bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quantificação de raízes finas em um povoamento de Pinus taeda l. e uma área de campo em Cambará do Sul, RS
Authors: Lopes Vicente Guilherme , Schumacher Mauro Valdir , Calil Francine Neves , Viera Marcio , Witschoreck Rudi
Published: July 2015

Os objetivos do trabalho foram quantificar e comparar a densidade e a biomassa de raízes finas (≤ 2,0 mm) na serapilheira e nas camadas de 0-10, 10-20, 20-30, 30-40 cm ao longo do perfil de solo, em um povoamento de Pinus taeda L., com 15 anos de idade, e em uma área de campo adjacente. A obtenção das amostras de raízes, foi realizada partindo da escavação de monolitos. As raízes foram separadas do solo por meio de lavagem e catação e, na sequência, foram distribuídas sobre uma folha de papel branca, em que, com o auxílio de uma câmera digital, foram obtidas imagens. Com o auxilio do software Image Tool for Windows version 3.00© as imagens foram processadas para quantificação do comprimento das raízes. Após, as raízes foram secas e, depois, pesadas para determinação da biomassa. A vegetação presente na área de campo apresenta uma densidade de raízes finas 234,28% maior que a área adjacente onde encontra-se o povoamento de Pinus taeda L.
Viabilidade de aplicação da seleção precoce em testes clonais de Eucalyptus spp
Authors: Massaro Renata Alves Meira , Bonine Cesar Augusto Valencise , Scarpinati Edimar Aparecido , Paula Rinaldo César de
Published: July 2015

Com o objetivo de avaliar a eficiência da seleção precoce em Eucalyptus spp. foram usados dados de dois testes clonais avaliados quanto ao crescimento em altura (ALT), diâmetro à altura do peito (DAP) e volume individual de madeira (VOL) aos 25, 50 e 72 meses de idade. O delineamento experimental nos dois testes clonais foi o de blocos casualizados, com trinta tratamentos (clones), seis repetições, sendo um deles com seis e o outro com dez plantas em linha por parcela, no espaçamento de 3,0 m x 3,0 m. Foi feita a análise de variância para cada caracter e idade. Foram obtidas as estimativas de coeficiente de determinação genotípico e de correlações genotípicas entre os caracteres nas idades juvenis e na idade de rotação. Para verificar a viabilidade da aplicação da seleção precoce, foi simulada a seleção de 30% dos clones nas idades juvenis e na idade de rotação para cada um dos caracteres e idades avaliadas, obtendo-se as estimativas de ganhos genéticos com a seleção direta e indireta. Houve diferenças significativas entre os clones avaliados nos dois experimentos para todos os caracteres e idades. Com base nos resultados obtidos, é possível efetuar a seleção precoce aos 2 anos de idade sobre o caracter DAP em testes clonais de eucalipto.
Densidade básica e retratibilidade da madeira de clones de três espécies de Eucalyptus
Authors: Batista Djeison Cesar , Klitzke Ricardo Jorge , Santos Carlos Vinícius Taborda
Published: July 2015

Dentre as florestas plantadas que abastecem a indústria madeireira nacional, as do gênero Eucalyptus estão entre as mais importantes. Essa importância é atribuída à velocidade de desenvolvimento de suas árvores, facilidade de implantação em grandes maciços e versatilidade de aplicação de sua madeira. A criação de híbridos e clones é uma realidade na silvicultura nacional, na qual o melhoramento genético busca sobretudo maiores incrementos volumétricos e resistência a condições extremas de implantação, tais como ataques de pragas, secas, geadas e baixa fertilidade do solo. A densidade básica é uma das propriedades físicas mais importantes da madeira por se relacionar diretamente com outras propriedades da madeira, inclusive a anisotropia de contração. Assim, tais propriedades da madeira norteiam a utilização racional de uma espécie em um determinado produto. O objetivo deste trabalho foi determinar a densidade básica e a anisotropia de contração da madeira de cinco clones das espécies Eucalyptus saligna, Eucalyptus grandis e Eucalyptus dunnii. O clone 5 de Eucalyptus saligna obteve a maior densidade básica (0,56 g/cm³) e foi o mais instável dimensionalmente. Dentre todas as espécies, observou-se relação direta entre densidade básica e contração volumétrica máxima e entre densidade básica e coeficiente de retratibilidade volumétrico máximo somente para o clone 5 de Eucalyptus saligna. Considerando-se como critério a contração volumétrica máxima, o clone 3 foi o mais estável dimensionalmente. Para o Eucalyptus grandis, os clones 2 e 3 obtiveram, respectivamente, a menor e maior densidade básica, com 0,40 e 0,49 g/cm³. Não foi possível distinguir dentre os clones 1, 3 e 4 qual foi o mais estável dimensionalmente e, considerando-se como critério o coeficiente de retratibilidade volumétrico máximo, o clone 5 foi o mais instável dimensionalmente. Para as espécies Eucalyptus saligna e Eucalyptus dunnii não foi possível concluir qual clone obteve a menor densidade básica. O clone 3 de Eucalyptus dunnii obteve a maior densidade básica (0,65 g/cm³) e, considerando-se como critério o coeficiente de retratibilidade volumétrico máximo, foi o clone mais instável dimensionalmente. Considerando-se a contração volumétrica máxima, o clone 1 foi o mais estável dimensionalmente. O Eucalyptus grandis foi a espécie de menor densidade e maior estabilidade dimensional, enquanto o Eucalyptus dunnii foi a espécie de maior densidade e maior instabilidade dimensional.
Patrón espacial de la regeneración de Aspidosperma polyneuron Müll. Arg. en un bosque sometido a aprovechamiento selectivo en el norte de la Provincia de Misiones.
Authors: Pinazo Martín , Moscovich Fabio , Dummel Caludio , Knebel Otto
Published: July 2015

