bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Search for Correlation between Solar Flare Count and Mean Solar Magnetic Field
Authors: Joshi Chandan , Sobha B. , Joshi Vishwas Deep
Published: November 2018

An investigation for search of correlation between the daily observations of mean magnetic field and daily flare count number in different class is studied here. The daily observations for mean magnetic field presented here are taken by Wilcox Solar observatory and daily flare count in different X-ray class is provided by National Centers For Environmental Information.
Connection between Active region complexity and Solar Flare strength
Authors: Amareswari K. , Padinhatteeri Sreejith , Sankarasubramanian K.
Published: November 2018

Hale (1908) discovered the existence of magnetic fields in sunspots, and since then a consensus has been reached that magnetic fields play an important role in various forms of solar activities, such as solar flares . Modified Mount-Wilson scheme is one of the methodology to classify active regions based on their complexity . As per this scheme, sunspots are classified as α, β, γ, and δ with the complexity of the magnetic topology increasing from α to δ. The δ sunspots are known to be highly flare-productive. An existing automated algorithm (SMART-DF) is modified and used to identify δ-spots for the existing full disk SOHO/MDI data. The automatically identified δ-spots is compared with the NOAA-SRS database and found to be reproducing almost all the identified δ-spots. In thisstudy, the connection between formation of δ-spot and flares is also carried out using GOES flare flux and NOAA-SRS sunspot classification.
Long-term variation of sunspot penumbra to umbra area ratio
Authors: Jha Bibhuti Kumar , Mandal Sudip , Banerjee Dipankar
Published: November 2018

A typical sunspot, as seen in white-light intensity images, has a two part structure: a dark umbra and a lighter penumbra. Such distinction primarily arises due to the different orientations of magnetic fields in these two regions. In this study, we use the Kodaikanal white-light digitized data archive to analyze the long-term evolution of umbral and penumbal area. We used an ‘automated algorithm’ to uniquely identify the sunspot umbra (including the calculation of penumbra to umbra ratio) from these digitized intensity images. Our analysis reveals that the ratio increases slightly with the increase of sunspot area upto 100 μHem but eventually settles down to a constant value after that. This study, not only allows us to better understand the evolution of an individual spot and its corresponding magnetic field but this is also beneficial for solar dynamo studies which aim to reproduce such structures using a MHD theory.
Nonlinear Autoregressive Model (NARX) of Stationary Forbush Decrease Indices Based on Levenberg-Marquardt Feedback Algorithm
Authors: Patra Sankar Narayan , Panja Subhash Chandra , Prasad Amrita , Roy Soumya , Ghosh Koushik
Published: November 2018

Artificial Neural Network based Nonlinear Autoregressive Model is designed to reconstruct and predict Forbush Decrease (FD) Data obtained from Izmiran, Russia. Result indicates that the model seems adequate for short term prediction of the FD data.
Influence of Planets on the Magnetic Activity of Sun-Like Stars
Authors: Gurumath Shashanka R. , Hiremath K. M. , Ramasubramanian V.
Published: November 2018

By considering the physical properties of Sun-like G stars and their exoplanets, present study examines whether presence of planets near the host stars enhances their stellar activity. In order to attain this goal, chromospheric RHK index data-a proxy for the magnetic activity-for the stars with and without planets is considered. With the reasonable constraints on the exoplanetary data, we obtained a power law decay relationship between the magnetic activity of host stars and their ages, for stars with and without planets. Both these results strongly suggest that there is no difference in magnetic activity of the sun-like stars with and without presence of planets. In order to confirm this result, further we also examine an association between the host stars RHK index that have exoplanets and their respective exoplanetary masses. We find that magnitude of RHK (hence magnetic activity) of the host stars is independent of presence of planetary mass in its vicinity.
Preparing and Delivering a Classical School Assembly
Authors: Lawrence William
Published: November 2018

The purpose of this article is to encourage classical colleagues to develop their own illustrated talks to deliver to school assemblies (both senior and junior). In my experience, an illustrated talk goes down well with any audience (whatever its age) and can have an immediate impact on their view of the classical world (especially its ‘relevance’). Assemblies can be delivered in many ways: a talk; interactive; class presentation etc. This article concentrates only on the preparation and delivery of an illustrated talk. I have divided the article into four sections: the value of classical assemblies; tips on preparing and delivering assemblies; resources and copyright; and an example of a classical assembly (The Adventures of Theseus).
Fault‐Tolerant b‐Values and Aftershock Productivity
Authors: Page M. T. , van der Elst N. J.
Published: November 2018

When it comes to smaller earthquakes, are major faults special? Page et al., (2011,https://doi.org/10.1029/2010JB007933) showed that earthquakes near the faults that compose version 3.0 of the Southern California Earthquake Center Community Fault Model (CFM) have a lower Gutenberg‐Richter b‐value than earthquakes elsewhere in Southern California. Here we revisit their result, using newer earthquake data recorded after version 3.0 of the CFM was completed. We find that the correlation between earthquake size and proximity to major faults is not present in the newer seismicity data. This indicates that to some degree, the CFM is overtuned to past seismicity, with some structures related to transient features in seismicity rather than persistent geologic features. We also search for differences in aftershock productivity and foreshock statistics near faults and find that they are also “fault‐tolerant”—that is, insensitive to distance from major faults. Our results suggest that the fault system in Southern California is highly connected, since the chance of an earthquake nucleating on or near a major fault versus on a secondary structure is independent of its final size.
A New Global Database of Lunar Impact Craters >1–2 km: 1. Crater Locations and Sizes, Comparisons With Published Databases, and Global Analysis
Authors: Robbins Stuart J.
Published: November 2018

