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Abstract Nanophase mixtures, leveraging the complementary strengths of each component, are vital for composites to overcome limitations posed by single elemental materials. Among these, metal-elastomer nanophases are particularly important, holding various practical applications for stretchable electronics. However, the methodology and understanding of nanophase mixing metals and elastomers are limited due to difficulties in blending caused by thermodynamic incompatibility. Here, we present a controlled method using kinetics to mix metal atoms with elastomeric chains on the nanoscale. We find that the chain migration flux and metal deposition rate are key factors, allowing the formation of reticular nanophases when kinetically in-phase. Moreover, we observe spontaneous structural evolution, resulting in gyrified structures akin to the human brain. The hybridized gyrified reticular nanophases exhibit strain-invariant metallic electrical conductivity up to 156% areal strain, unparalleled durability in organic solvents and aqueous environments with pH 2–13, and high mechanical robustness, a prerequisite for environmentally resilient devices.

Acoustic focusing of particle flow in microfluidics has been shown to be an efficient tool for particle separation for various chemical and biomedical applications. The mechanism behind the method is the selective effect of the acoustic radiation force on distinct particles. In this way, they can be selectively focused and separated. The technique can also be applied under stationary conditions, i.e., in the absence of fluid flows. In this study, the manipulation of self-propelled particles, such as Janus particles, in an acoustofluidic setup was investigated. In experiments with self-propelled Janus particles and passive beads, we explored the interplay between self-propulsion and the acoustic radiation force. Our results demonstrated unusual and potentially useful effects such as selective trapping, escape, and assisted escape in binary mixtures of active and passive particles. We also analyzed various aspects related to the behavior of Janus particles in acoustic traps in the presence and absence of flows.

Abstract Additive nanotechnology enable curvilinear and three-dimensional (3D) magnetic architectures with tunable topology and functionalities surpassing their planar counterparts. Here, we experimentally reveal that 3D soft magnetic wireframe structures resemble compact manifolds and accommodate magnetic textures of high order vorticity determined by the Euler characteristic, χ. We demonstrate that self-standing magnetic tetrapods (homeomorphic to a sphere; χ = + 2) support six surface topological solitons, namely four vortices and two antivortices, with a total vorticity of + 2 equal to its Euler characteristic. Alternatively, wireframe structures with one loop (homeomorphic to a torus; χ = 0) possess equal number of vortices and antivortices, which is relevant for spin-wave splitters and 3D magnonics. Subsequent introduction of n holes into the wireframe geometry (homeomorphic to an n-torus; χ

Abstract With the ever‐growing requirements in the healthcare sector aimed at personalized diagnostics and treatment, continuous and real‐time monitoring of relevant parameters is gaining significant traction. In many applications, health status monitoring may be carried out by dedicated wearable or implantable sensing devices only within a defined period and followed by sensor removal without additional risks for the patient. At the same time, disposal of the increasing number of conventional portable electronic devices with short life cycles raises serious environmental concerns due to the dangerous accumulation of electronic and chemical waste. An attractive solution to address these complex and contradictory demands is offered by biodegradable sensing devices. Such devices may be able to perform required tests within a programmed period and then disappear by safe resorption in the body or harmless degradation in the environment. This work critically assesses the design and development concepts related to biodegradable and bioresorbable sensors for healthcare applications. Different aspects are comprehensively addressed, from fundamental material properties and sensing principles to application‐tailored designs, fabrication techniques, and device implementations. The emerging approaches spanning the last 5 years are emphasized and a broad insight into the most important challenges and future perspectives of biodegradable sensors in healthcare are provided.

Abstract Droplet‐based lab‐on‐a‐chip systems offer vast possibilities in the manipulation, guidance, tracking, and labeling of individual droplet‐based bioreactors. One of the targeted application scenarios is in drug discovery where millions of unique codes are required, which is out of reach for current technologies. Here, a concept for the realization of multiparametric codes, where information is stored in distinct physical and chemical parameters, is proposed and validated. Exemplarily, the focus is on the use of impedance and magnetic sensing by monitoring ionic concentration as well as magnetic content per droplet and droplet volume. Codes based on aqueous ferrofluid droplets are prepared using a tubing‐based millifluidic setup and consist of up to six droplets of different combinations of volumes and magnetic concentration. It is demonstrated that a droplet chain of three single droplets of different volumes with nine different magnetic nanoparticle concentrations accompanied with four different ionic concentrations per droplet offers up to 3 million unique codes. The developed fluidic platform can be readily extended to other types of sensors including optical ones to boost the coding capacity even further.

Chiral interactions in magnetic systems enable topologically nontrivial magnetic textures, most notably topological solitons such as skyrmions. Here Volkov et al study the magneto-chiral interactions in a small asymmetric magnetic cap, and show how the geometric asymmetry influence the chiral spin- textures.

We model the currently available γ -ray data on Cyg X-3 from the Fermi Large Area Telescope. Thanks to Cyg X-3’s very strong γ -ray activity during 2018–2021, the data quality has significantly improved. We study the strong orbital modulation of the γ -rays observed at high γ -ray fluxes. The modulation, as found earlier, is well modeled by anisotropic Compton scattering of the donor blackbody emission by relativistic electrons in a jet strongly misaligned with respect to the orbital axis. We confirm that this model fits well both the average γ -ray modulation light curve and the spectrum. However, we find that if the jet were aligned with the spin axis of a rotating black hole, it would undergo geodetic precession with a period of ∼50 yr. However, its presence is ruled out by both the γ -ray and radio data. Therefore, we consider an alternative model in which the average jet direction is aligned, but it is bent outside the orbit owing to the thrust of the donor stellar wind, and thus precesses at the orbital period. The γ -ray modulation then appears as a result of the variable Doppler boosting of synchrotron self-Compton jet emission. This model also fits the data well. However, the fitted bending angle is much larger than the theoretical one based on the binary and wind parameters as currently known. Thus, both models disagree with important aspects of our current theoretical understanding of the system. We discuss possible ways to find the correct model.

