bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Novel Stimuli‐Responsive Injectable Antibacterial Hydrogel to Achieve Synergetic Photothermal/Gene‐Targeted Therapy towards Uveal Melanoma
Authors: Wang Shaoyun , Chen Baohui , Ouyang Liping , Wang Donghui , Tan Ji , Qiao Yuqin , Ge Shengfang , Ruan Jing , Zhuang Ai , Liu Xuanyong , Jia Renbing 
Published: July 2021

AbstractUveal melanoma (UM) is the most prevalent primary intraocular malignant tumor with a high lethal rate. Patients who undergo conventional enucleation treatments consistently suffer permanent blindness, facial defects, and mental disorders, therefore, novel therapeutic modalities are urgently required. Herein, an injectable and stimuli‐responsive drug delivery antibacterial hydrogel (CP@Au@DC_AC50) is constructed via a facile grinding method that is inspired by the preparation process of traditional Chinese medicine. The incorporation of gold nanorods can enhance the mechanical strength of the hydrogel and realize photothermal therapy (PTT) and thermosensitive gel‐sol transformation to release the gene‐targeted drug DC_AC50 on demand in response to low‐density near‐infrared (NIR) light. The orthotopic model of UM is built successfully and indicates the excellent efficiency of CP@Au@DC_AC50 in killing tumors without damage to normal tissue because of its synergistic mild temperature PTT and gene‐targeted therapy. Moreover, the eyeball infection model reveals the remarkable antibacterial properties of the hydrogel which can prevent endophthalmitis in the eyeball. There is negligible difference between the CP@Au@DC_AC50+NIR group and normal group. This NIR light‐triggered gene‐targeted therapy/PTT/antibacterial treatment pattern provides a promising strategy for building multifunctional therapeutic platform against intraocular tumors and exhibits great potential for the clinical treatment of UM.
Single‐Molecule Doping: Conductance Changed By Transition Metal Centers in Salen Molecules
Authors: Kilibarda Filip , Strobel Alexander , Sendler Torsten , Wieser Matthias , Mortensen Michael , Trads Julie Brender , Helm Manfred , Kerbusch Jochen , Scheer Elke , Gemming Sibylle , Gothelf Kurt V. , Erbe Artur 
Published: July 2021

AbstractThe creation of molecular components for use as electronic devices has made enormous progress. In order to advance the field further toward realistic electronic concepts, methods for the controlled modification of the conducting properties of the molecules contacted by metallic electrodes need to be further developed. Here a comprehensive study of charge transport in a class of molecules that allows modifications by introducing metal centers into organic structures is presented. Single molecules are electrically contacted and characterized in order to understand the role of the metal centers in the conductance mechanism through the molecular junctions. It is shown that the presence of single metal ions modifies the energy levels and the coupling of the molecules to the electrical contacts, and that these modifications lead to systematic variations in the statistical behavior of transport properties of the molecular junctions. A rigorous statistical analysis of thousands of junctions is performed to reveal this correlation. The understanding of the role of the metal ion in the resulting conductance properties is an essential step toward the development of molecular electronic circuits.
Magnetic Properties and Growth‐Induced Anisotropy in Yttrium Thulium Iron Garnet Thin Films
Authors: Rosenberg Ethan R. , Litzius Kai , Shaw Justin M. , Riley Grant A. , Beach Geoffrey S. D. , Nembach Hans T. , Ross Caroline A. 
Published: July 2021

AbstractRare‐earth iron garnets (REIG) have recently become the materials platform of choice for spintronic studies on ferrimagnetic insulators. However, thus far the materials studied have mainly been REIG with a single rare earth species such as thulium, yttrium, or terbium iron garnets. In this study, magnetometry, ferromagnetic resonance, and magneto‐optical Kerr effect imaging is used to explore the continuous variation of magnetic properties as a function of composition for YxTm3−x iron garnet (YxTm3−xIG) thin films grown by pulsed laser deposition on gadolinium gallium garnet substrates. It is reported that the tunability of the magnetic anisotropy energy, with full control achieved over the type of anisotropy (from perpendicular, to isotropic, to an in‐plane easy axis) on the same substrate. In addition, a nonmonotonic composition‐dependent anisotropy term is reported, which is ascribed to growth‐induced anisotropy similar to what is reported in garnet thin films grown by liquid‐phase epitaxy. Ferromagnetic resonance shows linear variation of the damping and the g‐factor across the composition range, consistent with prior theoretical work. Domain imaging reveals differences in reversal modes, remanant states, and domain sizes in YxTm3−x iron‐garnet thin films as a function of anisotropy.
Developing functional relationships between sesame growth, development, and nitrogen nutrition during early season
Authors: Sehgal Akanksha , Smith Callie Ann , Walne Charles Hunt , Chastain Daryl , Shankle Mark , Reddy Kambham Raja 
Published: July 2021

