bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Observation of neutral sulfuric acid-amine containing clusters in laboratory and ambient measurements
Authors: Zhao J. , Smith J. N. , Eisele F. L. , Chen M. , Kuang C. , McMurry P. H.
Published: July 2011

Abstract. Recent ab initio calculations showed that amines can enhance atmospheric sulfuric acid-water nucleation more effectively than ammonia, and this prediction has been substantiated in laboratory measurements. Laboratory studies have also shown that amines can effectively displace ammonia in several types of ammonium clusters. However, the roles of amines in cluster formation and growth at a microscopic molecular scale (from molecular sizes up to 2 nm) have not yet been well understood. Processes that must be understood include the incorporation of amines into sulfuric acid clusters and the formation of organic salts in freshly nucleated particles, which contributes significantly to particle growth rates. We report the first laboratory and ambient measurements of neutral sulfuric acid-amine clusters using the Cluster CIMS, a recently-developed mass spectrometer designed for measuring neutral clusters formed in the atmosphere during nucleation. An experimental technique, which we refer to as Semi-Ambient Signal Amplification (SASA), was employed. Sulfuric acid was added to ambient air, and the concentrations and composition of clusters in this mixture were analyzed by the Cluster CIMS. This experimental approach led to significantly higher cluster concentrations than are normally found in ambient air, thereby increasing signal-to-noise levels and allowing us to study reactions between gas phase species in ambient air and sulfuric acid containing clusters. Mass peaks corresponding to clusters containing four H2SO4 molecules and one amine molecule were clearly observed, with the most abundant sulfuric acid-amine clusters being those containing a C2- or C4- amine (i.e., amines with masses of 45 and 73 amu). Evidence for C3- and C5- amines (i.e., amines with masses of 59 and 87 amu) was also found, but their correlation with sulfuric acid tetramer was not as strong as was observed for the C2- and C4- amines. The formation mechanisms for those sulfuric acid-amine clusters were investigated by varying the residence time in the inlet. It was concluded that the amines react directly with neutral clusters and that ion-induced clustering of sulfuric acid cluster ions with amines was not a dominant process. Results from ambient measurements have shown that the sulfuric acid-amine clusters were reasonably well correlated with sulfuric acid tetramer and consistent with the SASA experiments at the same Boulder sampling site. Also, clusters that contain C2- or C4- amines were more abundant and better correlated with sulfuric acid tetramer than other types of amine containing clusters. However, ambient measurements of sulfuric acid-amine clusters remain difficult and highly uncertain because their concentrations are only slightly above background levels, even during nucleation events.
North American CO2 exchange: intercomparison of modeled estimates with results from a fine-scale atmospheric inversion
Authors: Gourdji S. M. , Mueller K. L. , Yadav V. , Huntzinger D. N. , Andrews A. E. , Trudeau M. , Petron G. , Nehrkorn T. , Eluszkiewicz J. , Henderson J. , Wen D. , Lin J. , Fischer M. , Sweeney C. , Michalak A. M.
Published: July 2011

Abstract. Robust estimates of regional-scale terrestrial CO2 exchange are needed to support carbon management policies and to improve the predictive ability of models representing carbon-climate feedbacks. Large discrepancies remain, however, both among and between CO2 flux estimates from atmospheric inverse models and terrestrial biosphere models. Improved atmospheric inverse models that provide robust estimates at sufficiently fine spatial scales could prove especially useful for monitoring efforts, while also serving as a validation tool for process-based assumptions in terrestrial biosphere models. A growing network of continental sites collecting continuous CO2 measurements provides the information needed to drive such models. This study presents results from a regional geostatistical inversion over North America for 2004, taking advantage of continuous data from the nine sites operational in that year, as well as available flask and aircraft observations. The approach does not require explicit prior flux estimates, resolves fluxes at finer spatiotemporal scales than previous North American inversion studies, and uses a Lagrangian transport model coupled with high-resolution winds (i.e. WRF-STILT) to resolve near-field influences around measurement locations. The estimated fluxes are used in an inter-comparison with other inversion studies and a suite of terrestrial biosphere model estimates collected through the North American Carbon Program Regional and Continental Interim Synthesis. Differences among inversions are found to be smallest in areas of the continent best-constrained by the atmospheric data, pointing to the value of an expanded measurement network. Aggregation errors in previous coarser-scale inversion studies are likely to explain a portion of the remaining spread. The spatial patterns from a geostatistical inversion that includes auxiliary environmental variables from the North American Regional Reanalysis were similar to those from the median of the biospheric model estimates during the growing season, but diverged more strongly in the dormant season. This could be due to a lack of sensitivity in the inversion during the dormant season, but may also point to a lack of skill in the biospheric models outside of the growing season, particularly in agricultural areas. For the annual continental budget, the boundary conditions used as an input into the inversions were seen to have a substantial impact on the estimated net flux, with a difference of ~0.8 PgC yr−1 associated with results using two different plausible sets of boundary conditions.
Climate change impact on water resource extremes in a headwater region of the Tarim basin in China
Authors: Liu T. , Willems P. , Pan X. L. , Bao An. M. , Chen X. , Veroustraete F. , Dong Q. H.
Published: July 2011

