Lifespan Research Articles

Agency and Communion in Brief Entire Life Narratives Across the Life Span

ABSTRACTObjectiveThe evolving life story is integral to personality, and motivational themes are central features of the life story. Personality implies individual differences that are relatively stable over time, but still allow for developmental processes. This study explored both long‐term stability and developmental change in thematic content of the life story.MethodFulfilled and unfulfilled agency and communion were studied in brief entire life narratives across 4 measurements in 12 years in a cohort‐sequential design including six cohorts (n = 172; age 8–77).ResultsFulfilled agency and communion, as well as unfulfilled agency exhibited moderate rank order stability over 4 and 8 years, fulfilled communion showed even a modest 12‐year stability, whereas unfulfilled communion displayed an unsystematic pattern. Developmentally, multilevel analyses revealed an inverted U‐shaped association between age and both fulfilled and unfulfilled agency, peaking in mid‐life. Fulfilled communion declined after emerging adulthood, but unexpectedly did not increase again in old age. Unfulfilled communion showed no systematic age trends. Girls and women told life narratives with more fulfilled and unfulfilled communion, whereas genders did not differ in either kind of agency.ConclusionThe content of the life story exhibits rank‐order stability over time and systematic mean‐level development across the life span.

Numerical Prediction of Cavitation Erosion Risk Based on a New Erosion Indicator

ABSTRACTCavitation erosion would degrade the performance of the fluid machinery. To improve the reliability and prolong the life span of fluid machinery, it is necessary to study the mechanism of cavitation erosion and predict the possibility of erosion. Since the erosion power to be measured and calculated is closer to the actual state of cavitation, a new cavitation erosion indicator epp model based on erosion power is proposed, which can reflect the size and region of the erosion generated by cavitation more precisely. Concerning the cases of the axisymmetric nozzle and venturi tube, the prediction of cavitation erosion based on the newly proposed indicator is illustrated. It is found that cavitation erosion mainly occurs near the maximum margin of the cavitation region. This research indicates the possible erosion state of fluid machinery in a cavitation environment and provides a new approach to estimate the state of cavitation erosion.

Ultrafast Tailoring Amorphous Zn0.25V2O5 with Precision‐Engineered Artificial Atomic‐Layer 1T′‐MoS2 Cathode Electrolyte Interphase for Advanced Aqueous Zinc‐Ion Batteries

AbstractVanadium (V)‐based oxides as cathode materials for aqueous zinc‐ion batteries (AZIBs) still encounter challenges such as sluggish Zn2+ diffusion kinetics and V‐dissolution, thus leading to severe capacity fading and limited life span. Here, we designed an ultrafast and facile colloidal chemical synthesis strategy based on crystalline Zn0.25V2O5 (c‐ZVO) to successfully prepare a‐ZVO@MoS2 core@shell heterostructures, where atomic‐layer MoS2 uniformly coats on the surface of amorphous a‐ZVO. The tailored amorphous structure of a‐ZVO provides more isotropic pathways and active sites for Zn2+, thus significantly enhancing the Zn2+ diffusion kinetics during charge–discharge processes. Meanwhile, as an efficient artificial cathode electrolyte interphase, the precision‐engineered atomic‐layer MoS2 with semi‐metallic 1T′ phase not only contributes to improved electron transport but also effectively inhibits the V‐dissolution of a‐ZVO. Therefore, the prepared a‐ZVO@MoS2 and conceptually validated a‐V2O5@MoS2 derived from commercial c‐V2O5 exhibit excellent cycling stability at an ultralow current density (0.05 A g−1) while maintaining good rate capability and capacity retention. This research achievement provides a new effective strategy for various amorphous cathode designs for AZIBs with superior performance.

