Amino group position dependent orientation of self-assembled monomolecular films of tetraaminophthalocyanatocobalt(II) on Au surfaces

Self-assembled monomolecular films of 1,8,15,22-tetraaminophthalocyanatocobalt(II) (4α-CoIITAPc) and 2,9,16,23-tetraaminophthalocyanatocobalt(II) (4β-CoIITAPc) on Au surfaces were prepared by spontaneous adsorption from solution. These films were characterized by cyclic voltammetry and Raman spectroscopy. Both the surface coverage (Γ) and intensity of the in-plane stretching bands obtained from Raman studies vary for these monomolecular films, indicating different orientations adopted by them on Au surfaces. The 4α-CoIITAPc-modified electrode exhibits an E1/2 of 0.35 V, while the 4β-CoIITAPc-modified electrode exhibits an E1/2 of 0.19 V, corresponding to the CoII/CoIII redox couple in 0.1 M H2SO4. The Γ estimated from the charge associated with the oxidation of Co(II) gives (2.62 ± 0.10) × 10-11 mol cm-2 for 4α-CoIITAPc and (3.43 ± 0.14) × 10-10 mol cm-2 for 4β-CoIITAPc. In Raman spectral studies, the intensity ratio between in-plane phthalocyanine (Pc) stretching and the Au−N stretching was found to be 6.6 for 4β-CoIITAPc, while it was 1.6 for 4α-CoIITAPc. The obtained lower Γ and intensity ratio values suggest that 4α-CoIITAPc adopts nearly a parallel orientation on the Au surface, while the higher Γ and intensity ratio values suggest that 4β-CoIITAPc adopts a perpendicular orientation. The electrochemical reduction of dioxygen was carried out using these differently oriented Pc's in phosphate buffer solution (pH 7.2). Both the Pc's catalyze the reduction of dioxygen; however, the 4α-CoIITAPc-modified electrode greatly reduces the dioxygen reduction overpotential compared to 4β-CoIITAPc-modified and bare Au electrodes.

Hybrid CuTCNQ/AgTCNQ metal-organic charge transfer complexes via galvanic replacement vs. corrosion recrystallization

This study reports a hybrid of two metal-organic semiconductors that are based on organic charge transfer complexes of 7,7,8,8-tetracyanoquinodimethane (TCNQ). It is shown that the spontaneous reaction between semiconducting microrods of CuTCNQ with Ag+ ions leads to the formation of a CuTCNQ/AgTCNQ hybrid, both in aqueous solution and acetonitrile, albeit with completely different reaction mechanisms. In an aqueous environment, the reaction proceeds by a complex galvanic replacement (GR) mechanism, wherein in addition to AgTCNQ nanowires, Ag0 nanoparticles and Cu(OH)2 crystals decorate the surface of CuTCNQ microrods. Conversely, in acetonitrile, a GR mechanism is found to be thermodynamically unfavorable and instead a corrosion-recrystallization mechanism leads to the decoration of CuTCNQ microrods with AgTCNQ nanoplates, resulting in a pure CuTCNQ/AgTCNQ hybrid metal-organic charge transfer complex. While hybrids of two different inorganic semiconductors are regularly reported, this report pioneers the formation of a hybrid involving two metal-organic semiconductors that will expand the scope of TCNQ-based charge transfer complexes for improved catalysis, sensing, electronics and biological applications.

Vocalizations of the North Island Brown Kiwi (Apteryx mantelli)

Few studies have investigated the vocal communication of ratites, and none has investigated the spectral and temporal structure of vocalizations of Apteryx, the only extant ratite genus in New Zealand. We describe the long-range vocalization (whistle call) and vocal behavior of male and female North Island Brown Kiwi (Apteryx mantelli). Spontaneous calling by seven pairs was recorded in the field over a one-year period. Call notes produced by males were tonal in nature; the fundamental frequency was ~1.5 kHz, with overtones reaching up to ~13.0 kHz. Call notes produced by females contained a series of tightly packed, poorly defined harmonics and consisted of a fundamental frequency of ~0.1 kHz, with overtones reaching ~7.0 kHz. The amplitude within notes of females was concentrated into two prominent formants. Some individuals of pairs exhibited duetting behavior that resulted in alteration of the inter-note interval after the onset of the call of their mate. Our findings draw attention to the uniqueness of the North Island Brown Kiwi's vocalizations, and we uncovered some unexpected structural features that call for further investigation.