Abstract. The Tarim river basin in China is a huge inland arid basin, which is expected to be highly vulnerable to climatic changes, given that most water resources originate from the upper mountainous headwater regions. This paper focuses on one of these headwaters: the Kaidu river subbasin. The climate change impact on the surface and ground water resources of that basin and more specifically on the hydrological extremes were studied by using both lumped and spatially distributed hydrological models, after simulation of the IPCC SRES greenhouse gas scenarios till the 2050s. The models include processes of snow and glacier melting. The climate change signals were extracted from the grid-based results of general circulation models (GCMs) and applied on the station based observed historical data using a perturbation approach. For precipitation, the time series perturbation involves both a wet-day frequency perturbation and a quantile perturbation to the wet-day rainfall intensities. For temperature and potential evapotranspiration, the climate change signals only involve quantile based changes. The perturbed series were input into the hydrological models and the impacts on the surface and ground water resources studied. The range of impact results (after considering 36 GCM runs) were summarized in high, mean and low results. It was found that due to increasing precipitation in winter, snow accumulation increases in the upper mountainous areas. Due to temperature rise, snow melting rates increase and the snow melting periods are pushed forward in time. Although the qualitive impact results are highly consistent among the different GCM runs considered, the precise quantitative impact results varied significantly depending on the GCM run and the hydrological model.
Estimating the benefits of single value and probability forecasting for flood warning
Authors: Verkade J. S. , Werner M. G. F.
Published: July 2011

Abstract. Flood risk can be reduced by means of flood forecasting, warning and response systems (FFWRS). These systems include a forecasting sub-system which is imperfect, meaning that inherent uncertainties in hydrological forecasts may result in false alarms and missed floods, or surprises. This forecasting uncertainty decreases the potential reduction of flood risk, but is seldom accounted for in estimates of the benefits of FFWRSs. In the present paper, a method to estimate the benefits of (imperfect) FFWRSs in reducing flood risk is presented. These benefits include not only the reduction of flood losses due to a warning response, but also consider the costs of the warning response itself, as well as the costs associated with forecasting uncertainty. The method allows for estimation of the benefits of FFWRSs that use either deterministic or probabilistic forecasts. Through application to a case study, it is shown that FFWRSs using a probabilistic forecast have the potential to realise higher benefits at all lead-times. However, it is also shown that provision of warning at increasing lead-time does not necessarily lead to an increasing reduction of flood risk, but rather that an optimal lead-time at which warnings are provided can be established as a function of forecast uncertainty and the cost-loss ratio of the user receiving and responding to the warning.
On the export of dense water from the Weddell and Ross Seas
Authors: Kerr R. , Heywood K. J. , Mata M. M. , Garcia C. A. E.
Published: July 2011

Abstract. We describe the seasonal and interannual variability of volume transports in Weddell and Ross Seas using the 1/12° 20-yr simulation of the OCCAM global ocean general circulation model. The average simulated full-depth cumulative volume transports were 28.5 ± 2.9 Sv (1 Sv ≡ 106 m3 s−1) and 13.4 ± 5.2 Sv, across the main export regions of the Weddell and Ross Seas, respectively. The values of mean outflow of Antarctic Bottom Water (AABW) (defined by neutral density γn ≥ 28.27 kg m−3) from the Weddell and Ross Seas of 10.6 ± 3.1 Sv and 0.5 ± 0.7 Sv, respectively, agree with the range reported in historical observational studies. Variability in AABW export is predominantly at periods of ~1 yr and 2–4 yr. The transit time taken by AABW sourced in the Southern Weddell Sea to reach the main Weddell export zone is ~2 yr. Lagged correlation between the thermohaline properties of AABW source waters and AABW export indicates that recent shelf waters freshening trends are likely related to changes in the AABW outflow rates.
Stent-Grafts Improve Secondary Patency of Failing Hemodialysis Grafts
Authors: Santini Luis Davila , Etkin Yana , Nadelson Adam J. , Safa Toufic
Published: July 2011

Purpose

Failing hemodialysis grafts continue to pose a challenge in the care of patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). We review our experience using percutaneous stent-grafts for the treatment of venous outflow stenosis and occlusion in order to assess their efficacy in nonautologous graft salvage.

Methods

This is a retrospective review of patients treated with percutaneous Viabahn® stent-grafts for failing hemodialysis arteriovenous grafts (AVGs), between 6/2006 and 12/2009. All stent-grafts were deployed across the venous anastomosis to address the outflow obstruction. Patency and re-intervention rates were estimated using Kaplan-Meier analysis.

Results

Twenty patients had stent-grafts placed. Successful stent-grafting was defined as <30% residual stenosis and the ability to dialyze through the graft post-treatment. Technical success for stent-grafting was 100%. Median follow-up was 23 months (range 3 to 37 months). Stent-graft patency at 6 months: 94.7%, 12 months: 94.7%, 18 months: 82.1%, 24 months: 82.1%, 36 months: 82.1%. Freedom from re-intervention was 69% at 24 months and 50% at 36 months. Two AVGs failed and had to be removed without further interventions, because of complete occlusion and infection. Two patients (10%) required re-intervention for arterial inflow stenosis. One patient (5%) required balloon angioplasty and stenting of stenosis distal to the stent-graft. One patient (5%) developed in-stent stenosis and was treated with placement of a new stent. Graft salvage rate was 80% at 36 months.

