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Cotton (Gossypium hirsutumL.) is responsive to boron (B) fertilization when there is low soil availability, but the best source and rate to be used and whether this response is dependent on soil texture are still unknown. This study aimed to adjust boron fertilization for cotton as a function of the production environment and B source used. Two field experiments were conducted in the 2020/2021 season in Chapadão do Sul, MS (clayey soil—adequate B content) and Dracena, SP (sandy soil—low B content), Brazil. Treatments consisted of B sources (ulexite [low solubility], borax pentahydrate [BP] [intermediate solubility], and boric acid [BA] [high solubility]), and B rates (0, 1, 2, 4, and 6 kg ha−1) applied to the soil at 25 days after plant emergence. In sandy soil with low B content, application of 2 (high and medium solubility sources) and 4 kg B ha−1(low solubility source) improved fiber yield between 10% (210 kg ha−1fiber) and 28% (555 kg ha−1), respectively, as well as micronaire index, strength, elongation, uniformity, and short fibers. Application of B greater than 4 kg ha−1via soluble sources reduced (between 9% (175 kg ha−1)—BP and 14% (257 kg ha−1)—BA) fiber yield only in sandy soil. When B content in the soil is adequate, B fertilization did not improve yield, but increased fiber strength (4%—1.1 g tex−1) and reduced the short fiber index (16%) by applying 1 kg B ha−1, regardless of the source used. The highest fiber yields were obtained with leaf B contents between 12 and 17 mg kg−1(sandy soil) and 25 and 27 mg kg−1(clayey soil). We recommend applying 2 kg B ha−1(solubility sources) and 4 kg B ha−1(low solubility source) in sandy soils with low B content to improve yield and fiber quality, and 1 kg B ha−1in clayey soil with adequate B content to improve fiber quality and replace B amounts removed through harvesting. Boron fertilization in sandy soils increased fiber yield by 210–555 kg ha−1.There are no effects of B fertilization in clayey soils on fiber yield, but there are improvements in fiber quality.Rates greater than 4 kg ha−1of B via soluble sources reduce fiber yield in sandy soils.Cotton grown in clayey soil is more resistant to B toxicity.

AISI 316 L stainless steel is widely used as material to produce components by means of additive manufacturing. To increase the circular economy, the powders are collected and re-used after the printing process, thus the effect of powder recycling on microstructure and properties of printed components is of the utmost importance. This work focused the attention on non-metallic inclusions by examining virgin and recycled powders, and products printed by using both types of powders in a laser powder bed fusion (L-PBF) process.

IMPORTANCE: Changes in postsurgical opioid prescribing practices may help reduce chronic opioid use in surgical patients. OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether postsurgical acute pain across different surgical subspecialties can be managed effectively after hospital discharge with an opioid supply of 3 or fewer days and whether this reduction in prescribed opioids is associated with reduced new, persistent opioid use. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: In this prospective cohort study with a case-control design, a restrictive opioid prescription protocol (ROPP) specifying an opioid supply of 3 or fewer days after discharge from surgery along with standardized patient education was implemented across all surgical services at a tertiary-care comprehensive cancer center. Participants were all patients who underwent surgery from August 1, 2018, to July 31, 2019. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: Main outcomes were the rate of compliance with the ROPP in each surgical service, the mean number of prescription days and refill requests, type of opioid prescribed, and rate of conversion to chronic opioid use determined via a state-run opioid prescription program. Postsurgical complications were also measured. RESULTS: A total of 4068 patients (mean [SD] age, 61.0 [13.8] years; 2528 women [62.1%]) were included, with 2017 in the pre-ROPP group (August 1, 2018, to January 31, 2019) and 2051 in the post-ROPP group (February 1, 2019, to July 31, 2019). The rate of compliance with the protocol was 95%. After implementation of the ROPP, mean opioid prescription days decreased from a mean (SD) of 3.9 (4.5) days in the pre-ROPP group to 1.9 (3.6) days in the post-ROPP group (P < .001). The ROPP implementation led to a 45% decrease in prescribed opioids after surgery (mean [SD], 157.22 [338.06] mean morphine milligram equivalents [MME] before ROPP vs 83.54 [395.70] MME after ROPP; P < .001). Patients in the post-ROPP cohort requested fewer refills (367 of 2051 [17.9%] vs 422 of 2017 [20.9%] in the pre-ROPP cohort; P = .02). There was no statistically significant difference in surgical complications. The conversion rate to chronic opioid use decreased following ROPP implementation among both opioid-naive patients with cancer (11.3% [143 of 1267] to 4.5% [118 of 2645]; P < .001) and those without cancer (6.1% [19 of 310] to 2.7% [16 of 600]; P = .02). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: In this cohort study, prescribing an opioid supply of 3 or fewer days to surgical patients after hospital discharge was feasible for most patients, led to a significant decrease in the number of opioids prescribed after surgery, and was associated with a significantly decreased conversion to long-term opioid use without concomitant increases in refill requests or significant compromises in surgical recovery.

