bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Diplomato Stasio Lozoraičio (jaunesniojo) svarbesnės veiklos kryptys Vašingtone 1987–1993 m.
Authors: Pūraitė Rūta
Published: August 2024

Straipsnyje analizuojamos diplomato Stasio Lozoraičio (jaunesniojo) svarbesnės veiklos kryptys dirbant viename svarbiausių Lietuvos diplomatinės tarnybos postų – Lietuvos pasiuntinybėje Jungtinių Amerikos Valstijų sostinėje Vašingtone 1987–1993 m. Tai – istorinis lūžio metas, kai Lietuva, ilgą laiką siekusi nepriklausomybės ir ją iškovojusi, pradėjo atkurto valstybingumo etapą. Šis etapas atsispindi ir Lietuvos diplomatijos, Lietuvos diplomatinės atstovybės Vašingtone istorijoje, kuri neatsiejama nuo lietuvių išeivijos istorijos. S. Lozoraitis jaunesnysis, kuris, dirbdamas Vašingtone, taip pat darbavosi pasiuntinybėje prie Šventojo Sosto, tarsi sujungė du labai svarbius diplomatinius postus. 1983 m. jis tapo Lietuvos pasiuntinybės Vašingtone patarėju, 1987 m. pradėjo dirbti Lietuvos atstovu, eidamas reikalų patikėtinio pareigas, o nuo 1991 m. dirbo nepaprastuoju ir įgaliotuoju ambasadoriumi. Visus šiuos metus S. Lozoraitį jaunesnįjį vedė nepriklausomos Lietuvos idėja. Tai patvirtina išanalizuoti archyviniai šaltiniai: politiniai pranešimai, pro memoria, susirašinėjimai, interviu, lietuvių išeivijos spaudos straipsniai. Susitikimai su JAV politikais, kontaktavimas su okupuota Lietuva ir nuolatinis tvirtos pozicijos nepriklausomybės klausimu laikymasis rodo, kad S. Lozoraitis jaunesnysis tapo bene svarbiausiu užsienyje Lietuvos interesams atstovaujančiu asmeniu. Siekdamas Lietuvos pasiuntinybę Vašingtone padaryti kuo atviresne visuomenei vieta, jis drauge norėjo suvienyti išeivijos lietuvius.
Trauma išeivio dramoje: Algirdo Landsbergio „Penki stulpai turgaus aikštėje“ ir Rafaelio Albertiʼio „Karo naktis Prado muziejuje“
Authors: Pilipaitytė Gerda
Published: August 2024

Dramaturgija yra literatūros rūšis, itin tinkama traumos naratyvui plėtoti, nes perteikiama trauma visada siejama su to meto aktualijomis, atskleidžiamas jos poveikis. XX amžius buvo pažymėtas karais ir diktatūriniu valdymu įvairiose šalyse, todėl natūralu, kad to meto rašytojai perteikia šiuos trauminius išgyvenimus savo tekstuose. Šiame straipsnyje tiriamos lietuvių ir ispanų išeivijos dramaturgų pjesės, analizuojama, kaip jose atskleidžiama kultūrinė trauma. Pastebėta, kad pasirinktose dramose yra ryšys tarp teksto pasakotojo ir teksto autoriaus, panaudojami konkretūs traumos ženklai, vis atkreipiamas dėmesys į praeitį ir ateitį bei jų abiejų ryšį, o tai svarbu kalbant apie traumą.
(Ne)traumuotos tapatybės formavimosi pėdsakais: diasporos literatūros kūrėjų kartų refleksija remiantis Jacquesʼo Lacano teorijomis
Authors: Pulkauninkė Ineta
Published: August 2024

Šiame straipsnyje teigiama, kad diasporos kūrėjų (ne)traumuotos tapatybės patirtis turi įtakos kūrybos tematikai, vaizdiniams bei kalbos raiškai. Traumos ir tapatybės temos egzodo bei emigracijos literatūroje gali būti tyrinėjamos remiantis Jacques’o Lacano teorinėmis prieigomis. Straipsnio tikslas – reflektuoti skirtingų išeivijos rašytojų kartų (kūrybinės) tapatybės bruožus ir kalbos raišką, atsižvelgiant į tėvynės netekties patirtį. Straipsnyje rašytojų kartos skiriamos ir jų kūryba analizuojama įvertinant (ne)prievartinio tėvynės palikimo sąlygas, o į meninius tekstus žvelgiama kaip į kūrėjo pasąmonės reiškinių arba kūrybinio „aš“ raišką. Straipsnyje daugiau dėmesio skiriama Antano Škėmos romano „Balta drobulė“ ir Akvilinos Cicėnaitės romano „Anglų kalbos žodynas“ personažų tapatybės, tapatumo (per)konstravimo problematikai. Šiuolaikinių rašytojų, kuriančių už Lietuvos ribų, kūryboje aptinkamas jau kitoks, organiškesnis, santykis su vieta, į kurią emigruojama, galimos hibridiškumo, transnacionalinės tapatybės paieškos, gilesnė estetinė analizė.
A new mode of inhibition
Authors: Huber Andrew D , Chen Taosheng
Published: August 2024

Complementary structural biology approaches reveal how an agonist and a covalent inhibitor simultaneously bind to a nuclear receptor.
Unidad de Kinesiología y Gestión de la Funcionalidad en el Hospital de Urgencia Asistencia Pública: Un Nuevo Modelo Organizacional y Rediseño de Procesos
Authors:   , Silva Gutiérrez Carolina Adriana
Published: August 2024