This paper presents a new, global database of lunar impact craters, estimated to be a complete census of all craters with diameters larger than 1–2 km. The database contains over 2 million craters, making it larger in number than any previously published lunar effort by more than a factor of 10. Of those craters, 1.3 million have diameters ≥1 km, approximately 83,000 are ≥5 km, and 6,972 craters are ≥20 km. How the database was constructed along with the reliability of features is described in detail. Comparisons are made with past published databases, demonstrating good agreement for crater size and location. An ellipticity analysis is conducted, illustrating there is no dominant direction for elliptical crater orientation based on location, diameter range, or ellipticity amount, consistent with randomness for craters ≥10 km. A spatial density analysis is described, comparing the spatial density of small versus large craters, and numerous observations about the nonuniformity of the size distributions of craters across the Moon are made. The spatial density is also used in a discussion about kilometer‐scale secondary impact craters and clearly shows that they dominate the crater population in some areas of the lunar surface. This paper presents just a tiny sample of the scientific investigations that could be done with this new crater database.
Using Emulators to Understand the Sensitivity of Deep Convective Clouds and Hail to Environmental Conditions
Authors: Wellmann C. , Barrett A. I. , Johnson J. S. , Kunz M. , Vogel B. , Carslaw K. S. , Hoose C.
Published: November 2018

This study aims to identify model parameters describing atmospheric conditions such as wind shear and cloud condensation nuclei (CCN) concentration, which lead to large uncertainties in the prediction of deep convective clouds. In an idealized setup of a cloud‐resolving model including a two‐moment microphysics scheme we use the approach of statistical emulation to allow for a Monte Carlo sampling of the parameter space, which enables a comprehensive sensitivity analysis. We analyze the impact of six uncertain input parameters on cloud properties (vertically integrated content of six hydrometeor classes), precipitation, and the size distribution of hail. Furthermore, we investigate whether the sensitivities are robust for different trigger mechanisms of convection. We find that the uncertainties of most cloud and precipitation outputs are dominated by the uncertainty in the temperature profile and the CCN concentration while the contributions of other input parameters to the uncertainties may vary. The temperature profile is also an important factor in determining the size distribution of surface hail. We also notice that the sensitivities of cloud water and hail to the CCN concentration depend on environmental conditions. Our results show that depending on the choice of the trigger mechanism, the contribution of the input parameters to the uncertainty varies, which means that studies with different trigger mechanisms might not be comparable. Overall, the emulator approach appears to be a powerful tool for the analysis of complex weather prediction models in an idealized setup.
A simple and robust approach to reducing contact resistance in organic transistors
Authors: Lamport Zachary A. , Barth Katrina J. , Lee Hyunsu , Gann Eliot , Engmann Sebastian , Chen Hu , Guthold Martin , McCulloch Iain , Anthony John E. , Richter Lee J. , DeLongchamp Dean M. , Jurchescu Oana D.
Published: November 2018

Efficient injection of charge carriers from the contacts into the semiconductor layer is crucial for achieving high-performance organic devices. The potential drop necessary to accomplish this process yields a resistance associated with the contacts, namely the contact resistance. A large contact resistance can limit the operation of devices and even lead to inaccuracies in the extraction of the device parameters. Here, we demonstrate a simple and efficient strategy for reducing the contact resistance in organic thin-film transistors by more than an order of magnitude by creating high work function domains at the surface of the injecting electrodes to promote channels of enhanced injection. We find that the method is effective for both organic small molecule and polymer semiconductors, where we achieved a contact resistance as low as 200 Ωcm and device charge carrier mobilities as high as 20 cm2V−1s−1, independent of the applied gate voltage.
Islr regulates canonical Wnt signaling-mediated skeletal muscle regeneration by stabilizing Dishevelled-2 and preventing autophagy
Authors: Zhang Kuo , Zhang Yuying , Gu Lijie , Lan Miaomiao , Liu Chuncheng , Wang Meng , Su Yang , Ge Mengxu , Wang Tongtong , Yu Yingying , Liu Chang , Li Lei , Li Qiuyan , Zhao Yaofeng , Yu Zhengquan , Wang Fudi , Li Ning , Meng Qingyong
Published: November 2018

Satellite cells are crucial for skeletal muscle regeneration, but the molecular mechanisms regulating satellite cells are not entirely understood. Here, we show that the immunoglobulin superfamily containing leucine-rich repeat (Islr), a newly identified marker for mesenchymal stem cells, stabilizes canonical Wnt signaling and promote skeletal muscle regeneration. Loss of Islr delays skeletal muscle regeneration in adult mice. In the absence of Islr, myoblasts fail to develop into mature myotubes due to defective differentiation. Islr interacts with Dishevelled-2 (Dvl2) to activate canonical Wnt signaling, consequently regulating the myogenic factor myogenin (MyoG). Furthermore, Islr stabilizes Dvl2 by reducing the level of LC3-labeled Dvl2 and preventing cells from undergoing autophagy. Together, our findings identify Islr as an important regulator for skeletal muscle regeneration.
Soil management is key to maintaining soil moisture in urban gardens facing changing climatic conditions
Authors: Lin Brenda B. , Egerer Monika H. , Liere Heidi , Jha Shalene , Philpott Stacy M.
Published: November 2018