Conclusions

Stent-grafts can be successfully used to improve freedom from re-intervention rates and overall patency rates of failing AVGs.
Totally Implantable Venous Catheters: Insertion via Internal Jugular Vein with Pocket Implantation in the Arm is an Alternative for Diseased Thoracic Walls
Authors: Zerati Antonio Eduardo , Wolosker Nelson , da Motta-Leal-Filho Joaquim Maurício , Nabuco Pedro Henrique Xavier , Puech-Leão Pedro
Published: July 2011

Purpose

Insertion of totally implantable catheters via deep vessels that drain into the superior vena cava results in a lower incidence of venous thrombosis and infection as compared to catheters inserted into femoral and arm veins. Superior vena cava obstruction and inadequacy of the thoracic wall are conditions that prevent reservoir implantation in the chest wall. In this article, we describe a technical innovation that enables the pocket to be fixed in the arm while still allowing access to be achieved via the internal jugular vein.

Method

The procedure reported maintains the use of the internal jugular vein for access even when the patient's chest is not suited for reservoir implantation, which is localized in the arm.

Results

The procedure was successful and no complications occurred. The position of the catheter tip did not alter with arm movement.

Conclusion

The implantation of a port reservoir in the arm following venous access via the internal jugular vein is both safe and convenient.
Searching for Economically Sustainable Swedish Beef Production Systems Based on Suckler Cows after Decoupling EU Income Support
Authors: Salevid Pernilla , Kumm Karl-Ivar
Published: July 2011

After decoupling EU income support, normal Swedish systems for suckler cow-based beef production are unable to pay the costs of new investments and market wages for labour. New production systems, able to achieve full cost coverage, were identified by an expert panel. The two most profitable suggestions can be characterized as ‘organic with high environmental grants and premium price for beef’ and ‘conventional with outdoor wintering of cows’. Both systems presuppose the availability of large areas of semi-natural pasture per cow and larger herd sizes than are now common in Sweden. Breeding progress and other biological improvements could only marginally improve the profitabil.
Technical Efficiency of Nigerian Agriculture
Authors: Ogundari K. , Brümmer B.
Published: July 2011

The objectives of the study reported in this paper were, first, to uncover how specific characteristics account for systematic variation in the reported average technical efficiency (ATE) estimates across frontier studies, focusing on Nigerian agriculture, and, second, to identify factors driving the efficiency level of the sector over the years. The literature used for meta-regression analysis (MRA) covers the 12-year period from 1999 to 2010. The findings reveal that the hypothesis of publication bias in the selected literature is rejected, while the reported mean ATE from the primary studies denotes a genuine effect. An overall mean ATE of 72% was obtained from all the studies, which implies that there is still room for improvement in the efficiency of Nigerian agriculture. The MRA result shows that the reported ATE increased significantly as input use and year of survey from the primary studies increased. Year of publication from the studies has a significant positive effect on the reported ATE estimates. Furthermore, the authors demonstrate that estimates in studies with a focus on cash crops appear significantly higher than in those focusing on non-cash crops. In addition, efficiency estimates of studies in the south-east and south are significantly lower than those from studies in the south-western part of the country.
Grass-Fed Beef Production Systems of Argentina's Flooding Pampas
Authors: Cid M.S. , Grecco R.C. Fernández , Oesterheld M. , Paruelo J.M. , Cibils A.F. , Brizuela M.A.
Published: July 2011

The homogeneous topography of Argentina's flooding pampas conceals a substantial amount of spatial and temporal ecosystem heterogeneity. Differences in soils, grassland botanical composition and plant growth regimes that occur down to individual paddocks influence livestock grazing patterns and, predictably, affect the productivity of cattle ranches in the region. Over 40 years of ecological research have greatly improved understanding of the structural and functional heterogeneity of this ecosystem. This better understanding has led to the development of grazing management strategies that help ranchers optimize secondary production by achieving a more efficient use of vegetation. As a result, cattle ranches are rapidly increasing profitability by integrating grass-fed yearling finishing programmes with the traditional cow-calf operations of the region.
Selected Aspects of Plant Protection in Poland, Five Years on from EU Accession
Authors: Matyjaszczyk Ewa
Published: July 2011

Accession to the European Union (EU) had an impact on the Polish agricultural sector. Plant protection was influenced mainly by the implementation of EU law as well as the demand and prices of the Common Market. This paper describes the present status of plant protection and the registration of plant protection products in Poland, with particular regard to changes that took place during the first five years of Polish membership of the EU (1 May 2004–30 April 2009).
Information and Communication Technology: An Assessment of Turkish Agriculture
Authors: Tekin Arif Behiç
Published: July 2011

Agriculture is a strategic process of producing food and fibre to supply basic requirements. Its strategic importance has been tested many times throughout history in conflicts among nations and also by environmental constraints. The increase in world population is an additional and significant factor. In an increasingly turbulent environment, the survival and growth of agricultural production could be aided through the effective use of information and communication technology (ICT). This article aims to shed light on the current state of ICT in Turkish agriculture by evaluating data published by the Turkish Statistical Institute (TUIK). In addition, the author discusses barriers to and the promise of the use of ICT in agriculture.
Loss–Gain Estimation of Marshland Carbon Sequestration and Paddy Productivity in Fuyuan County, Heilongjiang Province, China
Authors: Xiao-Hui Liu , Xian-Guo Lu , Ming Jiang , Xi-Gang Wang
Published: July 2011

