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Climate change is causing drastic reduction in crop yields around the globe due to increase in soil salinity, drought and heat stress. Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd) is regarded as a very significant food security crop considering the climate change scenario. Two quinoa genotypes (Puno and Titicaca) were cultivated on salt affected soil under drought stress with different sowing dates. Compared with early sowing, late sowing combined with salinity and drought stress caused drastic decline in plant growth and grain yield due to imposition of heat stress. Plant biomass and grain yield decreased by 26% and 39% in Puno, and by 34% and 49% in Titicaca under late sowing accompanied by salt and drought stress. Relative water contents and stomatal conductance of leaves declined in the same trend in both genotypes. Shoot Na+ concentration was the highest whereas K+ concentration was the lowest in both genotypes when drought and salt stress were combined under late sowing. Grain minerals (Ca, Mg, Fe, Zn, Cu, K, P, N and Mn) and dietary contents (protein, lipids, carbohydrates and fibre) were decreased more under the combination of salinity and drought for late sowing as compared to early sowing. When salinity and drought stress were combined under late sowing, the contents of H2O2 and TBARS were 1.9 and 2.2‐fold higher in Puno and 2.4 and 2.6‐fold higher in Titicaca, respectively. The oxidative stress was mitigated by enhanced activities of antioxidant enzymes (CAT, SOD and POD) more in Puno than Titicaca. Plant biomass and grain yield were higher in Puno with better grain quality than Titicaca. Hence, this genotype should be cultivated on salt affected soils facing drought and high temperatures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Key Clinical Message: The presented primary thyroid leiomyosarcoma (TL) case report underscores the importance of recognizing and addressing the diagnostic challenges and management complexities associated with this exceedingly rare malignancy. Given the limited effective therapeutic strategies available, timely intervention, thorough diagnostics, and vigilant follow‐up are paramount in managing such intricate tumors. Further research focusing on molecular‐based treatment modalities is imperative to improve patient outcomes in cases of primary TL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Aims and methods Results Conclusions The application of nanoparticles (NPs) in horticultural crops is in a tremendous increase. NPs help in the overcoming of stresses with positive impacts on plant growth and development. Silver NPs (AgNPs) have numerous pre‐ and postharvest applications in agriculture.This study aimed to evaluate the effect of AgNPs application (0, 50, 100, 150, and 200 ppm) at three spray intervals (5, 10, and 15 days) on the morphological and compositional traits, and defense system of strawberry.Results showed that AgNPs application enhanced the growth, yield, quality, and nutritional aspects of strawberry grown under field conditions. Shoot fresh weight (20.20 g) and leaf number/plant (41.53) were enhanced at 100 ppm AgNPs and 15 days interval. A stunted growth of strawberry plants was recorded at 200 ppm AgNPs. Moreover, a 15‐day‐spray interval was found optimum for the improvement of major morphological traits. Fruit size, yield, total soluble solids, acidity, and antioxidant capacity were improved at 50 and 100 ppm AgNPs. The activation of plant defense system, that is, superoxide dismutase, peroxidase, catalase, total soluble protein, and ascorbic acid was improved under AgNPs foliar application. The activation of stress indicating marker malondialdehyde outlined a high defense response of strawberry at 150 ppm AgNPs.Conclusively, AgNPs application at 50, 100, and 150 ppm can be considered effective for sustainable strawberry production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Machine learning (ML) analysis has gained huge importance among researchers for predicting multiple parameters and designing efficient donor and acceptor materials without experimentation. Data are collected from literature and subsequently used for predicting impactful properties of organic solar cells such as power conversion efficiency (PCE) and energy levels (HOMO/LUMO). Importantly, out of various tested models, hist gradient boosting (HGB) and the light gradient boosting (LGBM) regression models revealed better predictive capabilities. To achieve the prediction effectively, the selected (best) ML regression models are further tuned. For the prediction of PCE (test set), the LGBM shows the coefficient of determination (R2) value of 0.787, which is higher than HGB (R2 = 0.680). For the prediction of HOMO (test set), the LGBM shows R2 value of 0.566, which is higher than HGB (R2 = 0.563). However, for the prediction of LUMO (test set), the LGBM shows R2 value of 0.605, which is lower than HGB (R2 = 0.606). Among the three predicted properties, prediction ability is higher for PCE. These models help to predict the efficient acceptors in a short time and less computational cost. