Branch Orientation Research Articles

Reliable detection of malachite green by self-assembled SERS substrates based on gold–silicon heterogeneous nano pineapple structures

Morphology regulation of heterodimer nanoparticles and the use of their asymmetric features for further practical applications are crucial because of the rich optical properties and various combinations of heterodimers. This work used silicon to asymmetrically wrap half of a gold sphere and grew gold branches on the bare gold surface to form heterogeneous nano pineapples (NPPs) which can effectively improve Surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) properties through chemical enhancement and lightning-rod effect respectively. The asymmetric structures of NPPs enabled them to self-assemble into the monolayer membrane with consistent branch orientation. The prepared substrate had high homogeneity and better SERS ability than disorganized substrates, and achieved reliable detection of malachite green (MG) in clams with a detection limit of 7.8 × 10−11 M. This work provided a guide to further revise the morphology of heterodimers and a new idea for the use of asymmetric dimers for practically photochemical and biomedical sensing.

Modeling branch attributes and biomass for Catalpa bungei plantations under various fertilization regimes

The development and morphology of branches, a crucial step in producing high-quality large-diameter lumber, may be influenced by fertilization. The response of branch attributes to different fertilization regimes, however, is still poorly understood. The Catalpa bungei plantations, which had been growing for 6 years in northern China, were chosen to study how various fertilization measures affected branch attributes. The two fertilization techniques used were hole fertilization (HF) and water and fertilizer integration (WF), with no fertilization (CK) as a control. The quantity, density, morphology (e.g., diameter, length, and angle), and position (e.g., height and orientation) of branches, and organ biomass of 18 standard trees (total of 516 branches) were investigated. The results demonstrated a considerable increase in tree height, diameter at breast height (DBH), canopy ratio, branch quantity, and organ biomass following the addition of fertilizer. Both the maximum branch diameter and the number of branches rose with fertilization. Following fertilization, the number of branches rose by 16% (HF) and 28% (WF) compared to non-fertilized trees, while the maximum branch diameter increased by 3.5% (HF) and 17.3% (WF), respectively. WF led to an increase in the number of branches and largest branch diameter in comparison to CK and HF. The length, angle, and diameter of branches, however, were not affected significantly by different fertilization treatments. There were roughly equal amounts of branches in four orientations. The mixed-model analysis revealed that the number of branches was positively correlated with branch density and tree height. The branch diameter increased with the increase of branch length and angle. The branch length was negatively correlated with branch height and angle. The branch angle showed a larger angle at the bottom of the canopy. Tree height plus diameter at breast height combined, or just the diameter at breast height indicator alone, can both reliably predict the total biomass of trees. The branch models created in this research may offer some theoretical backing for understanding the crown dynamics of valuable tree species in northern China.

Branching out: perch diameter and orientation affect pull strength in chameleons (genus: Bradypodion)

Abstract Arboreal species tend to have specific adaptations allowing them to effectively negotiate the complexity of their habitats. For example, chameleons have a prehensile tail and limbs adapted to grasping branches. However, the impact of branch diameter and orientation on their movement has been poorly studied. Using ecological, morphological, and pull force data from two species of Bradypodion from different habitats, we examined if chameleons use different substrates and if perch orientation and diameter affect pull strength by quantifying their grip forces on different sized dowels. We found that the habitat of Bradypodion ventrale is homogeneous, and dominated by sparse patches of narrow, vertical perches. For this species, perch diameter significantly affected pull strength in both horizontal and vertical pull directions, with chameleons performing best on a vertical 1.5-mm dowel and a horizontal 3-mm dowel. In contrast, Bradypodion pumilum typically occurs in more variable vegetation, ranging from low shrubs to wooded habitat with high canopy. Our results show that the habitat has perches that are on average wider than for B. ventrale with a greater size range. The performance of B. pumilum was less impacted by perch diameter and pull direction suggesting that B. pumilum is able to use perches of different diameters in their more heterogeneous habitat.

Unsuspected Limitations of 3D Printed Model in Planning of Complex Aortic Aneurysm Endovascular Treatment.

