Canopy functional trait variation across Earth's tropical forests.

Tropical forest canopies are the biosphere's most concentrated atmospheric interface for carbon, water and energy. However, in most Earth System Models, the diverse and heterogeneous tropical forest biome is represented as a largely uniform ecosystem with either a singular or a small number of fixed canopy ecophysiological properties. This situation arises, in part, from a lack of understanding about how and why the functional properties of tropical forest canopies vary geographically.

Advanced methodology for maximum torque point tracking of hybrid excitation PMSM for EVs.

This manuscript presents an innovative control strategy for the Hybrid Excitation Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor (HEPMSM) designed for electric vehicle (EV) applications. The strategy combines Maximum Torque Point Tracking (MTPT) and Maximum Torque Per Ampere (MTPA) techniques to track the ideal torque-speed profile, ensuring maximum torque at low speeds for starting and climbing, and high power at higher speeds for cruising. A novel unidirectional excitation current method is proposed to replace traditional bidirectional field current control, eliminating the risk of permanent magnet demagnetization, reducing copper losses, and increasing efficiency.

Artificial Intelligence in Prosthodontics.

Artificial intelligence (AI) has significantly impacted numerous industries, including health care, dentistry, and specifically prosthodontics. This review focuses on AI's role in prosthodontics, detailing its use in diagnosis, design, and manufacturing. AI-driven systems analyze intraoral scans, improve prosthetic planning, and aid in robotic procedures.

Harmony in diversity: Reorganizing the families within the order Pseudomonadales.

An accurate and coherent bacterial taxonomy is essential for studying the ecological aspects of microorganisms and for understanding microbial communities and their dynamics. The order Pseudomonadales is of particular importance in biological research due to its ability to interact with eukaryotic hosts, including taxa of clinical relevance (e.g.

Risk factors for difficult endoscopic bowel dilatation of predominantly shorter and non - inflammatory strictures among patients with inflammatory bowel disease: Findings from a IBD tertiary centers in Poland and Czech Republic.

Background And Aims: Intestinal strictures are a common and serious complication of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Endoscopic balloon dilatation (EBD) is the first step treatment to avoid the surgery. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence, risk factors and clinical sequelae of difficult EBD.

Analysis of neutron induced reaction cross-section on Sb isotopes at neutron energy of 14.96 ± 0.03 MeV.

The cross-section measurement of Antimony (Sb) is pivotal to modify or stagnate the rate of neutron flux in nuclear reactors. Neutron induced reaction cross-section data for isotopes of Sb is meagre as per reported in EXFOR. A comprehensive attempt has been made to analyse the reaction cross-section of Sb and Sb at monoenergetic neutron energy of 14.

Bioaccumulation of Pharmaceutically Active Compounds from Treated Urban Wastewaters in Aquatic Insect Larvae and Aerial Adults.

The bioaccumulation of 80 pharmaceutically active compounds (PhACs) was examined in larvae, pupae, and (sub)adults of three groups of aquatic insects (caddisflies and spp. and mayfly ) reared in laboratory conditions, with their larvae exposed to a treated urban wastewater for up to 3 months and fed with uncontaminated food. The probability of PhAC detection (above limits of quantification) in larvae was relatively constant throughout the exposure time, while in adults, it was lower at the beginning with a subsequent increase.

A phase I dose escalation study of the HIF-2 alpha inhibitor DFF332 in patients with advanced clear cell renal cell carcinoma.

Background: Mutations or silencing of the von Hippel Lindau (VHL) tumor suppressor gene accumulates hypoxia-inducible factors (HIFs). HIF-2α is implicated in the oncogenesis of ~50% of patients with clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) but, has been considered "undruggable". DFF332, an orally administered novel allosteric inhibitor of HIF-2α showed dose-dependent antitumor efficacy in preclinical models of ccRCC.

Differential effect of monoterpenes and flavonoids on the transcription of aromatic ring-hydroxylating dioxygenase genes in C1 and sp. WAY2.

