bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Preparation of Yolk‐Shell and Filled Co9S8 Microspheres and Comparison of their Electrochemical Properties
Authors: Ko You Na , Choi Seung Ho , Park Seung Bin , Kang Yun Chan 
Published: November 2013

AbstractIn this study, we report the first preparation of phase‐pure Co9S8 yolk–shell microspheres in a facile two‐step process and their improved electrochemical properties. Yolk–shell Co3O4 precursor microspheres are initially obtained by spray pyrolysis and are subsequently transformed into Co9S8 yolk–shell microspheres by simple sulfidation in the presence of thiourea as a sulfur source at 350 °C under a reducing atmosphere. For comparison, filled Co9S8 microspheres were also prepared using the same procedure but in the absence of sucrose during the spray pyrolysis. The prepared yolk–shell Co9S8 microspheres exhibited a Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) specific surface area of 18 m2 g−1 with a mean pore size of 16 nm. The yolk–shell Co9S8 microspheres have initial discharge and charge capacities of 1008 and 767 mA h g−1 at a current density of 1000 mA g−1, respectively, while the filled Co9S8 microspheres have initial discharge and charge capacities of 838 and 638 mA h g−1, respectively. After 100 cycles, the discharge capacities of the yolk–shell and filled microspheres are 634 and 434 mA h g−1, respectively, and the corresponding capacity retentions after the first cycle are 82 % and 66 %.
Robust Exponential Stability Analysis of Uncertain Discrete Time‐Varying Linear Systems
Authors: Yao Yu , Liu Kai , Balakrishnan Venkataramanan , She Wenxue , Zhang Jianhong 
Published: November 2013

AbstractThis paper studies the robust exponential stability of uncertain discrete linear time‐varying (UDLTV) systems. The key tool is the recently proposed generating functions. It can be found that a class of improved generating functions (IGFS) can fully characterize the robust exponential stability of UDLTV systems, and the maximum exponential decay rate of system trajectories can be computed by the radius of convergence of the IGFS. Moreover, the application of convex optimization technique and dynamic programming method provides an effective algorithm for the computation of the IGFS. Finally, the numerical example illustrates the efficacy and advantage of the proposed approach.
From venoms to BBB shuttles: Synthesis and blood–brain barrier transport assessment of apamin and a nontoxic analog
Authors: Oller‐Salvia Benjamí , Teixidó Meritxell , Giralt Ernest 
Published: November 2013

ABSTRACTVenoms are currently the focus of many drug discovery programs because they contain highly bioactive and selective components. Among them, apamin, a peptide found in bee venom, has received considerable attention because of its affinity for certain potassium channels and also because of its interesting structure and high stability to extreme pH and temperatures. Although apamin has long been claimed to cross the blood–brain barrier (BBB), only a few studies have been performed producing controversial results. In this article, it is shown that not only apamin is indeed able to penetrate the BBB in a cell‐based model but also that an analog reported to be nontoxic passes through this barrier. Furthermore, the permeability values obtained, together with some evidence of an active transport mechanism and an amazing stability to serum proteases, make these peptides promising candidates for BBB shuttles. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers (Pept Sci) 100: 675–686, 2013.
Environmental Management Systems and Local Community Perceptions: the Case of Petrochemical Complexes Located in Ports
Authors: López‐Navarro Miguel Ángel , Tortosa‐Edo Vicente , Llorens‐Monzonís Jaume 
Published: November 2013

ABSTRACTMost oil refineries and factories producing basic chemical products are located in port areas, with the result that industrial complexes potentially have a strong environmental impact on their area of influence. These externalities result in a loss of welfare for citizens residing in neighbouring areas. In a context of sustainable development, companies must integrate concerns about the natural environment in their business strategy. External stakeholders, as residents, find it difficult to visualize the actions firms take to reduce their environmental impact, and the adoption of voluntary certified environmental management systems (EMSs) acts as a signal indicating the adequate environmental behaviour of these companies. These certifications enable companies to achieve the social legitimacy they need for long‐term survival and competitiveness. In the context of a petrochemical industrial complex located in the port of Castellón (Spain), this paper primarily discusses whether such certifications – which act as signals of firms’ desirable environmental conduct – translate into higher trust in firms and lower risk perception by residents. Contrary to what might be expected, despite the widespread use by companies of voluntary and certified EMSs, the research findings confirm a relatively high citizen perception of risk regarding the industrial complex and a low trust in companies. On the other hand, the findings also show a low trust in the public institutions responsible for authorizing and monitoring firms’ activities and for enforcing possible sanctions in non‐compliance cases. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment
Doing ‘Serious Case Reviews’: The Views and Experiences of NHS Named and Designated Safeguarding Children Professionals
Authors: Peckover Sue , Smith Sue , Wondergem Fiona 
Published: November 2013

