bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Study on Calibration Error Correction Method for Measurement of Infrared Radiation on Ships
Authors: Cheng Long , Tian Yingguo , Gu Xinfeng , Feng Junchao , Xu Guowei , Xu Rong , Chen Hao
Published: August 2024

Radiation calibration is one of the important factors affecting the accuracy of IR
characteristics measurement. Radiation calibration is mainly completed by measuring blackbody.
However, a certain type of ship mounted theodolite has a large blackbody area, long heating time,
and low temperature uniformity, which leads to significant system calibration errors. This article
evaluates and corrects the calibration parameters K and B values of the system by installing a
portable blackbody at the bow of the ship. The results were verified by measuring portable
blackbody at different temperatures, regions, sea areas, and distances. The inversion temperature
error decreased from an average of 18.5℃ to 6.1℃, indicating that a certain distance calibration
method significantly improves the measurement accuracy of the wave IR characteristics of the
shipborne theodolite.
Research on the Construction Technology of INS Digital Prototype Based on Digital Twin
Authors: Meng Wenhui , Wang Tingjun , Liang Aiqi
Published: August 2024

In response to the continuous advancement of digitalization and intelligence in equipment
as mandated by the state, a digital twin-based inertial navigation digital prototype construction
scheme has been designed. This scheme supports the realization of intelligent manufacturing,
testing, evaluation, and operational assurance throughout the lifecycle of inertial navigation
products. This paper decomposes the physical entities of the " three-autonomy " SINS and
integrates component-level inertial navigation digital prototypes based on the principles of inertial
navigation. The prototypes were integrated using heterogeneous models in simulation software.
Pure navigation functionality verification was conducted on the prototypes. The results show that
the errors in pure simulation of the inertial navigation digital prototypes constructed in this study are
consistent with the physical navigation results of inertial navigation systems, providing a reference
for the development of inertial navigation digital twin systems.
An annotated checklist of the Amphipoda (Crustacea) of the Iraqi coast, north-western Persian- Arabian Gulf
Authors: Naser Murtada , Yasser Amaal , Abdul-Sahib Ibtisam , Abdul-Sahib Azhar , Auda Nabaa
Published: August 2024

Amphipods are one of the most diverse groups of peracarid crustaceans, living in both marine and fresh waters, including underground and semi-terrestrial settings. Data about amphipods from the Iraqi coast are spread throughout valid published and confused published references. So, a checklist of the amphipods of the Iraq coast is presented listing 8species belonging to six families, using published records and field observations. The present paper shows that the list of amphipoda from the Iraqi coast is very limited compared with lists of other adjacent countries on the Persian-Arabian Gulf close to Iraq.
First record of Dosinia prostrata (Linnaeus, 1758) (Bivalvia: Veneridae) from the Iraqi coast
Authors: Naser Murtada , Yasser Amaal , Abdul-Sahib Ibtisam , Abdul-Sahib Azhar , Auda Nabaa
Published: August 2024

The objective of this study is to collect novel data on the distribution of bivalves along the Iraqi coastline. Between 2020 and 2021, a new record of the bivalve Dosinia prostrata (Linnaeus, 1758) was discovered along the Iraqi coast in the northwestern Persian-Arabian Gulf.
New record of amphipod Elasmopus alkhiranensis (Myers and Momtazi, 2015) from the breakwaters at Faw city, Iraq
Authors: Auda Nabaa , Yasser Amaal , Naser Murtada
Published: August 2024

One male specimen of the new record amphipod Elasmopus alkhiranensis (Myers and Momtazi, 2015) previously recorded from Iraq was discovered. The specimen was collected alive from the intertidal zone at the breakwaters of Faw city on the Iraqi coast. Although this species is widespread in the Persian-Arabian Gulf, our study is the first to report it along the Iraqi coast.
CONSUMER INNOVATIVENESS AND FASHION PURCHASING BEFORE AND DURING COVID-19 PANDEMIC
Authors: Perčić Karolina , Slijepčević Milica , Radojević Ivana
Published: August 2024

The subject of this paper is the analysis of the fashion products consumers’ innovativeness and consideration of fashion purchasing, before and during COVID-19 pandemic. The goal of the paper is to examine the speed of adoption of new fashion products, as well as to learn how consumers of different degrees of innovativeness behave when buying fashion products, before and during the pandemic, in Serbia, considering the frequency of purchases and the factors that influence fashion purchasing. The results of empirical research, conducted in Serbia between March and June 2021, prove that a significant percentage of consumers are innovators (5%) and laggards (44%). The frequency of ordering fashion products has been in decline during the pandemic among all categories of consumers. Innovators most often ordered fashion clothing items before and during the pandemic, while early adopters most often ordered footwear and fashion accessories before the pandemic. During the pandemic early adopters share the first place with innovators. Before the pandemic, influencers were the most important factor for innovators, and during the pandemic for early adopters. During the pandemic, the geographic origin of a fashion product has become more important to innovators, early adopters and early majority.
PROBLEMS OF UNDERSTANDING AND APPLYING METHODOLOGY OF SOCIAL SCIENCES
Authors: Barašin Ostoja
Published: August 2024