AbstractPlants, being sessile, are subjected to multiple environmental stresses of varying intensity throughout their life cycle. Among the stresses, low fertility, drought, salinity, and nonoptimal temperatures limit crop productivity worldwide. Functional relationships between leaf N and crop growth are prerequisites to developing management tools that optimize productivity in the field. An outdoor pot‐culture experiment was conducted to determine the relationship between leaf N and sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) growth and development. Plants were grown in pots filled with fine sand and irrigated with full‐strength Hoagland's nutrient solution until 10 d after sowing (DAS). Five N treatments were then imposed: one treatment of full‐strength Hoagland's nutrient solution (control, 100% N), and four reformulations of Hoagland's nutrient solution containing reduced N at 60, 20, 10, and 0% of the control. Treatments were maintained until plants were harvested at 31 DAS. Growth, including several root traits, photosynthesis, and leaf N were measured at the end of the experiment. Maximum values were achieved at 5.3% leaf N in the leaves except for transpiration rate, stomatal conductance, and root/shoot ratio. Even though all growth rates declined with lower leaf N, the leaf area expansion among shoot and root volume among the root growth traits were most sensitive to leaf N. Among the root developmental traits, number of root tips was more sensitive to leaf N than other parameters. Among the plant dry components, leaf dry weight had the most considerable decrease. The root/shoot ratio increased under N deficiency. These N stress response indices and critical leaf N levels for various growth processes will help model and manage sesame crops in the field.
Transcriptional analyses of maize leaves in response to high‐density planting
Authors: Zhao Chenghao , Ji Shuwen , Ge Chao , Su Yujing , Shi Zhongxian , Cui Zhenhai , Zhang Ao , Wang Zuoying , Ruan Yanye , Zhang Lijun , Ma Xinglin 
Published: July 2021

AbstractMaize (Zea mays L.) is one of the major cereal crops worldwide. Increasing planting density is an effective way to improve crop yield. However, plants grown under high‐density conditions compete for water, nutrients, and light, which often leads to changes in productivity. To date, few studies have determined the transcriptomic differences in maize leaves in response to different planting densities. This study examined the whole‐genome expression patterns in the leaves of maize planted under high and low densities to identify density‐regulated genes. Leaves at upper, ear, and lower stem nodes were collected at the grain‐filling stage of the maize hybrid Xianyu335 grown under low‐density planting and high‐density planting. In total, 72, 733, and 1,739 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified in the respective upper, ear, and lower leaves under HDP. Upregulated and downregulated DEGs in the upper and lower leaves were similar in number, whereas upregulated DEGs in the ear leaves were significantly higher in number than the downregulated DEGs. Functional analysis indicated that genes responding to HDP‐related stresses were mediated by pathways involving four phytohormones responsible for metabolism and signaling, osmoprotectant biosynthesis, transcription factors, and fatty acid biosynthesis and protein kinases, which suggested that these pathways are affected by the adaptive responses of maize plants grown at high density. Research findings elucidated the molecular mechanisms underlying the physiological and biochemical responses of the leaves of maize planted at high density.
Comparative establishment and yield of bioenergy sorghum and maize following pre‐emergence waterlogging
Authors: von Haden Adam C. , Burnham Mark B. , Yang Wendy H. , DeLucia Evan H. 
Published: July 2021