Hidden hunger, known as micronutrient deficiency in humans, affects about 2 billion people worldwide. One of the ways to minimize hidden hunger is through genetic biofortification. This study aimed to evaluate the natural genotypic variation of micronutrients in upland rice grains and agronomic traits to select genetic material for further agronomic and genetic biofortification aiming high density of micronutrients in grains. The experimental design used was randomized blocks, with treatments consisting of 8 upland rice genotypes. The agronomic traits and the content of iron, zinc and copper in the rice genotypes grains were evaluated. The genotypes OSVR15001, OSVR15029, OSVR15038 and OSVR15047 did not differ statistically from the commercial cultivar IAC 203 in the two agricultural years and can be used as a complement in the production of upland rice. The OSVR15047 genotype maintained high Cu content in the grains and elevated grain yield in the two years of cultivation, being able to be used in genetic improvement for the emergence of superior genotypes. The OSVR15042 genotype was the only one that maintained a high Zn concentration in the grains in both years, also being able to be used for genetic biofortification. Our results contribute to the selection of genotypes that have good yield and good nutritional content in grains, which can help to minimize the effects of hidden hunger and increase the health of the population.

I just read John Gehring's article about LGBTQ Catholics closely watching an upcoming SCOTUS case concerning adoption by same-sex couples (NCR, April 30-May 13). Gehring references Jacob Kohlhaas' remarks critical [...]

Open XDMoD is an established, web-based software tool that facilitates monitoring of cyberinfrastructure (CI); including metrics on compute job performance, cloud usage, storage, science gateways, users, institutions, allocations, awards, and more. Centers can install Open XDMoD and populate it with their local CI information. Additionally, information is acquired daily for CI systems allocated by the National Science Foundation (NSF) Advanced Cyberinfrastructure Coordination Ecosystem: Services & Support (ACCESS) program and placed in an extensive historical data warehouse as part of an ACCESS-hosted version of Open XDMoD. A user portal displays customizable charts that can be filtered and drilled down to provide a wide variety of reports quickly and easily. However, there will always be desired analyses for which the data are available but which cannot be performed because of limitations in the user interface. To remedy this situation, we have developed a Data Analytics Framework for XDMoD that provides an application programming interface (API) to the Open XDMoD data warehouse; enabling CI studies, user studies, return on investment studies, and any other studies that can utilize the data. The Data Analytics Framework provides data scientists the capability to access data from Open XDMoD and perform any desired analyses using analytics tools of their choice. The framework is available both for the ACCESS-hosted version of Open XDMoD for broad-ranging studies of national CI and for centers’ installations of Open XDMoD for studies of local CI.

Many per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have been regulated or phased-out of usage due to concerns about persistence, bioaccumulation potential, and toxicity. We investigated the atmospheric fate of a new polyfluorinated alcohol 2-(1,1,2-trifluoro-2-heptafluoropropyloxy-ethylsulfanyl)-ethanol (C3F7OCHFCF2SCH2CH2OH, abbreviated FESOH) by assessing the kinetics and products of the gas-phase reaction of FESOH with chlorine atoms and hydroxyl radicals. Experiments performed in a stainless-steel chamber interfaced to an FTIR were used to determine reaction kinetics and gas-phase products. We report reaction rate constants of k(Cl + FESOH) = (1.5 ± 0.6) × 10–11cm3molecule–1s–1and k(OH + FESOH) = (4.2 ± 2.0) × 10–12cm3molecule–1s–1. This leads to a calculated FESOH gas-phase lifetime of 2.8 ± 1.3 days with respect to reaction with OH, assuming [OH] = 106molecule1cm–3. Gas-phase products of FESOH oxidation included at least two aldehydes, likely C3F7OCHFCF2SCH2C(O)H and C3F7OCHFCF2SC(O)H, and secondary products including COF2, SO2and C3F7OC(O)F. Additional gas-phase experiments performed in a Teflon chamber were used to assess aqueous products by collecting gaseous samples offline into an aqueous sink prior to analysis with ultrahigh performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry, resulting in four acidic products: C3F7OCHFCF2SCH2C(O)OH, C3F7OCHFCF2S(O)(O)OH, C3F7OCHFC(O)OH, and perfluoropropanoic acid (C2F5C(O)OH).

Guy Davenport's narratives are hybrids of fiction, documentary, poem, and illustration, A disciple of Ezra Pound, he adapts to the short story the ideogrammatic method of The Cantos, where a [...]

