bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Air‐Stable and Self‐Driven Perovskite Photodiodes with High On/Off Ratio and Swift Photoresponse
Authors: Yan Yajie , Wu Qingqing , Zhao Yuhang , Chen Shoumian , Hu Shaojian , Zhu Jianjun , Huang Jia , Liang Ziqi
Published: September 2018

Recent years have witnessed rapid developments in organic–inorganic hybrid perovskites, among which 2D Ruddlesden–Popper (RP) perovskites stand out due to their outstanding ambient stability. In photodetector applications, 2D RP perovskites are mostly limited to lateral device configuration because of their preferred in‐plane charge transportation within quantum well structures. In this work, the low‐temperature solution construction of 2D RP perovskite‐based photodiodes in vertical device architecture is demonstrated. The paradigm phenylethylamine (PEA) spacer cation‐based 2D perovskites are fabricated and optimized by exploiting a combination of a NH4Cl additive and dimethyl sulfoxide solvent (DMSO) solvent. They show increased crystallinity, extended photoluminescence lifetimes, and importantly a generation of 3D phases embedded within 2D perovskites, which efficiently promotes charge transfer. As a result, the photodetectors exhibit a high on/off ratio up to 2 × 104, a large photocurrent of 0.34 mA cm−2, and rapid rise (5.8 ms) and decay time (4.6 ms). Of critical importance is the outstanding film/device stabilities demonstrated by storage in air (at 25 °C with 60% relative humidity) for 15 days as well as under UV illumination for 1.5 h and after 1500 bending cycles on flexible substrate.
Cobalt Nanocrystals Encapsulated in Heteroatom‐Rich Porous Carbons Derived from Conjugated Microporous Polymers for Efficient Electrocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution
Authors: Wang Haige , Hou Bo , Yang Yang , Chen Qianwang , Zhu Meifang , Thomas Arne , Liao Yaozu
Published: September 2018

Cobalt nanocrystals encapsulated in N,O‐dual‐doped porous carbons as efficient and stable electrocatalysts for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) are reported. A heteroatom‐rich‐conjugated microporous polymer is first chemically deposited on a carbon fiber cloth, and after addition of a cobalt salt, pyrolyzed to produce a heteroatom‐doped C/Co nanocrystal composite. With this process, the use of additional binders for preparation of electrodes can be avoided. With a trace cobalt loading (0.46 wt%), the electrodes achieve a low Tafel slope of 46 mV dec−1 and overpotential of only 69 mV at a current density of 10 mA cm−2 in 0.5 m H2SO4. Experimental and computational studies reveal that the superior HER behavior is due to a decreased free energy of hydrogen adsorption, induced by i) electrons transferred from the cobalt nanocrystals to graphite layers and ii) N,O‐dual doping reduced the Fermi level of neighboring C atoms.
Effect of maternal antioxidant supplementation and/or exercise practice during pregnancy on postnatal overnutrition induced by litter size reduction: Brain redox homeostasis at weaning
Authors: August Pauline Maciel , Maurmann Rafael Moura , Saccomori André Brum , Scortegagna Mariana Crestani , Flores Eduardo Borges , Klein Caroline Peres , dos Santos Bernardo Gindri , Stone Vinicius , Dal Magro Bárbara Mariño , Cristhian Leo , Santo Carolina Nunes , Hözer Régis , Matté Cristiane
Published: September 2018

Prenatal and early postnatal environments can permanently influence health throughout life. Early overnutrition increases the risk to develop chronic diseases. Conversely, the intake of flavonoids and exercise practice during pregnancy seem to promote long‐term benefits to offspring. We hypothesized that benefic interventions during pregnancy could protect against possible postnatal neurochemical alterations caused by overnutrition induced by reduced litter size. Female Wistar rats were divided into four groups: (1) sedentary + vehicle, (2) sedentary + naringenin, (3) swimming exercise + vehicle, and (4) swimming exercise + naringenin. One day after birth, the litter was culled to 8 pups (control) or 3 pups (overfed) per dam, yielding control and overfed subgroups for each maternal group. Serum of 21‐days‐old pups was collected, also the cerebellum, hippocampus, and hypothalamus were dissected. Litter size reduction increased fat mass and enhanced body weight. Maternal interventions, when isolated, caused reduced glucose serum levels in offspring nurtured in control litters. In the cerebellum, reducing the litter size decreased the activity of thioredoxin reductase, which was prevented by maternal supplementation with naringenin. Hippocampus and hypothalamus have shown altered antioxidant enzymes activities in response to litter size reduction. Interestingly, when maternal exercise and naringenin supplementation were allied, the effect disappeared, suggesting a concurrent effect of the two maternal interventions. In conclusion, exercise or naringenin supplementation during pregnancy can be important interventions for combating the increasing rates of overweight during the infancy and its related neurochemical changes, especially when applied isolated.
Abnormal White Matter Microstructure in Lifelong Premature Ejaculation Patients Identified by Tract–Based Spatial Statistical Analysis
Authors: Gao Ming , Yang Xuejuan , Liu Lin , Fei Ningbo , Xi Yibin , Guo Fan , Yan Fei , Meng Ping , Yu Lei , Liu Peng , Qin Wei , Yin Hong , Yuan Jianlin
Published: September 2018

Introduction

Several recent neuroimaging studies have identified functional and structural abnormalities in the cerebral cortex of lifelong premature ejaculation (LPE) patients, including task-related and resting-state brain function, and cortical thickness, although changes in white matter microstructure have not been reported.

