bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nitrogen Storage with Cover Crops and Nitrogen Fertilization in Tilled and Nontilled Soils
Authors: Sainju Upendra M. , Singh Bharat P.
Published: May 2008

Improved crop and N management practices are needed to increase soil N storage so that N fertilization rate and the potential for N leaching can be reduced in tilled and nontilled soils. We examined the influence of cover crops and N fertilization rates on N inputs from cover crops, cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) and sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] and soil total N (STN) content at the 0‐ to 120‐cm depth in no‐tilled, strip‐tilled, and chisel‐tilled Dothan sandy loam (fine‐loamy, kaolinitic, thermic, Plinthic Kandiudults) from 2000 to 2002 in central Georgia. Cover crops were legume [hairy vetch (Vicia villosa Roth)], nonlegume [rye (Secale cereale L.)], biculture of legume and nonlegume (vetch + rye), and winter weeds and N fertilization rates were 0, 60 to 65, and 120 to 130 kg N ha−1. Nitrogen inputs in above‐ and belowground plant biomass varied with the season and were greater in vetch and vetch + rye with N rates than in rye and weeds with or without N in tilled and nontilled soils. The STN concentration varied with sampling times and decreased with depth. The STN content at 0 to 90 cm was greater in vetch and vetch + rye with N rates than in weeds with or without N in no‐tilled and chisel‐tilled soils. Similarly, STN content at 0 to 30 cm was greater with vetch and vetch + rye than with weeds in strip‐tilled soil. As a result, N storage at 0 to 30 cm gained at 71 to 108 kg N ha−1 yr−1 in vetch and vetch + rye with N fertilization compared with a loss at 110 kg N ha−1 yr−1 to a gain at 40 kg N ha−1 yr−1 in weeds with or without N fertilization in no‐tilled and chisel‐tilled soils. In strip‐tilled soil, N storage gained at 101 to 103 kg N ha−1 yr−1 with vetch and vetch + rye compared with a loss at 91 kg N ha−1 yr−1 with weeds. Nitrogen storage in tilled and nontilled soils can be increased by using legume or a biculture of legume and nonlegume cover crops compared with no cover crop with or without N fertilization. Because of similar levels of soil N storage and cotton and sorghum N uptake, legume can be replaced by biculture cover crop and N fertilization rate can be reduced to reduce the cost of N fertilization and the potential for N leaching.
Sugarcane Response to Mill Mud, Fertilizer, and Soybean Nutrient Sources on a Sandy Soil
Authors: Gilbert Robert A. , Morris Dolen R. , Rainbolt Curtis R. , McCray James M. , Perdomo Raul E. , Eiland Barney , Powell Gerard , Montes German
Published: May 2008

Improving soil organic matter and soil fertility are important factors in the sustainability of sugarcane (Saccharum spp.) production. A 3‐yr field trial was established in 2004 on a sandy Alfisol in Florida to compare the effect of organic and inorganic nutrient sources on sugarcane production. The three nutrient sources were (i) mill mud (filter cake, cachaza), (ii) local standard fertilizer, and (iii) soybean cropping system before sugarcane. Soybean green manure increased sucrose yield (TSH, t sucrose ha−1) 20% in plant cane, however when aboveground biomass was removed soybean rotation did not improve sugarcane yields. Fertilization did not increase yields if mill mud was added to plant cane. Soybean green manure did not improve sugarcane ratoon crop yields, and there were no significant interactions in the ratoon crops. The application of mill mud resulted in a 49% TSH increase in first ratoon and a 167% increase in second ratoon whereas inorganic fertilizer application increased TSH by 31 and 49% in first and second ratoon, respectively. Over the 3‐yr crop cycle, addition of mill mud alone led to an increase of 4.1 TSH compared with inorganic fertilizer alone, whereas soybean green manure alone produced 2.6 TSH less than fertilizer. However, combinations of nutrient sources with mill mud had additive effects in the ratoon crops. Our results indicate that mill mud was more effective than soybean green manure or local standard fertilizer practices in increasing sugarcane yields on sand. However, growers should fertilize ratoon crops when mill mud has been applied to achieve maximum sugarcane yields.
Yield, Oil Content, and Composition of Sunflower Grown at Multiple Locations in Mississippi
Authors: Zheljazkov Valtcho D. , Vick Brady A. , Ebelhar M. Wayne , Buehring Normie , Baldwin Brian S. , Astatkie Tess , Miller Jerry F.
Published: May 2008

Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) is not a common crop in Mississippi and southeastern United States. There is potential for sunflower (for production of cooking oil or biodiesel) to fit into traditional cropping systems of Mississippi and to improve economic sustainability of agriculture in the region. The objective of the research was to evaluate the effect of N (0, 67, 134, and 202 kg ha−1), hybrid (DKF3875, DKF2990, DKF3510, and DKF3901), and their interaction on seed yield, oil content, and oil composition of sunflower grown at five locations in Mississippi (Newton, Starkville, Stoneville, and two locations in Verona). Oleic acid concentration in the original planting seed oil was 29% (DKF3875), 26% (DKF2990), 85% (DKF3510), and 41% (DKF3901). In Stoneville, Newton, and Verona 2, DKF3510 had the highest seed yields. DKF2990 had lower yields in Stoneville and in Verona 2. Seed oil concentration was higher in DKF3875 and DKF2990 (43–47%) and lower in DKF3510 and DKF3901 (40–44%) at Stoneville and Verona 2. At Newton however, oil concentration was highest in DKF2990, lower in DKF3510 and DKF3901 and lowest in DKF3875. Overall, increasing N rates reduced seed oil concentration but increased seed yields and subsequently oil yield per area. Relative to the concentration in the original seed used for planting, oleic acid generally increased in all locations and hybrids. There was a corresponding decrease in the concentration of linoleic acid. Oil yields varied between 483 and 1388 L ha−1 and calculated biodiesel oil per area varied from 386 to 1110 L ha−1 with the different N treatments and locations. Sunflower can be a viable crop in most parts of Mississippi for production of cooking oil or biodiesel.
A Comparison of Two Techniques for Nondestructive Measurement of Chlorophyll Content in Grapevine Leaves
Authors: Steele Mark R. , Gitelson Anatoly A. , Rundquist Donald C.
Published: May 2008