Abstract Advances in magnetoresponsive composites and (electro‐)magnetic actuators have led to development of magnetic soft machines (MSMs) as building blocks for small‐scale robotic devices. Near‐field MSMs offer energy efficiency and compactness by bringing the field source and effectors in close proximity. Current challenges of near‐field MSM are limited programmability of effector motion, dimensionality, ability to perform collaborative tasks, and structural flexibility. Herein, a new class of near‐field MSMs is demonstrated that combines microscale thickness flexible planar coils with magnetoresponsive polymer effectors. Ultrathin manufacturing and magnetic programming of effectors is used to tailor their response to the nonhomogeneous near‐field distribution on the coil surface. The MSMs are demonstrated to lift, tilt, pull, or grasp in close proximity to each other. These ultrathin (80 µm) and lightweight (100 gm−2) MSMs can operate at high frequency (25 Hz) and low energy consumption (0.5 W), required for the use of MSMs in portable electronics.

Bamboos occur throughout much of the temperate and tropical world, have rapid growth, and have various commercial and environmental applications. Clonal production of selected plants on a industrial scale is an important strategy for the bamboo sector. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of the light spectrum on in vitro multiplication, elongation, adventitious rooting, and anatomical features of the leaf surface of Bambusa vulgaris. In the multiplication and elongation stages, in vitro–established explants were transferred to a culture medium supplemented with 8.88 µmol of 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP) and 2.69 µmol of α-naphthalene acetic acid (NAA), and subjected to four light spectra (i.e., white, blue, green, and red). At the adventitious rooting stage, the culture medium was supplemented with 9.84 µmol of indole-3-butyric acid (IBA), 5.37 µmol NAA, and 2.22 µmol BAP under identical light spectra. Explant survival was not influenced by light spectra in the multiplication and elongation stages. White (2.2 shoots) and blue (1.8 shoots) light spectra were the most suitable for the number of shoots per explant. The white spectrum was associated with the highest average length of shoots (7.4 cm) and number of leaves per explant (3.0 leaves). The white light spectrum resulted in the highest average chlorophyll a contents (12.60 µg mg−1), total chlorophyll (16.60 µg mg−1), and carotenoids (10.10 µg mg−1). White and blue light spectra resulted in the best responses for vigor, and least senescence and tissue oxidation. White and blue light spectra favored the chlorophyll b content, resulting in 4.60 and 3.60 µg mg−1, respectively. Survival (80.0 %), adventitious rooting (50.0 %), vigor, senescence, and tissue oxidation were favored in the white light spectrum in the adventitious rooting stage. Scanning electron microscopy of leaves exposed to the white light spectrum revealed microtrichomes and spines on the adaxial surface of the leaf blade, papillae and stomata; on the abaxial surface, there were many unicellular trichomes arranged in rows, denoting normal growth and development. These results may help the production of micropropagated plants of Bambusa vulgaris on an industrial scale.

Flexomagnetism refers to the modification of the magnetic properties of a material due to inhomogeneous strain, and offers a promising pathway to the control and manipulation of magnetism. Here, Makushko et al. explore flexomagnetism in antiferromagnetic thin films of Cr2O3, demonstrating a gradient of the Néel temperature as a result of an inhomogeneous strain.

Flexible magnetic sensors with high sensitivity have a wide variety of medical and industrial uses, however, making such sensors robust and flexible at the same time can be challenging. Here, the authors demonstrate a high sensitivity flexible magnetic sensor that exhibits self-healing under an applied alternative magnetic field, with complete performance recovery.

Ionic selectivity in microfluidics is challenging due to the differing length scales between ions and channels. Here, a model system emulates ionic transport at the microscale with electrokinetic spherical Janus micromotors moving over surfaces with spatially varying charge.

Fast-growing forest species with multiple uses, like bamboo, have aroused interest for their silvicultural applications. Bamboo species are a valuable source of renewable raw material, and Bambusa vulgaris is an economically important species. However, there are limitations to large-scale cloning of adult-selected genotypes. This study aimed to evaluate the in vitro cloning of Bambusa vulgaris in different culture systems, sucrose and activated charcoal supplementation by the inter-simple-sequence repeat (ISSR) molecular markers. In vitro bud multiplication and shoot elongation were evaluated in three cultivation systems: semi-solid and liquid culture media, and temporary immersion bioreactor (TIB). The sucrose concentrations, 0 and 30 g L−1 were evaluated in the stages. Both the culture media were supplemented with 2.0 mg L−1 benzylaminopurine (BAP) and 0.5 mg L−1 α-naphthalene acetic acid (NAA). The absence and presence of activated charcoal (100 mg L−1) were evaluated in the in vitro rooting. MS culture medium was supplemented with 2 mg L−1 indole-3-butyric acid (IBA), 1.0 mg L−1 NAA, and 0.5 mg L−1 BAP. Semi-solid culture medium supplemented with 30 g L−1 of sucrose presented superior emission of bud per explant. Liquid culture medium supplemented with 30 g L−1 of sucrose presented the most elongated shoots. Activated charcoal in the culture medium did not influence the adventitious rooting. Micropropagated plants showed genetic fidelity and were clones of the adult selected plant.

