Single enatiomer free-radical chemistry - Lewis acid-mediated reductions of racemic halides using chiral non-racemic stannanes

Additions of one to two equivalents of Lewis acids that include magnesium salts to free-radical reduction reactions involving ester functionalized radicals and (1R,2S,5R)-menthyldiphenyltin hydride <b>4b>, bis((1R,2S,5R)-menthyl)phenyltin hydride <b>5b>, tris((1R,2S,5R)-menthyl)tin hydride <b>6b>, bis((1R,2S,5R)-menthyl)-[8-(N,N-dimethylamino)naphthyl]tin hydride <b>12b>, bis((1R,2S,5R)-menthyl)-[1-((S)-N,N-dimethylaminoethyl)phenyl]tin hydride <b>13b> or 3α-dimethylstannyl-5α-cholestane <b>14b> result in remarkable enantioselectivities. Examples include (S)-naproxen ethyl ester <b>16b>, produced in 74% yield and greater than 99% ee at −78&deg;C from the bromide and <b>5b> in the presence of MgBrb>2b>, and ethyl (R)-N-trifluoroacetyl-b><b>D</b>b>-phenylglycinate <b>18b>, obtained in 78% yield and 99% ee under identical conditions. Kinetic and computational studies provide insight into the origins of these observations.<br /><br /><br />

Detection and habitat use of the rufous bristlebird (Dasyornis broadbenti) in coastal heathland, in south-western Victoria, Australia

The Rufous Bristlebird (Dasyornis broadbenti) is a sedentary, ground-dwelling passerine of southern Australia, which is listed as nationally vulnerable, and as near-threatened (lower risk) in Victoria. The species inhabits a variety of vegetation, including shrub thickets in coastal gullies to heathlands on limestone cliffs. This study aimed to assess the size, distribution and habitat use of a population of the subspecies D. b.&nbsp; broadbenti at Portland in south-western Victoria. Monthly surveys (2002&ndash;03) were conducted on foot for 1 h after official sunrise and 1 h before official sunset, and presence of Bristlebirds recorded using vocalisations and sightings. Observations outside of the survey times were also recorded to estimate the size of territories and core area of occupancy. To quantify habitat preferences, vegetation composition and structure were measured in areas where Bristlebirds were present, as well as surrounding areas where they were not detected. The population in the survey areas was estimated at between 70 and 86 individuals in the 170-ha survey area. The estimated size of territories of eight selected pairs of Bristlebirds ranged from 0.5 to 3 ha, with core areas of occupancy ranging from 0.2 to 0.6 ha. During the nesting season (August November) Bristlebirds were detected at greater frequencies in the core area of occupancy within each territory. Significant associations were found between the presence of Bristlebirds and floristic associations dominated by the native environmental weeds Acacia sophorae and Leptospermum laevigatum. Bristlebird presence was significantly positively correlated with increasing vegetation density in the mid-canopy level (80&ndash;120 cm) indicating that vegetation structure is a key factor in habitat use.<br />

Australian telecommuting : management communication strategies

This paper reports findings on the significance of management communication strategies to telecommuting, based on a survey of telecommuters at IBM Australia. With increased adoption of telecommuting, many strategies have been proffered to ensure that telecommuters have appreciable levels of job satisfaction. Low levels of job satisfaction can lead to unduly rapid employee turnover that is detrimental to business operation. The objective of this paper is to ascertain the perceptions of telecommuters at IBM Australia on a number of telecommuting practice measures, and to suggest how job satisfaction can be improved and maintained at high levels by giving greater attention to particular communication management strategies in Australia. Although the management communication strategies proffered in the literature appear to apply generally, this study concludes that a few aspects are distinctively applicable to the Australian environment. Those aspects should be specifically noted by those interested in benefiting from telecommuting practice. <br />

Factors associated with chronic plantar heel pain: a systematic review

Chronic plantar heel pain (CPHP) is one of the most common soft tissue disorders of the foot, yet its aetiology is poorly understood. The purpose of this systematic review was to examine the association between CPHP and the various aetiological factors reported in the literature. Seven electronic databases and the reference lists of key articles were searched in August 2005. The resulting list of articles was assessed by two independent reviewers according to pre-determined selection criteria and a final list of articles for review was created. The methodological quality of the included articles was assessed and the evidence presented in each of the articles was descriptively analysed. From the 16 included articles, body mass index in a non-athletic population and the presence of calcaneal spur were the two factors found to have an association with CPHP. Increased weight in a non athletic population, increased age, decreased ankle dorsiflexion, decreased first metatarsophalangeal joint extension and prolonged standing all demonstrated some evidence of an association with CPHP. Evidence for static foot posture and dynamic foot motion was inconclusive and height, weight and BMI in an athletic population were not associated with CPHP. The findings of this review should be used to guide the focus of prospective cohort studies, the results of which would ultimately provide a list of risk factors for CPHP. Such a list is essential in the development of new and improved preventative and treatment strategies for CPHP.<br />