Static 3-dimensional (3D) printing became attractive for operative planning in cases that involve difficult anatomy. An interactive (low cost, fast) 3D print allowing deliberate surgical practice can be used to improve interventional simulation and planning. Endovascular treatment of complex aortic aneurysms is technically challenging, especially in case of narrow aortic lumen or significant aortic angulation (hostile anatomy). The risk of complications such as graft kinking and target vessel occlusion is difficult to assess based solely on traditional software measuring methods and remain highly dependent on surgeon skills and expertise. A patient with juxtarenal AAA with hostile anatomy had a 3-dimensional printed model constructed preoperatively according to computed tomography images. Endovascular graft implantation in the 3D printed aorta with a standard T-Branch Cook (Cook® Medical, Bloomington, IN, USA) was performed preoperatively in the simulation laboratory enabling optimized feasibility, surgical planning and intraoperative decision making. The 3D printed aortic model proved to be radio-opaque and allowed simulation of branched endovascular aortic repair (BREVAR). The assessment of intervention feasibility, as well as optimal branch position and orientation was found to be useful for surgeon confidence and the actual intervention in the patient. There was a remarkable agreement between the 3D printed model and both CT and X-ray angiographic images. Although the technical success was achieved as planned, a previously deployed renal stent caused unexpected difficulty in advancing the renal stent, which was not observed in the 3D model simulation. The 3D printed aortic models can be useful for determining feasibility, optimizing planning and intraoperative decision making in hostile anatomy improving the outcome. Despite already offering satisfying accuracy at present, further advancements could enhance the 3D model capability to replicate minor anatomical deformities and variations in tissue density.

Methodology for the phenotypic evaluation in <i>Guazuma crinita</i> trees in Ucayali, Peru

The objective of this study was to present a methodological tool for the phenotypic evaluation in progeny tests of Guazuma crinita in producer plots of the Aguaytía river basin, Ucayali, Peru, which allows field technicians to standardize the morphological evaluation criteria of trees in forest plantations. Therefore, the phenotypic traits were evaluated for plant height (m), diameter at the height of the base (cm), number of branches, number of rings, stem form, branch orientation, presence and quantity of leaves. The heritability and genetic and phenotypic correlations between traits were also estimated. Therefore, 32 morphological categories were plotted based on the significant correlations (p≤ 0.05) shown between the place of planting, the stem form, the orientation of the branches and the presence of leaves. For the same reason, the progeny showed low morphological patterns, being a low factor of phenotypic variability. It is concluded that the correlations between the biometric and morphological traits evaluated, allowed to validate the phenotypic evaluation procedures of Guazuma crinita progeny tests at 36 months of age.

Steppingstone-inspired construction of high vertical thermal conductivity material with low carbon fiber content

Thermal interface materials (TIMs) with good thermal conductivity are paramount in mitigating the heat concentration challenges encountered during the operation of highly integrated components in sophisticated electronic devices. To optimize the comprehensive performance of TIMs, a balance must be struck: minimizing the filler concentration to attenuate materials hardness while maximizing filler content to bolster the thermal conduction pathway. Drawing inspiration from the orientation of tree branches passing through steppingstones in river, a method was proposed in this study. This method exploits the shear effect of carbon fiber (CF), owing to viscosity variances during diameter extrusion, and the differential flow velocity between CF and alumina to induce a significant degree of orientation. Combined with subsequent flipping and bonding, a TIM with vertically oriented CF was prepared. The TIM was obtained with a mere 12.1 wt% CF incorporation, the composite exhibits a through-plane thermal conductivity of 21.29 W/(m·K), representing an enhancement of two orders of magnitude relative to pristine silicone rubber, while retaining its flexibility and deformability. The orientation degree and high efficiency orientation effect of CF have been characterized via scanning electron microscopy (SEM), thermal conductivity test and light-emitting diode (LED) temperature rise test.

Turbulent flow simulations in a simplified channel bend model of Dragon style rivers with constant curvature and different single-short-branch characteristics

This study investigates the turbulent flows in simplified Dragon style river channels with a constant critical curvature and different single-short-branch characteristics, using an effective numerical method based on real geometry statistics. First, when the branch outlet is closed, in the main channel, strong bed shear stresses are concentrated at the inner bend apex and downstream; as the branch widens, more flow enters the branch, reducing the downstream velocities, increasing the helical flow strength (I) and turbulent kinetic energy (TKE); however, when the branch radius is about 3.5 times the main channel width, the opposite occurs. Second, in this non-free-flowing branch, upstream of a critical section, the cross-sectional I and TKE increase with increasing width, but both decrease with increasing radius or decreasing orientation angle (relative to the direction tangent to the main channel). Third, when the branch outlet is open, in the main channel, the bifurcation location primarily affects the main channel flow, moving it upstream creates a more regular low-velocity zone and recirculation zone, and lower shear stresses downstream, and meanwhile, the cross-sectional I, TKE, and shear stresses decrease upstream but increase downstream of the bifurcation location, respectively. Finally, in this free-flowing branch, shear stresses occupy the inner branch; the recirculation zone grows with increasing branch width, reaches a maximum around a relative branch radius of 3.0 (scaled with main-channel width), and disappears at a branch orientation angle of about 67°; both the cross-sectional I and TKE become negative, and the graphical cross-sectional I (along the flow direction) curves downward with increasing width, upward with increasing radius, and straightens with decreasing orientation angle. Findings provide fundamental conditions for harmonious vegetative integration and gradual development of Dragon style river regulation patterns, especially to mitigate crises like the ‘suspended river’ issues in the lower Yellow River.

