Nickel(II) metal-organic frameworks with N,N’-di(4-pyridyl)-1,4,5,8-naphthalenetetracarboxydiimide ligands: influence of secondary building unit geometry on dimensionality and framework dimensions

When Ni(NO3)2∙6H2O and N,N’-di(4-pyridyl)-1,4,5,8-naphthalenetetracarboxydiimide (DPNDI) are reacted, a one-dimensional coordination polymer (1) is formed. However, reaction with either terephthalic acid (2) or 2,6-naphthalenedicarboxylic acid (3) affords two-dimensional, pillared metal-organic frameworks. 2 and 3 containing rectangular voids of different dimensions which are dictated by the carboxylate ligand and the arrangement of the [M(k2-O2NO)]2(μ2-O2CR)2] secondary building unit (SBU) that forms the nodes of the framework. The role of SBU geometry, intermolecular face-to-face π–π and lone pair–π interactions involving the DPNDI ligands are discussed

Predicting Security Incidents in High Secure Male Psychiatric Care

Purpose The contribution of environmental and organisational factors in predicting security incidents within a high secure male psychiatric setting is considered using a series of connected studies; a systematic literature review comprising 41 studies and five inquiries (Study 1) to identify core themes of likely importance; application of these themes to incident data through assessment of the ward culture, as perceived by 73 male psychiatric patients and 157 staff (Study 2); and detailed examination of noted relevant factors in the form of interpersonal style, meaningful activity and physical environmental characteristics in a study comprising 62 patients and 151 staff (Study 3). It was predicted that security incidents would be identified through inclusion of environmental and organisational factors. Results The systematic review demonstrated the importance of accounting for staff characteristics, patient interactions, physical environment and meaningful activity. The subsequent study noted the importance of only specific aspects of the social environment, with the final study demonstrating that incidents were associated with controlling interpersonal styles of staff, lower perceived fairness, and less involvement in off-ward activities. Perception of fair treatment and off-ward activities mediated the staff interpersonal style and security incident relationship. Conclusions The research proposes a preliminary framework - the McKenna Framework for understanding Incidents in Secure Settings (M-FISS) – to explain the occurrence of security incidents in secure psychiatric care

Cerebral blood flow response to flavanol-rich cocoa in healthy elderly humans

Farzaneh A Sorond1,2, Lewis A Lipsitz2,4, Norman K Hollenberg3,5, Naomi DL Fisher31Department of Neurology, Stroke Division; 2Institute for Aging Research, Hebrew SeniorLife, Boston, MA; 3Department of Medicine, Endocrine-Hypertension Division; 4Department of Medicine, Gerontology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA; 5Department of Radiology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MABackground and Purpose: Cerebral ischemia is a common, morbid condition accompanied by cognitive decline. Recent reports on the vascular health benefits of flavanol-containing foods signify a promising approach to the treatment of cerebral ischemia. Our study was designed to investigate the effects of flavanol-rich cocoa (FRC) consumption on cerebral blood flow in older healthy volunteers.Methods: We used transcranial Doppler (TCD) ultrasound to measure mean blood flow velocity (MFV) in the middle cerebral artery (MCA) in thirty-four healthy elderly volunteers (72 ± 6 years) in response to the regular intake of FRC or flavanol-poor cocoa (FPC).Results: In response to two weeks of FRC intake, MFV increased by 8% ± 4% at one week (p = 0.01) and 10% ± 4% (p = 0.04) at two weeks. In response to one week of cocoa, significantly more subjects in the FRC as compared with the FPC group had an increase in their MFV (p < 0.05).Conclusions: In summary, we show that dietary intake of FRC is associated with a significant increase in cerebral blood flow velocity in the MCA as measured by TCD. Our data suggest a promising role for regular cocoa flavanol’s consumption in the treatment of cerebrovascular ischemic syndromes, including dementias and stroke.Keywords: cerebral blood flow, flavanol, cocoa, transcranial Doppler ultrasoun

