bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Restricted intramolecular rotation of fluorescent molecular rotors at the periphery of aqueous microdroplets in oil
Authors: Kang Jooyoun , Lhee SangMoon , Lee Jae Kyoo , Zare Richard N. , Nam Hong Gil
Published: October 2020

Fluorescent molecular rotor dyes, including Cy3, Cy5, and Alexa Fluor 555, dissolved in micron-sized aqueous droplets (microdroplets) in oil were excited, and the fluorescence intensity was recorded as function of time. We observed lengthening of the fluorescence lifetime of these dyes at the water–oil periphery, which extended several microns inward. This behavior shows that intramolecular rotation is restricted at and near the microdroplet interface. Lengthened lifetimes were observed in water microdroplets but not in microdroplets composed of organic solvents. This lifetime change was relatively insensitive to added glycerol up to 60%, suggesting that solution viscosity is not the dominant mechanism. These restricted intramolecular rotations at and near the microdroplet periphery are consistent with the reduced entropy observed in chemical reactions in microdroplets compared to the same reaction conditions in bulk solution and helps us further understand why microdroplet chemistry differs so markedly from bulk-phase chemistry.
Aeromonas salmonicida activates rainbow trout IgM+ B cells signalling through Toll like receptors
Authors: Soleto Irene , Morel Esther , Muñoz-Atienza Estefanía , Díaz-Rosales Patricia , Tafalla Carolina
Published: October 2020

As B cells are singularly equipped with a B cell receptor (BCR) and a range of innate receptors, they are able to integrate both antigen-specific and innate signals, with the latter being essential to reach an adequate level of activation. Whether teleost B cells sense pathogens through innate mechanisms has not yet been explored, despite the fact that fish B cells display a wider array of innate receptors than many mammalian B cell subsets. Hence, in the current study, we have investigated the effects of inactivated Aeromonas salmonicida, a Gram negative rainbow trout pathogen, on trout splenic IgM+ B cells in vitro in the presence or absence of different inhibitors of Toll-like receptor (TLR) signalling, to establish to what degree innate signals are contributing to the activation of B cells in teleosts. Our results demonstrate that most of the effects that A. salmonicida exerts on trout IgM+ B cells are significantly blocked in the presence of inhibitors of MyD88 and TRIF, important nodes in TLR signal pathways. Thus, the data presented demonstrates that, also in teleost, TLR signalling is essential for the activation of IgM+ B cells. These results will be useful for the future optimization of novel vaccines and adjuvants.
Endocrine disruption of vitamin D activity by perfluoro-octanoic acid (PFOA)
Authors: Di Nisio Andrea , Rocca Maria Santa , De Toni Luca , Sabovic Iva , Guidolin Diego , Dall’Acqua Stefano , Acquasaliente Laura , De Filippis Vincenzo , Plebani Mario , Foresta Carlo
Published: October 2020

Perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a class of compounds used in industry and consumer products. Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) is the predominant form in human samples and has been shown to induce severe health consequences, such as neonatal mortality, neurotoxicity, and immunotoxicity. Toxicological studies indicate that PFAS accumulate in bone tissues and cause altered bone development. Epidemiological studies have reported an inverse relationship between PFAS and bone health, however the associated mechanisms are still unexplored. Here, we present computational, in silico and in vitro evidence supporting the interference of PFOA on vitamin D (VD). First, PFOA competes with calcitriol on the same binding site of the VD receptor, leading to an alteration of the structural flexibility and a 10% reduction by surface plasmon resonance analysis. Second, this interference leads to an altered response of VD-responsive genes in two cellular targets of this hormone, osteoblasts and epithelial cells of the colorectal tract. Third, mineralization in human osteoblasts is reduced upon coincubation of PFOA with VD. Finally, in a small cohort of young healthy men, PTH levels were higher in the exposed group, but VD levels were comparable. Altogether these results provide the first evidence of endocrine disruption by PFOA on VD pathway by competition on its receptor and subsequent inhibition of VD-responsive genes in target cells.
Low Antarctic continental climate sensitivity due to high ice sheet orography
Authors: Singh Hansi A. , Polvani Lorenzo M.
Published: October 2020

The Antarctic continent has not warmed in the last seven decades, despite a monotonic increase in the atmospheric concentration of greenhouse gases. In this paper, we investigate whether the high orography of the Antarctic ice sheet (AIS) has helped delay warming over the continent. To that end, we contrast the Antarctic climate response to CO2-doubling with present-day orography to the response with a flattened AIS. To corroborate our findings, we perform this exercise with two different climate models. We find that, with a flattened AIS, CO2-doubling induces more latent heat transport toward the Antarctic continent, greater moisture convergence over the continent and, as a result, more surface-amplified condensational heating. Greater moisture convergence over the continent is made possible by flattening of moist isentropic surfaces, which decreases humidity gradients along the trajectories on which extratropical poleward moisture transport predominantly occurs, thereby enabling more moisture to reach the pole. Furthermore, the polar meridional cell disappears when the AIS is flattened, permitting greater CO2-forced warm temperature advection toward the Antarctic continent. Our results suggest that the high elevation of the present AIS plays a significant role in decreasing the susceptibility of the Antarctic continent to CO2-forced warming.
Macrophage scavenger receptor 1 controls Chikungunya virus infection through autophagy in mice
Authors: Yang Long , Geng Tingting , Yang Guang , Ma Jinzhu , Wang Leilei , Ketkar Harshada , Yang Duomeng , Lin Tao , Hwang Jesse , Zhu Shu , Wang Yanlin , Dai Jianfeng , You Fuping , Cheng Gong , Vella Anthony T. , Flavell Richard. A. , Fikrig Erol , Wang Penghua
Published: October 2020