Aim

To assess the differences in white matter microstructure between LPE patients and healthy controls.

Methods

Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and tract-based spatial statistical analysis were used to detect differences in white matter microstructure between 32 LPE patients and 32 matched healthy controls. We also analyzed correlations of clinical indices with significant DTI–based features.

Main Outcome Measures

DTI–based features (including fractional anisotropy [FA], mean diffusivity, axial diffusivity, and radial diffusivity) were assessed in LPE patients and controls, as well as the correlation of white matter changes in LPE patients with clinical data (including the premature ejaculation diagnostic tool score and the International Index of Erectile Function).

Results

LPE patients showed widespread increases in FA and axial diffusivity values compared with controls, including in the right posterior thalamic radiation, posterior corona radiata, bilateral posterior limb of the internal capsule, superior corona radiata, and external capsule. Further, FA in the right posterior thalamic radiation was positively correlated with the premature ejaculation diagnostic tool score in LPE patients.

Clinical Implications

Changes of white matter microstructure may be an underlying marker for evaluating sensory conduction efficiency in LPE patients.

Strengths & Limitations

There are no previous studies examining white matter microstructure in LPE patients. The present study furthers our understanding of the etiology of LPE. Limitations include a cross-sectional study design without causal information, and no measurement of conduction efficiencies such as cortical somatosensory-evoked potential from the penis, or psychosocial factors.

Conclusion

Our findings show potential microstructural white matter abnormalities related to LPE, suggesting that changes in fiber pathways connecting the cerebral cortex and the thalamus may play roles in the etiology of LPE.
Deviance or Normalcy? The Relationship Among Paraphilic Thoughts and Behaviors, Hypersexuality, and Psychopathology in a Sample of University Students
Authors: Castellini Giovanni , Rellini Alessandra H. , Appignanesi Cristina , Pinucci Irene , Fattorini Matteo , Grano Elisa , Fisher Alessandra D. , Cassioli Emanuele , Lelli Lorenzo , Maggi Mario , Ricca Valdo
Published: September 2018

Introduction

The actual definitions of paraphilic thoughts or behaviors and hypersexuality are still a matter of debate in the scientific community, and few studies have evaluated their psychopathological correlates in non-clinical samples of both men and women.

Aim

This study aimed at shedding light on the gender differences in terms of frequency of paraphilic fantasies and behaviors, and the relationship among paraphilias, hypersexuality, and general psychopathology.

Methods

A sample of 775 university students (243 men, 532 women) was recruited from 6 Italian universities using questionnaires posted in social networks. Paraphilic behaviors, fantasies, and masturbation during these fantasies were evaluated, as well as hypersexuality, psychopathological correlates, self-perceived gender identity, and a history of adverse childhood conditions.

Main Outcome Measures

Participants were assessed on the presence of paraphilic fantasies, behaviors, and masturbation related to paraphilic thoughts, and evaluated by means of the Symptom Checklist 90-Revised, the Hypersexual Disorder Screening Inventory, the International Index of Erectile Function, the Female Sexual Function Index, the Gender Identity/Gender Dysphoria Questionnaire, and the Childhood Experience of Care and Abuse Questionnaire.

Results

In the present survey, 50.6% of the men and 41.5% of the women reported at least 1 behavior considered paraphilic. A gender difference in the prevalence of the main paraphilic interests and behaviors was observed, with men reporting a higher prevalence of voyeurism, exhibitionism, sadism, and frotteurism, and a higher prevalence of fetishism and masochism in women. Both general psychopathology and sexual dysfunctions were associated with hypersexuality, rather than with the content of sexual fantasies. Finally, an association between childhood adversities and hypersexuality was found in women but not in men.

Clinical Implications

Understanding the psychopathological correlates of paraphilic fantasies/behaviors and hypersexuality may allow clinicians to develop specific psychological and pharmacological interventions.

Strengths & Limitations

This is one of the few studies assessing paraphilic phenomenology and psychopathological correlates of hypersexuality in a non-clinical sample of both men and women.

Conclusion

The results seem to demonstrate that paraphilic thoughts and behaviors are not really a deviation from normalcy, rather they are quite widespread in the young population, and the distinction between healthy and pathological sexual interests may be better replaced by an all-encompassing approach considering ego-dystonic sexuality, hypersexuality, and their psychopathological correlates.
‘Books written by the so-called colonials or half-bloods’: Italian publishers’ reception of novels by the Windrush writers in the 1950s and 1960s
Authors: Pennacchietti Laura
Published: September 2018

This article contributes to the expanding body of scholarship investigating the problematic correlations between racism, the legacy of colonialism, and configurations of national and cultural identity in post-war Italy. It does so through a yet unexplored perspective: that of the attitude of Italian publishing towards literature from former colonies. More specifically, it examines the reception of anglophone Caribbean novels written by ‘Windrush writers’ in the 1950s and 1960s. The article provides evidence of how Italian agents and publishers – belonging to the country’s intellectual elite, and many of whom publicly espoused anticolonial positions – not only proved to be more interested in the exotic, picturesque contents of Caribbean literature than in its historical, ideological, and political significance, but sometimes actively opposed the circulation of texts containing anticolonial or pro-Black identity claims. Some of their comments demonstrate the persistence of racist and derogatory assumptions of an imagined black and colonial Other, and a negation of their identity as both political subjects and cultural producers, if they failed to conform to dominant expectations. The expectations and the evaluation criteria active in the reception of Caribbean novels allow for an assessment of the ambiguous attitude of Italian publishing agents towards colonialism, race, and alterity.
Coming Home to a New America
Authors: Molnar Thomas
Published: September 2018

