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What is the relationship between social policy reforms and issue salience in public opinion? Extensive research analyses policy feedbacks on policy preferences and the influence of policy preferences on policy change. Scant research, however, considers the link between reforms and issue salience – i.e., the perception of importance citizens attach to a topic. We address this gap in the literature through the comparative study of the salience of the 'pension issue'. Drawing on a novel dataset covering 2010–2020 and 28 European countries, we argue that the passage of pension reforms shapes pension salience. Multilevel fixed effects models indicate that pension reforms that include either contracting or expansionary provisions are positively related to pension salience. In contrast, expansionary and contracting reforms, by themselves, are not robustly associated with pension salience. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We sought to examine the relative salience of multiple social network structural characteristics (e.g., size, composition, quality, substance use) for understanding soldiers' mental health symptoms (anger, anxiety, depression, PTSD). Data are drawn from soldiers (N = 421) participating in the Operation: SAFETY study. Negative binomial regression models examined the relationship between ten social network characteristics and mental health outcomes, controlling for age, sex, years of military service, and deployment history. Greater number of close network ties was associated with fewer symptoms of anger, anxiety, and depression (ps < 0.05), but not PTSD. Having more illicit drug-using network ties was associated with greater severity of anxiety symptoms (p < 0.05). Finally, more days spent drinking with network members was related to higher levels of anger (p < 0.05). Interpersonal relationships that entail substance use are associated with greater anxiety and anger while a greater number of close ties is associated with fewer anger, anxiety, and depression symptoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: A major impediment to the treatment of TB is a diagnostic process that requires multiple visits. Descriptions of patient costs associated with diagnosis use different protocols and are not comparable. Methods: We aimed to describe the direct costs incurred by adults attending TB diagnostic centres in four countries and factors associated with expenditure for diagnosis. Surveys of 2225 adults attending smear-microscopy centres in Nigeria, Nepal, Ethiopia and Yemen. Adults >18 years with cough >2 weeks were enrolled prospectively. Direct costs were quantified using structured questionnaires. Patients with costs >75th quartile were considered to have high expenditure (cases) and compared with patients with costs <75th quartile to identify factors associated with high expenditure. Results: The most significant expenses were due to clinic fees and transport. Most participants attended the centres with companions. High expenditure was associated with attending with company, residing in rural areas/other towns and illiteracy. Conclusions: The costs incurred by patients are substantial and share common patterns across countries. Removing user fees, transparent charging policies and reimbursing clinic expenses would reduce the poverty-inducing effects of direct diagnostic costs. In locations with limited resources, support could be prioritised for those most at risk of high expenditure; those who are illiterate, attend the service with company and rural residents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we examined the contribution of a low-threshold calcium current [ICa(T)] to locomotor-related activity in the neonatal mouse. Specifically, the role of ICa(T)was studied during chemically induced, locomotor-like activity in the isolated whole cord and in a genetically distinct population of ventromedial spinal interneurons marked by the homeobox gene Hb9. In isolated whole spinal cords, cycle frequency was decreased in the presence of low-threshold calcium channel blockers, which suggests a role for ICa(T)in the network that produces rhythmic, locomotor-like activity. Additionally, we used Hb9 interneurons as a model to study the cellular responses to application of low-threshold calcium channel blockers. In transverse slice preparations from transgenic Hb9::enhanced green fluorescent protein neonatal mice, N-methyl-D-aspartate-induced membrane potential oscillations in identified Hb9 interneurons also slowed in frequency with application of nickel when fast, spike-mediated, synaptic transmission was blocked with TTX. Voltage-clamp and immunolabeling experiments confirmed expression of ICa(T)and channels, respectively, in Hb9 interneurons located in the ventromedial spinal cord. Taken together, these results provide support that T-type calcium currents play an important role in network-wide rhythm generation during chemically evoked, fictive locomotor activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The vision of the Indigenous Physicians Association of Canada is healthy and vibrant Indigenous nations, communities, families and individuals supported by an abundance of well educated, well supported Indigenous physicians working together with others who contribute to this vision with us. In our first 5 years of operation as the Indigenous Physicians Association of Canada we have focused our efforts on workforce development, building partnerships with the Association of Faculties of Medicine of Canada, the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, the 17 Canadian faculties of Medicine, and many national Aboriginal organisations. We have asked, and continue to ask ourselves, what is necessary to have a medical workforce that is competent to provide high quality culturally safe care to First Nations, Inuit and Metis people? On reflection, some of these things include: a strong national Indigenous physicians organisation; mentorship and peer support; recognition and realisation of shared responsibility for Indigenous health workforce development; adequate resources; and long term commitment. This paper discusses Indigenous health workforce development goals, the Canadian medical school landscape as is relevant to pursuing these goals, recent Indigenous health education initiatives, and some of the lessons we have learned and will apply as we move forward and seek to achieve our goals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydrogen bonding interactions with the π-system of thiocarbonyls are evident in the X-ray crystal structures of a range of thiourea derivatives and from an analysis of the CSD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Systematic analysis of the Cambridge Structural Database (CSD) using parameters based on the shape, size and “awkwardness” of organic molecules shows that compounds which crystallise with Z′ > 1 are in general smaller (by around 50 Å3on average) and less flexible (with ca. two fewer rotatable bonds) than molecules which crystallise with Z′ = 1. Molecules which are known to form co-crystals are, on average, even smaller and less flexible compared to molecules which crystallise with Z′ = 1. Thus formation of co-crystals or structures with Z′ > 1 is strongly linked to small, rigid, awkwardly shaped molecules that have more constraints on their crystal packing requirements. These results have some predictive utility in determining the likelihood of hydrate formation in pharmaceuticals, for example. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the possibility for the prevailing party to recover attorneys' fees accumulated during the implementation procedure in the U.S. district court, under the Federal Arbitration Act (FAA). It gives an analysis on the factors that should be considered by courts in deciding whether payment for attorneys should be given. Moreover, the court may also implement a direct provision empowering payment of attorney's fees.

