bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fully Active Nitrogen Energetic Chains Mg2(N5)2N2[Mg2(N5)2N2]n under Ambient Conditions
Authors: Gao Yang , Wang Rui , Lei Jiehong , Zhu Yu , Li Danhui , Zhang Lei , Xie Weiyu , Wang Zhigang
Published: March 2021

Pentazolate anion (cyclo‐N5−) is a high energy density unit that has been synthesized. However, how to make cyclo‐N5− complexes stable under ambient condition, without the presence of nonenergetic components, such as H3O+ and NH4+, has always been a challenge. In this work, a fully active nitrogen energetic chain Mg2(N5)2N2[Mg2(N5)2N2]n (denoted as ANECn, n ≥ 1) is reported, which has high nitrogen content up to 78%. More importantly, first‐principles calculations and molecular dynamics simulations confirm the stability of this structure without external supports. Further electronic structure analysis indicates that the charge transfer from Mg to cyclo‐N5− leads to strong covalent bonds, which promotes the stability of cyclo‐N5− in the chain structures. This finding can contribute to rational design and synthesis of novel high‐energy density materials.
Nanofiber Channel Organic Electrochemical Transistors for Low‐Power Neuromorphic Computing and Wide‐Bandwidth Sensing Platforms
Authors: Lee Sol‐Kyu , Cho Young Woon , Lee Jong‐Sung , Jung Young‐Ran , Oh Seung‐Hyun , Sun Jeong‐Yun , Kim SangBum , Joo Young‐Chang
Published: March 2021

Organic neuromorphic computing/sensing platforms are a promising concept for local monitoring and processing of biological signals in real time. Neuromorphic devices and sensors with low conductance for low power consumption and high conductance for low‐impedance sensing are desired. However, it has been a struggle to find materials and fabrication methods that satisfy both of these properties simultaneously in a single substrate. Here, nanofiber channels with a self‐formed ion‐blocking layer are fabricated to create organic electrochemical transistors (OECTs) that can be tailored to achieve low‐power neuromorphic computing and fast‐response sensing by transferring different amounts of electrospun nanofibers to each device. With their nanofiber architecture, the OECTs exhibit a low switching energy of 113 fJ and operate within a wide bandwidth (cut‐off frequency of 13.5 kHz), opening a new paradigm for energy‐efficient neuromorphic computing/sensing platforms in a biological environment without the leakage of personal information.
N‐Phosphine Imide‐Substituted Imidazolylidenes
Authors: Hoshimoto Yoichi , Nagai Shun , Hinogami Takaya , Hazra Sunit , Ogoshi Sensuke
Published: March 2021

A series of novel multifunctional carbenes of the type N‐phosphine imide‐substituted imidazolylidenes (PimIms) has been synthesized and characterized. Substituents including (+)‐10‐camphorsulfonyl and pyroglutamate groups were introduced on the N‐phosphinimidoyl moiety to diversify available structures of isolable carbenes. The impact that the rotation of the N‐phosphinimidoyl groups has on the spatial environment surrounding the carbene carbon atoms was evaluated theoretically. This analysis suggested that the shape as well as the volume of the reaction field around the carbene carbon atoms varies drastically during this rotation.
Additive‐Free Synthesis of Trifluoromethylated Spiro Cyclopropanes and Their Transformation into Trifluoromethylated Building Blocks
Authors: Kumar Anuj , Jamali Muhammad Fahad , Thomas Shilpa , Ahamad Shakir , Kant Ruchir , Mohanan Kishor
Published: March 2021

An efficient additive‐free cyclopropanation of 2‐arylideneindane‐1,3‐dione has been realized employing trifluorodiazoethane. This mild protocol displays good functional group tolerance to deliver trifluoromethylated cyclopropanes in high yields. The synthetic potential of the strategy has been explored by the expedient synthesis of CF3‐containing spiro‐pyrrolines and organo‐sulfur scaffolds. Moreover, this protocol provides an interesting substrate for regioselective Friedel‐Crafts alkylation.
Application of various carboxylic acids modified walnut shell waste as natural filler for epoxy‐based composites
Authors: Isam Bakr Albaker Ruya , Kocaman Suheyla , Marti Mustafa Esen , Ahmetli Gulnare
Published: March 2021

In this study, chemically modified walnut shells (WS) were used as the filling material for synthesis of bio‐based epoxy composites and added to the matrix at varied mass ratios (10%–50%). The shells were initially treated with alkali and then modified with three different organic acids (citric acid [CA], oxalic acid [OA], and formic acid [FA]). The WS were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM)/energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDX) and thermo gravimetric analyzer. The SEM and X‐ray diffraction were employed to observe the morphology of the composites. The influences of acid type and WS percentages on the mechanical, thermal and water sorption properties were investigated. The maximum tensile strength (124.8 MPa) was obtained with CA‐treated shells (CA‐WS) and followed by OA‐treated shells (OA‐WS) (117 MPa) and FA‐treated shells (FA‐WS) (96.5 MPa). Acid modification had a positive effect on Young's modulus as that of epoxy resins increased by 5.45%–50.91%. The treatment did not significantly affect hardness. The optimum amount of modified shells in the composites was found to be 20 wt%. Water sorption values changed in the range of 2.78%–3.42% for composites with 20 wt% WS and observed to increase with the filler amount in the composite. However, this trend and the slight decrease in thermal properties are not critical obstacles for the use of modified WS in the manufacture of inexpensive epoxy‐ and bio‐based eco‐friendly products.
New Insights into the Biological Activity of Lichens: Bioavailable Secondary Metabolites of Umbilicaria decussata as Potential Anticoagulants
Authors: Vaez Mohsen , Javad Davarpanah Seyed
Published: March 2021