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This work describes the development of electroconductive hydrogels as injectable matrices for neural tissue regeneration by exploiting a biocompatible conductive polymer – poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)-poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) – combined with a biomimetic polymer network made of gelatin. Our approach involved also genipin – a natural cross-linking agent – to promote gelation of gelatin networks embedding PEDOT:PSS. The achieved results suggest that physical–chemical properties of the resulting hydrogels, like impedance, gelation time, mechanical properties, swelling and degradation in physiological conditions, can be finely tuned by the amount of PEDOT:PSS and genipin used in the formulation. Furthermore, the presence of PEDOT:PSS (i) enhances the electrical conductivity, (ii) improves the shear modulus of the resulting hydrogels though (iii) partially impairing their resistance to shear deformation, (iv) reduces gelation time and (v) reduces their swelling ability in physiological medium. Additionally, the resulting electroconductive hydrogels demonstrate enhanced adhesion and growth of primary rat cortical astrocytes. Given the permissive interaction of hydrogels with primary astrocytes, the presented biomimetic, electroconductive and injectable hydrogels display potential applications as minimally invasive systems for neurological therapies and damaged brain tissue repair.

Respiratory complications are an important cause of postoperative morbidity. We aimed to investigate whether continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) administered immediately after major abdominal surgery could prevent postoperative morbidity.

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Seventy-six patients underwent preoperative vocal evaluation and were randomized into 3 group: ( 1 ) those with the superior thyroid pole dissected by the first author, with the external branch of the superior laryngeal nerve (EBSLN) identified by means of a nerve stimulator, (2) those patients whose dissection was executed by a resident, with no nerve search; and (3 ) those whose dissection was undertaken by the first author, without any nerve search. Postoperative analysis consisted of voice evaluation and electromyography of the cricothyroid museIe. No lesion occurred in patients in group 1. Twenty-eight percent of patients in group 2 and 12% in group 3 experienced a complete lesion of the EBSLN (p= 0.0123). When the patients in group 1 were compared with the patients with 62 nerves corresponding to nonoperated thyroid lobes, patients in group 1 exhibited no increased risk, whereas a significantly increased hazard was evident in both groups 2 (p= 0.0002776) and 3 (p = 0.0346393). In this study, effective prevention of iatrogenic EBSLN lesions during thyroidectomies was achieved only by the intraoperative identification of the nerve with the nerve stimulator.

Strain hardening has recently emerged as a near-universal response of biological tissues to mechanical stimulation as well as a powerful regulator of cell fate. Understanding the mechanistic basis for this nonlinear elasticity is crucial for developing bioinspired materials that mimic extracellular matrix mechanics. Here, we show that covalent networks built from highly acetylated chitosans exhibit strain hardening at physiological pH and osmolarity. While varying the chitosan physical–chemical composition and network connectivity, we provide evidence that temporary nodes arising from the entangling of chains between stable cross-links are at the root of nonlinear elasticity. The contour length (Lc) of the said chains revealed that the larger the chain length between the cross-links, the greater is the entanglement over disentanglement upon network stretching. To this end, we calculated that the minimum number of Khun’s segments in Lcthat contributes to the onset of strain hardening is 15. Furthermore, we identified a relationship between critical strain marking nonlinear elasticity and the network connectivity, being similar to that found for the cytoskeletal collagen matrix, indicating the potential use of semiflexible (neutral pH-soluble) chitosans in assembling extracellular matrix mimics.

Multimodality imaging has a key role in characterizing cardiac lesions in the updated 2021 World Health Organization classification of tumors, which includes reclassification of some tumors as well as incorporation of new entities.

The Moderating Roles of Psychological Flexibility and Inflexibility on the Mental Health Impacts of COVID-19 Pandemic and Lockdown in Italy.

Functionalized micro- and nano-sized magnetic beads (MBs) have been widely used as versatile supports for proteins, enzymes, and drugs. Immobilized protein on MB surfaces has been successfully applied for ligand fishing assays allowing for direct identification of active ligands from complex mixtures, such as natural products and synthetic libraries. MBs with different properties such as different core compositions, sizes, coatings, and surface modifications are available commercially. Studies have been conducted to understand the role of these properties for ligand fishing assays. Here we evaluated, for the first time, the effect of MB size on the ligand fishing assay for acetylcholinesterase from Electrophorus electricus(AChE). For this purpose, four commercially available amine-terminated magnetic particles with diameters ranging from 4.5 nm to 106 μm were evaluated to fish out galantamine, a well-known AChE inhibitor, from an aqueous solution. All MBs were efficient at using glutaraldehyde to covalently immobilize AChE. The particles with diameters of about 1 μm (small microparticles) presented a higher protein mass capacity per milligram of particle than did those with diameters of about 4.5 nm (nanoparticles) and those with diameters of about 106 μm (large microparticles). The influence of these supports on the produced AChE-MBs with regards to hydrolysis turnover and ligand fishing was evaluated and is fully discussed.