Synthetic bone grafting materials play a significant role in various medical applications involving bone regeneration and repair. Their ability to mimic the properties of natural bone and promote the healing process has contributed to their growing relevance. While calcium–phosphates and their composites with various polymers and biopolymers are widely used in clinical and experimental research, the diverse range of available polymer-based materials poses challenges in selecting the most suitable grafts for successful bone repair. This review aims to address the fundamental issues of bone biology and regeneration while providing a clear perspective on the principles guiding the development of synthetic materials. In this study, we delve into the basic principles underlying the creation of synthetic bone composites and explore the mechanisms of formation for biologically important complexes and structures associated with the various constituent parts of these materials. Additionally, we offer comprehensive information on the application of biologically active substances to enhance the properties and bioactivity of synthetic bone grafting materials. By presenting these insights, our review enables a deeper understanding of the regeneration processes facilitated by the application of synthetic bone composites.

Magnonics is a rapidly developing domain of nanomagnetism, with application potential in information processing systems. Realisation of this potential and miniaturisation of magnonic circuits requires their extension into the third dimension. However, so far, magnonic conduits are largely limited to thin films and 2D structures. Here, we introduce 3D magnonic nanoconduits fabricated by the direct write technique of focused-electron-beam induced deposition (FEBID). We use Brillouin light scattering (BLS) spectroscopy to demonstrate significant qualitative differences in spatially resolved spin-wave resonances of 2D and 3D nanostructures, which originates from the geometrically induced non-uniformity of the internal magnetic field. This work demonstrates the capability of FEBID as an additive manufacturing technique to produce magnetic 3D nanoarchitectures and presents the first report of BLS spectroscopy characterisation of FEBID conduits.

Abstract Background Few studies have evaluated muscle strength in COVID-19 ICU survivors. We aimed to report the incidence of limb and respiratory muscle weakness in COVID-19 ICU survivors. Method We performed a cross sectional study in two ICU tertiary Hospital Settings. COVID-19 ICU survivors were screened and respiratory and limb muscle strength were measured at the time of extubation. An ICU mobility scale was performed at ICU discharge and walking capacity was self-evaluated by patients 30 days after weaning from mechanical ventilation. Results Twenty-three patients were included. Sixteen (69%) had limb muscle weakness and 6 (26%) had overlap limb and respiratory muscle weakness. Amount of physiotherapy was not associated with muscle strength. 44% of patients with limb weakness were unable to walk 100 m 30 days after weaning. Conclusion The large majority of COVID-19 ICU survivors developed ICU acquired limb muscle weakness. 44% of patients with limb weakness still had severely limited function one-month post weaning.

HESS J1702-420 is a multi-TeV gamma-ray source with an unusual energy-dependent morphology. The recent H.E.S.S. observations suggest that the emission is well described by a combination of the point-like HESS J1702-420A (dominating at highest energies, ≳30 TeV) and diffuse (∼0.°3) HESS J1702-420B (dominating below ≲5 TeV) sources with very hard (Γ ∼ 1.5) and soft (Γ ∼ 2.6) power-law spectra, respectively. Here, we propose a model that postulates that the proton accelerator is located at the position of HESS J1702-420A and is embedded into a dense molecular cloud that coincides with HESS J1702-420B. In the proposed model, the very-high-energy radiation of HESS J1702-420 is explained by pion-decay emission from the continuously injected relativistic protons propagating through a dense cloud. The energy-dependent morphology is defined by the diffusive nature of the low-energy proton propagation, transiting sharply to (quasi) ballistic propagation at higher energies. Adopting a strong energy dependence of the diffusion coefficient, D ∝ E ^β with β ≥ 1, we argue that HESS J1702-420 as a system of two gamma-ray sources is the result of the propagation effect. Protons injected by a single accelerator at a rate ${Q}_{0}\simeq {10}^{38}\,{({n}_{0}/100\,\,{\mathrm{cm}}^{-3})}^{-1}\,{(d/0.25\,\mathrm{kpc})}^{-1}\,\mathrm{erg}\,{{\rm{s}}}^{-1}$ can reasonably reproduce the morphology and fluxes of the two gamma-ray components.

Robotic devices that can actuate at high speeds are challenging to achieve. Here, soft robotic devices driven by low magnetic fields show large deformations at frequencies of up to 100 Hz and are capable of a range of motions, including cross-clapping, walking, swimming and closing around a living fly.

Effective electrocatalyst is crucial in promoting CO2 reduction to address current energy/environmental issue. Here, the authors develop bimetallic layered two-dimensional conjugated metal-organic framework to synergistically and efficiently electro-catalyze CO2 to CO toward syngas synthesis.

Robust spin injection and detection in antiferromagnetic thin films is a prerequisite for the exploration of antiferromagnetic spin dynamics and the development of nanoscale antiferromagnet-based spintronic applications. Previous studies have shown spin injection and detection in antiferromagnet/nonmagnetic metal bilayers; however, spin injection in these systems has been found effective at cryogenic temperatures only. Here, we experimentally demonstrate sizable interfacial spin transport in a hybrid antiferromagnet/ferromagnet system, consisting of Cr_{2}O_{3} and permalloy, which remains robust up to the room temperature. We examine our experimental data within a spin diffusion model and find evidence for the important role of interfacial magnon pumping in the signal generation. The results bridge spin-orbitronic phenomena of ferromagnetic metals with antiferromagnetic spintronics and demonstrate an advancement toward antiferromagnetic spin-torque devices.

Gamma-ray binaries are a subclass of high-mass binary systems whose energy spectrum peaks at high energies ( MeV–GeV energy range) and extends to very high energy (GeV–TeV) γ-rays [...]

To realize electronic skins for emerging technologies that require multifunctional sensing capability, intelligent design strategies are needed. Here, the authors report electronic skins with a single sensory unit that simultaneously transduces both tactile and touchless stimulations.