Fuyuan county, located to the north-east of the Sanjiang Plain but excluding the Muling-Xingkai Plain to the south of the Wanda Mountain, northeastern Heilongjiang province (China), has seen rapid change to the marsh and its agriculture. In 1982, 16.9% of the county was marshland and only 0.7% was dedicated to paddy fields. By 2005, 12.9% was marshland and 7.7% was paddy field. During this period, the agricultural population in the county rose from 28.5×103 to 79.4×103, and the numbers of households from 3.7×103 to 26.1×103. At the same time, the price of paddy and the productivity of paddies also increased. All these pressures combined to drive substantial changes to the marsh and paddy field. This paper considers the loss of the marsh ecosystem in terms of its total value and value per unit area, and assesses the overall benefits to people from the changes in paddy production. The authors also identify the total lost value of carbon formerly sequestered in the marsh compared with the net agricultural gains. Carbon sequestration lost a value of 55.50×106 Chinese Yuan (CNY; 100 CNY was equivalent to roughly US$12 in 2005), which was considerably less than the value of products (272.42×106CNY) returned from the paddy fields. In terms of the benefits to society, the marsh created between 210.8×106 and 266.3×106 CNY, though the commercial/private benefits of the paddy field outweighed the benefits to society due to the fact that they are real while the societal benefits (although also real) have a monetary compensation that is hypothetical. Value per unit area of paddy field was much higher than that of the marsh except in 1982, before the people began to pursue more profitable private activities. Understanding the societal tradeoffs between the contributions of a wetland ecosystem and agricultural expansion is a key ingredient in successful ecosystem management.
Do ‘Protected Geographical Indications’ (PGI)-Certified Farms Perform Better?
Authors: Iraizoz Belen , Bardají Isabel , Rapún Manuel
Published: July 2011

European rural development policy is gaining in importance through one of its key instruments, the Protected Geographical Indications (PGI) system, which is designed to improve quality standards. Previous research has shown that PGI-certified beef farms tend to be more extensively managed operations that are better adapted to mountainous areas. This paper describes a comparative study of two production systems, one with PGI certification and one without, focusing on a number of economic variables. The results show a positive association between PGI production and profitability. In efficiency terms, non-certified farms show better pure technical efficiency scores, while PGI-certified holdings score higher on scale efficiency.
Some Sequential Boundary Crossing Results for Geometric Brownian Motion and Their Applications in Financial Engineering
Authors: Guillaume Tristan
Published: July 2011

This paper provides new explicit results for some boundary crossing distributions in a multidimensional geometric Brownian motion framework when the boundary is a piecewise constant function of time. Among their various possible applications, they enable accurate and efficient analytical valuation of a large number of option contracts traded in the financial markets belonging to the classes of barrier and look-back options.
Effect of the Polishing Procedures on Color Stability and Surface Roughness of Composite Resins
Authors: Schmitt Vera Lucia , Puppin-Rontani Regina Maria , Naufel Fabiana Scarparo , Nahsan Flávia Pardo Salata , Alexandre Coelho Sinhoreti Mário , Baseggio Wagner
Published: July 2011

Objectives. To evaluate the polishing procedures effect on color stability and surface roughness of composite resins. Methods. Specimens were distributed into 6 groups: G1: Filtek Supreme XT + PoGo; G2: Filtek Supreme XT + Sof-Lex; G3: Filtek Supreme XT + no polishing; G4: Amelogen + PoGo; G5: Amelogen + Sof-Lex.; G6: Amelogen + no polishing. Initial color values were evaluated using the CIELab scale. After polishing, surface roughness was evaluated and the specimens were stored in coffee solution at 37∘C for 7 days. The final color measurement and roughness were determined. Results. Sof-Lex resulted in lower staining. Amelogen showed the highest roughness values than Filtek Supreme on baseline and final evaluations regardless of the polishing technique. Filtek Supreme polished with PoGo showed the lowest roughness values. All groups presented discoloration after storage in coffee solution, regardless of the polishing technique. Conclusion. Multiple-step polishing technique provided lower degree of discoloration for both composite resins. The final surface texture is material and technique dependent.
Posição original: um recurso procedimental justo
Authors: Gondim Elnora , Rodrigues Osvaldino Marra
Published: July 2011

O presente artigo tem como objetivo mostrar que a posição original, como recurso procedimental, é, somente, um ideal hipotético, porquanto, caso seja feita a leitura de uma forma diferente, isso pode gerar equívocos quanto à interpretação da teoria rawlsiana. A posição original, em Rawls, é um procedimento, um artifício, que faz parte das condições de elegibilidade dos princípios de justiça com o intuito de enfatizar que os procedimentos justos garantem os resultados justos.
Palavras-chave: posição original, procedimentalismo, sociedade bem ordenada, razoável, racional.
Os umbrais do humano: o homem como dispositivo biopolítico e o animal contemporâneo
Authors: Corrêa Murilo Duarte Costa
Published: July 2011

De acordo com a detecção de Giorgio Agamben, o dispositivo antropológico atualmente em obra na cultura ocidental opera, desde Aristóteles, recortando uma forma de vida humanamente predicada (bios) sobre a vida nua (zoé). Essa operação, qualificada pelo paradoxo e pela exceção que engendra, anima, em larga medida, a crítica que Agamben endereça às Cartas de Direitos Humanos em Al di là dei diritti del’uomo. Nas trilhas de uma tradição que remonta a Nietzsche e é legada a Foucault, Deleuze, Derrida e Agamben, traduzir-se-ia um pensamento que, ao operar no seio do dispositivo antropológico, busca desvencilhar-se do homem – seja pelo além-do-homem, seja por uma micropolítica de intensidades sem sujeito. O aporte dessas filosofias apela às indeterminações dos devires, mas também demonstra a negatividade que o conceito de homem opera em relação à vida dos homens quando se compreende a política como a potência de variação das formas de vida.
Policía, derecho administrativo y inmigración en Colombia
Authors: Pinzón Miguel Malagón
Published: July 2011