This study reports the in vitro anticoagulation activity of acetonic extract (AE) of 42 lichen species and the identification of potential bioavailable anticoagulant compounds from Umbilicaria decussata as a competent anticoagulant lichen species. Lichens’ AEs were evaluated for their anticoagulant activity by monitoring activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) and prothrombin time (PT) assays. A strong, positive correlation was observed between total phenolics concentration (TPC) of species and blood coagulation parameters. U. decussata was the only species with the longest clotting time in both APTT and PT assays. The research was moved forward by performing in vivo assays using rats. The results corroborated the dose‐dependent impact of U. decussata’s AE on rats’ clotting time. Major secondary metabolites of U. decussata and their plasma‐related bioavailability were also investigated using LC‐ESI‐MS/MS. Atranol, orsellinic acid, D‐mannitol, lecanoric acid, and evernic acid were detected as possible bioavailable anticoagulants of U. decussata. Our findings suggest that U. decussata might be a potential anticoagulant lichen species that can be used for the prevention or treatment of coagulation‐related issues such as cardiovascular diseases (CVDs).
The mediating role of externalising and healthy schema modes in the relationship between early maladaptive schemata and overt behaviours in adolescent boys with offending behaviours, and a comparison of their early schemata with those of typically developing boys
Authors: Schilder Dorien L. C. , van Wijk‐Herbrink Marjolein F. , Groenman Annabeth P. , van den Hoofdakker Barbara J.
Published: March 2021

Background

Evidence‐based treatments in routine clinical practice often fail to achieve or sustain amelioration of severe behaviour problems in adolescents. Better understanding of mechanisms underlying such severe behaviour problems could improve treatments. Underlying schemata and schema modes may play an important role.

Aims

To compare early maladaptive schemata, schema modes and behaviour problems in adolescent boys showing disruptive and offending behaviours with those in typically developing boys. We hypothesised a relationship between disconnection and rejection schemata on the one hand and behaviour problems (including offending) on the other in adolescent boys with disruptive behaviour disorders. We also hypothesised that this offending group would differ significantly from typically developing boys on these measures and that schema modes would mediate relationships between schemata and overt behaviours.

Method

In this cross‐sectional study, fifty‐five 12–19‐year‐old boys with disruptive behaviour disorders referred to an in‐ or out‐patient clinic were matched to fifty‐five typically developing boys from a previously generated school sample. Group differences on self‐reported schema related measures and externalising behaviour measures were compared using t‐tests. Mediation analyses were performed to assess the mediating role of schema modes in the relation between schemata and behaviour.

Results

Boys diagnosed with disruptive behaviour disorders and engaging in offending behaviours had higher scores on externalising modes and lower scores on healthy modes than the typically developing boys. There were no differences between these groups, however, in disconnection and rejection schemata. In the offending behaviour group, externalising modes mediated the relationship between disconnection and rejection schemata and externalising behaviours while healthy modes mediated a relationship between these schemata and overt prosocial behaviours.

Implications

The potential impact of healthy modes has not previously been shown in studies of schemata in young offenders. Our findings suggest that treatments for adolescents with severe behaviour problems should not only target maladaptive schemata and dysfunctional modes, but seek also to boost healthy modes.
Synthesis and chiral separation of atropisomers of 4,5‐Di methyl ∆4 N‐phenyl N‐aryl imidazoline‐2‐thione derivatives
Authors: Laoufi Aicha , Belboukhari Nasser , Sekkoum Khaled , Aboul-Enein Hassan Y.
Published: March 2021

Synthesis of three chiral 4,5‐Di methyl ∆4 N‐phenyl N‐aryl imidazole‐2‐thione derivatives was obtained by the condensation reaction of thiourea derivatives with α‐hydroxy ketone. The structure of these compounds has been characterized by using spectroscopic methods (UV, IR, 1H NMR, and 13C NMR). The 4,5‐Di methyl ∆4 N‐phenyl N‐aryl imidazole‐2‐thiones display a chiral axis around the N‐C bond linking between the nitrogen of the heterocyclic framework and the carbon of the aryl group. Screening on chiral analysis of the atropisomers of these derivatives was performed by high‐performance liquid chromatography method on seven chiral selectors based on polysaccharides consisting of amylose and cellulose, namely, Chiralpak®AD, Chiralcel® OD, Chiralcel® OD‐H, Chiralcel® OJ, Chiralcel® OD‐3R, Chiralcel® OZ‐3, and Chiralpak® AS‐3R. The impact of ortho‐substituent in the resolution of 4,5‐Di methyl ∆4 N‐phenyl N‐aryl imidazole‐2‐thione derivatives was also studied in this work.
Mercury removal from spent low‐level mercury catalyst by thermal treatment
Authors: Liu Chao , Liu Jian , Guo Ping , Peng Jinhui , Zhang Libo , Li Yaping
Published: March 2021