El presente trabajo tiene como propósito rediseñar y proponer un nuevo modelo de procesos y resultados en el área de la Kinesiología del Hospital de Urgencia Asistencia Pública (HUAP).La expansión en cantidad y complejidad de camas a causa de la pandemia por Covid y la presencia de nuevos procedimientos médico quirúrgicos, implica para el HUAP un crecimiento en el uso de equipamiento e insumos de soporte ventilatorio-rehabilitación y un aumento en la demanda asistencial para reestablecer de manera oportuna, eficiente y eficaz la función cardiorrespiratoria y neuromotora mermada por enfermedad o complicaciones propias de la hospitalización.Se suman las metas e iniciativas del Ministerio de Salud (MINSAL), como son las orientaciones para el desarrollo de la Rehabilitación en los Hospitales de la Red Pública de Salud 2018 – 2025, el Plan Nacional de Rehabilitación 2021-2030 y la Estrategia Nacional de Salud para los objetivos sanitarios al 2030, los cuales considera este rediseño.Se propone implementar la unidad de kinesiología y gestión de la funcionalidad (KIGF), a través de un rediseño de procesos clínicos y de gestión administrativa. Las estrategias incluyen centralizar funciones y responsabilidades, optimizar el costo beneficio y el desarrollo de un plan organizacional - operacional basado en resultados.
Management of Pathological Femoral Refracture in a Child using Flexible Intramedullary Nail: A Case Report
Authors: Sheshagiri V , Siddhartha Arunodhaya , Pramod BM , Harshvardhan S , Vidya CS
Published: August 2024

Simple Bone Cysts (SBCs) are benign, fluid-filled lesions primarily located in the metaphysis of long bones in children and adolescents. Depending on the clinical situation, management is performed, but the ultimate goal is to minimise surgical complications. Hereby, the authors present a case report presents the management of a seven-year-old male with a pathological refracture of the subtrochanteric region of the right femur due to an SBC. The patient presented with pain, swelling, and inability to bear weight on the affected limb. Diagnostic evaluation revealed a fracture in the subtrochanteric region along with a lytic, expansile lesion at the fracture site. The patient had a history of a similar fracture three years prior. Treatment involved closed reduction and internal fixation with two Flexible Intramedullary Nails (FIN), followed by immobilisation with a unilateral hip spica cast for six weeks. Follow-up radiographs showed satisfactory fracture reduction and signs of resolution of the bone cyst. The patient demonstrated good functional outcomes and successful management of the pathological refracture. The present case report contributes to the existing literature on the management of pathological refractures in paediatric patients and highlights the effectiveness of FINs as a treatment option in such cases.
Unusual Presentations of Plexiform Neurofibroma: A Series of Three Cases
Authors: Nayak Anurima , Das Rituparna , Bhattacharya Debashis , Paul Biswanath
Published: August 2024

Neurofibroma is a benign peripheral nerve sheath tumour, and Plexiform Neurofibroma (PN) is pathognomonic of Neurofibromatosis Type 1 (NF1). It occurs equally in males and females and presents at birth or a very early age. The incidence is 1 in 2500 births per year, with an estimated genital association of 1.8%, where clitoral involvement is very rare in the Indian population. In the present case series, three patients were diagnosed with PN through surgical histopathology and Immunohistochemical (IHC) stains like S-100 and Cluster Differentiation 34 (CD34) at a tertiary care hospital. All three patients were children who had painless, gradually increasing swellings that underwent surgical treatment. Among them, a five-year-old girl presented with painless clitoromegaly, multiple café- au-lait spots, and underwent plastic surgery. She was later clinically diagnosed with NF1 after histopathological and IHC correlation. A two-year-old boy with a firm swelling over his left leg showed hyperintensity and multilobulation on magnetic resonance imaging. A 10-year-old boy with a similar swelling in his right upper arm showed multiple hypoechoic masses on ultrasonography. Both of them were later diagnosed with PN using the same methodology. Although it is benign, there is a risk of malignant transformation in diffuse PNs, and they should be managed by wide excision with a safety margin to prevent recurrence.
Educational Leadership and Learners’ Academic Achievement in Secondary Schools in Developing Countries: A Critical Review
Authors: Karoli Gervas B.P , Upadhyaya Amar
Published: August 2024

The study explored three leadership styles in education for students’ academic achievement in secondary schools viz: democratic, laissez-faire and autocratic leadership styles in developing countries. The main crux of the study was examining the impact of heads of schools' leadership towards academic achievement of secondary schools’ students and recommending the most effective leadership style for heads. In-depth study of heads of schools' leadership styles to students’ academic achievement through systematic review of previous related literature was conducted.  The study used qualitative method to analyse 49 published documents of which 5 were books published from 2002 to 2023 and 44 were papers published from 2006 to 2023 years. This study was confined in the following sample of countries Nigeria, Ghana, Tanzania, Kenya and South Africa. Also, supplementary papers from Kuwait and USA were reviewed to study more how leadership in education is done.  The findings showed that no single leadership style in educational context fits all schools’ environments. Moreover, it was shown that most heads of schools prefer the use of the democratic type of leadership style which does not fit all schools’ environments. The studies revealed that educational situations differ, thus the leadership style chosen should rely on the school situation. The current study recommends some effective measures for leadership development of secondary schools’ heads.
Impact of Enso on Indian Monsoon and Food Production
Authors: Parvati  , K. Poojitha, , K. M. Pravalika, , Teli Kashinath Gurusiddappa
Published: August 2024

