Measurement of OH radicals at state X ²Π in an atmospheric-pressure micro-flow dc plasma with liquid electrodes in He, Ar and N₂ by means of laser-induced fluorescence spectroscopy

The density of OH radicals in ground state is measured by laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) spectroscopy in the core of a micro-flow discharge in He, Ar and N-2 with a water electrode. The lines P-2(6), P-1(4) and P-2(3) of the X (2)Pi (v '' = 0) to the A(2)Sigma(+) (v' = 1) transition are used for OH radical excitation. The density of the main quencher of OH radical in the core of the discharge is estimated based on the time decay of the LIF signal. It is revealed that the plasma core consists of a high amount of 8-10% of water vapour. The calculation of the absolute density of OH radical is carried out based on the model of LIF excitation including vibrational and translation energy transfer, and the results in different gases are presented for the discharge

Development, implementation and evaluation of the ‘BELIEVE’ program for improving physical activity among women: a mixed method action research study

Abstract Background There is insufficient physical activity among women. Yet the implementation of effective, multilevel, and evidence-based interventions may address this. Since the lifestyle of individuals is formed in many different social, physical and cultural contexts, it will be necessary in designing such interventions to involve many stakeholders. Consequently, the present study took a mixed method action research approach in developing, implementing and evaluating a bespoke program to improve physical activity among women. Methods This study was conducted within the Khoramroudi neighborhood of Tehran between 2013 and 2015 utilizing the four main phases of action research. The Mobilizing for Action through Planning and Partnerships (MAPP) process was used to design the study. During the initial phase, participants were organized into three groups; a core support committee, a steering committee, and a study population. Qualitative and quantitative data were also collected during this first phase. During the second phase, interventions were developed and implemented. In the third phase, an evaluation was carried out using both quantitative (Designing a quasi-experimental study) and qualitative methods. During the fourth phase, an exploration of the structure and process of action research was completed with the aim of providing a conceptual model and descriptions of the context. Results Three strategic interventions were effective in improving physical activity among women: (1) utilization of sports assistants; (2) Local health promotion and the dissemination of an informational, motivational and culturally competent booklet entitled “Educational content for sport assistants" (3) Group-based cognitive behavioral therapy. Quantitative results [Significant difference between the total score of PA before the intervention, and 1 and 3 months after the intervention (P < 0.001)] and the results of qualitative evaluations were shown to improve physical activity among participants. The newly co-created “adjusted MAPP model” was offered within three action cycles. The structure of this was described to capture the impacts of interactions among a variety of stakeholders. Conclusion The comprehensive identification of problems led to the development of collaborative strategies. Strategies of action research can positively affect physical activity among women. To improve physical activity outcomes more generally, the use of MAPP principles and strategies is suggested to meet the specific needs and strengths of all community members