Spent low‐level mercury catalyst (SLMC) from the polyvinyl chloride industry is a mercury‐containing hazardous waste. Thermal treatment technology was used to detoxify SLMC and recover mercury in this paper. Effects of flow rate of nitrogen, treatment temperature, and time on mercury removal efficiency were estimated 99.91% of total mercury was removed when SLMC was treated at 600°C for 30 min with 120 L/h of nitrogen. SLMC could be detoxified after being treated at 350°C for 120 min, 400°C for 60 min, or 450°C for 10 min based on the TCLP test. Migration rule of mercury during thermal treatment was analyzed by using improved sequential extraction procedure. Soluble and exchangeable mercury, and mercury combined with labile organics, were removed more easily than HgS and mercury combined with non‐labile organics. Removal process of total mercury followed a first‐order kinetic model. The experimental results may be useful for disposing of SLMC using thermal treatment in engineering practise.
From Polymerization Inhibition to Controlled Ring‐Opening Metathesis Polymerization of Macromonomers with Tertiary Amine Groups: The Effect of Spacer Chain†
Authors: Zhao Tengda , Zhu Kongying , Yu Xiaoliang , Yuan Xiaoyan , Ren Lixia
Published: March 2021

Main observation and conclusion

Ring‐opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP) is a powerful toolbox in preparation of bottlebrush polymers for its high activity. However, the ROMP of macromonomers with repeating tertiary amine groups, for example, poly(2‐(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate) (PDMAEMA), is inhibited due to the coordination of nitrogen atom with ruthenium center ([Ru]) in the third generation Grubbs catalyst (G3). In this work, norbornenyl functionalized polystyrene‐block‐PDMAEMA (NB‐PS‐b‐PDMAEMA) macromonomers with different length of polystyrene (PS) spacers are prepared. The PS spacers provide non‐coordinating local environment to protect [Ru] in G3 from coordinating with tertiary amine groups. Kinetic studies show that the PS spacer with polymerization degree (DP) of 15 is enough to protect G3, and the polymerization is controlled. However, the PS spacer with DP of 5 is inhibited within 10 min. In situ proton nuclear magnetic resonance studies show that the [Ru] in G3 is active during the ROMP of NB‐PS15‐b‐PDMAEMA39, which is inactive gradually for NB‐PS5‐b‐PDMAEMA42. In comparison, the ROMP of NB‐PDMAEMA macromonomer without spacer chain is inhibited and the G3 catalyst is inactive from the beginning. By introducing non‐coordinating spacer chain with enough length, the ROMP of macromonomers with tertiary amine groups is controlled, which provides a new strategy for the preparation of bottlebrush polymers with functional amine groups.
Recent Advances in New Copolymer Hydrogel‐Formed Contact Lenses for Ophthalmic Drug Delivery
Authors: Li Zhiguo , Cheng Hongwei , Ke Lingjie , Liu Minting , Wang Chen‐Gang , Jun Loh Xian , Li Zibiao , Wu Yun‐Long
Published: March 2021

Pharmaceuticals delivery to the eye sites of interest via the means of contact lenses (CLs) has attracted significant research attention in recent years. Compared with the conventional formulation in eye treatment such as eye drops, CLs administration has shown remarkable advantages in overcoming the challenges involved in ocular drug delivery such as higher bioavailability, longer drug residence and better medication compliance. This review will first detail each of the material components which have been used in the context of CLs, including HEMA, MAA, DMA, NVP, EGDMA, TRIS and PDMS. The pros and cons of each material in tailoring drug release rates of different encapsulated payloads will be discussed, with special focus on their impact on the therapeutic efficiency. In addition, the advancement of recent emerging copolymer CLs hydrogels, originated from these sophisticated monomers with distinct functions, are further summarized into several synthetic strategies in the means of copolymer architecture design and function‐performance relationship in ophthalmic applications. Finally, the possible considerations for future design of multifunctional CLs hydrogels by combing material selection rationales with biological interface science are proposed.
Visible‐Light Driven CO2 Reduction to Formate with Electron Mediated Nicotinamide‐Modified Viologen in the System of Water‐Soluble Zinc Porphyrin and Formate Dehydrogenase
Authors: Miyaji Akimitsu , Amao Yutaka
Published: March 2021

Visible‐light driven CO2 reduction to formate with the system consisting of water‐soluble zinc tetraphneylporphyrin tetrasulfonate (ZnTPPS), formate dehydrogenase from Candida boidinii (CbFDH) and 1‐nicotinamidethy‐1’‐methyl‐4,4’‐ bipyridinium salt (NEMBP) in the presence of triethanolamine (TEOA) as an electron donor was investigated. NEMBP was prepared as the 4,4’‐BP with the nicotinamide‐group to promote the improvement of affinity with CbFDH. The properties of NEMBP were characterized by photochemical and electrochemical methods. In order to evaluate the affinity between cation radical of NEMBP (NEMBP+.), as a co‐enzyme and CbFDH, the energy level based on simple docking simulation and density functional theory were estimated. It was speculated that NEMBP+. could bind near the substrate binding pocket of CbFDH as well as NAD+ by docking simulation. In the visible‐light driven NEMBP reduction with the sensitization of ZnTPPS in the presence of TEOA, the yield for reduction of NEMBP to NEMBP+. was estimated to be 80%. In the CO2 reduction to formate with the system consisting of TEOA, ZnTPPS, NEMBP and CbFDH, the turnover numbers of NEMBP and CbFDH were estimated to be 0.14 and 1.53 h−1, respectively.
Carbon Nanohorn Support for Solar driven CO2 Reduction to CO Catalyzed by Mn‐complex in an All Earth‐abundant System
Authors: Nishi Teppei , Sato Shunsuke , Sekizawa Keita , Suzuki Tomiko M. , Oh‐ishi Keiichiro , Takahashi Naoko , Matsuoka Yoriko , Morikawa Takeshi
Published: March 2021