Macrophage scavenger receptor 1 (MSR1) mediates the endocytosis of modified low-density lipoproteins and plays an important antiviral role. However, the molecular mechanism underlying MSR1 antiviral actions remains elusive. We report that MSR1 activates autophagy to restrict infection of Chikungunya virus (CHIKV), an arthritogenic alphavirus that causes acute and chronic crippling arthralgia. Msr1 expression was rapidly upregulated after CHIKV infection in mice. Msr1 knockout mice had elevated viral loads and increased susceptibility to CHIKV arthritis along with a normal type I IFN response. Induction of LC3 lipidation by CHIKV, a marker of autophagy, was reduced in Msr1−/− cells. Mechanistically, MSR1 interacted with ATG12 through its cytoplasmic tail and this interaction was enhanced by CHIKV nsP1 protein. MSR1 repressed CHIKV replication through ATG5-ATG12-ATG16L1 and this was dependent on the FIP200-and-WIPI2-binding domain, but not the WD40 domain of ATG16L1. Our results elucidate an antiviral role for MSR1 involving the autophagic function of ATG5-ATG12-ATG16L1.
Bacterial genome-wide association study of hyper-virulent pneumococcal serotype 1 identifies genetic variation associated with neurotropism
Authors: Chaguza Chrispin , Yang Marie , Cornick Jennifer E. , du Plessis Mignon , Gladstone Rebecca A. , Kwambana-Adams Brenda A. , Lo Stephanie W. , Ebruke Chinelo , Tonkin-Hill Gerry , Peno Chikondi , Senghore Madikay , Obaro Stephen K. , Ousmane Sani , Pluschke Gerd , Collard Jean-Marc , Sigaùque Betuel , French Neil , Klugman Keith P. , Heyderman Robert S. , McGee Lesley , Antonio Martin , Breiman Robert F. , von Gottberg Anne , Everett Dean B. , Kadioglu Aras , Bentley Stephen D.
Published: October 2020

Hyper-virulent Streptococcus pneumoniae serotype 1 strains are endemic in Sub-Saharan Africa and frequently cause lethal meningitis outbreaks. It remains unknown whether genetic variation in serotype 1 strains modulates tropism into cerebrospinal fluid to cause central nervous system (CNS) infections, particularly meningitis. Here, we address this question through a large-scale linear mixed model genome-wide association study of 909 African pneumococcal serotype 1 isolates collected from CNS and non-CNS human samples. By controlling for host age, geography, and strain population structure, we identify genome-wide statistically significant genotype-phenotype associations in surface-exposed choline-binding (P = 5.00 × 10−08) and helicase proteins (P = 1.32 × 10−06) important for invasion, immune evasion and pneumococcal tropism to CNS. The small effect sizes and negligible heritability indicated that causation of CNS infection requires multiple genetic and other factors reflecting a complex and polygenic aetiology. Our findings suggest that certain pathogen genetic variation modulate pneumococcal survival and tropism to CNS tissue, and therefore, virulence for meningitis.
Internal water channel formation in CXCR4 is crucial for Gi-protein coupling upon activation by CXCL12
Authors: Chang Chun-Chun , Liou Je-Wen , Dass Kingsley Theras Primus , Li Ya-Tzu , Jiang Shinn-Jong , Pan Sheng-Feng , Yeh Yu-Chen , Hsu Hao-Jen
Published: October 2020

Chemokine receptor CXCR4 is a major drug target for numerous diseases because of its involvement in the regulation of cell migration and the developmental process. In this study, atomic-level molecular dynamics simulations were used to determine the activation mechanism and internal water formation of CXCR4 in complex with chemokine CXCL12 and Gi-protein. The results indicated that CXCL12-bound CXCR4 underwent transmembrane 6 (TM6) outward movement and a decrease in tyrosine toggle switch by eliciting the breakage of hydrophobic layer to form a continuous internal water channel. In the GDP-bound Gαi-protein state, the rotation and translation of the α5-helix of Gαi-protein toward the cytoplasmic pocket of CXCR4 induced an increase in interdomain distance for GDP leaving. Finally, an internal water channel formation model was proposed based on our simulations for CXCL12-bound CXCR4 in complex with Gαi-protein upon activation for downstream signaling. This model could be useful in anticancer drug development.
SO2 formation and peroxy radical isomerization in the atmospheric reaction of OH radicals with dimethyl disulfide
Authors: Berndt Torsten , Chen Jing , Møller Kristian H. , Hyttinen Noora , Prisle Nønne L. , Tilgner Andreas , Hoffmann Erik H. , Herrmann Hartmut , Kjaergaard Henrik G.
Published: October 2020

The OH + DMDS reaction mainly forms SO2 and CH3O2 with a yield close to two and to a lesser extent RO2 isomerization products.
Pyridine mediated transition-metal-free direct alkylation of anilines using alcohols via borrowing hydrogen conditions
Authors: Pothikumar Rajagopal , Bhat Venugopal T , Namitharan Kayambu
Published: October 2020

Herein, we report aza-aromatics based organic mediators as a readily accessible alternative to the traditional approach of using transition metal catalyst systems for the activation of alcohols in borrowing hydrogen reactions.
Planar pentacoordinate silicon and germanium atoms
Authors: Wang Meng-hui , Dong Xue , Cui Zhong-hua , Orozco-Ic Mesías , Ding Yi-hong , Barroso Jorge , Merino Gabriel
Published: October 2020

