2, 4-Dimethyl-6-hydroxyacetophenone oxime and 3, 5-dibromo-2, 4-dimethyl-6- hydroxyacetophenone oxime as reagents and diethylamine as a synergist in the extraction and separation of metals

1022-10242,4-Dimethyl-6-hydroxyacetophenone oxime and 3,5- dibromo-2,4-dimethyl-6-hydroxyacetophenone oxime act as very good reagents for the extraction and separation of Cu(II), Ni(II), Co(II), Fe(III) and Mn(II). Addition of diethylamine as a synergist in the extraction system, not only increases the per cent extraction of the metals but also the molar absorbances of the complexes. The separation of the metals from one another, viz., Cu(II) from Ni(II), Cu(II) from Co(II) and Cu(II) and Ni(II) from Cr(III) becomes far more easier in the presence of diethylamine

Is surgery the only option for unstable ankle fracture?

Background: Ankle fracture is one of the most common injuries in sports and daily activity. Unstable ankle fracture that are displaced fracture of the lateral malleolus and most bimalleolar or trimalleolar fractures need surgical reduction and fixation.Methods: It is a single centre study in which all unstable ankle fracture above the age of 18 and not associated with any other injury were included in the study. Following fixation patients were followed up at 6 weeks, 3 months and 6 months and functional outcome was assessed with American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle score (AOFAS).Results: Supination external rotation injury was most common type. Mean AOFAS score at the end of six months was found to be best in supination adduction type. Posterior malleolus fixation with screw were found to have maximum AOFAS score.Conclusions: Surgical outcome in unstable ankle fracture are proved to have good functional outcome

Multiple-spin coherence transfer in linear Ising spin chains and beyond: numerically-optimized pulses and experiments

We study multiple-spin coherence transfers in linear Ising spin chains with nearest neighbor couplings. These constitute a model for efficient information transfers in future quantum computing devices and for many multi-dimensional experiments for the assignment of complex spectra in nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. We complement prior analytic techniques for multiple-spin coherence transfers with a systematic numerical study where we obtain strong evidence that a certain analytically-motivated family of restricted controls is sufficient for time-optimality. In the case of a linear three-spin system, additional evidence suggests that prior analytic pulse sequences using this family of restricted controls are time-optimal even for arbitrary local controls. In addition, we compare the pulse sequences for linear Ising spin chains to pulse sequences for more realistic spin systems with additional long-range couplings between non-adjacent spins. We experimentally implement the derived pulse sequences in three and four spin systems and demonstrate that they are applicable in realistic settings under relaxation and experimental imperfections-in particular-by deriving broadband pulse sequences which are robust with respect to frequency offsets.Comment: 11 page

Mechanisms behind surface modification of polypropylene film using an atmospheric-pressure plasma jet

Plasma treatments are common for increasing the surface energy of plastics, such as polypropylene (PP), to create improved adhesive properties. Despite the significant differences in plasma sources and plasma properties used, similar effects on the plastic film can be achieved, suggesting a common dominant plasma constituent and underpinning mechanism. However, many details of this process are still unknown. Here we present a study into the mechanisms underpinning surface energy increase of PP using atmospheric-pressure plasmas. For this we use the effluent of an atmospheric-pressure plasma jet (APPJ) since, unlike most plasma sources used for these treatments, there is no direct contact between the plasma and the PP surface; the APPJ provides a neutral, radical-rich environment without charged particles and electric fields impinging on the PP surface. The APPJ is a RF-driven plasma operating in helium gas with small admixtures of O2 (0-1%), where the effluent propagates through open air towards the PP surface. Despite the lack of charged particles and electric fields on the PP surface, measurements of contact angle show a decrease from 93.9° to 70.1° in 1.4 s and to 35° in 120 s, corresponding to a rapid increase in surface energy from 36.4 mN m-1 to 66.5 mN m-1 in the short time of 1.4 s. These treatment effects are very similar to what is found in other devices, highlighting the importance of neutral radicals produced by the plasma. Furthermore, we find an optimum percentage of oxygen of 0.5% within the helium input gas, and a decrease of the treatment effect with distance between the APPJ and the PP surface. These observed effects are linked to two-photon absorption laser-induced fluorescence spectroscopy (TALIF) measurements of atomic oxygen density within the APPJ effluent which show similar trends, implying the importance of this radical in the surface treatment of PP. Analysis of the surface reveals a two stage mechanism for the production of polar bonds on the surface of the polymer: a fast reaction producing carboxylic acid, or a similar ketone, followed by a slower reaction that includes nitrogen from the atmosphere on the surface, producing amides from the ketones

Quantum algorithms for Josephson networks

We analyze possible implementations of quantum algorithms in a system of (macroscopic) Josephson charge qubits. System layout and parameters to realize the Deutsch algorithm with up to three qubits are provided. Special attention is paid to the necessity of entangled states in the various implementations. Further, we demonstrate explicitely that the gates to implement the Bernstein-Vazirani algorithm can be realized by using a system of uncoupled qubits

Experimental Implementation of the Deutsch-Jozsa Algorithm for Three-Qubit Functions using Pure Coherent Molecular Superpositions

The Deutsch-Jozsa algorithm is experimentally demonstrated for three-qubit functions using pure coherent superpositions of Li$_{2}$ rovibrational eigenstates. The function's character, either constant or balanced, is evaluated by first imprinting the function, using a phase-shaped femtosecond pulse, on a coherent superposition of the molecular states, and then projecting the superposition onto an ionic final state, using a second femtosecond pulse at a specific time delay

Experimental Implementation of Hogg's Algorithm on a Three-Quantum-bit NMR Quantum Computer

Using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) techniques with three-qubit sample, we have experimentally implemented the highly structured algorithm for the 1-SAT problem proposed by Hogg. A simplified temporal averaging procedure was employed to the three-qubit spin pseudo-pure state. The algorithm was completed with only a single evaluation of structure of the problem and the solutions were found with probability 100%, which outperform both unstructured quantum and the best classical search algorithm.Comment: Revtex, 14 pages and 1 table, 4 EPS figure

What motivates senior clinicians to teach medical students?