Analysis the Principle and Applications for Stirling Engines of Household

Abstract. The Stirling engine is a path that was not intensively researched and developed on compared to internal combustion engines. However, with advanced technology one has now compared to the 1800s, Stirling engines can be used for purposes including generating electricity and heat in households. Its potential lays in its high thermal efficiency, long life span, as well as the advantage that it can operate quietly. This study investigates and discusses the applications of Stirling engines in houses. There are a lot of ways that Stirling engines can be implemented in daily life, including micro-CHP, water pump, electricity generator. In the future, with better technologies, Stirling engines may be brought up more due to its high efficiency and other beneficial traits. These results aim to increase the attention to Stirling engines and the possibility of implementing it for residential purposes, possibly leading to further research on the topic to further exploit the potentialities of the Stirling engines.

Robust assembly of electron transfer chain in the brain of Naked Mole-Rat during aging

Naked mole-rats (NMR, Heterocephalus glaber) are the longest-lived rodent species, with a maximum life span of more than 30 years. These long-lived mammals exhibit delayed aging phenotypes and resistance to age-related pathologies including neurodegeneration. Multiple regulatory pathways have been proposed for the anti-aging mechanisms in NMR including enhanced mitochondrial function and suppressed oxidative stress. In this study, we investigated the assembly of the electron transfer chain (ETC) which constitutes the structural base for the regulation of both oxidative phosphorylation and the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), in brains from young and old NMR and C57BL/6 mice. While ETC assembly declined with aging in C57BL/6 mice, we found that NMR display a robust respiratory chain assembly at older ages in both males and females. Among them, individual complex IV and supercomplexes containing complex I and III or complex III and IV showed the most pronounced differences between two species. Our results indicate that a preserved robust assembly of ETC during aging contributes to enhanced mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation and suppressed oxidative stress, which may contribute to the longevity and resistance to age-related pathologies in NMR.

Development of Elite Mother Palms from the Best-Performing Slow-Vertical-Growth Oil Palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) Genotypes

Harvesting is a serious issue in oil palm plantations after 15–20 years owing to the increased height of the trees (>9 m). The slow vertical growth of the oil palm dura genotypes is desired for increasing the D × P progenies’ productivity and economic life span upto ten years. A reduced height increment has a long-term impact on harvesting costs. The current study assessed 308 genotypes generated from African germplasm. Over a three year period, the biometric properties of eleven D × D crosses were evaluated in order to quantify genetic parameters and phenotypic correlations, and principal component analysis was performed for genetic attributes of the better-performing dwarf progenies in terms of yield. The evaluated genotypes have a highly significant influence (p < 0.01) on the majority of characteristics. The progenies yielded between 165 and 208 kg of fresh fruit bunches (FFBs) per palm every year. The height increment (HI) varied between 17% and 19%, with an overall average of 18%. Genotypes G8, G300, and G221 had the lowest yearly height increments, measuring 28.98, 29.19, and 30.87 cm, respectively. The outcome of the present study shows that they are slow-height-increment genotypes with a high FFB yield (>25 T/Ha). The creation of dura parents with a slow height increment in combination with a high bunch weight helps for prolonging the productive life of the palm to more than 35 years, adding value to obtain distinct oil palm varieties. Overall, this targeted breeding effort towards developing dwarf oil palm hybrids reflects a strategic approach to addressing specific challenges in oil palm cultivation, ultimately helping to promote the oil palm sector globally.

SLC2A1 variants cause late-onset epilepsy and the genetic-dependent stage feature

BackgroundThe SLC2A1 gene plays a vital role in brain energy metabolism. SLC2A1 variants have been reported to be associated with early-onset refractory seizures. This study aims to explore the association between the SLC2A1 gene and late-onset epilepsy.MethodsTrios-based whole-exome sequencing was performed on patients with epilepsy without acquired etiologies. The pathogenicity of the variants was assessed according to the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG) guidelines.ResultsA total of 14 heterozygous SLC2A1 variants were identified in 16 unrelated families. The variants were evaluated as “pathogenic” or “likely pathogenic” according to the ACMG guidelines. Ten cases (62.5%) presented with infantile onset seizures and developmental delay/intellectual disability and were diagnosed with developmental and epileptic encephalopathy (DEE). The other six cases (37.5%) exhibited late-onset seizures and normal development. They were diagnosed with idiopathic partial epilepsy (n = 2) or idiopathic generalized epilepsy (n = 4). Further analysis showed that DEE-associated variants tended to cluster in the transmembrane region, whereas the mild epilepsy-associated variants tended to locate in regions outside the transmembrane region, suggesting a potential molecular sub-regional effect. A total of 15 cases had delayed diagnosis, with the longest delay being 22 years. The SLC2A1 expression stage, which is expressed at relatively high level throughout the whole life span, from the embryonic to adult stages with two peaks at approximately four and 14 years, is generally consistent with the seizure onset age. In addition, patients with early-onset age had variants that were potentially associated with severe damage, suggesting a potential correlation between the age of disease onset and the damaging effects of the variants.ConclusionsSLC2A1 variants are associated with late-onset epilepsy, which is consistent with the genetic-dependent stage feature of SLC2A1. Early genetic diagnosis is important for treatment of patients with SLC2A1 variants.