Urban gardens are vital green spaces, providing food for residents and space for engaged citizenry and community development. In California, climate change conditions (heat and drought) are becoming more extreme, threatening the resilience of urban gardens. Water use restrictions limit the timing and amount of water that gardeners can access, exacerbating these climate challenges for urban food production. Together with volunteer gardeners, we examined how ambient temperature, water use, vegetation, ground cover, and soil management affect rates of soil moisture gain and loss in urban gardens for a six-week period in the summer of 2017, during the hottest part of the growing season. We found that plot-level management of soils is essential for creating urban garden plots that maintain stable levels of water within garden soils. Although plots with better soil quality (i.e. water holding capacity) experienced slower rates of soil moisture gain after a watering event, they also experienced slower rates of soil moisture loss after the event, leading to soils with more stable, less fluctuating moisture profiles over time. This may benefit gardeners because under extreme climates (such as heat and drought) and water use restrictions, maintaining more stable soils for their plants means that the soils will retain water over a longer period after each watering event. Overall, such results highlight that better soil management that improves soil quality measures such as water holding capacity are potential solutions for maintaining soil moisture and reducing water use under changing climate conditions.
Engineered K1F bacteriophages kill intracellular Escherichia coli K1 in human epithelial cells
Authors: Møller-Olsen Christian , Ho Siu Fung Stanley , Shukla Ranti Dev , Feher Tamas , Sagona Antonia P.
Published: November 2018

Bacterial infections can be treated with bacteriophages that show great specificity towards their bacterial host and can be genetically modified for different applications. However, whether and how bacteriophages can kill intracellular bacteria in human cells remains elusive. Here, using CRISPR/Cas selection, we have engineered a fluorescent bacteriophage specific forE. coliK1, a nosocomial pathogen responsible for urinary tract infections, neonatal meningitis and sepsis. By confocal and live microscopy, we show that engineered bacteriophages K1F-GFP andE. coliEV36-RFP bacteria displaying the K1 capsule, enter human cells via phagocytosis. Importantly, we show that bacteriophage K1F-GFP efficiently kills intracellularE. coliEV36-RFP in T24 human urinary bladder epithelial cells. Finally, we provide evidence that bacteria and bacteriophages are degraded by LC3-associated phagocytosis and xenophagy.
SIRT3 deficiency-induced mitochondrial dysfunction and inflammasome formation in the brain
Authors: Tyagi Alpna , Nguyen Christy U , Chong Thomas , Michel Cole R , Fritz Kristofer S. , Reisdorph Nichole , Knaub Leslie , Reusch Jane E. B. , Pugazhenthi Subbiah
Published: November 2018

SIRT3, the primary mitochondrial deacetylase, plays a significant role in enhancing the function of mitochondrial proteins. Downregulation of SIRT3 is a key component of metabolic syndrome, a precondition for obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. In this study, we examined the effects of brain mitochondrial protein hyperacetylation in western diet-fed Sirt3−/− mice, a model for metabolic syndrome. Brain mitochondrial proteins were hyperacetylated, following western diet feeding and Sirt3 deletion. To identity these hyperacetylated proteins, we performed a comprehensive acetylome analysis by label-free tandem mass spectrometry. Gene ontology pathway analysis revealed Sirt3 deletion-mediated downregulation of enzymes in several metabolic pathways, including fatty acid oxidation and tricarboxylic acid cycle. Mitochondrial respiration was impaired at multiple states, along with lower levels of mitochondrial fission proteins Mfn1 and Mfn2. Cleavage of procaspase-1 suggested inflammasome formation. Assembly of inflammasomes with caspase-1 and NLRP3 was detected as shown by proximity ligation assay. Markers of neuroinflammation including microgliosis and elevated brain IL-1β expression were also observed. Importantly, these findings were further exacerbated in Sirt3−/− mice when fed a calorie-rich western diet. The observations of this study suggest that SIRT3 deficiency-induced brain mitochondrial dysfunction and neuroinflammation in metabolic syndrome may play a role in late-life cognitive decline.
Low plasma haptoglobin is a risk factor for life-threatening childhood severe malarial anemia and not an exclusive consequence of hemolysis
Authors: Abah Samuel Eneọjọ , Burté Florence , Marquet Sandrine , Brown Biobele J. , Akinkunmi Francis , Oyinloye Gbeminiyi , Afolabi Nathaniel K. , Omokhodion Samuel , Lagunju Ikeoluwa , Shokunbi Wuraola A. , Wahlgren Mats , Dessein Hélia , Argiro Laurent , Dessein Alain J. , Noyvert Boris , Hunt Lilian , Elgar Greg , Sodeinde Olugbemiro , Holder Anthony A. , Fernandez-Reyes Delmiro
Published: November 2018

Severe Malarial Anemia (SMA), a life-threatening childhood Plasmodium falciparum malaria syndrome requiring urgent blood transfusion, exhibits inflammatory and hemolytic pathology. Differentiating between hypo-haptoglobinemia due to hemolysis or that of genetic origin is key to understand SMA pathogenesis. We hypothesized that while malaria-induced hypo-haptoglobinemia should reverse at recovery, that of genetic etiology should not. We carried-out a case-control study of children living under hyper-endemic holoendemic malaria burden in the sub-Saharan metropolis of Ibadan, Nigeria. We show that hypo-haptoglobinemia is a risk factor for childhood SMA and not solely due to intravascular hemolysis from underlying schizogony. In children presenting with SMA, hypo-haptoglobinemia remains through convalescence to recovery suggesting a genetic cause. We identified a haptoglobin gene variant, rs12162087 (g.-1203G > A, frequency = 0.67), to be associated with plasma haptoglobin levels (p = 8.5 × 10−6). The Homo-Var:(AA) is associated with high plasma haptoglobin while the reference Homo-Ref:(GG) is associated with hypo-haptoglobinemia (p = 2.3 × 10−6). The variant is associated with SMA, with the most support for a risk effect for Homo-Ref genotype. Our insights on regulatory haptoglobin genotypes and hypo-haptoglobinemia suggest that haptoglobin screening could be part of risk-assessment algorithms to prevent rapid disease progression towards SMA in regions with no-access to urgent blood transfusion where SMA accounts for high childhood mortality rates.
Pattern recognition of toxic metal ions using a single-probe thiocoumarin array
Authors: Smith David G. , Mitchell Linda , New Elizabeth J.
Published: November 2018