Este artigo procura apresentar um os assuntos mais importantes do direito administrativo do século XIX em Colômbia, qual é o tema da imigração. Derivado da influência alemão da ciência das polícias, a administração pública Colombiana preocupou-se no período dos radicais liberais por povoar o território com estrangeiros, que serviram para civilizar o país e para alcançar o desenvolvimento.
Das leis reforçadas no Brasil – uma lembrança da doutrina Europeia. Aspectos tributários
Authors: Ourem Campos Hélio Silvio
Published: July 2011

Trata-se de um estudo sobre o princípio da legalidade, especialmente no âmbito constitucional tributário, veiculando a necessidade da construção gradual de uma mentalidade de cidadania, que exige do Estado Democrático de Direito não um respeito isolado à segurança jurídica, mas também o registro da indignação quanto à impunidade.
A interrupção da gravidez de concepto com anencefalia ante o reconhecimento do nascituro como específico sujeito de direito
Authors: Figueiredo Patrícia Cobianchi
Published: July 2011

Este artigo vem evidenciar a condição peculiar de desenvolvimento do nascituro, a qual o especifica como sujeito de direitos a requerer proteção especial - como ocorre com a criança – e, diante disso, trazer algumas considerações sobre a interrupção de gravidez em caso de concepto com anencefalia. Os direitos fundamentais não são absolutos, nem mesmo o direito à vida, o direito brasileiro bem demonstra isso com algumas exceções, podendo, o caso em tela, ser mais uma. Inaceitável, por contrário à evolução dos direitos humanos, é tratar o concepto com anencefalia como se fosse uma coisa, e, ainda, sem qualquer valor, pois coisas com certo valor estão sob proteção jurídica. Caminha bem o Poder Legislativo não editando lei sobre o assunto, pois ainda há muitas divergências sobre a anencefalia, como ficou assente nas audiências públicas realizadas no Supremo Tribunal Federal em razão da Adpf n. 54/DF, pendente de julgamento. Mesmo a maioria favorável à interrupção da gravidez nesse caso deve prevalecer a maior segurança científica.
Una voz no tan menor: Apuntes sobre jóvenes infractores, performances y estrategias defensivas
Authors: Axat Julián
Published: July 2011

La presente ponencia intenta describir el campo de la justicia penal juvenil en Argentina, como lugar de disputa de voces, vinculados a capitales degradados, estigmatizados, y en constante recomposición, dentro del pasaje de una justicia tutelar-inquisitiva, a otra acusatoria. Bajo estos esquemas transicionales, se describen posibles estrategias de la defensa de menores sospechados de cometer delitos, vinculadas a su pertenencia social, y a las formas que tienen de asumir una identidad, expresarse y ser oídos por las autoridades que los juzgan. Se intenta demostrar de qué manera la defensa pública, más allá de las argumentaciones jurídicas que pueda utilizar en función del derecho penal de acto, se enfrenta a un hábitus de clase judicial, con prejuicios para tolerar el negocio de la sospecha que ha llevado a un menor ante los estrados. La eficacia estratégica de la defensa parece depender del nivel de conciencia y creatividad que tenga sobre estas dificultades.
Inner/Interface Engineered Iron/Manganese‐Based Mixed Phosphate Cathode with High Energy Density and Ultra‐Long Cycle Life for Sodium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Wang Yian , Sui Yulei , Xiao Zhe , Fei Wenbin , Deng Mengting , Zhang Xiaoping , Guo Huazhang , Wang Renheng , Wu Ling
Published: February 2025

The iron/manganese‐based mixed phosphates (Na4Fe3‐zMnz(PO4)2(P2O7)) have become focal points in the realm of cathode materials for sodium‐ion batteries due to their high voltage plateau and sturdy open framework architecture. However, their electrochemical performance is hindered by surface manganese enrichment, inert phases, Jahn‐Teller distortion, etc. In this work, a Ni(inner)‐B(interface) synergistic modification strategy is proposed to overcome these issues. By facilitating charge redistribution around Mn atoms via Ni doping, the structural damage by Mn Jahn‐Teller distortion is significantly mitigated. Furthermore, the redistribution can enhance the redox activity of Mn2+/Mn3+, alleviating the voltage hysteresis. Meanwhile, the interface engineering induced by B‐doping activates sodium ion active sites and eliminates surface manganese enrichment, thus impeding the dissolution of Mn and fortifying the structural steadiness. Besides, the synergistic effect of Ni‐B doping promotes the homogenization of internal elements, effectively inhibiting the spontaneous generation of inert phases. As anticipated, the optimal Na4Fe2Mn0.9Ni0.1(PO4)2(P2O7)/C‐B0.1 demonstrates an impressive initial specific capacity (147.2 mAh g−1 at 0.1C), outstanding rate performance (72.5 mAh g−1 at 20C) and superior cycling stability (80.1% retention after 11000 cycles). This work successfully addresses the challenges through the implementation of multifunctional modification, providing valuable insights into the structure design for iron/manganese‐based cathode materials.
Molecularly Functionalized Biomass Hydrogels for Sustainable Atmospheric Water Harvesting
Authors: Guan Weixin , Zhao Yaxuan , Lei Chuxin , Wang Yuyang , Wu Kai , Yu Guihua
Published: February 2025

