bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optimization of the Process Parameters for Extraction of Millet Milk
Authors: Shunmugapriya K. , Kanchana S. , Maheswari T. Uma , Saravanakumar R. , Vanniarajan C.
Published: June 2020

This study was undertaken to evaluate the effect of different processing methods on extraction of millet milk viz., germinated millet milk extraction, germinated and roasted millet milk extraction; enzyme assisted millet milk extraction and ultrasonicated millet milk extraction. Physical parameters viz., sedimentation rate, separation rate, whiteness index, heat stability and viscosity of extracted millet milk by different processing methods were evaluated. Among the various processing methods, enzyme assisted extraction showed better results as compared to other processing methods in terms of sedimentation rate (0.93±0.07 to 1.13±0.05 g/40 ml), separation rate (45.28±1.44 to 51.97±0.14 ml/h), viscosity (2.32±0.02 to 2.82±0.03cP) and heat stability (24.7±0.13 to 21.2±0.51 minutes). The whiteness index was found to be maximum in germinated millet milk extraction while the enzyme treated millet milk recorded the lowest value (40.48±0.71to 62.81±0.64%). Based on heat stability and sedimentation rate, the enzyme assisted millet milk extraction was found to be best for extraction of millet milk and for product development.
Utilization of Ostracods (Crustacea) as Bioindicator for Environmental Pollutants
Authors: Parameswari E. , Davamani V. , Kalaiarasi R. , Ilakiya T. , Arulmani S.
Published: June 2020

Ecosystem undergoes drastic changes due to the anthropogenic activities. As a consequence of industrial development, increasing population growth and modernized agricultural practices water resources like limnetic zone and marine areas have undergone eutrophication. This resulted in the decline in population of phytoplankton and zooplankton. Hence, it is an urgent need to monitor the quality of the environment. Several organisms are used as biomonitors. Among them, Ostracodes (Seed Shrimps) which belong to Crustacean group are very sensitive to those changes in the environment and useful in predicting the paleo environmental conditions. Ostracodes are bivalve arthropods which are enclosed in a carapace made of low magnesium calcite. These species are occurring for about 450 million years dates back to ordovician which are known for their easier fossilization. The development of Ostracodes is influenced by the physic - chemical properties of waters such as Salinity, temperature, pH, Dissolved oxygen, bottom grain sizes and sedimentation rates.  In addition to diversity and abundance of population, morphological and geochemical changes can also be detected in the Ostracod carapace (shell) which serves as a tracer of the water quality. These details are basis for utilizing Ostracods as paleoenvironmental (paleoclimatic, paleosalinity, paleooceanographic) reconstruction, ecotoxicity monitoring, biostratigraphic indicator. Moreover, these microcrustaceans showed similar or higher sensitivity to herbicides, pesticides, oil spills or heavy metals pollution other than traditional groups like copepods, protozoan, rotifers, cladocerans which are used to test the human impacts on ecosystem. These meiofaunas are highly adaptable to waters containing organic and inorganic contaminants generated by catastrophic activities by human beings in the surroundings.
To Study the Pattern of Ocular Trauma and Predict-ing the Final Visual Outcome in Paediatric Ocular Trauma Cases in a Tertiary Eye Care Centre of Eastern India
Authors: Prasad Rahul , Tiwari Deepti , Kumari Bibha , Bandyopadhyay Antabha
Published: June 2020

Aim: The study was done to identify causes, demographic and clinical profile and to evaluate factors influencing visual outcome in paediatric ocular trauma patients (up to 15 years).

Study Design: It was a prospective interventional study

Place and Duration of the Study: The study was done in a tertiary eye care centre of eastern India between January 2019 to February 2020.

Materials and Methods: The study was done from January 2019 to February 2020 on children between 1 year to 15 years of either sex with ocular trauma. Demographic details, cause of injury, presenting visual acuity were noted. Follow up was done till 2 months after carrying out appropriate intervention.

Results: A total 106 eyes of 106 patients were evaluated and it was observed that children who were of 7 yrs and above were more affected (67%) than below (33%). Male children (59%) were more affected than female (41%).  Injuries to Adnexa were found in 52% eyes, 40% injury cases were due to closed injury while open globe injuries comprised 8% of total cases. Common causes of injury were found to be mainly blunt objects and projectile objects. Maximum correction in visual acuity (VA) of more than 6/18 was achieved in 66% eyes, 6/18-6/60 in 11% eyes, <6/60-counting finger at 1 meter in 10% eyes. 

Conclusion: Late reporting, poor initial visual acuity, involvement of posterior segment, and no immediate primary intervention at time of injury adversely affect visual outcome. Early intervention and globe salvaging repair should be done in all eyes of trauma.
Seismic Vulnerability Assessment Using Rapid Visual Screening: Case Study of Educational Facility Buildings of Jenderal Soedirman University, Indonesia
Authors: Haryanto Yanuar , Hu Hsuan-Teh , Han Ay Lie , Hidayat Banu Ardi , Widyaningrum Arnie , Yulianita Prisca Evelyn
Published: June 2020