I returned only recently from an eight-month round the-world trip which took me to large parts of Africa, some islands in the Indian Ocean, Australia and New Zealand, all of Southeast Asia, and the Far East. One can observe these parts of the world with an inexhausted curiosity, the more so if one has seen them several times in the past. While at first it is amply noticeable that many of these lands are still below the threshold of economic development, a second Or third visit also reveals hitherto unsuspected signs of social stability—acting, to be sure, as a brake on rapid progress, but also helping to maintain a kind of steadiness in people's attitudes and worldviews.
The Perils of Reform Intervention
Authors: Lefever Ernest W.
Published: September 2018

There is accumulating evidence that President Nixon appreciates more fully than his immediate predecessors the moral and political limits of American power and influence in the larger world, primarily because he understands the vital distinction between national security and political reform. He knows that the U. S. Government's mandate abroad is far more limited than it is at home.

It was in his speech in Rumania in August, 1969 that Mr. Nixon most clearly distinguished the proper domains, of domestic and foreign policy: “We seek normal relations with all countries, regardless of their domestic systems. We stand ready to reciprocate the efforts of any country that seeks normal relations with us.” He added: “We know mankind cannot build a just and lasting peace until all nations recognize and respect the sovereignty and rights of other nations.”
Development and characterization ofTriticum turgidum–Aegilops umbellulataamphidiploids
Authors: Song Zhongping , Dai Shoufen , Jia Yanni , Zhao Li , Kang Liangzhu , Liu Dengcai , Wei Yuming , Zheng Youliang , Yan Zehong
Published: September 2018

The U genome ofAegilops umbellulatais an important basic genome of genusAegilops. Direct gene transfer fromAe. umbellulatainto wheat is feasible but not easy.Triticum turgidum–Ae. umbellulataamphidiploids can act as bridges to circumvent obstacles involving direct gene transfer. SevenT. turgidum–Ae. umbellulataamphidiploids were produced via unreduced gametes for spontaneous doubling of chromosomes of triploidT. turgidum–Ae. umbellulata F1hybrid plants. Seven pairs of U chromosomes ofAe. umbellulatawere distinguished by fluorescencein situhybridization (FISH) probes pSc119.2/(AAC)5and pTa71. Polymorphic FISH signals were detected in three (1U, 6U and 7U) of seven U chromosomes of fourAe. umbellulataaccessions. The chromosomes of the tetraploid wheat parents could be differentiated by probes pSc119.2 and pTa535, and identical FISH signals were observed among the three accessions. All the parental chromosomes of the amphidiploids could be precisely identified by probe combinations pSc119.2/pTa535 and pTa71/(AAC)5. TheT. turgidum–Ae. umbellulataamphidiploids possess valuable traits for wheat improvement, such as strong tillering ability, stripe rust resistance and seed size-related traits. These materials can be used as media in gene transfers fromAe. umbellulatainto wheat.
Islamization by Secular Ruling Parties: The Case of Bangladesh
Authors: Lorch Jasmin
Published: September 2018

As of yet, Islamization by secular ruling parties has hardly been investigated in depth. To bridge this gap, the present article reviews the existing literature on Islamization, synthesizes the scattered existing theoretical insights on Islamization by secular actors and applies them to the case of Bangladesh. It argues that, especially when they act in conjunction, three main conditions can drive secular rulers to Islamize public policy: first, the rise of Islamist social movements; second, fierce political competition; and third, (semi-)authoritarian rule. Focusing on the current Awami League (AL) government, the article shows how these three factors have interacted to produce a top-down process of state-led Islamization in Bangladesh.
Seasonal Asymmetry in the Evolution of Surface Ocean pCO2 and pH Thermodynamic Drivers and the Influence on Sea‐Air CO2 Flux
Authors: Fassbender Andrea J. , Rodgers Keith B. , Palevsky Hilary I. , Sabine Christopher L.
Published: September 2018

It has become clear that anthropogenic carbon invasion into the surface ocean drives changes in the seasonal cycles of carbon dioxide partial pressure (pCO2) and pH. However, it is not yet known whether the resulting sea‐air CO2 fluxes are symmetric in their seasonal expression. Here we consider a novel application of observational constraints and modeling inferences to test the hypothesis that changes in the ocean's Revelle factor facilitate a seasonally asymmetric response in pCO2 and the sea‐air CO2 flux. We use an analytical framework that builds on observed sea surface pCO2 variability for the modern era and incorporates transient dissolved inorganic carbon concentrations from an Earth system model. Our findings reveal asymmetric amplification of pCO2 and pH seasonal cycles by a factor of two (or more) above preindustrial levels under Representative Concentration Pathway 8.5. These changes are significantly larger than observed modes of interannual variability and are relevant to climate feedbacks associated with Revelle factor perturbations. Notably, this response occurs in the absence of changes to the seasonal cycle amplitudes of dissolved inorganic carbon, total alkalinity, salinity, and temperature, indicating that significant alteration of surface pCO2 can occur without modifying the physical or biological ocean state. This result challenges the historical paradigm that if the same amount of carbon and nutrients is entrained and subsequently exported, there is no impact on anthropogenic carbon uptake. Anticipation of seasonal asymmetries in the sea surface pCO2 and CO2 flux response to ocean carbon uptake over the 21st century may have important implications for carbon cycle feedbacks.
Was the 9 October 1995 Mw 8 Jalisco, Mexico, Earthquake a Near‐Trench Event?
Authors: Hjörleifsdóttir Vala , Sánchez‐Reyes H. S. , Ruiz‐Angulo Angel , Ramírez‐Herrera Maria Teresa , Castillo‐Aja Rocio , Singh Shri Krishna , Ji Chen
Published: September 2018