The research in social sciences is still very much present in the academic world. This paper is another effort that tries to shed light on the methodology of research in social sciences with the detection of obstacles that interfere with its use, especially regarding values. This paper will explain the nature of research practice in social sciences as well as the difficulties regarding the research method, which would define the objective holding that a researcher has to implement. Furthering from the subject of study is, for that matter, needed especially regarding the values, because very little research in this field is of so-called “pure nature”. For that matter, very few people explore the methodology by itself because most of the research is applied research, which is widely used in multiple disciplines. Each science uses different research methods in the areas of its research. They use the methods and procedures that were developed by the research methodologists with the goal of increment of understanding of their own sciences and further development of the base of social knowledge, as well as strengthening and improving their own science. This callback on the methodology of research is focused, primarily on, the aspect of scientific research, and that is the very methodology the scientific research follows with the goal of eliminating mistakes that quite a few researchers make, disregarding the difference between the method and the methodology. A great number of definitions of methodology confirm its complex nature but also state the fact that methodology can be observed with theoretical, technical, and organizational aspects. The theoretical aspect implies the questioning of laid-out hypotheses, theories, comprehensions, styles, terminology, etc. Technical aspects relate to the process of gathering, observing, arranging, and measuring the data, while the organizational aspect relates to securing the rational technology in implementing scientific research.
STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT OF THE RISKS OF ATTRACTING FOREIGN DIRECT INVESTMENTS - NEW FINANCIAL CHALLENGES
Authors: Vujičić Stefanović Dragana , Novaković Vesna , Milovanović Dragan
Published: August 2024

At the time of the coronavirus pandemic COVID 19, many economies, including the Serbian economy, are facing an unknown cause of many problems, which is bringing many companies into crisis. In such conditions, the strategic approach and way of thinking becomes crucial for the survival or recovery of companies and even the economy of a country. This is especially the case with small underdeveloped and developing economies, which are particularly affected by the pandemic. In such conditions, foreign direct investments are a decisive factor in the survival and recovery of the economy, and decisions of this type are strategic. Especially in the conditions of a pandemic, investors are sensitive when making strategic investment decisions, and economic freedoms are an important factor in that. The aim of this paper is to determine the impact of economic freedoms in Serbia on making strategic decisions on foreign direct investment, and thus the development of Serbia. The results of the research show the existence of a positive correlation between these factors on the development of Serbia. The econometric model of Pearson Correlation and Greene’s multiple correlation analysis model was used in the analysis.
CORRUPTION IN LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES IN BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA, THE CAUSES AND CONSEQUENCES
Authors: Delalić Selma , Sojkić Senka
Published: August 2024

Corruption is a devastating phenomenon that negatively affects the work of democratic institutions at all levels, questions the rule of law, jeopardizes economic growth and prosperity, and deepens inequality and poverty. Corruption is so widespread that even the sector that should be the bearer of activities in the fight against corruption - the police, have not remained immune, which is also the case in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Given the complexity of the corruption, the aims of the research are multifaceted: to determine the causes, consequences and the perception of active police officers employed in SIPA, Republika Srpska MoI, and the Sarajevo Canton MoI of corruption committed by fellow police officers, and what type of corruption is involved in most cases; to discover the factors that prevent BiH police officers from reporting acts of corruption to competent institutions and to determine the number of reported and prosecuted criminal acts of corruption committed by police officers in the mentioned law enforcement agencies in the last five years. The method used to achieve the stated goals is both qualitative and quantitative. Qualitative method includes desk, archival, and content analysis of relevant scholarly and expert sources as well as the analysis of the reports by the Prosecutor’s Offices of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Republika Srpska and Sarajevo Canton with regards to the number of reported and prosecuted cases of corruption committed by police officers. Primary data was collected through semi-structured questionnaire, composed of relevant questions related to the presence of corruption in law enforcement agencies. The 300 respondents include police officers in all ranks employed in the mentioned law enforcement agencies. The conducted research has proven the presence of corruption, its poor reporting and prosecution, established its causes and consequences and proposed the methods of eradication.
Activation of Polycystin-1 Signaling by Binding of Stalk-derived Peptide Agonists
Authors: Pawnikar Shristi , Magenheimer Brenda S , Joshi Keya , Munoz Ericka Nevarez , Haldane Allan , Maser Robin L , Miao Yinglong
Published: August 2024

Polycystin-1 (PC1) is the membrane protein product of the PKD1 gene whose mutation is responsible for 85% of the cases of autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD). ADPKD is primarily characterized by the formation of renal cysts and potential kidney failure. PC1 is an atypical G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) consisting of 11 transmembrane helices and an autocatalytic GAIN domain that cleaves PC1 into extracellular N-terminal (NTF) and membrane-embedded C-terminal (CTF) fragments. Recently, signaling activation of the PC1 CTF was shown to be regulated by a stalk tethered agonist (TA), a distinct mechanism observed in the adhesion GPCR family. A novel allosteric activation pathway was elucidated for the PC1 CTF through a combination of Gaussian accelerated molecular dynamics (GaMD), mutagenesis and cellular signaling experiments. Here, we show that synthetic, soluble peptides with 7 to 21 residues derived from the stalk TA, in particular, peptides including the first 9 residues (p9), 17 residues (p17) and 21 residues (p21) exhibited the ability to re-activate signaling by a stalkless PC1 CTF mutant in cellular assays. To reveal molecular mechanisms of stalk peptide-mediated signaling activation, we have applied a novel Peptide GaMD (Pep-GaMD) algorithm to elucidate binding conformations of selected stalk peptide agonists p9, p17 and p21 to the stalkless PC1 CTF. The simulations revealed multiple specific binding regions of the stalk peptide agonists to the PC1 protein including an “intermediate” bound yet inactive state. Our Pep-GaMD simulation findings were consistent with the cellular assay experimental data. Binding of peptide agonists to the TOP domain of PC1 induced close TOP-putative pore loop interactions, a characteristic feature of the PC1 CTF signaling activation mechanism. Using sequence covariation analysis of PC1 homologs, we further showed that the peptide binding regions were consistent with covarying residue pairs identified between the TOP domain and the stalk TA. Therefore, structural dynamic insights into the mechanisms of PC1 activation by stalk-derived peptide agonists have enabled an in-depth understanding of PC1 signaling. They will form a foundation for development of PC1 as a therapeutic target for the treatment of ADPKD.
Fortalecer crencias y saberes literarios de educadores y educadoras de párvulos en mediación lectora
Authors:   , Tolmo González Natalia
Published: August 2024