The global minimum of XMg4Y− (X = Si, Ge; Y = In, Tl) and SiMg3In2 contains a planar pentacoordinate atom of group 14 other than carbon.
Amphiphilic ionic liquid induced fusion of phospholipid liposomes
Authors: Kumar Sandeep , Kaur Navleen , Mithu Venus Singh
Published: October 2020

The impact of increasing concentration of imidazolium-based ionic liquids ([CnMIM]+[Br]−) on the structural integrity of large unilamellar vesicles (LUVs) made of pure phosphatidylcholine (PC) and phosphatidylglycerol (PG) lipids.
Achieving tunable chemical reactivity through photo-initiation of energetic materials at metal oxide surfaces
Authors: Kuklja Maija M. , Tsyshevsky Roman , Zverev Anton S. , Mitrofanov Anatoly , Ilyakova Natalya , Nurmukhametov Denis R. , Rashkeev Sergey N.
Published: October 2020

Photo-stimulated chemical reactions in energetic materials can be highly controlled by selectively designing energetic material – metal oxide interfaces with tailored properties.
Phosphine-free pincer-ruthenium catalyzed biofuel production: high rates, yields and turnovers of solventless alcohol alkylation
Authors: Das Kanu , Yasmin Eileen , Das Babulal , Srivastava Hemant Kumar , Kumar Akshai
Published: October 2020

High TONs and TOFs are observed for the β-alkylation of alcohols using phosphine-free pincer-ruthenium catalysts at a very low base loading. Kinetic studies and DFT calculations were complementary and provide a clear understanding on the mechanism.
Towards more environmentally and socially responsible batteries
Authors: Sharma Shyam S. , Manthiram Arumugam
Published: October 2020

In this perspective, we propose a holistic framework for assessing battery sustainability and offer recommendations for developing battery chemistries and components that are more environmentally and socially responsible.
Characterisation andin vivoevaluation ofAraucaria angustifoliapinhão seed coat nanosuspension as a functional food source
Authors: de Lima Gabriel Goetten , de Miranda Neli Branco , Timm Thaynã Gonçalves , Matos Mailson , Angelina Moraes de Lima Tielidy , Luiz Esteves Magalhães Washington , Benathar Ballod Tavares Lorena , Hansel Fabrício Augusto , Helm Cristiane Vieira
Published: October 2020

Araucaria angustifoliaseeds from South America are culturally important; however, the seed coat is generally discarded and it has yet to find a beneficial commercial impact.
Automated Raman based cell sorting with 3D microfluidics
Authors: Lyu Yingkai , Yuan Xiaofei , Glidle Andrew , Fu Yuchen , Furusho Hitoshi , Yang Tianxin , Yin Huabing
Published: October 2020

We report an automated, high throughput Raman activated cell sorter using three-dimensional microfluidics (3D-RACS).
FPSC-DTI: drug–target interaction prediction based on feature projection fuzzy classification and super cluster fusion
Authors: Yu Donghua , Liu Guojun , Zhao Ning , Liu Xiaoyan , Guo Maozu
Published: October 2020

The fusion method FPSC-DTI fuses feature projection fuzzy classification (FP) and super cluster classification (SC) for predicting drug–target interaction.
Facile, wafer-scale compatible growth of ZnO nanowires via chemical bath deposition: assessment of zinc ion contribution and other limiting factors
Authors: Huang Yu-Chen , Zhou Junze , Nomenyo Komla , Ionescu Rodica Elena , Gokarna Anisha , Lerondel Gilles
Published: October 2020

Batch compatible, wafer-scale growth of ZnO nanowires via a CBD technique and related limitations in length, morphology and growth efficiency.
Mechanistic insights into the allylic oxidation of aliphatic compounds by tetraamido iron(v) species: A C–H vs. O–H bond activation
Authors: Monika  , Ansari Azaj
Published: October 2020

This work is based on a deep insight into a comparative study of C–H vs. O–H bond activation of allylic compound by the high valent iron complex. Our theoretical findings can help to design catalysts with better efficiency for catalytic reactions.
Hot off the Press
Authors: Hill Robert A. , Sutherland Andrew
Published: October 2020

A personal selection of 32 recent papers is presented covering various aspects of current developments in bioorganic chemistry and novel natural products such as patulignan A from Melicope patulinervia.
Oxygen self-enriched single-component “black carbon nitride” for near-infrared phototheranostics
Authors: Huang Yuxin , Tian Yanan , Shu Jie , Wang Fu , Wei Xunbin
Published: October 2020

Single component agent-based near-infrared phototheranostics has captivated researchers in cancer treatment over recent decades.
Nanoscale assembling of graphene oxide with electrophoretic deposition leads to superior percolation network in Li-ion electrodes: TiNb2O7/rGO composite anodes
Authors: Uceda Marianna , Chiu Hsien-Chieh , Zhou Jigang , Gauvin Raynald , Zaghib Karim , Demopoulos George P.
Published: October 2020

Electrophoretic deposition (EPD) is used to promote homogeneous nanoscale assembly of reduced graphene oxide (rGO) and titanium niobate (TiNb2O7) composite electrodes and minimize material degradation during cycling.
An ε-caprolactone-derived 2-oxazoline inimer for the synthesis of graft copolymers
Authors: Kim Jungyeon , Waldron Christopher , Cattoz Beatrice , Becer C. Remzi
Published: October 2020