The behavior of slip close to the trench during earthquakes is not well understood, and observations of large earthquakes breaking the near trench fault surface are rare. The 1995 Mw 8.0 Jalisco earthquake seems to have broken the near‐trench area, as evidenced by large Ms‐Mw disparity, small high‐frequency radiated energy compared to total energy, and low Er/M0 ratios, in addition to several finite slip models showing large slip near the trench. However, slip models obtained using campaign Global Positioning System data suggest slip near shore. In this study we try to answer whether this event was a near‐trench event or not, by inverting teleseismic P, S, Rayleigh, and Love waves, as well as campaign Global Positioning System static offsets, either separately or jointly, to obtain the slip distribution on the fault as a function of time. We find two possible end‐member scenarios consistent with observed data: (1) coseismic slip distributed between coast and trench and no (or very little) postseismic slip and (2) coseismic slip principally near the trench with large (up to 1.8 m) aseismic slip occurring in the first 5–10 days after the earthquake, with a total moment corresponding to 16% of that of the event. We are unable to distinguish between these two end‐member scenarios by tsunami modeling and finally are neither able to conclude or exclude that the event was a typical near trench event.
Evidence for Self‐Similar Bedload Transport on Andean Alluvial Fans, Iglesia Basin, South Central Argentina
Authors: Harries R. M. , Kirstein L. A. , Whittaker A. C. , Attal M. , Peralta S. , Brooke S.
Published: September 2018

Self‐similar downstream grain‐size fining trends in fluvial deposits are being increasingly used to simplify equilibrium sediment transport dynamics in numerical models. Their ability to collapse time‐averaged behavior of a depositional system into a simple mass balance framework makes them ideal for exploring the sensitivity of sediment routing systems to their climatic and tectonic boundary conditions. This is important if we want to better understand the sensitivity of landscapes to environmental change over timescales >102 years. However, the extent to which self‐similarity is detectable in the deposits of natural rivers is not fully constrained. In transport‐limited rivers, stored sediment can be remobilized or “recycled” and this behavior has been highlighted as a mechanism by which externally forced grain‐size fining trends are distorted. Here we evaluate evidence of self‐similarity in surface gravel‐size distributions on three geomorphically diverse alluvial fans in the Iglesia basin, south Central Argentine Andes. We find that size distributions are self‐similar, deviating from that condition only when significant variability occurs in the coarse tails of the distributions. Our analysis indicates a strong correlation between the degree of sediment recycling and the proportion of coarse clasts present on the bed surface. However, by fitting a relative mobility transfer function, we demonstrate that size‐selectivity alone can explain the bulk size distributions observed. This strengthens the application of self‐similar grain size fining models to solving problems of mass balance in a range of geomorphic settings, with an aim for reconstructing environmental boundary conditions from stratigraphy.
Understanding Melting due to Ocean Eddy Heat Fluxes at the Edge of Sea‐Ice Floes
Authors: Horvat Christopher , Tziperman Eli
Published: September 2018

Understanding how upper‐ocean heat content evolves and affects sea ice in the polar regions is necessary to predict past, present, and future weather and climate. Sea ice, a composite of individual floes, varies significantly on scales as small as meters. Lateral gradients in surface forcing across sea‐ice concentration gradients can energize subgrid‐scale ocean eddies that mix heat in the surface layer and control sea‐ice melting. Here the development of baroclinic instability near floe edges is investigated using a high‐resolution ocean circulation model, an idealization of a single grid cell of a climate model partially covered in thin, nearly static sea ice. From the resulting ocean circulation we characterize the strength of eddy‐induced lateral mixing and heat transport, and the effects on sea‐ice melting, as a function of state variables resolved in global climate models.
Measurement of the Magnetic Reconnection Rate in the Earth's Magnetotail
Authors: Nakamura T. K. M. , Genestreti K. J. , Liu Y.‐H. , Nakamura R. , Teh W.‐L. , Hasegawa H. , Daughton W. , Hesse M. , Torbert R. B. , Burch J. L. , Giles B. L.
Published: September 2018

In the Earth's magnetotail, magnetic reconnection releases stored magnetic energy and drives magnetospheric convection. The rate at which magnetic flux is transferred from the reconnection inflow to outflow regions is determined by the reconnection electric field Er, which is often referred to as the unnormalized reconnection rate. To better quantify the efficiency of reconnection, this electric field Er is often normalized by the characteristic Alfvén speed and the reconnecting magnetic field. This parameter is generally called the normalized or dimensionless reconnection rate R. In this paper, we employ a two‐dimensional fully kinetic simulation to model a magnetotail reconnection event with weak geomagnetic activity (<200 nT of the AE index) observed by the Magnetospheric Multiscale (MMS) mission on 11 July 2017. We obtain R and Er from direct measurements in the diffusion region and indirect measurements of the rate at the separatrix using a recently proposed remote sensing technique. The measured normalized rate for this MMS event is R ∼0.15–0.2, consistent with theoretical and simulation models of fast collisionless reconnection. This corresponds to an unnormalized rate of Er ∼2–3 mV/m. Based on quantitative consistencies between the simulation and the MMS observations, we conclude that our estimates of the reconnection rates are reasonably accurate. Given that past studies have found Er of the order ∼10 mV/m during strong geomagnetic substorms, these results indicate that the local Er in magnetotail reconnection may be an important parameter controlling the amplitude of geomagnetic disturbances.
Storm‐Enhanced Development of Postsunset Equatorial Plasma Bubbles Around the Meridian 120°E/60°W on 7–8 September 2017
Authors: Li Guozhu , Ning Baiqi , Wang Chi , Abdu M. A. , Otsuka Yuichi , Yamamoto M. , Wu Jian , Chen Jinsong
Published: September 2018