AbstractBiofuel feedstocks grown on marginal lands, such as those that experience ephemeral waterlogging, reduce interference with food agriculture. As early‐season extreme precipitation events in the U.S. Midwest continue to increase, waterlogging tolerance may play an important role in the productivity of annual biofuel cropping systems. We assessed the establishment and yield of photoperiod‐sensitive sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] and maize (Zea mays L.) after extreme early‐season rainfall events in central Illinois. We used paired sorghum and maize transects, spanning from low‐lying poorly drained areas to higher better drained areas, to evaluate the response of both cropping systems throughout the 2020 growing season. Sorghum maintained 25% mean emergence rates in areas that experienced the most severe waterlogging, but maize failed to establish under the same conditions. Despite the low establishment, sorghum yields in the poorly drained areas were upwards of 50% of those found in the better drained, whereas maize yields were zero areas in the poorly drained locations. The yield compensation in sorghum resulted from increased tillering, higher productivity per stem, and subsequently higher productivity per plant, which illustrates the greater phenotypic plasticity of sorghum compared to maize. Land managers who are currently seeking to grow annual cellulosic feedstocks on soils that are vulnerable to transient soil waterlogging will likely have more success with photoperiod‐sensitive bioenergy sorghum than maize.
What is normal body weight? Perceptions around “average” and “healthy” body weight among adolescents in Indiana
Authors: Cullin Jennifer M. 
Published: July 2021

AbstractObjectivesBiological normalcy is a framework that investigates relationship(s) between statistical norms and normative views/beliefs around particular traits. This study assessed the relationships between perceptions of average body weight, healthy body weight, and weight status among adolescents.MethodsAdolescents recruited in southcentral Indiana, United States (n = 123) completed online questionnaires for demographics and body weight perceptions. Silhouettes from the Stunkard Figure Rating Scale measured perceived weight status, perceived average body weight, and perceived healthy body weight. Height and weight were measured to calculate body mass index‐for‐age percentiles. A subsample (n = 11) provided descriptions of “average,” “healthy,” and “normal” bodies during semi‐structured interviews.ResultsAs perceived average body weight increased, selections of “healthy” silhouettes shifted downward, with smaller female silhouettes being marked healthy more often and larger male silhouettes being marked healthy less often. Additionally, perceived weight status was positively associated with perceptions around average body weight and lowest body weight perceived to be healthy for female and male silhouettes. Qualitative data demonstrated significant overlap in adolescents' descriptions of “average,” “healthy,” and “normal” bodies as well as dual meanings for the term “normal” in adolescents' views of body weight.ConclusionsPerceived weight status appears to play a role in adolescents' conceptualizations of average and healthy body weight. Additionally, Qualitative and quantitative data indicated that perceived body weight norms were associated with normative perceptions around what healthy bodies look like. This study demonstrates relationships between statistical norms and normative views around body weight, underscoring the duality in how body weight is understood to be “normal” among adolescents.
Synthesis of a 1,4‐Bis[2‐(5‐thiophen‐2‐yl)‐1‐benzothiophene]‐2,5‐dioctyloxybenzene Pentamer for Creatinine Detection
Authors: Hidayah Azeman Nur , Asif Ahmad Khushaini Muhammad , Daik Rusli , Ismail Ahmad Ghadafi , Yeop Majlis Burhanuddin , Mat Salleh Muhammad , Aziz Tg Hasnan Tg Abdul , Bakar Ahmad Ashrif A , Md Zain Ahmad Rifqi , Teh Chin‐Hoong 
Published: July 2021

AbstractThe synthesis of novel material 1,4‐bis[2‐(5‐thiophen‐2‐yl)‐1‐benzothiophene]‐2,5‐dioctyloxybenzene pentamer (BOBzBT2) was carried out via Williamson etherification, bromination, and Suzuki coupling. Functionalization was carried out via the incorporation of dioctyloxy‐substituents on phenylene moiety to improve its solubility. The elongation of the π‐conjugation backbone was carried out through the addition of benzo[b]thiophene rings of BOBzBT2 to accelerate cation radicals′ formation. In FTIR, the disappearance of the stretching peak of υ(CBr) at 657 cm−1 confirms the coupling of benzo[b]thiophene rings end‐capped the BOBzBT2 UV‐visible shows the appearance of two broad bands at 343 nm and 422 nm, that related to π‐π* transition between thiophene and bithiophene groups with 2,5‐bis(dioctyloxy)benzene moiety in the π‐conjugated backbone, respectively. DSC shows that the BOBzBT2 is a high purity compound. A gradual relaxation occurred between BOBzBT2 with creatinine as observed in UV‐visible analysis. It is expected that the BOBzBT2 sensed creatinine via NH−S and NH−O hydrogen bonding interactions.
Common evolutionary patterns in the human nasal region across a worldwide sample
Authors: Tran Cathy Ngọc Hân , Schroeder Lauren 
Published: July 2021