Earthquakes are natural phenomena occurring in various parts of the globe. Severe earthquakes caused substantial loss of life and property when nearly populated districts. Although some progress has been made in the area of seismic prediction, earthquakes in time, magnitude or location can not be estimated correctly. The primary method of reducing casualties is therefore to build seismic resistant structures. Current earthquakes show that the old houses, which are not intended to withstand earthquakes, have been harmed rather than the structures intended according to seismic regulations. Many current structures in Indonesia were intended only without seismic provisions to withstand the gravity loads. There is a need to study these buildings' vulnerability in order to prevent a severe danger. A Rapid Visual Screening (RVS) technique is conducted in this study to determine a Final Level 1 Score, SL1, for Jenderal Soedirman University, Indonesia’s educational facility buildings. In nine constructions situated in Purwokerto and Purbalingga, the method was implemented. Moreover, the final SL1 score is an estimate of the collapse probability if an earthquake occurs with ground motions called the maximum considered earthquake targeted risk, MCER. These score estimates are based on restricted observed and analytical information, thus the probability of collapse is therefore an approximation.
Towards Improving Performance of the Construction Industry in Ghana: A SWOT Approach
Authors: Frimpong Boadu Elijah , Sunindijo Riza Yosia , Wang Cynthia
Published: June 2020

The construction industry is the second largest contributor to GDP and a significant driver of economic activities in Ghana. Given the importance of the construction industry in boosting the national economy, it is essential to develop effective strategies to keep improving the performance of the industry. To achieve this aim, this research conducted the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOT) analysis of the Ghanaian construction industry. Underpinned by the SWOT analysis, strategic recommendations are provided to minimise the weaknesses and neutralise the threats that confront the industry, while taking advantage of the strengths and exploiting the opportunities presented to it. These include investment to facilitate innovation and growth, human resource development, development and enforcement of policy and standards, and conducive procurement practice. The recommendations are expected to provide practical and theoretical directions to the industry’s stakeholders on effective ways to improve the industry’s performance.
Plant Sphingolipids
Authors: Belton Samuel , Ng Carl KY
Published: June 2020

Sphingolipids, a class of amino alcohol‐based lipids, are major eukaryotic lipids, and they have also been found in some prokaryotes. Since the discovery of sphingolipids by Johann Ludwig Thudichum in 1874, this class of lipids is now less enigmatic, and to date, we have a much better understanding of how they are metabolised, their structural diversity and the roles they play in regulating eukaryotic cellular processes and physiology. Our understanding of the functional roles of sphingolipids in cells has come largely from studies using mammalian cells and yeast. However, in the past 20 years, we have made great strides in our understanding of plant sphingolipid metabolism, structure and function. Readers are encouraged to refer to the relevant literature for further detailed information.

Key Concepts

Sphingolipids are major eukaryotic lipids, and they have been shown to be important in membrane organisation, as well as playing key roles in regulating cellular physiology.

The
de novo
biosynthesis of sphingolipids in all eukaryotes begins in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and is catalysed by the pyridoxal 5′‐phosphate (PLP)‐dependent serine palmitoyltransferase (SPT), resulting in the formation of long‐chain bases (LCBs).

The LCBs can undergo further metabolism to form more complex sphingolipids, such as ceramides, glucosylceramides and glycosyl inositolphosphoceramides (GIPCs).

In addition to the
de novo
pathway, all eukaryotes also possess the salvage pathway whereby LCBs are recovered from ceramides, and key to this salvage pathway is a class of enzymes known as ceramidases.

Plant sphingolipids have been shown to function in membrane organisation, abiotic and biotic stress responses, regulation of developmental processes and plant physiology.
Microstructural Evolution and Mechanical Properties of Ultrafine‐Grained Ti Fabricated by Cryorolling and Subsequent Annealing
Authors: Yu Hailiang , Wang Lin , Yan Ming , Gu Hao , Zhao Xing , Kong Charlie , Wang Yu , Pesin Alexander , Zhilyaev Alexander P. , Langdon Terence G.
Published: June 2020

Ultrafine‐grained (UFG) commercial purity titanium (CP Ti) has a significant potential for use in medical implants and aerospace structural parts. Herein, UFG CP Ti sheets are processed by cryorolling and room‐temperature rolling (RTR), respectively, followed by annealing for 1 h at temperatures from 250 to 350 °C. The grain size is reduced from ≈75 μm to ≈85 and ≈220 nm after cryorolling and RTR, respectively. The results show that the curves of tensile stress versus engineering failure strain for samples subjected to cryorolling and subsequent annealing are above those for samples subjected to RTR and subsequent annealing. In addition, the curves of ultimate tensile stress × fracture elongation versus grain size after cryorolling and annealing are above those for RTR and annealing. It is demonstrated that a combination of cryorolling and annealing leads to improved toughness compared with the processing by RTR and annealing.
Lightweight and Construable Magnetic Wood for Electromagnetic Interference Shielding
Authors: Cheng Zheng , Wei Yuyi , Liu Chao , Chen Yong , Ma Yi , Chen Huaihao , Liang Xianfeng , Sun Nian X. , Zhu Hongli
Published: June 2020