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Organic molecules have been extensively utilized in various applications including materials science, chemical, and biomedical fields. Traditionally, the design of organic molecules is achieved through experimental approaches, guided by conceptual insights, intuition, and experience. Although these experimental approaches have been successfully utilized to unveil various high‐performance materials, these methods show serious limitations due to vast design space and the ever‐increasing demand for organic molecules (new materials). Artificial intelligence with computer science is used by modern researchers to design materials with better performance and for predicting the properties of new materials. Herein, benzofuran‐based building blocks are used as a standard molecule to search for new building blocks. Similarity analysis is performed to screen/search potential candidates for photodetectors based on the chemical structural similarity. Extended‐connectivity fingerprints (ECFPs) are used for the similarity analysis. The virtual libraries of unique monomers are enumerated. The breaking retro‐synthetically interesting chemical substructures (BRICS) method is also used to design building blocks by automatically decomposing and combining monomers in enumerated libraries. Moreover, this work offers a potential way to identify new monomers for photodetectors cost‐effectively and rapidly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and purpose: The distinction of tannic acid (TA) in the presence of other analogues, i.e., gallic acid (GA), dopamine (DA), glucose (Glu), and fructose (Fruc), containing vicinal diols, has long been a significant yet challenging task due to their similar chemical structures and minuscule levels. Methods: Here, the integration of 3‐aminophenyl boronic acid‐modified fluorescein isothiocyanate (3‐APBA‐FITC) for pH‐dependent ultrasensitive and selective detection of TA in wines was proposed. By performing fluorescence signal off and pH‐dependent boronate‐ester bond synthesis, the suggested probe may specifically identify TA. Results: The as‐prepared 3‐APBA‐FITC designed probe had shown ultrahigh sensitivity with a limit of detection (LOD) of 0.151 μM. Finally, in detecting TA in artificial wine with a recovery between 92.49‐93.05 % and a relative standard deviation of no more than 2.0 %, the designed strategy has been successfully applied. Conclusion: Therefore, the envisaged sensing strategy can be an interesting option for discerning detection of diols containing analytes in food products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In arid and semiarid countries, grain yield of maize is increasingly impaired by soil salinity. Beside soil amelioration, the development of salt‐resistant cultivars is a possibility to enhance crop yield on salt‐affected soils. Aims: This study aimed at testing yield performance in the field of salt‐resistant maize hybrids on a salt‐affected soil. In addition, planting density was optimized under the saline conditions. Methods: Four salt‐resistant maize hybrids (Zea mays L. SR‐05, SR‐12, SR‐15, and SR‐16) were grown under control (EC = 2.0–2.5 dS m−1) and saline (EC = 10.0–12.0 dS m−1) field conditions and compared to the salt‐sensitive maize cv. Pioneer‐3906. Planting density (5, 8, or 11 plants m−2) was optimized for saline soil conditions for SR‐12 and the local hybrid EV‐78. Results: Yield of Pioneer‐3906 was significantly reduced under salinity because of inhibited kernel setting, whereas the SR hybrids showed no decrease in grain yield. Based on grain yield, the optimum planting density was 8 plants m−2 with no further increase with 11 plants m−2. In contrast to SR‐12, for cv. EV‐78 no increase of harvest index with 8 relative to 5 plants m−2 was observed. Conclusions: Vegetative growth of Pioneer‐3906 and the SR hybrids was decreased due to Phase‐I effects but neither due to water deficiency nor ion toxicity. The experiment corroborated the salt resistance of the SR hybrids under field conditions. Under saline conditions, optimum planting density of salt‐resistant cultivars may be higher than under nonsaline conditions when sufficient water supply by artificial irrigation is guaranteed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: In malaria‐stricken regions, malaria continues to be one of the primary causes of mortality for children. The number of malaria‐related fatalities has drastically decreased because of artemisinin‐based pharmacological regimens. Methods: Two independent researchers did a comprehensive literature search using PubMed/MEDLINE and Google Scholar from its inception to September 2022. Results: After evaluating RTS, S/AS01 for its safety, effectiveness, and feasibility, the European Medicines Agency (EMA) issued a favorable conclusion. It was suggested that the RTS, S malaria vaccine be used extensively by the World Health Organization on October 6, 2021. The successful pilot program testing the malaria vaccine in Ghana, Kenya, and Malawi served as the basis for this proposal. Conclusion: Several challenges need to be addressed to ensure the success of vaccination programs. From the acceptability perspective, issues such as inadequate community