El presente trabajo emerge desde la importancia de ofrecer un espacio a los/as educadores/as para reflexionar sobre las prácticas de mediación de lectura en las aulas de Educación Parvularia. Este trabajo fue validado por expertos/as y busca que las participantes puedan dialogar en torno a la mediación lectora, considerando dos ideas: a) las creencias de las educadoras sobre la literatura infantil y b) criterios de selección literaria para la ampliación de corpus; lo anterior, basado en las propuestas de Lluch (2010) y Barra, et al. (2020) acerca de los criterios de selección literaria infantil. Además, se tomaron en consideración los elementos propuestos en la dimensión motivar y comprometer con la lectura, escritura y oralidad de las prácticas esenciales para el aula del Ministerio de Educación (2023). Todo ello con el objetivo de elaborar un documento profesional con orientaciones que surjan del contexto educativo, para lo que se obtuvo información cualitativa a partir de un grupo focal. Se proyecta que el documento forme parte de la institución educativa y que las participantes del estudio puedan implementar las orientaciones durante el segundo semestre del año 2024. Igualmente, se espera continuar ampliando el corpus mediante conversaciones literarias. Lo anterior se enmarca en un contexto ideal de una planificación que integre los saberes profesionales del equipo educativo con la finalidad de crear una comunidad lectora.
Método indagatorio en ciencias, en la percepción de docentes de transición mayor de educación parvularia y primer año de educación general básica
Authors:   , Moreno Mardones Hayling
Published: August 2024

Actualmente, existe consenso sobre la importancia de iniciar la educación en ciencia de forma temprana, debido a su valor formativo y su capacidad para fomentar en los niños el interés acerca del mundo natural (Bybee en Everaert, 2016). Esto representa un desafío significativo para las escuelas, las cuales deben priorizar el trabajo y desarrollo de la ciencia en su agenda escolar.La presente investigación se llevó a cabo en un liceo municipal de Estación Central, la cual explora la percepción de los docentes al implementar el método indagatorio en ciencias, respondiendo a la pregunta ¿Cómo se construye la agencia de un grupo de docentes en un liceo en Estación Central, al momento de implementar el método indagatorio en ciencias, en los niveles de transición mayor (NT2) de educación parvularia y primer año de educación básica (1EGB)? Esta investigación fenomenológica fue realizada con entrevistas semiestructuradas, y entre los principales hallazgos destacan el potencial que tiene la indagación como método en el proceso de aprendizaje de sus estudiantes, el rol mediador que llevan a cabo los docentes y cómo estos agencian su trabajo
Orientaciones para implementar una práctica colaborativa que busque desarrollar diversificación curricular en la asignatura de historia
Authors:   , Rojas Herrera José Manuel
Published: August 2024

Los avances en materia de inclusión han transformado las prácticas docentes introduciendo cambios de paradigma como incentivar el trabajo colaborativo y la implementación de acciones para diversificar el currículum. Frente a estos nuevos desafíos, los docentes que trabajan ejerciendo co-enseñanza en la asignatura de Historia, Geografía y Ciencias Sociales han tenido que modificar sus prácticas, introduciendo estrategias que evidencian un reconocimiento a la diversidad estudiantil y sus necesidades. El presente informe da cuenta de un análisis cualitativo sobre las características que debe tener una práctica colaborativa que permita desarrollar diversificación curricular en la asignatura de Historia para el nivel de 7mo básico a partir del trabajo del equipo de aula. Por medio de un análisis temático y a través de la voz de cuatro profesoras con diferentes grados de experiencia, se plantean tres grandes hallazgos. Primero que las prácticas colaborativas que declara el equipo de aula en su conjunto permiten diversificar el currículum en la asignatura de Historia. Segundo, que existe una valoración positiva al trabajo colaborativo evidenciado a través de la co-enseñanza. Tercero, que se reconocen oportunidades y desafíos al desarrollar habilidades disciplinares de lecto escritura en la asignatura. A partir de los resultados, esta investigación entrega orientaciones para que profesionales de la educación puedan colaborativamente desarrollar diversificación curricular en la asignatura de Historia.
Influence of Plant Spacing and Bio-fertilizers on Yield and Yield Attributing Characters of Rain-fed Soybean at Damazin in Blue Nile State, Sudan
Authors: Ahmed Badr ELdin Abdelgadir Mohamad , Ahmed Abd Elmuniem Adam Mohammed , Abdurrahman Mohammed ElKhair
Published: August 2024