According to a survey conducted by McKinsey, business-to-business (B2B) customers in the technology and telecommunications industry have a positive investment outlook for 2024. The survey reveals that customers prioritize cybersecurity, product features, and integrations when considering products, while brand reputation and competent sales representatives are important from a vendor perspective. The survey also suggests a shift in vendor preferences, with many customers expressing a desire to switch to other vendor types, such as channel partners, specialists, and tech manufacturers. Additionally, the survey highlights the importance of cybersecurity as the top tech priority for enterprises, with a growing recognition of its significance in the market. [Extracted from the article]

We propose the use of plasmonic nanorings and nanotori for enhanced colloidal photothermal energy conversion in the visible (VIS) to near infrared (NIR) spectrum. We use full-wave field analysis to demonstrate for the first time that the plasmon resonant absorption of these structures remains high over a broad range of orientations relative to the polarization of the incident field. The finding of strong orientation-independent plasmon absorption is a key result as it indicates that the nanostructures can provide enhanced photothermal heating for colloidal applications. We use computational fluid dynamic analysis to investigate pulsed-laser plasmon-enhanced heating of the nanostructures in a fluid. We quantify the laser intensity and pulse-duration needed to superheat the nanostructures to initiate bubble nucleation and we simulate the dynamics of generated nanobubbles. The modeling provides insight into the plasmonic and thermofluidic behavior of colloidal nanostructures thereby enabling the rational design of novel plasmon-enhanced photothermal processes.photothermal processes.

The present paper describes an original method to form under physiological conditions homogeneous lactose-modified chitosan (CTL) gels avoiding syneresis. Specifically, combination of boric acid—i.e., the cross-linker—and mannitol—i.e., a polyol competitor for boron binding—were exploited to reduce the very fast kinetics of CTL/boron self-assembly. Resulting gels were homogeneous as proved by scattering analyses. An in-depth rheological characterization was undertaken to identify the correct mannitol-to-boron ratio at which gels showed homogeneity without weakening. Stress sweep and frequency sweep tests were performed to investigate the viscoelastic properties of these dynamic networks, highlighting a marked strain-hardening behavior, which is pivotal in native tissues. Notably, herein we report for the first time that CTL–boric acid gels are multiresponsive systems, whose mechanics can be tailored by different stimuli such as the presence of small molecules like glucose. Moreover, we demonstrate that these networks spontaneously self-heal after breakage. The biocompatibility of such gels was studied under 2D and 3D conditions toward three different cell models, namely, pig primary chondrocytes, human Dental Pulp Stem Cells (hDPSCs), and mouse fibroblasts. Giving the peculiar mechanical performance of selected systems and considering the well-known bioactivity of the chitosan derivative, CTL–boric acid networks are promising candidates as multiresponsive gels to be used in the field of tissue engineering, especially for articular cartilage regeneration.

We report on a controlled process allowing for the gelation of a diol-rich chitosan-derivative named CTL (lactose-modified chitosan) in the presence of boric acid as the cross-linker. A two-step approach is described, namely (i) the mixing of CTL and boric acid at pH = 5, a condition where the inorganic component is mildly reactive; (ii) the addition of sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3) as a trigger, allowing for the gradual and slow pH increase. The goal was to convert gradually the almost inert neutral boric acid into the much more reactive borate anion, the latter promoting the formation of borate esters with CTL diols. Gelling kinetics as well as mechanical behavior at small and large deformations was investigated by rheometry. CTL-boric acid gels behaved essentially as transient networks, hence continuously assembling and dissociating in a highly dynamic fashion. The present gelling mechanism preserves the strain-hardening behavior in the nonlinear region of stress–strain response, corroborating the already suggested potential applications of such gels as mimics of biological soft tissues.

In this study, a computational fluid dynamics approach is implemented to investigate the dynamic behavior of continuous-flow droplet microfluidics. The developed approach predicts both droplet generation and manipulation in a two-step process. First, droplet formation was studied in a flow-focusing junction through an Eulerian–Eulerian approach. Surface tension and wall adhesion were used in the model. The effect of flow rates and geometrical characteristics of the device on droplet size and dispensing rate was investigated. Second, post-generation, droplets were treated as point-like particles, and their deflection across a millimeter, multilaminar flow chamber with five parallel streams was modeled using an Eulerian–Lagrangian approach, thus improving computational efficiency. Flow rates and magnet location were optimized. Our simulated droplet trajectory inside the chamber was contrasted against experimental data, and a good agreement was found between them. This two-step computational model enables the rational optimization of continuous-flow droplet processing, and it can be readily adapted to a broad range of magnetically enabled microfluidic applications.

The aim of the present contribution is twofold as it reports (i) on the role played by chitosan acetylation degree for the stability of nanoparticles (NPs) formed with hyaluronan and (ii) on the effect of the interaction of such NPs with immune cells. Chitosans with similar viscosity-average molecular weight, Mv̅, (i.e., 200 000) and different fractions of acetylated units (FA) together with low-molecular-weight hyaluronan were chosen for developing a select library of formulations via electrostatic complex coacervation. The resulting NPs were analyzed in terms of size, polydispersity, surface charge, and stability in physiological-mimicked media by dynamic light scattering. Only medium acetylated chitosan (FA= 0.16) guaranteed the stability of NPs. To explore the effect of NPs interaction with immune cells, the release of proinflammatory cytokines and the reactive oxygen species production by human macrophages and neutrophils, respectively, were evaluated. Strikingly, a structure–function relationship emerged, showing that NPs made of chitosans with FA= 0.02, 0.25, 0.46, and 0.63 manifested a proinflammatory activity, linked to the instability of the system. Conversely, NPs made of chitosan with FA= 0.16 neither modified the functional response of macrophages nor that of neutrophils. Of note, such NPs were found to possess additional properties potentially advantageous in applications such as delivery of therapeutics to target inflamed sites: (i) they are devoid of cytotoxic effects, (ii) they avoid engulfment during the early stage of interaction with macrophages, and (iii) they are muco-adhesive, thereby providing for site-specificity and long-residence effects.