Storm time development of equatorial plasma bubbles (EPBs) around the meridian 120°E/60°W during early September 2017, when the Bz component of interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) experienced two large southward excursions, producing a strong geomagnetic storm that included two main phase decreases, was investigated. The observations from networks of Global Navigation Satellite Systems total electron content receivers, very high frequency radars, and ionosondes operated around the meridian reveal that in the American and Asian sectors, intense EPB irregularities developed and extended to dip latitudes of ~30°N and 46°N, respectively, following rapid sunset F layer height rises during two episodes of strong southward IMF Bz excursions. The storm‐enhanced EPB irregularities, however, were not observed following the sunset terminator in the Pacific sector, where the sunset rise of F layer was not detected. More interestingly, the EPBs in the Asian sector were observed to drift toward the west, with velocity increasing from ~30 m/s at low latitude to ~95 m/s at middle latitude. The poleward increasing westward drifts drove the formation of west‐titled structure of irregularities. For the EPBs in the American sector, no apparent west‐tilted structure was detected. The results indicate that the prompt penetration undershielding electric fields (PPEF) of eastward polarity resulting from the two IMF Bz southward excursions dominated the generation of postsunset EPBs in the American and Asian sectors, respectively. The westward drifts of PPEF‐induced EPBs in the Asian sector could be attributed dominantly to disturbance westward wind, with a possible contribution to it arising from the PPEF.
From Continental Hyperextension to Seafloor Spreading: New Insights on the Porcupine Basin From Wide‐Angle Seismic Data
Authors: Chen C. , Watremez L. , Prada M. , Minshull T. A. , Edwards R. A. , O'Reilly B. M. , Reston T. J. , Wagner G. , Gaw V. , Klaeschen D. , Shannon P. M.
Published: September 2018

The deep structure and sedimentary record of rift basins provide an important insight into understanding the geological processes involved in lithospheric extension. We investigate the crustal structure and large‐scale sedimentary architecture of the southern Porcupine Basin, offshore Ireland along three wide‐angle seismic profiles, supplemented by 13 selected seismic reflection profiles. The seismic velocity and crustal geometry models obtained by joint refraction and reflection traveltime inversion clearly image the deep structure of the basin. Our results suggest the presence of three distinct crustal domains along the rifting axis: (a) continental crust becoming progressively hyperextended from north to south through the basin, (b) a transitional zone of uncertain nature, and (c) a 7‐ to 8‐km‐thick zone of oceanic crust. The latter is overlain by an ~8‐km compacted Upper Paleozoic‐Mesozoic succession and ~ 2 km of Cenozoic strata. Due to the lack of clear magnetic anomalies and in the absence of well control, the precise age of interpreted oceanic crust is unknown. However, we can determine an age range of Late Jurassic to Late Cretaceous from the regional context. We propose a northward propagating rifting process in the Porcupine Basin, resulting in variations in strain along the rift axis.
Essential Role of Synoptic Environment on Rainfall Distribution of Landfalling Tropical Cyclones Over China
Authors: Shu Shoujuan , Feng Xibin , Wang Yuan
Published: September 2018

How the rainfall characteristics of landfalling tropical cyclones (TCs) over China change with the dry‐air intrusion is explored through analyzing Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) and environmental fields. It is found that the rainfall area of landfalling TC is positively correlated to the midlevel environmental relative humidity: the larger the surrounding relative humidity before TC landfall, especially in the southern quadrants of the TC, the larger the rainfall coverage at landfall. Even when situated in a dry environment, the TC may produce severe concentrated rainfall with stronger intensity than in a moist environment. Results show that interaction between synoptic environment and TC is essential for influencing rainfall distribution for landfalling TCs over China. As a TC moves with northward component under two subtropical highs and westerly trough, it is under the influence of significant dry‐air intrusion, which results in limited rainfall area. The increasing northwesterly vertical wind shear that is nearly opposite to the TC movement, on the one hand enhances the upshear‐side subsidence, which offsets the friction‐induced ascent ahead of TC. On the other hand, it strengthens the downshear‐side updraft with the corporation of increasing synoptic convergence and results in severe asymmetric rainfall there. When a TC moves under the influences of enhanced subtropical high and monsoonal southwesterlies, it is under the moist environment that causes a larger rainfall area. Influenced by the weaker vertical wind shear with a similar direction as the TC movement, the rainfall distributes relatively symmetrically with heavy rain over the downshear‐friction convergence overlapping region at landfall.
Airborne Pollen Concentration in Nanjing, Eastern China, and its Relationship With Meteorological Factors
Authors: Fang Yiman , Ma Chunmei , Bunting M. Jane , Ding Aijun , Lu Huayu , Sun Wenfeng
Published: September 2018