This study had the objective of evaluating the effect of biofertilizers on the performance of soybean plants under different planting spacing. It was conducted during the summer seasons of 2018 and 2019at one site at Demonstration Farm of Damazin Agricultural Research Station, Sudan. The different plant spacing designated as D1, D2, and D3 (5, 10, and 15 cm between plants) under three types of bio-fertilizers as Rhizobacteria (B1), Azotobacter (B2), Bacillus (B3) and control (B0). The experiment was laid out in Randomized Complete Block design (RCBD) with three replications as split-plots trail. The result revealed that the improvement due to the application of fertilizers with wider, spacing D3 stimulated plant growth and caused an increase in dry matter accumulation and high leaf area and gave the higher number of pods and seeds/pod, particularly at inoculation with B1 and B2 bacteria. While sowing seeds inoculated with B1or B2 under closer spacing resulted in higher seed yield per unit area. To achieve optimum results in soybean variety Sudan 1, the crop may be sown in plant spacing of 10cm with inoculation seeds with B1or B2 to achieve a high plant population per unit area to obtain higher seed yield.
Occurrence and Antibiotic Resistance Profiles of Metallo Beta Lactamase Producing Pseudomonas aeruginosa among Clinical Isolates in Enugu Metropolis, Nigeria
Authors: Maduakor U.C , Umeh K.C , Eberechukwu C.L , Emenuga V.N , Mba G. C , Ogu C.O
Published: August 2024

Introduction: Antibiotic resistance is rising worldwide, posing a challenge for contemporary medicine. Metallo-beta-lactamases (MBLs) confer resistance to beta-lactam antibiotics other than monbactams. It threatens public health because of its vast scope of action and quick spread. The study was undertaken to assess the occurrence of MBL in clinical isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa in the Enugu metropolis and to determine their resistance profile.
Materials and Methods: The work was conducted from October 2020 to July 2021 in the microbiology laboratory of the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Ituku-Ozalla. A total of 127 non-duplicate bacterial isolates recovered from clinical samples including wounds, urine, sputum, ear discharge, and catheter tip processed in the microbiology laboratory of four referral hospitals within the Enugu metropolis was used for the study. Isolates were identified and characterized using standard microbiology protocols. Antimicrobial susceptibility was done using the Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method. Phenotypic detection of Metallo-beta-lactamase production was done using the Combined Disk diffusion Test (CDDT).
Results: Of the 127 isolates, 68 (53.5%) were resistant to imipenem. Among these, 35 strains were positive for MBL production while 33 isolates were non-MBL producers. The highest percentage occurrence of MBL producers was recorded from catheter tips 33% followed by urine 30.6%. Both MBL producers and non-MBL producers displayed high resistance to most of the antibiotics used except Aztreonam.
Conclusion: The overall occurrence of MBL among Pseudomonas aeruginosa in our study was found to be 27.6%. MBL-producing strains showed higher resistance than the non-MBL-producing strains. Aztreonam was the most potent antibiotic. The most effective approaches to combating this organism include early detection, stringent antibiotic regimens, and adherence to infection control measures.
Physicochemical Properties of Chitosan Extracted from Silkworm (Bombyx mori L.) Exuviae
Authors: Gulabrao Dukare Pradip , Amarnatha N. , Reddy Harish , D. Thrilekha , N. M. Kenchappa , Reddy Naveen Chandra
Published: August 2024

This study investigated the chitosan content in various developmental stages of silkworms, specifically focusing on larval cuticle, moult exuviae and larval exuviae. The chitosan percentage varied significantly among different stages, with the highest content observed in bivoltine hybrid larval exuviae (19.37%) and the lowest in the 1st instar larval cuticle (9.93%). Chitosan content showed a consistent increase during moulting stages, reaching its peak in exuviae. The investigation extended to examine properties of chitosan, including moisture content, nitrogen content, ash content, degree of deacetylation (DD), solubility, viscosity and pH. Moisture content ranged from 5.80 to 7.84%, nitrogen content from 5.05 to 6.17%, ash content within 0.50 to 0.80% and DD from 85.10 to 92.71%. Solubility ranged from 92.25 to 98.25% and viscosity was measured between 47 and 58 cP. The pH values ranged from 6.72 to 7.49. These findings contribute valuable insights into the chitosan characteristics at different developmental stages of silkworms, providing a comprehensive understanding of its variations and potential applications.
Role of Conservation Tillage Practices in Sustainable Agricultural Systems
Authors: Singh Bhim , Singh A. P. , Havale Dhanashri Sanadkumar , Singh N K , M Rashmi , Anbarasan S. , Bahadur Raj , Kumar Neeraj
Published: August 2024