AbstractObjectivesVariation in the external nasal region among human populations has long been proposed in the literature to reflect adaptations to facilitate thermoregulation, air conditioning, and moisture retention in local climates and environments. More specifically, adaptations in populations living in colder climates have often been assumed due to correlational relationships found between variation in the nasal region and climatic variables. Here, we test this hypothesis by applying a quantitative genetics approach based on the Lande model to assess whether variation in the nasal region can be explained by random neutral processes (e.g., genetic drift) or if non‐random forces (i.e., adaptation) have contributed significantly to its diversity.Materials and methodsA mixed‐sex sample representing 28 population groups from Howells' craniometric dataset were analyzed (n = 2504). Twenty standard measurements were chosen to reflect the external skeletal morphology of the nasal region. We apply statistical tests developed from evolutionary quantitative genetics theory to analyze patterns of within‐ and between‐population divergence under a null hypothesis of genetic drift.ResultsThis study finds a rejection of genetic drift in all analyses, across tests that involve all 28 populations, exclusively cold‐climate populations, and with cold‐climate populations excluded, indicating that non‐random evolutionary forces have contributed significantly to variation in the nasal region overall.DiscussionThese results show that nasal region adaptation is not exclusive to cold‐climate populations, which have often been implicated in the literature to drive nasal variation, instead suggesting that the propensity for adaptation in the nasal region is shared among all human populations.
Self‐healing in high impact polystyrene (HIPS) composites via embedded non‐toxic solvent‐filled microcapsules
Authors: Shinde Vinita V. , Shelke Shreyas D. , Celestine Asha‐Dee N. , Beckingham Bryan S. 
Published: July 2021

AbstractPolymer composites are widely used in many industries due to their desirable, and commonly superior properties. However, the replacement of damaged composite materials can be very costly and time‐consuming, motivating the development of self‐healing composites that recover their properties after a damage event. This work demonstrates the microcapsule‐based self‐healing of compression molded thermoplastic high impact polystyrene (HIPS) composites using a non‐toxic and environmentally friendly solvent, ethyl phenylacetate (EPA). EPA is incorporated within double‐walled polyurethane‐poly(urea‐formaldehyde) (PU/UF) microcapsules which are then integrated within the HIPS specimens. Flexure and fracture behavior, with and without microcapsules, is used to investigate the microcapsules' impact on composite physical properties and to determine the composite's self‐healing efficiency (up to 64%) after healing in response to fracture. Overall, this work demonstrates the inclusion of self‐healing properties in a commercially important polymer material with a non‐toxic and environmentally friendly solvent and motivates further development of thermoplastic self‐healing composites for industrial applications.
Accelerated weathering effects on mechanical, thermal and viscoelastic properties of kenaf/pineapple biocomposite laminates for load bearing structural applications
Authors: Kumar Santosh , Saha Abir , Bhowmik Sumit 
Published: July 2021

AbstractNatural fibers are exceptional renewable resources to develop biocomposite materials for reducing the negative effects on the environment and producing economical and lightweight materials for load bearing semi‐structural applications. The present study is an attempt to develop kenaf/pineapple reinforced bio‐epoxy biocomposite and investigates thermo‐mechanical and viscoelastic properties under accelerated weathering conditions. The compression molding technique is used to develop biocomposite with four different arrangements of kenaf/pineapple laminates. To perform accelerated weathering, laminates are exposed to ultraviolet radiation and humidity conditions with extreme temperature in weathering tester machine. The tensile, flexural, impact, thermogravimetric analysis, thermal conductivity, viscoelastic properties, and water absorption tests are performed before and after accelerated weathering. The results revealed that the hybridization of kenaf/pineapple laminates showed better interfacial strength and stiffness while reducing the moisture sensitivity under accelerated weathering conditions. The morphology and fracture behavior of biocomposites are examined with scanning electron microscopy.
Three‐dimensional solubility parameters of natural rubber and its predictive power in diffusion coefficients
Authors: Jing Yuanrong , Cui Ziwen , Zou Huimin , Tu Jieyun , Jiang Xingwang , Shi Xinghui , Yong Zhanfu , Liu Susu , Liu Guangyong 
Published: July 2021