A thiocoumarin that exhibits varying fluorescence responses to metal ions in different solvents can be used in a single-probe multiple-solvent array for distinguishing metal ions.
Thermally imprinted microcone structure-assisted lateral-flow immunoassay platforms for detecting disease marker proteins
Authors: Aoyama Shuhei , Akiyama Yuto , Monden Kenji , Yamada Masumi , Seki Minoru
Published: November 2018

Lateral-flow immunoassay devices, incorporating thermally-imprinted microcone array structures, have been developed for detecting disease marker proteins.
Electrochemical determination of PIK3CA gene associated with breast cancer based on molybdenum disulfide nanosheet-supported poly(indole-6-carboxylic acid)
Authors: Yang Jimin , Yin Xuesong , Zhang Wei
Published: November 2018

A sensitive electrochemical strategy for determination of PIK3CA gene associated with breast cancer was developed based on MoS2 nanosheet-supported PIn6COOH.
On-chip biosynthesis of GM1 pentasaccharide-related complex glycans
Authors: Kim Chang Sup , Heo Hye Ryoung , Seo Jeong Hyun , Cha Hyung Joon
Published: November 2018

A novel strategy for on-chip enzymatic glycosylation of complex glycans and direct analysis of glycan-related interactions is reported.
Isovalent bismuth ion-induced growth of highly-disperse Sb2S3 nanorods and their composite with p-CuSCN for self-powered photodetectors
Authors: Wang Junli , Qiao Yajie , Wang Tingting , Yu Hongsong , Feng Ying , Zhang Junhao
Published: November 2018

Trace amounts of Bi ions are able to cause the growth of highly-disperse, thin Sb2S3 nanorods, which exhibit potential in UV-visible self-powered photodetectors when coupled with p-CuSCN crystal clusters.
A binuclear copper-substituted phosphomolybdate with reactive oxygen species catalytic ability and antimicrobial activity
Authors: Ma Xiang , Zhang Chao , Hua Jiai , Ma Pengtao , Wang Jingping , Niu Jingyang
Published: November 2018

A magnetic binuclear Cu-substituted Strandberg POM can produce ROS and inhibit the growth of E. coli.
Fabrication of one-dimensional Cu2Te/Te nanorod composites and their enhanced thermoelectric properties
Authors: Park Dabin , Ju Hyun , Oh Taeseob , Kim Jooheon
Published: November 2018

Cu2Te/Te nanorod composites were fabricated and their thermoelectric properties were investigated.
A water-stable 3D Eu-MOF based on a metallacyclodimeric secondary building unit for sensitive fluorescent detection of acetone molecules
Authors: Yang Yan , Chen Lian , Jiang Feilong , Wu Mingyan , Pang Jiandong , Wan Xiuyan , Hong Maochun
Published: November 2018

A Eu-MOF with high water stability constructed using a systematic metallacyclodimeric motif as a potential chemical sensor for acetone is reported.
2D planar penta-MN2 (M = Pd, Pt) sheets identified through structure search
Authors: Zhao Kexian , Li Xiaoyin , Wang Shuo , Wang Qian
Published: November 2018

Planar penta-MN2 sheets are energetically more stable than pyrite MN2, and penta-PtN2 has higher carrier mobility than phosphorene.
Mineralization of phosphorylated cellulose: crucial role of surface structure and monovalent ions for optimizing calcium content
Authors: Lukasheva Natalia V. , Tolmachev Dmitry A. , Karttunen Mikko
Published: November 2018

Cellulose can be phosphorylated to produce organic matrices with highly adsorptive properties for, e.g., biocompatible materials for biomedical applications.
Solving the Schrödinger equation of hydrogen molecules with the free-complement variational theory: essentially exact potential curves and vibrational levels of the ground and excited states of the Σ symmetry
Authors: Kurokawa Yusaku I. , Nakashima Hiroyuki , Nakatsuji Hiroshi
Published: November 2018

The Schrödinger equation of hydrogen molecules was solved essentially exactly and systematically for calculating the potential energy curves of the electronic ground and excited states of the 1Σg, 1Σu, 3Σg, and 3Σu symmetries.
Spin glass like transition and the exchange bias effect in Co3O4 nanoparticles anchored onto graphene sheets
Authors: Sarkar S. , Mondal A. , Giri N. , Ray R.
Published: November 2018

The exchange bias effect is observed in a diluted magnetic system synthesized with 5% volume fraction of Co3O4 anchored on reduced graphene oxide (rGO) sheet below the antiferromagnetic transition temperature of Co3O4. The glassy magnetic phase below 5 K has been established by relaxation memory studies performed in ZFC protocol.
A benzimidazolyl terpyridine-Fe2+system and its recognition driven molecular model of a traffic light
Authors: Sonkar Avinash Kumar , Rai Abhishek , Tripathi Kamini , Sharma Pooja , Roesky H. W. , Drew Michael G. B. , Mishra Lallan
Published: November 2018

A benzimidazolyl terpyridine (BIT) selectively detects Fe2+, F−and CN−; its Fe2+complex1detects TNP, F−and CN−, with concomitant color changes from purple to red, yellow and green, respectively, which makes it a molecular model of a traffic light.
Slow relaxation of the magnetization observed in mononuclear Ln–radical compounds with D4d geometry configurations
Authors: Chen Peng Yun , Wu Ming Ze , Liu Zhong Yi , Tian Li , Zhang Yi Quan
Published: November 2018