Aromatic ring-hydroxylating dioxygenases (ARHDs) play a crucial role in the aerobic biodegradation of both natural and anthropogenic aromatic compounds. Although their ability to process contaminants is not entirely understood, it is thought to have evolved from the transformation of structurally similar secondary plant metabolites (SPMs). Hence, to investigate this connection, we tested a variety of SPMs from the monoterpene and flavonoid classes as carbon sources and transcriptional effectors of several phylogenetically distant ARHD genes involved in the degradation of aromatic pollutants.

Bentonite sterilization methods in relation to geological disposal of radioactive waste: Comparative efficiency of dry heat and gamma radiation.

Aims: This study evaluates the effectiveness of two standard sterilization methods on microorganisms in bentonite, which is proposed as a buffer around metal canisters containing long-lived radioactive waste. Bentonite, as a natural clay, contains microorganisms with enhanced resistance to harsh conditions and the ability to reactivate upon decompaction. Sterile controls are crucial in experiments estimating the impact of microorganisms on nuclear waste repositories.

Exogenous enzyme pretreatment improves utilization of high-carbohydrate diets in rainbow trout (Onchorhynchus mykiss): effects on growth, digestibility, fillet quality, and gene expression.

Exogenous enzymes are used to enhance ingredient digestibility, overall fish growth, and feed utilization; however, different administration methods have not been extensively studied. In this study, a mixture of carbohydrases (α-amylase, cellulase, xylanase, and β-glucanase) was applied before (at B3, B6, B12, and B24 hours), during (D), or after (A) the production of high-carbohydrate diets (33% carbohydrates) to assess their effects on the growth and feed utilization of rainbow trout. The enzymes were added to the diets at the minimum required levels, determined by a reducing sugar test with dinitrosalicylic acid (DNS) based on the available wheat flour and soybean meal in the diet.

2D Metalorganic Ferromagnets.

Low-dimensional materials exhibiting stable magnetic ordering are interesting from a fundamental point of view as well as for future application in information technologies. Metalorganic magnets, created by linking metal atoms with specific organic molecules, allow adjustments to their properties by synthetically modifying the structure of these molecules or the way they connect to the metal atoms. Here, the study details the formation, structure, and magnetic behavior of a single-layer 2D metalorganic coordination network made of Ni atoms and tetracyanoethylene (TCNE) molecules (2D Ni-TCNE).

Enantioselective Synthesis of Spirocyclic Isoxazolones Using a Conia-Ene Type Reaction.

Stereoselective synthesis of spirocyclic compounds containing heterocyclic motifs represents a formidable challenge in enantioselective synthesis. Here, we present a cascade reaction between α,β-unsaturated aldehydes and isoxazolones under synergistic catalysis of a chiral secondary amine and a palladium(0) catalyst. This strategy allows access to chiral spiroisoxazolone derivatives with a large substrate scope tolerance and high levels of diastereoselectivity (dr up to 20:1) and enantioselectivity (up to 99% ee).

Enhanced Catalytic Activity of Pt Nanostructured Electrodes Deposited by Spark Ablation for Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells.

Catalyst layers play a crucial role in determining the performance of proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs). However, the deposition of catalyst layers poses challenges in PEMFC stack production due to the complexity of the fabrication steps. Herein, we present a simplified approach to synthesize Pt nanostructures via spark ablation and simultaneously deposit them onto gas diffusion layers (GDL).

ZrN nucleation layer provides backside ohmic contact to MBE-grown GaN nanowires.

Self-assembled GaN nanowires are typically grown on Si substrates with convenient nucleation layers. Light-emitting devices based on arrays of GaN nanowires require that the nucleation layer is electrically conductive and optically nontransparent to prevent the absorption of generated light in the Si substrate. This study reports the molecular beam epitaxial growth of GaN nanowires on ZrN nucleation layers sputtered on sapphire and demonstrates that ZrN provides ohmic contact to dense vertical arrays of n-type GaN nanowires.

Riverine Barrier Removals Could Proliferate Biological Invasions.

Multiple stressors, such as pollution, climate change, invasive species and fragmentation, threaten global ecosystems, requiring holistic management actions. Freshwater ecosystems are disproportionately biodiverse and particularly impacted by fragmentation and biological invasions. Artificial barriers, such as dams and weirs, are long-standing features of global landscapes, with a divergence of views on their benefits and disbenefits.