El Nino is a big ocean-atmosphere climate interaction It happens when Sea Temperatures (SST) warm up in central and eastern parts of the Equatorial Pacific. Whereas La Nina is the opposite event of it, when ocean SST cools down in those same areas. Together, El Nino and La Nina are known as the El Nino Southern Oscillation Index (O). Usually, El Nino brings warm and dry weather to southern & eastern inland regions of India, Australia, Indonesia, Philippines, Malaysia, and the central Pacific islands. The variations of Indian summer monsoon Rainfall (ISMR) are linked to changes in sea surface temperatures over the equatorial Pacific & Indian Oceans. ENSO events really affect summer rainfall in India and major droughts have faced during El Nino events. When El Nino kicks in, it often leads to weak monsoons & higher temperatures in India. This raises the chances of droughts, which could upset crop production & water supply in India. The lack of rain because of El Nino causes crop production to drop, especially short-duration Kharif crops. This situation can lead to higher inflation rates & slower GDP growth, since agriculture is such a huge part of India’s economy. Therefore, this paper provide information about how El Nino affects climate throughout various regions of India, especially regarding monsoons and growing food.
Effects of Different Rates of Biochar for Soil Nitrogen and Water Dynamics and Teff Production in Highland of Ethiopia
Authors: Ono Marcelo Takeda , Meselu Desalew Fentie , Kohira Yudai , Legesse Solomon Addisu , Abune Berhanu Belay , Sato Shinjiro
Published: August 2024

Water and nutrient availability are the most important factors which affect crop production. However inconsistent rainfall and high prices of fertilizers have been pushing down crop productivity. The use of biochar (BC) is one of the alternatives to minimize those effects. However, few studies have been conducted under field conditions, especially using BC applied on clayey soil for crop production in a highland of Ethiopian. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of BC application on soil water and nutrient dynamics and production of teff. The experimental was laid out in randomized complete block design (RCBD) with 3 levels of BC application rate (0, 5 and 20 t ha–1; 0ACB, 5ACB, and 20ACB) with five replications. Soil pH was increased with BC application throughout cultivation period. There were no apparent effects of BC application on soil NH4+-N and NO3–-N during cultivation period. Soil water contents at field capacity and permanent wilting point were increased and decreased, respectively, leading to increase in plant available water with BC compared to without BC. BC applied on clayey soils could change soil structure and contribute to adequate drainage water during the rainy period and retention of water during the dry period, which collaborate with proper aeration in soil for health plant growth. Our results showed significantly increased plant height, dry biomass, and grain yields of teff for soil treated with biochar. Soil treatment with 5ACB and 20ACB increased plant height by 17.0% and 40.5%, respectively, dry biomass by 172% and 256%, respectively, and grain yields by 146% and 173%, respectively. Our results showed that BC application improved and regulated water availability for clayey soil during the period of the growing season, which resulted in improved biomass and grain production of teff. Amendment of the soil with acacia biochar can be recommended to increase crop production for clayey soil in highland of Ethiopia in sustainable ways.
Effect of Different Fertilizer and Silicon Levels on Grain Quality of Maize (Zea mays L.)
Authors: Pooniyan Seema , Yadav K.K. , Kumar Tushar , Meena Neha
Published: August 2024

A field experiment with spilt plot design was conducted to study the ‘effect of fertility and silicon levels on the nutritional quality of maize’ during Kharif 2022 and 2023 at Rajasthan College of Agriculture (RCA), MPUAT, Udaipur, Rajasthan, India. The main plot treatments consist of four levels of Compounded NPK fertilizer (F0: Control, F50:  50% RDF, F75:  75% RDF and F100: 100 % RDF) and the sub-plot treatments consist of four levels of soil application of Diatomaceous Earth (Si0, Si100, Si200 and Si300). Pratap Makka-9 of maize variety was used for research purpose. The protein content, protein yield, carbohydrate and energy in maize grain were higher under 100% RDF than other levels of fertilizer. Application of 300 kg Diatomaceous Earth per hectare recorded higher protein content, protein yield, carbohydrate and energy in maize grain over the rest of silicon levels. The crude fat in maize grain was lower in 100% RDF. Application of 300 kg Diatomaceous Earth per hectare recorded lower crude fat in maize grain. Significantly higher protein yield was recorded under the combined application of 100% RDF and 300 kg diatomaceous earth per hectare. However, protein yield was at par in the application of 75% RDF with 300 kg Diatomaceous Earth per hectare and 100% RDF with 200 kg Diatomaceous Earth per hectare. The lowest crude fat was recorded under the combined application of 100% RDF and 300 kg Diatomaceous Earth per hectare over the rest of treatment combinations. Application of 100% RDF with 300 kg DE ha-1 (F100Si300) was recommended treatment for nutritional high quality maize grain.
Enhancing Agricultural Commodity Forecasting: A Median-Based Combination of Time Series Models
Authors: Manjunatha B. , Shyam Rishabh Singh , Patil Dayananda , Veershetty  , Kumar A Anil , V. C. Karthik , H. Gunashekhar
Published: August 2024

This study explores the efficacy of combining forecasts using the median operator to enhance forecasting performance. The traditional approach of assigning equal weights to individual models often struggles with extreme forecasts. A new method Simple Combination of Univariate Models (SCUM) is utilized, which uses the median operator to combine forecasts from four distinct time series models: Exponential Smoothing (ETS), Auto Regressive Integrated Moving Average (ARIMA), Dynamically Optimised Theta Model (DOTM), and Complex Exponential Smoothing (CES). This approach aims to mitigate the influence of extreme forecasts and improve overall accuracy.
Our empirical analysis investigates the use of the SCUM approach for the agricultural commodity data. Yearly production of Rice is used, sourced from the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Government of India. The forecasting performance of the SCUM approach is compared against individual models and a mean-based combined forecast using key performance metrics such as Mean Absolute Percentage Error (MAPE), Root Mean Squared Error (RMSE), and Relative Efficiency. The results show that SCUM outperforms all other models, achieving the lowest RMSE (51.89) and a MAPE of 6.90, indicating superior in-sample forecasting accuracy. ARIMA was the least efficient with a 22.11% relative efficiency, while the Mean combination method (3.33%) was closest to SCUM in performance. The findings suggest that SCUM is not only a viable alternative to traditional methods but also offers significant advantages in improving forecasting accuracy. This research underscores the potential for median-based forecast combinations to achieve superior predictive accuracy and reliability, making it a valuable tool for scholars and practitioners in time series forecasting.
A Comprehensive Study of Shopper Profiles and Purchasing Patterns for Rice at Reliance Mall
Authors: Rathwa Dhruti , Kamani K.C. , Prajapati M.C. , Makwana A.K. , Gurjar M.D.
Published: August 2024