AbstractEquilibrium swelling test is employed to study the swelling responses of natural rubber (NR) in various solvents, and to determine the total Hildebrand solubility parameter (δt) of NR. The three‐dimensional solubility parameters (HSP) of NR is obtained by virtue of software package as the result of being δd = 17.50 MPa1/2, δp = 3.20 MPa1/2, δh = 1.40 MPa1/2, and δt = 17.85 MPa1/2, respectively. The swelling ratio (q) is correlated with the energy difference (Ra) in order to deeply understand the swelling principle of NR, and the results turn out that q decreased with the increase of the Ra and it can be used to explain the abnormal swelling phenomena of methyl acetate and ethyl acetate. One of the possible applications of Ra is the prediction or explanation of diffusion behaviors of small liquids in the rubber matrix. Therefore, the diffusion coefficient (D) is calculated in accordance with the Fick's law model and attempted to correlate with the Ra value. Two qualitative relationships between D and Ra and χHSP can be preliminarily established now, which can provide an easy way to predict the diffusion behavior of fluids in rubber matrix.
Efficient removal of methyl orange by nanocomposite aerogel of polyethyleneimine andβ‐cyclodextringrafted cellulose nanocrystals
Authors: Li Qian , Li Yujie , Li Yuehu , Chen Yifan , Wu Qiang , Wang Siqun 
Published: July 2021

AbstractOwing to the high specific surface area and lightweight, aerogels exhibit excellent adsorption capacity that can be tailored for the fabrication of high‐performance environmental purification materials. Cellulose nanocrystal (CNC) is an abundant, bio‐based, low‐density one dimensional (1D) nanomaterials with high‐respect ratio. In this work, CNC is first chemically grafted with polyethylenimine (PEI) and further byβ‐cyclodextrin (β‐CD), which is subsequently crosslinked by polyacrylamide (PAM) to prepare the composted aerogel (CNC‐PEI‐CD/PAM), and being endowed high‐adsorption capacity for methyl orange (MO) (155.93 mg g−1) and removal rate (97.46%). Our unique strategy overcomes the low graft efficiency ofβ‐CD directly onto CNC by connecting PEI. Besides, CNC‐PEI‐CD/PAM not only shows superior adsorption performance to methyl orange, attributing to the unique “selective” cavity structure ofβ‐CD and dense surface charge of PEI, but also displays the desired reusability. This material shows the huge potential in water purification.
Fabrication of high transparent, mechanical strong, and flame retardant waterborne polyurethane composites by incorporating phosphorus‐silicon functionalized cellulose nanocrystals
Authors: Du Weining , Ge Xinguo , Huang Hao , Zhang Tianhao , Zhang Zejiang , Shang Xiang 
Published: July 2021

AbstractTo manufacture transparent waterborne polyurethane composite coatings that possess desirable mechanical and flame retardancy properties is still a challenge. Herein, we first synthesized phosphorus‐silicon functionalized cellulose nanocrystals (FCNC) filler, and further introduced it into waterborne polyurethane (WPU) matrix to prepare composite. The phosphorus‐silicon‐containing components were grafted covalently on the surface of FCNC, and the FCNC showed good dispersion level in water and WPU matrix. Moreover, the inserted FCNC could not only maintain the high transparency of WPU‐FCNCs composites, but also remarkably enhancing the mechanical and flame retardancy performances. Noticeably, the WPU‐FCNC3 composite containing 3 wt% of FCNC showed balanced mechanical (σb = 16.7 MPa, εb = 557.5%), limiting oxygen index (22.9%), and a UL‐94 rating of V‐2 among prepared films. Additionally, WPU‐FCNC3 composite exhibited significantly reductions in heat release during combustion, and also showed a high transmittance of 92.2%. The present research supplies promising way for developing transparent, toughness, and flame retardant composite coatings.
Increasing smallholder farmers’ market participation through technology adoption in rural Timor‐Leste
Authors: Akter Sonia , Chindarkar Namrata , Erskine William , Spyckerelle Luc , Imron Julie , Branco Lucia Viana 
Published: July 2021

AbstractThis study examines the role of high‐yielding maize varieties as one of the key drivers of smallholder farmers’ market participation in a highly subsistence rural economy. The analysis is based on the End‐of‐Program Survey data collected by the Seeds of Life program in 2016 covering 700 households in rural Timor‐Leste. The results reveal significant positive impacts of technology adoption on farmers’ market participation. Households where women are relatively more active in agriculture than men are more likely to engage in agricultural commerce. The results also show a positive impact of technology adoption on maize productivity. These findings present the first empirical evidence of the causal link between technology adoption and market participation choices.