Overview of the techniques used for the study of non-terrestrial bodies: Proposition of novel non-destructive methodology

Meteorites and impact glasses have been largely analysed using different techniques, but most studies have been focused on their geologicalemineralogical characterization and isotopic ratios, mainly of a destructive nature. However, much more information can be gained by applying novel non-destructive analytical procedures and techniques that have been scarcely used to analyse these materials. This overview presents some new methodologies to study these materials and compares these new approaches with the commonly used ones. Techniques such as X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) and Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS), for elemental characterization, the hyphenated Raman spectroscopy- SEM/EDS and the combination of them, allow extracting simultaneous information from elemental, molecular and structural data of the studied sample; furthermore, the spectroscopic image capabilities of such techniques allow a better understanding of the mineralogical distribution. © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.Ministerio de Economía, Industria y Competitividad (project ESP2014-56138-C3-2-R

Conformational preferences of monocyclic pentaoxyphosphoranes varying in ring size

New monocyclic pentaoxyphosphoranes 1-4, 6 and the furanosyl derivative, 7, were synthesized from the reaction of tris(2,6-dimethylphenyl) phosphite (5) with a diol or a quinone. The pentacoordinated derivatives 1-4 were studied by X-ray analysis and represent the first structurally characterized monocyclic oxyphosphoranes that have six-, seven-, and eight-membered rings. All possess trigonal-bipyramidal geometries with the rings spanning apical-equatorial positions. Retention of these structures in solution is indicated by 1H, 13C, and 31P NMR. Twist-boat, rowboat, and distorted-tub conformations are found for the six- (1), seven- (2), and eight- (4) membered ring derivatives, respectively. Phosphorane 3 has a more planar phosphorinane ring, a consequence of ring unsaturation. Variable-temperature 1H and 13C NMR establish nonrigid behavior supporting a simple Berry pseudorotation in which the rings exchange apical-equatorial positions. It is concluded that six-membered rings of pentaoxyphosphoranes prefer apical-equatorial sites of a TBP. The preferred conformation of saturated six-membered rings is generally that of a boat. Phosphorane 1 crystallizes in the monoclinic space group C2/c with a = 29.392 (8), b = 11.420 (5), c = 16.379 (2) Å, β = 92.22 (1)°, and Z = 8. Compound 2 crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P21 with a = 12.268 (2), b = 9.916 (3), c = 12.625 (2) Å, β = 91.79 (1)°, and Z = 2. The monocyclic derivative 3 crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P21/c with a = 20.114 (6), b = 9.554 (2), c = 17.178 (3) Å, β = 114.24 (2)° and Z = 4. Phosphorane 4 crystallizes in the triclinic space group P1 with a = 9.690 (2), b = 15.414 (4), c = 21.350 (5) Å, α = 93.07 (2)°, β = 90.17 (2)°, γ = 99.97 (2)°, and Z = 4. The final conventional unweighted residuals are 0.056 (1), 0.039 (2), 0.038 (3), and 0.076 (4)

Potential role of extracellular ATP released by bacteria in bladder infection and contractility

Urgency urinary incontinence (UUI) and overactive bladder (OAB) can both potentially be influenced by commensal and urinary tract infection-associated bacteria. The sensing of bladder filling involves interplay between various components of the nervous system, eventually resulting in contraction of the detrusor muscle during micturition. This study models host responses to various urogenital bacteria, first by using urothelial bladder cell lines and then with myofibroblast contraction assays. To measure responses, we examined Ca2 influx, gene expression, and alpha smooth muscle actin deposition assays. Organisms such as Escherichia coli and Gardnerella vaginalis were found to strongly induce Ca2 influx and contraction, whereas Lactobacillus crispatus and L. gasseri did not induce this response. Additionally, supernatants from lactobacilli impeded Ca2 influx and contraction induced by uropathogens. Upon further investigation of factors associated with purinergic signaling pathways, the Ca2 influx and contraction of cells correlated with the amount of extracellular ATP produced by E. coli. Certain lactobacilli appear to mitigate this response by utilizing extracellular ATP or producing inhibitory compounds that may act as a receptor agonist or Ca2 channel blocker. These findings suggest that members of the urinary microbiota may be influencing UUI or OAB. + + + +

Tort Reform, Defensive Medicine, and the Diffusion of Diagnostic Technologies

This study examines the effects of state-level, tort law reforms on the diffusion of medical technology in the United States. The central thesis focuses on the diffusion of medical technology as an indicator of defensive medicine. Specifically, if physicians reduce their level of defensive medicine in the wake of liability reforms, this will show up as a reduction in the demand for and, more importantly, in the quantity supplied of medical technology. I discover after analyzing panel-data reflecting the availability of hospital-based diagnostic technologies by states and for the years 1987, 1990, and 1993 that differences in the availability of the technology are partially the result of state-level liability reforms. Moreover, there are significant differences in the impact of reforms on established (diffused) technologies and newer (diffusing) technologies. The results provide further evidence of the existence of defensive medicine and of the impact of the legal environment on the diffusion of medical technology. Eastern Economic Journal (2008) 34, 141–157. doi:10.1057/palgrave.eej.9050024