Se analizó el patrón espacial de la regeneración de Aspidosperma polyneuron Müll.Arg. en un sector remanente de la selva Paranaense en la provincia de Misiones, Argentina. Se mapearon los individuos presentes en un área de 210 m x 100 m (2,1 ha). Se aplicaron técnicas de análisis de patrones de puntos univariados y bivariados mediante el índice "O" de Wiegand & Moloney. La regeneración presentó agrupamientos a escalas de hasta 10 metros resultando en conglomerados de 30 metros de diámetro. No se verificaron asociaciones entre la regeneración y los individuos mayores de la especie ni con los árboles muertos, mientras que se observaron asociaciones a pequeña escala con individuos de otras especies. Los resultados permiten concluir que la regeneración presenta patrones agregados que tienden a la homogeneidad en los adultos. La presencia de renovales está condicionada a la presencia de adultos en las cercanías y la instalación de la regeneración está asociada a individuos de más de 10 cm de diámetro al pecho siendo la regeneración en sitios abierto una excepción.
Proporção da dióicia e distribuição diamétrica de árvores masculinas e femininas de Araucaria angustifolia (Bert.) Kuntze., em povoamentos implantados
Authors: Zanon Magda Lea Bolzan , Finger César Augusto Guimarães , Schneider Paulo Renato
Published: July 2015

O estudo realizado na Floresta Nacional de São Francisco de Paula, Rio Grande do Sul, teve como objetivos quantificar o número de indivíduos femininos e masculinos, de Araucaria angustifolia, bem como estudar a distribuição diamétrica, em floresta de 25,11 ha, com 60 anos de idade. A classificação por sexo foi realizada nos períodos de maturação dos componentes florais e o levantamento dendrométrico efetuado para obtenção do diâmetro e frequência, sobre toda a área amostral. A proporção relativa de indivíduos do sexo feminino foi de 43,65% e de 56,35% para o masculino; 65,3% das árvores estavam concentradas entre as classes de diâmetro de 35-45 cm. Não houve diferença significativa em diâmetro médio, sendo encontrado para o sexo feminino 42 cm e para o masculino 38,5 cm. A distribuição diamétrica obedeceu à distribuição normal, sendo que houve presença de maior número de indivíduos do sexo feminino nas maiores classes diamétricas e maiores quantidades de indivíduos masculinos nas menores classes.
Uso de estufa solar para secagem de madeira serrada
Authors: Stangerlin Diego Martins , Santini Elio José , Susin Felipe , Melo Rafael Rodolfo de , Gatto Darci Alberto , Haselein Clovis Roberto
Published: July 2015

O objetivo desse estudo foi avaliar o uso da estufa solar para secagem das madeiras de Eucalyptus tereticornis, Eucalyptus saligna e Corymbia citriodora, bem como comparar essa metodologia com a secagem ao ar livre. Para tanto, foi desenvolvido um secador solar constituído por estruturas de madeira, cobertura com dupla camada de plástico PVC (policloreto de vinila), sistema coletor interno de energia solar e sistema de circulação do ar aquecido. A eficiência do secador solar foi comparada com a secagem ao ar livre quanto ao tempo de secagem e qualidade da madeira. Cada espécie foi submetida, no mesmo período, aos dois métodos de secagem, sendo utilizadas cargas com 55 tábuas em cada método. Os resultados obtidos indicaram que a estufa solar foi mais eficiente apresentando tempo de secagem de duas a cinco vezes menores que a secagem ao ar livre e com teor de umidade final mais baixo. A madeira seca, tanto na estufa solar quanto ao ar livre, apresentou boa qualidade, não sendo verificada a incidência de defeitos como encanoamento e colapso. Além disso, o correto empilhamento e a tecnologia de secagem utilizados proporcionaram poucos empenos do tipo encurvamento. A incidência de arqueamentos, rachaduras de superfície e de topo não apresentaram diferença significativa entre a secagem em estufa solar e ao ar livre para as três madeiras estudadas.
La métaphysique de la nature à l’Académie de Berlin
Authors: Leduc Christian
Published: July 2015

Dans le présent article, je montre que Maupertuis et Euler proposent une conception contrastée de la métaphysique de la nature. Il s’agit principalement pour eux de repositionner la cosmologie par rapport aux sciences de la nature. Au lieu de considérer la métaphysique comme étant au fondement des théories scientifiques, comme le supposent Descartes, Wolff et, d’une certaine manière, Kant, ou simplement d’interdire l’idée même d’une cosmologie, comme le stipulerait à la même époque d’Alembert, Maupertuis et Euler, renversent l’ordre des disciplines pour donner aux sciences physiques une primauté sur la métaphysique. Ce repositionnement entraîne évidemment plusieurs questions : d’abord, de quelle manière les théories scientifiques peuvent-elles valider ou infirmer un principe métaphysique ? Plus important encore, quel rôle incombe à la métaphysique de la nature, étant donné que les sciences possèdent non seulement une autonomie théorique, mais même une priorité sur les réflexions ontologiques. Il semblerait d’ailleurs que la métaphysique se réduise, pour ces deux philosophes, au seul domaine du cosmologique, en particulier aux questions qui concernent la force et le principe de moindre action, au statut ontologique de l’espace et du temps et aux déterminations de la matière que sont l’étendue, l’inertie, l’impénétrabilité et le mouvement.
Entre métaphysique et esthétique
Authors: Dumouchel Daniel
Published: July 2015