Serious Case Reviews (SCRs), undertaken when a child has died or been seriously harmed, are an important feature of child protection in England. They are substantial exercises, but little research has examined the everyday work processes associated with their production. This study, undertaken during 2011, explored the views and experiences of NHS Named and Designated Nurses and Doctors for Safeguarding Children about their involvement in SCRs. Nineteen telephone interviews were undertaken and the data thematically analysed. The study found that doing SCRs involved additional work and staff did not always feel fully supported or prepared. Doing SCRs is a rigid and bureaucratic process which sometimes detracted from the case itself. The study also found mixed views about the value of SCRs and the extent to which they promote learning and child‐centred practice. The findings contribute to overall understanding of how this process is undertaken, and help open up to scrutiny the work required and the challenges generated for those involved in SCRs. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.‘Doing SCRs is a rigid and bureaucratic process which sometimes detracted from the case itself’Key Practitioner Message:

SCRs are substantial exercises; little previous research has examined their production.
Undertaking SCRs requires considerable time, effort and can be emotionally difficult; NHS staff involved in their production face challenges in doing this work.
Producing SCRs may distract from the value of the outcomes and the extent to which they promote learning and child‐centred practice.
Chemical Equilibria in Formic Acid/Amine‐CO2 Cycles under Isochoric Conditions using a Ruthenium(II) 1,2‐Bis(diphenylphosphino)ethane Catalyst
Authors: Sordakis Katerina , Beller Matthias , Laurenczy Gábor 
Published: November 2013

AbstractThe equilibrium position in formic acid/amine–CO2 systems has been examined as a function of pressure and temperature under isochoric conditions. The homogeneous ruthenium(II)‐1,2‐bis(diphenylphosphino)ethane catalyst was active in both reactions, that is, in formic acid cleavage producing pure hydrogen and CO2, as well as in carbon dioxide hydrogenation under basic conditions. High yields of formic acid dehydrogenation into H2 and CO2 are favored by low gas pressures and/or high temperatures, and H2 uptake is possible at elevated H2–CO2 pressures. These results take us one step closer to the realization of a practical H2 storage–discharge device.
Control of the Orientation and Photoinduced Phase Transitions of Macrocyclic Azobenzene
Authors: Uchida Emi , Sakaki Kouji , Nakamura Yumiko , Azumi Reiko , Hirai Yuki , Akiyama Haruhisa , Yoshida Masaru , Norikane Yasuo 
Published: November 2013

AbstractPhotoinduced phase transitions caused by photochromic reactions bring about a change in the state of matter at constant temperature. Herein, we report the photoinduced phase transitions of crystals of a photoresponsive macrocyclic compound bearing two azobenzene groups (1) at room temperature on irradiation with UV (365 nm) and visible (436 nm) light. The trans/trans isomer undergoes photoinduced phase transitions (crystal–isotropic phase–crystal) on UV light irradiation. The photochemically generated crystal exhibited reversible phase transitions between the crystal and the mesophase on UV and visible light irradiation. The molecular order of the randomly oriented crystals could be increased by irradiating with linearly polarized visible light, and the value of the order parameter was determined to be −0.84. Heating enhances the thermal cis‐to‐trans isomerization and subsequent cooling returned crystals of the trans/trans isomer.
Development and Mechanism of an Enantioselective Bromocycloetherification Reaction via Lewis Base/Chiral Brønsted Acid Cooperative Catalysis
Authors: Denmark Scott E. , Burk Matthew T. 
Published: November 2013

ABSTRACTThe development of a binary catalyst system for bromocycloetherification, consisting of an achiral Lewis base and a chiral Brønsted acid, is described in detail. The results of preliminary kinetic studies are also presented. Chirality 26:343–354, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
ZnO/Co3O4 Porous Nanocomposites Derived from MOFs: Room‐Temperature Ferromagnetism and High Catalytic Oxidation of CO
Authors: Hu Lin , Zhang Ping , Sun Yukun , Bao Shouxin , Chen Qianwang 
Published: November 2013