This paper presents the results of airborne pollen and spore trapping in Nanjing city, eastern China, using a Burkard pollen trap during two consecutive years (2013–2014). A total of 103 pollen and spore taxa were identified. Two concentration peaks are observed in the annual cycle, a spring peak dominated by arboreal pollen types (Morus, Cupressaceae, Pinus, Pterocarya, and Quercus) and a fall peak dominated by upland herbs (Compositae, Poaceae, Humulus, and Cruciferae). Wetland herbs and ferns dominate summer assemblages and winter assemblages are characterized by sporadic records of Artemisia, Chenopodiaceae, and Pinus. Strong year‐to‐year differences in measured pollen concentration are seen, probably in response to interyear differences in weather. Compared to long‐term means, 2013 was comparatively hot and dry and 2014 had a higher than average number of rain days during the flowering periods. Rising temperatures in early spring are connected with the timing of flowering and therefore pollen release, while rainfall during the flowering period appeared to remove pollen from the air, leading to lower recorded pollen concentration values. Four taxa, Cupressaceae, Quercus, Pinus, and Humulus, were considered in more detail. Each has a different pattern of variation in pollen concentration between the studied years. Cross correlation between pollen concentration and daily temperature, relative humidity, and precipitation at lags from 0 to −30 days also showed different responses for each taxon, suggesting that pollen signal responses to weather conditions have to be considered at a taxon level rather than at the assemblage level.
Deriving Morphometric Parameters and the Simple‐to‐Complex Transition Diameter From a High‐Resolution, Global Database of Fresh Lunar Impact Craters (D ≥ ~ 3 km)
Authors: Krüger T. , Hergarten S. , Kenkmann T.
Published: September 2018

We compiled a high‐resolution, global lunar impact crater database composed of 5,505 pristine craters ≥ ~3 km. This database contains detailed morphometric data, and their trends are examined with best‐fit power‐laws. We compared several different functions for simple, transitional, and complex craters to report one best‐fit representation. We integrated transitional craters into these fits as an independent crater class. Transitional craters are in a transitional state, between simple and complex craters. They are devoid of a central uplift and terraces but show wall slumping and a flat floor. In regard to depth‐diameter relationships, simple craters exhibit similar scaling all over the Moon, whereas larger craters are different in highland and mare regions. In the present work, we sought the best representation of the simple‐to‐complex transition diameter. The intersection of simple power‐law fits for simple and complex crater populations is shown to be a poor representation of the transition diameter. We used a misclassification method for finding transition diameters. This process reveals a transition from simple to transitional craters at diameters of ~17 km (highland) and ~14 km (mare). Transitional morphology is replaced by complex morphology at diameters of ~ 28 km (highland) and ~ 24 km (mare). The lower transition diameters of mare craters are attributed primarily to the layered mare basalts, which enables an earlier onset of crater modification. We also analyzed the relationship between aspect ratio and depth‐diameter ratio of simple craters: Simple craters with ε ≥ 1.1 are significantly shallower in depth/diameter plots than craters with ε < 1.1.
Thermal Structure of the Martian Upper Atmosphere From MAVEN NGIMS
Authors: Stone Shane W. , Yelle Roger V. , Benna Mehdi , Elrod Meredith K. , Mahaffy Paul R.
Published: September 2018

The Neutral Gas and Ion Mass Spectrometer (NGIMS) aboard the NASA Mars Atmosphere and Volatile EvolutioN (MAVEN) mission measures the structure and variability of the Martian upper atmosphere. We use NGIMS density profiles to derive upper atmospheric temperature profiles and investigate the thermal structure of this region. The thermal structure of the upper atmosphere is a critical component of understanding atmospheric loss to space, the main science objective of MAVEN, and measured temperatures serve as inputs to and constraints on photochemical and global circulation models. We describe proper treatment of the NGIMS data and correct for the horizontal motion of the spacecraft. Temperature profiles from week‐long, low‐altitude excursions executed by MAVEN, called Deep Dips, are used to investigate the diurnal variation of the temperature and the thermospheric gradient, which varies between 1.33 ± 0.16 and 2.69 ± 0.33 K km−1 on the dayside. NGIMS measurements acquired on nominal MAVEN orbits over more than a Martian year further elucidate the diurnal and latitudinal variations of the temperature. Diurnal variations of about a factor of 2, from 127 ± 8 to 260 ± 7 K, are observed high in the exosphere, and latitudinal variations of 39 ± 17 K are observed in this region. Comparisons indicate broad agreement between temperatures derived from MAVEN NGIMS with previous in situ and remote sensing observations of upper atmospheric temperatures. NGIMS temperatures are also shown to be consistent with predictions of a 1‐D model which includes solar UV and near IR heating, thermal conduction, and radiative cooling in the CO2   ν2 15‐μm band.
Histopathological Changes Caused by Inflammation and Oxidative Stress in Diet-Induced-Obese Mouse following Experimental Lung Injury
Authors: Wang Fengyuan , Zuo Zhicai , Chen Kejie , Fang Jing , Cui Hengmin , Shu Gang , Zhou Yi , Chen Zhengli , Huang Chao , Liu Wentao
Published: September 2018

