The influence of structure on reactivity in alkene metathesis

Abstract Alkene metathesis has grown from a niche technique to a common component of the synthetic organic chemistry toolbox, driven in part by the development of more active catalyst systems, or those optimized for particular purposes. While the range of synthetic chemistry achieved has been exciting, the effects of structure on reactivity have not always been particularly clear, and rarely quantified. Understanding these relationships is important when designing new catalysts, reactions, and syntheses. Here, we examine what is known about the effect of structure on reactivity from two perspectives: the catalyst, and the substrate. The initiation of the precatalyst determines the rate at which active catalyst enters the catalytic cycle; the rate and selectivity of the alkene metathesis reaction is dependent on how the substrate and active catalyst interact. The tools deployed in modern studies of mechanism and structure/activity relationships in alkene metathesis are discussed

New, previously unreported correlations between latent Toxoplasma gondii infection and excessive ethanol consumption

<p>A number of world literature reports indicate that a latent <i>Toxoplasma gondii</i> infection leads to development of central nervous system disorders, which in turn may lead to altered behavior in the affected individuals. <i>T. gondii </i>infection has been observed to play the greatest role in drivers, suicides, and psychiatric patients. Studies conducted for this manuscript involve a different, never before really reported correlation between latent <i>T. gondii</i> infection and ethanol abuse. A total of 538 decedents with a known cause of death were included in the study. These individuals were divided into three groups: the risky behavior group, inconclusively risky behavior group, and control group. The criterion for this division was the likely effect of the individual’s behavior on the mechanism and cause of his/her death. The material used for analyses were blood samples collected during routine medico-legal examinations in these cases. The blood samples were used to measure anti-<i>Toxoplasma</i> IgG antibodies with an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Moreover, the following data were recorded for each decedent: sex, age, circumstances of death, cause of death, time from death to autopsy, and (if provided) substance abuse status (alcohol, illicit drugs). In those cases where blood alcohol level or toxicology tests were requested by the Prosecutor’s Office, their results were also included in our analysis. Test results demonstrated a strong correlation between chronic <i>Toxoplasma gondii</i> infestation and engaging in risky behaviors leading to death. Moreover, analyses demonstrated a positive correlation between the presence of anti-<i>T. gondii</i> IgG antibodies and psychoactive substance (especially ethanol) abuse, however, the causal relationship remains unclear. Due to the fact that alcohol abuse constitutes a significant social problem, searching for eliminable risk factors for dependence is extremely important. Our analyses provided new important information on the possible effects of latent <i>T. gondii</i> infection in humans. </p

Microteaching to Maximize Feedback, Peer Engagement, and Teaching Enhancement

A proven, highly structured microteaching model that goes beyond mere presentation skills and “shooting-from-the-hip” group feedback has successfully prepared both faculty and graduate students for their teaching responsibilities. This approach uses a three-part process: (1) presentation; (2) one-on-one feedback from mentor while the group, using structured roles, prepares feedback; and (3) group feedback that is both constructive and consensus-based