Atmospheric water harvesting (AWH) offers a promising pathway to alleviate global water scarcity, highlighting the need for environmentally responsible sorbent materials. In this context, this research introduces a universal strategy for transforming natural polysaccharides into effective hydrogel sorbents, demonstrated with cellulose, starch, and chitosan. The methodology unites alkylation to graft thermoresponsive groups, thereby enhancing water processability and enabling energy‐efficient water release at lower temperatures, with the integration of zwitterionic groups to ensure stable and effective water sorption. The molecularly functionalized cellulose hydrogel, exemplifying our approach, shows favorable water uptake of 0.86–1.32 g g−1 at 15–30% relative humidity (RH), along with efficient desorption, releasing 95% of captured water at 60 °C. Outdoor tests highlight the water production rate of up to 14.19 kg kg−1 day−1 by electrical heating. The proposed molecular engineering methodology, which expands the range of raw materials by leveraging abundant biomass feedstock, has the potential to advance sorbent production and scalable AWH technologies, contributing to sustainable solutions.
Tailoring Electronic and Morphology Features of Iron‐Doped Ni2P Nanoflowers for Enhanced Ammonia Electrosynthesis in Solid Electrolyte Reactors
Authors: Zhang Qi , Ni Congcong , Deng Ning , Huang Xin
Published: February 2025

Electrochemical nitrate (NO3−) reduction to ammonia (NH3) presents a promising route for both wastewater treatment and ammonia generation but still suffers from sluggish catalytic activity, insufficient mass transfer, and the reliance on high‐concentration supporting electrolytes. This work reports an innovative and efficient ammonia electrosynthesis reactor by integrating a self‐assembled iron‐doped Ni2P (Fe‐Ni2P/NF) nanoflower cathode with a solid‐electrolyte (SE). The SE design eliminates the need for supporting electrolytes, providing a highly efficient ion‐conducting pathway and enabling the direct production of NH3 from NO3−. Through tailoring the electronic and surface characteristics of Fe‐Ni2P/NF, this reactor achieves complete NO3− reduction, 96.7% NH3 selectivity, and 81.8% faradaic efficiency with a NO3− concentration of 100 mm at a current density of 100 mA m−2. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations reveal that phosphating and Fe doping synergistically enhance NO3− adsorption and increase the availability of active hydrogen, thus favoring NH3 production at a low energy barrier of 0.695 eV. Additionally, the superhydrophilicity of the Fe‐Ni2P/NF nanoflower catalyst promotes mass transfer by facilitating electrolyte access and ensuring rapid gas bubble release. This study provides a sustainable and scalable method for converting NO3−‐laden wastewater into valuable ammonia products.
Optical Force Probes for Spatially Resolved Imaging of Polymer Damage and Failure
Authors: Asya Berçin V. , Wang Sitao , Euchler Eric , Khiêm Vu Ngoc , Göstl Robert
Published: February 2025

Polymer deformation spans 7–10 orders of magnitude in length scales, making its analysis a significant challenge. Optical force probes (OFPs), functional molecular motifs in polymer mechanochemistry, enable the study of mechanical properties by undergoing force‐activated optical changes, such as absorption, fluorescence, or chemiluminescence. This review highlights OFPs integrated within polymer materials, focusing on their mechanical properties, optical methods for force elucidation, and the insights they provide. Special attention is given to high‐resolution microscopy combined with OFPs, enabling qualitative and quantitative imaging of material damage and failure at unprecedented spatial resolution. While binary OFPs respond at critical strain thresholds, ideal for detecting permanent damage and stress hotspots, continuum OFPs track strain proportionally through reversible optical mechanisms, providing dynamic, real‐time strain mapping. Together, these systems advance material diagnostics, offering complementary capabilities to study stress distribution, improve durability predictions, and understand polymer failure mechanisms.
“Who's breaking the law … not us, them!”: Inside immigration detention in Portugal
Authors: Esposito Francesca , de Lellis Federica , De Cordova Federica , Briozzo Erica
Published: February 2025

In this paper, we examine immigration detention in Portugal, a system whose daily operations and inherent violence are overlooked in both public and academic discourses. Even within community psychology, discussions on immigration detention have largely remained on the fringes of scholarly debates. Guided by a justice‐centered ecological lens, we map the contours of daily life in detention by centering the intersectional struggles of detained cisgender and transgender women. These struggles illuminate the politics of power and resistance at play in these sites, contributing to interrelated ecologies of knowledge and advancing a critical understanding of the systems of power and oppression articulated around borders, citizenship, and the “making of migration.” Our findings reveal Portuguese detention centers as uncaring environments where women feel constantly threatened, unsafe and disregarded, with their well‐being severely compromised. Ignorance reigns in these sites, wielded as a form of power. Yet, despite this, detained women create counterspaces and cultivate ecologies of knowledge and resistance from the ground up. We conclude by reflecting on how community‐engaged scholars and activists can contribute to transformative and liberatory efforts against carceral border systems, working toward futures of freedom, dignity, and justice for all.
Atomic‐Level Elucidation of Lattice‐Hydrogens in Copper Catalysts for Selective CO2 Electrochemical Conversion toward C2 Products
Authors: Ma Xiaoshuang , Fang Cong , Ding Mei , Zuo Yang , Sun Xiaoyan , Wang Shuxin
Published: February 2025