Strategic review of enhancements and culture-based fisheries

Enhancements are interventions in the life cycle of common-pool aquatic resources. Enhancement technologies include culture-based fisheries, habitat modifications, fertilization, feeding and elimination of predators/competitors. Enhancements are estimated to yield about two million mt per year, mostly from culture-based fisheries in fresh waters where they account for some 20 percent of capture, or 10 percent of combined capture and culture production. Marine enhancements are still at an experimental stage, but some have reached commercial production. Enhancements use limited external feed and energy inputs, and can provide very high returns for labour and capital input. Moreover, enhancement initiatives can facilitate institutional change and a more active management of aquatic resources, leading to increased productivity, conservation and wider social benefits. Enhancements may help to maintain population abundance, community structure and ecosystem functioning in the face of heavy exploitation and/or environmental degradation. Negative environmental impacts may arise from ecological and genetic interactions between enhanced and wild stocks. Many enhancements have not realised their full potential because of a failure to address specific institutional, technological, management and research requirements emanating from two key characteristics. Firstly, enhancement involves investment in common-pool resources and can only be sustained under institutional arrangements that allow regulation of use and a flow of benefits to those who bear the costs of enhancement. Secondly, interventions are limited to certain aspects of the life cycle of stocks, and outcomes are strongly dependent on natural conditions beyond management control. Hence, management must be adapted to local conditions to be effective, and certain conditions may preclude successful enhancement altogether. Governments have a major role to play in facilitating enhancement initiatives through the establishment of conducive institutional arrangements, appropriate research support, and the management of environmental and other impacts on and from enhancements.<br />

What are we measuring when we evaluate journals?

This article undertakes two studies to examine issues related to journal rankings. Study 1 examines the consistency between journal rankings reported in past studies. It finds that while there is consistency when comparing these studies, this consistency does not always occur outside the top-ranked journals. Study 2 explores whether individuals believe that the weighting of four underlying evaluative criteria&mdash;that is, prestige, contribution to theory, contribution to practice, and contribution to teaching&mdash;vary, based on (1) whose criteria are used (individual or individuals’ perception of their institutions weighting), (2) the geographic region in which the individuals teach (North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific), and (3) whether or not an individual works at an institution offering a Ph.D./D.B.A. The results suggest that some differences in criteria weighting exist. Implications are discussed, with it being suggested that it may not be possible to develop a universally applicable set of journal rankings.<br />

The introduction, management and assessment of change process at Barwon Water, a technology based water authority

Covers managing change through a multifunctional change model linking a corporate strategy, longitudinal and cross organisational strategic drivers to a suite of change processes integrated synergistically to optimise customer service and business efficiency. Testing, analysis and benchmarking provide conclusions about the utility of the model and implementation strategies, change objective attainment, the strategic focus, learning outcomes and output achievement efficiency.

Mutation of the LUNATIC FRINGE gene in humans Causes spondylocostal dysostosis with a severe vertebral phenotype

The spondylocostal dysostoses (SCDs) are a heterogeneous group of vertebral malsegmentation disorders that arise during embryonic development by a disruption of somitogenesis. Previously, we had identified two genes that cause a subset of autosomal recessive forms of this disease: DLL3 (SCD1) and MESP2 (SCD2). These genes are important components of the Notch signaling pathway, which has multiple roles in development and disease. Here, we have used a candidate-gene approach to identify a mutation in a third Notch pathway gene, LUNATIC FRINGE (LFNG), in a family with autosomal recessive SCD. LFNG encodes a glycosyltransferase that modifies the Notch family of cell-surface receptors, a key step in the regulation of this signaling pathway. A missense mutation was identified in a highly conserved phenylalanine close to the active site of the enzyme. Functional analysis revealed that the mutant LFNG was not localized to the correct compartment of the cell, was unable to modulate Notch signaling in a cell-based assay, and was enzymatically inactive. This represents the first known mutation in the human LFNG gene and reinforces the hypothesis that proper regulation of the Notch signaling pathway is an absolute requirement for the correct patterning of the axial skeleton.<br />

Preparation and characterization of a PAN nanofibre containing Ag nanoparticles via electrospinning

A polyacrylonitrile (PAN) nanofiber containing Ag nanoparticles was prepared by an electrospinning technology. To prevent the nanoparticles from coagulating in polymer solutions, an approach of in-situ preparing nanoparticles in PAN solution was used. Diameters of the nanoparticles and nanofiber as well as distribution of the former in the latter were characterized by Transmission electron microscopy. Crystal structure of the nanoparticles was given by X-ray diffraction. Absorption spectrum of the nanocomposites was measured by UV-Vis. Conductivity of the nanocomposites was compared with the pure PAN nanofiber.