Currently, due to the rapid development of communication technology, electromagnetic interference (EMI) and irradiation have become an emerging environmental pollutant. Herein, hierarchical and porous structured wood is used as the lightweight three‐dimensional organic scaffold for the incorporation of magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles through an in situ mineralization process that endows the woodblock with favorable appearance as well as magnetic and EMI shielding properties. The two‐step process involves the removal of lignin from natural wood via cooking and bleaching followed by inorganic mineralization. The resultant magnetic wood displays an optical brown appearance and possesses a typical magnetic hysteresis behavior with a saturation magnetization of 4.5 emu g−1 for the whole wood. More importantly, the obtained magnetic wood is much lighter than traditional magnetic metal and construable for versatile applications. Notably, the 3 mm thick magnetic wood shows 5–10 dB (or 7–10×) enhanced electromagnetic wave attenuation across the X‐band of 8–12 GHz compared with nonmagnetic wood with the same thickness. The enhanced electromagnetic wave absorption of magnetic wood is mainly due to its enhanced magnetic loss tangent compared with nonmagnetic wood. This work provides an inspiring strategy to develop sustainable, lightweight, and environmentally friendly wood for multifunctional magnetic applications.
Designing Dendrite‐Free Zinc Anodes for Advanced Aqueous Zinc Batteries
Authors: Hao Junnan , Li Xiaolong , Zhang Shilin , Yang Fuhua , Zeng Xiaohui , Zhang Shuai , Bo Guyue , Wang Chunsheng , Guo Zaiping
Published: June 2020

Zn metal has been regarded as the most promising anode for aqueous batteries due to its high capacity, low cost, and environmental benignity. Zn anode still suffers, however, from low Coulombic efficiency due to the side reactions and dendrite growth in slightly acidic electrolytes. Here, the Zn plating/stripping mechanism is thoroughly investigated in 1 m ZnSO4 electrolyte, demonstrating that the poor performance of Zn metal in mild electrolyte should be ascribed to the formation of a porous by‐product (Zn4SO4(OH)6·xH2O) layer and serious dendrite growth. To suppress the side reactions and dendrite growth, a highly viscoelastic polyvinyl butyral film, functioning as an artificial solid/electrolyte interphase (SEI), is homogeneously deposited on the Zn surface via a simple spin‐coating strategy. This dense artificial SEI film not only effectively blocks water from the Zn surface but also guides the uniform stripping/plating of Zn ions underneath the film due to its good adhesion, hydrophilicity, ionic conductivity, and mechanical strength. Consequently, this side‐reaction‐free and dendrite‐free Zn electrode exhibits high cycling stability and enhanced Coulombic efficiency, which also contributes to enhancement of the full‐cell performance when it is coupled with MnO2 and LiFePO4 cathodes.
NIR‐II Light Activated Photosensitizer with Aggregation‐Induced Emission for Precise and Efficient Two‐Photon Photodynamic Cancer Cell Ablation
Authors: Wang Shaowei , Chen Huan , Liu Jie , Chen Chengjian , Liu Bin
Published: June 2020

Near infrared (NIR) light excitable photosensitizers are highly desirable for photodynamic therapy with deep penetration. Herein, a NIR‐II light (1200 nm) activated photosensitizer TQ‐BTPE is designed with aggregation‐induced singlet oxygen (1O2) generation for two‐photon photodynamic cancer cell ablation. TQ‐BTPE shows good two‐photon absorption and bright aggregation‐induced NIR‐I emission upon NIR‐II laser excitation. The 1O2 produced by TQ‐BTPE in an aqueous medium is much more efficient than that of commercial photosensitizer Ce6 under white light irradiation. Upon NIR‐II excitation, the two‐photon photosensitization of TQ‐BTPE is sevenfold higher than that of Ce6. The TQ‐BTPE molecules internalized by HeLa cells are mostly located in lysosomes as small aggregate dots with homogeneous distribution inside the cells, which favors efficient photodynamic cell ablation. The two‐photon photosensitization of TQ‐BTPE upon NIR‐I and NIR‐II excitation shows higher 1O2 generation efficiency than under NIR‐I excitation owing to the larger two‐photon absorption cross section at 920 nm. However, NIR‐II light exhibits better biological tissue penetration capability after passing through a fresh pork tissue, which facilitates stronger two‐photon photosensitization and better cancer cell ablation performance. This work highlights the promise of NIR‐II light excitable photosensitizers for deep‐tissue photodynamic therapy.
Response to Comment on “Prediction of Novel p‐Type Transparent Conductors in Layered Double Perovskites: A First‐Principles Study”
Authors: Xu Jian , Liu Jian‐Bo , Wang Jianfeng , Liu Bai‐Xin , Huang Bing
Published: June 2020

The search for high‐performance p‐type transparent conductors is crucial to many emerging optoelectronic applications. Motivated by the pioneer predictions of the existence of intrinsic p‐type conductivity in several wide‐gap layered halide double perovskites, Hu et al. synthesize the Cs4CdSb2Cl12 compound, but fail to observe the p‐type conductivity. They argue that the different conclusion is mostly due to the chemical potential boundary overestimation and bandgap underestimation in the initial calculations. In this study, based on the additional calculations, it is demonstrated that these two factors raised by Hu et al. will not affect the major conclusions, although the pinned Fermi level (EF‐pin) can slightly be changed. Importantly, it is found that the different conclusion obtains by Xu et al. and Hu et al. is mostly due to the different crystal phases adopted, which can have a big impact on the calculated EF‐pin positions and the resulting p‐type performance. Finally, besides the careful control of growth conditions for reaching the ideal p‐type chemical potential regions, it is suggested that a moderate strain/pressure or fast quenching may be further adopted to enhance the p‐type conductivity in Cs4CdSb2Cl12 and other similar compounds for better experimental observations.
Bioinspired Multifunctional Organic Transistors Based on Natural Chlorophyll/Organic Semiconductors
Authors: Yang Ben , Lu Yang , Jiang Donghan , Li Zhenchao , Zeng Yan , Zhang Shen , Ye Yi , Liu Zhen , Ou Qingqing , Wang Yan , Dai Shilei , Yi Yuanping , Huang Jia
Published: June 2020