An Mn‐complex supported on multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) has been reported to be a superior catalyst for CO2 reduction to CO, where the carbon support strongly influences the catalytic activity, enabling operation at a low overpotential. Here, the effects of various carbon supports on the activity of a Mn‐complex catalyst were investigated. Among the various carbon supports, which included carbon black and MWCNTs, carbon nanohorns (CNHs) were the best support for enhancing the catalytic activity of the Mn‐complex toward CO2 reduction. This enhancement was attributed to the CNHs’ high specific surface area and hydrophobic nature. For solar‐driven CO2 reduction to CO, the Mn‐complex catalyst supported on CNHs was series‐connected to Ni‐doped β‐FeOOH as a water oxidation catalyst via a Si solar cell; a solar‐to‐CO conversion efficiency of 3.3±0.4% was achieved in a single‐compartment reactor.
Origin and Evolution of Photosystems: Lessons from Green Sulfur Bacteria
Authors: Tcherkez Guillaume , Papon Nicolas
Published: March 2021

Photosynthetic reaction centres (RCs) are the sites of primary events in photosynthesis, where photon absorption leads to charge separation. Chen et al. recently described the RC structure in a green sulfur bacterium. Together with the structure of heliobacterial RC published previously, this study is instrumental to elucidate RC evolution to modern plant photosystems and oxygen production from water.
Novel circular RNA circSOBP governs amoeboid migration through the regulation of the miR‐141‐3p/MYPT1/p‐MLC2 axis in prostate cancer
Authors: Chao Fan , Song Zhenyu , Wang Shiyu , Ma Zhe , Zhuo Zhiyuan , Meng Ting , Xu Guoxiong , Chen Gang
Published: March 2021

Background

Metastatic prostate cancer is a fatal disease despite multiple new approvals in recent years. Recent studies revealed that circular RNAs (circRNAs) can be involved in cancer metastasis. Defining the role of circRNAs in prostate cancer metastasis and discovering therapeutic targets that block cancer metastasis is of great significance for the treatment of prostate cancer.

Methods

The circSOBP levels in prostate cancer (PCa) were determined by qRT‐PCR. We evaluated the function of circSOBP using a transwell assay and nude mice lung metastasis models. Immunofluorescence assay and electron microscopic assay were applied to determine the phenotypes of prostate cancer cells’ migration. We used fluorescence in situ hybridization assay to determine the localization of RNAs. Dual luciferase and rescue assays were applied to verify the interactions between circSOBP, miR‐141‐3p, MYPT1, and phosphomyosin light chain (p‐MLC2).

Results

We observed that circSOBP level was significantly lower in PCa specimens compared with adjacent noncancerous prostate specimens, and was correlated with the grade group of PCa. Overexpression of circSOBP suppressed PCa migration and invasion in vitro and metastasis in vivo. CircSOBP depletion increased migration and invasion and induced amoeboid migration of PCa cells. Mechanistically, circSOBP bound miR‐141‐3p and regulated the MYPT1/p‐MLC2 axis. Moreover, the depletion of MYPT1 reversed the inhibitory effect of circSOBP on the migration and invasion of PCa cells. Complementary intronic Alu elements induced but were not necessary for the formation of circSOBP. The nuclear export of circSOBP was mediated by URH49.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that circSOBP suppresses amoeboid migration of PCa cells and inhibits migration and invasion through sponging miR‐141‐3p and regulating the MYPT1/p‐MLC2 axis.
Self‐similarity of nonlinear screening in asymmetric complex plasmas
Authors: Martynova Inna A. , Iosilevskiy Igor L.
Published: March 2021

In this paper, two‐component electroneutral systems of finite‐sized macroions and oppositely charged point‐like microions in the average spherical electroneutral Wigner–Seitz cell with a central macroion are studied. We investigate the self‐similarity of nonlinear screening of highly charged macroions by microions in a classical asymmetrically charged complex plasma. This work is devoted to the problem of the relationship between the effective (‘visible’) charge of the macroion Z* and its initial charge Z taking into account the effect of the nonlinear screening. It is analysed how the form of the dependence Z*(Z) changes. The self‐similarity of this dependence has been demonstrated for various characteristic system temperatures, macroion concentrations, and macroion sizes.
Restoration of biogeomorphic systems by creating windows of opportunity to support natural establishment processes
Authors: Fivash Gregory S. , Temmink Ralph J. M. , D’Angelo Manuel , van Dalen Jeroen , Lengkeek Wouter , Didderen Karin , Ballio Francesco , van der Heide Tjisse , Bouma Tjeerd J.
Published: March 2021