Interrelations between Canopy Architecture and Growth Yield Attribute on Selected Growth Habit Peanut Genotypes

Background: Crop architecture plays a major role in the growth and development of semi determinate crops like peanut.The orientation of branches and leaves in the plant canopy plays a major role in the radiation penetration, which influences the canopy photosynthetic rate and hence the crop productivity. Light penetration and radiation use efficiency effect the drymatter production of many crops. However, links between canopy orientation, growth attributes and yield potentiality of peanut are poorly understood. Hence the aim of the present study was to determine interrelationships among various growth habit peanut genotypes for canopy architecture, canopy photosynthesis, growth parameters and yield attributes. Methods: The experiment was laid out in a randomized block design with ten treatments and replicated thrice. Ten spanish bunch peanut genotypes varying in growth habits viz., decumbent-2, decumbent-3 and erect growth habit.Five plants were selected randomly in each plot by avoiding border rows and recorded canopy traits. Canopy photosynthetic parameters viz., light interception (Lux meter) and photosynthetic rate (IRGA) were recorded at the grand growth period (45 and 60 DAS). Result: Plant height had a significant negative correlation with peg to pod ratio. Among the various canopy architecture traits, wider angle between primary branch and main stem and number of secondary branches per plant established significantly positive correlation with rate of photosynthesis, radiation use efficiency, growth attributes, pod yield, shelling percentage and test weight. Spreading architecture exhibit a higher maximum quantum yield of photosynthesis.

Towards smart pruning: ViNet, a deep-learning approach for grapevine structure estimation

Image and video tools for analyzing crop scenes and plants are essential for applying precision agriculture to crop maintenance, harvesting, or pruning. In this paper, we are interested in vine pruning, a task that requires a precise understanding of the vine structure with branch type identification, orientations, and node locations. However, estimating such a structure is highly challenging, given the large variety in grapevine appearances, lighting conditions, viewpoint, the interweaving of branches, occlusions, and the level of details needed. To address these challenges, we propose ViNet: a deep-learning approach for estimating the structure of grapevine, which comprises two main steps: The first one detects nodes and identifies the branch types of the plant, as well as the spatial relation between them, whilst the second one uses the extracted nodes and branches to build a graph, out of which the structure of the grapevine is inferred. In doing so, we make four main contributions: (i) we put forward for the first time a method for automatic segmentation and extraction of the grapevine structure from images; (ii) we propose a novel approach leveraging the powerful stacked hourglass network to infer node location, branch types and the spatial relationships between them; (iii) we propose a novel shortest path weighted graph optimization step to extract connections between nodes and infer the structure, allowing to address the problem of having an unknown number of branches in the tree; (iv) we publicly release a dataset of more than 1500 grapevine images fully annotated with the structure information. Extensive experiments on this dataset demonstrate the efficiency of our approach at predicting the structure of a grapevine, achieving a precision and recall for node prediction of 95% and 90%, respectively, as well as ablation studies validating our design choices.

BBX24 Interacts with JAZ3 to Promote Growth by Reducing DELLA Activity in Shade Avoidance.

Shade avoidance syndrome (SAS) is a strategy of major adaptive significance and typically includes elongation of the stem and petiole, leaf hyponasty, reduced branching and phototropic orientation of the plant shoot toward canopy gaps. Both cryptochrome 1 and phytochrome B (phyB) are the major photoreceptors that sense the reduction in the blue light fluence rate and the low red:far-red ratio, respectively, and both light signals are associated with plant density and the resource reallocation when SAS responses are triggered. The B-box (BBX)-containing zinc finger transcription factor BBX24 has been implicated in the SAS as a regulator of DELLA activity, but this interaction does not explain all the observed BBX24-dependent regulation in shade light. Here, through a combination of transcriptional meta-analysis and large-scale identification of BBX24-interacting transcription factors, we found that JAZ3, a jasmonic acid signaling component, is a direct target of BBX24. Furthermore, we demonstrated that joint loss of BBX24 and JAZ3 function causes insensitivity to DELLA accumulation, and the defective shade-induced elongation in this mutant is rescued by loss of DELLA or phyB function. Therefore, we propose that JAZ3 is part of the regulatory network that controls the plant growth in response to shade, through a mechanism in which BBX24 and JAZ3 jointly regulate DELLA activity. Our results provide new insights into the participation of BBX24 and JA signaling in the hypocotyl shade avoidance response in Arabidopsis.