AbstractZnO/Co3O4 porous nanocomposites were successfully fabricated by the thermal decomposition of Prussian Blue analogue (PBA) Zn3[Co(CN)6]2 nanospheres obtained at room temperature. Interestingly, ZnO/Co3O4 porous nanocomposites exhibit room‐temperature ferromagnetism. Moreover, the ZnO/Co3O4 porous nanocomposites show good catalytic activity for CO oxidation, and the CO conversion rate reaches 100 % at 250 °C. It is suggested that the synergistic effect of each component, relative high surface area (32 m2 g−1) and porous structure lead to the promising catalytic properties.
Selective Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles onto Potassium Hexaniobate: Structural Organisation with Bactericidal Properties
Authors: de Souza e Silva Juliana Martins , Pastorello Murilo , Kobarg Jörg , Cardoso Mateus Borba , Mazali Italo Odone 
Published: November 2013

AbstractSilver‐based nanocomposites are known to act as biocides against a series of microorganisms and are largely studied as an alternative to substitute conventional antibiotics that show decreasing efficacy. In this work, an eco‐friendly method to synthesize silver nanoparticles assembled on the surface of hexaniobate crystals is reported. By means of ion exchange, K+ ions of layered potassium hexaniobate were partially substituted by Ag+ ions and the resulting material was exposed to UV light. The irradiation allowed the reduction of silver ions with consequent formation of silver nanoparticles located only on the hexaniobate surface, whereas Ag+ ions located in the interlayer space remained in the ionic form. Increasing UV‐light exposure times allowed controlling of the silver nanoparticle size. The antibacterial effects of the pristine potassium hexaniobate and of silver‐containing hexaniobate samples were tested against Escherichia coli (E. coli). The antibacterial efficacy was determined to be related to the presence of silver in hexaniobate. An increasing activity against E. coli was observed with the decrease in silver nanoparticles size, suggesting that silver nanoparticles of distinct sizes interact differently with bacterial cell walls.
Quinuclidine Stabilized on FeNi3 Nanoparticles as Catalysts for Efficient, Green, and One‐Pot Synthesis of Triazolo[1,2‐a]indazole‐triones
Authors: Sadeghzadeh Seyed Mohsen 
Published: November 2013

AbstractA new magnetically separable catalyst consisting of quinuclidin‐3‐thiol supported on propylsilane‐functionalized silica‐coated FeNi3 nanoparticles (FeNi3/quinuclidine) has been prepared. The synthesized catalyst was characterized by powder X‐ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, vibrating sample magnetometry, thermogravimetric analysis, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The immobilized FeNi3/quinuclidine was shown to be an efficient heterogeneous catalyst for the synthesis of triazolo[1,2‐a]indazole‐triones under solvent‐free conditions at room temperature. The catalyst is readily recovered by simple magnetic decantation and can be recycled several times with no significant loss of catalytic activity.
Pattern of inbreeding depression, condition dependence, and additive genetic variance in Trinidadian guppy ejaculate traits
Authors: Gasparini Clelia , Devigili Alessandro , Dosselli Ryan , Pilastro Andrea 
Published: November 2013

AbstractIn polyandrous species, a male's reproductive success depends on his fertilization capability and traits enhancing competitive fertilization success will be under strong, directional selection. This leads to the prediction that these traits should show stronger condition dependence and larger genetic variance than other traits subject to weaker or stabilizing selection. While empirical evidence of condition dependence in postcopulatory traits is increasing, the comparison between sexually selected and ‘control’ traits is often based on untested assumption concerning the different strength of selection acting on these traits. Furthermore, information on selection in the past is essential, as both condition dependence and genetic variance of a trait are likely to be influenced by the pattern of selection acting historically on it. Using the guppy (Poecilia reticulata), a livebearing fish with high levels of multiple paternity, we performed three independent experiments on three ejaculate quality traits, sperm number, velocity, and size, which have been previously shown to be subject to strong, intermediate, and weak directional postcopulatory selection, respectively. First, we conducted an inbreeding experiment to determine the pattern of selection in the past. Second, we used a diet restriction experiment to estimate their level of condition dependence. Third, we used a half‐sib/full‐sib mating design to estimate the coefficients of additive genetic variance (CVA) underlying these traits. Additionally, using a simulated predator evasion test, we showed that both inbreeding and diet restriction significantly reduced condition. According to predictions, sperm number showed higher inbreeding depression, stronger condition dependence, and larger CVA than sperm velocity and sperm size. The lack of significant genetic correlation between sperm number and velocity suggests that the former may respond to selection independently one from other ejaculate quality traits. Finally, the association between sperm number and condition suggests that this trait may mediate the genetic benefits of polyandry which have been shown in this species.
Multidisciplinary population monitoring when demographic data are sparse: a case study of remote trout populations
Authors: Fraser Dylan J. , Calvert Anna M. , Bernatchez Louis , Coon Andrew 
Published: November 2013