In degraded landscapes, recolonization by pioneer vegetation is often halted by the presence of persistent environmental stress. When natural expansion does occur, it is commonly due to the momentary alleviation of a key environmental variable previously limiting new growth. Thus, studying the circumstances in which expansion occurs can inspire new restoration techniques, wherein vegetation establishment is provoked by emulating natural events through artificial means. Using the salt‐marsh pioneer zone on tidal flats as a biogeomorphic model system, we explore how locally raised sediment bed forms, which are the result of natural (bio)geomorphic processes, enhance seedling establishment in an observational study. We then conduct a manipulative experiment designed to emulate these facilitative conditions in order to enable establishment on an uncolonized tidal flat. Here, we attempt to generate raised growth‐promoting sediment bed forms using porous artificial structures. Flume experiments demonstrate how these structures produce a sheltered hydrodynamic environment in which suspended sediment and seeds preferentially settle. The application of these structures in the field led to the formation of stable, raised sediment platforms and the spontaneous recruitment of salt‐marsh pioneers in the following growing season. These recruits were composed primarily of the annual pioneering Salicornia genus, with densities of up to 140 individuals/m2 within the structures, a 60‐fold increase over ambient densities. Lower abundances of five other perennial species were found within structures that did not appear elsewhere in the pioneer zone. Furthermore, recruits grew to be on average three times greater in mass inside of the structures than in the neighboring ambient environment. The success of this restoration design may be attributed to the combination of three factors: (1) enhanced seed retention, (2) suppressed mortality, and (3) accelerated growth rates on the elevated surfaces generated by the artificial structures. We argue that restoration approaches similar to the one shown here, wherein the conditions for natural establishment are actively mimicked to promote vegetation development, may serve as promising tools in many biogeomorphic ecosystems, ranging from coastal to arid ecosystems.
Recovery of the herbaceous component of degraded sagebrush steppe is unimpeded by 75 years of moderate cattle grazing
Authors: Copeland Stella M. , Davies Kirk W. , Boyd Chad S. , Bates Jonathan D.
Published: March 2021

Understanding the effects of contemporary cattle grazing on herbaceous perennial communities in big sagebrush steppe is important for managing for wildlife habitat, plant diversity, and productivity, yet potentially complicated by legacy impacts of historic, often higher intensity, livestock grazing. Here, we evaluate whether recovery of herbaceous communities in eastern Oregon, USA, after the cessation of intense spring sheep grazing (1935) was affected by moderate cattle grazing in paired plots with or without grazing over the past 75 yr (1936–2011). We tested for the effects of cattle grazing on herbaceous community recovery, as indicated by changes over time in plant density, and composition, as measured by Bray–Curtis dissimilarity. We also included current and prior to sampling year precipitation anomalies, to account for the weather effects, and a random term for pasture location of plot pairs to include potential subtle differences in abiotic environment and grazing management. We further tested whether time since cessation of intense sheep grazing and moderate cattle grazing were associated with convergence or divergence in community composition indicated by changes in evenness, richness, species relative abundance (rank order), and turnover or species appearance or disappearance. Total perennial herbaceous, forb, and grass density increased over time in sites grazed and ungrazed by cattle, though species varied in the direction of their response to contemporary cattle grazing. Community composition metrics indicated convergence over time including increasing evenness, decreasing Bray–Curtis dissimilarity, decreasing shifts in species relative abundance (rank order), and lower rates of species turnover (and gain and loss). Contemporary cattle grazing was not associated with convergence or divergence in composition. Precipitation anomalies for the current or prior water year were only occasionally significant in herbaceous density and community composition change models. Our results indicate similar long‐term recovery trajectories occurred in sites with moderate cattle grazing or removal of all livestock following cessation of intense sheep grazing. Management planning and resource assessment focused on herbaceous perennial communities in sagebrush steppe should seek to separate the impacts of historic from contemporary livestock grazing practices.
Copper and iron mediated growth of surfactant‐free PtCu and PtFe advanced electrocatalysts for water oxidation and oxygen reduction
Authors: Zhang Ling , Li Lin , Shi Yuhe , Wu Fengxia , Xu Yan , Zhou Tingting , Niu Wenxin , Zhang Jiaheng , Xu Guobao
Published: March 2021

Pt‐based alloy nanoparticles are critical electrochemical catalysts for the water oxidation and oxygen reduction reactions. But the surfactants adsorbed on the nanoparticles’ surfaces are hard to remove off, blocking the catalytic active sites and decrease the catalysis activity of the alloy catalysts. Herein, we engineered surfactant‐free PtCu alloy polyhedral nanospheres with foam‐like surfaces in pure water at 40°C directly. Metal precursors were reduced by ascorbic acid. The sizes of polyhedral nanospheres were formed by assembling of tiny PtCu alloy nanoparticles in the sizes of 4.2 ± 0.70 nm, resulting the larger nanospheres in the sizes of 124 ± 30 nm. Underpotential deposition of copper atoms occurred, which catalyzed reductions of Pt precursor and depositions of Pt atoms, high yields of Pt component in PtCu alloy nanospheres and fast reaction rate for reductions of Pt precursors were achieved. Common transition metal, Fe, Co, Ni was also investigated. Only Fe atoms were alloyed with Pt crystals, but the contents of Fe were lower than those of Cu in PtCu alloy. Due to the alloyed structures and special surface structures, PtFe and PtCu exhibited 12.8% and 87% higher current densities toward water oxidation reaction and oxygen reduction reactions in acidic medium than those of commercial Pt black, respectively. This work provides us a new way to get surfactant‐free PtM (M = Cu, Fe, etc) alloy nanoparticles which were produced in water. It is significant to achieve the advanced electrocatalysts with clean surfaces and high catalytic activities.
Experimental and analytical study of hybrid fiber reinforced concrete prepared with basalt fiber under high temperature
Authors: Khan Mehran , Cao Mingli , Chaopeng Xie , Ali Majid
Published: March 2021