Traditional methods for chlorophyll (Chl) measurement include wet chemical extractions and handheld Chl meters. The recent availability of small and affordable radiometers has provided means to estimate Chl from reflectance measurements. This paper compares the performance of a handheld SPAD Chl meter and a recently developed Red Edge Chlorophyll Index (CIred edge) for Chl estimation in grapevine (Vitis spp.) leaves. Leaves were sampled and Chl was quantified using these two methods. Both techniques were compared against grapevine‐leaf Chl as analyzed using standard laboratory procedures. Both SPAD and CIred edge were equally accurate in measuring Chl < 300 mg/m2. However, at higher Chl, SPAD sensitivity declined and the CIred edge accuracy was much higher than that of SPAD. The Chl index was found to be capable of accurately estimating pigment contents across a greater range than the SPAD, thus it can be used for quantitative assessment of early stages of plant stress.
Recent Mechanical Cultivation of Lawns Enhances Lime Application Efficacy
Authors: Schlossberg Maxim J. , Waltz F. Clint , Landschoot Peter J. , Park Bradley S.
Published: May 2008

While the relationship between soil acidity and thatch accumulation in maintained lawns has been reported, interacting effects of cultivation and surface lime applications on soil acidity have not. The experimental objective was to determine how antecedent mechanical cultivation of mature turfgrasses interacts with surface application of liming agents to neutralize soil acidity within the upper and lower depth segments of a hectare furrow slice (2.24 × 106 kg soil). Various liming agents were applied to three lawn systems, each afflicted with soil acidity and thatch accumulations, at rates from 0 to 200% of soil test lime recommendations (LR). In Experiment 1, resulting active acidity (pHw) was measured in the 0 to 5 (thatch excluded) and 5 to 10 cm soil depths over 23 mo. In Experiments 2 and 3, described lime applications followed mechanical cultivation treatments; core aeration, vertical mowing, or none. Resulting pHw and exchangeable acidity (pHKCl) were measured in 0 to 6 (thatch excluded) and 6 to 12 cm soil depths after 1 or 2 yr. Application of the prescribed LR (100%) to uncultivated surfaces did not increase 5 to 10 or 6 to 12 cm pHw levels above unlimed plot levels. One or 2 yr following either lime application rate, statistically higher pHKCl values corresponded to either cultivation treatment in the 6 to 12 cm soil depth. Mechanical cultivation, conducted before surface application of the LR, accelerated the rate of acid neutralization throughout the 0 to 12 cm soil depths of mature lawn systems.
IDHA Chelates as a Micronutrient Source for Green Bean and Tomato in Fertigation and Hydroponics
Authors: Lucena Juan José , Sentís José Antonio , Villén María , Lao Teresa , Pérez-Sáez Mónica
Published: May 2008

The new biodegradable chelating agent imidodisuccinic acid (IDHA) has been studied for its application in agriculture. This study was conducted to compare the efficiency of mixed IDHA and ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA) formulations to provide Fe, Mn, Zn, and Cu to green bean (Phaseolus vulgaris ‘Perfección negra polo’) and tomato (Lycopersicum esculentum Mill. ‘Shiren’) plants grown in greenhouses in soil‐less and soil cultures in fertigation conditions. The effect on micronutrient concentrations, SPAD index and fruit yield were investigated. In the green bean experiment, control (no chelate applied) plants showed important micronutrient deficiency symptoms and growth reduction, while IDHA treated plants were healthy. Although EDTA provides micronutrients in higher amounts than IDHA, a chryptogamic infection was observed for this treatment but not for the IDHA one. In the tomato grown on rockwool experiment, increments of SPAD index and Zn concentration are higher in plants treated with IDHA than with EDTA, though for the tomato on soil mulch experiment no differences were found among treatments, even the control. The results are in agreement with previously published studies on the behavior of IDHA. The new chelating agent IDHA can substitute EDTA in hydroponics and fertigation cultures as a chelating agent for micronutrients.
Cuphea Nitrogen Uptake and Seed Yield Response to Nitrogen Fertilization
Authors: Berti Marisol T. , Johnson Burton L. , Gesch Russ W. , Forcella Frank
Published: May 2008

Cuphea (Cuphea viscosissima Jacq. × C. lanceolata W.T. Aiton, PSR23) is an oilseed crop that is a rich source of medium‐chain fatty acids. Progress has been made on improving cuphea agronomically, but little is known about N fertility requirements for optimum cuphea production. The objective of this study was to determine the N necessary for maximizing seed yield and oil content. Experiment 1 was conducted at Casselton, ND, in 2005 and at Glyndon, MN, in 2005 and 2006 in which fertility treatments (soil + fertilizer N) were 44, 60, 80, 100, 150, and 200 kg N ha−1. Experiment 2 was conducted at Morris, MN, in 2005 and 2006, in which fertility treatments (soil + fertilizer N) were 51, 93, 140, and 185 kg N ha−1. As N fertility increased, plant tissue NO3–N increased, but as developmental stage advanced, plant NO3–N was diluted and decreased. According to the regression model, maximum total N uptake at harvest occurred at 139 kg N ha−1, which includes N from the fertilizer and from the soil. This could classify cuphea as a medium‐N‐requirement crop. Seed yield was enhanced with N fertility only at Morris, where maximum seed yield occurred at 185 kg N ha−1. However, seed yield increase obtained with added N fertilizer (134 kg N ha−1) was only 71 kg ha−1. Nitrogen fertilizer cost would be greater than the profit obtained with the incremental seed yield; thus N fertilizer application was not economical in this study.
Corn Grain Yield Response to Crop Rotation and Nitrogen over 35 Years
Authors: Stanger Trenton F. , Lauer Joseph G.
Published: May 2008