Intramural hematomas of the gastrointestinal tract are uncommom, usually located in the esophagus or duodenum, with idiophatic or secondary causes. We present a very rare case of gastric intramural hematoma caused by an unpublished etiology, with literature review.

Cellulose, the main constituent of plant biomass, is a unique stereoregular, chiral, biocompatible and reactive polymer that finds many applications. Despite the novel features of cellulose, its full potential as a functional polymer has yet to be realized in part because of the difficulty in dissolving cellulose. Non-derivatizing solvents for cellulose are reviewed here, with a focus on the better studied and more effective aqueous alkali (base) containing solvents, organic solvent systems, and ionic liquids. Recent advances are highlighted on cellulose-solvent interactions and on the mechanism and kinetics of semicrystalline cellulose dissolution. An improved fundamental understanding of molecular interactions (nanoscale), coupled with the biomass dissolution mechanism (microscopic level), can guide the rational selection and (macroscopic) optimization of solvent processing conditions. Opportunities abound for the translation of research fundamentals into the development of industrial solvent-based processes for the efficient production of high value-added polymers and chemicals from sustainable resources.

•Remote and ground-based sensing was applied to investigate an archaeological site.•3D identification of topographic archaeological anomalies and buried features.•An almost perfect match between remote sensing data and excavation evidence.•Discovery of a Bronze Age fortification and post-Roman towers.•Remote sensing is crucial to detect, monitor and manage cultural heritage.

Shift account-based marketing to hyper-personalization Taking a page from their B2C counterparts, the most successful B2B companies across industries increasingly use analytics and other sophisticated tools to communicate with customers in a highly personalized way. Our latest global B2B Pulse GTM survey of the tech and telecom sector shows how some outperforming companies are optimizing sales tactics to gain significant market share despite economic uncertainty. Tech and telecom companies remain ahead of the pack in adopting these sophisticated marketing tactics that leverage hyper-personalized targeting and content (15 percent more likely than all B2B companies). Invest in company-owned marketplace Just as they are making more use of third-party marketplaces, tech and telecom B2B companies are increasingly launching their own marketplaces as another sales channel. [Extracted from the article]

EDITOR--Two local experiences in northern Italy may be relevant to the discussion following the recent editorial by Griffith on doctors' reasons for not seeing drug representatives.[1] In 1992, eight general [...]

Galectins (Gal) are a family of glycan-binding proteins characterized by their affinity for β-galactosides. Galectin-1 (Gal-1), a dimeric lectin with two galactoside-binding sites, regulates cancer progression and immune responses. Coordination chemistry has been engaged to develop versatile multivalent neoglycoconjugates for binding Gal-1. In this study we report a fast and original method to synthesize hybrid gold nanoparticles in which a hydrochloride lactose-modified chitosan, named CTL, is mixed with dicarboxylic acid-terminated polyethylene glycol (PEG), leading to shell-like hybrid polymer-sugar-metal nanoparticles (CTL-PEG-AuNPs). The aim of this paper is to preliminarily study the interaction of the CTL-PEG-AuNPs with a target protein, namely, Gal-1, under specific conditions. The molecular interaction has been measured by Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), UV–vis, and Raman Spectroscopy on a large range of Gal-1 concentrations (from 0 to 10–12M). We observed that the interaction was strongly dependent on the Gal-1 concentration at the surface of the gold nanoparticles.

A study is presented of the self-assembly and optical behavior of one-dimensional (1D) chains of colloidal magnetic–plasmonic core–shell Fe3O4@Au nanoparticles. The superparamagnetic core enables adaptive magnetophoretic control of the particles and provides interparticle coupling that drives the assembly process. The plasmonic shell provides unique optical and photothermal properties of assembled structures. Monte Carlo analysis and full-wave field theory are combined to investigate the self-assembly and optical properties of 1D chains, respectfully. The Monte Carlo simulations demonstrate that the particle volume fraction and surface charge can be tailored to control the formation, aggregation, and spacing of chains. The optical analysis shows that as a chain forms its absorption spectrum red shifts and asymptotically converges to that of an infinite chain. In addition, strong field enhancement occurs in the gaps between neighboring particles at plasmon resonance, while photothermal transduction is focused and enhanced within the center of the chain. The ability to adaptively control the magnetic and optical behavior of colloidal plasmonic particles using an external field opens up a host of opportunities for novel imaging, sensing, theranostic, and optofluidic applications. Moreover, while the theory is demonstrated for the analysis of 1D particle chains, the numerical methods readily extend to 2D and 3D assemblies of multilayered core–shell nanoparticles that have magnetic and plasmonic layers. As such, this approach is useful for the rational design of optically functional colloids and the bottom-up fabrication of nanostructured interfaces and media with novel magnetic and photonic functionality.