New N,N and N,N,N Ligands and Their Application in Catalytic Reactions

The scientific intention of this work was to synthesize and characterize new bidentate, tridentate and multidentate ligands and to apply them in heterogenous catalysis. For each type of the ligands, new methods of synthesis were developed. Starting from 1,1'-(pyridine-2,6-diyl)diethanone and dimethylpyridine-2,6-dicarboxylate different bispyrazolpyridines were synthesized and novel ruthenium complexes of the type (L)(NNN)RuCl2 could be obtained. The complexes with L = triphenylphosphine turned out to be highly efficient catalyst precursors for the transfer hydrogenation of aromatic ketones. Introduction of a butyl group in the 5-positions of the pyrazoles leads to a pronounced increase of catalytic activity. To find a method for the synthesis of bispyrimidinepyridines, different reactants and condition were applied and it was found that these tridentate ligands can be obtained by mixing and grinding the tetraketone with guanidinium carbonate and silica, which plays the role of a catalyst in this ring closing reaction. The bidentate 2-amino-4-(2-pyridinyl)pyrimidines were synthesized from different substrates according to the desired substituent on the pyrimidine ring. Reacting these bidentate ligands with the ruthenium(II) precursor [(η6-cymene)Ru(Cl)(μ 2-Cl)]2 gave cationic ruthenium(II) complexes of the type [(η6-cymene)Ru(Cl)(adpm)]Cl (adpm = chelating 2-amino-4-(2-yridinyl)pyrimidine ligand). Stirring the freshly prepared complexes with either NaBPh4, NaBF4 or KPF6, the chloride anion was exchanged against other coordinating anions (BF4-, PF6-, BPh4-).Some of these ruthenium complexes have shown very special activities in the transfer hydrogenation of ketones by reacting them in the absence of the base. This led to detailed investigations on the mechanism of this reaction. According to the activities and with the help of ESI-MS experiments and DFT calculations, a mechanism was proposed for the transfer hydrogenation of acetophenone in the absence of the base. It shows that in the absence of the base, a C-H bond activation at the pyrimidine ring should occur to activate the catalyst. The palladium complexes of bidentate N,N ligands were examined in coupling reactions. As expected, they did not show very special activities. Multidentate ligands, having pyrimidine groups as relatively soft donors for late transition metals and simultaneously possessing a binding position for a hard Lewis-acid, could be obtained using the new synthesized bidentate and tridentate ligands

New N,N and N,N,N Ligands and Their Application in Catalytic Reactions

The scientific intention of this work was to synthesize and characterize new bidentate, tridentate and multidentate ligands and to apply them in heterogenous catalysis. For each type of the ligands, new methods of synthesis were developed. Starting from 1,1'-(pyridine-2,6-diyl)diethanone and dimethylpyridine-2,6-dicarboxylate different bispyrazolpyridines were synthesized and novel ruthenium complexes of the type (L)(NNN)RuCl2 could be obtained. The complexes with L = triphenylphosphine turned out to be highly efficient catalyst precursors for the transfer hydrogenation of aromatic ketones. Introduction of a butyl group in the 5-positions of the pyrazoles leads to a pronounced increase of catalytic activity. To find a method for the synthesis of bispyrimidinepyridines, different reactants and condition were applied and it was found that these tridentate ligands can be obtained by mixing and grinding the tetraketone with guanidinium carbonate and silica, which plays the role of a catalyst in this ring closing reaction. The bidentate 2-amino-4-(2-pyridinyl)pyrimidines were synthesized from different substrates according to the desired substituent on the pyrimidine ring. Reacting these bidentate ligands with the ruthenium(II) precursor [(η6-cymene)Ru(Cl)(μ 2-Cl)]2 gave cationic ruthenium(II) complexes of the type [(η6-cymene)Ru(Cl)(adpm)]Cl (adpm = chelating 2-amino-4-(2-yridinyl)pyrimidine ligand). Stirring the freshly prepared complexes with either NaBPh4, NaBF4 or KPF6, the chloride anion was exchanged against other coordinating anions (BF4-, PF6-, BPh4-).Some of these ruthenium complexes have shown very special activities in the transfer hydrogenation of ketones by reacting them in the absence of the base. This led to detailed investigations on the mechanism of this reaction. According to the activities and with the help of ESI-MS experiments and DFT calculations, a mechanism was proposed for the transfer hydrogenation of acetophenone in the absence of the base. It shows that in the absence of the base, a C-H bond activation at the pyrimidine ring should occur to activate the catalyst. The palladium complexes of bidentate N,N ligands were examined in coupling reactions. As expected, they did not show very special activities. Multidentate ligands, having pyrimidine groups as relatively soft donors for late transition metals and simultaneously possessing a binding position for a hard Lewis-acid, could be obtained using the new synthesized bidentate and tridentate ligands

The comparison of cervical range of motion and muscle endurance in Tension-Type headache patients with healthy people