Finding sustainable land management techniques is urgently needed to balance food supply with the growing global population. Nonetheless, the battle to attain food security needs to be waged with consideration for the environment in which life exists and the soil in which crops are cultivated. Conservation agriculture (CA), is the practice of farming in a way that causes the least amount of environmental harm. It is widely supported globally. The primary goal of conservation tillage (CT) is to protect the environment, plant development, and soil health. By minimising soil disturbance, these techniques protect soil structure and stop erosion. CT increases the amount of organic matter in the soil by leaving crop leftovers there, which promotes microbial activity and nutrient cycling. This improves the physico-chemical and biological activity of the soil, which helps to improve soil health and production. Beyond just improving soil health, CT also promotes greater agricultural sustainability and increases resistance to the effects of climate change. Additionally, CT lowers the demand for machinery and fuel, saving farmers money and lowering greenhouse gas emissions.
Visual pathway neurodegeneration winged by mitochondrial dysfunction
Authors: Petzold Axel , Nijland Philip G. , Balk Lisanne J. , Amorini Angela Maria , Lazzarino Giacomo , Wattjes Mike P. , Gasperini Claudio , van der Valk Paul , Tavazzi Barbara , Lazzarino Giuseppe , van Horssen Jack
Published: December 2014

Objectives

To test for structural and functional contribution of mitochondrial dysfunction to neurodegeneration in multiple sclerosis (MS). A visual pathway model void of MS lesions was chosen in order to exclude neurodegeneration secondary to lesion related axonotmesis.

Methods

A single‐centre cohort study (230 MS patients, 63 controls). Spectral domain optical coherence tomography of the retina, 3T magnetic resonance imaging of the brain, spectrophotometric assessment of serum lactate levels. Postmortem immunohistochemistry.

Results

The visual pathway was void of MS lesions in 31 patients and 31 age‐matched controls. Serum lactate was higher in MS compared to controls (P = 0.029). High serum lactate was structurally related to atrophy of the retinal nerve fiber layer at the optic disc (P = 0.041), macula (P = 0.025), and the macular ganglion cell complex (P = 0.041). High serum lactate was functionally related to poor color vision (P < 0.01), Expanded Disability Status Scale score (R = 0.37, P = 0.041), Guy's Neurological disability score (R = 0.38, P = 0.037), MS walking scale (R = 0.50, P = 0.009), upper limb motor function (R = 0.53, P = 0.002). Immunohistochemistry demonstrated increased astrocytic expression of a key lactate generating enzyme in MS lesions as well as profound vascular expression of monocarboxylate transporter‐1, which is involved in lactate transport.

Interpretation

This study provides structural, functional, and translational evidence for visual pathway neurodegeneration in MS related to mitochondrial dysfunction.
Gated Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles Using a Double‐Role Circular Peptide for the Controlled and Target‐Preferential Release of Doxorubicin in CXCR4‐Expresing Lymphoma Cells
Authors: de la Torre Cristina , Casanova Isolda , Acosta Gerardo , Coll Carmen , Moreno María José , Albericio Fernando , Aznar Elena , Mangues Ramón , Royo Miriam , Sancenón Félix , Martínez‐Máñez Ramón
Published: December 2014

B‐cell non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma (B‐NHL) is the most frequent malignant lymphoid neoplasm, which has a high degree of relapse and chemoresistance. Thus, strategies to improve currently used therapies are needed. In this context, a new CXCR4‐targeted delivery system is described using mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) that are loaded with doxorubicin and capped with a derivative of the T22 peptide (P). This design makes full use of the great affinity of the T22 peptide to CXCR4 receptor, which is overexpressed in lymphoma cells. The peptide is able to guide the gated nanoparticle to B‐NHL cells to facilitate MSNs uptake via the CXCR4 receptor. The endocyted P‐capped MSNs are also opened by endosomal proteolytic enzymes to allow intracellular doxorubicin delivery.
Chemical and Structural Stability of Zirconium‐based Metal–Organic Frameworks with Large Three‐Dimensional Pores by Linker Engineering
Authors: Kalidindi Suresh B. , Nayak Sanjit , Briggs Michael E. , Jansat Susanna , Katsoulidis Alexandros P. , Miller Gary J. , Warren John E. , Antypov Dmytro , Corà Furio , Slater Ben , Prestly Mark R. , Martí‐Gastaldo Carlos , Rosseinsky Matthew J.
Published: December 2014

The synthesis of metal–organic frameworks with large three‐dimensional channels that are permanently porous and chemically stable offers new opportunities in areas such as catalysis and separation. Two linkers (L1=4,4′,4′′,4′′′‐([1,1′‐biphenyl]‐3,3′,5,5′‐tetrayltetrakis(ethyne‐2,1‐diyl)) tetrabenzoic acid, L2=4,4′,4′′,4′′′‐(pyrene‐1,3,6,8‐tetrayltetrakis(ethyne‐2,1‐diyl))tetrabenzoic acid) were used that have equivalent connectivity and dimensions but quite distinct torsional flexibility. With these, a solid solution material, [Zr6O4(OH)4(L1)2.6(L2)0.4]⋅(solvent)x, was formed that has three‐dimensional crystalline permanent porosity with a surface area of over 4000 m2 g−1 that persists after immersion in water. These properties are not accessible for the isostructural phases made from the separate single linkers.
Self‐Templated Formation of Uniform NiCo2O4 Hollow Spheres with Complex Interior Structures for Lithium‐Ion Batteries and Supercapacitors
Authors: Shen Laifa , Yu Le , Yu Xin‐Yao , Zhang Xiaogang , Lou Xiong Wen (David)
Published: December 2014