Highly sensitive compliant magnetic field sensor joins family Magnetic field sensors are useful in remote sensing and now they are made more compliant and sensitive to meet the requirement for on-skin electronics. A group of international researchers led by Dr Denys Makarov from Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf e.V., Dresden, Germany developed flexible and highly sensitive magnetic field sensors relying on planar Hall effect. The key idea is to make Hall bar devices on thin polymer foils which enables superior detectivity below 200 nT while maintaining sensitivity on par with their rigid counterparts. Remarkably, the devices show no degradation in its electrical resistance or linearity behavior upon repeated bending. Based on these highly robust and compliant devices, they demonstrate direction and distance sensors of magnetically functionalized objects, which complement electronic and pressure sensors well and hold great potential for conformal low-field applications.

Utilizing the magnetic interactions between microparticle building blocks allows creating long‐range ordered structures and constructing smart multifunctional systems at different scales. The elaborate control over the inter‐particle magnetic coupling interaction is entailed to unlock new magnetoactuation functionalities. Herein, dimer‐type microstructures consisting of a pair of magnetic emulsions with tailorable dimension and magnetic coupling strength are fabricated using a microfluidic emulsion‐templated assembly approach. The magnetite nanoparticles dispersed in vinylbenzene monomers are partitioned into a pair of emulsions with conserved volume, which are wrapped by an aqueous hydrogel shell and finally polymerized to form discrete structures. Tunable synchronous–asynchronous rotation over 60 dB is unlocked in magnetic dimers, which is shown to be dependent on the magnetic moments induced. This leads to a new class of magnetic actuators for the parallelized assay of distinctive virus DNAs and the dynamic optical evaluation of 3D cell cultures. The work suggests a new perspective to design smart multifunctional microstructures and devices by exploring their natural variance in magnetic coupling.

We have studied thermally driven magnon spin transport (spin Seebeck effect, SSE) in heterostructures of antiferromagnetic α-Cr2O3 and Pt at low temperatures. Monitoring the amplitude of the local and nonlocal SSE signals as a function of temperature, we found that both decrease with increasing temperature and disappear above 100 K and 20 K, respectively. Additionally, both SSE signals show a tendency to saturate at low temperatures. The nonlocal SSE signal decays exponentially for intermediate injector–detector separation, consistent with magnon spin current transport in the relaxation regime. We estimate the magnon relaxation length of our α-Cr2O3 films to be around 500 nm at 3 K. This short magnon relaxation length along with the strong temperature dependence of the SSE signal indicate that temperature-dependent inelastic magnon scattering processes play an important role in the intermediate range magnon transport. Our observation is relevant to low-dissipation antiferromagnetic magnon memory and logic devices involving thermal magnon generation and transport.

ABSTRACT The importance of Eucalyptus and Corymbia has been evident in forestry programs, mainly due to their adaptation to various environmental conditions and the multiple products that can be obtained. As the selection and cloning of superior individuals are usually performed in adulthood, the development and adaptation of the vegetative propagation techniques that enable the rescue and in vitro establishment of species are necessary. Thus, the present study aimed to induce epicormic shoots from pruned branches of adult trees and to promote the in vitro establishment of nine species: six of Eucalyptus and three of Corymbia. The material used to obtain the explants came from the selection of two 44-year-old mother plants of each species, from species, and provenance tests. The number of buds and shoots of each branch was evaluated at 15, 25, 35, and 45 days after the beginning of the experiment in a greenhouse. According to the results, the induction of epicormic shoots from pruned branches was considered a viable and efficient technique to obtain propagule sources from adult mother plants of all species, presenting a gradual increase in the evaluated characteristics over time. Also, in vitro culture is an effective alternative to improve the propagation of the evaluated species, with an establishment of up to 62.5%. However, for Corymbia citriodora (Hook.) K.D. Hill & L.A.S Johnson and Eucalyptus tereticornis Smith it is necessary to develop further studies to enable the in vitro establishment.

Magnetic micro- and nanoparticles (MPs)-based composite materials are widely used in various applications in electronics, biotechnology, and medicine. This group of silicone composites have advantageous magnetic and mechanical properties as well as sufficient flexibility and biocompatibility. These composites can be applied in medicine for biological sensing, drug delivery, tissue engineering, and as remote-controlled microrobots operating in vivo. In this work, the properties of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS)-based composites with different percentages (30 wt.%, 50 wt.%, 70 wt.%) of NdFeB microparticles as a filler were characterized. The novelty of the work was to determine the influence of the percentage of MP content and physiological conditioning on the properties of the PDMS-MP composites after in vitro incubation. An important essence of the work was a comprehensive study of the properties of materials important from the point of view of medical applications. Materials were tested before and after conditioning in 0.9 wt.% NaCl solution at a temperature of 37 °C. Several studies were carried out, including thermal, physicochemical, and rheological tests. The results show that with an increase of the incubation time, most of the measured thermal and physicochemical parameters decreased. The presence of the magnetic filler, especially at a concentration of 70 wt.%, has a positive effect on thermal stability and physicochemical and rheological properties. The performed tests provided important results, which can lead to further research for a broader application of magnetic composites in the biomedical field.

PSR B1259-63 is a gamma-ray binary system hosting a radio pulsar orbiting around a O9.5Ve star, LS 2883, with a period of ∼3.4 years. The interaction of the pulsar wind with the LS 2883 outflow leads to unpulsed broadband emission in the radio, X-ray, GeV, and TeV domains. One of the most unusual features of the system is an outburst of GeV energies around the periastron, during which the energy release substantially exceeds the spin down luminosity under the assumption of the isotropic emission. In this paper, we present the first results of a recent multi-wavelength campaign (radio, optical, and X-ray bands) accompanied by the analysis of publicly available GeV Fermi/LAT data. The campaign covered a period of more than 100 days around the 2021 periastron and revealed substantial differences from previously observed passages. We report a major delay of the GeV flare, weaker X-ray flux during the peaks, which are typically attributed to the times when the pulsar crosses the disk, and the appearance of a third X-ray peak never observed before. We argue that these features are consistent with the emission cone model proposed by us previously, in the case of a sparser and clumpier disk of the Be star.