engagement, concerns about side effects, and issues with the delivery and quality of healthcare services can affect the acceptance of the vaccine. From the feasibility standpoint, factors such as lack of transportation or long distances to healthcare facilities and the perception of completion of the vaccination calendar can affect the feasibility of the vaccine. Lastly, the availability of the vaccine is also a major concern as it may not be readily available to meet the demands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electrochemiluminescence (ECL) has emerged as a powerful tool in bioassays due to its unique versatility and controllability, but it is still a challenge to amplify ECL signals without utilizing complex synthetic processes, sophisticated nanomaterials, and catalysts. Herein, a new ECL system with high sensitivity and selectivity is reported for the detection of amisulpride (AMS). The AMS was beneficial for enhancing the weak ECL emission of luminol, wherein co‐reaction effect of AMS promoted the generation of superoxide anion radicals (O2⋅−), which significantly improved the ECL efficiency of luminol (emitter). Under the optimized experimental conditions, this anodic ECL system achieved AMS detection (a biphasic curve) with linear concentration ranges of 0.2–5.0 μm and 5.0–100.0 μm. Impressively, the developed system exhibited a low limit of detection (LOD) and quantification (LOQ) of 10.2 nm and 50.5 nm for AMS, respectively. This luminol‐based ECL system is further applied for sensitive AMS detection in real (bulk) drug and pharmaceutical tablet form. Moreover, statistical comparison between the developed and comparison method showed good precision and accuracy of the developed method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phase change materials (PCMs) are an efficient alternative to store and release heat at a specific range of temperature. Here PCMs and heat enhancement methodologies for PCM storage are reviewed. A short overview of PCMs and their applications is presented in addition to the progress during the last 10 years. Heat enhancement techniques, that is, extended surfaces, multiple and composite PCMs, and encapsulation techniques, are presented along with a statistical overview of studies during 2016–2021. The importance of various fin and storage tank geometries (extended surfaces) is discussed in detail. Advancement in the latest heat enhancement techniques such as use of nano‐enhanced PCMs is presented. Recommendations for future research are provided. This article is categorized under:Emerging Technologies > Energy StorageSustainable Energy > Energy Efficiency [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dendrites can severely impair zinc battery performance. An in‐depth understanding of the dynamic morphology evolution of dendrites with operando approaches is pivotal when addressing these issues. However, in previous studies, the corresponding electrochemical signals are usually ensemble and averaged. It is very challenging to obtain detailed information about the key morphology–performance relationship. Herein, correlated high‐resolution operando optical and electrochemical studies of single dendrites on Pt reflective nanopore electrodes are reported. The zinc deposition and dissolution can be directly imaged by a high NA optical microscope, while corresponding galvanic charging and discharging curves are obtained. The correlated information of morphology changes and dynamic overpotential fluctuations under different circumstances unveils the competition between active growth vs. passivation. The isolated zinc formation at the single dendrite level is also evaluated. The methodology can be further extended to elucidate the direct relationship between dendrite evolution and electrochemical responses in various battery systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to determine the metabolic status, stress and ovarian activity through progesterone profile in dairy buffalo as influenced by post‐partum days, body condition score (BCS) and lactation number. A total of 45 dairy buffaloes were involved and divided into three factors based on their BCS (2.5, 3.0 and 3.5, respectively), lactation number (1, 2 and 3, respectively), and post‐partum intervals (14, 28, 42 and 56, respectively). Based on findings, from day 14 to day 56 after parturition, blood glucose, cholesterol and triglyceride levels increased significantly (p <.01), while malondialdehyde (MDA) and cortisol levels decreased significantly (p <.05) on day 56 of the trial. With increased BCS levels, milk yield, blood metabolites and progesterone improved significantly (p <.05), whereas stress indicators decreased significantly (p <.01). Blood metabolites, progesterone and milk production were significantly (p <.01) higher and stress indicators (MDA and cortisol) were significantly (p <.01) lower in lactation stage. Buffaloes with a greater lactation stage and growing post‐partum stage had better blood metabolite and progesterone concentrations and less stress. It was concluded that better BCS and increased lactation stage have significant impact on milk yield, stress reduction and restoration of ovarian activity in buffaloes