Inspired by the photosynthesis process of natural plants, multifunctional transistors based on natural biomaterial chlorophyll and organic semiconductors (OSCs) are reported. Functions as photodetectors (PDs) and light‐stimulated synaptic transistors (LSSTs) can be switched by gate voltage. As PDs, the devices exhibit ultrahigh photoresponsivity up to 2 × 106A W−1, detectivity of 6 × 1015Jones, andIphoto/Idarkratio of 2.7 × 106, which make them among the best reported organic PDs. As LSSTs, important synaptic functions similar to biological synapses are demonstrated, together with a dynamic learning and forgetting process and image‐processing function. Significantly, benefiting from the ultrahigh photosensitivity of chlorophyll, the lowest operating voltage and energy consumption of the LSSTs can be 10−5V and 0.25 fJ, respectively. The devices also exhibit high flexibility and long‐term air stability. This work provides a new guide for developing organic electronics based on natural biomaterials.
Effect of the Incorporation of Functionalized Cellulose Nanocrystals into UiO‐66 on Composite Porosity and Surface Heterogeneity Alterations
Authors: Policicchio Alfonso , Florent Marc , Attia Mohamed F. , Whitehead Daniel C. , Jagiello Jacek , Bandosz Teresa J.
Published: June 2020

New composites consisting of 2% cellulose nanocrystals (NC) of various surface chemistries (i.e., carboxylic acids, sulfonic acids, and amines) incorporated into UiO‐66 are synthesized. Nanocellulose and the composites are characterized by X‐ray diffraction, Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy, N2 and CO2 adsorption, and thermogravimetric analysis. The analyses reveal information about the crystallinity, pore structure, and thermal stability of the composites. The results show a marked development of microporosity (≈30%), which is linked mainly to the formation of a NC/UiO‐66 interface, to disturbances in the UiO‐66 nucleation process, and to missing cluster defects. The latter is related to the geometrical constraints of metal–organic framework (MOF) crystallization around the NC nuclei. Pore size distributions do not depend markedly on the chemistry of NC. While pores in the composites with sizes <0.5 nm are associated with the involvement of NC functional groups in the formation of MOF units, the pores with sizes >1.1 nm have their origin likely in missing linkers and missing clusters. Moreover, the surface chemistry of NC and that of the interface affects the amount of CO2 adsorbed and the strength of adsorption.
Visible‐Light Photoredox‐Catalyzed α‐Regioselective Conjugate Addition of Allyl Groups to Activated Alkenes
Authors: Gontala Arjun , Woo Sang Kook
Published: June 2020

The α‐regioselective conjugate addition of allyl groups to activated alkenes is a poorly explored area of research. Herein, we report an α‐adduct and (E)‐isomer selective conjugate addition of allylsilanes to activated alkenes by visible‐light photoredox catalysis. The reaction involves allylic radicals that can be generated from allylsilanes through a photoinduced single‐electron transfer mechanism.

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Visible‐Light Induced C(sp3)−H Functionalization for the Formation of C−N Bonds under Metal Catalyst‐Free Conditions
Authors: Chen Jin‐Yang , Wu Wenfeng , Li Qiang , Wei Wen‐Ting
Published: June 2020

The construction of C−N bonds is a central tenet of modern synthetic chemistry as it widely exists in bioactive molecules, natural products, and functional materials. Visible‐light induced strategies can serve as particularly powerful tools for achieving C−N bond formation. This mini review summarizes the recent advancements in the transformation of C(sp3)−H bonds into C−N bonds via photocatalysis under metal catalyst‐free conditions. These reactions generally occur in the presence of abundant and clean visible‐light at ambient temperature without the use of metal catalysts, which undoubtedly represents a future trend in green and sustainable chemistry. The main achievements in this area from 2015 until the present are described according to the type of nitrogen sources and emphasis is placed on the working mechanisms.

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Machine‐Learning Clustering Technique Applied to Powder X‐Ray Diffraction Patterns to Distinguish Compositions of ThMn12‐Type Alloys
Authors: Utimula Keishu , Hunkao Rutchapon , Yano Masao , Kimoto Hiroyuki , Hongo Kenta , Kawaguchi Shogo , Suwanna Sujin , Maezono Ryo
Published: June 2020

A clustering technique is applied using dynamic‐time‐wrapping (DTW) analysis to X‐ray diffraction (XRD) spectrum patterns in order to identify the microscopic structures of substituents introduced into the main phase of magnetic alloys. The clustering technique is found to perform well, identifying the concentrations of the substituents with success rates of ≈90%. This level of performance is attributed to the capability of DTW processing to filter out irrelevant information such as the peak intensities (due to the uncontrollability of diffraction conditions in polycrystalline samples) and the uniform shift of peak positions (due to the thermal expansion of lattices). The established framework is not limited to the system treated in this work, but is widely applicable to systems the properties of which are to be tuned by atomic substitutions within a phase. The framework has a broader potential to predict properties such as magnetic moments, optical spectra etc.) from observed XRD patterns, by predicting such properties evaluated from predicted microscopic local structure.
On the Origin of the Ideality Factor in Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Caprioglio Pietro , Wolff Christian M. , Sandberg Oskar J. , Armin Ardalan , Rech Bernd , Albrecht Steve , Neher Dieter , Stolterfoht Martin
Published: June 2020