Abstract   Introduction: Headache is one of the most complaints of patients and 47% of headaches are tension type. This type of headache is associated with skeletal muscles condition. Tightness of muscles in head and neck regions can lead to tension type headache.   The purpose of this study was to compare the cervical active range of motion and muscular endurance in flexion and extension directions, in patients suffer from tension type headache with healthy subjects.   Methods: fifty two healthy girls and 52 girls with tension type headache between 20 to 25 years old participated in this study. The active flexion & extension range of motion and the endurance of flexor & extensor muscles were measured.   Results: There were no significant differences between patients and healthy subjects in active range of motion or neck muscles endurance (P>0.05).   Conclusion: Patients between 20-25 Y/O with tension type headache and match healthy ones are similar in cervical active range of motion and muscle endurance. Likely, changes in muscles and vertebral column in these patients may occur gradually over the time. Key words: tension type headache, range of motion, enduranc

Cytotoxic Activity of Selected Iranian Traditional Medicinal Plants on Colon, Colorectal and Breast Cancer Cell Lines

Background: Many natural products from plants have been recognized to exert anticancer activity. In this study, ethanolic extracts of selected medicinal herbs from Iranian flora including Alyssum homolocarpum Fisch. (from seeds), Urtica dioica L. (from aerial parts), Cichorium intybus L. (from roots) and Solanum nigrum L. (from fruits), were evaluated for their cytotoxic effect on different cell lines. Methods: Cytotoxic effect of these extracts was studied on three different cancer cell lines; colon carcinoma (HT-29), colorectal adenocarcinoma (Caco-2) and breast ductal carcinoma (T47D). In addition, Swiss mouse embryo fibroblasts (NIH 3T3) were used as normal nonmalignant cells. MTT assay (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) was utilized for calculating the cytotoxicity of extracts on cell lines. Results: Results showed the potent cytotoxic activity of U. dioica ethanolic extract against T47D cell line with IC50 value of 46.14±4.55 µg/ml. Other extracts showed poor activity with IC50>100 µg/ml. Conclusions: Cytotoxic activity recorded in the present study revealed high potential antiproliferative activity of U. dioica ethanolic extract against T47D cell line. The real IC50 values of this extract may be considerably lower than the IC50 measured in our study if its pharmacological active compounds become pure. The results emphasize the importance of studies on U. dioica ethanolic extract to characterize potential components as cytotoxic natural medicines

Organische, nicht lineare optische Chromophore

Gegenstand der vorliegenden Erfindung sind Verbindungen enthaltend eine terminale Gruppe D enthaltend mindestens eine funktionelle Elektronendonorgruppe d; eine terminale Gruppe A enthaltend mindestens eine funktionelle Elektronenakzeptorgruppe a und eine Brückeneinheit B, die D mit A verbindet, enthaltend ein Gerüst aus konjugierten Doppelbindungen für einen Ladungstransfer von D nach A dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Verbindung eine Heteroatom-enthaltende Methyliden (= Methin) -Gruppe -CH=HetA enthält, mit HetA ausgewählt aus der Gruppe bestehend aus N, P. Ferner betrifft die Erfindung die Synthese und die Verwendung dieser Verbindungen

Determination of the electron temperature of atmospheric pressure argon plasmas by absolute line intensities and a collisional radiative model

The electron temperature in atmospheric argon plasmas created by a DBD jet is determined using a combination of Absolute Line Intensity (ALI) measurements and a collisional radiative model (CRM). The ALI measurements have been performed to determine the densities of the states in the 4p level. In addition, the ground state density is taken into account, which is found via the pressure and the gas temperature. The density ratio of the ground state and 4p state gives a value of the excitation temperature, which by means of the CRM is transformed into the electron temperature. With this method, the electron temperature in the active zone of a pure argon plasma is found to be 1.27 eV which is significantly higher than the experimental value reported by others. An error analysis shows that the relative error in the electron temperature obtained in this way is about 5%. In the afterglow, the temperature decreases gradually to about 0.88 eV. The addition of 2% O-2 leads to a decrease in electron temperature of about 5%