Dementia risk reduction in the African context: Multi‐national implementation of multimodal strategies to promote healthy brain aging in Africa (the Africa‐FINGERS project)

AbstractDementia prevention in Africa is critically underexplored, despite the continent's high prevalence of modifiable risk factors. With a predominantly young and middle‐aged population, Africa presents a prime opportunity to implement evidence‐based strategies that could significantly reduce future dementia cases and mitigate its economic impact. The multinational Africa‐FINGERS program offers an innovative solution, pioneering culturally sensitive, multidomain interventions tailored to the unique challenges of the region. Leveraging insights from landmark global studies such as Worldwide‐FINGERS and Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative, the program employs a multideterminant precision prevention framework, grounded in community based systems dynamics. Africa‐FINGERS further integrates cutting‐edge state‐of‐the‐art multimodal biomarker evaluations tailored to regional contexts, with the goal of advancing brain health and establishing a global standard for dementia prevention. This groundbreaking initiative highlights the potential for scalableand sustainable interventions, thus is poised to transform dementia risk reduction efforts across the continent.Highlights Dementia rates are escalating in Africa, largely due to longer life spans and increased prevalence of modifiable risk factors. Yet, few regional interventions have directly targeted lifestyle factors to reduce dementia risk. The multinational Africa‐FINGERS study will address this gap by adapting the successful FINGERS lifestyle intervention to African populations. Africa‐FINGERS will pioneer a culturally informed, multidomain dementia risk reduction intervention in the African region through feasibility dementia prevention trials in rural and urban sites across Kenya and Nigeria in the first instance, enrolling 600 at‐risk adults (≥ 50 years). The program adopts participatory research methods to develop culturally appropriate interventions and build infrastructure to evaluate dementia biomarkers from ante and post mortem samples. A cost‐effectiveness analysis will be conducted to guide the strategic implementation of Africa‐FINGERS into regional health systems. The Africa‐FINGERS strategy aligns with the Worldwide‐FINGERS framework and integrates the global Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative approach, emphasizing multimodal analysis.

The association between breast cancer and lung cancer: a bidirectional Mendelian randomization study.

With increasing life spans, breast cancer (BC) survivors may face the possibility of developing second primary cancer (SPC), which can considerably shorten survival. Lung cancer (LC) is a common SPC among BC survivors. This study explored the association between these two cancers through Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis. A bidirectional two-sample MR analysis was conducted with BC genome-wide association study (GWAS) data from the Breast Cancer Association Consortium (BCAC) included 228,951 individuals and the GWAS summary statistics from the Transdisciplinary Research in Cancer of the Lung (TRICL) of LC included 112,781 individuals. The IVW method and MR-RAPS method showed a causal effect of overall BC on lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) (IVW: OR = 1.060, 95% CI = 1.008-1.116, P = 0.024; MR-RAPS: OR = 1.059, 95% CI = 1.005-1.116, P = 0.033), which indicated that patients with BC had an increased risk of LUAD. However, there is no strong evidence for a causal effect of LUAD on BC. Our study revealed a causal effect of BC on second primary LUAD, suggesting that we should intensify screening for second primary LC in BC survivors. Early intervention and treatment for patients with second primary LC are needed to reduce mortality in BC survivors.