Le nom de Johann Georg Sulzer reste attaché à la naissance de l’esthétique philosophique en Allemagne, principalement à travers son oeuvre majeure, la Théorie générale des beaux-arts (1771-1774). Il s’agira de montrer ici comment ce membre influent de la classe de philosophie spéculative de l’Académie de Berlin, fortement influencé par la pensée de Leibniz et de Wolff, mais également très attentif aux particularités psychopathologiques de l’esprit humain et aux composantes corporelles de l’activité psychique, prétend fournir une assise métaphysique à la théorie du beau en la fondant sur ce que, depuis Wolff, on appelle la psychologie. À partir de l’étude d’une série de Mémoires dont la rédaction s’étend de 1751 à 1763, on portera une attention particulière au projet de déduction des sentiments agréables et désagréables, que Sulzer entend opérer à partir du principe d’activité de l’âme, pour mieux saisir la nature des plaisirs que nous procure la beauté. Sur cette base, on reviendra en fin de parcours à la question de la fonction des beaux-arts dans la pensée de Sulzer, pour soutenir l’idée que l’énergie de l’art ne peut être réduite à la question de la beauté.
Les générations, le fleuve et l’océan
Authors: Gosseries1 Axel
Published: July 2015

À la suggestion de Jefferson,3nous nous proposons de prendre au sérieux la comparaison entre nations et générations dans le cadre d’une théorie philosophique de la justice et de la démocratie préoccupée par nos devoirs envers les membres d’autres générations. Nous nous concentrons ici sur trois des caractéristiques propres aux relations intergénérationnelles, à travers une comparaison avec des situations internationales spécifiques. La première a trait à l’immobilité temporelle des personnes au delà de la période s’étendant de leur naissance à leur mort. Cette immobilité rend certaines ressources qui sont spécifiques à des périodes données, inaccessibles aux générations des autres périodes, ce qui peut importer pour certaines théories de la justice. Nous nous intéressons ensuite au caractère enclavé de chaque génération. La transmission intergénérationnelle des biens dépend alors de la collaboration tant passive qu’active des générations de transit. Nous montrons en quoi cela importe pour la définition de nos obligations de justice intergénérationnelle. Enfin, nous insistons sur le caractère unidirectionnel de l’écoulement du temps — cette fois à travers l’analogie avec les nations riveraines d’un fleuve — et son effet sur la distribution temporelle des coûts et bénéfices, et des vulnérabilités. Nous en examinons les implications normatives possibles pour la définition de la juste distribution du pouvoir entre générations. À travers ces trois illustrations, nous espérons montrer la pertinence de cette approche anatomico-analogique pour la compréhension de ce que nous devons aux autres générations, et en particulier aux générations futures.
Sleep deprivation suppresses aggression in Drosophila
Authors: Kayser Matthew S , Mainwaring Benjamin , Yue Zhifeng , Sehgal Amita
Published: July 2015

Sleep disturbances negatively impact numerous functions and have been linked to aggression and violence. However, a clear effect of sleep deprivation on aggressive behaviors remains unclear. We find that acute sleep deprivation profoundly suppresses aggressive behaviors in the fruit fly, while other social behaviors are unaffected. This suppression is recovered following post-deprivation sleep rebound, and occurs regardless of the approach to achieve sleep loss. Genetic and pharmacologic approaches suggest octopamine signaling transmits changes in aggression upon sleep deprivation, and reduced aggression places sleep-deprived flies at a competitive disadvantage for obtaining a reproductive partner. These findings demonstrate an interaction between two phylogenetically conserved behaviors, and suggest that previous sleep experiences strongly modulate aggression with consequences for reproductive fitness.
Iliac Crest Herniation Secondary to Autogenous Bone Grafting Found on Osteopathic Examination
Authors: Ou Christine J. , Sternfeld William C. , Stausmire Julie M.
Published: July 2015

Surgical repair of difficult or nonunion fractures is frequently performed with autogenous bone grafts, most commonly from the iliac crest. Complications from this procedure may include vessel injury, nerve injury, pelvic instability, bowel herniation, and ileus. The authors report a case of iliac crest herniation in a patient presenting with a small-bowel obstruction 2 years after anterior iliac crest graft harvest for an open reduction and internal fixation repair of a right humeral shaft fracture. An emergency operation revealed that the right colon had herniated through an opening in the right iliac crest. The appendix had adhered to new osseous bone formed postoperatively, requiring an appendectomy. The hernia defect was successfully repaired with polypropylene mesh. A high index of suspicion for graft site herniation is needed for patients with a history of iliac crest bone grafting who present with symptoms of abdominal pain, flank or hip pain, ileus, or small-bowel obstruction.
A decade of curtailment studies demonstrates a consistent and effective strategy to reduce bat fatalities at wind turbines in North America
Authors: Whitby Michael D. , O'Mara M. Teague , Hein Cris D. , Huso Manuela , Frick Winifred F.
Published: August 2024

There is a rapid, global push for wind energy installation. However, large numbers of bats are killed by turbines each year, raising concerns about the impacts of wind energy expansion on bat populations. Preventing turbine blades from spinning at low wind speeds, referred to as curtailment, is a method to reduce bat fatalities, but drawing consistent inference across studies has been challenging.

We compiled publicly available studies that evaluated curtailment at six wind energy facilities in North America across 10 years. We used meta‐regression of 29 implemented treatments to determine fatality reduction efficacy as well as sources of variation influencing efficacy. We also estimated species‐specific fatality reduction for three species that comprise most fatalities in North America: hoary bat (Lasiurus cinereus), eastern red bat (Lasiurus borealis) and silver‐haired bat (Lasionycteris noctivagans).