Crop rotation and N are management methods that can increase corn (Zea mays L.) grain yields. Our objective was to determine the corn grain yield response to six crop rotation sequences and four N rates in a long‐term (35‐yr) study. The rotations were continuous corn (CC), corn–alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) (CA), corn–soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] (CS), corn‐corn‐corn‐alfalfa‐alfalfa (CCCAA), corn‐corn‐oat (Avena sativa L.) with alfalfa seeding‐alfalfa‐alfalfa (CCOaAA), and corn‐soybean‐corn‐oat with alfalfa seeding–alfalfa (CSCOaA). From 1970 to 2004, first‐yr corn grain yields (CCCAA, CCOaAA, and CSCOaA) increased from 79 to 100 kg ha−1 yr−1. Increasing N rates did not influence grain yield trends, indicating that an alfalfa crop produced the N required by first‐yr corn. However, 224 kg N ha−1 was needed to improve second and third‐yr grain yield trends 69 and 58 kg ha−1 yr−1, respectively. Grain yield trends for CC did not improve despite increasing N treatments, although grain yield tended to increase over time at 224 kg N ha−1 (P < 0.10). From 1989 to 2004, corn grain yield trends of CA and CS decreased by 161 kg ha−1 yr−1 if no N was added. The 2‐yr rotation was not sufficient to improve grain yield trends, whereas the 5‐yr rotation was able to enhance corn grain yield and decrease the need for fertilizer N. Effects on pathogens and insects were not evaluated but warrant further investigations. Overall, this data shows that extended rotations involving forage crops reduce N inputs, increase corn grain yields, and are more agronomically sustainable than current short‐term rotations.
Sugarcane Responses to Irrigation and Nitrogen in Semiarid South Texas
Authors: Wiedenfeld Bob , Enciso Juan
Published: May 2008

Water and N are often limiting factors for sugarcane (Saccharum spp.) production. This study was conducted to determine the effect of different levels of water availability on sugarcane growth, yield, and responses to N application, and also to evaluate the effectiveness of alternative N application methods. Three irrigation levels (20% below crop evapotranspiration [ETc], full ETc replacement, and 20% above ETc), four N application rates (0, 60, 120, and 180 kg N ha−1), and three fertilizer application methods (through‐the‐drip, sidedress, and knifed into the middle of the plant stool or ‘stool splitter’) were evaluated on sugarcane for four successive crops. Increasing water application in this study resulted in increased growth but no significant differences in cane or sugar yields. Water use efficiency therefore increased as water application declined, averaging 8.4 Mg cane mL−1 of water, including both rainfall and irrigation. Nitrogen application through the drip system resulted in linear increases in cane yield every year up to the highest rate applied of 180 kg N ha−1, averaging 74 kg per kg N applied in the plant through second ratoon crops, and 192 kg per kg N applied in the third ratoon crop. Over the 4 yr this study was conducted, N application through the drip system produced yields which were not significantly different from the sidedress application, while the ‘stool splitter’ application method was consistently the most inefficient N fertilizer application method. This work shows that maximum cane and sugar yields can be obtained, and responses to rate of N application are not reduced at less than optimum soil moisture conditions.
ETHICAL VALUES AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT: LITHUANIAN EXPERIENCE IN THE CONTEXT OF GLOBALISATION / ETINĖS VERTYBĖS IR DARNUS VYSTYMASIS: LIETUVOS PATIRTIS GLOBALIZACIJOS KONTEKSTE
Authors: Čiegis Remigijus , Gavėnauskas Algirdas , Petkevičiūtė Nijolė , Štreimikienė Dalia
Published: May 2008

The article overviews the ethical aspects of sustainable development in Lithuania under the conditions of globalisation. With reference to the accumulated theoretical and practical material, evaluating the principles of a sustainable development implementation and the systems of ethical behaviour, further development perspectives of sustainable development on the ethical plane in Lithuania are analysed. Spirituality plays a very important role because unique values and value orientations existing in every culture influence the worldview and life perception of members of the culture. The modern, dynamic lifetime determines rapid cultural changes and many‐sided influence of one culture on another and has significant impact on implementation of sustainable development principles in Lithuania. Santrauka Straipsnyje apžvelgiami etiniai darnaus vystymosi aspektai Lietuvoje globalizacijos kontekste. Remiantis surinkta teorine ir empirine medžiaga, vertinančia darnaus vystymosi principų įgyvendinimą etiniu aspektu, pateikiamos tų principų įdiegimo Lietuvoje gairės, paremtos etinėmis vertybėmis ir dvasingumu. Dvasingumas čia atlieka iš tiesų svarbų vaidmenį, nes unikalios vertybės ir vertybinės orientacijos, būdingos tam tikroms kultūroms, daro įtaką visuomenės narių pasaulio ir gyvenimo suvokimui. Modernus ir dinamiškas šiuolaikinis gyvenimas lemia sparčius kultūros pokyčius ir stiprina vienų kultūrų įtaką kitoms.
SUSTAINABLE MANAGEMENT OF WATER RESOURCES BASED ON WEB SERVICES AND DISTRIBUTED DATA WAREHOUSES / DARNUS VANDENS IŠTEKLIŲ VALDYMAS TINKLO PASLAUGŲ IR IŠSKIRSTYTŲ DUOMENŲ SAUGYKLŲ PAGRINDU
Authors: Dzemydienė Dalė , Maskeliūnas Saulius , Jacobsen Kim
Published: May 2008