The measurement of the ideality factor (nid) is a popular tool to infer the dominant recombination type in perovskite solar cells (PSC). However, the true meaning of its values is often misinterpreted in complex multilayered devices such as PSC. In this work, the effects of bulk and interface recombination on the nid are investigated experimentally and theoretically. By coupling intensity‐dependent quasi‐Fermi level splitting measurements with drift diffusion simulations of complete devices and partial cell stacks, it is shown that interfacial recombination leads to a lower nid compared to Shockley–Read–Hall (SRH) recombination in the bulk. As such, the strongest recombination channel determines the nid of the complete cell. An analytical approach is used to rationalize that nid values between 1 and 2 can originate exclusively from a single recombination process. By expanding the study over a wide range of the interfacial energy offsets and interfacial recombination velocities, it is shown that an ideality factor of nearly 1 is usually indicative of strong first‐order non‐radiative interface recombination and that it correlates with a lower device performance. It is only when interface recombination is largely suppressed and bulk SRH recombination dominates that a small nid is again desirable.
Heteroatom Doping: An Effective Way to Boost Sodium Ion Storage
Authors: Li Yu , Chen Minghua , Liu Bo , Zhang Yan , Liang Xinqi , Xia Xinhui
Published: June 2020

In response to the change of energy landscape, sodium‐ion batteries (SIBs) are becoming one of the most promising power sources for the post‐lithium‐ion battery (LIB) era due to the cheap and abundant nature of sodium, and similar electrochemical properties to LIBs. The electrochemical performance of electrode materials for SIBs is closely bound up with their crystal structures and intrinsic electronic/ionic states. Apart from nanoscale design and conductive composite strategies, heteroatom doping is another effective way to enhance the intrinsic transfer characteristics of sodium ions and electrons in crystal structures to accelerate reaction kinetics and thereby achieve high performance. In this review, the recent advancements in heteroatom doping for sodium ion storage of electrode materials are reviewed. Specifically, different doping strategies including nonmetal element doping (e.g., nitrogen, sulfur, phosphorous, boron, fluorine), metal element doping (magnesium, titanium, iron, aluminum, nickel, copper, etc.), and dual/triple doping (such as N–S, N–P, N–S–P) are reviewed and summarized in detail. Furthermore, various doping methods are introduced and their advantages and disadvantages are discussed. The doping effect on crystal structure and intrinsic electronic/ionic state are illustrated and the relationship with capacity and energy/power density is interrogated. Finally, future development trends in doping strategies for advanced SIBs electrodes are analyzed.
Nonwoven rGO Fiber‐Aramid Separator for High‐Speed Charging and Discharging of Li Metal Anode
Authors: Gong Yong Jun , Heo Jung Woon , Lee Hakji , Kim Hyunjin , Cho Jinil , Pyo Seonmi , Yun Heejun , Kim Heebae , Park Sang Yoon , Yoo Jeeyoung , Kim Youn Sang
Published: June 2020

Li metal, which has a high theoretical specific capacity and low redox potential, is considered to the most promising anode material for next‐generation Li ion‐based batteries. However, it also exhibits a disadvantageous solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) layer problem that needs to be resolved. Herein, an advanced separator composed of reduced graphene oxide fiber attached to aramid paper (rGOF‐A) is introduced. When rGOF‐A is applied, F− anions, generated from the decomposition of the LiPF6 electrolyte during the SEI layer formation process form semi‐ionic CF bonds along the surface of rGOF. As Li+ ions are plated, the “F‐doped” rGO surface induces the formation of LiF, which is known as a component of a chemically stable SEI, therefore it helps the Li metal anode to operate stably at a high current of 20 mA cm−2 with a high capacity of 20 mAh cm−2. The proposed rGOF‐A separator successfully achieves a stable SEI layer that could resolve the interfacial issues of the Li metal anode.
Soil test potassium changes over time following fall potassium application in three western Kentucky soils
Authors: Keeney Andrea B. , Ritchey Edwin L. , Bailey William A.
Published: June 2020

Field experiments were conducted under bare‐ground conditions to investigate changes in soil test K levels over 2 yr following fall K applications to Crider, Zanesville, and Grenada soils in western Kentucky. Additional laboratory studies investigated particle size and clay mineralogy of these soils. In field experiments, highest soil test K in the Crider and Zanesville soils occurred 12–15 mo after fall K application. However, seasonal fluctuations in soil test K occurred in all three soils, likely due to fluctuations in precipitation prior to sampling. The Crider and Zanesville soils showed a much more substantial drop in soil test K at 9 and 21 mo after December K application than did the Grenada soil. The 9‐ and 21‐mo samplings were both preceded by 1–2 mo of dry conditions where precipitation was well below the 30‐yr average at the Crider and Zanesville sites. Particle size analysis showed that the Crider and Zanesville soils had a higher clay content than the Grenada soil. Soils with higher amounts of clay particles such as vermiculite have greater potential to trap K during dry periods, making soil test K levels lower than they might be under better soil moisture conditions. Over the course of these experiments, the Crider soil appeared to be more responsive to fall K application than the other soils, showing the greatest increase in soil test K by the following spring. This research illustrates the seasonal fluctuations in soil test K levels that occur naturally in these soils and how precipitation and clay content may influence these fluctuations.
Sand‐capping depth and subsoil influences on ‘Tifway’ bermudagrass response to irrigation frequency and drought
Authors: Dyer Don W. , Wherley Benjamin G. , McInnes Kevin J. , Thomas James C. , Hejl Reagan , Reynolds William C.
Published: June 2020