Obesity has been identified as a risk factor for adverse outcomes of various diseases. However, information regarding the difference between the response of obese and normal subjects to pulmonary inflammation is limited. Mice were fed with the control or high-fat diet to establish the lean and diet-induced obese (DIO) mice. Escherichia coli was intranasally instilled to reproduce non-fatal acute pneumonia model. After infection, serum samples and lung tissues were obtained at 0, 12, 24, and 72 h. DIO mice exhibited increased serum triglyceride (TG) and total cholesterol (TC) contents as well as pulmonary resistin, IL-6, and leptin levels compared with lean mice. E. coli infection caused an acute suppurative inflammation in the lung with increased lung index and serum TG and TC contents; elevated pulmonary tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, IL-8, and leptin levels; and oxidative stress in mice. Interestingly, almost all the above-mentioned parameters peaked at 12 h after infection in the lean-E. coli group but after 12 h in the DIO-E. coli group. These results indicated that the DIO mice presented a delayed inflammatory response and oxidative stress in non-fatal acute pneumonia induced by E. coli infection.
Exploring the potential of electroless and electroplated noble metal–semiconductor hybrids within bio- and environmental sensing
Authors: Semenova D. , Gernaey K. V. , Silina Y. E.
Published: September 2018

This manuscript provides an elaborate review on galvanic noble metal nanoparticles deposited onto semiconductor surfaces, from the preparation stage towards their application in biosensors and gas sensing.
A degradable fluorinated surfactant for emulsion polymerization of vinylidene fluoride
Authors: Banerjee Sanjib , Schmidt Judith , Talmon Yeshayahu , Hori Hisao , Asai Takuma , Ameduri Bruno
Published: September 2018

An original degradable fluorinated surfactant, 3-hydroxy-2-(trifluoromethyl)propanoic acid was applied for the emulsion polymerization of vinylidene difluoride (VDF) to yield a latex of PVDF, consisted of typically 100 nm particle diameters.
Internalization of the pseudorabies virusviamacropinocytosis analyzed by quantum dot-based single-virus tracking
Authors: Lv Cheng , Lin Yi , Sun En-Ze , Tang Bo , Ao Jian , Wang Jia-Jia , Zhang Zhi-Ling , Zheng Zhenhua , Wang Hanzhong , Pang Dai-Wen
Published: September 2018

Utilizing a single-virus tracking technique, the key steps of the PrV entry process were analyzed in detail by real-time monitoring of quantum dot-labeled PrV.
Structural and functional modifications induced by X-ray nanopatterning in Bi-2212 single crystals
Authors: Bonino Valentina , Agostino Angelo , Prestipino Carmelo , Hernandez Olivier , Fretto Matteo , Mino Lorenzo , Truccato Marco
Published: September 2018

X-ray nanopatterning induces both mosaicity increase and oxygen depletion in the high-Tc superconductor Bi2Sr2CaCu2O8+δ.
On the structural aspects of solid solutions of enantiomers: an intriguing case study of enantiomer recognition in the solid state
Authors: Rekis Toms , Bērziņš Agris
Published: September 2018

The structural aspects of type 1 and type 2 solid solutions have been revised.
Reaction kinetics of OH + HNO3 under conditions relevant to the upper troposphere/lower stratosphere
Authors: Winiberg Frank A. F. , Percival Carl J. , Shannon Robin , Khan M. Anwar H. , Shallcross Dudley E. , Liu Yingdi , Sander Stanley P.
Published: September 2018

Key upper atmosphere reaction of HNO3 + OH studied over extended pressure and temperature range using new alternative detection method.
Temperature dependence of photophysical properties of a dinuclear C^N-cyclometalated Pt(ii) complex with an intimate Pt–Pt contact. Zero-field splitting and sub-state decay rates of the lowest triplet
Authors: Deaton Joseph C. , Chakraborty Arnab , Czerwieniec Rafal , Yersin Hartmut , Castellano Felix N.
Published: September 2018

A dinuclear Pt(ii) complexes exhibits an unusually large zero field splitting in its metal–metal-to-ligand charge transfer triplet excited state.
Highly selective halogenation of unactivated C(sp3)–H with NaX under co-catalysis of visible light and Ag@AgX
Authors: Liu Shouxin , Zhang Qi , Tian Xia , Fan Shiming , Huang Jing , Whiting Andrew
Published: September 2018

The direct selective halogenation of unactivated C(sp3)–H bonds into C-halogen bonds was achieved using a nano Ag/AgCl catalyst at RT under visible light or LED irradiation in the presence of an aqueous solution of NaX/HX as a halide source, in air.
Design, synthesis andin vitroα-glucosidase inhibition of novel coumarin-pyridines as potent antidiabetic agents
Authors: Adib Mehdi , Peytam Fariba , Rahmanian-Jazi Mahmoud , Mohammadi-Khanaposhtani Maryam , Mahernia Shabnam , Bijanzadeh Hamid Reza , Jahani Mehdi , Imanparast Somaye , Faramarzi Mohammad Ali , Mahdavi Mohammad , Larijani Bagher
Published: September 2018

Herein, novel coumarin-pyridine derivatives4a–pas potent α-glucosidase inhibitors were synthesized by a one-pot and three-component synthesis method.
The photomagnetic effect in 2-D cyanido-bridged coordination polymer [Cu(aepa)]10[Mo(CN)8]5·30H2O
Authors: Korzeniak Tomasz , Sasmal Sujit , Pinkowicz Dawid , Sieklucka Barbara
Published: September 2018

The 2-D [Cu(aepa)]10[Mo(CN)8]5·30H2O (aepa = N-(2-aminoethyl)-1,3-propanediamine) coordination network exhibits a photomagnetic effect due to singlet–triplet transition on the Mo(iv) centre accompanied by metal–metal charge transfer.
Diazine based ligand supported CoII3 and CoII4 coordination complexes: role of anions
Authors: Sikdar Yeasin , Goswami Ranadip , Modak Ritwik , Basak Megha , Heras Ojea María José , Murrie Mark , Goswami Sanchita
Published: September 2018