Sustainable management of water resources is multidimensional and complex process often requires the incorporation of efforts of many impacts and responsibilities of concerning institutions. This research work is devoted for developing of web service based Water Resource Management Information System (WRMIS). The WRMIS has been developed in accordance with the European Union Water Framework Directive and EIONET ReportNet infrastructure requirements to environmental water sector reporting by EU member states. It is realised as a web portal where users can receive information on environmental water sector, combining data from the participating data warehouses and giving an opportunity to extract useful information by the available functions and tools. The WRMIS portal allows the access to information of data warehouses on the surface water quality in rivers and lakes, ground water, and point sources (emissions). A detailed description of the main components of the Water Resource Management Information System is given, the advantages of Web Service‐based solution are presented, and the direction of a further WRMIS development in the future is shown. Santrauka Vandens išteklių valdymas reikalauja daugiakriterinių, kompleksinių šio sudėtingo proceso darnaus valdymo uždavinių sprendimo, pasitelkiant daugelio institucijų darbo pastangas ir atsakomybę. Mokslinio tiriamojo darbo tikslas – sukurti tinklo paslaugomis grindžiamą vandens išteklių valdymo infrastruktūrą, kuria remiantis būtų integruota bendra vandens išteklių valdymo informacinė sistema. Straipsnyje aprašoma vandens išteklių valdymo sistema, kuriama pagal Europos Sąjungos Vandens išteklių valdymo direktyvos ir EIONET ReportNet tinklo valdymo infrastruktūros reikalavimus, vykdant Europos Sąjungos šalių narių aplinkos apsaugos įsipareigojimus vandens sektoriuje. Sistema yra realizuojama kaip interneto portalas, integruojantis dalyvaujančių šalių duomenų saugyklas ir dinamiškai valdomus atitinkamus įrankius ir funkcijas. Šios tinklo paslaugos leidžia vartotojams gauti informaciją apie aplinkos vandens išteklių valdymą, vandens sudėtį, išgaunamus ir išleidžiamus vandens kiekius. Portale realizuojamos paslaugos, leidžiančios gauti informaciją apie paviršinio vandens kokybę upėse ir ežeruose, giluminio vandens ir atskirų taškų išteklius, jų emisijas. Straipsnyje pateikiamas detalus pagrindinių vandens išteklių valdymo sistemos komponentų aprašas ir numatomos šios sistemos plėtros perspektyvos.
THE FOURTEENTH YEAR
Authors: Zavadskas Edmundas Kazimieras
Published: May 2008

„The fourteenth year" Ukio Technologinis ir Ekonominis Vystymas, 14(1), p. 5-7
A CONCEPT OF SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT FOR REGIONAL LAND USE PLANNING: LITHUANIAN EXPERIENCE / REGIONINIO TERITORIJŲ PLANAVIMO TVARAUS VYSTYMO KONCEPCIJA: LIETUVOS PATIRTIS
Authors: Kavaliauskas Paulius
Published: May 2008

A concept of sustainable development is a critical key for regional planning. The article deals with the methodology of sustainable land use system adopted in the documents of regional space planning in Lithuania. The structure of the concept includes determination of problem areas, formation of integrated spatial framework with localised functional priorities and regional regimes and organisation of spatial regional policy. The main spatial axes ‐ urban and nature frames, as well as recreation or conservation belts are the integrated components of sustainable spatial structure of a region. Regional policy making could be organised by constructive, conservative and temperate scenarios, what is the prerogative of regional officials. Santrauka Rengiant šiuolaikinius regioninius teritorijų planus tvaraus vystymo koncepcija pamažu įgauna esminės metodologinės nuostatos vaidmenį. Pagrindinę problemą sudaro visuotinai pripažintų, tačiau gana prieštaringų tvaraus (tausojančio ir subalansuoto) vystymo tikslų realizavimas erdviniuose regionų planuose. Ypač tvaraus vystymo idėjai taikyti trukdo nacionaliniu ir regioniniu lygmenimis išlikęs tradicinio šakinio (sektorinio), o ne integruoto sisteminio mąstymo vyravimas bei daugelio šalių teritorijų planavimui didelę reikšmę daranti strateginio (vadybinio) planavimo metodologija. Lietuvoje, remiantis naujausiu teritorijų planavimo reglamentavimu, stengiamasi įveikti minėtus trūkumus ir sukurti savitą regionų planavimo sistemą, turinčią panašumų į egzistuojančią Suomijoje. Pagrindinės planavimo nuostatos išreiškiamos regionų vystymo koncepcijoje, kurios metodologija apima probleminių arealų išaiškinimą, bendrosios funkcinės erdvinės struktūros nustatymą, funkcinių prioritetų, regioninių teritorijos tvarkymo reglamentų parengimą bei erdvinės regioninės politikos organizavimą. Kuriamos erdvinės struktūros tvarumą teritorijų harmoningos plėtros kontekste užtikrina tinkamas svarbiausių erdvinių ašių – urbanistinio ir gamtinio karkaso – santykių nustatymas, taip pat regionų bioprodukcinio, rekreacinio bei konservacinio vystymo strategijų subalansuotas lokalizavimas. Regioninė teritorijų planavimo politika formuojama pagal tris strateginius scenarijus: konstruktyvųjį, konservatyvųjį ir nuosaikųjį, kurių elementų pasirinkimas yra regionų valdžios prioritetas.
Data Checks Before Registering Study Protocols for Health Care Database Analyses
Authors: Wang Shirley V. , Schneeweiss Sebastian
Published: April 2024

This Viewpoint discusses the challenges involved with secondary health care data collection vs primary data collection and provides a list of suggested data checks before registration of a study protocol using secondary data.
Cardiac Function Before Sepsis and Clinical Outcomes
Authors: Iyer Stuthi , Kennedy Jason N. , Jentzer Jacob C. , Senussi Mourad H. , Seymour Christopher W.
Published: April 2024

This cohort study characterizes heterogeneity in cardiac function prior to sepsis and describes associations with hospitalization outcomes and mortality.
Public Health Relevance of US EPA Air Quality Index Activity Recommendations
Authors: Brook Robert D. , Rajagopalan Sanjay , Al-Kindi Sadeer
Published: April 2024

Importance

Reducing exposure to fine particulate matter (<2.5 μm [PM2.5]) air pollution improves cardiopulmonary morbidity and mortality. However, the public health relevance of air quality index (AQI) activity guidelines under present-day environmental conditions in the US has not been critically assessed.