Golf courses and sports fields with turfgrass surfaces have been moving toward sand‐based root zone construction to enhance playability. Sand‐capped systems are ideally suited for situations where poor water quality and/or clayey soils necessitate rapid drainage and the need to flush salts. This study evaluated sand‐capping depth and subsoil texture on dynamics and availability of water as well as subsequent turf canopy and rooting characteristics. Objectives of this study were (a) to assess season‐long turf performance and root distribution of ‘Tifway’ hybrid bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon × C. transvaalensis Burt. Davy) turf established on various sand‐cap depths (0–5 cm topdressed over 2 yr or 5, 10, or 20 cm) atop two subsoils (fine sandy loam or clay loam) and (b) to determine how sand‐capping × subsoil combinations influence required irrigation frequency (1 vs. 2 d wk−1 at 0.6 × reference evapotranspiration) and soil moisture dynamics. Irrigation frequency had minimal effect on percent green cover during the entire study period. Root mass detected within the underlying 30‐cm subsoil was inversely proportional to sand‐cap depth. Turf performance during the study was primarily affected by capping depth and subsoil, suggesting that playing surfaces can be negatively affected if the wrong capping depth is chosen in the construction of sand‐capped turfgrass systems.
Characteristics of high‐impact agronomic journals
Authors: Zhang Yajie , Yu Qiang
Published: June 2020

Agronomy journals form a core part of the process of scholarly communication and scientific research in the agronomic field. Determining the key features of high‐impact agronomic journals will be a central component for identifying the disciplinary development in the field of agronomy. In this study, we conducted a bibliometric study to fill this knowledge gap based on 64,703 articles published in 18 main agronomy journals since 1948 derived from the Scopus database. Our main findings were that (a) over 20% of publications in Advances in Agronomy and Agricultural and Forest Meteorology received more than 50 citations; (b) authors from the United States, China, the United Kingdom, Germany, and Australia published the most articles in these journals, comprising 22.4, 11.5, 10.7, 8.7, and 8.0% of the total number of publications, respectively; and (c) journals published in a given country had a greater number of papers published by authors of that country than by authors of other countries. Furthermore, three clusters for these 18 journals were identified that included the topics of agronomy, interactions between agronomy and soil sciences, and interactions between agronomy and plant sciences. The results of this study provide valuable insights regarding the current state of and future development trends in agronomic journals.
Brain‐Inspired Structural Plasticity through Reweighting and Rewiring in Multi‐Terminal Self‐Organizing Memristive Nanowire Networks
Authors: Milano Gianluca , Pedretti Giacomo , Fretto Matteo , Boarino Luca , Benfenati Fabio , Ielmini Daniele , Valov Ilia , Ricciardi Carlo
Published: June 2020

Acting as artificial synapses, two‐terminal memristive devices are considered fundamental building blocks for the realization of artificial neural networks. Current memristive crossbar architectures demonstrate the implementation of neuromorphic computing paradigms, although they are unable to emulate typical features of biological neural networks such as high connectivity, adaptability through reconnection and rewiring, and long‐range spatio‐temporal correlation. Herein, self‐organizing memristive random nanowire (NW) networks with functional connectivity able to display homo‐ and heterosynaptic plasticity is reported thanks to the mutual electrochemical interaction among memristive NWs and NW junctions. In particular, it is shown that rewiring and reweighting effects observed in single NWs and single NW junctions, respectively, are responsible for structural plasticity of the network under electrical stimulation. Such biologically inspired systems allow a low‐cost realization of neural networks that can learn and adapt when subjected to multiple external stimuli, emulating the experience‐dependent synaptic plasticity that shape the connectivity and functionalities of the nervous system that can be exploited for hardware implementation of unconventional computing paradigms.
Trait‐based signatures of cloud base height in a tropical cloud forest
Authors: Hulshof Catherine M. , Waring Bonnie G. , Powers Jennifer S. , Harrison Susan P.
Published: June 2020

Premise

Clouds have profound consequences for ecosystem structure and function. Yet, the direct monitoring of clouds and their effects on biota is challenging especially in remote and topographically complex tropical cloud forests. We argue that known relationships between climate and the taxonomic and functional composition of plant communities may provide a fingerprint of cloud base height, thus providing a rapid and cost‐effective assessment in remote tropical cloud forests.

Methods

To detect cloud base height, we compared species turnover and functional trait values among herbaceous and woody plant communities in an ecosystem dominated by cloud formation. We measured soil and air temperature, soil nutrient concentrations, and extracellular enzyme activity. We hypothesized that woody and herbaceous plants would provide signatures of cloud base height, as evidenced by abrupt shifts in both taxonomic composition and plant function.

Results

We demonstrated abrupt changes in taxonomic composition and the community‐ weighted mean of a key functional trait, specific leaf area, across elevation for both woody and herbaceous species, consistent with our predictions. However, abrupt taxonomic and functional changes occurred 100 m higher in elevation for herbaceous plants compared to woody ones. Soil temperature abruptly decreased where herbaceous taxonomic and functional turnover was high. Other environmental variables including soil biogeochemistry did not explain the abrupt change observed for woody plant communities.