We found that curtailment reduced total bat fatalities by 33% with every 1.0 ms−1 increase in curtailment wind speed. Estimates of the efficacy for the three target species were similar (hoary bats: 28% per ms−1, 95% CI: 0.4%–48%, eastern red bats: 32% per ms−1, 95% CI: 13%–47% and silver‐haired bats: 32% per ms−1, 95% CI: 3%–53%).

Across multiple facilities and years, a 5.0 ms−1 cut‐in speed was estimated to reduce total bat fatalities by an average of 62% (95% CI: 54%–69%). Mortality reductions at individual facilities in any given year were estimated to fall between 33%–79% (95% prediction interval). Inter‐annual differences rather than inter‐site or turbine characteristics accounted for most of the variation in efficacy rates. Species‐specific average mortality reduction at 5.0 ms−1 curtailment wind speed was 48% (95% CI: 24%–64%) for hoary bats, 61% (95% CI: 42%–74%) for eastern red bats and 52% (95% CI: 30%–66%) for silver‐haired bats.

Practical implication. curtailment reduced bat mortality at wind turbines in this North American study. Efficacy increased proportionally as curtailment speed is raised, and patterns and rates of efficacy were similar across species. This indicates that curtailment is an effective strategy to reduce bat fatalities at wind energy facilities, but exploration of further refinements could both minimize bat mortality and maximize energy production.
High‐Resolution X‐Ray Circular Polarization Imaging Enabled by Luminescent Photopolymerized Chiral Metal‐Organic Polymers
Authors: Lu Jian , Qian Rui‐Xuan , Lu Si‐Fan , Wang Shuai‐Hua , Zheng Fa‐Kun , Guo Guo‐Cong
Published: August 2024

Scintillators can convert the ionizing radiation into visible light and are crucial in X/γ‐ray detectors. Commercial detectors often use multiple scintillators with photodetector arrays, where optical crosstalk can degrade the performance. Chiral scintillators, emitting circularly polarized light, offer a promising solution for regulating the direction of light propagation to enhance X‐ray detecting merits. Here novel chiral metal‐organic polymers have been developed via photopolymerization, using chiral polymeric monomers and 0D Mn(II)‐based organic‐metal halide hybrid scintillators, achieving luminescence dissymmetry factors (glum) of 5.823 × 10−2 and −2.877 × 10−2. Two such scintillators, (atpp)2MnCl4·0.5H2O (MnCl4−1) and (atpp)2MnBr4 (MnBr4−2), exhibit excellent X‐ray scintillation rooted in tetrahedral [MnX4]2− crystal field. Compound MnBr4−2, with heavier bromine atoms, shows superior performance with a detection limit of 0.117 µGyair s−1, compared to 0.330 µGyair s−1 of MnCl4−1, both surpassing the medical diagnostic standard of 5.50 µGyair s−1. The chiral metal‐organic polymer film derived from MnBr4−2 has achieved a resolution up to 14.84 lp mm−1, exceeding medical standards for dental (2.0 lp mm−1) and breast cancer (10.0 lp mm−1) imaging. These advancements in chiral scintillators hold significant promise for high‐resolution X‐ray medical imaging applications.
Highly Dispersed Ru‐Pt Heterogeneous Nanoparticles on Reduced Graphene Oxide for Efficient pH‐Universal Hydrogen Evolution
Authors: Yang Junge , Feng Jinxian , Cao Youpeng , Xiao Yuxuan , Qiao Lulu , An Keyu , Yang Jiao , Peng Jing , Pan Hui , Cheng Hui‐Ming
Published: August 2024

An efficient and stable electrocatalyst is key for the production of green hydrogen using water electrolysis. However, the weak dissociation ability of Pt‐based catalysts, resulting in slow kinetics severely hampers its applications in alkali medium. Herein, a simple “coincident reduction” strategy is reported to grow highly dispersed Ru‐Pt heterogeneous bimetallic nanoparticles on reduced graphene oxide (RuxPty@rGO) for efficient pH‐universal hydrogen evolution. RuxPty@rGO has superior catalytic activity at all pH values due to the synergistic effect between Ru and Pt and the ultra‐small nanoparticle. In particular, the catalyst with 13.6 wt% of noble metal (Ru1Pt2@rGO) has low overpotentials of 9, 6, and 36 mV at 10 mA cm−2 in 1 m KOH, 0.5 m H2SO4 and 1 m phosphate buffer solution (PBS), respectively, which outperformances monometallic counterparts and comparable to the best bimetallic catalysts ever reported. The catalyst is highly stable because of the strong bonding between the bimetallic nanoparticle and rGO. Mechanism studies show that Ru1Pt2@rGO has a faster Volmer–Tafel mechanism in alkali, high‐efficient H+ transfer and increased H adsorption ability in acid, resulting in superior reaction kinetics. This work provides a new route for mass production of high‐performance catalysts for practical applications at all pH values.
Bi2Se3/PAAS Hydrogels with Photothermal and Antioxidant Properties for Bacterial Infection Wound Therapy by Improving Vascular Function and Regulating Glycolipid Metabolism
Authors: Zang Ying , Zhang Wei , Wang Peisan , Zhu Can , Guo Xueting , Wang Wenqi , Cheng Liang , Chen Xu‐Lin , Wang Xianwen
Published: August 2024