Rice, a fundamental staple for over half the global population, was predominantly produced by Oryza sativa and ranked fourth in global crop production. Despite its significant role, only a small percentage was traded internationally, with major consumption concentrated in China, India, and Indonesia. This study investigated shopper profiles and purchasing patterns for rice at Reliance Mall, aiming to understand demographic influences on rice preferences and buying behaviors. Using a sample of 160 respondents, the study highlighted that the female profile was slightly over in the number of males, with a majority aged between 21 and 50 years. The respondents were primarily graduates with a monthly income between Rs. 30,000 and Rs. 40,000, and most lived in small households. The research revealed a strong preference for Daawat and India Gate brands, with local and Basmati rice types being the most favored. Reliance Smart Bazaar emerged as the dominant purchase source, and the 1 kg package size was the most popular among consumers. Promotional activities via TV channels had the greatest impact on purchasing decisions. This comprehensive analysis provided insights into consumer behavior, which could guide targeted marketing and improve customer experiences in retail settings.
A Review on Empowering Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups in India: Insights and Strategies
Authors: B M Pooja , Anandaraja N. , Fernandaz C. Cinthia , Balasubramaniam P.
Published: August 2024

Exploring the challenges and opportunities faced by Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) in India, focusing on their socio-economic, health, educational, and livelihood aspects. The study investigates the barriers these communities encounter, including inaccessibility, exploitation, illiteracy, lack of healthcare, and remoteness, which perpetuate poverty and marginalization. Employing a mixed-methods approach, including literature review, field surveys, and interviews, the research assesses the impact of various government interventions such as healthcare programs, educational support, and livelihood enhancement schemes. Key findings reveal that while these initiatives have led to some progress, critical gaps remain in infrastructure, sustainable livelihoods, and cultural preservation. The article highlights eco-tourism as a potential sustainable business model for PVTGs, emphasizing community involvement and responsible tourism practices. Recommendations include the need for sustained efforts to address these gaps, promote inclusive growth, and empower PVTGs through education, skill development, and equitable access to resources. By fostering community-driven approaches and integrating traditional knowledge with modern strategies, the article advocates for a more just and equitable society in India.
Estimation of Path Coefficient Analysis and Genetic Diversity Studies in Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.)
Authors: Yadav Y. S. , Kaur Harmanpreet , Korake S. R.
Published: August 2024

The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the path analysis and D2 analysis on 20 different okra genotypes, including one check variety. The experiment was carried out during the Kharif season of 2023-2024 at Research Farm, College of Agriculture Saralgaon, Murbad, Thane. A randomized block design with three replications was employed for the study. The observations were recorded on thirteen traits viz., days to 50% flowering, plant height (cm), number of branches per plant, number of internodes, internodal length (cm), fruit length (cm), fruit diameter (cm), average fruit weight (gm), no. of fruits per plant, no. of seeds per fruit, seed index (%), and fruit yield per plant (g). The traits with the highest positive direct effect in phenotypic path coefficient analysis were observed for number of fruits per plant. The genotypic path coefficient analysis revealed highest positive direct effect on fruit yield per plant is days to 50% flowering. Thus, these characters need special attention during the time of   selection strategy due to their contrasting direct effects. Based on D2 analysis, 20 genotypes were grouped into five clusters. The maximum inter-cluster distance was observed between cluster 5 and cluster 3 indicating that the genotypes falling in these clusters were highly divergent from each other implying a large amount of diversity within and between groups, which could be exploited in breeding programmes. The minimum Inter-cluster distance was found between cluster 5 and cluster 4 indicating that this cluster is less divergent. The cluster means for different characters showed considerable difference among the clusters for all the characters.
Hybrid simulation of the interaction of solar wind protons with a concentrated lunar magnetic anomaly
Authors: Giacalone J. , Hood L. L.
Published: May 2015