Three monometallic Ln-NIT complexes have been synthesized based on a pyrazole radical. The central LnIII ions are all in D4d polyhedron configurations. Tb's complex shows a single relaxation process. Dy's complex exhibits complicated relaxation processes.
On the sensitization of Eu3+ with Ce3+ and Tb3+ by composite structured Ca2LuHf2Al3O12 garnet phosphors for blue LED excitation
Authors: Fischer Stefan , Pier Tim , Jüstel Thomas
Published: November 2018

Luminescence quenching by metal-to-metal charge transfer between Ce3+ and Eu3+ was reduced significantly by spatial separation of activator and sensitizer in core-shell like composite particles.
A NiII-cluster-based MOF as an efficient heterogeneous catalyst for the chemical transformation of CO2
Authors: Gao Chao-Ying , Yang Yang , Liu Jinghai , Sun Zhong-Ming
Published: November 2018

A {Ni4}-cluster-based MOF as an efficient catalyst for chemical CO2 fixation exhibits higher activity than most documented MOF catalysts.
Impact of bisphenol A influent concentration and reaction time on MnO2 transformation in a stirred flow reactor
Authors: Balgooyen Sarah , Campagnola Gabrielle , Remucal Christina K. , Ginder-Vogel Matthew
Published: November 2018

This study combines analysis of both organic and inorganic components in bisphenol A oxidation by MnO2 in a stirred flow reactor.
Ratiometric immunoassays built from synergistic photonic absorption of size-diverse semiconducting MoS2 nanostructures
Authors: Li Bang Lin , Wang Jinping , Gao Zhong Feng , Shi Hu , Zou Hao Lin , Ariga Katsuhiko , Leong David Tai
Published: November 2018

Liquid-exfoliated MoS2 nanostructures are good candidates as ratiometric-based sensors. They exhibited good resolvable distribution-dependent synergistic photonic absorption states as immunoassays.
The biological fate of gadolinium-based MRI contrast agents: a call to action for bioinorganic chemists
Authors: Le Fur Mariane , Caravan Peter
Published: November 2018

Gadolinium retention in tissues: description of our state of knowledge, and physical methods to investigate the biological distribution and chemical speciation of retained gadolinium.
Disaggregation-induced ESIPT: a novel approach towards development of sensors for hyperglycemic condition
Authors: Sindhu Jayant , Mayank Mayank , Bhasin Aman K. K. , Kaur Navneet , Singh Narinder , Bhasin K. K.
Published: November 2018

An oxazolonapthoimidazo[1,2-a]pyridine-based fluorescence probeONIP1was designed and synthesizedviamulticomponent reaction.ONIP1was able to distinguish human serum albumin (HSA) from and glycated-HSAviamodulation of AIEE- and ESIPT-based dual channel emission properties.
Novel herbicide ionic liquids based on nicosulfuron with increased efficacy
Authors: Wang Weichen , Zhu Juanli , Tang Gang , Huo Hong , Zhang Wenbing , Liang You , Dong Hongqiang , Yang Jiale , Cao Yongsong
Published: November 2018

Nicosulfuron is widely used in agriculture because of its high selectivity, wide weeding spectrum, and excellent herbicide performance.
Synthesis of 4-trifluoromethyl 2-pyrones and pyridones through the Brønsted base-catalyzed Pechmann-type reaction with cyclic 1,3-diones
Authors: Yan Weitao , Wang Ruo , Zhang Tesen , Deng Hongtao , Chen Jian , Wu Wei , Weng Zhiqiang
Published: November 2018

An efficient Brønsted base-catalyzed Pechmann-type reaction of cyclic 1,3-diones with ethyl 4,4,4-trifluoroacetoacetate to afford 4-trifluoromethyl 2-pyrones and pyridones was developed.
Computational insight into the mechanism and origins of high selectivities in the acylation of polyamines with 5-benzoyl-5-phenyl-1,5-dihydro-4H-pyrazol-4-one
Authors: Zhang Yan , Yang Yongsheng , Yang Junxia , Yang Lian , Xue Ying
Published: November 2018

Density functional theory was used to study the mechanism as well as the rate- and site-selectivities of the acylation reaction.
Organocatalytic enantioselective synthesis of acyclic pyrimidine nucleosides by aza-Michael reaction
Authors: Lee Su-Jeong , Ahn Jun-Gi , Seo Jihwan , Ha Heun-Jong , Cho Chang-Woo
Published: November 2018

Organocatalytic enantioselective synthesis of acyclic pyrimidine nucleosides was achieved by the aza-Michael reaction of pyrimidines as N-centered nucleophiles to α,β-unsaturated aldehydes.
Bioinspired hierarchically hairy particles for robust superhydrophobic coatings via a droplet dynamic template method
Authors: Lv Dongmei , Sheng Li , Wan Jiping , Dong Jianwei , Ouyang Hongsheng , Jiao Huping , Liu Junqiu
Published: November 2018

Bioinspired hierarchically hairy particles are prepared by using initiator droplets as dynamic templates to achieve a robust superhydrophobic coating.
Structural and thermodynamic aspects of water–carbonate exchange equilibrium for MIII/IV–EDTA–carbonate systems
Authors: Janicki Rafał , Mondry Anna
Published: November 2018

The carbonate anion readily displaces water molecules in the [Er(EDTA)(H2O)2]− complex and though it is mainly an entropy driven process, the formation of the [Er(EDTA)(CO3)]3– complex is additionally enthalpy stabilized.
A modern and practical laccase-catalysed route suitable for the synthesis of 2-arylbenzimidazoles and 2-arylbenzothiazoles
Authors: Maphupha Mudzuli , Juma Wanyama P. , de Koning Charles B. , Brady Dean
Published: November 2018