Ballooning and Bursting of Barrels and Pipes: A Rare Case of Suspected Vascular Ehlers–Danlos Disease

Vascular Ehler–Danlos disease (vEDS), a rare subtype of a rare disease, is a life-threatening disease, with an increased risk for spontaneous vascular or visceral rupture. These patients have fatal complications ranging from vascular aneurysms, dissection, and rupture of systemic vessels to frequent thromboembolic events, the common causes of death in these individuals with a shortened life span. In the present case, a 28-year-old male with history of shoulder dislocations and spontaneous colon perforation presented to the primary care clinic with right lower extremity swelling and pain. His history includes presentation to the emergency department with left lower leg swelling with compartment syndrome one year prior. A CT angiogram of lower extremities and abdomen revealed acute arterial extravasation of the left posterior tibial artery, indicating a ruptured aneurysm along with aneurysms of the splenic artery and left common iliac artery. He was treated with a saphenous vein graft, but was associated with post-operative complications that necessitated below-knee amputation. CT angiogram of his right leg revealed occlusion of the anterior tibial and peroneal arteries with aneurysms, and, ultimately, he was referred to a tertiary care center for aneurysm embolization. This case report emphasizes the frequent vascular complications encountered in vascular EDS patients, and thus advocates for close and regular monitoring for early referral and surgical management of their vascular anomalies. Finally, genetic counseling and screening of asymptomatic family members should be routinely implemented in these patients.

A note on potential gains in precision of radiation risk estimates from joint analysis.

In estimating radiation-related risk of cancer and other diseases based on the RERF Life Span Study (LSS), joint analyses can be performed where multiple health outcome endpoints are combined in the same model, allowing some parameters to be estimated in common among all endpoints with possible increase in precision of radiation risk and other model parameter estimates. Using as a basis excess relative risk (ERR) and excess absolute risk (EAR) models of the type commonly used in analysis of LSS data at RERF, we use maximum likelihood theory to compute the asymptotic relative standard error of endpoint-specific radiation effect and other parameter estimates using joint analyses as compared to traditional independent analysis. We show that some gains in precision of endpoint-specific radiation risk parameter estimates can be achieved by sharing effect modifier and other model parameters, but only small or negligible gains in precision are achieved for endpoint-specific background modifying or effect modifying parameters when other model parameters are shared. The magnitude of the precision gain for radiation risk estimates depends on the number of endpoints, the baseline incidence rate of the endpoint, and the type of model being used.

A Deep Learning Dependent Controller for Advanced Ultracapacitor SoC Concept to Increase Battery Life Span of Electric Vehicles

ABSTRACTOn a global scale, significant progress is being made in the field of battery technology for Electric Vehicle (EV) applications, driven by the need to combat carbon emissions and mitigate the effects of global warming. Accurately determining critical parameters, making sure battery storage system diagnosis, and functioning are correct are critical to the feasibility of EVs. However, insufficient supervision and safety measures for these storage systems may lead to serious problems like a thermal runaway, overcharging, overheating, cell imbalances, and fire hazards. To tackle these challenges, the presence of an efficient battery management system becomes paramount. By facilitating accurate monitoring, managing heat dissipation, regulating charging‐discharging procedures, guaranteeing battery safety, and offering protection measures, this system is essential to maximizing battery performance. The key intention of this innovative approach is to improve the longevity of EV batteries during extended periods of operation. By assessing vehicle velocity, remaining battery energy, and State of Charge (SoC), the proposed method effectively manages SoC in both the battery and ultracapacitor. This control is accomplished through a two‐stage convolutional neural network‐based system known as the Charge Sustain‐CNN Controller and the Charge Deplete‐CNN Controller. These controllers are fine‐tuned using the Fractional Latrans‐Hunt optimization (FLHO) algorithm to optimize the performance. The evaluation criteria encompass the battery and ultracapacitor's energy efficiency, as well as vehicle velocity. This novel approach significantly improves the energy storage system in EVs, leading to enhanced energy efficiency and prolonged battery life. Ultimately, experimental results validate the practicality and effectiveness of this developed method. Specifically, the proposed approach attained the Battery's SoC of 72.47%, 91.99%, and 82.88% for the different drive cycles including the FTP75, J1015, and UDDS, respectively.