An inimer-like structure that consists of a 2-oxazoline ring for cationic ring opening polymerisation and a typical alpha-bromo ester initiator for Cu-RDRP has been synthesised using ε-Caprolactone as the starting material.
Synthesis of CdS-loaded (CuC10H26N6)3(PW12O40)2 for enhanced photocatalytic degradation of tetracycline under simulated solar light irradiation
Authors: Li Feng , Qiang Zhuomin , Chen Shunqiang , Wei Jianyu , Li Taohai , Zhang Dabin
Published: October 2020

We demonstrated the incorporation of (CuC12H30N6)2+ into the a Keggin type H3PW12O40 by a simple one-pot self-assembly process. A heterojunction structure was constructed by introducing CdS which has high photocatalytic activities.
Use of nanohybrid nanomaterials in water treatment: highly efficient removal of ranitidine
Authors: Abu Al-Rub Fahmi A. , Fares Mohammad M. , Mohammad Ahmad R.
Published: October 2020

Entire elimination of pharmaceutical drugs from waste- and domestic-waters has attracted great attention due to their potent adverse effects on human health, particularly the human immune system.
Nernstian Li+ intercalation into few-layer graphene and its use for the determination of K+ co-intercalation processes
Authors: Hui Jingshu , Nijamudheen A. , Sarbapalli Dipobrato , Xia Chang , Qu Zihan , Mendoza-Cortes Jose L. , Rodríguez-López Joaquín
Published: October 2020

Nernstian signatures and swift voltammetry at graphene electrodes help elucidate alkali ion (co-)intercalation.
Forwards and backwards – synthesis of Laurencia natural products using a biomimetic and retrobiomimetic strategy incorporating structural reassignment of laurefurenynes C–F
Authors: Chan Hau Sun Sam , Thompson Amber L. , Christensen Kirsten E. , Burton Jonathan W.
Published: October 2020

The synthesis and structural reassignment of laurefurenynes C–F has been achieved, with the new structures fitting with a proposed biosynthesis. Also reported is the synthesis of ent-laurencin and ent-deacetyllaurencin via a retrobiomimetic approach.
Tellurium complex polyhalides: narrow bandgap photoactive materials for electronic applications
Authors: Novikov Artyom V. , Usoltsev Andrey N. , Adonin Sergey A. , Bardin Andrey A. , Samsonenko Denis G. , Shilov Gennady V. , Sokolov Maxim N. , Stevenson Keith J. , Aldoshin Sergey M. , Fedin Vladimir P. , Troshin Pavel A.
Published: October 2020

We report a novel complex polyhalide family (A2TeBr6I2), containing [TeBr6]2− octahedra interconnected by I2 bridge-molecules via halogen bonding. They are narrow bandgap semiconductors, show strong photoresponse and are easily synthesized from aqueous solution.
A scalable synthesis of 2D laminate Li3VO4/C for robust pseudocapacitive Li-ion storage
Authors: Yang Shuyue , Zhang Dongmei , Xu Zhen , Xu Jie , Lu Junlin , Cao Jia , Ni Shibing
Published: October 2020

Fast reaction kinetics and excellent performance were achieved in 2D laminate Li3VO4/C prepared via a scalable and economical biomass-aided approach.
High-performance hydrogen evolution electrocatalysis using proton-intercalated TiO2 nanotube arrays as interactive supports for Ir nanoparticles
Authors: Lačnjevac Uroš , Vasilić Rastko , Dobrota Ana , Đurđić Slađana , Tomanec Ondřej , Zbořil Radek , Mohajernia Shiva , Nguyen Nhat Truong , Skorodumova Natalia , Manojlović Dragan , Elezović Nevenka , Pašti Igor , Schmuki Patrik
Published: October 2020

Surface-disordered, protonated TiO2 nanotube array substrates induce spontaneous deposition of metallic Ir nanoparticles and actively promote their electrocatalytic behavior for achieving remarkable hydrogen evolution activity in acidic media.
High-efficiency ternary nonfullerene organic solar cells with record long-term thermal stability
Authors: Zhang Cai'e , Ming Shouli , Wu Hongbo , Wang Xiaodong , Huang Hao , Xue Wenyue , Xu Xinjun , Tang Zheng , Ma Wei , Bo Zhishan
Published: October 2020

ITC6-2F as a third component in OSCs helps “freeze” the film morphology, leading to significantly improved long-term thermal stability.
Biomimetic epidermal sensors assembled from polydopamine-modified reduced graphene oxide/polyvinyl alcohol hydrogels for the real-time monitoring of human motions
Authors: Zhang Hua , Ren Penggang , Yang Fan , Chen Jing , Wang Chenxu , Zhou Yang , Fu Jun
Published: October 2020

A skin-matched soft strain/pressure sensor fabricated by fully physically crosslinked conductive PDA–rGO/PVA hydrogel is reported for sensitive healthcare monitoring and human-machine interaction.
Photoluminescent transparent ceramics with an adjustable spectrum for high-color rendering laser lighting
Authors: Yang Jiayao , Han Tao , Cao Yangfei , Lang Tianchun , Fang Shuangqiang , Cao Shixiu , Peng Lingling , Liu Bitao , Tian Zhongqing , Gao Wei
Published: October 2020

Photoluminescent transparent ceramics with an adjustable spectrum are fabricated and combined with blue laser diodes for art lighting.
Finding optimal transmission strategy for intra‐WBAN communications
Authors: Roy M. , Chowdhury C. , Bhattacharyya S. , Aslam N.
Published: October 2020