The usage of mineral basalt fibers is a relatively novel and popular topic nowadays due to its abundant availability, low cost, and higher temperature resistance. In addition, the establishment of analytical models is beneficial because the experimental work is more time‐consuming and expensive. Therefore, in this study, the inorganic mineral basalt fibers with different length and content in hybrid fiber concrete composite are investigated to assess its suitability at room temperature and under high temperature. In addition, a new analytical model for stress‐stain curve of hybrid fiber concrete composite is developed and compared with the models in previous studies. The microstructure examination is also conducted after exposure to high temperature to explore the fiber morphology and interaction with matrix. The substantial improvement was indicated by addition of basalt fiber in hybrid fiber concrete for stress‐strain response, peak stress, elastic modulus, peak strain, ultimate stain, toughness, and specific toughness at room temperature and at 850°C. It was revealed that the basalt fiber had demonstrated overall good appropriateness in the hybrid fiber concrete composite for all the compressive properties. Moreover, the proposed analytical model could be useful for prediction of analytical behavior from experimental data under high temperature for the research and design purposes.
Ferulic acid content variation from wheat to bread
Authors: Boudaoud Sonia , Sicard Delphine , Suc Lucas , Conéjéro Geneviève , Segond Diego , Aouf Chahinez
Published: March 2021

The health‐promoting effects of whole‐grain consumption have been attributed in a large part to the phytochemical profile of the wheat grain, and particularly to the bioactive molecules present in bran. This study shed light on the impact of human practices, especially harvesting sites (terroirs) and wheat species and varieties, as well as bread‐making conditions on the variation of the antioxidant and antimicrobial ferulic acid (FA) content. FA concentration in the bran of wheat species (durum and bread wheat) and varieties (Chevalier, Renan, Redon, Saint Priest le vernois rouge, Bladette de Provence, Pireneo, Rouge de Bordeaux, LA1823, Claudio et Bidi17) harvested in five sites in France on 2015 and 2017, has been evaluated. Statistical analysis showed significant differences in FA content for wheat varieties and terroirs. During bread making, baking and type of leaven impacted the FA content of dough and bread. The differences were not due to the type of fermentation (sourdough/commercial yeast) but rather to the diversity of fermenting microbial strains and flour used for backslopping.
A low‐carbon strategy using INVELOX turbines in the presence of real‐time energy price uncertainty
Authors: Jirdehi Mehdi Ahmadi , Shaterabadi Mohammad
Published: March 2021

This paper provides innovation in wind turbine (WT) technology and its advantages in microgrid planning. The microgrid in this work includes various renewable and nonrenewable resources. The proposed low‐carbon strategy is implemented via two scenarios. In the first scenario, the uncertainty of selling and buying real‐time energy prices is investigated with and without the standard and portable (increased velocity) INVELOX turbines. In the second scenario, the authors study the operation of the microgrid assuming the buying price is higher or lower than the selling price for all time intervals, as well as the first scenario assumption. This article considers the total cost of microgrids and environmental pollution as objective functions. Finally, the environmental‐economic stochastic low‐carbon strategy is modeled via mixed‐integer linear programming; solving the problem using epsilon constraints and a fuzzy satisfying approach to select the best solution, respectively. By considering INVELOX WTs and portable INVELOX WTs, the cost reduction of the microgrid in the first and second scenarios is approximately 25%, and 64% higher than the conventional WTs, respectively. Additionally, a low‐carbon model is proposed by considering INVELOX and its efficiency is successfully shown. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effects of fungicides on creeping bentgrass health and rooting characteristics under abiotic stress
Authors: Schiavon Marco , Petelewicz Pawel , Orlinski Pawel M. , Baird James H.
Published: March 2021

Positive effects on plant health provided by quinone outside inhibitors (QoI) and other fungicide classes have been previously reported in turfgrass and other agricultural crops. However, most of the research was conducted under controlled environmental rather than field conditions. Two field and one greenhouse experiments were conducted and repeated in southern California from 2011–2013 to test the ability of selected fungicides to retain or improve creeping bentgrass (Agrostis stolonifera L.; CBG) quality and rooting characteristics when exposed to drought stress induced by multiple abiotic stressors, including, heat and traffic. Fungicide treatments were applied on 14‐d or 28‐d intervals prior to and during implemented stress periods for a total of 2–5 applications and consisted of azoxystrobin, chlorothalonil + acibenzolar‐S‐methyl (ASM), fluoxastrobin, aluminum tris, penthiopyrad, pyraclostrobin, pyraclostrobin + boscalid tested against a nontreated control (NTC). No disease symptoms were present in any trial site, but the presence of turfgrass pathogens was not determined. Although increased root diameter in comparison to NTC was observed in plants treated with azoxystrobin and pyraclostrobin + boscalid, and increased root volume was observed in pyraclostrobin + boscalid in the greenhouse study, no significant differences in rooting characteristics were found in the field studies. Moreover, none of the fungicide treatments improved turf quality or normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) in any of the experiments. Results imply that fungicides offer little to no secondary benefits in regard to abiotic stress such as drought alleviation in arid environments, when disease pressure is minimal or absent.
Cool‐season lawn performance as influenced by ‘Microclover’ inclusion and supplemental nitrogen
Authors: Bigelow Cale A. , Macke Gabriel A. , Johnson Keith , Richmond Douglas S.
Published: March 2021