Green chemistry: laccase in acetonitrile and buffer in the presence of O2can synthesise benzimidazoles and benzothiazoles in good yields.
Fullerenemalonates inhibit amyloid beta aggregation, in vitro and in silico evaluation
Authors: Melchor Martínez-Herrera , Susana Figueroa-Gerstenmaier , Francisco García-Sierra , Hiram I. Beltrán , Norma Rivera-Fernández , Jorge A. Lerma-Romero , Perla Y. López-Camacho , Gustavo Basurto-Islas
Published: November 2018

Synthesis of new non toxic nanomaterials, with high anti-amyloid fibrils formation effect, in vitro and in silico.
Allotropes of tellurium from first-principles crystal structure prediction calculations under pressure
Authors: Liu Yuan , Hu Shunbo , Caputo Riccarda , Sun Kaitong , Li Yongchang , Zhao Guodong , Ren Wei
Published: November 2018

Through first-principles simulations, we suggest the phase stability of the allotropic transition sequence of tellurium from the trigonal structure up to the cubic structure.
Control of the stereochemistry of C14 hydroxyl during the total synthesis of withanolide E and physachenolide C
Authors: Anees M. , Nayak S. , Afarinkia K. , Vinader V.
Published: November 2018

The epoxide configuration in oxidation of C14–C15 alkenes is determined by the configuration of the C17 substituent.
Expression of concern: The extraction of essential oils from patchouli leaves (Pogostemon cablin Benth) using a microwave air-hydrodistillation method as a new green technique
Authors: Shore Andrew
Published: November 2018

Expression of concern for ‘The extraction of essential oils from patchouli leaves (Pogostemon cablin Benth) using a microwave air-hydrodistillation method as a new green technique’ by Heri Septya Kusuma et al., RSC Adv., 2017, 7, 1336–1347.
Artificial chimeric exosomes for anti-phagocytosis and targeted cancer therapy
Authors: Zhang Kai-Long , Wang Ying-Jie , Sun Jin , Zhou Jie , Xing Chao , Huang Guoming , Li Juan , Yang Huanghao
Published: November 2018

ACEs were engineered much like “Emperor Qin's Terra-Cotta Warriors”, simultaneously equipped with armor (anti-phagocytosis capability from RBCs) and dagger-axes (homologous targeting ability from cancer cells).
A lysosomal chloride ion-selective fluorescent probe for biological applications
Authors: Park Sang-Hyun , Hyun Ji Young , Shin Injae
Published: November 2018

Changes in lysosomal Cl−concentrations induced by various substances are determined using a lysosomal chloride-selective fluorescent probe.
Correction: Physical crosslinking of hyaluronic acid in the presence of phospholipids in an aqueous nano-environment
Authors: Bełdowski Piotr , Weber Piotr , Dėdinaitė Andra , Claesson Per M. , Gadomski Adam
Published: November 2018

Correction for ‘Physical crosslinking of hyaluronic acid in the presence of phospholipids in an aqueous nano-environment’ by Piotr Bełdowski et al., Soft Matter, 2018, DOI: 10.1039/c8sm01388h.
A “chain–lock” strategy to construct a conjugated copolymer network for supercapacitor applications
Authors: Li Weishuo , Guo Yitong , Wang Yilin , Xing Xing , Chen Xiaolong , Ning Jiaoyi , Yu Hongtao , Shi Yuhao , Murtaza Imran , Meng Hong
Published: November 2018

A “chain–lock” strategy was used to build a conjugated polymer network by a facile electrochemical copolymerization method.
Photocatalytic oxidation of methane over CuO-decorated ZnO nanocatalysts
Authors: Li Zhonghua , Pan Xiaoyang , Yi Zhiguo
Published: November 2018

The photooxidation activity of CH4 over ZnO is considerably improved by forming CuO/ZnO composite, though CuO itself exhibits no activity.
3D reticulated carbon nitride materials high-uniformly capture 0D black phosphorus as 3D/0D composites for stable and efficient photocatalytic hydrogen evolution
Authors: Song Ting , Zeng Gongchang , Zhang Piyong , Wang Tingting , Ali Atif , Huang Shaobin , Zeng Heping
Published: November 2018

A facile strategy to fabricate a uniform 3D/0D hybrid as a stable and excellent photocatalyst utilizing the self-capturing property of CN-4N.
Using inorganic dynamic porogens for preparing high-surface-area capacitive carbons with tailored micropores
Authors: Dong Xiao-Ling , Li Wen-Cui , Jiang Biao , Zhou Yu-Qi , Lu An-Hui
Published: November 2018

Preparing capacitive carbons with tailorable micropore sizes and high surface areas by using inorganic salt CuCl as dynamic porogens.
Targeted hexagonal Pd nanosheet combination therapy for rheumatoid arthritis via the photothermal controlled release of MTX
Authors: Chen Xu , Zhu Xufeng , Xu Taoyuan , Xu Mengmeng , Wen Yayu , Liu Yanan , Liu Jie , Qin Xiuying
Published: November 2018

Methotrexate (MTX) is a drug that is used for the clinical treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), a stubborn disease caused by over-immunization.
Liquid thin film dewetting-driven micropatterning of reduced graphene oxide electrodes for high performance OFETs
Authors: Lee Sung Min , Song Seung Keun , Yoon Seongwon , Chung Dae Sung , Chang Suk Tai
Published: November 2018

High resolution micropatterning of rGO electrodes based on the dewetting of liquid thin films is presented.
Influence of hole transport material ionization energy on the performance of perovskite solar cells
Authors: Dänekamp Benedikt , Droseros Nikolaos , Tsokkou Demetra , Brehm Verena , Boix Pablo P. , Sessolo Michele , Banerji Natalie , Bolink Henk J.
Published: November 2018