Mentoring and the transfer of organizational memory within the context of an aging workforce : cultural implications for competitive advantage

Organizational memory, the knowledge gained from organizational experience, has significant potential for competitive advantage. Many authors in the knowledge management and human resource management literatures consider mentoring to be a particularly effective method of transferring organizational memory. In addition, older workers are often considered ideal mentors in organizations because of their experience and alleged willingness to pass on their knowledge to less experienced employees. There is an associated assumption that these workers also anticipate and experience positive outcomes when mentoring others. This chapter considers whether these assumptions hold up in the workplaces of the 21st century, particularly within Western countries. Individualistic cultural norms and some discriminatory practices towards older workers, along with a changing career contract that no longer guarantees employment in one organization for life, may discourage knowledge sharing in organizations. This chapter discusses the constraints and motivations that may operate when older experienced workers consider mentoring others. It considers relevant global and organizational cultural characteristics that may influence mentoring to transfer knowledge, and accordingly suggests strategies for those eager to capitalise on the knowledge experienced employees possess.

Organizational memory and empowerment

Purpose &ndash; The aim of this paper is to test a model of the relationship between organizational memory and empowerment. The model posited that organizational memory would be related to requests to share knowledge, psychological empowerment in the workplace (meaning, competence, self-determination and impact), and organization-based self-esteem. Design/methodology/approach &ndash; The model was tested with 134 employees representing six companies using hierarchical regression analysis. Findings &ndash; Significant relationships were found between organizational memory and requests to share knowledge, empowerment, and organization-based self-esteem. Findings indicated that a positive stereotype may exist towards older workers and the frequency they are requested to share knowledge, and that a halo-type effect may operate, where knowledge of an organization's history is generalized to other knowledge domains. Research limitations/implications &ndash; Causal implications cannot be made as this was correlational research. Some of the research measures while achieving acceptable to good reliability were in an early development stage. The study utilized a convenience sample that may limit how the results can be generalized. Practical implications &ndash; The paper indicates that organizations can emphasize positive outcomes for those who are knowledge repositories and mentors. It is also important to consider possible &ldquo;positive stereotypes&rdquo; which may be operating when organizational members evaluate older workers as knowledge repositories and mentors. Originality/value &ndash; The paper addresses the assumptions in the human resources literature concerning the role of older workers as repositories of organizational memory and suitable mentors. The study introduces the &ldquo;requests to share knowledge scale&rdquo;.

The effect of an ultra-endurance running race on mucosal and humoral immune function

There are reports of the effect of endurance exercise on mucosal immune function and of the effect of short duration exercise on humoral immune function. However, little is known of the effect of endurance exercise on humoral immune function and the related risk of infection. This study examined the effects of an ultra-endurance running race on salivary immunoglobulin-A (s-IgA), serum IgA, leukocyte subset concentrations and the incidence of upper respiratory tract infections (URTI).&nbsp;<div><br />Thirteen male and 4 female competitors provided saliva samples and blood before and at several times after the running race. Self-reported symptoms of URTI were also recorded for 2 weeks before and 2 weeks after the race. <br /><br />Salivary IgA secretion rate (P=0.005) and ratio to osmolality (P=0.006) were lower immediately postrace and decreased further for at least 2 more h. s-IgA secretion rate had not returned to normal the next morning (P=0.009). Serum IgA concentration was lower post- than prerace (P=0.003) and was even lower the next morning (P<0.001). Leukocyte con centration was elevated postrace (P<0.001), mainly because of an increase in neutrophils (P<0.001) and both remained high the morning after the race (P<0.001). Lymphocyte concentration decreased postrace (P<0.001) and was still depressed the next morning (P=0.032). The incidence of symptoms of URTI was the same in the two 2-week periods before and after the race. <br /><br />These findings support the hypotheses that an ultra-endurance run may adversely affect mucosal immunity and cause significant changes in the concentration of leukocyte subsets.div>