Copper is the most efficient and practical electrocatalyst for the electrochemical reduction of carbon dioxide (ECR) to give multicarbon (C2+) products, but the mechanism by which such products are formed – though known to involve lattice‐hydrogens – remains elusive, and the selectivity of the reaction is poor. Herein, we report the synthesis of [AuCu24(dppp)6H22]+, a copper hydride nanocluster bearing exposed Cu3H3 units in specific surface cavities, and our use of it to study the mechansim and selectivity of the reduction of CO2 to C2+ products. Results of in situ infrared spectroscopy and theoretical calculations showed that these Cu3H3 units can effectively lower the energy barrier to the formation of the *COCOH intermediate, which allowed the competition between the C1 and C2 pathways to be elucidated. Isotope labeling experiments and catalyst recrystallization studies corroborated the theoretical simulations, identifying the lattice‐hydrogen (H−) in the Cu3H3 active unit as being indispensable for the formation of C2H4. The molecular design guidelines which this work has facilitated constitute a new approach towards the of copper‐based catalysts that convert CO2 to C2+ products based on lattice‐hydrogen engineering.
Restraining the formation of filter bubbles with algorithmic affordances: Toward more balanced information consumption and decreased attitude extremity
Authors: Jiang Tingting , Sun Zhumo , Fu Shiting
Published: February 2025

In combating filter bubbles, an undesirable consequence of personalized recommendations, prior research has focused on improving algorithms to increase the diversity of the content recommended. Following a user‐centered approach firmly grounded in information science, this study is dedicated to optimizing interaction patterns with algorithmic affordances, aiming to augment the diversity of the content consumed and induce favorable attitude changes. A controlled experiment was conducted on a mock personalized recommender system that provided both information and interactivity affordances, exemplified by stance labels and stance‐based filters, respectively. A total of 142 participants were recruited to browse recommendations generated by the system on a specific controversial topic, and the selectivity of their information consumption behavior and the change in their attitude extremity were measured. It was found that both types of affordances were effective in reducing users' behavioral selectivity. While stance labels inhibited the consumption of pro‐attitudinal information, stance‐based filters facilitated the consumption of counter‐attitudinal information. Furthermore, the affordances could immediately mitigate the attitude extremity of those with a higher level of algorithmic literacy. The findings not only enrich the growing body of literature on filter bubbles but also offer valuable implications for the affordance design practices of personalized recommender systems.
The Lassa Virus Stable Signal Peptide Undergoes a Conformational Change to Aid Viral Fusion
Authors: Collins Shane D. , Jiang Liqun , Liu Yanxin , Lee Jinwoo
Published: February 2025

A critical event in the lifecycle of the Lassa virus (LASV) is membrane fusion, where the viral membrane merges with the host cell membrane. This process is initiated by the LASV surface glycoprotein complex (GPC) upon exposure to the acidic environment of the endocytic pathway. A unique aspect of the GPC is the stable signal peptide (SSP), located adjacent to the transmembrane region of glycoprotein 2 (GP2), the primary fusion subunit. While previous research has established the importance of SSP in fusion, its precise role has not been fully understood due to limited biophysical data. Our study aims to elucidate SSP's role by examining its structural changes under different pH conditions. At neutral pH (pH 7), SSP is primarily α‐helical corresponding to its prefusion state. However, when exposed to acidic conditions (pH < 5), mimicking the late endosome, SSP undergoes a conformational change, increasing its helical content. Furthermore, we show that this structural change enhances fusion efficiency, indicating a direct involvement of SSP in facilitating membrane fusion. In conclusion, our findings suggest that SSP undergoes a critical conformational change at low pH, essential for its role in the LASV fusion mechanism, thereby deepening our understanding of LASV fusion.
Homochiral Dy2 Schiff Base Complexes Based on (R)/(S)‐Chlocyphos: Single‐Molecule Magnet Behaviours, Proton Conductivities and MCD Effects
Authors: Liu Cai‐Ming , Zou Hua‐Hong , Zhang Yi‐Quan , Hao Xiang , Ren Xiao‐Ming
Published: February 2025

Comprehensive Summary

Chiral proton conductive single‐molecule magnets (SMMs) are multifunctional molecular materials that can combine conductor, magnet, and chirality at the nanoscale, but there are still significant challenges to their synthesis. Herein, the hydrazone Schiff base ligand (E)‐N′‐(2‐hydroxybenzylidene)‐3‐aminopyrazine‐2‐carbohydrazide (H2LSchiff) and the homochiral ligands (R)‐(+)‐chlocyphos/ (S)‐(−)‐chlocyphos (R‐HL)/(S‐HL) were chosen to assemble a pair of Dy2 enantiomers [Dy2(R‐L)2(LSchiff)2(DMA)2]·2.5H2O (R‐1) (DMA = N,N‐dimethylacetamide) and [Dy2(S‐L)2(LSchiff)2(DMA)2]·2.5H2O (S‐1) at room temperature. Magnetic investigation indicated that they are field‐induced SMMs, with a Ueff/k value of 42.2 K at 1000 Oe, and there is ferromagnetic coupling within the molecule; these magnetic properties may be explained by the ab initio calculations. The presence of a hydrogen bonding network confers the enantiomers proton conductivities. Moreover, R‐1 and S‐1 show prominent magnetic circular dichroism (MCD) effects at room temperature.
Deuterium Effect on the Morphology of Magnesium Hydroxide Crystallization Process
Authors: Fan Tian‐Bo , Li Qiu‐Tong , Zhang Xin’ai , Jiao Li‐Qiang , Guo Hong‐Fan , Li Xue
Published: February 2025