Magnetoelectric coupling allows switching of magnetic states via gate voltage pulses. Here the authors propose and demonstrate a purely antiferromagnetic magnetoelectric random access memory based on Cr2O3, reporting 50-fold reduction of writing threshold compared to ferromagnetic counterparts.

ABSTRACT Micropropagation via axillary bud proliferation is recommended for rejuvenation or reinvigoration of selected clones, as well as for improving clonal seedlings rooting. The success of a micropropagation protocol depends on the in vitro introduction, since following phases, multiplication, elongation, and rooting can only take place once the aseptic crop with vegetative vigor has been established. This study aims to assess the effect of light on the in vitro introduction of hybrid clones of Corymbia torelliana x C. citriodora e Corymbia citriodora x C. torelliana by the micropropagation technique through proliferation by axillary buds. The mini-stumps, suppliers of explants for in vitro introduction, were conducted in semi-hydroclonal mini-clonal hedge. Nodal segments from three Corymbia torelliana x C. citriodora (TC01, TC02 e TC03) clones and one Corymbia citriodora x C. torelliana (CT01) clone were collected, disinfested and inoculated in JADS culture medium, in order to compare the effects of light quality from a dark/fluorescent lamp, a fluorescent lamp, and white and red/blue LEDs. At 30 days after inoculation, the following characteristics were evaluated: average contamination percentage, oxidation, non-reactive explants, shoot length and average number of shoots per explant greater than 0.5 cm. Gathered data showed that the use of red/blue LED light source obtained the best results in all assessed characteristics in the in vitro introduction.

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We report a magnetofluidic device with integrated strong ferromagnetically-coupled and hysteresis-free spin valve sensors for dynamic monitoring of ferrofluid droplets in microfluidics. The strong ferromagnetic coupling between the free layer and the pinned layer of spin valve sensors is achieved by reducing the spacer thickness, while the hysteresis of the free layer is eliminated by the interplay between shape anisotropy and the strength of coupling. The increased ferromagnetic coupling field up to the remarkable 70 Oe, which is five-times larger than conventional solutions, brings key advantages for dynamic sensing, e.g., a larger biasing field giving rise to larger detection signals, facilitating the operation of devices without saturation of the sensors. Studies on the fundamental effects of an external magnetic field on the evolution of the shape of droplets, as enabled by the non-visual monitoring capability of the device, provides crucial information for future development of a magnetofluidic device for multiplexed assays.

La línea base en un sistema productivo agrícola es el marco de referencia cualitativo y cuantitativo para analizar los impactos y los cambios producidos como resultado de una intervención en dicho sistema. UNIMINUTO a través del macro proyecto “Desarrollo e Implementación de tecnologías agroecológicas para recuperar la capacidad productiva del sistema de producción de cacao, con énfasis en fitoprotección, en Medina – Cundinamarca”, planteó como objetivo este estudio de caso para determinar la línea base del sistema productivo cacao y sus componentes agroecológicos en Medina, Cundinamarca, a fin de contar con un soporte técnico de primera aproximación al territorio. A mediano plazo se pretende desarrollar e implementar tecnologías agroecológicas para recuperar y alcanzar una productividad sostenible en el sistema de producción de cacao, a través de métodos de investigación participativa y de metodologías de extensión, campesino a campesino. Para efectuar la recolección de información se utilizaron la entrevista y el diálogo semiestructurado como herramientas de trabajo comunitario. Se logró identificar y evaluar la situación inicial de los pequeños productores a nivel de características del cultivo y especies asociadas, manejo agroecológico del cultivo, recursos disponibles para el ejercicio productivo y características sociales a nivel familiar.

The most important limitation for a significant increase of the areal storage density in magnetic recording is the superparamagnetic effect. Below a critical grain size of the used CoCrPt exchange-decoupled granular films the information cannot be stored for a reasonable time (typically ten years) due to thermal fluctuations arbitrary flipping of the magnetization direction. An alternative approach that may provide higher storage densities is the use of so-called percolated media, in which defect structures are imprinted in an exchange-coupled magnetic film. Such percolated magnetic films are investigated in the present work. We employ preparation routes that are based on (i) self-assembly of Au nanoparticles and (ii) homogeneous size-reduction of self-assembled polystyrene particles. On such non-close-packed nanostructures thin Fe films or Co/Pt multilayers are grown with in-plane and out-of-plane easy axis of magnetization. The impact of the particles on the magnetic switching behavior is measured by both integral magnetometry and magnetic microscopy techniques. We observe enhanced coercive fields while the switching field distribution is broadened compared to thin-film reference samples. It appears possible to tailor the magnetic domain sizes down to the width of an unperturbed domain wall in a continuous film, and moreover, we observe pinning and nucleation at or close to the imprinted defect structures.