International Consensus on Evidence Gaps and Research Opportunities in Extracorporeal Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation for Refractory Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest: A Report From the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute Workshop.

The increased accessibility of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation following the COVID-19 pandemic and the publication of the first randomized trial of extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR) prompted the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute to sponsor a workshop on ECPR. Two more randomized trials have since been published in 2022 and 2023. Based on the combined findings and review of the evidence, an international panel of authors identified gaps in science, inequities in care and diversity in outcomes, and suggested research opportunities and next steps.

Cross-Cultural Validation of the Binge Eating Disorder Screener-7 (BEDS-7) Across 42 Countries.

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the reliability and validity of the Binge Eating Disorder Screener-7 (BEDS-7) across 42 countries and 26 languages, assessing its reliability and validity as a screening tool for binge-eating disorder (BED) in diverse cultural contexts. Specifically, it sought to enhance early recognition of BED symptoms in primary care settings globally, contributing to a standardized framework for assessing BED.

Method: The International Sex Survey, a cross-sectional online study, was conducted in 42 countries and 26 languages.

N4-acetylcytidine and other RNA modifications in epitranscriptome: insight into DNA repair and cancer development.

N4-acetylcytidine (ac4C) is a post-transcriptional RNA modification that plays a crucial role in the epitranscriptome, influencing gene expression and cellular function. This modification occurs at the cytosine base, where an acetyl group is installed to the nitrogen at the 4th position (N4). This co-transcription modification affects RNA stability, RNA structure, and translation efficiency.

Crusaders, monks and family fortunes: evolutionary models of male homosexuality and related phenomena.

The fraternal birth order effect (FBOE) is a well documented preponderance of older brothers among gay men. Until now, it has lacked a proper formal treatment in light of evolutionary theory. In this article, we propose two related mathematical models based on the rigorous application of the inclusive fitness concept.

Heterostructured Electrocatalysts: from Fundamental Microkinetic Model to Electron Configuration and Interfacial Reactive Microenvironment.

Electrocatalysts can efficiently convert earth-abundant simple molecules into high-value-added products. In this context, heterostructures, which are largely determined by the interface, have emerged as a pivotal architecture for enhancing the activity of electrocatalysts. In this review, the atomistic understanding of heterostructured electrocatalysts is considered, focusing on the reaction kinetic rate and electron configuration, gained from both empirical studies and theoretical models.

Vitamin D and its receptor in skeletal muscle are associated with muscle disease manifestation, lipid metabolism and physical fitness of patients with myositis.

Background: Low levels of vitamin D have been associated with several autoimmune diseases. A growing body of evidence supports the association of vitamin D with skeletal muscle damage, regeneration, and energy and lipid metabolism. The aim was to analyse vitamin D and its receptor (VDR) in the muscle tissue of patients with idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIM) and to relate them to clinical parameters and muscle lipid and energy metabolism.

Developmental odontogenic cysts with special focus on the occurrence of multiple cysts and syndromic association: a single-centre cross-sectional study from the Czech Republic.

Background: This retrospective study aims to evaluate the relative representation of individual types of developmental odontogenic cysts (DOCs), especially from the perspective of syndromic and non-syndromic multiple DOCs in the Czech population. In addition, we also summarize the previous studies on the occurrence of multiple DOCs and provide a literature review of case reports and case series on non-syndromic multiple DOCs, particularly dentigerous cysts (DCs) and odontogenic keratocysts (OKCs).

Methods: The study included histologically confirmed DOCs retrieved between January 1, 2012, and August 8, 2023, at the Clinic of Maxillofacial Surgery, University Hospital Brno, Czech Republic.

A novel pressure control method for nonlinear shell-and-tube steam condenser system via electric eel foraging optimizer.

Precise pressure control in shell-and-tube steam condensers is crucial for ensuring efficiency in thermal power plants. However, traditional controllers (PI, PD, PID) struggle with nonlinearities and external disturbances, while classical tuning methods (Ziegler-Nichols, and Cohen-Coon) fail to provide optimal parameter selection. These challenges lead to slow response, high overshoot, and poor steady-state performance.