Using a two‐dimensional hybrid simulation, we study the physics of the interaction of the solar wind with a localized magnetic field concentration, or “magcon,” on the Moon. Our simulation treats the solar wind protons kinetically and the electrons as a charge‐neutralizing fluid. This approach is necessary because the characteristic scale of the magcon is of the same order or smaller than the proton inertial length—the characteristic scale in the hybrid simulation. Specifically, we consider a case in which the incident solar wind flows exactly normal to the lunar surface, and the magcon is represented by a simple dipole whose moment is parallel to the surface, with a center just below it. We find that while the magcon causes the solar wind to be deflected and decelerated, it does not completely shield the lunar surface anywhere. However, protons which impact the surface in the center of the magnetic anomaly have energies well below the solar wind ram energy. Thus, in this region, any backscattered neutral particles resulting from the interaction of solar wind protons with the lunar regolith would have energies lower than that of the solar wind. Moreover, very few neutrals, if any, would emanate from within the magcon with energies comparable to the solar wind energy. This may explain recent observations of lunar energetic neutral atoms associated with a strong crustal magnetic anomaly. Our study also finds that a significant fraction of the incoming solar wind protons are reflected back into space before reaching the surface. These particles are reflected by a strong electrostatic field which results from the difference in the proton and electron inertia. The reflected particles are seen at very high altitudes above the Moon, over 200 km, and over a much broader spatial scale than the magcon, several hundred kilometers at least. Our simulation also revealed a second population of reflected particles which originate from the side of the magcon where the interplanetary and magcon magnetic fields are directed opposite to one another, leading to a magnetic topology much like magnetic reconnection. As previously reflected particles move through this region, they are deflected upward, away from the surface, forming a second component. Our simulation has a number of similarities to recent in situ spacecraft observations of reflected ions above and around magcons.
An intercomparison of inverse models for estimating sources and sinks of CO2 using GOSAT measurements
Authors: Houweling S. , Baker D. , Basu S. , Boesch H. , Butz A. , Chevallier F. , Deng F. , Dlugokencky E. J. , Feng L. , Ganshin A. , Hasekamp O. , Jones D. , Maksyutov S. , Marshall J. , Oda T. , O'Dell C. W. , Oshchepkov S. , Palmer P. I. , Peylin P. , Poussi Z. , Reum F. , Takagi H. , Yoshida Y. , Zhuravlev R.
Published: May 2015

This study presents the outcome of an inverse modeling intercomparison experiment on the use of total column CO2 retrievals from Greenhouse Gas Observing Satellite (GOSAT) for quantifying global sources and sinks of CO2. Eight research groups submitted inverse modeling results for the first year of GOSAT measurements. Inversions were carried out using only GOSAT data, a combination of GOSAT and surface measurements, and using only surface measurements. As expected, the most robust flux estimates are obtained at large scales (e.g., within 20% of the annual flux at the global scale), and they quickly diverge toward the scale of the subcontinental TRANSCOM regions and beyond (to >100% of the annual flux). We focus our analysis on a shift in the CO2 uptake over land from the Tropics toward the Northern Hemisphere Extra tropics of ∼1 PgC/yr when GOSAT data are used in the inversions. This shift is largely driven by TRANSCOM regions Europe and Northern Africa, showing, respectively, an increased uptake and release of 0.7 and 0.9 PgC/yr. Inversions using GOSAT data show a reduced gradient between midlatitudes of the Northern Hemisphere and the Tropics, consistent with the latitudinal shift in carbon uptake. However, the reduced gradients degrade the agreement with background aircraft and surface measurements. To narrow the range of inversion‐derived flux, estimates will require further efforts to understand the differences not only between the retrieval schemes but also between inverse models, as their contributions to the overall uncertainty are estimated to be of similar magnitude.
Impact of snow darkening via dust, black carbon, and organic carbon on boreal spring climate in the Earth system
Authors: Yasunari Teppei J. , Koster Randal D. , Lau William K. M. , Kim Kyu‐Myong
Published: May 2015

Dust, black carbon (BC), and organic carbon (OC) aerosols, when deposited onto snow, are known to reduce the albedo of the snow (i.e., snow darkening effect (SDE)). Here using the NASA Goddard Earth Observing System Model, Version 5 (GEOS‐5) with aerosol tracers and a state‐of‐the‐art snow darkening module (GOddard SnoW Impurity Module: GOSWIM) for the land surface, we examine the role of SDE on climate in the boreal spring snowmelt season. SDE is found to produce significant surface warming (over 15 W m−2) over broad areas in midlatitudes, with dust being the most important contributor to the warming in central Asia and the western Himalayas and with BC having larger impact in the Europe, eastern Himalayas, East Asia, and North America. The contribution of OC to the warming is generally low but still significant mainly over southeastern Siberia, northeastern East Asia, and western Canada (~19% of the total solar visible absorption by these snow impurities). The simulations suggest that SDE strengthens the boreal spring water cycle in East Asia through water recycling and moisture advection from the ocean and contributes to the maintenance of dry conditions in parts of a region spanning Europe to central Asia, partially through feedback on the model's background climatology. Overall, our study suggests that the existence of SDE in the Earth system associated with dust, BC, and OC contributes significantly to enhanced surface warming over continents in northern hemisphere midlatitudes during boreal spring, raising the surface skin temperature by approximately 3–6 K near the snowline.
Estimating daily mean land surface albedo from MODIS data
Authors: Wang Dongdong , Liang Shunlin , He Tao , Yu Yunyue , Schaaf Crystal , Wang Zhuosen
Published: May 2015

Land surface albedo (LSA) is an important component of the surface radiation budget. For calculation of the surface shortwave net radiation budget, temporal mean albedo is more important than instantaneous albedo. Although Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) albedo products have been extensively validated, little effort has been made to evaluate the accuracy of daily mean albedo from MODIS. In this study, we calculate daily mean albedo from MODIS data using a direct method and a look‐up table (LUT) method. Comparison with in situ albedo measured at 27 field stations shows that both methods can estimate daily mean albedo with high accuracy. The root‐mean‐square error (RMSE) of snow‐free daily mean albedo retrieved by the LUT method and the direct method is 0.033 and 0.034, respectively. Over the 12 spatially representative stations, RMSE of daily mean albedo is 0.022 and 0.023 by the LUT and direct approach, respectively. Simply using the local noon albedo value as a surrogate of daily mean albedo leads to overestimation of daily shortwave net radiation. By using the data of daily mean albedo, the bias in estimating daily shortwave net radiation can be reduced by 2.8 W/m2 with the direct method and 2.6 W/m2 with the LUT method, compared to the use of local noon albedo.
Thin Film Silicon Photovoltaic Cells on Paper for Flexible Indoor Applications
Authors: Águas Hugo , Mateus Tiago , Vicente António , Gaspar Diana , Mendes Manuel J. , Schmidt Wolfgang A. , Pereira Luís , Fortunato Elvira , Martins Rodrigo
Published: May 2015