Objective

To evaluate the public health relevance of following PM2.5 AQI activity guidance in preventing serious atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) and pulmonary events among adults in the US.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This cross-sectional modeling study involved the general adult population and sensitive individuals as designated by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), including adults with preexisting ASCVD or lung disease (asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease). The study was conducted between August 1, 2023, and January 31, 2024.

Exposures

Daily AQI strata for PM2.5 and the corresponding activity recommendations.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The main outcome was the number needed to treat (NNT) per day by following activity guidance across daily AQI strata to prevent 1 serious ASCVD or pulmonary event among relevant populations. To calculate PM2.5-induced excess disease event rates per day, estimated baseline disease-specific daily event rates for each group were multiplied by the increase in risks due to PM2.5 levels at each AQI stratum. The number of events prevented per day was calculated by multiplying each excess disease event rate by the percentage in exposure reduction plausibly incurred by following population-specific activity guidance at each AQI level. The NNT is the reciprocal of the number of events prevented.

Results

The NNT to prevent ASCVD events was high for the general population and for patients with ASCVD across all AQI strata. The range of values was comparatively lower to prevent pulmonary events among adults with lung disease. During most days (96%) when activity recommendations were promulgated due to elevated PM2.5 (AQI, 101-200), the NNT to prevent a serious disease event remained very high for the general population (>18 million), patients with ASCVD (approximately 1.6-5 million), and adults with lung disease (approximately 66 000-202 000).

Conclusions and Relevance

These findings suggest that existing PM2.5 AQI activity recommendations are of questionable public health relevance in present-day conditions and merit consideration for updating to improve their potential effectiveness.
Naked-Eye 3-Dimensional Vision Training for Myopia Control
Authors: Xie Rui , Zhao Feng , Yu Jianhong , Luo Bin , Jiang Zhidong , Qiu Xiaoyun , Cao Yingpin , Yang Yuxia , Chen Kezhe , Zhang Yuan , Luo Xiaoling , Wang Zhirong , Zhu Yingting , Zhuo Yehong
Published: April 2024

Importance

Early onset of myopia increases the risk of high myopia, which can lead to irreversible retinal damage and even loss of central vision.

Objective

To investigate the efficacy and safety of naked-eye 3-dimensional vision training (NVT) in preventing the progression of myopia in children.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This randomized clinical trial was conducted in 3 hospitals from May 25, 2022, to February 24, 2023. Participants were children (aged 6-18 years) who had a diagnosis of myopia with a spherical equivalent refraction of −0.75 to −6.00 diopters (D).

Intervention

Children in the intervention group received 20 minutes of NVT treatment every day, whereas children in the control group lived as usual without vision training.

Main Outcome and Measure

The primary outcome was the change in axial length at 6 months. Spherical equivalent refraction (SER) was included as a secondary outcome.

Results

Among 263 participants, 125 (47.5%) were male and 138 (52.5%) were female; the mean (SD) age was 10.3 (1.9) years (range, 6.1-15.6 years). A total of 227 patients (86.3%) completed the 6-month follow-up, including 102 in the intervention group and 125 in the control group. In the intervention group, the changes in axial length and SER at 6 months were 0.18 mm (95% CI, 0.16 to 0.20 mm) and −0.25 D (95% CI, −0.31 to −0.19 D), respectively. In the control group, the changes in axial length and SER at 6 months were 0.23 mm (95% CI, 0.21 to 0.25 mm) and −0.35 D (95% CI, −0.41 to −0.30 D), respectively. The differences in AL and SER between the 2 groups were significant (AL difference: −0.06 mm; 95% CI, −0.09 to −0.03; P < .001; SER difference: 0.10 D; 95% CI, 0.02 to 0.19; P = .02). No study-related adverse reactions were reported during follow-up.

Conclusions and Relevance

NVT is a safe and promising means to control myopia progression in children with good adherence.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT05468775
Recriminalization of drugs in Oregon: The latest backlash
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: April 2024

Liberal policies are good for drug users, and good for addiction treatment, but what happened in Oregon last week – the governor signing into law the recriminalization of possession of small amounts of drugs – was inevitable because of poor implementation of those policies. When Oregon promised to decriminalize possession of small amounts of drugs three years ago, following a well‐financed campaign by the Drug Policy Alliance, the goal was to make treatment more accessible. Nobody made treatment more accessible. Drug users flocked to the state for its reputation of easy access. Overdose deaths soared. The only position lawmakers saw for themselves, in the face of constituent horror at the dissolution of the formerly beauty of Portland, was to go back on the decision they themselves made. This is called backlash, and it's not good for people who need treatment. The same thing is underway in San Francisco, which also created a landscape that was appealing to drug users – and lo and behold, the overdose rate soared, and businesses shut their doors in the face of littering and excrement on the streets and children having to step over overdosed drug users on their way to school. These icons of liberal policy need to do something other than reverse course, but it's understandable that they don't know what that is. In San Francisco, the overdose prevention center (OPC) was closed because fewer than 1% of users went to treatment. At least the OPC created a place for people to use drugs without dying. Now, in San Francisco, there is new housing and shelters for drug users, but these just provide a place for people to overdose out of the sight of passersby with naloxone. Do we have an answer? No. But a backlash isn't it. Stay tuned.
Orally Ingested Self‐Powered Stimulators for Targeted Gut–Brain Axis Electrostimulation to Treat Obesity and Metabolic Disorders
Authors: Mac Cam‐Hoa , Tai Hsien‐Meng , Huang Sheng‐Min , Peng Hsu‐Hsia , Sharma Amit Kumar , Nguyen Giang Le Thi , Chang Pei‐Ju , Wang Jui‐To , Chang Yen , Lin Yu‐Jung , Sung Hsing‐Wen
Published: April 2024