Here we show that the Voc in perovskite solar cells primarily depends on direct and trap-mediated recombination, rather than on the energetic offset between the valence band of the perovskite and the highest occupied molecular orbital of the organic transport layers.
Magnitude‐cum‐phase angle error‐based WL adaptation for frequency estimation of three‐phase power system
Authors: Nefabas Gebeyehu , Zhao Haiquan
Published: November 2018

Motivated by the need for robust frequency estimation for both balanced and unbalanced power system conditions and the fact that most of the existing techniques perform poorly in the presence of external interferences, a more noise‐resilient widely linear least mean kurtosis (WL‐LMK) algorithm is proposed that uses both the magnitude and phase angle errors for online estimation of three‐phase power system frequency. The proposed method makes use of the full second‐order information within the complex‐valued system voltage through Clarke's transformation and the concept of augmented complex statistics and WL modelling. The effectiveness of the proposed scheme is verified through simulation studies of synthetic signals and experimental data.
Analysis of a memristive diode bridge rectifier
Authors: Sadecki J. , Marszalek W.
Published: November 2018

Mathematical analysis of the memristive properties of a full‐wave diode rectifier is presented in this Letter. Proofs of the rectifier's three memristive fingerprints are provided in the context of a pinched hysteretic current–voltage characteristic of the rectifier.
Flexible metamaterial absorber with wide incident angle insensitivity for conformal applications
Authors: Chejarla S. , Thummaluru S.R. , Chaudhary R.K.
Published: November 2018

This Letter demonstrates design, simulation, fabrication and performance of a metamaterial (MTM) absorber having wide incident angle insensitivity for conformal applications in X‐band region. The important feature of the proposed structure is achieving more than 90% absorptivity with very low thickness. In this design, an FR4 material having thickness 0.1 mm is used as a substrate. Hence, the overall thickness of the proposed MTM absorber is only 1/81 of the wavelength at the resonance frequency of 9.2 GHz. Also, the presented absorber is offering more than 80% absorptivity up to 50° incident angle which is very much suitable for conformal applications where curved surfaces are involved. Designed MTM absorber has been fabricated and simulation results are experimentally verified.
High dynamic performance power quality conditioner for AC microgrids
Authors: Jarwar Asif Raza , Soomro Amir Mahmood , Memon Zubair Ahmed , Odhano Shafiq Ahmed , Uqaili Muhammad Aslam , Larik Abdul Sattar
Published: November 2018

This paper deals with power quality problems encountered in weak AC microgrids and solutions for mitigation. A power electronic converter can be used as an effective power quality conditioner to compensate non‐idealities in currents drawn from the grid. A power quality conditioner consisting of three power converters connected to a common DC link is analysed. One of these converters acts as an active power filter for removing unwanted harmonics in grid currents feeding a non‐linear load. The other two converters instead remove the harmonics from the voltage at the terminals of a sensitive load. The control of the shunt converter is designed to be fast enough for power quality servicing but also has a fast disturbance rejection capability. Simulation and experimental results validating the concept are provided along with obtained total harmonic distortion improvements.
Hybrid voltage vector preselection based model predictive control to reduce the common‐mode voltage for 2‐level voltage source inverters
Authors: Guo Leilei , Jin Nan , Cao Lingzhi , Dou Zhifeng
Published: November 2018

Model predictive control (MPC) strategies have been frequently studied in recent years. To reduce the common‐mode voltage (CMV) as well as the current total harmonic distortions (THDs) of the 2‐level voltage sources (2L‐VSIs), a new MPC strategy is proposed in this study considering both the dead‐time and the one‐step delay effects. First, the reference voltage vector (VV) prediction based MPC strategy is utilised as it is simple and accurate. Next, the VV preselection strategy is studied in detail to remove the CMV spikes. The effects of the dead time on the CMV are analysed, and an improved VV preselection strategy is presented to reduce the CMV spikes. Then, the one‐step delay effects are also analysed, and further improvements are made to completely remove the CMV spikes. Moreover, the maximum variation of the current during one control period is studied in‐depth to provide a solid theory foundation for dividing the current sector more accurately. As the six non‐zero VVs of the 2L‐VSI are fully used in the proposed method, not only the CMV but also the current THDs are reduced. Finally, comparative simulation and experimental studies are carried out to validate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Influence of contacts’ orientation on the AMF distribution in inter‐contact gaps of VCBs
Authors: Krasuski Krzysztof , Krajewski Wojciech , Błażejczyk Tomasz
Published: November 2018

An axial magnetic field (AMF) plays an important role in the process of vacuum arc stabilisation during the current breaking process in the vacuum circuit breakers (VCBs) of the AMF type. To minimise the contacts erosion special attention should be paid to reach a possibly high value of the AMF density (between contact plates), especially in the outer electrode region. Various contact geometries are patented all over the world to improve the AMF distribution. Nevertheless, there is an issue which is not raised in the literature as yet. It is the mutual orientation (rotation) of the moving and fixed contacts. This orientation can have an influence on the AMF distribution. The above problem is analysed here numerically using Maxwell (ANSYS) software package based on the finite element method. The own (patented) contact design is considered in the analysis mentioned. However, the beneficial influence of AMF on the arc behaviour is well known for VCB designers, the explanation of this phenomenon is described (in the literature) rather seldom and very cursorily. Therefore, a simplified model accounting for the role of AMF in vacuum arc diffusion is shortly presented at the beginning of this study.
Development and characterisation of electroplating silver/silver chloride modified microelectrode arrays
Authors: Bao Bufeng , Ji Bowen , Wang Minghao , Gao Kunpeng , Yang Bin , Chen Xiang , Wang Xiaolin , Liu Jingquan
Published: November 2018