The use of magnetic particles has recently expanded for a process known as detoxification, in which different toxins and microorganisms are captured from the bloodstream of septic patients. Due to the magnetic properties of the particles, once the capture of the pathogens is complete, their separation from the patient’s blood can be performed in a continuous process using an external magnetic field. In this work, we introduce a design for a two-phase continuous-flow microseparator and present an optimization study for the separation of magnetic beads using state-of-the-art computational modeling. The developed numerical method includes a combination of magnetic and fluidic computational models that accurately describe the magnetophoretic motion of the beads. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first computational study of the interaction between two different fluids flowing simultaneously in the device (blood–water) that takes into account two-way coupled particle–fluid interactions in the flow field as well as the effects of the particles’ motion as they cross the interface between the fluids under various magnetic field intensities. For optimization purposes, a dimensionless number Jis introduced, and our results show that complete and safe separation is achieved only for a certain range of this parameter (0.2–0.3). Overall, the modeling effort enables understanding of the fundamental physical phenomena involved in the separation process, while offering an ideal parametric analysis and optimization platform, thereby facilitating the development of novel magnetophoretic microsystems not only for blood detoxification processes but also for many other biomedical applications that involve multiple confined liquid phases.

We proposed a bottom-up approach for the fabrication of magnetic–plasmonic nanostructures that exhibit tunable plasmon enhanced hots spots and Fano resonance behavior. The nanostructures are formed from the self-assembly of magnetic–plasmonic core–shell nanoparticles. The magnetic core enables magnetophoretic control of particles during assembly, while the plasmonic shell provides interesting and useful optical behavior. We demonstrate proof-of-concept using a combination of Monte Carlo analysis to predict self-assembly and full-wave computational analysis to study the optical properties of the assembled structures. Our analysis demonstrates that viable structures can be assembled using a magnetic template-assisted self-assembly protocol and that flexible tunability of the optical response can be achieved due to the strong sensitivity of nanogap hot spots and Fano resonance features on distinct geometric parameters and the surrounding medium. We demonstrate the self-assembly and Fano resonance response of a heptamer nanostructure formed from Fe3O4@Au nanoparticles and discuss its performance for biosensing. The ability to fabricate such nanostructures using bottom-up methods holds potential for numerous novel applications. Moreover, the photonic modeling approach demonstrated here broadly applies to arbitrary particle geometries, material properties, and assemblies and can be used for the rational design of such applications.

The study was conducted to estimate the stability, adaptability, productivity and genetic parameters in Slash pine second-generation half-sib families, considering phenotypic traits in early age. Forty-four families from a first generation seed orchard in Colombo-PR, Brazil, were used in this study. Two progenies tests were established in a randomized complete block design. The first test was implemented in March 2009 in Ribeirão Branco, São Paulo state, containing 40 blocks, one tree per plot, 44 treatments (progenies) and 6 controls. Another test was implemented in Ponta Grossa, Paraná state, using the same experimental design and number of plants per plot, and with 24 treatments, 32 blocks. The growth traits evaluated were total height, diameter at breast height (dbh) and wood volume, within five years. The form traits evaluated were stem form, branch thickness, branch angle, number of branches, fork and fox tail five years after planting. Deviance analysis and estimates of stability, adaptability, productivity and genetic parameters were performed using the methods of best linear unbiased predictor (BLUP) and residual maximum likelihood (REML). There was significant variation among progenies for growth and form traits. Considerable genetic variation was detected mainly for wood volume. High coefficients of genetic variation and heritability showed low environmental influence on phenotypic variation, which is important for the prediction of genetic gain by selection. Crosses between different progenies individuals groups will be prioritized for obtaining heterotics genotypes and increase the probability of obtaining high specific combining ability.

•Immobilization of human microsomal fractions onto magnetic beads (Hum-Mbs);•Application of Hum-Mbs in enzymatic activity, stationary kinetic study, and inhibition assays;•Boost in metabolite production, enzymatic stability, and reuse of Hum-Mbs;•Production of a dual biocatalyst by the junction of G6PDH-Mbs and Hum-Mbs and application in in vitrodrug metabolism.

•In the present paper the production of mortars added with waste and milled steel scale (SSW) is described.•Milled SSW is added in different proportions.•All materials prepared displayed high compression strength and low water absorpion after 28d of curing.•SSW containing samples showed greater apparent density with respect to the reference composition.•Samples containing 5 and 10% additions of SSW displayed higher thermal conductivity with respect to the reference composition.•The results obtained on SSW containing materials are explained in terms of residual total porosity of the hardened materials.