Obesity is a significant health concern that often leads to metabolic dysfunction and chronic diseases. This study introduces a novel approach to combat obesity using orally ingested self‐powered electrostimulators. These electrostimulators consist of piezoelectric BaTiO3 (BTO) particles conjugated with capsaicin (Cap) and aim to activate the vagus nerve. Upon ingestion by diet‐induced obese (DIO) mice, the BTO@Cap particles specifically target and bind to Cap‐sensitive sensory nerve endings in the gastric mucosa. In response to stomach peristalsis, these particles generate electrical signals. The signals travel via the gut–brain axis, ultimately influencing the hypothalamus. By enhancing satiety signals in the brain, this neuromodulatory intervention reduces food intake, promotes energy metabolism, and demonstrates minimal toxicity. Over a 3‐week period of daily treatments, DIO mice treated with BTO@Cap particles show a significant reduction in body weight compared to control mice, while maintaining their general locomotor activity. Furthermore, this BTO@Cap particle‐based treatment mitigates various metabolic alterations associated with obesity. Importantly, this noninvasive and easy‐to‐administer intervention holds potential for addressing other intracerebral neurological diseases.
An Ultrathin, Fast‐Response, Large‐Scale Liquid‐Crystal‐Facilitated Multi‐Functional Reconfigurable Metasurface for Comprehensive Wavefront Modulation
Authors: Wu Xin Yu , Feng Hong Yuan , Wan Fengshuo , Wei Meng , Guo Chong , Cai Longzhu , Wu Fan , Jiang Zhi Hao , Kang Lei , Hong Wei , Werner Douglas H.
Published: April 2024

The rapid advancement of prevailing communication/sensing technologies necessitates cost‐effective millimeter‐wave arrays equipped with a massive number of phase‐shifting cells to perform complicated beamforming tasks. Conventional approaches employing semiconductor switch/varactor components or tunable materials encounter obstacles such as quantization loss, high cost, high complexity, and limited adaptability for realizing large‐scale arrays. Here, a low‐cost, ultrathin, fast‐response, and large‐scale solution relying on metasurface concepts combined together with liquid crystal (LC) materials requiring a layer thickness of only 5 µm is reported. Rather than immersing resonant structures in LCs, a joint material‐circuit‐based strategy is devised, via integrating deep‐subwavelength‐thick LCs into slow‐wave structures, to achieve constitutive metacells with continuous phase shifting and stable reflectivity. An LC‐facilitated reconfigurable metasurface sub‐system containing more than 2300 metacells is realized with its unprecedented comprehensive wavefront manipulation capacity validated through various beamforming functions, including beam focusing/steering, reconfigurable vortex beams, and tunable holograms, demonstrating a milli‐second‐level function‐switching speed. The proposed methodology offers a paradigm shift for modulating electromagnetic waves in a non‐resonating broadband fashion with fast‐response and low‐cost properties by exploiting functionalized LC‐enabled metasurfaces. Moreover, this extremely agile metasurface‐enabled antenna technology will facilitate a transformative impact on communication/sensing systems and empower new possibilities for wavefront engineering and diffractive wave calculation/inference.
Achieving Self‐Reinforcing Triboelectric‐Electromagnetic Hybrid Nanogenerator by Magnetocaloric and Magnetization Effects of Gadolinium
Authors: Gong Shaokun , Wang Xingwei , Tang Benzhen , Xiong Ziyang , Qi Song , Chen Jie , Yu Peng , Guo Hengyu
Published: April 2024

Triboelectric‐electromagnetic hybrid nanogenerator (TEHG) has emerged as a promising technology for distributed energy harvesting. However, currently reported hybrid generators are straightforward combinations of two functional components. Moreover, inevitable heat from friction intensifies material abrasion and degrades the performance of polymer‐based triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs). Here, a self‐reinforcing TEHG (SR‐TEHG) that harnesses the magnetocaloric and magnetization effects of gadolinium (Gd), is proposed. The synergy between TENG and electromagnetic generator (EMG) renders them an indivisible unit. Leveraging Gd's magnetocaloric effect, an efficient heat transfer mechanism is constructed to cool the tribolayer and strengthen the device's electrical stability. After 80 h of continuous operation, the optimized TENG occupies a charge decay rate of only 0.32% per hour, significantly outperforming most existing TENGs. Additionally, Gd's magnetization effect boosts the power of EMG by ≈80.84%. This work provides a universal solution in hybrid generators where internal components reinforce each other, achieving a synergistic effect of 1 + 1 > 2.
Microfluidically Produced Microcapsules with Amphiphilic Polymer Conetwork Shells
Authors: Velasquez Sara T. R. , Belluati Andrea , Tervoort Elena , Mattich Iacopo , Hertel Brigitte , Russell Sam , Gouveia Micael G. , Grysan Patrick , Mugemana Clément , Studart André R. , Bruns Nico
Published: April 2024