Conclusions

We provide evidence that a trait‐based approach can be used to estimate cloud base height. We outline how rises in cloud base height and differential environmental requirements between growth forms can be distinguished using this approach.
Topological and Nontopological Edge States Induced by Qubit‐Assisted Coupling Potentials
Authors: Qi Lu , Xing Yan , Wang Guo‐Li , Liu Shutian , Zhang Shou , Wang Hong‐Fu
Published: June 2020

In the usual Su–Schrieffer–Heeger (SSH) chain, the topology of the energy spectrum is divided into two categories in different parameter regions. Here, the topological and nontopological edge states induced by qubit‐assisted coupling potentials in circuit quantum electrodynamics (QED) lattice modeled as a SSH chain are studied. It is found that, when the coupling potential added on only one end of the system raises to a certain extent, the strong coupling potential will induce a new topologically nontrivial phase accompanied by the appearance of a nontopological edge state, and the novel phase transition leads to the inversion of odd–even effect directly. Furthermore, the topological phase transitions when two unbalanced coupling potentials are injected into both ends of the circuit QED lattice are studied, and it is found that the system exhibits three distinguishing phases with multiple flips of energy bands. These phases are significantly different from the previous phase induced via unilateral coupling potential due to the existence of a pair of nontopological edge states. The scheme provides a feasible and visible method to induce different topological and nontopological edge states through controlling the qubit‐assisted coupling potentials in circuit QED lattice both in experiment and theory.
Gravitational Waves and Helicity in Undoped Graphene
Authors: Sorge Francesco
Published: June 2020

The behavior of a monolayer undoped graphene sheet in presence of a weak gravitational wave is discussed. In the low‐energy limit, the linear dispersion of the energy levels near the Dirac points can be ascribed to massless excitations obeying a Dirac equation in a 2+1D spacetime. Starting from a 2+1 dimensional (2+1D) Lagrangian, the equations of motion for the electron (hole) wavefunction in the graphene sheet are deduced and solved. The Bogolubov coefficients are then obtained and the gravitationally induced amplitude of the electron–hole pair excitations is evaluated. The typical quadrupolar distribution of the pair creation probability appears rotated by a angle in the plane of the graphene sheet, when compared to the case of a confined 2+1D massless scalar field in the same gravitational background. Such behavior can be understood taking into account the role of helicity in graphene during the interaction with the gravitational wave. Although very small, the effect offers an interesting example of interaction at nanoscale between a non‐trivial quantum system and a time‐dependent gravitational background. The strong analogy between the quantum theoretical description of the graphene physics and the standard quantum field theory can also suggest a similar analysis in different physical contexts.
All‐Optical Modulation of Microcavity Emission by Parity‐Time Symmetry
Authors: Gu Zhiyuan , Zhang Qiang , Song Qinghai , Xiao Shumin
Published: June 2020

Integration of microcavity‐based coherent light sources and waveguides is of central importance for building optical networks and photonic circuits. However, such combined devices face severe challenges in distributing the generated signals to designed ends despite that the significant advances are accomplished in emission modulation and controlling. Herein, dynamically all‐optical control of the outputs from the microcavity by employing parity‐time (PT) symmetry is demonstrated. By exploiting the interplay between gain and loss in a waveguide‐connected microsquare cavity, the mode field distributions can be strongly modified when the non‐Hermitian system enters PT‐symmetry breaking phase. Numerical calculations and the corresponding Husimi projections unambiguously show the PT‐symmetry‐induced mode localization and output redistributions in microsquare cavity. Notably, the intensity ratios of the lights collected by the two channels can be directly tuned over two orders of magnitude with the increase of pumping strength. These findings will be essential for understanding the fundamentals of non‐Hermitian optics and advancing the application potentials of microcavity system in integrated photonics.
Conformational Panorama and Chirality Controlled Structure–Energy Relationship in a Chiral Carboxylic Acid Dimer
Authors: Xie Fan , Seifert Nathan A. , Jäger Wolfgang , Xu Yunjie
Published: June 2020

Chirality recognition in dimers of tetrahydro‐2‐furoic acid (THFA) was studied in a conformer‐specific manner using rotational spectroscopy and theoretical approaches. THFA shows a strong preference for thetrans‐ over thecis‐COOH configuration. Two drastically different scenarios are possible for the detectable (THFA)2: a kinetically preferred dimer bound by feeble interactions between twotransTHFAs or a thermodynamically favored dimer with a double hydrogen‐bonded ring structure between twocissubunits. To identify the conformers responsible for the extremely dense rotational spectra observed, it was essential not only to locate several hundred homo/heterochiral (THFA)2minima in ab initio calculations but also to evaluate the energetic connectivities among the minima. The study further reveals an interesting chirality dependent structure–energy ordering relationship. A method for enantiomeric excess (ee) determination of THFA is presented using a recently proposed chiral self‐tag approach.
Visible‐Light Cascade Photooxygenation of Tetrahydrocarbazoles and Cyclohepta[b]indoles: Access to C,N‐Diacyliminium Ions
Authors: Frahm Mario , von Drathen Thorsten , Gronbach Lisa Marie , Voss Alice , Lorenz Felix , Bresien Jonas , Villinger Alexander , Hoffmann Frank , Brasholz Malte
Published: June 2020

Tetrahydrocarbazoles and perhydrocyclohepta[b]indoles undergo a catalytic cascade singlet oxygenation in alkaline medium, which leads to chiral tricyclic perhydropyrido‐ and perhydroazepino[1,2‐a]indoles in a single operation. These photooxygenation products are new synthetic equivalents of uncommon C,N‐diacyliminium ions and can be functionalized with the aid of phosphoric acid organocatalysis.
Wide‐Range Color‐Tunable Organic Phosphorescence Materials for Printable and Writable Security Inks
Authors: Lei Yunxiang , Dai Wenbo , Guan Jianxin , Guo Shuai , Ren Fei , Zhou Yudai , Shi Jianbing , Tong Bin , Cai Zhengxu , Zheng Junrong , Dong Yuping
Published: June 2020

