Deprotection, tethering, and activation of a catalytically active metalloporphyrin to a chemically active metal surface: [SAc](4)P-Mn(III)Cl on Ag(100)

The adsorption and subsequent thermal chemistry of the acetyl-protected manganese porphyrin, [SA(C)](4)P-Mn(III)Cl on Ag(100) have been studied by high resolution XPS and temperature-programmed desorption. The deprotection event, leading to formation of the covalently bound thioporphyrin, has been characterized and the conditions necessary for removal of the axial chlorine ligand have been determined, thus establishing a methodology for creating tethered activated species that could serve as catalytic sites for delicate oxidation reactions. Surface-mediated acetyl deprotection occurs at 298 K, at which temperature porphyrin diffusion is limited. At temperatures above similar to 425 K porphyrin desorption, diffusion and deprotection occur and at >470 K the axial chlorine is removed.

Bis(calix[4]diquinone) receptors: cesium- and rubidium-selective redox-active ionophores

A new class of redox-active ionophore comprised of two calix[4]diquinone moieties connected through either alkylene or pyridylene linkages has been developed. Spectroscopic and electrochemical investigations, X-ray crystal structure analyses, and molecular modeling studies show butylene- and propylene-linked members of this family of redox-active receptors exhibit remarkable selectivity preferences and substantial electrochemical recognition effects toward cesium and rubidium cations.

Ditopic redox-active polyferrocenyl zinc(II) dithiocarbamate macrocyclic receptors: synthesis, coordination and electrochemical recognition properties

The synthesis of a range of ditopic polyferrocenyl zinc(II) dithiocarbamate macrocyclic receptors containing ferrocene groups on the macrocycle's periphery and/or as part of the cyclic cavity is reported. The assemblies have been characterised by a range of spectroscopic techniques, electrochemical studies and in two cases by X-ray structure determination. The ability of these host systems to bind and sense electrochemically anionic guest species, isonicotinate and benzoate, and neutral 4-picoline guest was examined by H-1 NMR and cyclic voltammetric titration studies. The strongest association was found between the isonicotinate anion and a dinuclear zinc(II) receptor whose macrocyclic cavity is of complementary size to complex this bidentate guest species in a cooperative manner. Cyclic voltammetric studies demonstrated that all receptors can electrochemically sense the binding of isonicotinate and benzoate via significant cathodic perturbations of the respective ferrocene redox couple.

EQUAL: New horizons for ageing research

The Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) extending quality of life (EQUAL) initiative, specifically supports interdisciplinary user-focused design, engineering and technology research concerned with enhancing the independence and quality of life of older and disabled people. This paper briefly describes a recent programme to encourage the adoption of a broader perspective on the lives and needs of older people that have been pursued by EPSRC through its extending quality life (EQUAL) initiative. EPSRC is the principle supporter design, engineering and technology research in UK universities. The paper illustrates the scope of EQUAL.

Building capacity for ageing and disability-related research

Since 1997, EQUAL has supported over forty ageing and disability-related research projects, many of which demonstrating an inclusive design dimension. Some of these projects have had a significant influence on policy and practice. However, less progress has been made in promoting ageing-related research in scientific areas. Building on the experience gained in developing the inclusive design research community, SPARC was created with the aim to provide opportunities for introducing newcomers across a wide range of engineering and biological fields to ageing and disability-related research. Through an awards scheme, SPARC provides financial support, mentoring, editorial assistance and a platform for dissemination and access to international activities. In addition, SPARC organises national and international workshops that showcase the latest research and educates individuals, society and government about the value of ageing and disability-related research.

Test performance indicators from a single soccer specific fitness test differentiate between highly trained and recreationally active soccer players

Aim. The aim of this study was to investigate whether a single soccer specific fitness test (SSFT) could differentiate between highly trained and recreationally active soccer players in selected test performance indicators. Methods. Subjects: 13 Academy Scholars (AS) from a professional soccer club and 10 Recreational Players (RP) agreed to participate in this study. Test 1-(V)over dotO(2) max was estimated from a progressive shuttle run test to exhaustion. Test 2-The SSFT was controlled by an automated procedure and alternated between walking, sprinting, jogging and cruise running speeds. Three activity blocks (1A, 2A and 3A) were separated by 3 min rest periods in which blood lactate samples were drawn. The 3 blocks of activity (Part A) were followed by 10 min of exercise at speeds alternating between jogging and cruise running (Part B). Results. Estimated (V)over dotO(2) max did not significantly differ between groups, although a trend for a higher aerobic capacity was evident in AS (p<0.09). Exercising heart rates did not differ between AS and RP, however, recovery heart rates taken from the 3 min rest periods were significantly lower in AS compared with RP following blocks 1A (124.65 b(.)min(-1) +/-7.73 and 133.98 b(.)min(-1) +/-6.63), (p<0.05) and 3A (129.91 b.min(-1) +/-10.21 and 138.85 b.min(-1) +/-8.70), (p<0.01). Blood lactate concentrations were significantly elevated in AS in comparison to RP following blocks 2A (6.91 mmol(.)l(-1) +/-2.67 and 4.74 mmol(.)l(-1) +/-1.28) and 3A (7.18 mmol(.)l(-1) +/-2.97 and 4.88 mmol(.)l(-1) +/-1.50), (p<0.05). AS sustained significantly faster average sprint times in block 3A compared with RP (3.18 sec +/-0.12 and 3.31 sec +/-0.12), (p<0.05). Conclusion. The results of this study show that highly trained soccer players are able to sustain, and more quickly recover from, high intensity intermittent exercise.