Despite the significant advancement in preparing metal oxide hollow structures, most approaches rely on template‐based multistep procedures for tailoring the interior structure. In this work, we develop a new generally applicable strategy toward the synthesis of mixed‐metal‐oxide complex hollow spheres. Starting with metal glycerate solid spheres, we show that subsequent thermal annealing in air leads to the formation of complex hollow spheres of the resulting metal oxide. We demonstrate the concept by synthesizing highly uniform NiCo2O4 hollow spheres with a complex interior structure. With the small primary building nanoparticles, high structural integrity, complex interior architectures, and enlarged surface area, these unique NiCo2O4 hollow spheres exhibit superior electrochemical performances as advanced electrode materials for both lithium‐ion batteries and supercapacitors. This approach can be an efficient self‐templated strategy for the preparation of mixed‐metal‐oxide hollow spheres with complex interior structures and functionalities.
Development of Electrolytes towards Achieving Safe and High‐Performance Energy‐Storage Devices: A Review
Authors: Wang Yu , Zhong Wei‐Hong
Published: December 2014

The front cover artwork is provided by Prof. Wei‐Hong Zhong and Mr. Yu Wang (Washington State University, USA). The image metaphorically tells the development story of electrolytes. The different types of fish represent the variety of properties desired by high‐performance electrolytes, whereas the octopus, with its multi‐functional arms, indicates a way to simultaneously “capture” different “fish”. To understand this interesting analogy and to find out more, read the full text of the Review article at 10.1002/celc.201402277.
Anti‐Cancer Iron(II) Complexes of Pentadentate N‐Donor Ligands: Cytotoxicity, Transcriptomics Analyses, and Mechanisms of Action
Authors: Kwong Wai‐Lun , Lok Chun‐Nam , Tse Chun‐Wai , Wong Ella Lai‐Ming , Che Chi‐Ming
Published: December 2014

Two cytotoxic iron(II) complexes [Fe(L)(CH3CN)n](ClO4)2 (L=qpy for Fe‐1 a, Py5‐OH for Fe‐2 a) were synthesized. Both complexes are stable against spontaneous demetalation and oxidation in buffer solutions. Cyclic voltammetry measurements revealed the higher stability of Fe‐2 a (+0.82 V vs Fc) against FeII to FeIII oxidation than Fe‐1 a (+0.57 V vs Fc). These two complexes display potent cytotoxicity at micromolar level against a panel of cancer cell lines (Fe‐1 a=0.8–3.1 μM; Fe‐2 a=0.6–3.4 μM), and induce apoptosis that involves caspase activation. Transcriptomic and Connectivity Map analyses revealed that the changes of gene expression induced by Fe‐1 a and Fe‐2 a are similar to that induced by ciclopirox, an antifungal compound whose mode of action involves formation of intracellular cytotoxic iron chelates. Both Fe‐1 a and Fe‐2 a caused cellular nuclear DNA damage, as revealed by Comet assay and H2 AX immunofluorescence experiments. The cytotoxicity is associated with production of reactive oxygen species (for Fe‐1 a), cell cycle regulation, and stress kinase pathways. The relative contributions of these to the overall cytotoxic mechanism is significantly affected by the structure of penta‐N‐donor ligand.
Multistep Energy and Electron Transfer in a “V‐Configured” Supramolecular BODIPY–azaBODIPY–Fullerene Triad: Mimicry of Photosynthetic Antenna Reaction‐Center Events
Authors: Bandi Venugopal , D'Souza Fiona P. , Gobeze Habtom B. , D'Souza Francis
Published: December 2014

A new photosynthetic antenna‐reaction‐center model compound composed of covalently linked BF2‐chelated dipyrromethene (BODIPY), BF2‐chelated azadipyrromethene (azaBODIPY), and fullerene (C60), in a “V‐configuration”, has been newly synthesized and characterized by using a multistep synthetic procedure. Optical absorbance and steady‐state fluorescence, computational, and electrochemical studies were systematically performed in nonpolar, toluene, and polar, benzonitrile, solvents to establish the molecular integrity of the triad and to construct an energy‐level diagram revealing different photochemical events. The geometry obtained by B3LYP/6‐31G* calculations revealed the anticipated V‐configuration of the BODIPY‐azaBODIPY‐C60 triad. The location of the frontier orbitals in the triad tracked the site of electron transfer determined from electrochemical studies. The different photochemical events originated from 1BODIPY* were realized from the energy‐level diagram. Accordingly, 1BODIPY* resulted in competitive ultrafast energy transfer to produce BODIPY–1azaBODIPY*–C60 and electron transfer to produce BODIPY.+–azaBODIPY–C60.− as major photochemical events. The charge‐separated state persisted for few nanoseconds prior populating 3C60*, which in turn revealed an unusual triplet–triplet energy transfer to produce 3azaBODIPY* prior returning to the ground state. These findings delineate the importance of multimodular systems in energy harvesting, and more importantly, their utility in building multifunction performing optoelectronic devices.
General and Practical Formation of Thiocyanates from Thiols
Authors: Frei Reto , Courant Thibaut , Wodrich Matthew D. , Waser Jerome
Published: December 2014

A new method for the cyanation of thiols and disulfides using cyanobenziodoxol(on)e hypervalent iodine reagents is described. Both aliphatic and aromatic thiocyanates can be accessed in good yields in a few minutes at room temperature starting from a broad range of thiols with high chemioselectivity. The complete conversion of disulfides to thiocyanates was also possible. Preliminary computational studies indicated a low energy concerted transition state for the cyanation of the thiolate anion or radical. The developed thiocyanate synthesis has broad potential for various applications in synthetic chemistry, chemical biology and materials science.
A second corticotropin‐releasing hormone gene (CRH2) is conserved across vertebrate classes and expressed in the hindbrain of a basal Neopterygian fish, the spotted gar (Lepisosteus oculatus)
Authors: Grone Brian P. , Maruska Karen P.
Published: December 2014