Monometallic complexes of the tetrakis(pyrazolyl)borate ligand [ML2{B(pz)4}] {M = Rh, Ir; L2= η-cod, η-nbd, (CO)2, (CO)(PPh3)} have two free pyrazolyl rings which can be coordinated to a second ML2unit to give the dimeric compounds [L2M{μ-B(pz)4}ML2]+, and to a metal halide to give heterobimetallic species [L2M{μ-B(pz)4}M′Cl2]. 1H NMR spectroscopy shows that [(η-cod)Rh{μ-B(pz)4}Rh(η-cod)]+1+, [(η-nbd)Rh{μ-B(pz)4}Rh(η-nbd)]+2+, [(η-cod)Ir{μ-B(pz)4}Ir(η-cod)]+3+and [(CO)2Rh{μ-B(pz)4}Rh(CO)2]+4+are fluxional at room temperature. Cooling a solution of [(η-cod)Rh{μ-B(pz)4}Rh(η-cod)]+1+to −90 °C slows the fluxional process, which involves inversion of the two B-(N–N)2-M six-membered rings. Attempts to synthesise the asymmetric complexes [(η-cod)Rh{μ-B(pz)4}Rh(η-nbd)]+7+, [(η-cod)Rh{μ-B(pz)4}Ir(η-cod)]+8+and [(η-cod)Rh{μ-B(pz)4}Rh(CO)2]+9+produced a mixture of [L2M{μ-B(pz)4}ML2]+, [L′2M′{μ-B(pz)4}M′L′2]+and the desired species. The heterobimetallic complexes [L2Rh{μ-B(pz)4}M′Cl2] (M′ = Co, L2= η-cod 10; M′ = Co, L2= η-nbd 11; M′ = Co, L = CO 12; M′ = Co, L2= (CO)(PPh3) 13; M′ = Zn, L2= η-cod 14; M′ = Zn, L2= η-nbd 15; M′ = Pd, L2= η-cod 16) possess square planar Rh(i) linked to square planar Pd(ii) or tetrahedral Zn(ii) and Co(ii) centres. The paramagnetic Co(ii) complexes give 1H NMR spectra with signals shifted over a range of 75 ppm. The UV-Vis spectra of 10–13show four bands, one MLCT at Rh and three d-d transitions arising from the spltting of the 4T1(P) excited state due to approximate C2vsymmetry at Co. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the testing of the Barker model of Brain Sparing to determine the association of muscle and head circumference development to low birth weight. It made use of an allometric framework to assess their relation along with the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES III) data. It stresses that despite the negative relationship between the two issues based on allometry, considerations regarding physiological ecology and human biology are still to be considered.

Objective. To describe the yield of smear-microscopy and radiological findings by male and female patients with symptoms of tuberculosis in Abuja, Nigeria. Methods. Patients ≥15 years old with cough for >3 weeks submitted 3 sputum samples for smear microscopy. One specimen was cultured using MGIT-960. All patients had lung X-rays and screened for HIV. Results. were more likely to be smear-positive than females (262/774 [34%] and 137/547 [25%],P < .01), but similar proportions of males and females were culture-positive (437/691 [63%] and 294/495 [59%], P = .09). 317/626 (50.6%) males and 249/419 (59.4%) females were HIV-positive (P < .005). Among culture-positives patients, HIV-infected males were less likely to have positive smears than HIV-negative males (49.2% versus 66%, P = .001). Among females, smear positivity did not vary with HIV (46.4% for HIV-positive and 52.9% for HIV-negative, P = .38). Of 274 culture-confirmed TB cases, 226 (82.5%) had cavities, and 271 (99%) had ≥1 lung areas affected. HIV-positive males were more likely to have lung cavities than HIV-positive females (85% versus 69%, P < .04) and to have ≥3 lung areas affected (P = .03). Conclusion. Differences in the yield of smear-microscopy, culture and X-rays on presentation are due to several factors including HIV coinfection and gender. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The construction of microfluidic devices from siloxane-based polymers is widely reported in the current literature. While the use of these materials is primarily due to their rapid and facile fabrication, low cost and robustness, they also have the ability to function as smart materials. This feature, however, has not been commonly exploited in conjunction with their fluid-handling capabilities. Siloxanes are considered smart materials because their shapes can be modified in the presence of an electric field. The energy in the electric field can be transduced into mechanical energy and directly coupled with a microfabricated channel network in order to affect or initiate the movement of fluids. Here, we present a novel microfluidic device into which an electroactive polymer (EAP) actuation unit is integrated. The EAP actuation unit features a microfluidic channel placed above a patterned electrode. The patterned electrode is insulated from the channel by an EAP layer that is composed of PDMS. When a potential is applied across the EAP layer, it changes shape, which also changes the volume of the microfluidic channel above it. With this proof-of-concept device we demonstrated the ability to inject plugs of sample on a standard electrophoresis cross chip solely by changing the magnitude of the electric field between the channel and the electrode. Using an EAP actuation unit, the size of the injection plugs can be varied as a function of the electric field, the active area of the EAP actuation unit and the softness of the EAP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on the original language of the Alien Tort Statute (ATS). According to the U.S. Senate, the draft of the Judiciary Act of 1789 intended to make it available to all persons born outside the U.S. but the U.S. Congress narrowed the scope to include foreign-born residenst of the States. The author says an alien is considered a resident by both the congress and the ATS, to whom fair treatment, emigration, and international trade are extended under the sovereign power.