AbstractThe potential of genetic, genomic, and phenotypic metrics for monitoring population trends may be especially high in isolated regions, where traditional demographic monitoring is logistically difficult and only sporadic sampling is possible. This potential, however, is relatively underexplored empirically. Over eleven years, we assessed several such metrics along with traditional ecological knowledge and catch data in a socioeconomically important trout species occupying a large, remote lake. The data revealed largely stable characteristics in two populations over 2–3 generations, but possible contemporary changes in a third population. These potential shifts were suggested by reduced catch rates, reduced body size, and changes in selection implied at one gene‐associated single nucleotide polymorphism. A demographic decline in this population, however, was ambiguously supported, based on the apparent lack of temporal change in effective population size, and corresponding traditional knowledge suggesting little change in catch. We illustrate how the pluralistic approach employed has practicality for setting future monitoring efforts of these populations, by guiding monitoring priorities according to the relative merits of different metrics and availability of resources. Our study also considers some advantages and disadvantages to adopting a pluralistic approach to population monitoring where demographic data are not easily obtained.
RuII(α‐diimine) or RuIII(α‐diimine·–)? Structural, Spectroscopic, and Theoretical Evidence for the Stabilization of a Prominent Metal‐to‐Ligand Charge‐Transfer Excited‐State Configuration in the Ground State
Authors: Grupp Anita , Bubrin Martina , Ehret Fabian , Zeng Qiang , Hartl František , Kvapilová Hana , Záliš Stanislav , Kaim Wolfgang 
Published: November 2013

AbstractThe new compounds [Ru(R‐DAB)(acac)2] (R‐DAB = 1,4‐diorganyl‐1,4‐diazabuta‐1,3‐diene; R = tert‐butyl, 4‐methoxyphenyl, 2,6‐dimethylphenyl; acac– = 2,4‐pentanedionate) exhibit intrachelate ring bond lengths 1.297 < d(CN) < 1.344 Å and 1.382 < d(CC) < 1.425 Å, which suggest a RuIII(R‐DAB·–) oxidation state formulation. This notion is confirmed by the negligible solvatochromism of the intense (ϵ ≈ 104 M–1 cm–1) charge‐transfer absorption band in the visible region and by DFT calculations. Oxidation of the compounds occurs mainly at the R‐DAB·– radical ligand to produce UV/Vis/NIR and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroelectrochemically detectable RuIII species, whereas the reduction proceeds less reversibly and yields predominantly (R‐DAB)‐ligand‐based spin for the 4‐methoxyphenyl derivative, measured at low temperature. The results are discussed with respect to metal‐to‐ligand charge‐transfer (MLCT) excited states of conventional (α‐diimine)ruthenium(II) complexes and in view of other (α‐diimine)metal complexes with ambiguous oxidation‐state assignments.
The First Stereoselective Total Synthesis of (–)‐Synrotolide
Authors: Sabitha Gowravaram , Rao Allu Senkara , Sandeep AnkiReddy , Yadav Jhillu S. 
Published: November 2013

AbstractThe first stereoselective total synthesis of (–)‐synrotolide has been realized by two different approaches, both starting from (S)‐ethyl lactate. Both strategies used stereo‐ and regioselective epoxide opening with a nucleophile, aldehyde alkyne coupling and ring‐closing metathesis as key steps. Judicious choice of reagents (CeCl3·7H2O and H2SiF6) for the chemoselective removal of protecting groups delivered the target molecule.
Syntheses and Iron Binding Affinities of the Bacillus anthracis Siderophore Petrobactin and Sidechain‐Modified Analogues
Authors: Bugdahn Nikolas , Oberthür Markus 
Published: November 2013