BACKGROUND: This study was designed to assess the motivations of senior medical clinicians to teach medical students. This understanding could improve the recruitment and retention of important clinical teachers. METHODS: The study group was 101 senior medical clinicians registered on a teaching list for a medical school teaching hospital (The Canberra Hospital, ACT, Australia). Their motivations to teach medical students were assessed applying Q methodology. RESULTS: Of the 75 participants, 18 (24%) were female and 57 (76%) were male. The age distribution was as follows: 30–40 years = 16 participants (21.3%), 41–55 years = 46 participants (61.3%) and >55 years = 13 participants (17.3%). Most participants (n = 48, 64%) were staff specialists and 27 (36%) were visiting medical officers. Half of the participants were internists (n = 39, 52%), 12 (16%) were surgeons, and 24 (32%) were other sub-specialists. Of the 26 senior clinicians that did not participate, two were women; 15 were visiting medical officers and 11 were staff specialists; 16 were internists, 9 were surgeons and there was one other sub-specialist. The majority of these non-participating clinicians fell in the 41–55 year age group. The participating clinicians were moderately homogenous in their responses. Factor analysis produced 4 factors: one summarising positive motivations for teaching and three capturing impediments for teaching. The main factors influencing motivation to teach medical students were intrinsic issues such as altruism, intellectual satisfaction, personal skills and truth seeking. The reasons for not teaching included no strong involvement in course design, a heavy clinical load or feeling it was a waste of time. CONCLUSION: This study provides some insights into factors that may be utilised in the design of teaching programs that meet teacher motivations and ultimately enhance the effectiveness of the medical teaching workforce

Antibacterial properties of tualang honey and its effect in burn wound management: a comparative study

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>The use of honey as a natural product of <it>Apis </it>spp. for burn treatment has been widely applied for centuries. Tualang honey has been reported to have antibacterial properties against various microorganisms, including those from burn-related diagnoses, and is cheaper and easier to be absorbed by Aquacel dressing. The aim of this study is to evaluate the potential antibacterial properties of tualang honey dressing and to determine its effectiveness as a partial thickness burn wound dressing.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>In order to quantitate the bioburden of the swabs, pour plates were performed to obtain the colony count (CFU/ml). Swabs obtained from burn wounds were streaked on blood agar and MacConkey agar for bacterial isolation and identification. Later, antibacterial activity of Aquacel-tualang honey, Aquacel-Manuka honey, Aquacel-Ag and Aquacel- plain dressings against bacteria isolated from patients were tested (<it>in-vitro</it>) to see the effectiveness of those dressings by zone of inhibition assays.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Seven organisms were isolated. Four types of Gram-negative bacteria, namely <it>Enterobacter cloacae</it>, <it>Klebsiella pneumoniae</it>, <it>Pseudomonas </it>spp. and <it>Acinetobacter </it>spp., and three Gram-positive bacteria, namely <it>Staphylococcus aureus</it>, coagulase-negative <it>Staphylococcus aureus </it>(CONS) and <it>Streptococcus </it>spp., were isolated. Total bacterial count decreased on day 6 and onwards. In the <it>in-vitro </it>antibacterial study, Aquacel-Ag and Aquacel-Manuka honey dressings gave better zone of inhibition for Gram positive bacteria compared to Aquacel-Tualang honey dressing. However, comparable results were obtained against Gram negative bacteria tested with Aquacel-Manuka honey and Aquacel-Tualang honey dressing.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>Tualang honey has a bactericidal as well as bacteriostatic effect. It is useful as a dressing, as it is easier to apply and is less sticky compared to Manuka honey. However, for Gram positive bacteria, tualang honey is not as effective as usual care products such as silver-based dressing or medical grade honey dressing.</p

Does Reduced IGF-1R Signaling in Igf1r+/− Mice Alter Aging?

Mutations in insulin/IGF-1 signaling pathway have been shown to lead to increased longevity in various invertebrate models. Therefore, the effect of the haplo- insufficiency of the IGF-1 receptor (Igf1r+/−) on longevity/aging was evaluated in C57Bl/6 mice using rigorous criteria where lifespan and end-of-life pathology were measured under optimal husbandry conditions using large sample sizes. Igf1r+/− mice exhibited reductions in IGF-1 receptor levels and the activation of Akt by IGF-1, with no compensatory increases in serum IGF-1 or tissue IGF-1 mRNA levels, indicating that the Igf1r+/− mice show reduced IGF-1 signaling. Aged male, but not female Igf1r+/− mice were glucose intolerant, and both genders developed insulin resistance as they aged. Female, but not male Igf1r+/− mice survived longer than wild type mice after lethal paraquat and diquat exposure, and female Igf1r+/− mice also exhibited less diquat-induced liver damage. However, no significant difference between the lifespans of the male Igf1r+/− and wild type mice was observed; and the mean lifespan of the Igf1r+/− females was increased only slightly (less than 5%) compared to wild type mice. A comprehensive pathological analysis showed no significant difference in end-of-life pathological lesions between the Igf1r+/− and wild type mice. These data show that the Igf1r+/− mouse is not a model of increased longevity and delayed aging as predicted by invertebrate models with mutations in the insulin/IGF-1 signaling pathway