This work proposes an electroplating Ag/AgCl method to modify microelectrode arrays for the application of neural prosthesis. The conventional Ag/AgCl electrode is considered as a reference electrode due to its excellent long‐term stability. However, the Ag/AgCl modified microelectrode is chosen as a working electrode in this work. The electrode with the surface area of 3.14 × 10−4 cm2 was fabricated individually by electroplating silver. The surface of the electroplated silver was chemically chloridised to form the Ag/AgCl microelectrode. The experimental results show that the fabricated Ag/AgCl microelectrode exhibits higher charge storage capacity than the unmodified microelectrode. The impedance of the Ag/AgCl modified microelectrode at 0.1 Hz is 7447 Ω, which decreases with two orders of magnitude compared to the unmodified one. What is more, the Ag/AgCl modified microelectrode shows clearly enhanced transduction in ionic media and improved stability based on impedance spectroscopy results. Therefore, this functionalised Ag/AgCl can be deployed as a significant electrochemical modification material.
Simulation and experimental study of asymmetric split and recombine micromixer with D‐shaped sub‐channels
Authors: He Xiuhua , Xia Tian , Gao Linfeng , Deng Zhidan , Uzoejinwa Benjamin B.
Published: November 2018

An effective passive micromixer based on the principles of asymmetric split and recombine has been designed, developed, and investigated to enhance the mixing performance of the micromixer in a microfluidic system. The effects of geometrical parameters and the number of mixing units on mixing performance were studied at different Reynolds (Re) number (ranging from 1 to 80) via CFD software ANSYS CFX. The results revealed that the preferable number of mixing units is 6, and the optimal direction of reducer is opposite to the main channel flow; the D‐shaped mixing channel forces the mixed fluid to produce the extended vortex and Dean vortices simultaneously which caused a strong collision at the confluence of fluids, thus leading to the superposition and enhancement of the vortex system; when Re number is 80 and the width ratio of mixing channel W 2/W 3 = 1, the mixing efficiency of micromixer can exceed 95%.
Photometric detection of internal gravity waves in upper main-sequence stars
Authors: Bowman D. M. , Aerts C. , Johnston C. , Pedersen M. G. , Rogers T. M. , Edelmann P. V. F. , Simón-Díaz S. , Van Reeth T. , Buysschaert B. , Tkachenko A. , Triana S. A.
Published: November 2018

Context.Main sequence stars with a convective core are predicted to stochastically excite internal gravity waves (IGWs), which effectively transport angular momentum throughout the stellar interior and explain the observed near-uniform interior rotation rates of intermediate-mass stars. However, there are few detections of IGWs, and fewer still made using photometry, with more detections needed to constrain numerical simulations.

Aims.We aim to formalise the detection and characterisation of IGWs in photometric observations of stars born with convective cores (M ≳ 1.5M⊙) and parameterise the low-frequency power excess caused by IGWs.

Methods.Using the most recent CoRoT light curves for a sample of O, B, A and F stars, we parameterised the morphology of the flux contribution of IGWs in Fourier space using an MCMC numerical scheme within a Bayesian framework. We compared this to predictions from IGW numerical simulations and investigated how the observed morphology changes as a function of stellar parameters.

Results.We demonstrate that a common morphology for the low-frequency power excess is observed in early-type stars observed by CoRoT. Our study shows that a background frequency-dependent source of astrophysical signal is common, which we interpret as IGWs. We provide constraints on the amplitudes of IGWs and the shape of their detected frequency spectrum across a range of mass, which is the first ensemble study of stochastic variability in such a diverse sample of stars.

Conclusions.The evidence of a low-frequency power excess across a wide mass range supports the interpretation of IGWs in photometry of O, B, A and F stars. We also discuss the prospects of observing hundreds of massive stars with the Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) in the near future.
C2H N = 1 − 0 and N2H+ J = 1 − 0 observations of Planck Galactic cold clumps
Authors: Liu X.-C. , Wu Y. , Zhang C. , Liu T. , Yuan J. , Qin S.-L. , Ju B.-G. , Li L.-X.
Published: November 2018

A survey of C2H N = 1 − 0 and N2H+ J = 1 − 0 toward Planck Galactic cold clumps (PGCCs) was performed using the Purple Mountain Observatory’s 13.7 m telescope. C2H and N2H+ were chosen to study the chemical evolutionary states of PGCCs. Among 121 observed molecular cores associated with PGCCs, 71 and 58 are detected with C2H N = 1 − 0 and N2H+ J = 1 − 0, respectively. The detected lines of most sources can be fitted with a single component with compatible VLSR and line widths, which confirms that these PGCC cores are very cold (with gas temperatures 9–21 K) and quiescent while still dominanted by turbulence. The ratio between the column densities of C2H and N2H+ (N(C2H)/N(N2H+)) is found to be a good tracer for the evolutionary states of PGCC cores. Gas-grain chemical model can reproduce the decreasing trend of N(C2H)/N(N2H+) as a function of time. The cores with the lowest abundances of N2H+ (X[N2H+] < 10−10) are the youngest, and have nearly constant abundances of C2H. In evolved cores with X[N2H+] ~10−9, abundances of C2H drop quickly as the exhaustion of carbon atoms. Although these PGCC cores are in different evolutionary states, they are all quite young (< 5 × 105 yr) with N(C2H) > N(N2H+). Mapping observations are carried out toward 20 PGCC cores. The PGCC cores in Cepheus have lower N(C2H)/N(N2H+) and larger line widths compared with those in Taurus. This implies that PGCC cores in Taurus are less chemically evolved than those in Cepheus.