This Letter proposes a stochastic model of the wearable sensor nodes of a wireless body area network (WBAN) based on Markov decision process (MDP). The proposed technique tackles the problem of maximising the likelihood of data transmission while minimising the computational cost and energy. Suitable transmission strategies subject to the energy level of the nodes and channel conditions are needed to be investigated to strike a balance between network lifetime and packet delivery ratio. MDP formulation of the problem is solved offline to find out the optimal transmission strategies for the representative input conditions. The results of this offline computation approach can directly map to optimal transmission policies for intra‐WBAN communications. The experimental results demonstrate the robustness of the proposed scheme in handling both favourable and unfavourable operating conditions.
Mean‐field formulation for the infinite‐horizon mean–variance control of discrete‐time linear systems with multiplicative noises
Authors: Barbieri Fabio , Costa Oswaldo L. V.
Published: October 2020

This study considers theinfinite‐horizon stochastic optimal control of a discounted and long‐run average costs under a mean–variance trade‐off performance criterion for discrete‐time linear systems subject to multiplicative noises. The authors adopt a mean‐field approach to tackle the problem and get an optimal control solution in terms of a set of two generalised coupled algebraic Riccati equations (GCAREs). Then, they establish sufficient conditions for the existence of the maximal solution and necessary and sufficient conditions for the existence of the mean‐square stabilising solution to the GCARE. From this solution, they derive optimal control policies to the related discounted and long‐run average cost problems. A numerical example illustrates the obtained results for the multi‐period portfolio selection problem in which it is desired to minimise the sum of the mean–variance trade‐off costs of a portfolio against a benchmark along the time.
Dispatchable distributed generation using a back‐to‐back converter for grid‐forming improvements based on feed‐forward action with load current prediction
Authors: Fogli Gabriel A. , Souza Igor D.N. , Fernandes Marcelo C. , Almeida Pedro M. , Barbosa Pedro G.
Published: October 2020

This work deals with the control law design and experimental verification of a grid‐forming dispatchable distributed generation based on a back‐to‐back converter. The proposed system brings several improvements to the prime mover as well as to the microgrid voltage quality. The control strategy is based on an inner current and an outer voltage loop for both sides of the converter. The external loop of the back‐to‐back input side, which is connected to the generator, is responsible for regulating the DC voltage. On the other hand, in the output side, the voltage loop ensures a high‐quality AC waveform to feed the loads. A comprehensive discussion regarding the current controller with harmonic mitigation is performed to justify the controller's choice. It is shown that a suitable current controller significantly improves the disturbance rejection. A feed‐forward compensation based on the load current prediction without any additional sensor is proposed to improve the output voltage quality. Experimental results are used to validate the proposed control law and to show the improvements and benefits of the system.
Electron heat flux in the near-Sun environment
Authors: Halekas J. S. , Whittlesey P. L. , Larson D. E. , McGinnis D. , Bale S. D. , Berthomier M. , Case A. W. , Chandran B. D. G. , Kasper J. C. , Klein K. G. , Korreck K. E. , Livi R. , MacDowall R. J. , Maksimovic M. , Malaspina D. M. , Matteini L. , Pulupa M. P. , Stevens M. L.
Published: October 2020

Aims. We survey the electron heat flux observed by the Parker Solar Probe (PSP) in the near-Sun environment at heliocentric distances of 0.125–0.25 AU.

Methods. We utilized measurements from the Solar Wind Electrons Alphas and Protons and FIELDS experiments to compute the solar wind electron heat flux and its components and to place these in context.

Results. The PSP observations reveal a number of trends in the electron heat flux signatures near the Sun. The magnitude of the heat flux is anticorrelated with solar wind speed, likely as a result of the lower saturation heat flux in the higher-speed wind. When divided by the saturation heat flux, the resulting normalized net heat flux is anticorrelated with plasma beta on all PSP orbits, which is consistent with the operation of collisionless heat flux regulation mechanisms. The net heat flux also decreases in very high beta regions in the vicinity of the heliospheric current sheet, but in most cases of this type the omnidirectional suprathermal electron flux remains at a comparable level or even increases, seemingly inconsistent with disconnection from the Sun. The measured heat flux values appear inconsistent with regulation primarily by collisional mechanisms near the Sun. Instead, the observed heat flux dependence on plasma beta and the distribution of suprathermal electron parameters are both consistent with theoretical instability thresholds associated with oblique whistler and magnetosonic modes.
Evaluation of the “Tractor-plow” system using statistical model
Authors: Rykov Viktor B. , Kambulov Sergey I. , Trubilin Evgeny I. , Kastidi Yuri K.
Published: October 2020

The article shows one of the ways to evaluate the “machinetractor unit” system using a statistical model from the point of view of reducing non-productive rolling losses. The necessity of making structural changes in order to reduce the filtering capacity of the MTU system for high-frequency perturbations is justified.
A new way to unload combine harvesters at the field edge
Authors: Skorlyakov V.I. , Nazarov A.N. , Petukhov D.A.
Published: October 2020

A method of filling the combine hopper when it approaches the field edge and providing a to-and-fro method of a combine’s movement in stints is justified. Formulas are given for calculating the operating width of the header and the working speed of movement, depending on the yield, length of the furrow and hopper capacity. The results of a comparative assessment of the traditional and the new methods of harvesting winter wheat with unloading of grain from the combine hopper at the edge of the field are presented.
Assessment of the competitiveness of domestic and foreign combine harvesters
Authors: Vinevsky Evgeny I. , Papusha Vladimir K. , Nikitenko Nikolay A.
Published: October 2020