Recent Progress on the Materials of Oxygen Ion-Conducting Solid Oxide Fuel Cells and Experimental Analysis of Biogas-Assisted Electrolysis over a LSC Anode

In this work, the recent achievements in the application of solid oxides fuel cells (SOFCs) are discussed. This paper summarizes the progress in two major topics: the materials for the electrolytes, anode, and cathode, and the fuels used, such as hydrocarbon, alcohol, and solid carbon fuels. Various aspects related to the development of new materials for the main components of the materials for electrocatalysts and for solid electrolytes (e.g., pure metals, metal alloys, high entropy oxides, cermets, perovskite oxides, Ruddlesden–Popper phase materials, scandia-stabilized-zirconia, perovskite oxides, and ceria-based solid electrolytes) are reported in a coherent and explanatory way. The selection of appropriate material for electrocatalysts and for solid electrolyte is crucial to achieve successful commercialization of the SOFC technology, since enhanced efficiency and increased life span is desirable. Based on the recent advancements, tests were conducted in a biogas-fueled Ni-YSZ/YSZ/GDC/LSC commercial cell, to elucidate the suitability of the LSC as an anode. Results obtained encourage the application of LSC as an anode in actual SOFC and SOFEC systems. Thus, H2-SOFC demonstrated a satisfying ASR value, while, for biogas-assisted electrolysis, the current values slightly increased compared to the methane-SOFEC, and for a 50/50 biogas mixture of methane and carbon dioxide, the corresponding value presented the higher increase.

New evidence on the spread in Catalonia of the invasive longhorn beetle, Xylotrechus chinensis, and the efficacy of abamectin control.

The invasive wasp-mimicking Tiger Longicorn Beetle, Xylotrechus chinensis, a potentially lethal pest of mulberry trees (Moraceae: Morus spp.), was first reported in Europe in 2018. In Catalonia its spread has been impressive: one district, four towns, 44km2 in February 2018; four districts, 12 towns, 378km2 in July 2020; seven districts, 65 towns, 1134km2 in December 2023. It is likely the infestation will spread further in the future, in particular along the Mediterranean coast from Spain to Greece. The flight period of this beetle in Mediterranean countries is expanding on both ends (from the end of April to mid-October), probably due to increasing temperatures because of climate change, although this should be further proved. The adult beetle life span is 18-23 days in insectaria, likely somewhat shorter in the wild since they do not feed and spend more energy flying outside. The single treatment with abamectin carried out in a Catalonian town in June 2022 on a sample of 24 trees (12 treated, 12 untreated) has been effective in reducing the infestation of this beetle in relation to untreated trees. But the reduction was not complete since new exit holes appeared during the summer of the following year. Therefore, an additional treatment carried out during the first ten days of October should be tested to achieve a better control of this pest. It would also be worthwhile trying a single treatment of abamectin in mid-July since it should be able to kill larvae hatching before the treatment and still have sufficient residual activity for larvae hatching after the treatment, and thus cover the entire activity period. Also, to get satisfactory mulberry tree protection, it is likely that treatments might have to be repeated for a few consecutive years. Yearly re-infestations from untreated public and/or private mulberry trees are also a concern and make short-term control of this pest difficult, no doubt accounting for the rapid spread of this beetle.

ELO-6 expression predicts longevity in isogenic populations of Caenorhabditis elegans

Variations of individual lifespans within genetically identical populations in homogenous environments are remarkable, with the cause largely unknown. Here, we show the expression dynamic of the Caenorhabditis elegans fatty acid elongase ELO-6 during aging predicts individual longevity in isogenic populations. elo-6 expression is reduced with age. ELO-6 expression level exhibits obvious variation between individuals in mid-aged worms and is positively correlated with lifespan and health span. Interventions that prolong longevity enhance ELO-6 expression stability during aging, indicating ELO-6 is also a populational lifespan predictor. Differentially expressed genes between short-lived and long-lived isogenic worms regulate lifespan and are enriched for PQM-1 binding sites. pqm-1 in young to mid-aged adults causes individual ELO-6 expression heterogeneity and restricts health span and life span. Thus, our study identifies ELO-6 as a predictor of individual and populational lifespan and reveals the role of pqm-1 in causing individual health span variation in the mid-aged C. elegans.

