bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
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

AbstractPharmaceuticals 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

AbstractVisible‐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

AbstractAn 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

AbstractPhotosynthetic 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

AbstractBackgroundMetastatic 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.MethodsThe 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).ResultsWe 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.ConclusionOur 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

AbstractIn 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

AbstractIn 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

AbstractUnderstanding 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

AbstractPt‐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

SummaryThe 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

AbstractThe 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

AbstractThis 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

AbstractPositive 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

AbstractLawns 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.