Individual Tree Reconstruction Based on Circular Truncated Cones From Portable LiDAR Scanner Data

The LiDAR scanning approach captures a large amount of tree point cloud information, including the accurate coordinate of points, local topology, and overall geometry. However, the complex tree structures, e.g., curvature and occlusion of branches, bring challenges to the 3-D tree reconstruction. In this letter, we propose an innovative solution for obtaining the complete skeletons of individual trees and 3-D structures for modeling using point clouds. First, we obtain individual trees from input street scene and segment tree into small successive pieces, with the centers of each piece serving as skeleton candidate points. Second, we conduct the interpolation based on the Euclidean distance and orientation yields the entire skeleton completely. Finally, a high-precision 3-D model of trees is constructed by cylindrically fitting the skeleton relying on the optimized circular truncated cones depending on the branch orientation and cylindrical curvature. Experiments on various trees demonstrate the high efficiency and effectiveness of our method. Our method achieves 98% accuracy and takes less than 1 min in the reconstruction. Compared with other methods, our method reduces the time by more than 95%.

Human cortical amygdala dendrites and spines morphology under open-source three-dimensional reconstruction procedures.

Visualizing nerve cells has been fundamental for the systematic description of brain structure and function in humans and other species. Different approaches aimed to unravel the morphological features of neuron types and diversity. The inherent complexity of the human nervous tissue and the need for proper histological processing have made studying human dendrites and spines challenging in postmortem samples. In this study, we used Golgi data and open-source software for 3D image reconstruction of human neurons from the cortical amygdaloid nucleus to show different dendrites and pleomorphic spines at different angles. Procedures required minimal equipment and generated high-quality images for differently shaped cells. We used the "single-section" Golgi method adapted for the human brain to engender 3D reconstructed images of the neuronal cell body and the dendritic ramification by adopting a neuronal tracing procedure. In addition, we elaborated 3D reconstructions to visualize heterogeneous dendritic spines using a supervised machine learning-based algorithm for image segmentation. These tools provided an additional upgrade and enhanced visual display of information related to the spatial orientation of dendritic branches and for dendritic spines of varied sizes and shapes in these human subcortical neurons. This same approach can be adapted for other techniques, areas of the central or peripheral nervous system, and comparative analysis between species.

Analysis of the topological motifs of the cellular structure of the tri-spine horseshoe crab (Tachypleus tridentatus) and its associated mechanical properties

Topological motifs in pore architecture can profoundly influence the structural properties of that architecture, such as its mass, porosity, modulus, strength, and surface permeability. Taking the irregular cellular structure of the tri-spine horseshoe crab as a research model, we present a new approach to the quantitative description and analysis of structure-property-function relationships. We employ a robust skeletonization method to construct a curve-skeleton that relies on high-resolution 3D tomographic data. The topological motifs and mechanical properties of the long-range cellular structure were investigated using the Grasshopper plugin and uniaxial compression test to identify the variation gradient. Finite element analysis was conducted for the sub-volumes to obtain the variation in effective modulus along the three principal directions. The results show that the branch length and node distribution density varied from the tip to the base of the sharp corner. These node types formed a low-connectivity network, in which the node types 3-N and 4-N tended to follow the motifs of ideal planar triangle and tetrahedral configurations, respectively, with the highest proportion of inter-branch angles in the angle ranges of 115–120° and 105–110°. In addition, mapping the mechanical gradients to topological properties indicated that narrower profiles with a given branch length gradient, preferred branch orientation, and network connectedness degree are the main factors that affect the mechanical properties. These factors suggest significant potential for designing a controllable, irregularly cellular structure in terms of both morphology and function.