This work proposes that a change in deuterium content can affect some physical and chemical properties in water, even a change of only the ppm level, which is called the “deuterium effect”. To illustrate the deuterium effect, morphology and mechanism studies are conducted on the crystallization process of the magnesium hydroxide reaction in water with different deuterium contents. Magnesium hydroxide is synthesized via the ammonia method and hydrothermal method, and the results revealed that the particle size and crystal morphology of magnesium hydroxide prepared in deuterium‐depleted water are significantly different from those of magnesium hydroxide prepared in normal water. By determining the solubility of magnesium chloride in water with deuterium content in the range of 40–165 ppm, the effect of deuterium on water activity is demonstrated. As the deuterium content decreased, the trend of the solubility change is the same as that caused by the increase in temperature. The crystallization behavior and growth morphology of magnesium hydroxide are predicted and analyzed at the microscale. The results of this research preliminarily confirmed the existence of the deuterium effect.
Solvation chemistry in liquid electrolytes for rechargeable lithium batteries at low temperatures
Authors: Li Houzhen , Yan Chuncheng , Wang Shuhua
Published: February 2025

Over the past few decades, significant advancements have been made in the development of low‐temperature liquid electrolytes for lithium batteries (LBs). Ongoing exploration of liquid electrolytes is crucial for further enhancing the performance of these batteries. Solvation chemistry plays a dominant role in determining the properties of the electrolyte, significantly affecting LBs performance at low temperatures (LTs). This review introduces solvation structures and their impact, discussing how these structures promote fast desolvation processes and contribute to the improvement of battery performance. Additionally, various solvent strategies are highlighted to refine solvation chemistry at LTs, including the use of linear and cyclic ethers/esters, as well as the role of functional groups within these solvents. The review also summarizes the impact of lithium salts containing organic/inorganic anions on solvation chemistry. Characterization techniques for solvent chemistry are discussed, providing a comprehensive analysis that offers valuable insights for developing next‐generation electrolytes to ensure reliable battery performance across a wide temperature range.
Evaluation of Density‐Functional Tight‐Binding Methods for Simulation of Protic Molecular Ion Pairs
Authors: Walker Tyler , Vuong Van‐Quan , Irle Stephan , Ma Jihong
Published: February 2025

In this work, we benchmark the accuracy of the density‐functional tight‐binding (DFTB) method, namely the long‐range corrected second‐order (LC‐DFTB2) and third‐order (DFTB3) models, for predicting energetics of imidazolium‐based ionic liquid (IL) ion pairs. We compare the DFTB models against popular density functionals such as LC‐ωPBE and B3LYP, using ab initio domain‐based local pair‐natural orbital coupled cluster (DLPNO‐CC) energies as reference. Calculations were carried out in the gas phase, as well as in aqueous solution using implicit solvent methods. We find that the LC‐DFTB2 model shows excellent performance in the gas phase and agrees well with reference energies in implicit solvent, often outperforming DFTB3 predictions for complexation energetics. Our study identifies a range of opportunities for use of the LC‐DFTB method and quantifies its sensitivity to protonation states and the types of chemical interactions between ion pairs.
Knee laxity, joint hypermobility, femoral anteversion, hamstring extensibility and navicular drop as risk factors for non‐contact ACL injury in female athletes: A 4.5‐year prospective cohort study
Authors: Pasanen Kati , Seppänen Arttu , Leppänen Mari , Tokola Kari , Järvelä Timo , Vasankari Tommi , Myklebust Grethe , Krosshaug Tron , Parkkari Jari
Published: February 2025

Purpose

To investigate whether six selected anatomical variables were associated with non‐contact anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury in female team sport athletes.

Methods

Two hundred eighty‐seven female athletes (age 13–38 at baseline) from basketball, floorball, ice hockey and volleyball completed a baseline physical examination, including measurements of anterior‐posterior (AP) knee laxity, knee hyperextension, generalized joint hypermobility, femoral anteversion, hamstring extensibility, and navicular drop. Athletes entered the study either in 2011, 2012 or 2013 and were followed up until the end of 2015. During the follow‐up, all complete and magnetic resonance‐verified ACL injuries were recorded.

Results

Twenty‐three non‐contact ACL injuries were recorded. There were no significant differences in baseline physical examination variables between athletes who sustained ACL injuries and those who did not. However, a side‐to‐side difference in AP knee laxity greater than 2 mm was observed in 20% of the ACL injury group compared to 12% of the non‐injured group, although this difference was not statistically significant.

Conclusions

In this study, AP knee laxity, knee hyperextension, generalized joint hypermobility, femoral anteversion, hamstring extensibility and navicular drop were not associated with increased risk for non‐contact ACL injury in female team sport athletes. This study was powered to detect moderate to strong risk associations; thus, smaller risk associations may not have been identified.

Level of Evidence

Level II.