The present development of non‐wafer‐based photovoltaics (PV) allows supporting thin film solar cells on a wide variety of low‐cost recyclable and flexible substrates such as paper, thereby extending PV to a broad range of consumer‐oriented disposable applications where autonomous energy harvesting is a bottleneck issue. However, their fibrous structure makes it challenging to fabricate good‐performing inorganic PV devices on such substrates. The advances presented here demonstrate the viability of fabricating thin film silicon PV cells on paper coated with a hydrophilic mesoporous layer. Such layer can not only withstand the cells production temperature (150 °C), but also provide adequate paper sealing and surface finishing for the cell's layers deposition. The substances released from the paper substrate are continuously monitored during the cell deposition by mass spectrometry, which allows adapting the procedures to mitigate any contamination from the substrate. In this way, a proof‐of‐concept solar cell with 3.4% cell efficiency (41% fill factor, 0.82 V open‐circuit voltage and 10.2 mA cm−2short‐circuit current density) is attained, opening the door to the use of paper as a reliable substrate to fabricate inorganic PV cells for a plethora of indoor applications with tremendous impact in multi‐sectorial fields such as food, pharmacy and security.
Self‐Assembled, Millimeter‐Sized TIPS‐Pentacene Spherulites Grown on Partially Crosslinked Polymer Gate Dielectric
Authors: Yoo Hocheon , Choi Hyun Ho , Shin Tae Joo , Rim Taiuk , Cho Kilwon , Jung Sungjune , Kim Jae‐Joon
Published: May 2015

Here, a highly crystalline and self‐assembled 6,13‐bis(triisopropylsilylethynyl) pentacene (TIPS‐Pentacene) thin films formed by simple spin‐coating for the fabrication of high‐performance solution‐processed organic field‐effect transistors (OFETs) are reported. Rather than using semiconducting organic small‐molecule–insulating polymer blends for an active layer of an organic transistor, TIPS‐Pentacene organic semiconductor is separately self‐assembled on partially crosslinked poly‐4‐vinylphenol:poly(melamine‐co‐formaldehyde) (PVP:PMF) gate dielectric, which results in a vertically segregated semiconductor‐dielectric film with millimeter‐sized spherulite‐crystalline morphology of TIPS‐Pentacene. The structural and electrical properties of TIPS‐Pentacene/PVP:PMF films have been studied using a combination of polarized optical microscopy, atomic force microscopy, 2D‐grazing incidence wide‐angle X‐ray scattering, and secondary ion mass spectrometry. It is finally demonstrated a high‐performance OFETs with a maximum hole mobility of 3.40 cm2 V−1 s−1 which is, to the best of our knowledge, one of the highest mobility values for TIPS‐Pentacene OFETs fabricated using a conventional solution process. It is expected that this new deposition method would be applicable to other small molecular semiconductor–curable polymer gate dielectric systems for high‐performance organic electronic applications.
Ruthenium‐Catalyzed Dehydrogenative Aromatic CH Silylation of Benzamides with Hydrosilanes
Authors: Takada Kosuke , Hanataka Tsurugi , Namikoshi Takeshi , Watanabe Shinji , Murata Miki
Published: May 2015

The ruthenium‐catalyzed dehydrogenative silylation of benzamides with 1,1,1,3,5,5,5‐heptamethyltrisiloxane took place at ortho‐positions of the benzene ring. Several benzamides containing both electron‐donating and electron‐withdrawing groups could be used in this silylation. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations and kinetic isotope effect experiments suggest that the catalytic cycle should involve the CSi bond formation as rate‐determining step.

magnified image
Mechanistic Insights into Enantioselective CH Photooxygenation of Aldehydes via Enamine Catalysis
Authors: Walaszek Dominika J. , Rybicka‐Jasińska Katarzyna , Smoleń Sabina , Karczewski Maksymilian , Gryko Dorota
Published: May 2015

Organocatalytic photooxygenation of aldehydes at the α‐position proceeds via enamine catalysis, though enamines should be easily oxidized by singlet oxygen respectively to amides and carbonyl compounds. Moreover, the formation of a zwitterionic enamine peroxide intermediate was postulated based on experimental and theoretical data. The reaction affords desired diols (after in situ reduction) in a decent yield and (S)‐ or (R)‐enantioselectivity depending on a catalyst used. The (S)‐enantiomer predominated in imidazolidinone‐catalyzed reactions, while prolineamides assured the formation of the (R)‐stereoisomer. DFT calculation suggests that the enamine–oxygen complex with the lowest energy has the E, s‐cis conformation for the prolineamide derivative and E, s‐trans for the imidazolidinone catalyst, explaining the opposite stereoselectivity in the photooxygenation reaction.

magnified image
Enzymatic Synthesis of Optically Active Lactones via Asymmetric Bioreduction using Ene‐Reductases from the Old Yellow Enzyme Family
Authors: Turrini Nikolaus G. , Hall Mélanie , Faber Kurt
Published: May 2015

In contrast to the widely studied asymmetric bioreduction of α,β‐unsaturated carboxylic acid esters catalyzed by ene‐reductases, the reaction applied to lactones remains unexplored. A broad set of ene‐reductases was found to reduce various α‐, β‐ and γ‐substituted α,β‐unsaturated butyrolactones to yield the corresponding saturated non‐racemic lactones. Substitution patterns greatly influenced activities and stereoselectivities and lactone products were obtained in moderate to excellent yields; importantly, enzyme‐based stereocontrol allowed access to both enantiomers in up to >99% ee. Chiral recognition of a distant γ‐center led to kinetic resolution with remarkable enantioselectivities (E values up to 49). An unprecedented case of dynamic kinetic resolution was observed with 3‐methyl‐5‐phenylfuran‐2(5H)‐one, whereby spontaneous racemization of the substrate furnished the product in up to 73% conversion and >99% ee and 96% de.