Background: Many different internal factors have been proven to influence urine production such as age, weight, and quality of sleep. External factors such as consumption of caffeine and fluid consumption have been shown to have an impact on urine production., Aim: To investigate the impact of movement, physical activity and position on urine production., Methods: This prospective observational study was executed at Ghent University Hospital, Belgium. Study participation was open for anyone visiting the hospital. Participants collected one basic and two extended 24-hour urine collections and filled in questionnaires concerning their general health and physical activity. Urinary levels of osmolality, sodium and creatinine were determined. Data on movement, physical activity and position was described., Results: An increase in body movement leads to a significant increase in diuresis during daytime, night-time, and 24 hours (P = .002, P < .001, and P < .001, respectively). An increase in body movement leads to a significant decrease in osmolality during night-time and 24 hours (P = .009, and P = .004, respectively). However, no significant influence of movement on osmolality was found during daytime (P = .12). An increase in body movement leads to a significant decrease in creatinine during daytime, night-time and 24 hours (P = .001, <0.001, and P < .001, respectively). An increase in body movement leads to a significant increase in sodium during daytime (P = .046) but this was statistically significant during night-time and 24 hours (P = .32, and P = .84 respectively)., Conclusion: Our study demonstrates a statistically significant association of movement, physical activity, and position with urine production. It would therefore be interesting to explore this association further with the use of new technology to have more accurate data. Here, lays a potential role for conservative measurements and lifestyle adaptations in the management of patients with bothersome LUTS and more precisely nocturia., (© 2021 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Background: Patients with nocturnal polyuria (NP) experience a unique surge in nocturnal diuresis rate during the early hours of sleep., Objective: To determine the diagnostic utility of the volume and osmolality of a single early nocturnal urine sample in detecting NP., Design, Setting, and Participants: Analysis of 1 am urine samples obtained from two prospective observational studies at Ghent University Hospital involving participants recruited from a urology ambulatory care unit and those who consulted a continence clinic. Nocturic participants (one or more nocturnal void[s]; n=176) were stratified based on the presence (n=87) or absence (n=89) of NP (>90ml/h)., Outcome Measurements and Statistical Analysis: Receiver operating characteristic curves with Youden's Index were used to determine cutoff values for urine volume and urine osmolality (Uosm)., Results and Limitations: Individuals with NP demonstrated higher 1 am volume (400 [interquartile range 300-515] vs 210 [160-300] ml, area under the curve [AUC]=0.843, p< 0.001, cutoff = 350 ml) and lower Uosm (274 [201-348] vs 430 [320-664] mOsm/kg H 2 O, AUC=0.774, p<0.001, cutoff=314 mOsm/kg H 2 O) than those without NP. In combining cutoffs, the criteria of either 1 am volume ≥350ml or Uosm ≤314 mOsm/kg H 2 O were 85% sensitive and 75% specific for NP, while criteria of both 1 am volume ≥350ml and Uosm ≤314 mOsm/kg H 2 O were 60% sensitive and 92% specific for NP. Comparable AUC values, sensitivities, and specificities were observed in both men and women. Limitations include post hoc design and a relatively small study sample., Conclusions: Individuals with NP are more likely than those without NP to produce a higher volume of more dilute urine (ie, "aquaresis") in the early hours of sleep. Analysis of easily measurable parameters of the first nocturnal void (for which 1 am values serve as a surrogate) in men and women with nocturia can predict a diagnosis of NP with a reasonably high degree of sensitivity and specificity., Patient Summary: Urologists often try to understand the specific reason why people wake up to urinate at night by asking them to record the amount of urine they make every time they go to the bathroom (also known as a "voiding diary") during the nighttime as well as the daytime-typically for a total of 1-3 days. In this study, we showed that an analysis of the composition of the urine that people produce when they first wake up to urinate at night might be sufficient to determine whether their symptoms are caused by excessive urine production or something else, and some people might find this urine study easier than keeping a voiding diary., (Copyright © 2019 European Association of Urology. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Background: this study compares diuresis rate, sodium clearance and free water clearance (FWC) by age and time of day (nighttime vs. daytime) in subjects with and without nocturnal polyuria (NP) to determine whether these variables affect the phenotype of NP., Methods: post hoc analysis of two prospective observational studies. Eight urine samples collected at 3-h intervals and a single blood sample were used to calculate daytime (10a/1p/4p/7p/10p) and nighttime (1a/4a/7a) diuresis rates, sodium clearance and FWC. Three mixed linear models were constructed for diuresis rate, sodium clearance and FWC using four predictor variables: NP status (present [nocturnal urine production >90 ml/h] vs. absent [≤90 ml/h]), time of day, age and study identification., Results: subjects with NP experienced higher nighttime versus daytime diuresis rates, sodium clearance and FWC. Regardless of NP status, increased age was accompanied by an increase in the ratio of nighttime/daytime diuresis rate, nighttime sodium clearance and daytime sodium clearance. FWC showed a complex age effect, which was independent of time of day or NP status., Conclusions: age-related increases in nighttime/daytime diuresis rate, 24-h sodium clearance and 24-h FWC are not specific to subjects with NP. The age-related surge in either nocturnal sodium clearance or nocturnal FWC may represent the relevant substrate for behavioural or pharmacologic interventions targeting sodium diuresis or free water diuresis, respectively. Increases in FWC in older age groups may reflect impaired circadian rhythmicity of endogenous AVP or changes in responsiveness of the aged nephron to water clearance., (© The Author(s) 2020. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the British Geriatrics Society. All rights reserved. For permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.)

Background: Women with urinary incontinence incur an increased risk of elevated postvoid residual (PVR) volume and impaired voiding efficiency (i.e., voided percentage (Void%)), but the clinical significance of these parameters remains poorly described. Further characterization of PVR and voiding efficiency may thus be useful in refining the evaluation and management of urinary incontinence. This study aims to explore possible circadian variations in PVR and Void% in older women with stress (SUI), urge (UUI) and mixed urinary incontinence (MUI)., Methods: A single center prospective study which enrolled a convenience sample of 90 older women who consulted a tertiary referral hospital for urinary incontinence. Participants underwent an extensive medical interview and were hospitalized to complete a 24-h frequency-volume chart (FVC) with PVR measurement after each void (FVC PVR )., Results: FVC PVR analysis demonstrated no differences in mean PVR and Void% between patients with SUI, UUI and MUI. Likewise, no daytime or nighttime differences were observed in mean PVR or Void% within or between groups., Conclusions: No evidence of circadian variation in PVR or Void% was observed in older women with SUI, UUI or MUI., Competing Interests: V.D., T.M. and M.P. declare no conflict of interest. M.A. reports grants from Allergan, Astellas and Ferring, outside the submitted work. R.P. reports non-financial support from Coloplast and Wellspect, outside the submitted work. J.W. is a consultant for Ferring and the Institute for Bladder and Prostate Research, outside the submitted work. K.E. reports grants from Ferring, Astellas and Medtronic, outside the submitted work.