To investigate the origins of the vertebrate stress‐response system, we searched sequenced vertebrate genomes for genes resembling corticotropin‐releasing hormone (CRH). We found that vertebrate genomes possess, in addition to CRH, another gene that resembles CRH in sequence and syntenic environment. This paralogous gene was previously identified only in the elephant shark (a holocephalan), but we find it also in marsupials, monotremes, lizards, turtles, birds, and fishes. We examined the relationship of this second vertebrate CRH gene, which we name CRH2, to CRH1 (previously known as CRH) and urocortin1/urotensin1 (UCN1/UTS1) in primitive fishes, teleosts, and tetrapods. The paralogs CRH1 and CRH2 likely evolved via duplication of CRH during a whole‐genome duplication early in the vertebrate lineage. CRH2 was subsequently lost in both teleost fishes and eutherian mammals but retained in other lineages. To determine where CRH2 is expressed relative to CRH1 and UTS1, we used in situ hybridization on brain tissue from spotted gar (Lepisosteus oculatus), a neopterygian fish closely related to teleosts. In situ hybridization revealed widespread distribution of both crh1 and uts1 in the brain. Expression of crh2 was restricted to the putative secondary gustatory/secondary visceral nucleus, which also expressed calcitonin‐related polypeptide alpha (calca), a marker of parabrachial nucleus in mammals. Thus, the evolutionary history of CRH2 includes restricted expression in the brain, sequence changes, and gene loss, likely reflecting release of selective constraints following whole‐genome duplication. The discovery of CRH2 opens many new possibilities for understanding the diverse functions of the CRH family of peptides across vertebrates. J. Comp. Neurol. 523:1125–1143, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Characteristic Classes of Singular Toric Varieties
Authors: Maxim Laurenţiu G. , Schürmann Jörg
Published: December 2014

In this paper we compute the motivic Chern classes and homology Hirzebruch characteristic classes of (possibly singular) toric varieties, which in the context of complete toric varieties fit nicely with a generalized Hirzebruch‐Riemann‐Roch theorem. As important special cases, we obtain new (or recover well‐known) formulae for the Baum‐Fulton‐MacPherson Todd (or MacPherson's Chern) classes of toric varieties, as well as for the Thom‐Milnor L‐classes of simplicial projective toric varieties. We present two different perspectives for the computation of these characteristic classes of toric varieties. First, we take advantage of the torus‐orbit decomposition and the motivic properties of the motivic Chern and respectively homology Hirzebruch classes to express the latter in terms of dualizing sheaves and respectively the (dual) Todd classes of closures of orbits. This method even applies to torus‐invariant subspaces of a given toric variety. The obtained formula is then applied to weighted lattice‐point counting in lattice polytopes and their subcomplexes, yielding generalized Pick‐type formulae. Second, in the case of simplicial toric varieties, we compute our characteristic classes by using the Lefschetz‐Riemann‐Roch theorem of Edidin‐Graham in the context of the geometric quotient description of such varieties. In this setting, we define mock Hirzebruch classes of simplicial toric varieties (which specialize to the mock Chern, mock Todd, and mock L‐classes of such varieties) and investigate the difference between the (actual) homology Hirzebruch class and the mock Hirzebruch class. We show that this difference is localized on the singular locus, and we obtain a formula for it in which the contribution of each singular cone is identified explicitly. Finally, the two methods of computing characteristic classes are combined for proving several characteristic class formulae originally obtained by Cappell and Shaneson in the early 1990s.© 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Taylor dispersion in equilibrium gradient focusing at steady state
Authors: Ivory Cornelius F.
Published: December 2014

An analytic expression is presented for the effective dispersion coefficient in the case where a solute is focused in a parabolic flow against a linear gradient in a restoring force. This expression was derived by employing a minor variation on the method of moments used by Aris in his development of the dispersion coefficients for a time‐dependent, isocratic system. In the present case, dispersion is controlled by two dimensionless groups, a Peclet number which is proportional to the parabolic component of the flow, and a gradient number which is proportional to the slope of the restoring force. These results confirm that the Aris–Taylor expression for the dispersion coefficient should not be applied in cases where a solute is focused to a stationary steady state.
The Invariance of Latent and Observed Linking Functions in the Presence of Multiple Latent Test‐Taker Dimensions
Authors: Dorans Neil J. , Lin Peng , Wang Wei , Yao Lili
Published: December 2014

This study examines linking relationships among latent test scores and how these latent linking relationships relate to observed‐score linkings. Equations are used to describe the effects of correlation between underlying latent dimensions and the similarity or dissimilarity of test composition on linking functions among latent test scores. These equations describing relationships among latent test scores are used to model the results obtained from a previous simulation study, which illustrated that if the two tests have parallel structure then the linking relationship between their observed scores is subpopulation invariant regardless of the correlations between the underlying latent dimensions. The equations also model the effect that the degree of correlation between the latent dimensions has on equatability as the structure departs from parallelism.
Petrogenesis of Cretaceous igneous rocks from the Duolong porphyry Cu–Au deposit, central Tibet: evidence from zircon U–Pb geochronology, petrochemistry and Sr–Nd–Pb–Hf isotope characteristics
Authors: Li Jin‐Xiang , Qin Ke‐Zhang , Li Guang‐Ming , Xiao Bo , Zhao Jun‐Xing , Chen Lei
Published: December 2014