magnified image
Is the area of the orbital opening in humans related to climate?
Authors: Tomaszewska Agnieszka , Kwiatkowska Barbara , Jankauskas Rimantas
Published: May 2015

Objectives

The aim of this study was to evaluate whether climatic conditions impact the size of the anterior orbital opening in humans. The previous research has shown that morphology of the human orbit, a trait strongly related to the shape of the cranium, varies significantly among populations. However, the mechanisms of this variation are still debatable. Besides such evolutionary forces as genetic drift, climatic conditions may be involved. Thermoregulatory processes affect skull shape, and thus may also influence orbital morphology.

Methods

A total of 846 dry skulls of male and female adults from three climatic areas (i.e., warm, temperate, and cold) of Europe were evaluated. The areas of the left and right orbital openings were measured using the three‐dimensional contact scanner MicroScribe G2L, and analyzed with regard to climate.

Results

The results reveal a statistically significant association with climatic conditions on the area of orbital opening in accordance with Bergmann's rule. The anterior orbital opening area was smaller in male individuals from the cold climate, and larger in individuals from the warm climate areas.

Conclusions

These data may support the hypothesized association between size of the orbital opening and adaptation to different climatic conditions, but only in males. Am. J. Hum. Biol. 27:845–850, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Occupational safety and health protections against Ebola virus disease
Authors: Ringen Knut , Landrigan Philip J. , O. Stull Jeffrey , Duffy Richard , Melius James , McDiarmid Melissa A.
Published: May 2015

Even as the Ebola epidemic is finally showing signs of remitting, controversy continues regarding the modes of disease transmission, the understanding of which necessarily dictates methods of prevention. The initial public health response to the epidemic was based on assumptions formed during previous outbreaks, and in the belief that transmission was restricted to direct “contact” with other infected patients. However, the current Ebola outbreak differed from previous experiences in its intensity of transmission, speed of spread, and fatality rate and was also particularly unforgiving on health workers occupationally infected. Even with these differences, however, other modes of transmission were not considered by public health authorities, thus denying both the hard‐hit health worker populations and the wider public more protective guidance. International Labor Conventions require employers to provide a comprehensive safety program that anticipates work‐related risks and specifies strategies for protection against them. Such a precautionary approach is recommended in future epidemic planning, especially where evidence regarding transmission is incomplete. Am. J. Ind. Med. 58:703–714, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Water Structure Recovery in Chaotropic Anion Recognition: High‐Affinity Binding of Dodecaborate Clusters to γ‐Cyclodextrin
Authors: Assaf Khaleel I. , Ural Merve S. , Pan Fangfang , Georgiev Tony , Simova Svetlana , Rissanen Kari , Gabel Detlef , Nau Werner M.
Published: May 2015

Dodecaborate anions of the type B12X122− and B12X11Y2− (X=H, Cl, Br, I and Y=OH, SH, NH3+, NR3+) form strong (Ka up to 106 L mol−1, for B12Br122−) inclusion complexes with γ‐cyclodextrin (γ‐CD). The micromolar affinities reached are the highest known for this native CD. The complexation exhibits highly negative enthalpies (up to −25 kcal mol−1) and entropies (TΔS up to −18.4 kcal mol−1, both for B12I122−), which position these guests at the bottom end of the well‐known enthalpy‐entropy correlation for CDs. The high driving force can be traced back to a chaotropic effect, according to which chaotropic anions have an intrinsic affinity to hydrophobic cavities in aqueous solution. In line with this argument, salting‐in effects revealed dodecaborates as superchaotropic dianions.
Thermally Responsive Hydrogel Blends: A General Drug Carrier Model for Controlled Drug Release
Authors: Ma Chongbo , Shi Ye , Pena Danilo A. , Peng Lele , Yu Guihua
Published: May 2015

Thermally responsive hydrogels have drawn significant research attention recently because of their simple use as drug carrier at human body temperature. Here we design a hybrid hydrogel that incorporates a hydrophilic polymer, polyethyleneimine (PEI), into the thermally responsive hydrogel poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAm), as a general drug carrier model for controlled drug release. In this work, on one hand, PEI modifies the structure and the size of the pores in the PNIPAm hydrogel. On the other hand, PEI plays an important role in tuning the water content in the hydrogel and controls the water release rate of the hydrogel below the lower critical solution temperature (LCST), resulting in a tunable release rate of the drugs at human body temperature (37 °C). Different release rates are shown as different amounts of PEI are incorporated. PEI controls the release rate, dependent on the charge characteristics of the drugs. The hydrogel blends described in this work extend the concept of a general drug carrier for loading both positively and negatively charged drugs, as well as the controlled release effect.
A Halogen‐Bonded Dimeric Resorcinarene Capsule
Authors: Beyeh Ngong Kodiah , Pan Fangfang , Rissanen Kari
Published: May 2015