Background: Haptoglobin (Hp) displays three major phenotypes (Hp 1-1, Hp 2-2 and Hp 2-1). Hp 1-1 has been implicated in high blood pressure and salt sensitivity, and thus may mediate excess urine production., Aim: To explore the relationship between Hp polymorphisms and polyuria (>40 mL/kg/24 hours)., Methodology: Post hoc analysis of a prospective observational study of subjects who completed a renal function profile between October 2011 and February 2015 (n = 170). Hp phenotypes were determined by starch gel electrophoresis using haemoglobin-supplemented serum. The distribution of Hp phenotypes in subjects with and without polyuria was compared to a reference group of the same geography and ethnic composition. Diuresis rate, sodium clearance and free water clearance were compared within and between phenotypes., Results: The Hp1 allele frequency was significantly overexpressed in subjects with polyuria compared to the reference group (0.500 vs 0.400, P < .05). Consistently, the Hp 1-1 phenotype was more prevalent in subjects with polyuria compared to the reference group (28% vs 16%, P < .05). In contrast to Hp 2-1/2-2, Hp 1-1 demonstrated no circadian variation in diuresis rate, sodium clearance or free water clearance. A significant association between plasma Hp concentration and 24-hours sodium clearance was observed in Hp 1-1 subjects without polyuria (β = 0.222; 95% CI 0.003-0.441; P = .047)., Conclusion: The Hp1 allele was more frequent in subjects with polyuria, and participants with the Hp 1-1 phenotype were at greater risk for polyuria. Hp 1-1 subjects demonstrated an altered ability to concentrate urine with a slower continuous excretion of sodium throughout the day. Plasma Hp concentration of Hp 1-1 was positively correlated with 24-hours sodium clearance in subjects without polyuria., (© 2019 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Aim: Nocturia frequency has been used as a measure of treatment efficacy for nocturia even though fluctuation of the symptom over time has been well described in the literature. Additionally, given the multifactorial causal pathway and clinically relevant comorbidities, frequency alone may be an insufficient marker of treatment direction. The aim of this study was to investigate factors associated with nocturia-related bother to identify additional variables that may capture the impact of nocturia, direct clinical care and have potential to quantify treatment outcome., Methods: Prospective data from tertiary hospital Urology and Continence cohorts were matched for identical variables to generate a sample of 204 datasets. Descriptive statistics were obtained to describe the two cohorts. Characteristics of patients were evaluated across levels of nocturia frequency and nocturia-related bother using nonparametric methods; statistically significant differences between groups in each cohort were established., Results: Nocturia frequency alone does not comprehensively reflect attributable bother. Five sleep variables (poor quality sleep, short time to first awakening to void, less than 7 hours of total sleep, primary sleep latency, and daytime sleepiness) and daily urinary urgency were significantly associated with high nocturia-related bother. Attributable bother, despite high-frequency nocturia, was minimized by male gender, lack of daily urinary urgency and good sleep quality. Poor health status, urinary urgency and sleep latency were associated with nocturia frequency., Conclusions: Items of importance to individuals with nocturia have been identified from patient data. These variables have the potential to sit alongside change in nocturia frequency as potential markers of treatment response., (© 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.)

Purpose: The main objective of our study was to determine which combination of modifiable and non-modifiable parameters that could discriminate patients with nocturia from those without nocturia. This was a post-hoc analysis of 3 prospective, observational studies conducted in Ghent University. Participants completed frequency volume chart (FVC) to compare characteristics between patients with and without nocturia., Method: This was a post hoc analysis of three prospective, observational studies conducted in Ghent University. Participants completed frequency volume chart (FVC) to compare characteristics between adults with and without nocturia. Study 1: adults with and without nocturia (n = 148); Study 2: patients ≥65 years with and without nocturnal LUTS (n = 54); Study 3: menopausal women before and after hormone replacement therapy (n = 43). All eligible patients (n = 183) completed a FVC during 24 hours (n = 13), 48 hours (n = 30) or 72 hours (n = 140). The combination of algorithms and number of determinants obtaining the best average area under the receiver operating curve (AUC-ROC) led to the final model. Differences between groups were assessed using the AUC-ROC and Mann- Whitney-Wilcoxon tests. Holm corrections were applied for multiple statistical testing. Also, the stability of the feature selection was evaluated., Results: The best discrimination was obtained when 13 determinants were included. However, a logistic regression model based on seven determinants selected with random forest had comparable discrimination including an optimal signature stability. It was able to discriminate almost perfectly between nights with and without nocturia., Conclusion: Relevant information to accomplish the excellent predictability of the model is; functional bladder capacity, 24 hours urine output, nocturnal output, age, BMI. The multivariate model used in this analysis provides new insights into combination therapy as it allows simulating the effect of different available treatment modalities and its combinations., (© 2018 The Authors. International Journal of Clinical Practice Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Background: Little is known about the occurrence of nocturnal polyuria (NP) in spinal cord injured (SCI) patients and the definitions which are preferable in this population., Aim: To determine the occurrence of NP in SCI patients during in-patient rehabilitation in the Ghent University Hospital. To study the influence of different time periods (daytime, bed rest and sleep) on the accuracy of the existing diagnose definitions for NP specifically for this type of patients., Design: Retrospective study using patient records., Setting: SCI patients during hospital-based rehabilitation between 2011 and 2014., Population: Seventy-four SCI patients were selected and their records of frequency-volume charts (FVC) were examined, after exclusion of unreliable data, forty-seven patients were retained for the current study., Methods: Retrospective study using data from FVC of either two or three days from patients with SCI. Nocturnal urine production (NUP) and nocturnal polyuria index (NPi) were calculated., Results: There was a significant increase in diuresis, calculated as urine production, between day time and bed rest (P=0.008) and between day time and sleep (P=0.001). All patients showed NP during a 12-hour night time period (including both bed rest and sleep) and 39 patients showed NP during the 8-hour period of sleep. There was no significant difference in mean urine production between bed rest and sleep. Prevalence of NP did not significantly differ between the complete or incomplete SCI patients or between patients with higher and lower SCI levels., Conclusions: This study showed that the occurrence of NP in patients with SCI is high and that it is important to consider which definitions of NP are used for diagnosis. Increase in diuresis is observed during bed rest and sleep and the diagnose is correctly estimated when nocturnal urine production definitions are used in both time periods. In accordance with what was expected, diagnose of NP was overestimated when NP index type definitions were used., Clinical Rehabilitation Impact: It is important to be aware of the frequent-occurrence of NP in SCI patients and the impact of their daily routine to the accuracy of the diagnosis of NP. More knowledge about this topic can help to avoid incontinence caused by nocturnal polyuria.