Skin is the largest organ in the human body, and it is also the most important natural barrier. However, some accidents can cause skin damage. Bacterial infections and inflammatory reactions can hinder wound healing. Therefore, eliminating bacterial infections and regulating oxidative stress are essential. The use of antibiotics is no longer sufficient because of bacterial resistance. The development of new nanomaterials provides another way of thinking about bacterial drug resistance. In this study, bismuth selenide is modified with polyethylpyrrolidone to obtain a 2D nanomaterial with negligible toxicity and then added to a sodium polyacrylate hydrogel, which is nontoxic and has strong tissue adhesion and a weak antibacterial effect. To further enhance antibacterial performance, photothermal therapy is a good strategy. Under near‐infrared light, Bi2Se3/PAAS shows a strong bactericidal effect. Bi2Se3/PAAS hydrogels also have certain antioxidant effects and are used to remove excess free radicals from wound infections. The effective therapeutic effect of Bi2Se3/PAAS/NIR on methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infection is further verified in animal models. Transcriptome analysis reveals that the Bi2Se3/PAAS hydrogel improves the function of vascular endothelial cells, regulates glucose and lipid metabolism, and promotes the healing of infected wounds.
Enhanced Dye Removal and Antibacterial Efficacy of Copper‐Doped ZnO Nanoparticles on Cellulose Nanofibers
Authors: Nguyen Phuong‐Linh , Tran Thi Ngat , Le Minh Thang , Ullah Azeem , Phan Duy‐Nam , Kim Ick‐Soo
Published: August 2024

Cu‐doped ZnO nanoparticle‐loaded cellulose nanofiber membranes are investigated for their potential photocatalytic and antibacterial properties. ZnO nanoparticles, both undoped and doped with copper, are synthesized by the co‐precipitation process, afterward immobilized onto cellulose nanofibers through the utilization of a dip‐coating technique. Methylene blue (MB) removal is evaluated to inspect the effectiveness of photocatalysts in both UV and Xenon lighting conditions. The morphology and structure of the composite cellulose nanofibers loaded with photocatalysts are then examined using FE‐SEM, TEM, XRD, FTIR, and UV–vis characterizations. Under visible light, the self‐cleaning effects of organic compounds are measured, presenting more than 50% of discoloration for various organic stains. The antibacterial activity is assessed using the Kirby–Bauer disc diffusion method and the plate counting method against the gram‐positive Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and gram‐negative Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteria. The current study shows that cellulose nanofibers coated with Cu‐doped ZnO nanoparticles exhibited excellent photocatalytic and antibacterial activities.
Unleashing the Electrochemical/Photocatalytic Activity of Co9Se8/Ni3Se4/Cu2Se Ternary Nanocomposites for Sustainable Energy Storage and Photo‐Fenton Based Pollutants Degradation
Authors: Mohapatra Subhashree , Das Himadri Tanaya , Tripathy Bankim Chandra , Das Nigamananda
Published: August 2024

Rational designing of multicomponent selenide‐based composites such as Co9Se8/Ni3Se4/Cu2Se (CNCD) is synthesized through a simplistic hydrothermal method. Several standard characterization techniques are utilized to study the structural, morphological and elemental features of the obtained samples with varying selenide content. Both electrochemically and photocatalytic performance are amplified at an optimized selenide content denoted as CNCD‐0.5 due to its favourable characteristics and morphology. From the electrochemical measurements, the battery‐type performance of the CNCD‐0.5 is established from the well‐distinguished redox peaks. For practical utility, the assembled CNCD‐0.5 (+) // AC (−) device delivered an energy density of 35.97 Wh kg−1 at a power density of 1210.86 W kg−1 with a capacity retention of 91% for 5000 cycles of uninterrupted charge–discharge. Further, the photo‐Fenton‐based degradation experiments are assessed by demineralization of cationic RhodamineB (RhB) and anionic Tartrazine (Tz) dye using H2O2 with the minimal dosage of catalyst (0.3 g L−1). At an optimized concentration of H2O2, CNCD‐0.5 can degrade 97.14% of RhB (40 mg L−1) and 94.77% of Tz (40 mg L−1) for 120 min of visible‐light illumination. Such designing of multinary metal selenides‐based nanocomposites holds promising potential for multifunctional applications due to the synergistic advancement in the composite properties.
Controlled Synthesis of Bismuth Atomic Clusters on Porous TiO2 Nanobiscuit with Ultrafast Sodium Storage
Authors: Huang Man , Ge Jinyu , Tan Hua , Ji Xuebiao , Liang Yazhan , Xi Baojuan , Zhou Weijia , Xiong ShengLin
Published: August 2024

Bismuth (Bi) has attracted widespread attention for sodium storage due to its high electronic/ionic conductivity, suitable reaction potential, and theoretical capacity (386 mAh g−1). However, Bi electrodes have a relatively high volumetric expansion ratio, which constrains their high capacity and affects the battery's cycle performance. Herein, a highly dispersed Bi atomic cluster is controllably prepared anchored on a porous TiO2 substrate through in situ segregation from Bi4Ti3O12 (TiO2/BiAC). The highly dispersed Bi clusters can serve as an “Ionic sponge” and accommodate more Na+ without causing excessive stress. Additionally, it aids in the decomposition of NaPF6, leading to the formation of a durable solid‐electrolyte interphase (SEI) layer rich in inorganic components. As expected, TiO2/BiAC exhibits excellent sodium storage performance in terms of cycling stability (346 mAh g−1 after 1000 cycles@ 1A g−1) and rate capability (231 mAh g−1 @ 100 A g−1). The pouch cell is further assembled and exhibits a specific capacity of 1.2 Ah after 200 cycles. This discovery presents a new method for developing efficient anode materials and is essential for steering the advancement of anode materials with fast charge–discharge capabilities.
Decoding competitiveness: Exploring how emergency medicine faculty interpret standardized letters of evaluation
Authors: Schrepel Caitlin , Sehdev Morgan , Dubosh Nicole M. , Schnapp Benjamin H. , Alvarez Al’ai , Pelletier‐Bui Alexis , Hegarty Cullen , Bord Sharon , Shappell Eric
Published: August 2024

Background

Given the importance of the standardized letter of evaluation (SLOE) for application to emergency medicine (EM) residency, it is important that SLOE developers and authors understand how reviewers determine SLOE competitiveness. To inform SLOE design and authorship, the authors set out to build a novel theory to explain how faculty holistically interpret SLOE competitiveness.