Determinants of basic childhood vaccination coverage in European and OECD countries

ABSTRACT Vaccination coverage varies between countries and over time. Using official databases, we extracted data on 50 national-level immunization, socio-economic, demographic, healthcare, and cultural factors, and the uptake of the third dose of diphtheria toxoid, tetanus toxoid, and pertussis vaccines (DTP3) and the first dose of measles-containing vaccines (MCV1) for 61 countries between 1990 and 2019. The main branch of the analysis included all covariates, while a secondary branch excluded life-expectancy and child mortality. The statistical analysis was completed in three stages: a variable-selection stage via random forests; multilevel multiple imputation for missing data in the reduced dataset; and generalized estimating equations (GEE) over all imputed datasets with pooled results. Less than 20 covariates were retained after variable-selection. Among a relatively small number of statistically significant (p-value <.05) effects in the pooled GEE results of our main branch, under-5 mortality and long-term orientation culture showed negative associations with both uptake outcomes and GDP per capita a positive association. For MCV1, whether a second dose was integrated into routine immunization appeared as the overall strongest negative correlate. In the secondary analytical branch, results were largely consistent, with a few additional statistically significant effects emerging, mainly related to immunization and healthcare system characteristics. These insights improve our understanding of the main factors influencing vaccine uptake, some of which are broadly contextual (e.g., GDP, socio-cultural factors), requiring bespoke vaccine program approaches, in order to maximize childhood vaccine uptake over time.

Wnt5a-Vangl1/2 signaling regulates the position and direction of lung branching through the cytoskeleton and focal adhesions.

Lung branching morphogenesis requires reciprocal interactions between the epithelium and mesenchyme. How the lung branches are generated at a defined location and projected toward a specific direction remains a major unresolved issue. In this study, we investigated the function of Wnt signaling in lung branching in mice. We discovered that Wnt5a in both the epithelium and the mesenchyme plays an essential role in controlling the position and direction of lung branching. The Wnt5a signal is mediated by Vangl1/2 to trigger a cascade of noncanonical or planar cell polarity (PCP) signaling. In response to noncanonical Wnt signaling, lung cells undergo cytoskeletal reorganization and change focal adhesions. Perturbed focal adhesions in lung explants are associated with defective branching. Moreover, we observed changes in the shape and orientation of the epithelial sheet and the underlying mesenchymal layer in regions of defective branching in the mutant lungs. Thus, PCP signaling helps define the position and orientation of the lung branches. We propose that mechanical force induced by noncanonical Wnt signaling mediates a coordinated alteration in the shape and orientation of a group of epithelial and mesenchymal cells. These results provide a new framework for understanding the molecular mechanisms by which a stereotypic branching pattern is generated.

THE CONCEPT OF SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT IN ECONOMIC RESEARCH: QUANTITATIVE AND LEXICO-SEMANTIC DIMENSIONS

On the basis of the conducted research, it was established that in Ukraine for the period of 2007–2021, 132 PhD theses, 110 doctoral dissertations, and 14 PhD theses were defended in the field of economic sciences on the topic of sustainable development. Active interest in the issue of sustainability began to manifest itself in the early 2000s. Up to and including 2014, the number of dissertations grew steadily, but at different speeds, 2016 was the year of the minimum degree of academic activity, after which the growth in the number of defenses resumed, which was largely due to the actualization of issues at the state level, starting from 2020, the positive dynamics were strengthened by the process of defenses for obtaining the degree of Doctor of Philosophy. Focusing on the topics of dissertations allows us to assert the comprehensive penetration of the ideology of sustainable development into the space of scientific research in the field of economic sciences. The distribution of works by the frequency of sectoral research in the field of sustainable development economics shows that the lion’s share of dissertations was prepared on the economy as a whole, while active scientific work was carried out on the issues of sustainable development of the agro-industrial complex, industry, and to a lesser extent, transport and tourism. The analysis of the topics through the prism of the conceptual field made it possible to form a stable grouping of typologically and semantically homogeneous and hierarchically ordered concepts, divided into twelve lexical-semantic subclasses, partially combined into three groups of categories and presented as a structured system consisting of a core and a periphery. The analysis of the dynamics of defended dissertations, the examination of the distribution of dissertations by majors and scientific degrees, the study of the frequency of mentioning the branches of economics in the topics and, accordingly, the degree of branch orientation of the works made it possible to quantitatively assess the scope and identify trends in scientific research, the formation of a conceptual field based on the results of cognitive generalizations and with the help of mapping made it possible to verbalize qualitative parameters, demonstrate the content, variability and lexical-semantic interconnection of scientific research.