We study the photothermal behavior of laser-pulsed colloidal metallic nanoframe structures using three-dimensional (3D) photonic and thermofluidic computational models. The models predict the optical response of the nanoframe, photothermal transduction at plasmon resonance, heat transfer to the surrounding fluid, and the dynamics of nanobubble generation under conditions of superheating. We quantify for the first time the photothermal transduction of Au nanoframes as a function of their orientation with respect to the polarization of the incident field and, also, cooperative heating effects as a function of nanoframe spacing. We further demonstrate that laser illumination parameters and nanoframe properties can be tuned to control spatiotemporal heating and nanobubble dynamics.

The submerged sill in the Strait of Messina, which is located today at a minimum depth of 81 m below sea level (bsl), represents the only land connection between Sicily and mainland Italy (and thus Europe) during the last lowstand when the sea level locally stood at about 126 m bsl. Today, the sea crossing to Sicily, although it is less than 4 km at the narrowest point, faces hazardous sea conditions, made famous by the myth of Scylla and Charybdis. Through a multidisciplinary research project, we document the timing and mode of emergence of this land connection during the last 40 kyr. The integrated analysis takes into consideration morphobathymetric and lithological data, and relative sea-level change (both isostatic and tectonic), resulting in the hypothesis that a continental land bridge lasted for at least 500 years between 21.5 and 20 cal ka BP. The emergence may have occurred over an even longer time span if one allows for seafloor erosion by marine currents that have lowered the seabed since the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM). Modelling of palaeotidal velocities shows that sea crossings when sea level was lower than present would have faced even stronger and more hazardous sea currents than today, supporting the hypothesis that earliest human entry into Sicily most probably took place on foot during the period when the sill emerged as dry land. This hypothesis is compared with an analysis of Pleistocene vertebrate faunas in Sicily and mainland Italy, including a new radiocarbon date on bone collagen of an Equus hydruntinusspecimen from Grotta di San Teodoro (23–21 cal ka BP), the dispersal abilities of the various animal species involved, particularly their swimming abilities, and the Palaeolithic archaeological record, all of which support the hypothesis of a relatively late land-based colonization of Sicily by Homo sapiens.

In this paper, we use six microsatellite loci to examine a spatially isolated population of Genipa americana in relation to mating system variation at the level of individual and among and within fruits, over two reproductive events. For our analysis, we sampled hierarchically among and within fruits open-pollinated seeds collected from 13 seed trees during the reproductive event in 2010 and 12 seed trees in 2011. The rate of mating among relatives (1-ts) was significantly greater than zero and different between the investigated reproductive events, indicating that some seeds are inbred. The estimate of fixation index (Fo) was significantly higher than zero for seeds from both reproductive events (2010: Fo= 0.258; 2011: Fo= 0.294), confirming that seeds present inbreeding, probably originated from mating among full-sibs. The multilocus paternity correlation within fruits (rp(w)) and among fruits (rp(a)) varied among seed trees and reproductive events. The rp(w)was significantly higher than rp(a)in both reproductive events, suggesting that it is more likely to find full-sibs within fruits (2010: 36.4%; 2011: 72.4%), than among fruits (2010: 18.9%; 2011: 12.8%). Due to the presence of inbreeding, mating among relatives and correlated mating, the within families coancestry coefficient (Θ) was higher and the variance effective size (Ne) lower than expected in open-pollinated families from panmictic populations (Θ = 0.125, Ne= 4). In practical terms for conservation programs, our results show the need to collect seeds from at least 60 seed trees to retain progeny arrays with a total effective size of 150.

A theoretical study is presented of the behavior of electric double layer (EDL) supercapacitors constructed from mesoporous activated carbon electrodes. A three-dimensional (3D) computational model is developed to predict the equilibrium charge distribution within the supercapacitor as a function of key electrode and electrolyte properties. The model is based on the modified Poisson–Boltzmann (MPB) equation and takes into account the impact of critical device parameters, including the size of the ions, the bulk ion concentration, the field-dependent permittivity of the electrolyte, the specific surface area of the electrodes, and the applied voltage. A key feature of the MPB model is that it limits the accumulation of ionic charge at the electrode–electrolyte interface by accounting for the finite size of the ions. This provides more accurate predictions of capacitance than models based on a point charge approximation. The model is used to perform a systematic parametric analysis of device performance and quantify the relative impact of various parameters on the gravimetric capacitance. It is also used to compare the capacitance obtained using organic versus inorganic electrolytes. The analysis confirms that aqueous electrolytes are able to attain a higher capacitance and power density. The model can be adapted to analyze the effects of arbitrary electrode morphologies and a broad range of electrolyte properties. It provides unique insight into the internal physics of an electrochemical cell and is well suited for the rational design of novel EDL supercapacitors.