Methods

The authors used constructivist grounded theory to explore how EM faculty determine SLOE competitiveness. They used purposive sampling to recruit EM faculty participants with at least 1 year of experience in scoring SLOEs. One author conducted hour‐long, semistructured interviews over Zoom between August 2023 and March 2024. Two authors iteratively coded the data to develop the initial codebook, organize codes into categories, and build connections to construct the resulting theory.

Results

The authors interviewed 11 EM faculty from throughout the United States. Participants described a complex process to determine SLOE competitiveness. They began by contextualizing the SLOE to determine its trustworthiness and value before using various components of the SLOE to stratify and refine their understanding of competitiveness. Finally, when participants noted the inconsistency between different aspects of the SLOE, they used various methods to reconcile discordances and determine competitiveness.

Conclusions

This study illuminates the framework used by EM faculty to determine applicant competitiveness based on the SLOE and highlights several factors that SLOE authors should consider to ensure the accurate and efficient transfer of information.
Incidence of cardiovascular disease in a cohort of mine workers exposed to ultrafine aluminum powder in Ontario, Canada
Authors: Zarnke Andrew , Rhodes Sarah , DeBono Nathan , Berriault Colin , Dorman Sandra C.
Published: August 2024

Background

A retrospective cohort study was conducted to estimate associations between an ultrafine aluminum powder, McIntyre Powder (MP), and cardiovascular disease incidence in a cohort of mine workers from Ontario, Canada. Disease outcomes included ischemic heart disease (IHD), acute myocardial infarction (AMI), congestive heart failure (CHF), and strokes and transient ischemic attacks (STIA).

Methods

Using work history records from the Ontario Mining Master File (MMF) mine workers were followed for disease incidence in administrative health records. The analysis included 25,813 mine workers who were exposed to MP between 1943 and 1979 and followed for cardiovascular disease (CVD) diagnoses between 2006 and 2018. Cardiovascular disease cases were ascertained using physician, hospital, and ambulatory care records. Poisson regression models were used to estimate age and birth‐year adjusted incidence rate ratios (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for associations between MP exposure and CVD outcomes.

Results

Ever‐exposure to MP was positively associated with modest increases in the incidence rate of IHD, AMI, and CHF, but not STIA, using both assessment approaches. Duration of self‐reported MP exposure was positively associated with monotonically increasing rates of IHD and AMI compared to never‐exposed miners, with the greatest association observed among miners with >20 years of exposure (for IHD: RR 1.24, 95% CI: 0.91–1.68; and for AMI: RR 1.52, 95% CI 1.01–2.28).

Conclusion

Mine workers ever‐exposed to MP had modestly elevated rates of CVD. The rate of CVD diagnoses appeared to increase with longer duration of exposure when assessed by both self‐reported exposure and through historical records.
The impact of cadaveric donor transplant on the development of chronic rhinosinusitis and recalcitrant disease
Authors: Candelo Estephania , Bohorquez‐Caballero Anyull D. , Avila‐Castano Karol , Wadei Hani , Donaldson Angela M
Published: August 2024

Key points

The study found a higher incidence of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) and recalcitrant CRS in cadaveric organ transplant recipients compared to those receiving living donor transplants. Recipients of cadaveric transplants were 1.32 times more likely to develop CRS and 1.68 times more likely to develop medically recalcitrant CRS.

Living kidney transplants significantly reduced the risk of developing CRS (OR = 0.12) and recalcitrant CRS (OR = 0.11), highlighting a potentially protective effect against these conditions. In contrast, cadaveric liver transplants were associated with an increased risk of CRS and medically recalcitrant CRS.

Kaplan–Meier survival analysis indicated a significant difference in time to CRS onset between cadaveric and living donor transplants. Median time to CRS onset was longer for living donor recipients (21.1 months) compared to cadaveric recipients (15.6 months). This study underscores the need for transplant teams and otolaryngologist to consider donor type during transplant follow‐up due to differing risks of CRS development.
Integrative paleophysiology of the metriorhynchoid Pelagosaurus typus (Pseudosuchia, Thalattosuchia)
Authors: Cubo Jorge , Sena Mariana V. A. , Pellarin Romain , Faure‐Brac Mathieu G. , Aubier Paul , Cheyron Cassandra , Jouve Stéphane , Allain Ronan , Jalil Nour‐Eddine
Published: August 2024

Paleophysiology is an emergent discipline. Organismic (integrative) approaches seem more appropriate than studies focusing on the variation of specific features because traits are tightly related in actual organisms. Here, we used such an organismic approach (including lifestyle, thermometabolism, and hunting behavior) to understand the paleobiology of the lower Jurassic (Toarcian) thalattosuchian metriorhynchoid Pelagosaurus typus. First, we show that the lifestyle (aquatic, amphibious, terrestrial) has an effect on the femoral compactness profiles in amniotes. The profile of Pelagosaurus indicates that it was amphibious, with a foraging activity in shallow marine environments (as suggested by the presence of salt glands) and thermoregulatory basking behavior in land (as suggested by the presence of osteoderms with highly developed ornamentation). As for the thermometabolism, we show that the mass‐independent resting metabolic rate of Pelagosaurus is relatively high compared to the sample of extant ectothermic amniotes, but analysis of vascular canal diameter and inferences of red blood cell size refute the hypothesis suggesting incipient endothermy. Finally, the foraging behavior was inferred using two proxies. Pelagosaurus had a mass‐independent maximum metabolic rate and an aerobic scope higher than those measured in the almost motionless Iguana iguana, similar to those measured in the sit‐and‐wait predator Crocodylus porosus but lower than those quantified in the active hunter Varanus gouldii. These results suggest that Pelagosaurus may have had a hunting behavior involving a slow sustained swimming or a patient waiting in shallow waters, and may have caught preys like gharials, using fast sideways sweeping motions of the head.
Green preparation and evaluation of the anti‐psoriatic activity of vesicular elastic nanocarriers of kojic acid from Aspergillus oryzae N12: Repurposing of a dermo‐cosmetic lead
Authors: Moussa Ashaimaa Y. , Abbas Haidy , Zewail Mariam , Gaafar Passent M. E. , Ibrahim Nehal
Published: August 2024