The Duolong porphyry Cu–Au deposit (5.4 Mt at 0.72% Cu, 41 t at 0.23 g/t Au) was recently discovered in the southern Qiangtang terrane, central Tibet. Here, new whole‐rock elemental and Sr–Nd–Pb isotope and zircon Hf isotopic data of syn‐ and post‐ore volcanic rocks and barren and ore‐bearing granodiorite porphyries are presented for a reconstruction of magmas associated with Cu–Au mineralization. LA–ICP–MS zircon U–Pb dating yields mean ages of 117.0 ± 2.0 and 120.9 ± 1.7 Ma for ore‐bearing granodiorite porphyry and 105.2 ± 1.3 Ma for post‐ore basaltic andesite. All the samples show high‐K calc‐alkaline compositions, with enrichment of light rare earth elements (LREE) and large ion lithophile elements (LILE: Cs and Rb) and depletion of high field strength elements (HFSE: Nb and Ti), consistent with the geochemical characteristics of arc‐type magmas. Syn‐ and post‐ore volcanic rocks show initial Sr ratios of 0.7045–0.7055, εNd(t) values of −0.8 to 3.6, (206Pb/204Pb)t ratios of 18.408–18.642, (207Pb/204Pb)t of 15.584–15.672 and positive zircon εHf(t) values of 1.3–10.5, likely suggesting they dominantly were derived from metasomatized mantle wedge and contaminated by southern Qiangtang crust. Compared to mafic volcanic rocks, barren and ore‐bearing granodiorite porphyries have relatively high initial Sr isotopic ratios (0.7054–0.7072), low εNd(t) values (−1.7 to −4.0), similar Pb and enriched zircon Hf isotopic compositions [εHf(t) of 1.5–9.7], possibly suggesting more contribution from southern Qiangtang crust. Duolong volcanic rocks and granodiorite porphyries likely formed in a continental arc setting during northward subduction of the Bangong–Nujiang ocean and evolved at the base of the lower crust by MASH (melting, assimilation, storage and homogenization) processes. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Response Patterns in Health State Valuation Using Endogenous Attribute Attendance and Latent Class Analysis
Authors: Hole Arne Risa , Norman Richard , Viney Rosalie
Published: December 2014

Not accounting for simplifying decision‐making heuristics when modelling data from discrete choice experiments has been shown potentially to lead to biased inferences. This study considers two ways of exploring the presence of attribute non‐attendance (that is, respondents considering only a subset of the attributes that define the choice options) in a health state valuation discrete choice experiment. The methods used include the latent class (LC) and endogenous attribute attendance (EAA) models, which both required adjustment to reflect the structure of the quality‐adjusted life year (QALY) framework for valuing health outcomes. We find that explicit consideration of attendance patterns substantially improves model fit. The impact of allowing for non‐attendance on the estimated QALY weights is dependent on the assumed source of non‐attendance. If non‐attendance is interpreted as a form of preference heterogeneity, then the inferences from the LC and EAA models are similar to those from standard models, while if respondents ignore attributes to simplify the choice task, the QALY weights differ from those using the standard approach. Because the cause of non‐attendance is unknown in the absence of additional data, a policymaker may use the range of weights implied by the two approaches to conduct a sensitivity analysis. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Impact of the Campus Culture on Students’ Civic Activities, Values, and Beliefs
Authors: Billings Meredith S. , Terkla Dawn Geronimo
Published: December 2014

A supportive campus culture is critical to institutionalizing civic engagement and instilling the principles of active citizenship. This chapter explores a model that quantitatively measures the impact of the campus environment on civic engagement outcomes.
Civic Engagement in College Students: Connections Between Involvement and Attitudes
Authors: O'Leary Lisa S.
Published: December 2014

This chapter describes how canonical correlation was used in conjunction with an item response theory model to address the relationship between college students’ civic engagement involvement and attitudes as undergraduates. The constructs of interest were students’ participation in civic, political, and expressive activities, as well as their community service, civic and political self‐efficacy attitudes, commitment to civic accountability, and tolerance of diversity.
Mixing Homomorphisms, Recolorings, and Extending Circular Precolorings
Authors: Brewster Richard C. , Noel Jonathan A.
Published: December 2014

This work brings together ideas of mixing graph colorings, discrete homotopy, and precoloring extension. A particular focus is circular colorings. We prove that all the ‐colorings of a graph G can be obtained by successively recoloring a single vertex provided along the lines of Cereceda, van den Heuvel, and Johnson's result for k‐colorings. We give various bounds for such mixing results and discuss their sharpness, including cases where the bounds for circular and classical colorings coincide. As a corollary, we obtain an Albertson‐type extension theorem for ‐precolorings of circular cliques. Such a result was first conjectured by Albertson and West. General results on homomorphism mixing are presented, including a characterization of graphs G for which the endomorphism monoid can be generated through the mixing process. As in similar work of Brightwell and Winkler, the concept of dismantlability plays a key role.