Lawns require a steady supply of nitrogen (N) to maintain green color and seasonal shoot density. Excess N fertilization can lead to surface and groundwater contamination, suggesting a need for alternative turf fertilization strategies that reduce the reliance on frequent N applications. Grass‐legume mixtures may be one solution since legumes, like white clover (Trifolium repens L.), biologically fix atmospheric N and add it to the soil via mineralization. This field study evaluated the growth, appearance and persistence of a cool‐season grass and grass‐legume mixture containing a low growing Trifolium repens, ‘Microclover’ (MC) with and without supplemental N fertilization (0 vs. 98 kg N ha−1 yr−1) over two growing seasons. Turf with MC and receiving supplemental N produced the most dry matter yield (DMY) 15583 kg ha−1 and the highest mean visual appearance. By contrast, unfertilized turf without MC produced the least DMY, 3815 kg ha−1, and the poorest appearance, which lacked vigor and was negatively affected by leaf blighting diseases. The unfertilized turf with MC produced moderate growth, 8754 kg ha−1, with an acceptable appearance. Clover populations decreased over time in both the unfertilized and fertilized grass‐legume mixtures but less so where supplemental N was not applied. This decline in clover could possibly be remedied by periodic overseeding. In summary, these results suggest that a cool‐season grass‐clover lawn mixture can provide a persistent and visually acceptable lawn that would require less reliance on supplemental N fertilization.
Counting dandelion blooms in field plots using an image processing program
Authors: Patton Aaron J. , Higginbotham Ross A. , Law Quincy D. , Weisenberger Daniel V.
Published: March 2021

Digital image analysis provides researchers a method to accurately and efficiently analyze turfgrass parameters including cover, color, disease severity, and more. Opportunities for processing images has increased due to the free and open‐source nature of many new programs. We developed a macro (set of macroinstructions) within the open‐source software ImageJ that is able to count the number and quantify the percent coverage of dandelion (Taraxacum officinale F.H. Wigg.) blooms in field plot images, which allows for collection of objective data on broadleaf weeds. A particle analysis function in ImageJ was used to distinguish dandelion blooms from other yellow objects (e.g. chlorotic turfgrass leaves) based on their size and circularity. We also explored the use of binary watershed segmentation to separate groupings of dandelion blooms into individual blooms that could be counted. To verify the accuracy of the macro, we analyzed 164 images for the number of dandelion blooms with the macro and regressed data against visual counts of dandelion bloom. The resulting linear regression analysis (visual count vs. macro) had a slope of 1.034 and an R2 value of 0.9795. This macro provides researchers with a rapid and accurate method of determining the number and percent coverage of dandelion blooms in field plots using image analysis.
Species, cultivar and seeding rate effects on non‐irrigated, pesticide‐free athletic fields playing surface quality
Authors: Maxey Garrett L. , Wallace Victoria H. , Guillard Karl , Henderson Jason J.
Published: March 2021

Maintaining high‐quality athletic field playing surfaces without the use of synthetic pesticides is challenging. Little research is available regarding the best overseeding strategies for non‐irrigated, pesticide‐free, cool‐season athletic fields. The objectives of this study were to determine the effects of turfgrass species, cultivar, seeding rate, and seasons on turfgrass color, dark green color index (DGCI), cover, weeds, overall quality, surface hardness and volumetric water content when overseeded under trafficked conditions. Experiments were set out as randomized complete block designs arranged in a 3 × 2 × 2 factorial with three replications. Treatments consisted of three turfgrass species, perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) (PRG), tall fescue [Schedonorus arundinaceus (Schreb.) Dumont] (TF), and Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis L.) (KBG), two overseeding rates, low and high, and two cultivar types, inclusion or exclusion of cultivars on the Turfgrass Water Conservation Alliance (TWCA) list. Mean responses across three locations and three years indicated that species selection has the most influence on successful overseeding with little differences detected between rate of overseeding or cultivar selection. Perennial ryegrass, regardless of seeding rate, had significantly higher color, quality, percent turfgrass cover, desirable species index, and least percent weed cover compared with TF or KBG. Based on the results of this study, the most effective overseeding strategy for improving playing surface conditions on heavily trafficked, non‐irrigated, pesticide‐free, cool‐season athletic fields is overseeding with PRG.
Brillouin microscopy for the evaluation of hair micromechanics and effect of bleaching
Authors: Correa Noemi , Alunni Cardinali Martina , Bailey Michelle , Fioretto Daniele , Pudney Paul D. A. , Palombo Francesca
Published: March 2021

Brillouin microscopy is a new form of optical elastography and an emerging technique in mechanobiology and biomedical physics. It was applied here to map the viscoelastic properties of human hair and to determine the effect of bleaching on hair properties. For hair samples, longitudinal measurements (i.e. along the fibre axis) revealed peaks at 18.7 and 20.7 GHz at the location of the cuticle and cortex, respectively. For hair treated with a bleaching agent, the frequency shifts for the cuticle and cortex were 19.7 and 21.0 GHz, respectively, suggesting that bleaching increases the cuticle modulus and—to a minor extent—the cortex modulus. These results demonstrate the capability of Brillouin spectroscopy to address questions on micromechanical properties of hair and to validate the effect of applied treatments.
Efficacy of Triprolidine in the Treatment of Temporary Sleep Disturbance
Authors: Cravo Ana Santos , Shephard Adrian , Shea Tim
Published: March 2021