The assessment of the competitiveness of domestic and foreign designs of grain harvesters of various productivity in accordance with the calculation method proposed by GOST R 53057 - 2008 “Agricultural machines. Methods for assessing competitiveness”. It is established that combine harvesters of LLC CP “Rostselmash” are more competitive in comparison with foreign designs mainly due to lower prices at comparable direct costs and labor productivity.
Patent analysis of design features of non-cereal crop choppers
Authors: Masienko Ivan , Vasilenko Artem , Schevchenko Sergey
Published: October 2020

The paper provides an overview of patent developments - mounted and trailed mobile choppers-straw spreaders. Their analysis is carried out and the shortcomings in the process of chopping and field distribution of the non-cereal part of rice crop are indicated. A design of PIRS-2-2 mobile trailed rice straw chopper is proposed, which is to eliminate the disadvantages inherent in the choppers designed for chopping cereal straw. The use of this machine will ensure the required quality of rice straw chopping and uniform distribution of check plots to a given width.
Initial requirements for agricultural universal block-modular energy device of traction class 0.6
Authors: Lavrov Alexander , Gulyaev Anatoly , Popov Sergey , Komissarov Dmitry , Davydov Valery
Published: October 2020

The state of the tractor industry in Russia is characterized by a deep restructuring of production. This problem is especially acute in the development of modern low-power mobile energy facilities for the mechanization of work in peasant farms. To give a systematic character to the development of this In a promising direction, the initial requirements for an agricultural universal block-modular energy device of traction class 0.6 are proposed.
Analysis of the preparation technology of a row seeder for work
Authors: Popov A. Yu. , Sharaby Noureldin , Zhurba V.V. , Chaika Е.А.
Published: October 2020

The level of preparation of a row seeder for work and its adaptability to adjustments and settings affects the efficiency of sowing. Analysis of the designs of modern row seeders shows that after-sales service remains a reserve for improving the efficiency of their use, and, therefore, increasing the agricultural crop yields. However, the technologies for the preparation and adjustment row seeders remain poorly understood, and the search for ways to reduce the complexity of maintenance for sowing units is an urgent task. The aim of the study is to build a mathematical model of the technology for checking, adjusting and tuning a row seeder on the basis of graph theory, determining a way to reduce the complexity of servicing maintenance a row seeder in preparation for sowing and justifying a rational way of organizing the seeder setting. Taking into account a number of assumptions and initial conditions, a list of operations for adjusting and setting the seeder is developed. A digraph of a row seeder preparation technology is constructed, which displays the sequence and relationship of the operations of preparation, adjusting and sitting its nodes and mechanisms. The critical path with the greatest time spent on seeder maintenance is determined. The methods for reducing the complexity of maintenance of a row seeder were established and it is recommended that further modernization of the units and mechanisms of the seeder by indicators in terms of suitability for verification, adjustment and setup. The methods of preparing the seeder for work by one performer are considered. The influence of economic factors on the number of performers during maintenance of the seeder before sowing is shown.
Static analysis and strength calculation of drive shaft of large-scale cone crusher
Authors: Kondratenko V. V. , Sedykh L. V. , Mirzakarimov A. , Aleksakhin A.
Published: October 2020

The paper analyzes the causes of failures of coarse crushers “KKD 1500-180” at JSC “Almalyk MMC”. It has been established that the most common cause of these failures is a drive shaft failure. Static analysis of the strength of the drive shaft was performed using Autodesk Inventor 2020 CAD software. A dangerous shaft section was found, and recommendations aimed at improving its operability were proposed.
Process modeling of the first inter-row cultivation in laboratory conditions
Authors: Zykin Evgeny , Kurdyumov Vladimir , Lazutkina Svetlana , Dmitriev Oleg
Published: October 2020

The paper considers the formation process of secondary soil ridges by working bodies with flat discs during the first mechanized interrow cultivation of crops in laboratory conditions. Taking account of the agrotechnical requirements and the physical and mechanical properties of the soil, we adopted the reference profile of the soil ridge formed during mechanized inter-row cultivation of crops, which can conditionally be accepted as ideal, as well as the original optimization criterion kсэ1 . After practical implementation of studies in the tillage bin and statistical processing of the obtained data, the corresponding equations were obtained in which the independent process factors were expressed in natural and encoded values. It was found that a change in the speed of a cultivator within 1.2 2.4 m / s, with angles of attack>кk of flat discs from 5º to 20º, increases the distance at which the soil is thrown off and the thickness of the soil layers covering the sides and the upper base of the primary ridge (kсэ1 → max). At angles of attack>кk of flat discs within the limits of 25º ... 30º and the speed of the cultivator from 1.2 m / s to 1.6 m / s, an increase in the thickness of the covered soil layers hпр, occurs, and the coefficient kсэ1 is maximum ((kсэ1 = 0.98 with a flat disc diameter of 0.3 m).
Greening of agricultural production is the main vector of development of the Russian agricultural sector
Authors: Marinchenko Tatiana E.
Published: October 2020

