.9–48.5%, the rhizosphere soil nitrification rate by 43.0–144.2%, leaf cytokinin concentrations by 23.7–24.9%, and xylem sap cytokinin concentrations by 32.5–43.2%. The increase of nitrate nitrogen content in rhizosphere soil induced by S2_8_1 and S2_7_25 promoted the transfers of cytokinin from roots to leaves, resulting in the increase of cytokinin concentration in leaves. This increase in leaf cytokinin concentrations improved Italian ryegrass regrowth. However, the S2_8_1 and S2_7_25‐induced increases in the nonrhizosphere soil nitrification rate were not closely related to Italian ryegrass regrowth. The tested AOB strains have considerable potential to increase Italian ryegrass regrowth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Insect-proof net tunnels can help reduce virus infection of clean virus-tested sweetpotato seed produced by decentralized seed producers. However, optimal management is required to maintain both quality and quantity of seed produced. This study investigated the effect of the ratoon cropping technique on vine production in net tunnels and open fields. Virus-tested planting material of two varieties, Kabode and Mataya, were grown in net tunnels and open fields. Each variety had 80 plants per plot, with 40 following the ratooning technique and 40 a replanting technique. The ratooned crop was harvested six times, comprising the initial harvest and five regrowths. This covered 14 months representing six generations of vine production. The number of vines, number of nodes per vine, and vine length were recorded. The number of plants showing virus symptoms was also recorded. The ratoon cropping technique produced more vines compared with the replanting technique in both net tunnels and open fields. Cv. Kabode produced more vines in open fields compared with net tunnels regardless of cropping technique. On the other hand, cv. Mataya produced relatively equal numbers of vines in net tunnels and open fields. Despite ratooning leading to more vine production compared with replanting, the technique led to higher virus incidences on plants grown in the open. This also varied with variety with the highest virus disease incidences being recorded on cv. Mataya. We recommend the ratoon cropping technique for sweetpotato vine production in net tunnels. Replanting technique should be adopted for vine production in the open fields because it acts as a key control strategy for virus infections even for susceptible varieties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Epitaxially regrown electrically pumped photonic crystal surface emitting lasers (PCSELs) operating near 2 µm were designed and fabricated within a III-V-Sb material system. A high-index-contrast photonic crystal layer was incorporated into the laser heterostructures by air-pocket-retaining epitaxial regrowth. Transmission electron microscopy studies confirmed uniform and continuous AlGaAsSb initial growth over the nano-patterned GaSb surface, followed by the development of the air-pockets. The PCSEL threshold current density had a minimal value of ~170 A/cm2 in the 160–180 K temperature range when the QW gain spectrum aligned with the Γ2 band edge of the photonic crystal. The devices operated in a continuous wave regime at 160 K. The divergence and polarization of the multimode laser beam emitted from the 200 µm × 200 µm PCSEL aperture were controlled by filamentation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The biological diversity of our planet largely depends on human impact on the environment. Globally, there is a large variety of perennial plant species worldwide. One of the methods of genetic preservation of wild species is introducing them into the culture. In the conditions of Altai Krai, scientists have found approximately 28 species of wild-growing onion crops. Wild-growing onion species have important agronomic characteristics. The current research aims to examine, evaluate, and select clones, and create a variety of perennial onion crops. The research objects are samples of three types of perennial onions: Welsh onion, Altai onion, and Chinese chive. The trial establishment, observations, and selections were conducted using instructive methodological regulations. According to the Welsh onion culture, 27 samples were studied. Early growing forms and samples with a long regrowth–bolting period were selected, which determines the duration of economic use in the culture. The least volatile variables were identified. There were 18 samples of Altai onion in the research. A sample of this type with the maximum duration of the regrowth–bolting period was identified. Further research on the selection of clones allowed the identification of promising forms. The selection of clonal material on Chinese chives was carried out using 21 samples. Phenological and morphological evaluation of the samples was performed in this culture, and interesting breeding forms were identified. As a research result, one sample of each type was transferred to the state crop variety testing. According to the results, three new varieties of perennial types of onion crops were zoned: Welsh onion Premiera, Altai onion Viktor, and Chinese chive Zelyeny dol.