Manual cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and body fluid cell counts done using a hemacytometer are labor-intensive and time-consuming. The automated Iris iQ200 with the Body Fluids Module (Iris Diagnostics, Chatsworth, CA) counts RBCs and nucleated cells in CSF and other body fluids using flow cell digital imaging. We compared the cell counts from the iQ200 and the hemacytometer. CSF and body fluid samples were first analyzed in duplicate using the Neubauer hemacytometer. We then counted the samples on the iQ200. CSF samples for RBC counts of 0 to 6.7 x 10(5)/microL and nucleated cell counts of 0 to 1,707/microL resulted in r = 0.996 and r = 0.998, respectively. Body fluid samples for RBC counts of 0 to 2.7 x 10(5)/microL and nucleated cell counts of 0 to 1.1 x 10(4)/microL resulted in r = 0.988 and r = 0.987, respectively. Day-to-day precision with quality control yielded coefficients of variation of 12.5% and 13.3% for RBC counts and 9.4% and 12.3% for nucleated cell counts. Linearity studies yielded slopes of 0.99 and 1.010 for RBC and nucleated cell counts, respectively. The results from the iQ200 correlate well with the manual hemacytometer method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a study in determination of shortened interbirth intervals' prediction of a more centralized fat patterning in offspring. The authors collected anthropometric measurements for 44 children in three Ache communities in Eastern Paraguay during July and August 2003. In the presented results, no relationship between the subscapular/triceps skinfold ratio with the interval preceding the birth of the study subjected is suggested.

A hydrogen bonded artificial base-pair can replace a metal-bridged ligand pair in an almost isosteric fashion to give a hybrid π-stacked cage complex containing one base-bair and one metal-bridged linkage suggesting the components have potential as artificial nucleobases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We examine steady longitudinal freezing of a two-dimensional single-component free liquid film. In the liquid, there are thermocapillary and volume-change flows as a result of temperature gradients along the film and density change upon solidification. We examine these flows, heat transfer, and interfacial shapes using an asymptotic analysis which is valid for thin films with small aspect ratios. These solutions depend sensitively on contact conditions at the tri-junctions. In particular, when the sum of the angles formed in the solid and liquid phases falls below a critical value, the existence of steady solutions is lost and the liquid film cannot be continuous, suggesting breakage of the film owing to freezing. The solutions are relevant to the freezing of foams of metals or ceramics, materials unaffected by surface active agents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The d4halide complexes [MX(CO)(η-RCCR)Tp′] {R = Me, M = W, X = F; R = Ph, M = Mo or W, X = F or Cl; Tp′ = hydrotris(3,5-dimethylpyrazolyl)borate} undergo two-electron oxidation in the presence of a halide source to give the d2monocations [MX1X2(η-PhCCPh)Tp′](R = Me, M = W, X1= X2= F; R = Ph, M = Mo, X1= X2= F or Cl; M = W, X1= X2= F or Cl; X1= F, X2= Cl). Each monocation (R = Ph) shows two reversible one-electron reductions (the second process was not detected for R = Me) corresponding to the stepwise formation of the neutral d3and monoanionic d4analogues, [MX1X2(η-PhCCPh)Tp′] and [MX1X2(η-PhCCPh)Tp′]−respectively; the potentials for the two processes can be ‘tuned’ over a range of ca.1.0 V by varying M and X. Chemical one-electron reduction of [MX2(η-PhCCPh)Tp′]膫 [MX2(η-PhCCPh)Tp′] (M = Mo or W, X = F or Cl). X-Ray structural studies on the redox pairs [WX2(η-PhCCPh)Tp′]z(X = F and Cl, z= 0 and 1) show the alkyne to bisect the X–W–X angle in the d2cations but align more closely with one M–X bond in the neutral d3molecules, consistent with the anisotropic ESR spectra of the latter; the solution ESR spectrum of [MoF2(η-PhCCPh)Tp′] showed equivalent fluorine atoms, i.ethe alkyne oscillates at room temperature. The successful isolation of [MX2(η-PhCCPh)Tp′]橷 [MX2(η-PhCCPh)Tp′] completes a series in which d6to d2alkyne complexes are linked in a redox family tree by sequential one-electron transfer and substitution reactions. The implications for such trees in the production of new species and the selective synthesis of paramagnetic complexes acting as synthetically useful ‘alkyne radicals’ are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

PurposePrevious attempts to correlate preoperative patient characteristics with operative complexity and operative time prior to laparoscopic donor nephrectomy have found few consistent relationships. The purpose of this study is to determine the effect of abdominal and perirenal fat measured with preoperative computerized tomography (CT) upon subsequent operative time and complexity during hand-assisted laparoscopic donor nephrectomy.Materials and MethodsA retrospective chart, database, and CT angiogram review was conducted on 103 consecutive patients who underwent a hand-assisted laparoscopic donor nephrectomy. Perirenal fat and abdominal wall fat were correlated with a variety of parameters including operative time. Univariate and multivariate regression analysis was performed and p values < 0.05 were considered significant.ResultsThere was no