The introduction of biological agents to protect and control, as well as stimulate the development of agricultural crops, is one of the areas of increasing the efficiency and profitability of production, reducing the environmental burden and increasing the competitiveness of producers, which lies in the concept of a green economy, as well as for the sustainable development of agriculture. Domestic biotechnological developments for crop production are considered, which increase production efficiency and reduce the environmental burden.
Chlorophyll fluorescence for classification of tomato fruits by their maturity stage
Authors: Abdelhamid M. A. , Sudnik Yu. A. , Alshinayyin H. J. , Shaaban Fatma
Published: October 2020

Classification of tomato fruit and control of post-harvest maturation based on the stage of maturity at harvesting, are necessary to ensure the highest possible quality and marketability of the final ripe product. A method of sorting tomatoes to assess the degree of their maturation based on the control of their chlorophyll fluorescence induction is proposed. Tomatoes (Black baron) at five different stages of maturity were used. Variance analysis (ANOVA) was performed and the Duncan’s mean values were compared at a significance level of p ≤0.05. In addition, the correlation between the chlorophyll fluorescence induction parameters and the maturity of the same fruit was carried out using the statistical software SPSS 20.0. The general pattern of fluorescence induction analysis was revealed; as the fruit matures, the value of both maximum fluorescence induction (Fm) and the coefficient of specific photosynthetic activity of tomatoes (Kf) decreases. Both Fm and Kf exhibited a statistically significant difference (p ≤0.05) between stages of maturity. A very strong negative correlation between slow chlorophyll fluorescence induction parameters (Fm and Kf) and maturity were observed. Moreover, there is a strong positive correlation between Fm and Kf. In conclusion, the slow induction of chlorophyll fluorescence is a good indicator of the degree of maturity of tomato fruits and the proposed method had better reflected the actual ripening process of fruit per maturity stage.
Application of profilograph for evaluation of mechanical tillage of slope lands
Authors: Vasiliev Mikhail , Vasiliev Sergey , Vasiliev Alexey
Published: October 2020

In this paper, we analyze a wide range of measurements of the day surface profile of tilled soil in order to substantiate the moving average method for evaluating morphological parameters and studying the influence of the base profile length on the accuracy of the obtained values. The surface roughness of the elementary plot was 4 mm, the surface ridgeness formed by technological furrows was 16 mm, and the slope of the plot was 0.198. The accuracy of the obtained values of roughness and ridgeness of the tilled soil surface depends significantly on the profile length determined by the number of measurements performed. We obtained 5273 data points per one turn of the device on a 6.3 m profile length (1 measurements are made per 1 mm) for the elementary plot. The surface roughness varied from 3, 1 mm to 4, 3 mm, and the ridgeness – 12 ... 21 mm when the number of measurements is from 2000 to 5273. When the measured profile length is about 1.3 m or less (not more 2000 points), the parameters of the tilled soil cover are not considered important. However, they are more critical for ploughed soil than for harrowed soil. On flatter surfaces, the base profile length of 2.5 m may be sufficient to adequately calculate the parameters of the day soil surface.
A method of treating waste that is valuable as raw material to preserve the biosphere
Authors: Marinchenko Tatiana E.
Published: October 2020

The introduction of livestock waste processing technologies is one of the ways to increase the efficiency and profitability of production, reduce the environmental burden and increase the competitiveness of producers, which lies in the concept of a green economy, as well as for the sustainable development of agriculture. Domestic technologies for processing poultry droppings, which increase production efficiency by reducing heating or feed costs and reduce the environmental burden due to timely processing, are discussed.
Ni(0)-Catalyzed Synthesis of Polycyclic α,β-Unsaturated γ-Lactams via Intramolecular Carbonylative Cycloaddition of Yne-imines with CO
Authors: Ogoshi Sensuke , Ashida Keita , Hoshimoto Yoichi
Published: October 2020

A Ni(0)-catalyzed intramolecular carbonylative cycloaddition between 1,5-yne-imines and carbon monoxide (CO) is disclosed. When Ni(CO)3PCy3 was employed as a pre-catalyst, a variety of polycyclic α,β-unsaturated γ-lactams were prepared in up to 78% yield with 100% atom efficiency. Aza-nickelacycles, generated by the oxidative cyclization of yne-imines on the Ni(0) center, were experimentally confirmed as key intermediates. Moreover, diastereoselective transformations of the obtained products to afford highly substituted polycyclic γ-lactams with three contiguous carbon stereocenters are reported.
Bias in social interactions and emergence of extremism in complex social networks
Authors: Nguyen Vu X. , Xiao Gaoxi , Zhou Jie , Li Guoqi , Li Beibei
Published: October 2020

Emergence of extremism in social networks is among the most appealing topics of opinion dynamics in computational sociophysics in recent decades. Most of the existing studies presume that the initial existence of certain groups of opinion extremities and the intrinsic stubbornness in individuals’ characteristics are the key factors allowing the tenacity or even prevalence of such extreme opinions. We propose a modification to the consensus making in bounded-confidence models where two interacting individuals holding not so different opinions tend to reach a consensus by adopting an intermediate opinion of their previous ones. We show that if individuals make biased compromises, extremism may still arise without a need of an explicit classification of extremists and their associated characteristics. With such biased consensus making, several clusters of diversified opinions are gradually formed up in a general trend of shifting toward the extreme opinions close to the two ends of the opinion range, which may allow extremism communities to emerge and moderate views to be dwindled. Furthermore, we assume stronger compromise bias near opinion extremes. It is found that such a case allows moderate opinions a greater chance to survive compared to that of the case where the bias extent is universal across the opinion space. As to the extreme opinion holders’ lower tolerances toward different opinions, which arguably may exist in many real-life social systems, they significantly decrease the size of extreme opinion communities rather than helping them to prevail. Brief discussions are presented on the significance and implications of these observations in real-life social systems.
Extrapolation and interpolation strategies for efficiently estimating structural observables as a function of temperature and density
Authors: Monroe Jacob I. , Hatch Harold W. , Mahynski Nathan A. , Shell M. Scott , Shen Vincent K.
Published: October 2020