Health consequences of exposure to e-waste : a systematic review

Background The population exposed to potentially hazardous substances through inappropriate and unsafe management practices related to disposal and recycling of end-of-life electrical and electronic equipment, collectively known as e-waste, is increasing. We aimed to summarise the evidence for the association between such exposures and adverse health outcomes. Methods We systematically searched five electronic databases (PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, PsycNET, and CINAHL) for studies assessing the association between exposure to e-waste and outcomes related to mental health and neurodevelopment, physical health, education, and violence and criminal behaviour, from Jan 1, 1965, to Dec 17, 2012, and yielded 2274 records. Of the 165 full-text articles assessed for eligibility, we excluded a further 142, resulting in the inclusion of 23 published epidemiological studies that met the predetermined criteria. All studies were from southeast China. We assessed evidence of a causal association between exposure to e-waste and health outcomes within the Bradford Hill framework. Findings We recorded plausible outcomes associated with exposure to e-waste including change in thyroid function, changes in cellular expression and function, adverse neonatal outcomes, changes in temperament and behaviour, and decreased lung function. Boys aged 8–9 years living in an e-waste recycling town had a lower forced vital capacity than did those living in a control town. Significant negative correlations between blood chromium concentrations and forced vital capacity in children aged 11 and 13 years were also reported. Findings from most studies showed increases in spontaneous abortions, stillbirths, and premature births, and reduced birthweights and birth lengths associated with exposure to e-waste. People living in e-waste recycling towns or working in e-waste recycling had evidence of greater DNA damage than did those living in control towns. Studies of the effects of exposure to e-waste on thyroid function were not consistent. One study related exposure to e-waste and waste electrical and electronic equipment to educational outcomes. Interpretation Although data suggest that exposure to e-waste is harmful to health, more well designed epidemiological investigations in vulnerable populations, especially pregnant women and children, are needed to confirm these associations. Funding Children's Health and Environment Program, Queensland Children's Medical Research Institute, The University of Queensland, Australia.

Burden of decompensated cirrhosis and ascites on hospital services in a tertiary care facility: time for change?

Background Ascites, the most frequent complication of cirrhosis, is associated with poor prognosis and reduced quality of life. Recurrent hospital admissions are common and often unplanned, resulting in increased use of hospital services. Aims To examine use of hospital services by patients with cirrhosis and ascites requiring paracentesis, and to investigate factors associated with early unplanned readmission. Methods A retrospective review of the medical chart and clinical databases was performed for patients who underwent paracentesis between October 2011 and October 2012. Clinical parameters at index admission were compared between patients with and without early unplanned hospital readmissions. Results The 41 patients requiring paracentesis had 127 hospital admissions, 1164 occupied bed days and 733 medical imaging services. Most admissions (80.3%) were for management of ascites, of which 41.2% were unplanned. Of those eligible, 69.7% were readmitted and 42.4% had an early unplanned readmission. Twelve patients died and nine developed spontaneous bacterial peritonitis. Of those eligible for readmission, more patients died (P = 0.008) and/or developed spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (P = 0.027) if they had an early unplanned readmission during the study period. Markers of liver disease, as well as haemoglobin (P = 0.029), haematocrit (P = 0.024) and previous heavy alcohol use (P = 0.021) at index admission, were associated with early unplanned readmission. Conclusion Patients with cirrhosis and ascites comprise a small population who account for substantial use of hospital services. Markers of disease severity may identify patients at increased risk of early readmission. Alternative models of care should be considered to reduce unplanned hospital admissions, healthcare costs and pressure on emergency services.

Emotional expressions preferentially elicit implicit evaluations of faces also varying in race or age

Both facial cues of group membership (race, age, and sex) and emotional expressions can elicit implicit evaluations to guide subsequent social behavior. There is, however, little research addressing whether group membership cues or emotional expressions are more influential in the formation of implicit evaluations of faces when both cues are simultaneously present. The current study aimed to determine this. Emotional expressions but not race or age cues elicited implicit evaluations in a series of affective priming tasks with emotional Caucasian and African faces (Experiments 1 and 2) and young and old faces (Experiment 3). Spontaneous evaluations of group membership cues of race and age only occurred when those cues were task relevant, suggesting the preferential influence of emotional expressions in the formation of implicit evaluations of others when cues of race or age are not salient. Implications for implicit prejudice, face perception, and person construal are discussed.