Triprolidine, a first‐generation antihistamine for allergic rhinitis, has a shorter half‐life and fewer persistent effects relative to other antihistamines and may be useful in the treatment of temporary sleep disturbance. Patients aged ≥18 years old were randomized 1:1:1 to receive either triprolidine 2.5 mg (n = 65), triprolidine 5 mg (n = 66), or placebo (n = 67) on 3 consecutive nights. Sleep disturbance index was monitored via wrist actimeter. Subjective measures were assessed via diary card. Triprolidine 2.5 mg had a significantly lower sleep disturbance index versus placebo on night 1 (P = .02); however, when adjusted for outliers, sleep disturbance index did not significantly differ between either dose of triprolidine versus placebo on night 1. Adjusted sleep disturbance index was significantly lower with triprolidine 2.5 and 5 mg versus placebo on night 3 (P = .0017 and P = .011, respectively) and for the mean of all 3 nights (P = .01 and P = .015, respectively). Sleep latency was significantly improved for triprolidine 2.5 mg versus placebo on nights 2 and 3 and for the mean of all 3 nights and for triprolidine 5 mg versus placebo for the mean of all 3 nights. Subjective measures showed those on both doses of triprolidine felt more refreshed on awakening versus placebo for the mean of all 3 nights, with no increase in daytime sleepiness. The frequency of adverse events was similar across groups. The optimum dose of triprolidine for treatment of temporary sleep disturbance was 2.5 mg. There were improvements in both objective and subjective measures of sleep quality versus placebo, with no safety concerns raised.
Atrophy of remnant pancreas after pancreatoduodenectomy: Risk factors and effects on quality of life, nutritional status, and pancreatic function
Authors: Jung Woohyun , Kim Hongbeom , Kwon Wooil , Jang Jin‐Young
Published: March 2021

Background

Factors aggravating remnant pancreas atrophy following pancreatoduodenectomy and the effects of atrophy have not been extensively studied. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical factors affecting remnant pancreas atrophy and assess the effects of atrophy on quality of life, nutritional status, and pancreatic exocrine and endocrine functions.

Methods

Data collected prospectively from 122 patients who completed 12 months of follow‐up, including computed tomography and the quality‐of‐life questionnaire, were analyzed. Pancreas volume was measured using a computed tomography volumetry program. Endocrine and exocrine functions were evaluated.

Results

Malignancy and adjuvant chemoradiotherapy were associated with severity of atrophy. At 12 postoperative months, quality‐of‐life scores and nutritional indexes were mostly not associated with atrophy, but stool elastase level decreased significantly and incidence of new‐onset diabetes mellitus was higher in the severe atrophy group. Postprandial 2‐hour blood glucose and glycosylated hemoglobin levels were also higher in this group.

Conclusions

Remnant pancreas atrophy was more severe in patients with malignant disease who received adjuvant chemoradiotherapy and was associated with pancreatic exocrine and endocrine functions. More careful monitoring and active management of exocrine and endocrine deficiencies are necessary for patients who underwent pancreatoduodenectomy for malignant disease and received chemoradiotherapy.
Climatological intraseasonal oscillation in the middle–upper troposphere and its effect on the northward migration of the East Asian westerly jet and rain belt over eastern China
Authors: Li Jianying , Liu Boqi , Mao Jiangyu
Published: March 2021

Using daily atmospheric circulation data for 1981–2010, we identify the climatological intraseasonal oscillation (CISO) in the mid–upper troposphere and reveal its critical role in anchoring the Meiyu season to the period from mid‐June to mid‐July and the rainfall episode of northeastern China to begin in late July. Wavelet analysis shows a significant 20–90‐day period in the climatological 200‐ and 500‐hPa zonal winds during boreal summer, indicating the existence of the zonal wind CISO in the mid–upper troposphere. The leading mode of zonal wind CISO features a dipole pattern along the coast of East Asia controlled by convection over the southeastern China–western North Pacific (SC–WNP). In mid‐June, suppressed convection over the SC–WNP induces the negative phase of intraseasonal Pacific–Japan pattern, leading to the strong anticyclone with a poleward tilt with height to dominate over the WNP. Consequently, more moisture are transported to the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River Valley (YRV), and the mid‐tropospheric (upper‐tropospheric) East Asian westerly jet (EAWJ) is shifted north of 32°N (36°N), which further increases the YRV rainfall through enhancing warm advection and upper‐tropospheric divergence, thus facilitating the initiation of Meiyu season. In mid‐July, active convection occupies the SC–WNP instead, with the reversed circulation pattern terminating the Meiyu season. In late July, active convection shifts from the equator to the tropical western Pacific, leading to the second mode of zonal wind CISO, which is characterized by a quasi‐barotropic Mongolian anticyclone in the mid–upper troposphere. The upper‐tropospheric EAWJ is further shifted to 45°N, displacing the induced upper‐tropospheric divergence northward, thus initiating the rainfall episode of northeastern China.
Topology Reliable LCST‐Type Behavior of ABA Triblock Polymer and Influence on Water Condensation and Crystallization
Authors: Chen Jing , Qiu Teng , Guo Longhai , He Lifan , Li Xiaoyu
Published: March 2021

As a kind of smart material, thermoresponsive hydrogels are widely investigated and applied in many fields. Due to the limitation of the freezing temperature of the water, it is a challenge to further broaden their sol–gel transition temperature (Tgel) range, especially below 0 °C. Herein, the lower critical solution temperature type of amphiphilic ABA triblock copolymers, synthesized via two‐step reversible addition‐fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization is demonstrated. The hydrophilic A‐block and the hydrophobic B‐block are composed of poly(N,N‐dimethylacrylamide) (PDMAA) and poly(diacetone acrylamide) (PDAAM), respectively. The degree of polymerization (DP) of both A‐block and B‐block shows a significant influence on theTgelof triblock copolymer dispersion. By changing the length of these two blocks or physically blending these copolymers dispersions, theTgelcan be well adjusted in a temperature range from 45 to −10 °C. Moreover, When theTgelis higher than 4 °C, the triblock copolymer coatings show a good anti‐fogging property. And when theTgelis around or lower than the freezing temperature of the water, aqueous dispersions of the triblock copolymer have an ice recrystallization inhibition activity, resulting in the decrease of average maximum grain size (MLGS) of ice crystal.