Physiological trade-offs in male social insects: Interactions among infection, immunity, fertility, size, and age in honey bee drones

Female social insects represent a dramatic exception of the evolutionarily conserved physiological trade-off between reproduction and life span, where aging is positively correlated with reproduction. However, whether this facet of life history also pertains to male social insects, remains largely unknown. Male honey bees (drones) die in the act of copulation, placing them under opposing selective pressures. At the individual level, there is inter-male competition for a single successful mating attempt, leading to selective pressure that favor an increase in male fitness. Honey bee drones are haploid individuals and lack the allelic variation in their genome compared to diploid females. We hypothesized that this genetic limitation may result in trade-offs between pathological stress and fitness traits in honey bee males. In our study, we observed differences in size and fertility measures in old and young drones along with stressors of several endemic viruses and the transcriptional immune response. We found that infection does not appear to decrease fertility in old drones, despite evidence for a shift in immune expression away from established mechanisms. Contrary to our expectations, drones additionally do not appear to exhibit a physiological trade-off between size and fertility. These findings demonstrate that drones of different size are likely of different mating quality and that higher quality drones likely favor retaining reproductive output over immune function.

Characterizing vascular and hormonal changes in women across the life span: a cross-sectional analysis.

Vascular dysfunction, marked by lower endothelial function and increased aortic stiffness, is a nontraditional risk factor that precedes the development of cardiovascular disease (CVD). However, the age at which these changes in vascular function occur in women and the degree to which reproductive hormones mediate these changes has not been characterized. Women free from major disease were enrolled across the adult life span (aged 18-70 yr, n = 140). Endothelial function was assessed as flow-mediated dilation (FMD) of the brachial artery during reactive hyperemia using duplex ultrasound and expressed as percent dilation. Aortic stiffness was measured by carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV). Blood samples were obtained to quantify reproductive hormone concentration. Regression models determined age-related breakpoints and mediating factors between age and vascular outcomes. FMD declined with age with a breakpoint and steeper decline occurring at 47 yr of age. Thereafter, age was independently associated with lower FMD (B = -0.13, P < 0.001). cfPWV was relatively stable until a breakpoint at age 48, and age was independently associated with higher cfPWV thereafter (B = 0.10, P < 0.001). Path analysis revealed that the association between age and FMD was partially mediated by follicle-stimulating hormone (abind = 0.051, P = 0.01) and progesterone (abind = 0.513, P < 0.001) but not estradiol (abind = -0.004, P = 0.08). No mediation was present for cfPWV. Age was associated with endothelial dysfunction and aortic stiffness in women beginning at 47 and 48 yr old, respectively, 3 to 4 yr before the average age of menopause. The association between age and endothelial dysfunction was explained in part by elevations in follicle-stimulating hormone and progesterone, but not declining estradiol.NEW & NOTEWORTHY We demonstrate that the age at which endothelial function declines and aortic stiffness increases in healthy women is 47 and 48, respectively. The inflection point in flow-mediated dilation (FMD) is 6 yr earlier than previously reported, and the association between age and FMD was mediated by follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and progesterone (P4) but not estradiol (E2).

