A Selected Ion Flow Tube Study of the Reactions of Several Cations with the Group 6B Hexafluorides SF6, SeF6, and TeF6

The first investigation of the ion chemistry of SeF$_6$ and TeF$_6$ is presented. Using a selected ion flow tube, the thermal rate coefficients and ion product distributions have been determined at 300 K for the reactions of fourteen atomic and molecular cations, namely H$_3$O$^+$, CF$_3^+$, CF$^+$, CF$_2^+$, H$_2$O$^+$, N$_2$O$^+$, O$^+$, CO$_2^+$, CO$^+$, N$^+$, N$_2^+$, Ar$^+$, F$^+$ and Ne$^+$ (in order of increasing recombination energy), with SeF$_6$ and TeF$_6$. The results are compared with those from the reactions of these ions with SF$_6$, for which the reactions with CF$^+$, CF$_2^+$, N$_2$O$^+$ and F$^+$ are reported for the first time. Several distinct processes are observed amongst the large number of reactions studied, including dissociative charge transfer, and F$^-$, F, F$_2^-$ and F$_2$ abstraction from the neutral reactant molecule to the reagent ion. The dissociative charge transfer channels are discussed in relation to vacuum ultraviolet photoelectron and threshold photoelectron-photoion coincidence spectra of XF$_6$ (X = S, Se, and Te). For reagent ions whose recombination energies lie between the first dissociative ionisation limit, XF$_6$ $\rightarrow$ XF$_5^+$ + F + e$^-$, and the onset of ionisation of the XF$_6$ molecule, the results suggest that if dissociative charge transfer occurs, it proceeds via an intimate encounter. For those reagent ions whose recombination energies are greater than the onset of ionisation, long-range electron transfer may occur depending on whether certain physical factors apply, for example non-zero Franck-Condon overlap. From the reaction kinetics, limits for the heats of formation of SeF$_4$, SeF$_5$, TeF$_4$ and TeF$_5$ at 298 K have been obtained; $\Delta_f$H$^o$(SeF$_4$) < -369 kJ mol$^{-1}$, $\Delta_f$H$^o$(SeF$_5$) < -621 kJ mol$^{-1}$, $\Delta_f$H$^o$(TeF$_4$) > -570 kJ mol$^{-1}$, and $\Delta_f$H$^o$(TeF$_5$) < -822 kJ mol$^{-1}$

The evolution of gregariousness in parasitoid wasps

Data are assembled on the clutch-size strategies adopted by extant species of parasitoid wasp. These data are used to reconstruct the history of clutch-size evolution in the group using a series of plausible evolutionary assumptions. Extant families are either entirely solitary, both solitary and gregarious, or else clutch size is unknown. Parsimony analysis suggests that the ancestors of most families were solitary, a result which is robust to different phylogenetic relationships and likely data inadequacies. This implies that solitariness was ubiquitous throughout the initial radiation of the group, and that transitions to gregariousness have subsequently occurred a minimum of 43 times in several, but not all lineages. Current data suggest that species-rich and small-bodied lineages are more likely to have evolved gregariousness, and contain more species with small gregarious brood sizes. I discuss the implications of these data for clutch-size theory

The Arabidopsis thaliana mobilome and its impact at the species level

Transposable elements (TEs) are powerful motors of genome evolution yet a comprehensive assessment of recent transposition activity at the species level is lacking for most organisms. Here, using genome sequencing data for 211 Arabidopsis thaliana accessions taken from across the globe, we identify thousands of recent transposition events involving half of the 326 TE families annotated in this plant species. We further show that the composition and activity of the 'mobilome' vary extensively between accessions in relation to climate and genetic factors. Moreover, TEs insert equally throughout the genome and are rapidly purged by natural selection from gene-rich regions because they frequently affect genes, in multiple ways. Remarkably, loci controlling adaptive responses to the environment are the most frequent transposition targets observed. These findings demonstrate the pervasive, species-wide impact that a rich mobilome can have and the importance of transposition as a recurrent generator of large-effect alleles

Developments in cell biology for quantitative immunoelectron microscopy based on thin sections: a review

Quantitative immunoelectron microscopy uses ultrathin sections and gold particle labelling to determine distributions of molecules across cell compartments. Here, we review a portfolio of new methods for comparing labelling distributions between different compartments in one study group (method 1) and between the same compartments in two or more groups (method 2). Specimen samples are selected unbiasedly and then observed and expected distributions of gold particles are estimated and compared by appropriate statistical procedures. The methods can be used to analyse gold label distributed between volume-occupying (organelle) and surface-occupying (membrane) compartments, but in method 1, membranes must be treated as organelles. With method 1, gold counts are combined with stereological estimators of compartment size to determine labelling density (LD). For volume-occupiers, LD can be expressed simply as golds per test point and, for surface-occupiers, as golds per test line intersection. Expected distributions are generated by randomly assigning gold particles to compartments and expressing observed/expected counts as a relative labelling index (RLI). Preferentially-labelled compartments are identified from their RLI values and by Chi-squared analysis of observed and expected distributions. For method 2, the raw gold particle counts distributed between compartments are simply compared across groups by contingency table and Chi-squared analysis. This identifies the main compartments responsible for the differences between group distributions. Finally, we discuss labelling efficiency (the number of gold particles per target molecule) and describe how it can be estimated for volume- or surface-occupiers by combining stereological data with biochemical determinations

The oxidation-reduction potentials of parsley ferredoxin and its selenium-containing homolog

We have measured the oxidation-reduction potential of parsley ferredoxin and its derivative in which the two atoms of labile sulfide have been replaced by selenide. The values are -0.416 V (25[deg], pH 7.94) and -0.378 V (25[deg], pH 8.14) for the sulfur and selenium derivatives, respectively. Both values show a slight negative dependence on pH.Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/33583/1/0000086.pd