Microcapsules with an aqueous core can be conveniently prepared by water‐in‐oil‐in‐water double emulsion microfluidics. However, conventional shell materials are based on hydrophobic polymers or colloidal particles. Thus, these microcapsules feature a hydrophobic shell impermeable to water‐soluble compounds. Capsules with semipermeable hydrogel shells have been demonstrated but may exhibit poor mechanical properties. Here, amphiphilic polymer conetworks (APCNs) based on poly(2‐hydroxyethyl acrylate)‐linked by‐polydimethylsiloxane (PHEA‐l‐PDMS) are introduced as a new class of wall materials in double emulsion microcapsules. These APCNs are mechanically robust silicone hydrogels that are swellable and permeable to water and are soft and elastic when dry or swollen. Therefore, the microcapsules can be dried and rehydrated multiple times or shrunken in sodium chloride salt solutions without getting damaged. Moreover, the APCNs are permeable for hydrophilic organic compounds and impermeable for macromolecules. Thus, they can be loaded with macromolecules or nanoparticles during microfluidic formation and with organic molecules after capsule synthesis. The microcapsules serve as microreactors for catalytically active platinum nanoparticles that decompose hydrogen peroxide. Finally, the surface of the APCN microcapsules can be selectively functionalized with a cholesterol‐based linker. Concluding, APCN microcapsules could find applications for the controlled delivery of drugs, as microreactors for synthesis, or as scaffolds for synthetic cells.
Quantifying Spin‐Charge Conversion Mechanisms for THz Emission in Magnetic Multilayers
Authors: Zhao Yunxiu , Gayen Anabil , Huang Lin , You Xiao , Thi Nguyen Le , Mustaghfiroh Qoimatul , Rahmani Fathiya , Gaikwad Prashant Vijay , Yen Pham Duc Huyen , Shim Je‐Ho , Kim Dong Eon , Shin Hee Jun , Park Jaehun , Wan Caihua , Xiang Ou , Piao Hong‐Guang , Kim Kyung‐Ho , Bang Junhyeok , Lee Hyun Seok , Kim Kyung Wan , Kim Dong‐Hyun
Published: April 2024

Ultrafast control of both electric and spin currents triggered by femtosecond laser pulse has attracted much attention due to future applications for broadband THz emitter as well as high‐speed spintronic devices. Optically generated spin current is converted to charge current via multiple spin‐charge conversion mechanisms, generating THz wave emission in magnetic multilayers. However, to date, quantitative and comparative investigation of THz emission originating from spin‐charge conversion mechanisms has not yet been fully explored. Here, direct and straightforward nondestructive probing to measure THz emission is provided at original Co/Pt and Co/Ta interfaces embedded in Pt/Co/Ta multilayers with polarization analysis of both optical pump and THz emission. These results allow a fundamental understanding of various spin‐charge conversion phenomena, which is a key basis for future spintronic THz source development.
TSPYL1 as a Critical Regulator of TGFβ Signaling through Repression of TGFBR1 and TSPYL2
Authors: Tan Huiqi , Miao Mia Xinfang , Luo Rylee Xu , So Joan , Peng Lei , Zhu Xiaoxuan , Leung Eva Hin Wa , Zhu Lina , Chan Kui Ming , Cheung Martin , Chan Siu Yuen
Published: April 2024

Nucleosome assembly proteins (NAPs) have been identified as histone chaperons. Testis‐Specific Protein, Y‐Encoded‐Like (TSPYL) is a newly arisen NAP family in mammals. TSPYL2 can be transcriptionally induced by DNA damage and TGFβ causing proliferation arrest. TSPYL1, another TSPYL family member, has been poorly characterized and is the only TSPYL family member known to be causal of a lethal recessive disease in humans. This study shows that TSPYL1 and TSPYL2 play an opposite role in TGFβ signaling. TSPYL1 partners with the transcription factor FOXA1 and histone methyltransferase EZH2, and at the same time represses TGFBR1 and epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT). Depletion of TSPYL1 increases TGFBR1 expression, upregulates TGFβ signaling, and elevates the protein stability of TSPYL2. Intriguingly, TSPYL2 forms part of the SMAD2/3/4 signal transduction complex upon stimulation by TGFβ to execute the transcriptional responses. Depletion of TSPYL2 rescues the EMT phenotype of TSPYL1 knockdown in A549 lung carcinoma cells. The data demonstrates the prime role of TSPYL2 in causing the dramatic defects in TSPYL1 deficiency. An intricate counter‐balancing role of TSPYL1 and TSPYL2 in regulating TGFβ signaling is also unraveled.
Photochemically Induced Propulsion of a 4D Printed Liquid Crystal Elastomer Biomimetic Swimmer
Authors: Sartori Paolo , Yadav Rahul Singh , del Barrio Jesús , DeSimone Antonio , Sánchez‐Somolinos Carlos
Published: April 2024

Underwater organisms exhibit sophisticated propulsion mechanisms, enabling them to navigate fluid environments with exceptional dexterity. Recently, substantial efforts have focused on integrating these movements into soft robots using smart shape‐changing materials, particularly by using light for their propulsion and control. Nonetheless, challenges persist, including slow response times and the need of powerful light beams to actuate the robot. This last can result in unintended sample heating and potentially necessitate tracking specific actuation spots on the swimmer. To tackle these challenges, new azobenzene‐containing photopolymerizable inks are introduced, which can be processed by extrusion printing into liquid crystalline elastomer (LCE) elements of precise shape and morphology. These LCEs exhibit rapid and significant photomechanical response underwater, driven by moderate‐intensity ultraviolet (UV) and green light, being the actuation mechanism predominantly photochemical. Inspired by nature, a biomimetic four‐lapped ephyra‐like LCE swimmer is printed. The periodically illumination of the entire swimmer with moderate‐intensity UV and green light, induces synchronous lappet bending toward the light source and swimmer propulsion away from the light. The platform eliminates the need of localized laser beams and tracking systems to monitor the swimmer's motion through the fluid, making it a versatile tool for creating light‐fueled robotic LCE free‐swimmers.
Applying coal char to cattle pens for sustainable agriculture in the semiarid US High Plains
Authors: Thapa Vesh R. , Maharjan Bijesh , Wilke Karla
Published: April 2024

