Ergodic averages with vector-valued Besicovitch weights

For a von Neumann algebra ${\mathcal M}$ , we introduce ${\mathcal M}$ -valued Besicovitch sequences and study the norm and individual convergences of the corresponding weighted ergodic averages. The limits of the averages are examined under the condition that the contraction in question is weakly mixing.     

Fluorescence Properties and Electrochemical Behavior of Some Schiff Bases Derived from N-Aminopyrimidine

A series of Schiff bases (L ₁ , L ₂ and L ₃ ) were prepared by refluxing aromatic aldehydes with N-Aminopyrimidine derivatives in methanol and ethanol. The structures of synthesized compounds were characterized by FTIR, ¹H NMR, ¹³C NMR and microanalysis. The electrochemical behaviors of the Schiff base ligands were also discussed. Moreover, the evaluation of absorption and emission properties of the structures were carried out in five different solvents. The products show visible absorption maxima in the range of 304–576 nm, and emission maxima from 636 to 736 nm in all solvents tested.     

Correlations,hierarchies and networks of the world’s automotive companies

We investigate, within the scope of econophysics, the correlations, hierarchies and networks of the world’s automotive companies over the 2003–2010 period by using the concept of a minimal spanning tree (MST) and hierarchical tree (HT). We derive a hierarchical organization and construct the MSTs and HTs for the 2003–2010 period and illustrate how the MSTs and their associated HTs developed over time. These periods are divided into two subperiods, such as 2003–2006 and 2007–2010, in order to test various time-windows and understand the temporal evolution of the correlation structure over time. We perform the bootstrap techniques to investigate a value of the statistical reliability to the links of the MSTs. We also use average linkage cluster analysis (ALCA) to observe the cluster structure more clearly in HTs. From the structural topologies of these trees, we identify different clusters of companies according to their geographical proximity and economic ties. Our results show that some companies are more important within the network, due to a tighter connection with other companies. We also find that these important companies play a predominant role in the world’s automotive industry.     

Prediction of the 1H NMR spectra of epoxy-fused cyclopentane derivatives by calculations of chemical shifts and spin–spin coupling constants

¹H NMR spectra of epoxy-fused cyclopentane derivatives have been computationally investigated with density functional calculations in order to unravel the shielding effect of the epoxy ring on the ¹H NMR chemical shifts of N-substituted epoxy-fused cyclopentane-3, 5-diol derivatives. Both ¹H NMR chemical shifts and spin–spin coupling constants have been calculated with the WP04/cc-pVTZ level of theory in solution. The WP04/cc-pVTZ// B3LYP/6-31+G(d) methodology has been found to reproduce the best experimental results on epoxy-fused cyclopentane derivatives. This study is expected to lead experimentalists in their endeavour to characterize epoxy-fused cyclic systems with ease.     

On Kantorovich Process of a Sequence of the Generalized Linear Positive Operators

We define the Kantorovich variant of the generalized linear positive operators introduced by Ibragimov and Gadjiev in 1970. We investigate direct approximation result for these operators on p-weighted integrable function spaces and also estimate their rate of convergence for absolutely continuous functions having a derivative coinciding a.e., with a function of bounded variation.     

Some rationally looking faces of Ω n having irrational minimum permanents

Let Ω _n denote the convex polytope consisting of all n × n doubly stochasiic matrices. We determine the minimum permanents which may or may not be rational and the permanent-minimizing matrices over some rationally looking faces of Ω _n We also discuss the barycentricity of the (0, l)-matrices with which we consider the permanent-minimization problem.     

B cell activation factor (BAFF) is a novel adipokine that links obesity and inflammation

B cell activation factor (BAFF) is a novel member of the TNF ligand superfamily, mainly produced by myeloid cells. BAFF has been shown to participate in B-cell survival and B- and T-cell maturation. BAFF expression in adipocytes has been recently demonstrated. In the current study, we verified that BAFF expression is increased during adipocyte differentiation. BAFF expression was augmented by TNF-α treatment and was decreased by rosiglitazone treatment. BAFF secretion in lean and in ob/ob mice sera were compared and smaller amount of BAFF was secreted in ob/ob mice. mRNA and protein expression were different between epididymal and visceral adipose tissue. BAFF expression was also increased in ob/ob mouse adipose tissue. We sought to identify known BAFF receptors (BAFF-R, BCMA, and TACI) in adipocytes, and determined that all three were present and upregulated during adipocyte differentiation. However, the expression of TACI was distinct from that of BAFF-R and BCMA under TNF-α and BAFF ligand treatment. BAFF-R and BCMA expression levels were upregulated under pro-inflammatory conditions, but TACI was reduced. Conversely, BAFF-R and BCMA expression levels were downregulated by rosiglitazone treatment, but TACI was increased. Taken together, our results suggest that BAFF may be a new adipokine, representing a link between obesity and inflammation.     

Enhancement of electrochemical performance and thermal compatibility of GdBaCo2/3Fe2/3Cu2/3O5+δ cathode on Ce1.9Gd0.1O1.95 electrolyte for IT-SOFCs

Transition-metal doped double-perovskite structure oxides GdBaCo_2/3Fe_2/3Ni_2/3O_5+δ (FN-GBCO), GdBaCo_2/3Fe_2/3Cu_2/3O_5+δ (FC-GBCO), GdBaCoCuO_5+δ (C-GBCO) and pristine GdBaCo₂O_5+δ (GBCO) were synthesized via a citrate combustion method. The thermal-expansion coefficient (TEC) and electrochemical performance of the oxides were investigated as potential cathodes for intermediate-temperature solid oxide fuel cells (IT-SOFCs). The TEC exhibited by the FC-GBCO cathode up to 900 °C is 14.6 × 10^?6 °C^?1, which is lower than the value of GBCO (19.9 × 10^?6 °C^?1). Area specific resistances (ASR) of 0.165 Ω cm² at 700 °C and 0.048 Ω cm² at 750 °C were achieved for the FC-GBCO cathode on a Ce_0.9Gd_0.1O_1.95 (CGO) electrolyte. An electrolyte supported (300 μm thick) single-cell configuration of FC-GBCO/CGO/Ni-CGO attained a maximum power density of 435 mW cm^?2 at 700 °C. The unique composition of GBCO co-doped with Fe and Cu ions in the Co sites exhibited reduced TEC and enhancement of electrochemical performance and good chemical compatibility with CGO, and this composition is proving to be a potential cathode for IT-SOFCs.