Psoriasis is a skin disorder characterized by impaired epidermal differentiation that is regularly treated by systemic drugs with undesirable side effects. Based on its anti‐inflammatory, antiproliferative and anti‐melanoma attributes, the fungal metabolite kojic acid represents an attractive candidate for anti‐psoriatic research. The present work aims to investigate an efficient topical bio‐friendly vesicular system loaded with kojic acid isolated from Aspergillus oryzae as an alternative way for the management of psoriasis to avoid systemic toxicity. Kojic acid‐loaded spanlastics were prepared by ethanol injection technique, employing span 60 along with brij 35 and cremophor rh40 as edge activators, with the complete in vitro characterization of the developed nanoplatform. The selected formulation displayed a spherical morphology, an optimum particle size of 234.2 ± 1.65 nm, high entrapment efficiency (87.4% ± 0.84%) and significant sustained drug release compared with the drug solution. In vivo studies highlighted the superior relief of psoriasis symptoms and the ability to maintain healthy skin with the least changes in mRNA expression of inflammatory cytokines, achieved by the developed nanoplatform compared to kojic acid solution. Moreover, the in vivo histopathological studies confirmed the safety of the topically applied spanlastics. In addition, the molecular mechanism was approached through in vitro assessment of cathepsin S and PDE‐4 inhibitory activities and in silico investigation of kojic acid docking in several anti‐psoriatic drug targets. Our results suggest that a topically applied vesicular system loaded with kojic acid could lead to an expansion in the dermo‐cosmetic use of kojic acid as a natural bio‐friendly alternative for systemic anti‐psoriatic drugs.
Zinc‐Catalyzed N‐Aroylation of Sulfoximines with Carboxylic Acids
Authors: Chen Ze‐Wei , Bai Rekha , Annamalai Pratheepkumar , Badsara Satpal Singh , Lee Chin‐Fa
Published: August 2024

A zinc‐catalyzed C(sp2)−N dehydrative cross‐coupling between carboxylic acids and NH‐sulfoximines to afford N‐aroylated sulfoximines under mild reaction conditions is described. Various NH‐sulfoximines were coupled with readily available carboxylic acids to provide the corresponding N‐aroylated sulfoximines in good to excellent yields.
Modification of Lithium‐Rich Manganese Oxide Materials: Coating, Doping and Single Crystallization
Authors: Li Hui , Zhang Huijuan , Liang Ying , Chen Rong , Cao Yuliang
Published: August 2024

The increasing demand for portable electronics, electric vehicles and energy storage devices has spurred enormous research efforts to develop high‐energy‐density advanced lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs). Lithium‐rich manganese oxide (LRMO) is considered as one of the most promising cathode materials because of its high specific discharge capacity (>250 mAh g−1), low cost, and environmental friendliness, all of which are expected to propel the commercialization of lithium‐ion batteries. However, practical applications of LRMO are still limited by low coulombic efficiency, significant capacity and voltage decay, slow reaction kinetics, and poor rate performance. This review focus on recent advancements in the modification methods of LRMO materials, systematically summarizing surface coating with different physical properties (e. g., oxides, metal phosphates, metal fluorides, carbon, conductive polymers, lithium compound coatings, etc.), ion doping with different doping sites (Li sites, TM sites, O sites, etc.), and single crystal structures. Finally, the current states and issues, key challenges of the modification of LRMO are discussed, and the perspectives on the future development trend base on the viewpoint of the commercialization of LRMO are also provided.
Addition of an audience response system in a biomedical science course improves learning environment and student performance
Authors: Parikh Neha , Hansen‐Kiss Emily , Fakhouri Walid , Holland Julian N. , Henson Harold , Halpin Richard
Published: August 2024

The effectiveness of incorporating an audience response system (ARS) in improving the learning environment and student performance was assessed in a didactic biomedical science course at a large US dental school. Instructors and students were surveyed for their experiences of using Top Hat‐based ARS in a multi‐disciplinary biomedical science course. Average exam scores and grade distribution for challenging sections on immunology and developmental biology were compared before and after incorporating ARS. Pearson's chi‐squared test, likelihood ratio test, Student's t‐test and Fisher's exact test using beta regression model were used to assess statistical significance (p < 0.05). Student survey results with 78% (82/105) response rate, indicated that incorporating ARS improved student engagement, reinforced lecture material, and prepared them better for exams (p < 0.0001). Sixty seven percent of student respondents recommended continued integration of ARS questions in lectures (p < 0.0001). Although faculty survey data (n = 5, 100% response rate) were not statistically significant, the majority of faculty agreed that real‐time feedback through ARS allowed them to appropriately pace lecture delivery and restructure forthcoming material. The average exam scores and grade distribution for challenging sections showed modest improvement after incorporation of ARS (p < 0.05). There was no significant correlation between final course grades and ARS grades for participation or correctness. Incorporating the ARS in a multi‐disciplinary biomedical science course is perceived by faculty and students as an effective instructional approach that improves the learning environment, teaching strategies, and student performance.
Facile Synthesis of Ln‐Doped Hydrogen‐Bonded Organic Frameworks with Rare‐Earth‐Characteristic Long Persistent Luminescence
Authors: Wang Zheng , Pan Jun‐Jie , Chen Xin‐Qi , Li Meng‐Yang , Wang Shi‐Cheng
Published: August 2024