A theoretical study is presented of the template-assisted formation of crystalline superstructures of magnetic–dielectric core–shell particles. The templates produce highly localized gradient fields and a corresponding magnetic force that guides the assembly with nanoscale precision in particle placement. The process is studied using two distinct and complementary computational models that predict the dynamics and energy of the particles, respectively. Both mono- and polydisperse colloids are studied, and the analysis demonstrates for the first time that although the particles self-assemble into ordered crystalline superstructures, the particle formation is not unique. There is a Brownian motion-induced degeneracy in the process wherein various distinct, energetically comparable crystalline structures can form for a given template geometry. The models predict the formation of hexagonal close packed (HCP) and face centered cubic (FCC) structures as well as mixed phase structures due to in-plane stacking disorders, which is consistent with experimental observations. The polydisperse particle structures are less uniform than the monodisperse particle structures because of the irregular packing of different-sized particles. A comparison of self-assembly using soft- and hard-magnetic templates is also presented, the former being magnetized in a uniform field. This analysis shows that soft-magnetic templates enable an order-of-magnitude more rapid assembly and much higher spatial resolution in particle placement than their hard-magnetic counterparts. The self-assembly method discussed is versatile and broadly applies to arbitrary template geometries and multilayered and multifunctional mono- and polydisperse core–shell particles that have at least one magnetic component. As such, the method holds potential for the bottom-up fabrication of functional nanostructured materials for a broad range of applications. This work provides unprecedented insight into the assembly process, especially with respect to the viability and potential fundamental limitations of realizing structure-dependent material properties for applications.

The advent of precision medicine will increase the demand for molecular testing on patient tumor specimens. Cytology specimens have been shown to be ideal substrates for molecular testing, but their often paucicellular nature can lead to conflicts in prioritizing sample management. A microfluidic platform was investigated to determine whether cytologic and molecular data could be procured from the same cells, obviating the need for partitioning a sample by multiplexing it instead.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE:To evaluate the preoperative and intraoperative findings as prognostic indicators of functional and anatomic results of idiopathic epiretinal membrane (ERM) surgery.PATIENTS AND METHODS:Vitrectomies included ERM and internal limiting membrane (ILM) removal with vital dyes. Best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), optical coherence tomography (OCT), fluorescein angiography, and autofluorescence were performed at baseline and postoperatively. Intraoperative ILM status after ERM removal was also evaluated.RESULTS:Thirty-one eyes were monitored for a mean of 16.78 months. BCVA and central foveal thickness (CFT) improved significantly (Thirty-one eyes were monitored for a mean of 16.78 months. BCVA and central foveal thickness (CFT) improved significantly (P< .001) from baseline at 3 and 12 months. Preoperative hyperautofluorescence was associated with greater CFT reduction (P< .005). ILM status after ERM peeling did not influence visual recovery but was associated with anatomical results as measured by OCT.CONCLUSION:Preoperative poor initial BCVA and RPE defects by FAF may not be bad prognostic factors. Preoperative hyperautofluorescence was associated with greater CFT reduction. Intraoperative classification of ILM status after ERM and ILM staining/peeling was reported and may be useful for future studies, though it was not associated neither with preoperative nor postoperative BCVA.[[Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina. 2015;46:457–462.]

A method is presented for controlling the field-directed self-assembly of colloidal magnetic core–shell nanoparticles into three-dimensional (3D) crystalline superstructures with nanoscale feature resolution. This level of resolution is obtained using submicron soft-magnetic template elements to guide the assembly in the presence of a uniform bias field. The use of a bias field combined with template-induced gradient fields is a critical feature of this process as it provides highly localized regions of attractive and repulsive magnetic force that enable nanoscale control of particle placement during assembly. We demonstrate proof-of-concept using a computational model that predicts the dynamics of individual particles during assembly as well as the final assembled structure. Our predictions are consistent with reported experimental observations and demonstrate for the first time that 3D crystalline superstructures can be assembled within milliseconds. Uniform hexagonal close packed (hcp), face centered cubic (fcc), and mixed phase hcp-fcc structures can be obtained depending on the template geometry. We further show that the structure and resolution of the assembled particles as well as the rate of assembly can be controlled via careful selection of key parameters including the template geometry, particle constituents, core–shell dimensions, and the particle volume fraction. The proposed assembly method is very versatile as it broadly applies to arbitrary template geometries and multilayered core–shell particles that have at least one magnetic component. The magnetic component enables control to drive self-assembly, while the nonmagnetic components can provide desired functionality, e.g., photonic, electronic, biological, etc. Moreover, the process is reversible in that the particles can be repeatedly assembled and redisperesed by applying and removing the bias field, thereby enabling the reversible creation of functional media on demand. Alternatively, assembled structures can be transferred intact to a substrate to form thin films. As such, the method opens up opportunities for the scalable bottom-up fabrication of nanostructured materials with unprecedented functionality for a broad range of applications. The computational model is very general and can be applied to many forms of self-assembly to provide a fundamental understanding of underlying mechanisms and enable the rational design of novel media.