Iodine (I2) acts as a bifunctional halogen‐bond donor connecting two macrocyclic molecules of the bowl‐shaped halogen‐bond acceptor, N‐cyclohexyl ammonium resorcinarene chloride 1, to form the dimeric capsule [(1,4‐dioxane)3@12(I2)2]. The dimeric capsule is constructed solely through halogen bonds and has a single cavity (V=511 Å3) large enough to encapsulate three 1,4‐dioxane guest molecules.
Organocatalytic, Asymmetric Eliminative [4+2] Cycloaddition of Allylidene Malononitriles with Enals: Rapid Entry to Cyclohexadiene‐Embedding Linear and Angular Polycycles
Authors: Brindani Nicoletta , Rassu Gloria , Dell'Amico Luca , Zambrano Vincenzo , Pinna Luigi , Curti Claudio , Sartori Andrea , Battistini Lucia , Casiraghi Giovanni , Pelosi Giorgio , Greco Daniela , Zanardi Franca
Published: May 2015

A direct aminocatalytic synthesis has been developed for the chemo‐, regio‐, diastereo‐, and enantioselective construction of densely substituted polycyclic carbaldehydes containing fused cyclohexadiene rings. The chemistry utilizes, for the first time, remotely enolizable π‐extended allylidenemalononitriles as electron‐rich 1,3‐diene precursors in a direct eliminative [4+2] cycloaddition with both aromatic and aliphatic α,β‐unsaturated aldehydes. The generality of the process is demonstrated by approaching 6,6‐, 5,6‐, 7,6‐, 6,6,6‐, and 6,5,6‐fused ring systems, as well as biorelevant steroid‐like 6,6,6,6,5‐ and 6,6,6,5,6‐rings. A stepwise reaction mechanism for the key [4+2] addition is proposed as a domino bis‐vinylogous Michael/Michael/retro‐Michael reaction cascade. The utility of the malononitrile moiety as traceless activating group of the dicyano nucleophilic substrates is demonstrated.
Textile/Metal–Organic‐Framework Composites as Self‐Detoxifying Filters for Chemical‐Warfare Agents
Authors: López‐Maya Elena , Montoro Carmen , Rodríguez‐Albelo L. Marleny , Aznar Cervantes Salvador D. , Lozano‐Pérez A. Abel , Cenís José Luis , Barea Elisa , Navarro Jorge A. R.
Published: May 2015

The current technology of air‐filtration materials for protection against highly toxic chemicals, that is, chemical‐warfare agents, is mainly based on the broad and effective adsorptive properties of hydrophobic activated carbons. However, adsorption does not prevent these materials from behaving as secondary emitters once they are contaminated. Thus, the development of efficient self‐cleaning filters is of high interest. Herein, we report how we can take advantage of the improved phosphotriesterase catalytic activity of lithium alkoxide doped zirconium(IV) metal–organic framework (MOF) materials to develop advanced self‐detoxifying adsorbents of chemical‐warfare agents containing hydrolysable PF, PO, and CCl bonds. Moreover, we also show that it is possible to integrate these materials onto textiles, thereby combining air‐permeation properties of the textiles with the self‐detoxifying properties of the MOF material.
Stable π Radical from a Contracted Doubly N‐Confused Hexaphyrin by Double Palladium Metalation
Authors: Hisamune Yutaka , Nishimura Keiichi , Isakari Koji , Ishida Masatoshi , Mori Shigeki , Karasawa Satoru , Kato Tatsuhisa , Lee Sangsu , Kim Dongho , Furuta Hiroyuki
Published: May 2015

A contracted doubly N‐confused dioxohexaphyrin derivative served as a dinucleating metal ligand for unsymmetrical coordination. The complexation of two palladium(II) cations led to the formation of π‐radical species that were persistent in atmospheric air in the presence of moisture. Effective delocalization of an unpaired electron over the hexaphyrin backbone could contribute to the distinct chemical stability.
Mechanochemical Rhodium(III)‐Catalyzed CH Bond Functionalization of Acetanilides under Solventless Conditions in a Ball Mill
Authors: Hermann Gary N. , Becker Peter , Bolm Carsten
Published: May 2015

In a proof‐of‐principle study, a planetary ball mill was applied to rhodium(III)‐catalyzed CH bond functionalization. Under solventless conditions and in the presence of a minute amount of Cu(OAc)2, the mechanochemical activation led to the formation of an active rhodium species, thus enabling an oxidative Heck‐type cross‐coupling reaction with dioxygen as the terminal oxidant. The absence of an organic solvent, the avoidance of a high reaction temperature, the possibility of minimizing the amount of the metallic mediator, and the simplicity of the protocol result in a powerful and environmentally benign alternative to the common solution‐based standard protocol.
Aerogen Bonding Interaction: A New Supramolecular Force?
Authors: Bauzá Antonio , Frontera Antonio
Published: May 2015

We report evidence of the favorable noncovalent interaction between a covalently bonded atom of Group 18 (known as noble gases or aerogens) and a negative site, for example, a lone pair of a Lewis base or an anion. It involves a region of positive electrostatic potential (σ‐hole), therefore it is a totally new and unexplored σ‐hole‐based interaction, namely aerogen bonding. We demonstrate for the first time the existence of σ‐hole regions in aerogen derivatives by means of high‐level ab initio calculations. In addition, several crystal structures retrieved from the Cambridge Structural Database (CSD) give reliability to the calculations. Energetically, aerogen bonds are comparable to hydrogen bonds and other σ‐hole‐based interactions but less directional. They are expected to be important in xenon chemistry.
Enantioselective Construction of 3‐Hydroxypiperidine Scaffolds by Sequential Action of Light and Rhodium upon N‐Allylglyoxylamides
Authors: Ishida Naoki , Nečas David , Masuda Yusuke , Murakami Masahiro
Published: May 2015

3‐Hydroxypiperidine scaffolds were enantioselectively constructed in an atom‐economical way by sequential action of light and rhodium upon N‐allylglyoxylamides. In a formal sense, the allylic CH bond was selectively cleaved and enantioselectively added across the ketonic carbonyl group with migration of the double bond (carbonyl‐ene‐type reaction).