Applied physiology of female soccer: an update

The popularity and professionalism of female soccer has increased markedly in recent years, with elite players now employed on either a professional or semiprofessional basis. The previous review of the physiological demands of female soccer was undertaken two decades ago when the sport was in its relative infancy. Increased research coupled with greater training and competition demands warrants an updated review to consider the effect on physical performance and injury patterns. The physical demands of match-play along with the influence of factors such as the standard of competition, playing position and fatigue have been explored. Total distance covered for elite female players is approximately 10 km, with 1.7 km completed at high-speed (>18 km·h-1). Elite players complete 28 % more high-speed running and 24 % more sprinting than moderate-level players. Decrements in highspeed running distance have been reported between and within halves, which may indicate an inability to maintain high-intensity activity. Although the physical capacity of female players is the most thoroughly researched area, comparisons are difficult due to differing protocols. Elite players exhibit maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) values of 49.4–57.6 mL·kg-1·min-1, Yo Yo Intermittent Endurance test level 2 (YYIE2) scores of 1,774 ± 532 m [mean ± standard deviation (SD)] and 20 m sprint times of 3.17 ± 0.03 s (mean ± SD). Reasons for the increased prevalence of anterior cruciate ligament injuries in females (2–6 times greater than males) are discussed, with anatomical, biomechanical loading and neuromuscular activation differences being cited in the literature. This review presents an in-depth contemporary examination of the applied physiology of the female soccer player

Building in Integrated Pest Management network in cooperation with Iowa fruit and vegetable growers

Fifty-one commercial growers of apples, strawberries, tomatoes, and/or watermelons cooperated with Iowa State University (ISU) Extension specialists in a three-year program to evaluate IPM control techniques. Scouts and growers monitored pest infestations and diseases such as codling moth on apples, tarnished plant bugs on strawberries, and anthracnose on tomatoes and melons. Growers sprayed only when pest populations or disease risk values reached levels capable of doing crop damage. Weather conditions were monitored for periods favorable to pest outbreaks. On average, ISU researchers estimate that growers applied from 25 to 55 percent fewer insecticide and fungicide sprays (depending on the year and the particular pest) by using IPM methods in comparison to their usual practices. For the growers, this meant decreased input costs, a better bottom line, and enhanced competitiveness

Structural investigation of sulfobetaines and phospholipid monolayers at the air-water interface

Mixtures of sulfobetaine based lipids with phosphocholine phospholipids are of interest in order to study the interactions between zwitterionic surfactants and the phospholipids present in cell membranes. In this study we have investigated the structure of mixed monolayers of sulfobetaines and phosphocholine phospholipids. The sulfobetaine used has a single 18-carbon tail, and is referred to as SB3-18, and the phospholipid used is DMPC. Surface pressure-area isotherms of the samples were used to determine whether any phase transitions were present during the compression of the monolayers. Neutron and X-ray reflectometry were then used to investigate the structure of these monolayers perpendicular to the interface. We found that the average headgroup and tail layer thickness was reasonably consistent across all mixtures, with a variation of less than 3 Å reported in the total thickness of the monolayers at each surface pressure. However, by selective deuteration of the two components of the monolayers, it was found that the two components have different tail layer thicknesses. For the mixture with equal compositions of DMPC and SB3-18 or with a higher composition of DMPC the tail tilts were found to be constant, resulting in a greater tail layer thickness for SB3-18 due to its longer tail. For the mixture higher in SB3-18 this was not the case, the tail tilt angle for the two components was found to be different and DMPC was found to have a greater tail layer thickness than SB3-18 as a result.</p

Exploring current practices in pediatric ARV rollout and integration with early childhood programs in South Africa: A rapid situation analysis

This Horizons program report describes the status of pediatric HIV treatment in selected sites in South Africa, identifies gaps in service delivery, and proposes recommendations for strengthening services and expanding children’s access to treatment. The study provides much needed information on critical issues of pediatric HIV care, especially regarding health service and contextual issues surrounding the expansion of access to treatment for HIV-infected children, and key factors that facilitate sustainability of treatment by young children. The aims of the study were to identify successful program strategies in pediatric HIV treatment in South Africa and to determine priority knowledge gaps to be addressed by operations research. The demonstrated model of collaboration between government and NGOs, though not an easy relationship to manage, can be very successful at scaling up and ensuring sustainability

The Local Politics of Public Action: Relationships, Bargains and the Question of ‘Impact”

The concluding contribution to this IDS Bulletin draws together the themes and findings from the eight country case studies. It reflects on the choice of the framing notion of ‘public action’ as distinct from a focus on ‘civil society’, as an alternative and more appropriate frame of reference for the hybrid forms of change in local governance witnessed through these cases. Three main wider contributions of the research are identified. First, as action research, some of the cases offer fresh perspectives on processes of change, often from the valuable perspectives of insiders or engaged practitioners. Second, the cases collectively provide striking new insights into how relationships are built to bolster alliances, strike bargains, and develop trust between actors engaged in local governance reform. Third, the article draws together the case study findings to develop a working typology of the impacts of local democratic governance reform on poverty, inequality and exclusion