during post‐partum period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, development in organic solar cells speeds up and performance continuously increases. From the last few years, machine learning gains fame among scientists who are researching on organic solar cells. Herein, machine learning is used to screen the small‐molecule donors for organic solar cells. Molecular descriptors are used as input to train machine models. A variety of machine‐learning models are tested to find the suitable one. Random forest model shows best predictive capability (Pearson's coefficient = 0.93). New small‐molecule donors are also designed from easily synthesizable building units. Their power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) are predicted. Potential candidates with PCE > 11% are selected. The approach presented herein helps to select the efficient materials in short time with ease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nonhomogeneous inviscid Burgers' equation arises in one‐dimensional inviscid flow in the presence of external force. Inter alia, its applications are in optics: nonlinear fibre and geometrical, for example. We study a generalized form of this equation from Lie symmetry stand point. Reductions and invariant solutions are presented using the similarity variables thus obtained. To account for modeling of diffusion process by fractional time derivative, Lie symmetries and reduction of time‐fractional inviscid Burgers' equation are also presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Poly(ε‐caprolactone)/polyvinylpyrrolidone (PCL/PVP) scaffolds with various composition were fabricated from 1,1,1,3,3,3‐hexafluoro‐2‐propanol (HFIP) solution using the same electrospinning parameters in order to reveal the effect of polymer ratio on the material properties. The obtained materials were characterized using scanning electron microscopy, contact angle measurements, X‐ray diffraction, Fourier‐transformed infrared spectroscopy, and tensile testing. The strengthening effect of PVP was observed: Young modulus of PCL/PVP scaffold with 50/50 polymer ratio was found at 105.4 ± 8.4 MPa which is six times higher comparing to those of PCL scaffold. PVP‐containing scaffolds were extremely hydrophilic with PVP concentration of 5 wt% (vs. 25 wt% in previous reports) leading to full wetting of the material. in vitro studies showed an improved viability of HeLa cells cultured with the composites containing higher concentrations of PVP. Owing to the application of HFIP, PCL‐based materials were loaded with cyclophosphamide for the first time and the PVP‐containing materials demonstrated the intensified initial release of the model compound. Utilizing HFIP for the fabrication of PCL/PVP scaffolds significantly widens their application for drug delivery systems due to a good solubility of proteins, drugs, and other biologically active compounds in this solvent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is the most widely used polymer in the world. For the first time, the laser‐driven integration of aluminum nanoparticles (Al NPs) into PET to realize a laser‐induced graphene/Al NPs/polymer composite, which demonstrates excellent toughness and high electrical conductivity with the formation of aluminum carbide into the polymer is shown. The conductive structures show an impressive mechanical resistance against >10000 bending cycles, projectile impact, hammering, abrasion, and structural and chemical stability when in contact with different solvents (ethanol, water, and aqueous electrolytes). Devices including thermal heaters, carbon electrodes for energy storage, electrochemical and bending sensors show this technology's practical application for ultra‐robust polymer electronics. This laser‐based technology can be extended to integrating other nanomaterials and create hybrid graphene‐based structures with excellent properties in a wide range of flexible electronics' applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil salinization is a serious environmental problem worldwide. To explore the comparative effects of soil salinity and sodicity on physiological, biochemical and nutritional quality attributes of four quinoa genotypes (A1, A7, Puno, Vikinga), pot and field experiments were performed on non‐saline soil and two types of salt‐affected soils designated as SS1 (saline) and SS2 (saline‐sodic). The results of both the experiments showed similar reduction pattern in biomass (11%–44%), chlorophyll content (10%–36%), stomatal conductance (18%–32%) and grain yield (30%–47%) of four genotypes on SS2 compared with SS1. Higher sodicity level of SS2 resulted in more Na accumulation (23%–40%) and oxidative damage (12%–35% decrease in membrane stability) leading to an increase in the activities of antioxidant enzymes (SOD, POD, CAT) in all the genotypes. Grain mineral contents (except Na and Mg) were decreased more in SS2 than SS1. Multivariate analysis revealed that grain Na content has negative correlation with all the nutritional quality attributes except Mg and fibre contents. Genotypes A1 and A7 were more salt tolerant with better grain nutritional quality than Puno and Vikinga. It is concluded that soil sodicity