Organic materials with long‐lived, color‐tunable phosphorescence are potentially useful for optical recording, anti‐counterfeiting, and bioimaging. Herein, we develop a series of novel host–guest organic phosphors allowing dynamic color tuning from the cyan (502 nm) to orange red (608 nm). Guest materials are employed to tune the phosphorescent color, while the host materials interact with the guest to activate the phosphorescence emission. These organic phosphors have an ultra‐long lifetime of 0.7 s and a maximum phosphorescence efficiency of 18.2 %. Although color‐tunable inks have already been developed using visible dyes, solution‐processed security inks that are temperature dependent and display time‐resolved printed images are unprecedented. This strategy can provide a crucial step towards the next‐generation of security technologies for information handling.
Electroenzymatic Nitrogen Fixation Using a MoFe Protein System Immobilized in an Organic Redox Polymer
Authors: Lee Yoo Seok , Ruff Adrian , Cai Rong , Lim Koun , Schuhmann Wolfgang , Minteer Shelley D.
Published: June 2020

We report an organic redox‐polymer‐based electroenzymatic nitrogen fixation system using a metal‐free redox polymer, namely neutral‐red‐modified poly(glycidyl methacrylate‐co‐methylmethacrylate‐co‐poly(ethyleneglycol)methacrylate) with a low redox potential of −0.58 V vs. SCE. The stable and efficient electric wiring of nitrogenase within the redox polymer matrix enables mediated bioelectrocatalysis of N3−, NO2− and N2 to NH3 catalyzed by the MoFe protein via the polymer‐bound redox moieties distributed in the polymer matrix in the absence of the Fe protein. Bulk bioelectrosynthetic experiments produced 209±30 nmol NH3 nmol MoFe−1 h−1 from N2 reduction. 15N2 labeling experiments and NMR analysis were performed to confirm biosynthetic N2 reduction to NH3.
Using social media as a cost‐effective resource in the photo‐identification of a coastal bottlenose dolphin community
Authors: Gibson Catherine Elizabeth , Williams David , Dunlop Rebecca , Beck Suzanne
Published: June 2020

Bottlenose dolphins encountered around the Irish coast are considered part of a wide‐ranging coastal community; however, knowledge on the significance of the north of Ireland for this species is limited by a lack of dedicated effort.

Through social media, the opportunity now exists to gather large volumes of citizen science data in the form of high‐quality images, potentially extending the spatial and temporal scope of photo‐identification studies.

The purpose of this study was to investigate social media as a data resource for photo‐identification studies and to provide a preliminary assessment of bottlenose dolphins in the north of Ireland. Specifically, the study sought to examine the photo‐identification data for spatial clustering.

The study identified 54 well‐marked individuals and provided evidence of potential year‐round occurrence, with successful re‐sightings throughout the study period (2007–2016). There was a geographic concentration of re‐sightings along the north of Ireland, suggestive of interannual site fidelity. These results provide scientific rationale for strategically targeting the north of Ireland in future research on the Irish coastal community.

For effective conservation of the bottlenose dolphin it is imperative that scientific research, and resultant management objectives, consider wide‐ranging communities such as the Irish coastal community. Our research highlights data collection via social media as a cost‐effective and scientifically valuable tool in the photo‐identification of coastal cetaceans. We recommend that this method is used in research on low‐density and wide‐ranging coastal cetaceans.
Transition Metal‐Catalysed Direct C−H Bond Functionalizations of 2‐Pyridone Beyond C3‐Selectivity
Authors: Biswas Aniruddha , Maity Saurabh , Pan Subarna , Samanta Rajarshi
Published: June 2020

2‐Pyridone is a ubiquitous motif in natural products, drug molecules, ligands in catalysis and organic materials. There is a necessity of direct step‐economic methods for the construction of 2‐pyridone based molecules. Strategically, the primary developments have led to the C3‐functionalizations due to the inherent reactivity of this center. Despite this, many elegant transition metal‐catalysed methods have been established to introduce versatile functional groups at the C4, C5 and C6‐position via direct C−H bond functionalizations. This minireview focuses on the categorized introduction of different functional groups at the 2‐pyridone scaffolds beyond C3‐selectivity and discusses substrate scope, limitations and plausible mechanistic details.
Sensitization of natural rhyolite rock using high gamma doses for thermoluminescence dosimetry
Authors: Aloraini D. A.
Published: June 2020

The current study presents rhyolite as a novel and promising natural thermoluminescence emission (TL) material. The work focused on enhancing the TL sensitivity of rhyolite via optimization of the processing conditions: annealing and pre‐dose effect. The glow curves of irradiated rhyolite sample showed a single peak of about 110°C at 5°C sec–1 heating rate. Sensitization was performed following Fleming’s sensitization technique. It was found that applying 1 kGy pre‐dose irradiation, followed by thermal activation at 550°C for 1 h, and cooling in air at room temperature were the optimum conditions for TL sensitivity improvement of this 110°C glow peak. Both nonsensitized and sensitized rhyolite have linear behaviour in the range 5–1500 Gy. The obtained results present rhyolite as a material for potential dosimetry applications.