AbstractAn improved synthesis of petrobactin and analogues has been developed that provides reliable access to siderophores in sufficient quantities for biological studies. The determination of the iron affinity of different petrobactin derivatives showed that functionalization at the central amino group of the spermidine sidechain has only a minor influence on the iron binding properties of the siderophore. Accordingly, such derivatives are promising starting points for the development of biological probes to study bacterial siderophore transport, a possible new target for antibiotics.
Do Experts’ SKU Forecasts Improve after Feedback?
Authors: Legerstee Rianne , Franses Philip Hans 
Published: November 2013

ABSTRACTWe analyze the behavior of experts who quote forecasts for monthly SKU‐level sales data, where we compare data before and after the moment that experts received different kinds of feedback on their behavior. We have data for 21 experts located in as many countries who make SKU‐level forecasts for a variety of pharmaceutical products for October 2006 to September 2007. We study the behavior of the experts by comparing their forecasts with those from an automated statistical program, and we report the forecast accuracy over these 12 months. In September 2007 these experts were given feedback on their behavior and they received training at the headquarters office, where specific attention was given to the ins and outs of the statistical program. Next, we study the behavior of the experts for the 3 months after the training session, i.e. October 2007 to December 2007. Our main conclusion is that in the second period the experts’ forecasts deviated less from the statistical forecasts and that their accuracy improved substantially. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Equity in access to healthcare among the urban elderly in China: does health insurance matter?
Authors: Sun Ju , Deng Shuo , Xiong Xianjun , Tang Shenglan 
Published: November 2013

SUMMARYObjectiveThe aim of this study was to examine if inequity in healthcare among the urban elderly in China has been improved through the implementation of Urban Resident Basic Medical Insurance (URBMI).Methods and data sourceWe used the data from a nationwide household health survey conducted between December 2011 and February 2012 to compare the needs, uses, and non‐uses of health services of the 7618 urban Chinese elderly 60 years and older covered by two different health insurance schemes. Frequency and percentages were used to examine the data.ResultsSignificant inequity in health service uses existed among different socioeconomic groups and the people covered by two different health insurance schemes. Compared with the elderly covered by Urban Employee Basic Medical Insurance, the elderly covered by URBMI had much lower rates of service use and higher non‐use rates of health services.ConclusionsUniversal health insurance coverage alone cannot mitigate the existing inequity in healthcare; the Chinese government must develop appropriate financial policies and measures to provide more financial support to URBMI in order to improve equitable and affordable access to healthcare. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Gender influences on efficacy and safety of sublingual zolpidem tartrate for middle‐of‐the‐night awakening in insomnia
Authors: Roth Thomas , Steinberg Frank , Singh Nikhilesh N. , Moline Margaret 
Published: November 2013

ObjectiveEvaluate potential gender effects on efficacy and safety of a buffered zolpidem sublingual tablet (ZST) formulation.MethodsPost hoc analysis of the pivotal sleep laboratory and outpatient studies, per gender.ResultsIn the sleep laboratory study, polysomnography‐derived latency to persistent sleep after middle‐of‐the‐night was significantly improved for both genders at both 1.75 mg and 3.5 mg ZST (females: 15.7 and 8.6 min, respectively, vs. 27.7 min [placebo]; males: 19.0 and 12.7 min vs. 29.0 min [placebo]) with no significant gender differences. In the outpatient study, subjective sleep onset latency after middle‐of‐the‐night was significantly shorter for both genders treated with ZST 3.5 mg versus placebo over the 4‐week average (females: 37.3 vs. 59.4 min, p < 0.0001; males: 38.6 vs. 55.1 min, p ≤ 0.01). There were no gender differences in subjective sleep onset latency after middle‐of‐the‐night awakening. In the outpatient study, weekly usage of ZST and placebo by both genders declined throughout the study. Morning alertness following dosing nights improved in both genders, although significant only in females. In both studies, there were no gender differences in adverse events.Conclusion(s)Time to return to sleep after middle‐of‐the‐night dosing with ZST improved in both genders, with no gender differences in efficacy and safety. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.