Applying high carbon (C) additive to cattle pens and land application of the resultant manure mix offers a potential strategy for optimizing manure and soil management while mitigating environmental concerns. An experiment was conducted in western Nebraska from 2019 to 2022 to evaluate the effect of adding coal char (∼290 g C kg−1 by wt.) on feedlot manure's properties and stability and the interacting effect of manure‐char on crop yields in a corn (Zea mays L.)–dry bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.)–corn rotation. Treatments in the crop field included manure from pens with or without char (each at 34 and 68 Mg ha−1; low and high rate), urea at 100% recommended nitrogen (N) rate with or without 45 Mg char ha−1, and a control. Applying char to pens kept them drier following snowfall events. The high surface area and cation exchange capacity of char improved soil and manure nutrient retention. The 100% urea‐N plus char treatment had a greater corn yield than the low‐rate char–manure mix or high‐rate manure in 2020. In 2021, there was a trend for higher bean yields with the high char–manure rate treatment than the control. In 2022, all the fertilized treatments had greater grain yields than the control. A one‐time high‐rate char–manure mix or manure application could replace 314 kg N ha−1 and 90 kg P2O5 ha−1 over 2 years without any yield penalty. This study underscores the synergy between char and manure or chemical fertilizers to improve nutrient balance and supply, ultimately enhancing crop production.
Psychophysical, electrofunctional, and morphological evaluation in naïve neovascular AMD patients treated with intravitreal anti‐VEGF
Authors: Nebbioso Marcella , Franzone Federica , Milanese Alberto , Artico Marco , Taurone Samanta , La Cava Maurizio , Livani Maria Luisa , Bonfiglio Vincenza , Vestri Annarita
Published: April 2024

Objectives

The aim of this study was to investigate the retinal morpho‐functional characteristics of patients with neovascular wet age‐related macular degeneration (nAMD) treated with intravitreal injection (IV) of aflibercept (AFL).

Methods

The study was conducted on 35 patients previously diagnosed with type 1 nAMD who received a fixed‐dosing regimen of aflibercept injections over 12 months. The goal was to assess trends in visual abilities over time by measuring visual acuity (VA), contrast sensitivity (CS), visual evoked potentials (VEPs), and spectral domain‐optical coherence tomography (SD‐OCT). The same psychophysical, electro‐functional, and morphological tests administered at baseline (T0) were repeated 4 to 8 weeks after the last aflibercept injection (Tn), resulting in a total of six examinations.

Results

At Tn, all subjects exhibited improved VA for both far and near distances compared to values detected at T0. Similarly, VEP amplitude and latency values at Tn showed a greater P100 improvement than those observed at T0. Additionally, the CS examination at Tn demonstrated improvement, particularly at high spatial stimulation frequencies. The Tn SD‐OCT results highlighted a reduction in macular thickness compared to T0 values.

Conclusions

This exploratory research indicates that intravitreal injections of AFL, following a fixed‐dosing regimen, represent a valuable therapeutic approach for enhancing visual performance. This conclusion is supported by comprehensive statistical analysis of psychophysical, electro‐functional, and morphological examinations within the same group of patients with nAMD, as demonstrated for the first time.
A Millimeter‐Scale Micro Crawling Robot with Fast‐Moving Driven by a Miniature Electromagnetic Linear Actuator
Authors: Zhu Kaiyun , Li Haiwang , Zhao Weizhi , Zhang Xiao , Li Shijia , Zhang Kaiwen , Xu Tiantong
Published: April 2024

The micro crawling robot exhibits significant potential applications in various fields such as fault detection, disaster relief, and environmental monitoring. This article introduces a high‐performance millimeter scale crawling robot driven by a miniature electromagnetic linear actuator (MELA) with a body length of 5–6 mm and a mass of 80 mg. In this article, the working principle of the micro robot is analyzed and validated, and the influence of current, frequency, and angle α between the direction of actuator's force and the crawling surface on the crawling speed are analyzed through experiments. Results show that the optimal α ranges from 50° to 55°, and a specific current and frequency are identified to achieve maximum crawling speed for robot with particular α. When α is 50°, with a current of 300 mA and a frequency of 200 Hz, the robot reached the maximum speed of 20.2 Body Length s−1(BL s−1). The proposed robot can crawl at 12 BL s−1 with a load of 110 mg, and support a maximum load of 400 mg. Additionally, the robot demonstrated diverse capabilities such as climbing on a 10° slope with a load of 110 mg, jumping on a 1 mm obstacle, and crawling on surfaces of various materials.
Direct Observation of Polaritonic Chemistry by Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy
Authors: Patrahau B. , Piejko M. , Mayer R. J. , Antheaume C. , Sangchai T. , Ragazzon G. , Jayachandran A. , Devaux E. , Genet C. , Moran J. , Ebbesen T. W.
Published: April 2024

Polaritonic chemistry is emerging as a powerful approach to modifying the properties and reactivity of molecules and materials. However, probing how the electronics and dynamics of molecular systems change under strong coupling has been challenging due to the narrow range of spectroscopic techniques that can be applied in situ. Here we develop microfluidic optical cavities for vibrational strong coupling (VSC) that are compatible with nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy using standard liquid NMR tubes. VSC is shown to influence the equilibrium between two conformations of a molecular balance sensitive to London dispersion forces, revealing an apparent change in the equilibrium constant under VSC. In all compounds studied, VSC does not induce detectable changes in chemical shifts, J‐couplings, or spin‐lattice relaxation times. This unexpected finding indicates that VSC does not substantially affect molecular electron density distributions, and in turn has profound implications for the possible mechanisms at play in polaritonic chemistry under VSC and suggests that the emergence of collective behavior is critical.