Tunable luminescence‐assisted information storage and encryption holds increasing significance in today's society. A promising approach to incorporating the benefits of both organic long persistent luminescent (LPL) materials and rare‐earth (RE) luminescence lies in utilizing organic host materials to sensitize RE luminescence, as well as employing Förster resonance energy transfer from hydrogen‐bonded organic framework (HOF) phosphorescence to RE compound luminescence. This work introduces a one‐pot, in situ pyrolytic condensation method, achieved through high‐temperature melting calcination, to synthesize lanthanide ion‐doped HOF materials. This method circumvents the drawback of molecular triplet energy annihilation, enabling the creation of organic LPL materials with RE characteristics. The HOF material serves as the host, exhibiting blue phosphorescence and cyan LPL. By fine‐tuning the doping amount, the composite material U‐Tb‐100 achieves green LPL with a luminescent quantum yield of 56.4 %, and an LPL duration of approximately 2–3 s, demonstrating tunable persistence. Single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction, spectral analysis, and theoretical calculation unveil that U‐Tb‐100 exhibits exceptional quantum yield and long‐lived luminescence primarily due to the efficient sensitization of U monomer to RE ions and the PRET process between U and RE complexes. This ingenious strategy not only expands the repertoire of HOF materials but also facilitates the design of multifunctional LPL materials.
Online Water Content Determination in Wood Chips Using a Microwave Sensor
Authors: Endriss Felix , Saur Gerrit , Thorwarth Harald
Published: August 2024

The water content is an essential parameter for assessing the quality of solid biofuels. In terms of economic, technical and environmental aspects a continuous determination of the solid fuel water content is sought. This article investigates the use of microwave technology for the continuous measurement of fuel water content. For this purpose, a microwave sensor was evaluated with five different types of wood chips (forest residues, beech, pine, and ash). The results of the online measurements showed a strong correlation with the reference method r < 0.9 for most materials. This means that continuous water content determination of wood fuels using microwave technology is fundamentally possible.
Electroactive and Self‐healing Polyurethane Doped Tin Oxide Interlayers for Efficient Organic Solar Cells†
Authors: Wang Xu , Tian Jing , You Zuhao , Lei Le , Ge Aokang , Liu Yao
Published: August 2024

Comprehensive Summary

Tin oxide (SnO2) has been widely used as an electron transport layer (ETL) in optoelectronic devices. However, there are numerous surface or bulk defects in SnO2, working as charge recombination centers to degrade device. Here, an electroactive and self‐healing polyurethane (PHNN) was designed by integrating conjugated unit – naphthalene diimide (NDI) into a typical polyurethane backbone. Numerous hydrogen bonds and π interactions in PHNN work as non‐covalent interactions to endow this polymer with superior self‐healing properties. PHNN contains lots of aliphatic amine and carbonyl groups, which effectively passivate the defects in SnO2. The π stacking of NDI units will facilitate electron delocalization, endowing PHNN with electrical activity compared with traditional polyurethane. Doping SnO2 with PHNN can improve the conductivity and reduce the work function of SnO2 layer, which is conducive to efficient charge extraction and transport. Using PHNN doped SnO2 as ETL for PM6: Y6 and PM6: BTP‐eC9 based inverted organic solar cells can achieve a high efficiency of 17.16% and 17.51%, respectively. Devices containing doped SnO2 ETL show significantly improved efficiency and stability. Thus, the electroactive polyurethane doped SnO2 interlayers show high performance interfacial modification to align energy‐levels in solar cell devices, which have promising applications in organic electronics.
Advancing water absorption capacity in hard winter wheat using a multivariate genomic prediction approach
Authors: Wondifraw Meseret , Winn Zachary J. , Haley Scott D. , Stromberger John A. , Hudson‐Arns Emily , Mason R. Esten
Published: August 2024

The water absorption capacity (WAC) of hard wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) flour affects end‐use quality characteristics, including loaf volume, bread yield, and shelf life. However, improving WAC through phenotypic selection is challenging. Phenotyping for WAC is time consuming and, as such, is often limited to evaluation in the latter stages of the breeding process, resulting in the retention of suboptimal lines longer than desired. This study investigates the potential of univariate and multivariate genomic predictions as an alternative to phenotypic selection for improving WAC. A total of 497 hard winter wheat genotypes were evaluated in multi‐environment advanced yield and elite trials over 8 years (2014–2021). Phenotyping for WAC was done via the solvent retention capacity (SRC) using water as a solvent (SRC‐W). Traits that exhibited a significant correlation (r ≥ 0.3) with SRC‐W and were evaluated earlier than SRC‐W were included in the multivariate genomic prediction models. Kernel hardness and diameter were obtained using the single kernel characterization system (SKCS), and break flour yield and total flour yield (T‐Flour) were included. Cross‐validation showed the mean univariate genomic prediction accuracy of SRC to be r = 0.69 ± 0.005, while bivariate and multivariate models showed an improved prediction accuracy of r = 0.82 ± 0.003. Forward validation showed a prediction accuracy up to r = 0.81 for a multivariate model that included SRC‐W + All traits (SRC‐W, Diameter, SKCS hardness and diameter, F‐Flour, and T‐Flour). These results suggest that incorporating correlated traits into genomic prediction models can improve early‐generation prediction accuracy.