correlation between operative time and body mass index (BMI), abdominal fat measurements, or spleno-renal distance. There was a significant positive correlation between operative time and anterior perirenal fat (r 0.28, p 0.005), posterior perirenal fat (r 0.20, p 0.05), and donor CPK levels (r 0.53, p < 0.001). Men had greater perirenal fat, while women had greater abdominal fat. A multivariate model including anterior perirenal fat measurement accounted for 20 of the variance in operative time.ConclusionThis is the first study to demonstrate that increased perirenal fat increases operative complexity as measured by operative time. This information may potentially be used to help predict operative complexity based upon measurable preoperative variables and help improve operating room efficiency and donor and recipient outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The structures adopted by a range of poly(pyrazolyl)borate complexes [ML2Tpx] [M = Rh, Ir; L2 = diene; Tpx = Bp′ {dihydrobis(3,5-dimethylpyrazolyl)borate}, Tp′ {hydrotris(3,5-dimethylpyrazolyl)borate}, Tp {hydrotris(pyrazolyl)borate}, B(pz)4 {tetrakis(pyrazolyl)borate}] have been investigated. Low steric hindrance between ligands in [Rh(η-nbd)Tp] (nbd = norbornadiene), [Rh(η-cod)Tp] (cod = cycloocta-1,5-diene) and [Rh(η-nbd)Tp′] results in κ3 coordination of the pyrazolylborate but [M(η-cod)Tp′] (M = Rh, Ir) are κ2 coordinated with the free pyrazolyl ring positioned above and approximately parallel to the square plane about the metal. All but the most sterically hindered Tpx complexes undergo fast exchange of the coordinated and uncoordinated pyrazolyl rings on the NMR spectroscopic timescale. For [Rh(η-cod){B(pz)4}], [Rh(η-dmbd)Tp′] (dmbd = 2,3-dimethylbuta-1,3-diene) and [Rh(η-cod)TpPh] {TpPh = hydrotris(3-phenylpyrazolyl)borate} the fluxional process is slowed at low temperatures so that inequivalent pyrazolyl rings are observed. The bonding modes of the Tp′ ligand (but not of other pyrazolylborate ligands) can be determined by 11B NMR and IR spectroscopy. The 11B chemical shifts (for a series of Tp′ complexes) show the general pattern, κ3 < −7.5 ppm < κ2 and the ν(BH) stretch κ3 > 2500 cm−1 > κ2. The electrochemical behaviour of the pyrazolylborate complexes is related to the degree of structural change which occurs on electron transfer. One-electron oxidation of complexes with Tp′, Tp and B(pz)4 ligands is generally reversible although that of [Ir(η-cod)Tp] is only reversible at higher scan rates and that of [Ir(η-cod){B(pz)4}] is irreversible. Of the complexes with the more sterically hindered TpPh ligand, only [Rh(η-nbd)TpPh] shows any degree of reversible oxidation. The ESR spectra of a range of Rh(ii) complexes show coupling to both 14N and 103Rh nuclei in most cases but what appears to be coupling to rhodium and one hydrogen atom, possibly a hydride ligand, for the oxidation product of [Rh(η-nbd)TpPh]. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims and objectives. The purpose of this study was to understand and document the perspectives of Taiwanese patients with type 2 diabetes regarding the processes and strategies used to self-manage their chronic condition. Background. The importance of patients learning self-management through self-regulation has been recognized in the literature, but little of this research has focused on skills to manage symptoms. Besides, studies about how patients self-manage their diabetes in term of patients’ perspectives have been scant. Sociocultural context is also an influencing factor in disease management. Methods. Focus groups were used to collect data from 41 adult participants with type 2 diabetes at three teaching hospitals located in southern Taiwan. The five focus groups ranged in size from six to ten people. The focus groups were recorded, transcribed and analysed. Results. Three themes and ten subthemes were revealed. The first theme ‘the impact of the illness’ includes three subthemes: facing the predicament of stigmatization, concern about inheritance of diabetes and seeking alternative therapy for hope. The second theme ‘self-regulation process’ includes four subthemes: struggling for diet control, adjusting to psychological barriers, identifying body response and developing strategies for dealing with diabetes. The third theme ‘transformation process’ includes three subthemes: resuming conventional illness, support from families and fellow patients and learning to live with the disease. Conclusions. Findings obtained from the themes of the study illustrated that self-management of patients with diabetes is highly related to their own sociocultural environment and experiences. Understanding the cultural features and the meaning of illness can help in the development of interventions tailored to the needs of this cultural group. Relevance to clinical practice. The findings have important implications for healthcare providers to consider individuals’ sociocultural backgrounds in which they make choices about their treatment and manage their illness. This recognition will enhance patients with diabetes to transform being active in self-management through the skills of self-regulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The reaction of [Re(OTf)(CO)5] with N-methylimidazole (MeIm) afforded [Re(CO)3(MeIm)3]OTf (1). The reactions of 1 with KPF6, NaBPh4 and NaBAr′4 (Ar′ = 