Objective: The aim of the present study was to investigate the use of random copeptin concentrations as possible biomarkers for the differential diagnosis of nocturnal polyuria (NP)., Methods: In all, 111 patients with and without nocturia were enrolled in the study. Patients with a neurogenic bladder and/or those who had undergone bladder or urethral surgery were excluded from the study. All patients completed a 72-hour frequency-volume chart and a renal function profile. A random blood sample was obtained during the day for measurement of plasma copeptin concentrations, osmolality, and serum sodium and creatinine concentrations. The effect of the use of different definitions for NP was evaluated., Results: The median age of the study participants was 61 years, and 48% were female. Copeptin was significantly correlated with urinary and plasma osmolality, as well as free water clearance (r=0.43, 0.56 and -0.38 respectively; P < .001 for all). Study participants were divided into 3 groups: controls (n = 51), those with NP (n = 41), and those with global polyuria (n = 19). Copeptin concentrations were significantly lower in subjects with global polyuria than in those with NP and the control group (2.96 vs 3.97 and 3.94 pM, respectively; P = .008 and .005). There was no significant difference in random daytime copeptin concentrations between the NP and control groups (P = .972). The results differed when other definitions for NP were used (e.g. NPi33 or NUP10)., Conclusions: We could not confirm our hypothesis that patients with NP have lower copeptin concentrations, although random blood sampling is not ideal. Further research is required to determine the use of copeptin in NP, perhaps in the identification of the desmopressin response., (© 2017 John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd.)

Objectives: To define a uroflowmetry-based non-invasive predictive tool for the primary diagnosis of urethral stricture disease., Methods: A total of 300 male patients (150 with urethral stricture disease and 150 with benign prostatic obstruction), treated surgically between 2005 and 2015, and 75 healthy males were included in this study. Patients were randomly assigned to one of two groups (75 benign prostatic obstruction patients and 75 urethral stricture disease patients in each group). A model, able to objectively differentiate between benign prostatic obstruction and urethral stricture disease, was created by use of original and hybrid uroflowmetry variables in logistic regression in group A (test group). Receiver operating characteristics curve analysis was used for validation in group B (validation group) and to calculate cut-off values to distinguish healthy individuals from benign prostatic obstruction as a result of urethral stricture disease., Results: Receiver operating characteristics area under the curve values of the created model were 0.841 (0.777-0.905) and 0.807 (0.735-0.879) in groups A and B, respectively. Optimal cut-off values were 2.2847 and 0.1182 to distinguish healthy individuals versus benign prostatic obstruction and benign prostatic obstruction versus urethral stricture disease., Conclusions: A triphasic uroflowmetry-based model is able to objectively distinguish voiding patterns of healthy individuals, benign prostatic obstruction and urethral stricture disease. The probability of urethral stricture disease can be objectively calculated for each individual patient based on a non-invasive uroflowmetry test. Uroflowmetry pattern interpretation by use of statistical models could become a new standard., (© 2018 The Japanese Urological Association.)

Aims: Nocturia, or waking up at night to void, is a highly prevalent and bothersome lower urinary tract symptom. However, the applied treatment modalities do not improve symptoms in about half of the patients. The aim of this report is to generate new ideas for future nocturia research, with special emphasis on the role of sleep physiology and sleep disorders., Methods: The following is a report of the presentations and subsequent discussion of the Nocturia Think Tank session at the annual meeting of the International Consultation on Incontinence Research Society (ICI-RS), which took place in September 2015 in Bristol. General information about the organization of the ICI-RS meeting can be found on the website "www.ici-rs.org." An overview of challenges within the existing evidence, future research ideas, and results of research with regard to nocturia and sleep were presented., Results and Conclusion: In order to optimize the management of nocturia and nocturnal polyuria (NP), future research has to focus on the development of unambiguous terminology regarding nocturia and NP, the role of renal function profiles and simplified frequency volume charts as guidance of individualized therapy and the role of sleep disorders such as periodic limb movements during sleep and habitual voiding as a response to awakening. Neurourol. Urodynam. 37:2048-2052, 2018. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc., (© 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.)