Longitudinal changes in respiratory and upper limb function in a pediatric type III spinal muscular atrophy cohort after loss of ambulation

Introduction/Aims: Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) type III is a relatively mild form of SMA. Few studies have investigated the changes in both respiratory and upper limb function within this population after loss of ambulation. The aim of this study was to assess change in percentage of predicted forced vital capacity (FVC% predicted) and change in the Revised Upper Limb Module (RULM) score in these patients throughout a 24-month period after loss of ambulation. Effect of scoliosis and its surgical correction, disease duration since loss of ambulation, weight, and height were also investigated. / Methods: Retrospective analyses were performed on 24 nonambulant SMA III patients from data collected at two centers in the United Kingdom. / Results: The FVC% predicted score showed a significant progressive deterioration of 17% over the 24-month period. Respiratory deterioration correlated significantly with age, weight, disease duration since loss of ambulation, and spinal correctional surgery. Longitudinal RULM data were available for 16 patients; a significant deterioration was observed with a mean decrease in score of 3 over 24 months. Age correlated negatively with RULM score, as did height and time since loss of ambulation. A significant positive correlation between FVC% predicted and RULM was demonstrated. / Discussion: This study highlights how SMA type III patients have progressive deterioration of respiratory and upper limb function after loss of ambulation. Combining data from these assessments could provide insight into clinical progression, inform clinical trials, and provide assistance in managing disease progression expectations for patients

A portable sensor system for the detection of human volatile compounds against transnational crime

Human smuggling accounts for a significant part of transnational organized crime, creating a growing threat to national and international security and putting at risk the health and lives of the people being smuggled. Early detection and interception of human beings hidden in containers or trucks are therefore of considerable importance, especially at key transportation hubs, such as at international borders and harbors. The major challenge is to provide fast inspection procedures without needing to open sealed trucks and containers. The detection of trace key volatile organic compounds, which includes aldehydes and ketones, emitted by humans can be used to rapidly determine human presence, requiring only several ml of air to be taken from inside a container. In this paper, we describe a prototype portable device for the rapid detection of hidden or entrapped people, employing a combined ion mobility spectrometer and sensor array system for obtaining a volatile signature of human presence. The detection limits of this combined analytical device are sufficiently low for use in sensing ketones and aldehydes being emitted by humans in closed containers. For easy handling by security personnel, a classification algorithm is applied that provides a simple YES or NO decision. With a training dataset of more than 1000 measurements, the algorithm achieved an area under curve of 0.9 for untrained scenarios. The field measurements show that two people need to stay in a car for between 20 and 30 minutes in order for the emitted trace volatile organic compounds to reach concentrations high enough for reliable detection with our analytical device

Incidence of injury in adult elite women's football: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Aim: To estimate the incidence of injury in adult elite women's football and to characterise the nature and anatomical location of injuries. Design: Systematic review and meta-analysis. Data sources: Combinations of the key terms were entered into the following electronic databases (PubMed, SPORTDiscus, Science Direct and Discover) from inception to May 2021. Eligibility criteria for selecting studies: (1) Used a prospective cohort design; (2) captured data on elite adult women players; (3) reported injury incidence by anatomical site; (4) captured data of at least one season or national team tournament; (5) included a definition of injury; and (6) written in English. Results: The search identified 1378 records. Twelve studies published between 1991 and 2018 were included in our review and sampled 129 teams. In domestic club football, injury incidence rate was estimated to be 5.7/1000 hours (total), 19.5/1000 hours (match) and 3.1/1000 hours (training). In tournament, football match incidence was estimated to be 55.7/1000 hours. The knee (22.8%; 368/1822) was the most common site of injury in domestic club football. The ankle (23.7%, 105/443) was the most common site of injury in tournament football. Ligament sprains were the most common type of injury (27.8%), followed by muscle strains (19.1%). Severn studies (58%) had a high risk of bias associated with exposure definition and measurement and considerable heterogeneity exists between the included studies (I2=49.7%-95%). Summary/conclusion: Ligament sprains occur more frequently in adult elite women football players. We advise caution in interpretating point estimates of the incidence of injury due to high statistical heterogeneity. Standardising injury reporting and the accurate recording of match and training exposure will overcome such limitations. PROSPERO registration number: CRD42019130407.su

Self-interest And Public Interest: The Motivations Of Political Actors

Self-Interest and Public Interest in Western Politics showed that the public, politicians, and bureaucrats are often public spirited. But this does not invalidate public-choice theory. Public-choice theory is an ideal type, not a claim that self-interest explains all political behavior. Instead, public-choice theory is useful in creating rules and institutions that guard against the worst case, which would be universal self-interestedness in politics. In contrast, the public-interest hypothesis is neither a comprehensive explanation of political behavior nor a sound basis for institutional design

Giving VCU A Choice... VCUHS ChoiceCare

Virginia Commonwealth University has the opportunity to promote the quality health care services being rendered by the VCU Health System and the VCU School of Dentistry to its staff and faculty. Our project proposes that the VCUHS ChoiceCARE Health Plan be made available as an option to the entire University community. The VCUHS ChoiceCARE Health Plan is currently being offered to all employees of the Virginia Commonwealth University Health System. This is an exceptional health care plan that encourages employees to utilize the services ofthe MCV Physicians/Hospitals and VCU Dentists/Oral Dentistry practitioners. Through financial incentives of lower or no copays required and competitive monthly premiums, employees will benefit from this alternative. The VCU Health System and the VCU School of Dentistry will benefit from an improved insured patient base and from maintaining a healthy workforce. As the third largest employer in the Richmond metropolitan area, VCU employees and their families are an obvious market for the health care services. This project is another step in helping University programs become less financially dependent on governmental funding