Hydrothermally synthesized Hierarchical Pom-Pom-like Gadolinium Modified Tungsten Oxide reinforced with rGO for annihilation of Acetylsalicylic Acid and Crystal Violet

Herein, novel hierarchical Gd@WO3 pom-pom-like microstructures have been prepared through the hydrothermal method and combined with RGO sheets (denoted as RGO/Gd@WO3). The synthesized materials, along with their analogs, were characterized through X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR), Mott-Schottky, current-voltage (I-V), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), and optical analyses. The unique morphology of pom-pom-like microstructures allowed better interaction with pollutant molecules. Rare earth element (Gd3+) ions act as trapping species for photo-generated electrons and prolong the life span of reactive oxygen species (ROS). The high conductivity and flexible nature of RGO sheets provided fast transport of active species and provided stability to the photocatalytic material. To test the photocatalytic efficiency of RGO/Gd@WO3, crystal violet (CV) and acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) were used as model pollutants. Under a mimetic light source, RGO/Gd@WO3 exhibited maximum photodegradation of 98.8% and 84% for CV and ASA within 120 min of irradiation, respectively. Photocurrent, Mott-Schottky, and EIS experiments proved the production, effective separation, and transmission of photo-active species in the presence of RGO/Gd@WO3 as compared to Gd@WO3 and WO3. Given the electrochemical testing and optical analysis, the photocatalytic mechanism is anticipated for the high photocatalytic activity of RGO/Gd@WO3. The novel RGO/Gd@WO3 photocatalyst proved to be a superior photocatalytic material for the photodegradation of organic pollutants.

Potassium Fertilization Alters the Morphogenetic, Structural, and Productive Characteristics of Panicum maximum Cultivars

The objective was to evaluate the effects of potassium fertilization on the morphogenetic, structural, and productive characteristics of Panicum maximum (cvs. Tanzania, Quênia, Mombaça, Zuri, Massai, and Tamani). The design was in randomized blocks with four doses of potassium (K) 0, 205, 410, and 820 mg dm−3, divided into 5 applications. The analyzed variables were leaf appearance rate (LAR), leaf elongation rate (LER), stem elongation rate (SER), leaf senescence rate (LSR), leaf life span (LLS), phyllochron (PC), number of live leaves (NLL), final leaf length (FLL), tiller population density (TPD), and forage mass (FM). LAR increased by 0.00216 leaves tiller on day-1 (p = 0.0354) and LER increased by 0.00980 cm tiller on day-1 for each milligram of K (p = 0.0402). There was an increase in FLL of 0.16, 0.08, and 0.07 days for the cultivars Mombaça, Massai, and Tamani, respectively, for each milligram of K applied (p = 0.0034). The TPD of the cultivar Tamani increased linearly by 0.074 tillers/pot for each milligram of K (p = 0.0226), and the cultivar Massai showed a quadratic behavior. The TPD of the other cultivars was not influenced by the increase in the K doses. For forage mass (FM), the cultivars Mombaça and Quênia increased by 0.16 and 0.39 g DM/pot for each milligram of K added to the soil. The cultivars Tanzânia, Zuri, Massai, and Tamani showed maximum point at doses of 261.35, 279.45, 300.57, and 275.86 mg dm−3 K, respectively. Potassium fertilization linearly increased leaf appearance and elongation, with maximum productivity reached at a K dose of 430 mg dm−3, except for the cultivars Mombaça and Quênia, which responded up to a K dose of 820 mg dm−3.

Pain and development: interacting phenomena

Abstract For decades, clinicians and researchers have observed bidirectional relationships between child development and the pain experience in childhood. Pain in childhood is an inherently developmental phenomenon, embedded in an iterative, time-dependent process that reflects individual biological, behavioral, social, psychological, and environmental characteristics that unfold across the early life span. Childhood pain can have wide ranging effects on brain development in ways that contribute—for better and worse—to social, emotional, and cognitive well-being in childhood and on into adulthood. Atypical trajectories of development in the context of disorders such as autism, cerebral palsy, ADHD, and mood/anxiety disorders also contribute to unique childhood pain experiences. In this paper, pain will be considered as a determinant of development, and conversely development will be considered as a key determinant of a child's pain experience. We will discuss how intersectional identities (eg, gender, race, socioeconomic status) and associated social, structural, systemic, and physical environments influence the relationship between development and pain. Finally, we will identify what might be needed to think “developmentally” in ways that extend from the “bench side” in the lab to the “curb side” in the community, integrating a developmental perspective into research and clinical practice to achieve health accessibility and equity in pain care for all children across the developmental spectrum.