Thermodynamic extrapolation has previously been used to predict arbitrary structural observables in molecular simulations at temperatures (or relative chemical potentials in open-system mixtures) different from those at which the simulation was performed. This greatly reduces the computational cost in mapping out phase and structural transitions. In this work, we explore the limitations and accuracy of thermodynamic extrapolation applied to water, where qualitative shifts from anomalous to simple-fluid-like behavior are manifested through shifts in the liquid structure that occur as a function of both temperature and density. We present formulas for extrapolating in volume for canonical ensembles and demonstrate that linear extrapolations of water’s structural properties are only accurate over a limited density range. On the other hand, linear extrapolation in temperature can be accurate across the entire liquid state. We contrast these extrapolations with classical perturbation theory techniques, which are more conservative and slowly converging. Indeed, we show that such behavior is expected by demonstrating exact relationships between extrapolation of free energies and well-known techniques to predict free energy differences. An ideal gas in an external field is also studied to more clearly explain these results for a toy system with fully analytical solutions. We also present a recursive interpolation strategy for predicting arbitrary structural properties of molecular fluids over a predefined range of state conditions, demonstrating its success in mapping qualitative shifts in water structure with density.
Metastructure-inspired ultraviolet and blue light filter
Authors: Choi Yong Kyu , Yoo Young Joon , Park Sang Yoon , Lim Taekyung , Jeong Sang-Mi , Ju Sanghyun
Published: October 2020

Currently, many studies are being conducted to apply optical metamaterials to the transmittance control of visible light and near infrared wavelengths. In this study, a metastructure was fabricated with periodic metal holes that can reduce the transmittance of only ultraviolet (UV) and blue light in the wavelength band from UV to visible light. The connection structure of the metal-hole-patterns, with a hole size of tens to hundreds of μm, and the crystallinity of the metal could be controlled through the three-step process of polystyrene (PS) nanosphere array formation, using the air–water interface method, and size adjustment of the PS nanosphere, through the etching process, and through the adjustment of the metal film thickness. The glass substrate, with an Al-hole-patterned metastructure (an Al-hole-pattern size of ∼245 nm and an Al thickness of ∼60 nm), showed a low transmittance of 33% and 28% in the wavelength bands of 350 nm and 470 nm, respectively, and a high transmittance of 67% and 57% in the ranges of 540 nm and 670 nm, respectively, owing to the metacharacteristics manifested in periodically connected metal patterning structures. This Al-hole-patterned metastructure is expected to be applicable to various optical devices that require a reduction in the transmittance of only the UV and blue light wavelength band.
Magnetic induction imaging with a cold-atom radio frequency magnetometer
Authors: Fregosi A. , Gabbanini C. , Gozzini S. , Lenci L. , Marinelli C. , Fioretti A.
Published: October 2020

The sensitive detection of either static or radio frequency (RF) magnetic fields is essential to many fundamental studies and applications. Here, we demonstrate the operation of a cold-atom-based RF magnetometer in performing 1D and 2D imaging of small metallic objects. It is based on a cold 85Rb atomic sample and operates in an unshielded environment with no active field stabilization. It shows a sensitivity up to 200 pT/Hz in the 5−35 kHz bandwidth range and can resolve a 0.4 mm wide cut in a 0.8 mm thick metallic foil. The characteristics of our system make it a good candidate for applications in civil and industrial surveillance.
Directing charge transfer in perylene based light-harvesting antenna molecules
Authors: Philip Abbey M. , Hsu Chao Chun , Wei Zimu , Fridriksson Magnus B. , Grozema Ferdinand C. , Jager Wolter F.
Published: October 2020

Directing energy and charge transfer processes in light-harvesting antenna systems is quintessential for optimizing the efficiency of molecular devices for artificial photosynthesis. In this work, we report a novel synthetic method to construct two regioisomeric antenna molecules (1-D2A2 and 7-D2A2), in which the 4-(n-butylamino)naphthalene monoimide energy and electron donor is attached to the perylene monoimide diester (PMIDE) acceptor at the 1- and 7-bay positions, respectively. The non-symmetric structure of PMIDE renders a polarized distribution of the frontier molecular orbitals along the long axis of this acceptor moiety, which differentiates the electron coupling between the donor, attached at either the 1- or the 7-position, and the acceptor. We demonstrate that directional control of the photo-driven charge transfer process has been obtained by engineering the molecular structure of the light-harvesting antenna molecules.
Effect of grain size on thin film stress and morphology using kinetic Monte Carlo simulations
Authors: Chason Eric , Jagtap Piyush
Published: October 2020

A kinetic Monte Carlo simulation of polycrystalline thin film growth has been developed that enables the effects of stress to be included. The stress is modeled in terms of processes that happen at the grain boundary, i.e., the formation of new grain boundary lengths and diffusion of atoms from the surface. In this work, the simulation has been used to study the effect of grain size on the thin film stress and surface morphology evolution. Results are presented for different grain sizes, temperatures, and growth rates and the kinetics of relaxation when the growth is terminated. The results are interpreted in terms of rate equations developed to explain thin film stress evolution.