3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)phenyl) afforded [Re(CO)3(MeIm)3]PF6 (2) [Re(CO)3(MeIm)3]BPh4 (3) and [Re(CO)3(MeIm)3]BAr′4 (4) respectively. An analogous reaction using N-phenylimidazole (PhIm) yielded [Re(CO)3(PhIm)3]BAr′4 (7). These new compounds were characterized by IR and NMR, and the structures of 1 and 2 were determined by X-ray diffraction. Compounds [Re(CO)3(MeIm)3]2[PtCl6] (5), [Re(CO)3(MeIm)3][HSO4] (6), [Re(CO)3(PhIm)3][Br] (8) and [Re(CO)3(PhIm)3][NO3] (9) were crystallized from equimolar mixtures of either 4 or 7 and the tetrabutylammonium salt of the corresponding anion, and their structures were determined by X-ray diffraction. The solution behavior of 1–4, 7 toward several anions was studied spectroscopically, including the quantitative determination of binding constants by 1H NMR. The cationic tris(imidazole)complexes are stable against imidazole-by-anion substitution, and the main hydrogen bonding interactions involve the imidazole NC(H)N groups. The binding constants for compounds 1–4 with several external anions follow the order 1 PF6− > BPh4− > BAr′4−. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new soft chemical route to [Ta6O19]8− has been developed by the dissolution of [Ta(O2)4]3− in conditions alkaline enough to arrest formation of Ta2O5, followed by [VO4]3−-catalyzed decomposition of the peroxide ligands and crystallization of the salt. An average of bond lengths and angles from isostructural salts of [Ta6O19]8− and [Nb6O19]8− indicate there is an increase in terminal M(η=O) bond lengths and M-µ2-O–M angles and a decrease in bridging µ2-O–M bond lengths in [Ta6O19]8−, although the central µ6-O–M bond lengths are identical within experimental error. Two new structures of Na7[HNb6O19]·15H2O (1) and Na8[Ta6O19]·15H2O (2) are exemplary of the fact that protonated µ2-OH are observed exclusively in the niobates. In these structures, the metal-oxide framework, seven sodium atoms, and all fifteen water molecules are located in identical unit cell positions, but in 2 an eighth charge-balancing sodium is located in close proximity to the protonated µ2-OH in 1. Differences in the basicity of Nb(v)- and Ta(v)-bound oxygen atoms are also manifested at the surfaces of 17O-enriched powders of Nb2O5 and Ta2O5. Oxygen exchange at the surface of these materials readily takes place at both terminal and bridging sites in Nb2O5 but only at terminal sites in Ta2O5. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The reaction of [Mn(CN)L′(NO)(η5-C5R4Me)] with cis- or trans-[MnBrL(CO)2(dppm)], in the presence of Tl[PF6], gives homobinuclear cyanomanganese(i) complexes cis- or trans-[(dppm)(CO)2LMn(µ-NC)MnL′(NO)(η5-C5R4Me)]+, linkage isomers of which, cis- or trans-[(dppm)(CO)2LMn(µ-CN)MnL′(NO)(η5-C5R4Me)]+, are synthesised by reacting cis- or trans-[Mn(CN)L(CO)2(dppm)] with [MnIL′(NO)(η5-C5R4Me)] in the presence of Tl[PF6]. X-Ray structural studies on the isomers trans-[(dppm)(CO)2{(EtO)3P}Mn(µ-NC)Mn(CNBut)(NO)(η5-C5H4Me)]+ and trans-[(dppm)(CO)2{(EtO)3P}Mn(µ-CN)Mn(CNBut)(NO)(η5-C5H4Me)]+ show nearly identical molecular structures whereas cis-[(dppm)(CO)2{(PhO)3P}Mn(µ-NC)Mn{P(OPh)3}(NO)(η5-C5H4Me)]+ and cis-[(dppm)(CO)2{(PhO)3P}Mn(µ-CN)Mn{P(OPh)3}(NO)(η5-C5H4Me)]+ differ, effectively in the N- and C-coordination respectively of two different optical isomers of the pseudo-tetrahedral units (NC)Mn{P(OPh)3}(NO)(η5-C5H4Me) and (CN)Mn{P(OPh)3}(NO)(η5-C5H4Me) to the octahedral manganese centre. Electrochemical and spectroscopic studies on [(dppm)(CO)2LMn(µ-XY)MnL′(NO)(η5-C5R4Me)]+ show that systematic variation of the ligands L and L′, of the cyclopentadienyl ring substituents R, and of the µ-CN orientation (XY = CN or NC) allows control of the order of oxidation of the two metal centres and hence the direction and energy of metal–metal charge-transfer (MMCT) through the cyanide bridge in the mixed-valence dications. Chemical one-electron oxidation of cis- or trans-[(dppm)(CO)2LMn(µ-NC)MnL′(NO)(η5-C5R4Me)]+ with [NO][PF6] gives the mixed-valence dications trans-[(dppm)(CO)2LMnII(µ-NC)MnIL′(NO)(η5-C5R4Me)]2+ which show solvatochromic absorptions in the electronic spectrum, assigned to optically induced Mn(i)-to-Mn(ii) electron transfer via the cyanide bridge. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract  Phosphatidylglycerol (PG), containing the unique fatty acid Δ3, trans-16:1-hexadecenoic acid, is a minor but ubiquitous lipid component of thylakoid membranes of chloroplasts and cyanobacteria. We investigated its role in electron transfers and structural organization of Photosystem II (PSII) by treating Arabidopsis thaliana thylakoids with phospholipase A2 to decrease the PG content. Phospholipase A2 treatment of thylakoids (a) inhibited electron transfer from the primary quinone acceptor QA to the secondary quinone acceptor QB, (b) retarded electron transfer from the manganese cluster to the redox-active tyrosine Z, (c) decreased the extent of flash-induced oxidation of tyrosine Z and dark-stable tyrosine D in parallel, and (d) inhibited PSII reaction centres such that electron flow to silicomolybdate in continuous light was inhibited. In addition, phospholipase A2 treatment of thylakoids caused the partial dissociation of (a) PSII supercomplexes into PSII dimers that do not have the complete light-harvesting complex of PSII (LHCII); (b) PSII dimers into monomers; and (c) trimers of LHCII into monomers. Thus, removal of PG by phospholipase A2 brings about profound structural changes in PSII, leading to inhibition/retardation of electron transfer on the donor side, in the reaction centre, and on the acceptor side. Our results broaden the simple view of the predominant effect being on the QB-binding site. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present optimized group sequential designs where testing of a single parameter &thetas; is of interest. We require specification of a loss function and of a prior distribution for &thetas;. For the examples presented, we pre-specify Type I and II error rates and minimize the expected sample size over the prior distribution for &thetas;. Minimizing the square of sample size rather than the sample size is found to produce designs with slightly less aggressive interim stopping rules and smaller maximum sample sizes with essentially identical expected sample size. We compare optimal designs using Hwang-Shih-DeCani and Kim-DeMets spending functions to fully optimized designs not restricted by a spending function family. In the examples selected, we also examine when there might be substantial benefit gained by adding an interim analysis. Finally, we provide specific optimal asymmetric spending function designs that should be generally useful and simply applied when a design with minimal expected sample size is desired. (© 2007 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We develop a complete set of equations governing the evolution of a sharp interface separating two fluid phases undergoing transformation. In addition to the conventional balances for mass, linear momentum and energy these equations include also a counterpart of the Gibbs–Thomson equation familiar from theories for crystal growth. This additional equation arises from a consideration of configurational forces within a thermodynamical framework. Although the notion of configurational forces is well-developed and understood for the description of materials, such as crystalline solids, that possess natural reference configurations, little has been done regarding their role in materials, such as viscous fluids, that do not possess preferred reference states. We therefore provide a comprehensive discussion of configurational forces, the balance of configurational momentum, and configurational thermodynamics that does not require a choice of reference configuration. The general evolution equations arising from our theory account for the thermodynamic structure of the bulk phases and the interface and for viscous and thermal dissipation in the bulk phases and for viscous dissipation on the interface. Because of the complexity of these equations, we provide a reduced system of equations based on simplified constitutive assumptions and approximations common in the literature on phase transformations. Using these reduced equations, we apply the theory to the radially symmetric problem for the condensation of a liquid drop into the vapour phase. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We recently proposed a new reactivity indicator, termed the ”general-purpose reactivity indicator”, Ξ, which describes not only the classical reactivity paradigms, but also describes reactions that are neither frontier-orbital nor electrostatically controlled. This indicator was proposed to be especially useful for reactants with multiple reactive sites, especially if the nature of the reactivity at those sites was different. This suggests that this reactivity indicator is especially appropriate for ambidentate molecules; this paper confirms this hypothesis. The general-purpose reactivity indicator not only identifies the most reactive sites, it also identifies which substrates prefer which reactive sites. In particular, the reactivity indicator allows one to clearly distinguish which sites of an ambidentate molecule are most reactive when electron transfer from the attacking reagent is large (a soft reagent) and which sites are most reactive when the attacking reagent is hard and highly charged (so that electron transfer is relatively insignificant). To illustrate the efficacy of the indicator for nucleophiles we consider SCN−, SeCN−, NO2−, SO32−. For electrophiles we consider dimethyl carbonate, N-methyl-N-nitrosotoluene-p-sulfonamide (MNTS), and 1-chloro-2,4,6-trinitrobenzene (CNB). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Measurements of two-particle correlations on transverse momentum ptfor Au-Au collisions at GeV are presented. Significant large-momentum-scale correlations are observed for charged primary hadrons with 0.15 pt2 GeV/cand pseudorapidity |?| 1.3. Such correlations were not observed in a similar study at lower energy and are not predicted by theoretical collision models. Their direct relation to mean-ptfluctuations measured in the same angular acceptance is demonstrated. Positive correlations are observed for pairs of particles which have large ptvalues while negative correlations occur for pairs in which one particle has large ptand the other has much lower pt. The correlation amplitudes per final state particle increase with collision centrality. The observed correlations are consistent with a scenario in which the transverse momentum of hadrons associated with initial-stage semi-hard parton scattering is dissipated by the medium to lower pt. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conditional targeted cell ablation in zebrafish would greatly expand the utility of this genetic model system in developmental and regeneration studies, given its extensive regenerative capabilities. Here, we show that, by combining chemical and genetic tools, one can ablate cells in a temporal‐ and spatial‐specific manner in zebrafish larvae. For this purpose, we used the bacterial Nitroreductase (NTR) enzyme to convert the prodrug Metronidazole (Mtz) into a cytotoxic DNA cross‐linking agent. To investigate the efficiency of this system, we targeted three different cell lineages in the heart, pancreas, and liver. Expression of the fusion protein Cyan Fluorescent Protein–NTR (CFP‐NTR) under control of tissue‐specific promoters allowed us to induce the death of cardiomyocytes, pancreatic β‐cells, and hepatocytes at specific times. Moreover, we have observed that Mtz can be efficiently washed away and that, upon Mtz withdrawal, the profoundly affected tissue can quickly recover. These findings show that the NTR/Mtz system is effective for temporally and spatially controlled cell ablation in zebrafish, thereby constituting a most promising genetic tool to analyze tissue interactions as well as the mechanisms underlying regeneration. Developmental Dynamics 236:1025–1035, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present the first study of the energy dependence of ptangular correlations inferred from event-wise mean transverse momentum ?pt? fluctuations in heavy ion collisions. We compare our large-acceptance measurements at CM energies , 62.4, 130 and 200 GeV to SPS measurements at 12.3 and 17.3 GeV. ptangular correlation structure suggests that the principal source of ptcorrelations and fluctuations is minijets (minimum-bias parton fragments). We observe a dramatic increase in correlations and fluctuations from SPS to RHIC energies, increasing linearly with from the onset of observable jet-related ?pt? fluctuations near 10 GeV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract  An experimental investigation of a shock wave interacting with one, or several, liquid layer(s) is reported with a motivation towards first wall protection in inertial fusion energy reactor chamber design. A 12.8 mm or 6.4 mm thick water layer is suspended horizontally in a large vertical shock tube in atmospheric pressure argon and subjected to a planar shock wave of strength ranging from M = 1.34 to 3.20. For the single water layer experiments, the shock-accelerated liquid results in a significant increase in end-wall pressure loading (and impulse) compared with tests without water. The end-wall loading can be reduced by more than 50% for a given volume of water when it is divided into more than one layer with interspersed layer(s) of argon. A flash X-ray technique is employed to measure the volume fraction of the shocked water layer and multiple water layers are found to dissipate more energy through the liquid fragmentation process resulting in increased shock mitigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Empowerment-based diabetes group education emphasizes strategies that are patient centered, problem based, culturally relevant, integrative, and evidence based. These programs and strategies can be conducted across a variety of educational and clinical settings with the goal of responding to the unique diabetes-related needs of each patient. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Dinoflagellates are one of the most important classes of marine and freshwater algae, notable both for their functional diversity and ecological significance. They occur naturally as free-living cells, as endosymbionts of marine invertebrates and are well known for their involvement in "red tides". Dinoflagellates are also notable for their unusual genome content and structure, which suggests that the organization and regulation of dinoflagellate genes may be very different from that of most eukaryotes. To investigate the content and regulation of the dinoflagellate genome, we performed a global analysis of the transcriptome of the toxic dinoflagellate Alexandrium fundyense under nitrate- and phosphate-limited conditions using Massively Parallel Signature Sequencing (MPSS). Results: Data from the two MPSS libraries showed that the number of unique signatures found in A. fundyense cells is similar to that of humans and Arabidopsis thaliana, two eukaryotes that have been extensively analyzed using this method. The general distribution, abundance and expression patterns of the A. fundyense signatures were also quite similar to other eukaryotes, and at least 10% of the A. fundyense signatures were differentially expressed between the two conditions. RACE amplification and sequencing of a subset of signatures showed that multiple signatures arose from sequence variants of a single gene. Single signatures also mapped to different sequence variants of the same gene. Conclusion: The MPSS data presented here provide a quantitative view of the transcriptome and its regulation in these unusual single-celled eukaryotes. The observed signature abundance and distribution in Alexandrium is similar to that of other eukaryotes that have been analyzed using MPSS. Results of signature mapping via RACE indicate that many signatures result from sequence variants of individual genes. These data add to the growing body of evidence