Bisphenol A sorption by organo-montmorillonite: Implications for the removal of organic contaminants from water

Remediation of bisphenol A (BPA) from aqueous solutions by adsorption using organoclays synthesized from montmorillonite (MMT) with different types of organic surfactant molecules was demonstrated. High adsorption capacities of the organoclays for the uptake of BPA were observed and these demonstrated their potential application as strong adsorbents for noxious organic water contaminants. The adsorption of BPA was significantly influenced by pH, with increased adsorption of BPA in acidic pH range. However, the organoclays intercalated with highly loaded surfactants and/or large surfactant molecules were less influenced by the pH of the environment and this was thought to be due to the shielding the negative charge from surfactant molecules and the development of more positive charge on the clay surface, which leads to the attraction of anionic BPA even at alkaline pH. The hydrophobic phase created by loaded surfactant molecules contributed to a partitioning phase, interacting with BPA molecules strongly through hydrophobic interaction. Pseudo-second order kinetic model and Langmuir isotherm provided the best fit for the adsorption of BPA onto the organoclays. In addition, the adsorption process was spontaneous and exothermic with lower temperature facilitating the adsorption of BPA onto the organoclays. The described process provides a potential pathway for the removal of BPA from contaminated waters.

Removal characteristics of ammonium nitrogen from wastewater by modified Ca-bentonites

A modified inorganic bentonite (Na/Al) based on purified Ca-bentonite was prepared through exchanging Al and Na ions in the interlayer space of Ca-bentonite. The structural properties of purified and modified bentonites were characterized by XRD and SEM analysis. Batch experiments were performed for the adsorption of ammonium nitrogen and different experimental conditions were studied in order to investigate the optimum adsorption conditions. Comparative experiments were also carried out for natural Ca-bentonite (RB), unmodified purified bentonite (PB) and modified purified bentonite (MB). Through the thermodynamic analysis, the ammonium nitrogen adsorption process can be spontaneous, the standard heat was −41.46kJmol −1 , and the adsorption process based on ion exchange adsorption. The ammonium nitrogen adsorption capacity of MB (46.904mg/g) was improved compared to raw bentonite (RB) (26.631mg/g), which was among the highest values of ammonium nitrogen adsorption compared with other adsorbents according to the literatures. The described process provides a potential pathway for the removal of ammonium nitrogen at low concentrations encountered in most natural waters.

A computer-controlled hyperthermia system

Hyperthermia, raised temperature, has been used as a means of treating cancer for centuries. Hippocrates (400 BC) and Galen (200 BC) used red-hot irons to treat small tumours. Much later, after the Renaissance, there are many reports of spontaneous tumour regression in patients with fevers produced by erysipelas, malaria, smallpox, tuberculosis and influenza. These illnesses produce fevers of about 40 °C which last for several days. Temperatures of at least 40 °C were found to be necessary for tumour regression. Towards the end of the nineteenth century pyrogenic bacteria were injected into patients with cancer. In 1896, Coly used a mixture of erysipelas and B. prodigeosus, with some success...

Common psychotic symptoms can be explained by the theory of ecological perception

The symptoms of psychiatric illness are diverse, as are the causes of the illnesses that cause them. Yet, regardless of the heterogeneity of cause and presentation, a great deal of symptoms can be explained by the failure of a single perceptual function – the reprocessing of ecological perception. It is a central tenet of the ecological theory of perception that we perceive opportunities to act. It has also been found that perception automatically causes actions and thoughts to occur unless this primary action pathway is inhibited. Inhibition allows perceptions to be reprocessed into more appropriate alternative actions and thoughts. Reprocessing of this kind takes place over the entire frontal lobe and it renders action optional. Choice about what action to take (if any) is the basis for the feeling of autonomy and ultimately for the sense-of-self. When thoughts and actions occur automatically (without choice) they appear to originate outside of the self, thereby providing prima facie evidence for some of the bizarre delusions that define schizophrenia such as delusional misidentification, delusions of control and Cotard’s delusion. Automatic actions and thoughts are triggered by residual stimulation whenever reprocessing is insufficient to balance automatic excitatory cues (for whatever reason). These may not be noticed if they are neutral and therefore unimportant whereas actions and thoughts with a positive bias are desirable. Responses to negative stimulus, on the other hand, are always unwelcome, because the actions that are triggered will carry the negative bias. Automatic thoughts may include spontaneous positive feelings of love and joy, but automatic negative thoughts and visualisations are experienced as hallucinations. Not only do these feel like they emerge from elsewhere but they carry a negative bias (they are most commonly critical, rude and are irrationally paranoid). Automatic positive actions may include laughter and smiling and these are welcome. Automatic behaviours that carry a negative bias, however, are unwelcome and like hallucinations, occur without a sense of choice. These include crying, stereotypies, perseveration, ataxia, utilization and imitation behaviours and catatonia.