Synthesis of triple helical CoII4 and double helical CoII3 from diazine-based ligands and their magnetic behavior rationalized by susceptibility measurements.
A core/shell stabilized polysaccharide-based nanoparticle with intracellular environment-sensitive drug delivery for breast cancer therapy
Authors: Wu Yan , Zhang Xinyue , Li Huaqiang , Deng Pengfei , Li Huiru , He Tianqi , Rong Jianhua , Zhao Jianhao , Liu Zhong
Published: September 2018

In this work, we developed a novel core/shell chitosan (Cs)/hyaluronan (HA)-based hybrid nanoparticle, i.e. SNX@Cs-SNX/cHA, with good stability in the bloodstream and intracellular environment-sensitive drug delivery for breast cancer therapy.
The relevance of ceramides and their synthesizing enzymes for multiple sclerosis
Authors: Kurz Jennifer , Brunkhorst Robert , Foerch Christian , Blum Leonard , Henke Marina , Gabriel Laureen , Ulshöfer Thomas , Ferreirós Nerea , Parnham Michael J. , Geisslinger Gerd , Schiffmann Susanne
Published: September 2018

Ceramide synthases (CerS) synthesize chain length specific ceramides (Cer), which mediate cellular processes in a chain length-dependent manner. In experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), an animal model of multiple sclerosis (MS), we observed that the genetic deletion of CerS2 suppresses EAE pathology by interaction with granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) signaling and CXC motif chemokine receptor 2 (CXCR2) expression, leading to impaired neutrophil migration. In the present study, we investigated the importance of Cers and their synthesizing/metabolizing enzymes in MS. For this purpose, a longitudinal study with 72 MS patients and 25 healthy volunteers was performed. Blood samples were collected from healthy controls and MS patients over 1- or 3-year periods, respectively. Immune cells were counted using flow cytometry, ceramide levels were determined using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry, and mRNA expression was analyzed using quantitative PCR. In white blood cells, C16-LacCer and C24-Cer were down-regulated in MS patients in comparison with healthy controls. In plasma, C16-Cer, C24:1-Cer, C16-GluCer, and C24:1-GluCer were up-regulated and C16-LacCer was down-regulated in MS patients in comparison with healthy controls. Blood samples from MS patients were characterized by an increased B-cell number. However, there was no correlation between B-cell number and Cer levels. mRNA expression of Cer metabolizing enzymes and G-CSF signaling enzymes was significantly increased in MS patients. Interestingly, G-CSF receptor (G-CSFR) and CXCR2 mRNA expression correlated with CerS2 and UDP-glucose Cer glucosyltransferase (UGCG) mRNA expression. In conclusion, our results indicate that Cer metabolism is linked to G-CSF signaling in MS.
Electromagnetic signal source seeking of multiple robots using an event‐triggered communication scheme
Authors: Pan Li‐Gang , Lu Qiang
Published: September 2018

This Letter deals with the problem of seeking an electromagnetic signal source using a group of autonomous robots by designing an event‐triggered communication scheme. First, the finite difference method based on radial basis functions is used to estimate the gradient of the scalar field generated by the signal source. Second, a consensus controller is proposed to control multiple robots to seek the signal source along the gradient ascend direction. At the same time, an event‐triggered communication scheme is designed such that the burden of communication can be lightened. Finally, simulation and experimental results show the effectiveness of the proposed event‐triggered communication scheme for the problem of seeking an electromagnetic signal source.
Compact dual‐band frequency selective surface designed for global system for mobile communications system
Authors: Yin Weiyang , Zhang Hou , Zhong Tao , Chen Qiang
Published: September 2018

In this Letter, a compact dual‐band frequency selective surface (FSS) with the smallest size of 0.047λ0 × 0.047λ0 for global system for mobile communication system is proposed. This FSS element is composed of two 2.5D square loops, which creates two stop bands resonating at 940 and 1820 MHz with −18 dB bandwidth of 105 and 208 MHz, respectively. Besides, the proposed FSS performs a stable frequency response under different incident angles for the horizontal polarised electric field (transverse electric mode) and vertically polarised electric field (transverse magnetic mode). The detailed design process is illustrated in the Letter. To confirm the full‐wave simulation results, a prototype is fabricated and the measured results show good agreements with the simulated ones.
Unified performance of free space optical link over exponentiated Weibull turbulence channel
Authors: Agarwal Deepti , Bansal Ankur
Published: September 2018

This study investigates the unified performance of a free space optical link with a finite‐sized receiver over an exponentiated Weibull distributed atmospheric turbulence in the presence of a misalignment error (ME). The unification is done for two detection techniques namely heterodyne and intensity modulation/direct detection. First, the unified expressions for probability density function, cumulative distribution function, moment generating function, and moments of instantaneously received signal‐to‐noise ratios (SNRs) at the receiver, have been derived. By utilising the derived statistics, the unified novel expressions for outage probability, average error probability (AEP), and ergodic capacity are obtained. Furthermore, the AEP performance is examined at a high SNR in order to obtain the diversity order and coding gain, analytically. The derived results clearly demonstrate the impact of severe atmospheric conditions, ME, aperture size, and type of detection scheme on the system performance. The derived analytical results are verified through simulations.