for widespread gene duplication in dinoflagellates, which would contribute to the transcriptional complexity of these organisms. The MPSS data also demonstrate that a significant number of dinoflagellate mRNAs are transcriptionally regulated, indicating that dinoflagellates commonly employ transcriptional gene regulation along with the post-transcriptional regulation that has been well documented in these organisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper we consider buoyancy-driven flow and directional solidification of a ternary alloy in two dimensions. A steady flow can be established by forcing liquid downward at an average rate V through a temperature gradient that is fixed in the laboratory frame of reference and spans both the eutectic and liquidus temperature of the material being solidified. Our results include both a linear stability analysis and numerical solution of the governing equations for finite-amplitude steady states. The ternary system is characterized by two distinct mushy zones – a primary layer with dendrites composed of a single species and, beneath the primary layer, a secondary layer with a dendritic region composed of two species. The two layers have independent effective Rayleigh numbers, which allows for a variety of convection scenarios. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mount Kawa Karpo of the Menri ('Medicine Mountains' in Tibetan), in the eastern Himalayas, is one of the most sacred mountains to Tibetan Buddhists. Numerous sacred sites are found between 1900 and 4000 m, and at higher elevations the area as a whole is considered a sacred landscape. Religious beliefs may affect the ecology of these sacred areas, resulting in unique ecological characteristics of importance to conservation; recent studies have demonstrated that sacred areas can often play a major role in conservation. The goal of this study is to preliminarily analyze the vegetation of sacred areas in the Menri region using existing vegetation maps and a Geographical Information System (GIS) for remote assessment. Sacred sites are compared to random points in the landscape, in terms of: elevation, vegetation, and nearness to villages; species composition, diversity, and richness; and frequency of useful and endemic plant species. Detrended correspondence analysis (DCA) ordination reveals that sacred sites differ significantly in both useful species composition (p=0.034) and endemic species composition (p=0.045). Sacred sites are located at lower elevations, and closer to villages, than randomly selected, non-sacred sites (p< 0.0001), and have higher overall species richness (p=0.033) and diversity (p=0.042). In addition, the high-elevation (> 4000 m) areas of the mountain - a sacred landscape - are found to have significantly more endemics than low-elevation areas (p<0.0001). These findings represent an initial analysis of sacred sites and suggest that sacred sites in the Menri region may be ecologically and ethnobotanically unique. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract We present the case of a 12-year-old girl who presented with a pathological fracture through a benign-appearing osteolytic lesion that was presumed to represent fibrous dysplasia. The fracture healed, and over the next 2.5years there was further refracturing and healing with progressive osteolysis. A biopsy was performed and revealed Ewings sarcoma. The disease was locally controlled by neoadjuvant chemotherapy and radiation therapy. The patient is disease free with excellent function 6years following the discovery of the lesion. We illustrate and discuss the sequence of events. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary Inositol hexaphosphate (IP6) is a naturally occurring polyphosphorylated carbohydrate with demonstrated anti-proliferative and anti-cancer activity in mammary cells. We hypothesized that IP6 modulates cell cycle proteins by action on cytoplasmic signaling molecules. The effects of both pharmacological (2 mM) and physiological (100 µM) doses of IP6 on major PKC isoforms (PKCa, d, e, ß and ?), PI3-K/Akt and ras/Erk1/2 were evaluated. Treatment of MCF-7 human breast cancer cells with 2 mM IP6 for 24 h caused a 3.1-fold increase in the expression of anti-proliferative PKCd. Similar results were observed with 100 µM IP6 at only 30–60 min post-treatment. IP6 also caused an increase in PKCd activity, shown by its translocation from cytosol to membrane. No changes in expression of PKC a, d, e, ß and ? were detected. Additionally, IP6 caused a decrease of Erk1/2 and Akt activity. Among cell cycle control proteins, IP6 resulted in increased p27Kip1 protein levels and marked reduction of pRb phosphorylation. Specificity of the IP6 effects on p27Kip1 and pRb in MCF-7 cells (hormone-dependent) were additionally confirmed in highly invasive hormone-independent MDA-MB 231 breast cancer cells. Use of specific pharmaclogical inhibitors of PKC d, MEK/Erk, and PI3K/Akt pathways indicated that the IP6-mediated effects on PKC d were responsible for up-regulation of p27Kip, and pRb hypo-phosphorylation. In addition, IP6-induced apoptosis detected in MCF-7 cells appeared also to be PKC d-dependent. Our data suggest potential usefulness of IP6 as a novel therapeutic modulator of PKC d and p27Kip1, an important prognostic factor in human breast cancers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]