Форензік як метод економічних розслідувань: теоретичні засади

Currently, in connection with the increase in cases of fraud and the complexity of economic crimes, forensics is an effective method of economic investigations and a type of control, the purpose of which is to identify facts of fraud, financial abuse, as well as other criminal acts of investigation. The article analyses and summarizes existing scientific approaches to defining the concept of “forensics”. It is established that the term “forensics” is mostly interpreted as an investigation; effective tool; independent activity; services; type of control, etc. As a result of the research, the concept of “forensics” is proposed to be considered from such positions as: an effective method of economic investigations at enterprises of various forms of ownership and branch orientation in the system of economic security; a complex of independent initiative services for investigation, expertise, analysis, assessment, settlement of situations and development of procedures aimed at combating economic crimes, fraud, corruption, commercial bribery, appropriation of funds and other assets, illegal actions, settlement of disagreements between parties on financial and business issues; a type of control aimed at detecting fraud, financial abuse, as well as other criminal acts of an economic nature. The structure of the provision of forensic services is proposed, which should include the following elements: financial investigations; management of risks related to fraud and economic crimes; corporate (business) intelligence; out-of-court, pre-trial expertise, as well as assistance during court proceedings; investigation of fraud using information systems and digital technologies; opposition to the legalization of illegal income; intellectual property protection; verification of contractual obligations and reliability of business partners; prevention or minimization of financial and reputational losses and risks; identification and analysis of hidden commercial risks; regulation of disagreements between the parties to the conflict on financial and business issues; development of procedures aimed at countering fraud, corruption, withdrawal of funds, appropriation of assets; conducting a compliance investigation; financial examination of documentation.

Experimental study on temperature profile and smoke movement in a model-branched tunnel fire under longitudinal ventilation

Reduced scale experiments in a branched tunnel were carried out to study the temperature profile and critical ventilation velocity under different longitudinal ventilation conditions. Branch orientation was upstream and the branch angle was 15°. The results show that when dimensionless ventilation velocity is lower than 0.19, the maximum temperature is lower than that of traditional single tube tunnel because hot smoke could propagate into the branch. When dimensionless ventilation velocity is higher than 0.19, the maximum temperature is close to that of single tube tunnel. Because more heat is blown downstream, which is similar to ventilated single tube tunnel. A new model predicting the maximum temperature beneath the ceiling is developed. With increasing ventilation velocity, the upstream and branch temperature decay factor increase while the downstream temperature factor decrease. Critical ventilation velocity for the branched tunnel is higher than that of single tube tunnel. A correlation of critical ventilation velocity is proposed. The 1/3 power law still holds.

New Tools for Mechanical Thinning of Apricot Fruitlets

In this study, the thinner machine with yellow rod equipment was tested in relation to tree branch length and orientation in April 2019, in a narrow-canopied apricot orchard of Emilia Romagna Region, Italy. The trees were mechanically thinned with manual finishing, and comparative tests were carried out simultaneously with the ordinary hand thinning (control). Three groups of two plants were identified as replication for a total of six plants per row. Three rows were checked, considering field uniformity average. The branches were grouped into four classes according to their length: &lt;30 cm, 30–60 cm, 60–90 cm and &gt;90 cm. Branch inclination on the plant, radial or longitudinal with respect to the row, was evaluated. Fruit number before the thinning, after the first and the second machine intervention, after three days of the mechanical thinning and after the hand finishing was recorded. This experience showed satisfactory results in terms of thinning efficiency and reduced damage to both fruits and branches, as a function of the class length and insertion point in the main branch of the plant. Thinning efficiency was always kept above 37% of the left load after hand finishing, and on average between the treatments close to 44%. Fruit damages always remained below the economic thresholds to marketable production or to the plant.

Reconfigurable Two‐Dimensional DNA Lattices: Static and Dynamic Angle Control

AbstractBranched DNA motifs serve as the basic construction elements for all synthetic DNA nanostructures. However, precise control of branching orientation remains a key challenge to further heighten the overall structural order. In this study, we use two strategies to control the branching orientation. The first one is based on immobile Holliday junctions which employ specific nucleotide sequences at the branch points which dictate their orientation. The second strategy is to use angle‐enforcing struts to fix the branching orientation with flexible spacers at the branch points. We have also demonstrated that the branching orientation control can be achieved dynamically, either by canonical Watson–Crick base pairing or non‐canonical nucleobase interactions (e.g., i‐motif and G‐quadruplex). With precise angle control and feedback from the chemical environment, these results will enable novel DNA nanomechanical sensing devices, and precisely‐ordered three‐dimensional architectures.