On the convergence rates of Filon methods for the solution of a Volterra integral equation with a highly oscillatory Bessel kernel

In this paper, based on the asymptotic property of the solution, we derive the corresponding convergence rates in terms of the frequency for the direct-Filon and linear continuous collocation methods, which solves an open problem in Brunner (2010) [1]. Numerical tests verify that the asymptotic orders obtained are optimal.     

Recent advances in theoretical studies on ligand-controlled selectivity of nickel-and palladium-catalyzed cross-coupling reactions

Nickel-and palladium-catalyzed cross-coupling reactions have attracted wide attentions,while ligandcontrolled selectivity in these reactions are still elusive,and calculations can help obtain possible catalytic cycles to generate different products and provide insights into key factors of selectivity,which facilitates the development of new catalyst systems to control reaction selectivity.This review covers our efforts and some significant achievements from other groups on ligand-controlled reaction selectivity of coupling reactions,including introduction,computational methods,selectivity control by ligands in Niand Pd-catalyzed coupling reactions,as well as summary and future perspectives.     

Bipartite flocking for multi-agent systems

This paper addresses the bipartite flock control problem where a multi-agent system splits into two clusters upon internal or external excitations. Using structurally balanced signed graph theory, LaSalle’s invariance principle and Barbalat’s Lemma, we prove that the proposed algorithm guarantees a bipartite flocking behavior. In each of the two disjoint clusters, all individuals move with the same direction. Meanwhile, every pair of agents in different clusters moves with opposite directions. Moreover, all agents in the two separated clusters approach a common velocity magnitude, and collision avoidance among all agents is ensured as well. Finally, the proposed bipartite flock control method is examined by numerical simulations. The bipartite flocking motion addressed by this paper has its references in both natural collective motions and human group behaviors such as predator–prey and panic escaping scenarios.     

Telaprevir fragments as organocatalysts in asymmetric direct aldol reactions of aldehydes

We have demonstrated that the fragments of Telaprevir can act as organocatalysts for asymmetric aldol reactions between aromatic aldehydes and acetone under mild conditions. The reaction conditions have been optimized in terms of the catalyst nature, choice of temperature, solvent, additive, and the catalyst loading. Under proper conditions, fairly good yield and enantioselectivity have been achieved.     

A simple, rapid, and efficient oxidation of oximes to ketones and aldehydes with manganese dioxide catalyzed by kieselguhr under solvent-free conditions

A simple, rapid, and efficient oxidation of oximes to the corresponding ketones and aldehydes with manganese dioxide catalyzed by kieselguhr under solvent-free conditions at room temperature in the yields between 82 and 98 is described. It seems that kieselguhr in the present procedure can highly expedite the reaction rate. By comparing to other methods described previously, the main advantages of this oxidation are that the oxidations are more efficient, the reaction conditions are milder, the reaction times are shorter, and the work-up is easier. Furthermore, the amount of manganese dioxide used in this oxidation is largely decreased.     

On a Discrete Fractional Boundary Value Problem with Nonlocal Fractional Boundary Conditions

In this paper, we investigate the nonlinear fractional difference equation with nonlocal fractional boundary conditions. We derive the Green＇s function for this problem and show that it satisfies certain properties. Some existence results are obtained by means of nonlinear alternative of Leray-Schauder type theorem and Krasnosel-skii＇s fixed point theorem.     

Pattern formation and control of spatiotemporal chaos in a reaction diffusion prey–predator system supplying additional food

Spatiotemporal dynamics of a predator–prey system in presence of spatial diffusion is investigated in presence of additional food exists for predators. Conditions for stability of Hopf as well as Turing patterns in a spatial domain are determined by making use of the linear stability analysis. Impact of additional food is clear from these conditions. Numerical simulation results are presented in order to validate the analytical findings. Finally numerical simulations are carried out around the steady state under zero flux boundary conditions. With the help of numerical simulations, the different types of spatial patterns (including stationary spatial pattern, oscillatory pattern, and spatiotemporal chaos) are identified in this diffusive predator–prey system in presence of additional food, depending on the quantity, quality of the additional food and the spatial domain and other parameters of the model. The key observation is that spatiotemporal chaos can be controlled supplying suitable additional food to predator. These investigations may be useful to understand complex spatiotemporal dynamics of population dynamical models in presence of additional food.     

Synthesis,structures, and electrochemistry of diiron toluene-3,4-dithiolate complexes containing phosphine ligands

Transition Metal Chemistry - In this paper, four diiron toluene-3,4-dithiolate complexes with phosphine ligands were synthesized and characterized. Treatment of complex...     

A simple and efficient method for potential point-of-care diagnosis of human papillomavirus genotypes: combination of isothermal recombinase polymerase amplification with lateral flow dipstick and reverse dot blot

Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer in the world’s woman population with a high incidence in developing countries where diagnostic conditions for the cancer are poor. The main culprit causing the cancer is the human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV is divided into three major groups, i.e., high-risk (HR) group, probable high-risk (pHR) group, and low-risk (LR) group according to their potential of causing cervical cancer. Therefore, developing a sensitive, reliable, and cost-effective point-of-care diagnostic method for the virus genotypes in developing countries even worldwide is of high importance for the cancer prevention and control strategies. Here we present a combined method of isothermal recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA), lateral flow dipstick (LFD), and reverse dot blot (RDB), in quick point-of-care identification of HPV genotypes. The combined method is highly specific to HPV when the conserved L1 genes are used as targeted genes for amplification. The method can be used in identification of HPV genotypes at point-of-care within 1 h with a sensitivity of low to 100 fg of the virus genomic DNA. We have demonstrated that it is an excellent diagnostic point-of-care assay in monitoring the disease without time-consuming and expensive procedures and devices.

     

A type of spectrophotometer with both SCI and SCE measurement structures

In order to measure the color of different samples with different surface texture, multiple measurement and observation conditions are needed from the instrument. Thus, both SCI (specular component included) and SCE (specular component excluded) measurement conditions are included in most color measuring instruments today. In current design, a light trap is established in the integrating sphere, and the instrument uses mechanical control to switch between SCI and SCE measurement modes. However, establishing a light trap inside the integrating sphere will affect the SCI and SCE measurement results. This article discusses the problems in current design, proposes a dual light source structure that includes both SCI and SCE measurement conditions, and then evaluates the structure with experiments. The experiment results show that the improved structure is more suitable for color measuring instruments with both SCI and SCE modes, and it has high practical value.