Raising the (metastable) bar: 100% photo-switching in [Pd(Bu4dien)(η1-O2)]+ approaches ambient temperature

100% nitro–nitrito linkage isomerism is reported in single-crystals of the Pd(II)–nitrite system [Pd(Bu4dien)(η1-O2)]BPh4 (Bu4dien = N,N,N′,N′-tetrabutyldiethylenetriamine, BPh4 = tetraphenylborate). Complete conversion to a metastable endo-nitrito-(η1-NO) isomer is achieved after just 15 min irradiation with 400 nm LED light. The system is entirely metastable below 240 K, while pseudo-steady-state photocrystallographic experiments confirm that the excited state isomer is retained, at substantial conversion levels, under continuous illumination until 260 K. These results show promise for new linkage isomer systems, based on heavier transition metal centres, which display full functionality under near-ambient conditions

Orbit Spaces of Gradient Vector Fields

We study orbit spaces of generalized gradient vector fields for Morse functions. Typically, these orbit spaces are non-Hausdorff. Nevertheless, they are quite structured topologically and are amenable to study. We show that these orbit spaces are locally contractible. We also show that the quotient map associated to each such orbit space is a weak homotopy equivalence and has the path lifting property.Comment: 16 pages, 4 figures; strengthened a main result (Corollary 3.5) and updated the introduction and the conclusio

Where in the World? Adult Educator Learning and Professional Development Leading Study Abroad Programs

In this summary of on-going research, we discuss our investigation about adult educator motivations and professional development to lead study abroad programs for adults

Schrijver graphs and projective quadrangulations

In a recent paper [J. Combin. Theory Ser. B}, 113 (2015), pp. 1-17], the authors have extended the concept of quadrangulation of a surface to higher dimension, and showed that every quadrangulation of the $n$-dimensional projective space $P^n$ is at least $(n+2)$-chromatic, unless it is bipartite. They conjectured that for any integers $k\geq 1$ and $n\geq 2k+1$, the Schrijver graph $SG(n,k)$ contains a spanning subgraph which is a quadrangulation of $P^{n-2k}$. The purpose of this paper is to prove the conjecture

Quantum statistics on graphs

Quantum graphs are commonly used as models of complex quantum systems, for example molecules, networks of wires, and states of condensed matter. We consider quantum statistics for indistinguishable spinless particles on a graph, concentrating on the simplest case of abelian statistics for two particles. In spite of the fact that graphs are locally one-dimensional, anyon statistics emerge in a generalized form. A given graph may support a family of independent anyon phases associated with topologically inequivalent exchange processes. In addition, for sufficiently complex graphs, there appear new discrete-valued phases. Our analysis is simplified by considering combinatorial rather than metric graphs -- equivalently, a many-particle tight-binding model. The results demonstrate that graphs provide an arena in which to study new manifestations of quantum statistics. Possible applications include topological quantum computing, topological insulators, the fractional quantum Hall effect, superconductivity and molecular physics.Comment: 21 pages, 6 figure

Analyzing Morton's Typology of Service Paradigms and Integrity

Research on college students found limited support for Morton’s (1995) hypothesis that students have a preference for one distinct type of service orientation (i.e., charity, project, social change). The findings did replicate previous findings that college students prefer the charity paradigm. A measure of integrity was developed and two dimensions were identified that possessed distinct correlates. As Morton predicted, as the degree of integrity increased the preference for a distinct type of service became blurred, suggesting that developing integrity should be an intentional educational goal and it might be aided by exposing students to all three approaches to community service. Implications for service-learning educators are discussed

Quantized Response and Topology of Insulators with Inversion Symmetry

We study three dimensional insulators with inversion symmetry, in which other point group symmetries, such as time reversal, are generically absent. Their band topology is found to be classified by the parities of occupied states at time reversal invariant momenta (TRIM parities), and by three Chern numbers. The TRIM parities of any insulator must satisfy a constraint: their product must be +1. The TRIM parities also constrain the Chern numbers modulo two. When the Chern numbers vanish, a magneto-electric response parameterized by "theta" is defined and is quantized to theta= 0, 2pi. Its value is entirely determined by the TRIM parities. These results may be useful in the search for magnetic topological insulators with large theta. A classification of inversion symmetric insulators is also given for general dimensions. An alternate geometrical derivation of our results is obtained by using the entanglement spectrum of the ground state wave-function.Comment: 12 pages main text; 12 pages appendices; 11 figures. Added new refs. in 2nd versio

Should sex ratio distorting parasites abandon horizontal transmission?

BACKGROUND: Sex-ratio distorting parasites are of interest due to their effects upon host population dynamics and their potential to influence the evolution of host sex determination systems. In theory, the ability to distort host sex-ratios allows a parasite with efficient vertical (hereditary) transmission to dispense completely with horizontal (infectious) transmission. However, recent empirical studies indicate that some sex-ratio distorting parasites have retained the capability for horizontal transmission. RESULTS: Numerical simulations using biologically realistic parameters suggest that a feminising parasite is only likely to lose the capability for horizontal transmission if its host occurs at low density and/or has a male-biased primary sex ratio. It is also demonstrated that even a small amount of horizontal transmission can allow multiple feminising parasites to coexist within a single host population. Finally it is shown that, by boosting its host's rate of population growth, a feminising parasite can increase its own horizontal transmission and allow the invasion of other, more virulent parasites. CONCLUSIONS: The prediction that sex-ratio distorting parasites are likely to retain a degree of horizontal transmission has important implications for the epidemiology and host-parasite interactions of these organisms. It may also explain the frequent co-occurrence of several sex-ratio distorting parasite species in nature