Objectives The optimal ultrasonic irradiation conditions were derived through laboratory-scale experiments to evaluate growth inhibition effect of Microcystis aeruginosa (M. aeruginosa), which is the main specie of Cyanobacterial Harmful Algal Blooms (CyanoHABs) in Republic of Korea. Methods The experiment was conducted by changing ultrasonic frequency, intensity, and initial cell concentration to observe the growth inhibition effect of M. aerginosa. The experiment was performed using shielded acrylic reactor [20 cm (W) × 20 cm (L) × 30 cm (H)]. Experiments were conducted using large volume (7.2 L) of water samples with high concentrations of M. aeruginosa, and the ultrasonic irradiation time was fixed at 3 hours. Results and Discussion In all experiments, pictorial view of M. aeruginosa samples, chlorophyll-a (Chl-a) and cell number of M. aerginosa were observed. As a result of ultrasonic irradiation on M. aeruginosa, the decrease in both Chl-a concentration and cell number of M. aeruginosa was monitored after sonication compared to the decrease during sonication. In addition, the rebound growth was confirmed after certain period of growth inhibition of M. aeruginosa. The optimal ultrasonic irradiation conditions for the growth inhibition of M. aeruginosa were obtained at the lower frequency and the higher intensity. Whereas algal growth inhibition was observed with high concentration (4.5 × 106 cells mL-1) of M. aeruginosa, algal growth inhibition was not monitored with low concentration (1.1 × 106 cells mL-1) of M. aeruginosa. Conclusion Through this study, the algal growth inhibition by ultrasonic was effective. Although the growth inhibition effect persisted for a certain period of time, subsequent regrowth was observed. Therefore, periodic ultrasonic irradiation is necessary for long-term growth inhibition of algal in field applications.

This study aimed to determine the effect of cutting the aerial part of Jerusalem artichoke at different growth stages, as forage, on tuber yield. Tubers were planted in a randomized complete block design in 16 plots with dimensions of 3 m × 4 m (4 plots in 4 blocks). Treatments with different dates of the harvest of the aerial part were: 1) first cut at stem elongation stage, BBCH-39 and second cut at inflorescence emergence stage, BBCH-59 (66 and 138 days after planting, respectively), 2) first and second cuts at stem elongation stage, BBCH-39 (100 and 173 days after planting, respectively), 3) one cut at inflorescence emergence stage, BBCH-59 (132 days after planting) with no regrowth of the aerial part, and 4) no aerial part cut. Tubers were harvested with approaching the cold season when the aerial part stopped growing. Treatment 1 and 2 resulted in lower total fresh and dry matter yield than treatment 3. The amount of water-soluble carbohydrates and crude protein in second cuts were numerically higher and fiber fractions lower than the first cuts. The highest fresh and dry tuber yield in treatment 4 was 63.3 and 14.8 t/ha, respectively, which was significantly higher than the mean of fresh (25.4-29.5 t/ha) and dry (4.6-6.1 t/ha) tuber yield in the other treatments. An increase in tuber organic matter was observed in treatment 4 with a significant increase in soluble carbohydrate contents. The results showed that an extra cut of the aerial part of Jerusalem artichoke during the vegetative stage did not increase the aboveground biomass yield compared to the treatment in which the only harvest was made just before the flowering stage. Yield of tubers was also negatively affected by regrowth of the aerial part.

Background: Family history of alopecia areata has been associated with more severe clinical presentations, but its specific prognostic implications in patchy alopecia remains unclear.Objective: To evaluate the relationship of family history of alopecia areata with demographics, triggers, comorbidities, disease course, and relapse rate in patchy alopecia.Methods: The medical records of 256 patients seen over a 17-year period was examined. Data collected included demographics, comorbidities, disease severity, and response to treatment. Comparisons were drawn using Pearson chi-square tests, Fisher exact tests, Wilcoxon rank sum tests, and t-tests as appropriate.Results: Family history of alopecia areata was associated with reduced hair regrowth after relapses, more severe symptoms, and earlier age of onset. Stress/fatigue, illnesses, thyroid disorders, and season changes were the most common relapse triggers. Dermatologic disorders were the most common comorbidities, followed by atopy and autoimmune disease.Limitations: Given the retrospective nature of data collection, most measures have some missing data, which may impact findings.Conclusion: Patchy alopecia patients with a family history of alopecia areata experienced worse outcomes. Concomitant autoimmunity may also adversely affect alopecia areata disease course. Identification of a positive family history of alopecia areata and control of autoimmune comorbidities may aid alopecia areata management.