is more detrimental than salinity, and quinoa genotypes A1 and A7 are better than Puno and Vikinga for cultivation on saline and saline‐sodic soils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conventional solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) are operable at high temperatures (700–1000 °C) with the most commonly used electrolyte, yttria‐stabilized zirconia (YSZ). SOFC research and development activities have thus been carried out to reduce the SOFC operating temperature. At intermediate temperatures (400–700 °C), barium cerate (BaCeO3) and barium zirconate (BaZrO3) are good candidates for use as proton‐conducting electrolytes due to their promising electrochemical characteristics. Herein, two widely studied proton‐conducting materials with two dopants are combined and an attractive composition for the investigation of electrochemical behaviors is discovered. Ba0.9Sr0.1Ce0.5Zr0.35Y0.1Sm0.05O3−δ (BSCZYSm), a perovskite‐type polycrystalline material, has shown very promising properties to be used as proton‐conducting electrolyte at intermediate temperature range. BSCZYSm shows a high proton conductivity of 4.167 × 10−3 S cm−1 in a wet argon atmosphere and peak power density of 581.7 mW cm−2 in Ni–BSCZYSm | BSCZYSm | BSCF cell arrangement at 700 °C, which is one of the highest in comparison with proton‐conducting electrolyte‐based fuel cells reported until now. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

COVID-19 and Tuberculosis overlapping epidemics: A holistic review from Pakistan On January 30, 2020, World Health Organization (WHO) declared the International Public Health Emergency on coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak, which is caused by novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2).1 Catastrophe of COVID-19 due to coinfection with other contagious diseases2,3 has already been highlighted in the low middle-income country Pakistan,4-6 which is still going on. Following the overlapping pattern of COVID 19 and TB, there is a significant chance of re-emerging of TB in Pakistan, which could disrupt all strategies of the National TB Control Program (NTP). [Extracted from the article]

The impact of magnetic field on Engine Oil based generalized Brinkman‐type nanofluid over an oscillating vertical plate embedded in a porous medium is studied. Molybdenum Disulphide (MoS2) nanoparticles of spherical shape are suspended in Engine Oil, taken as conventional base fluid. Effect of thermal radiation in energy equation is also considered. A generalized model of Brinkman‐type fluid is considered with newly introduced fractional derivatives known as Atangana‐Baleanu Derivative (ABD) in the presence of heat transfer due to convection. Exact solution of the problem is determined by means of the Laplace transform. Expressions for velocity and temperature are obtained in terms of Mittag‐Leffler and General Wright function. The effects of various pertinent parameters on velocity are portrayed and discussed graphically. Numerical results of rate of heat transfer are computed in tabular form. Which showed that increasing values of volume fraction and Prandtl number increase rate of heat transfer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

COVID-19 and dengue virus coepidemics in Pakistan: A dangerous combination for an overburdened healthcare system We have read recent articles regarding coepidemics/coinfections of COVID-19 and other infectious diseases,1-4 these reports highlight the impact of coinfections on the health care system. Co-circulations of two genotypes of dengue virus in 2006 out-break of dengue hemorrhagic fever in Karachi, Pakistan. [Extracted from the article]

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Mycotoxins contamination in animal products and by‐products is a persistent threat to the food and feed industry. The present study was designed to evaluate the comparative inhibitory effects of Bentonite (BN), activated charcoal (AC) and a newly discovered yeast, Trichosporon mycotoxinivorans (TM), against feed‐to‐tissue transfer of mycotoxins. RESULTS: A dose dependent increase as determined by HPLC, in the residues of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) and ochratoxin A (OTA) was exhibited in the groups of birds fed AFB1 and OTA alone. The dietary addition of BN and AC to AFB1‐contaminated diets resulted in a 41–87% and 16–72% decrease in AFB1 residues in liver of the birds, respectively. However, this decrease was non‐significant with addition of TM as AFB1 binder. A partial to non‐significant protection was observed by dietary BN and AC, against OTA residues, while a significant decrease in OTA residues (38–84%) was noted in TM‐OTA co‐fed groups. CONCLUSION: The order of efficacy in terms of lowering AFB1 residues in the liver was BN > AC > TM, while against OTA it was TM > BN > AC. The findings of present study suggest that, based upon the nature of target mycotoxins, a mixture of multi‐mycotoxins binders/detoxifiers should be incorporated in the animal feeds. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report a new bipolar electrochemical approach for the growth of ordered titanium dioxide nanotubes (NTs), using a thin layer of supporting electrolyte, and the preparation of multiple samples through bipolar electrochemistry in a single wireless run. Our configuration allows the efficient growth of TiO2 NTs in a horizontal direction with low electrolyte consumption, which facilitates heat dissipation. In this simple, rapid, and cost-effective method, we can also successfully tune the inner and outer diameters of TiO2 NTs to 25-64 nm and 42-85 nm, respectively, with key parameters such as fluoride content, anodization voltage, anodization time, and water content. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Salinity adversely affects plant growth, photosynthesis, and availability of nutrients including iron. Rice (Oryza sativa L.) is susceptible to soil salinity and highly prone to iron (Fe) deficiency due to lower release of Fe-chelating compounds under saline conditions. In order to investigate the effects of salinity and low iron supply on growth, photosynthesis, and ionic composition of five rice genotypes (KS-282, Basmati Pak, Shaheen Basmati, KSK-434 and 99417), a solution culture experiment was conducted with four treatments (control, 50 mM NaCl, Fe-deficient, and 50 mM NaCl + Fe-deficient). Salinity and Fe deficiency reduced shoot and root growth, photosynthetic and transpiration rates, chlorophyll concentration, and stomatal conductance. The reduction in all these parameters was more in the interactive treatment of salinity and low Fe supply. Moreover, a significant increase in shoot and root Na+ with corresponding decrease in K+ and Fe concentrations was also observed in the combined salinity and Fe-deficiency treatment. Among the tested genotypes, Basmati Pak was the most sensitive genotype both under salt stress and Fe deficiency. The genotype KS-282 performed better than other genotypes under salinity stress alone, whereas Shaheen Basmati was the best genotype under Fe deficiency in terms of all the studied parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Salt stress reduces grain yield of maize ( Zea mays L.) due to poor kernel setting but not due to decreased grain filling. In the present study, it was tested whether acid invertase activity is decreased in developing kernels of maize under salt stress, and if assimilate supply is limited. The relatively salt-sensitive maize hybrid Pioneer 3906 was compared with the more salt-resistant hybrid SR 12. Salt stress caused a significant decrease in grain yield which was due to a 50% decrease in kernel number. No source limitation was observed, as the sucrose concentrations in kernels were significantly increased under salt stress for both genotypes. In contrast, glucose and fructose concentrations in kernels were significantly decreased. Salt stress caused a significant inhibition of soluble acid invertase activity to 19% in hydroponics 5 d after pollination (5 DAP) and to 50% in the soil culture experiment (2 DAP). The decrease in enzyme activity was the same for both genotypes. In the soil experiment, the highest soluble acid invertase activity was found 2 DAP with a steep decline until 8 DAP in Pioneer 3906. It is concluded that a decrease in acid invertase activity is a key factor associated with limited kernel setting under salt stress but additional factors may be responsible for genotypic differences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding the mode of temporal maintenance of plant pathogens is an important domain of microbial ecology research. Due to the inconspicuous nature of microbes, their temporal maintenance cannot be studied directly through tracking individuals and their progeny. Here, we suggest a series of population genetic analyses on molecular marker variation in temporally spaced samples to infer about the relative contribution of sexual reproduction, off-season survival and migration to the temporal maintenance of pathogen populations. We used the proposed approach to investigate the temporal maintenance of wheat yellow rust pathogen, Puccinia striiformis f.sp. tritici ( PST), in the Himalayan region of Pakistan. Multilocus microsatellite genotyping of PST isolates revealed high genotypic diversity and recombinant population structure across all locations, confirming the existence of sexual reproduction in this region. The genotypes were assigned to four genetic groups, revealing a clear differentiation between zones with and without Berberis spp., the alternate host of PST, with an additional subdivision within the Berberis zone. The lack of any differentiation between samples across two sampling years, and the very infrequent resampling of multilocus genotypes over years at a given location was consistent with limited over-year clonal survival, and a limited genetic drift. The off-season oversummering population in the Berberis zone, likely to be maintained locally, served as a source of migrants contributing to the temporal maintenance in the non- Berberis zone. Our study hence demonstrated the contribution of both sexual recombination and off-season oversummering survival to the temporal maintenance of the pathogen. These new insights into the population biology of PST highlight the general usefulness of the analytical approach proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vertically aligned InAs nanowires (NWs) doped with Si were grown self-assisted by molecular beam epitaxy on GaAs[111]B substrates covered with a thin SiO x layer. Using out-of-plane X-ray diffraction, the influence of Si supply on the growth process and nanostructure formation was studied. It was found that the number of parasitic crystallites grown between the NWs increases with increasing Si flux. In addition, the formation of a Ga0.2In0.8As alloy was observed if the growth was performed on samples covered by a defective oxide layer. This alloy formation is observed within the crystallites and not within the nanowires. The Ga concentration is determined from the lattice mismatch of the crystallites relative to the InAs nanowires. No alloy formation is found for samples with faultless oxide layers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wheat ( Tritcum aestivum L.) genotypes were screened and characterized for performance under salt stress and/or water-logging. In a solution-culture study, ten wheat genotypes were tested under control, 200 mM-NaCl salt stress and 4-week water-logging (nonaerated solution stagnated with 0.1% agar), alone or in combination. Shoot and root growth of the wheat genotypes was reduced by salinity and salinity × water-logging, which was associated with increased leaf Na+ and Cl- concentrations as well as decreased leaf K+ concentration and K+ : Na+ ratio. The genotypes differed significantly for their growth and leaf ionic composition. The genotypes Aqaab and MH-97 were selected as salinity×water-logging-resistant and sensitive wheat genotypes, respectively, on the basis of their shoot fresh weights in the salinity × water-logging treatment relative to control. In a soil experiment, the effect of water-logging was tested for these two genotypes under nonsaline (EC = 2.6 dS m-1) and saline (EC = 15 dS m-1) soil conditions. The water-logging was imposed for a period of 21 d at various growth stages, i.e., tillering, stem elongation, booting, and grain filling alone or in combinations. The maximum reduction in grain yield was observed after water-logging at stem-elongation + grain-filling stages followed by water-logging at grain-filling stage, booting stage, and stem-elongation stage, respectively. Salinity intensified the effect of water-logging at all the growth stages. It is concluded that the existing genetic variation in wheat for salinity × water-logging resistance can be successfully explored using relative shoot fresh weight as a selection criterion in nonaerated 0.1% agar-containing nutrient solution and that irrigation in the field should be scheduled to avoid temporary water-logging at the sensitive stages of wheat growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Background and aims: Colorectal carcinoma is among the most frequently observed malignancies in Pakistan. The HER 2/neu protein is intimately involved in tumorigenesis and its receptor has been demonstrated as a therapeutic target in several carcinomas. This study was designed to assess the clinico-pathological pattern and the HER 2/neu immunohistochemical score with respect to the histological grades of colorectal carcinoma in our population. Methods: Tissue biopsies from 100 patients, with detailed documentation of their clinical account, were subjected to immunohistochemistry utilizing monoclonal anti- HER 2/neu antibody. Positive expression was assigned a score from 0-3+. Results: A distinct positive HER 2/neu scoring pattern was observed in n= 42 cases of non-mucinous, mucinous and signet ring cell adenocarcinomas, all with a specific histological grade. An inverse correlation ( P= 0.001) was observed between the two parameters. Conclusion: Colorectal carcinoma is a growing malignancy, even in the younger population and HER 2/neu protein is credibly expressed in colonic cancer cells in our patients especially where the histological grade is low or moderate. Therefore, it may be applied as a reasonably reliable immunohistochemical marker and a target for a new adjuvant monoclonal antibody-based immunotherapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Laser processing, laser-induced graphene, ultra-robust flexible electronics, wearables Their method is based on laser processing to integrate metal nanoparticles into polymers with the simultaneous generation of a 3D graphene network. Keywords: laser processing; laser-induced graphene; ultra-robust flexible electronics; wearables EN laser processing laser-induced graphene ultra-robust flexible electronics wearables 1 1 1 05/27/21 20210422 NES 210422 In article number 2008818, Raul D. Rodriguez and co-workers show a scalable and environmentally friendly way to fabricate flexible electronics. [Extracted from the article]

Getting organized: The Inside Cover picture shows a schematic of the bipolar electrochemical cell utilized for the preparation of self‐organized TiO2 nanotubes by using a thin layer of electrolyte and the SEM image of self‐organized TiO2 nanotubes. More details can be found in the Communication by G. Xu and co‐workers on page 360 in Issue 3, 2016 (DOI: 10.1002/celc.201500182). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]