Playing with Technology: Young Children Making Sense of Technology as Part of Their Everyday Social Worlds

Games and activities, often involving aspects of pretence and fantasy play, are an essential aspect of everyday preschool life for many young children. Young children’s spontaneous play activities can be understood as social life in action. Increasingly, young children’s games and activities involve their engagement in pretence using play props to represent computers, laptops and other pieces of technology equipment. In this way, pretend play becomes a context for engaging with matters from the real world. There are a number of studies investigating school-aged children engaging in gaming and other online activities, but less is known about what young children are doing with online technologies. Drawing on Australian Research Council funded research of children engaging with technologies at home and school, this chapter investigates how young children use technologies in everyday life by showing how they draw on props, both real or imaginary, to support their play activities. An ethnomethodological approach using conversation analysis is used to explore how children’s gestures, gaze and talk work to introduce ideas and activities. This chapter contributes to understandings of how children’s play intersects with technologies and pretend play.

Ticking the box and closing the loop: Can dialogue be mandated?

Dialogue is a spontaneous, free-flowing, and untrammeled form of two-way communication between participants who respect, trust, and empathize with each other. Its ethical superiority and effectiveness in bringing participants together mean it is an important aspect of organizational responses to increasingly-empowered stakeholders. But what happens when dialogue is legally mandated between participants who view each other as a problem, if not actually the enemy? When dialogue is perceived as a contest with the winner securing the prize of dictating organizational behavior? Is this – can this ever be – dialogue? Sometimes what happens in the name of dialogue is far from dialogic, and ‘dialogue’ is reduced to ticking a box on a form, or closing a communication loop. This challenges those very characteristics that are the basis of dialogue’s claim to superiority. This conclusion demonstrates the need for a radical reconsideration of both the theory and practice of dialogue in public relations.

The IFITM5 mutation c.-14C > T results in an elongated transcript expressed in human bone; And causes varying phenotypic severity of osteogenesis imperfecta type V

Background The genetic mutation resulting in osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) type V was recently characterised as a single point mutation (c.-14C > T) in the 5' untranslated region (UTR) of IFITM5, a gene encoding a transmembrane protein with expression restricted to skeletal tissue. This mutation creates an alternative start codon and has been shown in a eukaryotic cell line to result in a longer variant of IFITM5, but its expression has not previously been demonstrated in bone from a patient with OI type V. Methods Sanger sequencing of the IFITM5 5' UTR was performed in our cohort of subjects with a clinical diagnosis of OI type V. Clinical data was collated from referring clinicians. RNA was extracted from a bone sample from one patient and Sanger sequenced to determine expression of wild-type and mutant IFITM5. Results: All nine subjects with OI type V were heterozygous for the c.-14C > T IFITM5 mutation. Clinically, there was heterogeneity in phenotype, particularly in the manifestation of bone fragility amongst subjects. Both wild-type and mutant IFITM5 mRNA transcripts were present in bone. Conclusions The c.-14C > T IFITM5 mutation does not result in an RNA-null allele but is expressed in bone. Individuals with identical mutations in IFITM5 have highly variable phenotypic expression, even within the same family.

Optimizing the quantum dot: Plasmon interaction in a nano gap waveguide

Spontaneous emission (SE) of a Quantum emitter depends mainly on the transmission strength between the upper and lower energy levels as well as the Local Density of States (LDOS)[1]. When a QD is placed in near a plasmon waveguide, LDOS of the QD is increased due to addition of the non-radiative decay and a plasmonic decay channel to free space emission[2-4]. The slow velocity and dramatic concentration of the electric field of the plasmon can capture majority of the SE into guided plasmon mode (Гpl ). This paper focused on studying the effect of waveguide height on the efficiency of coupling QD decay into plasmon mode using a numerical model based on finite elemental method (FEM). Symmetric gap waveguide considered in this paper support single mode and QD as a dipole emitter. 2D simulation models are done to find normalized Гpl and 3D models are used to find probability of SE decaying into plasmon mode ( β) including all three decay channels. It is found out that changing gap height can increase QD-plasmon coupling, by up to a factor of 5 and optimally placed QD up to a factor of 8. To make the paper more realistic we briefly studied the effect of sharpness of the waveguide edge on SE emission into guided plasmon mode. Preliminary nano gap waveguide fabrication and testing are already underway. Authors expect to compare the theoretical results with experimental outcomes in the future

Fear memory reactivation after extinction activates plasticity in the lateral amygdala

Little is known about the neuronal changes that occur within the lateral amygdala (LA) following fear extinction. In fear extinction, the repeated presentation of a conditioned stimulus (CS), in the absence of a previously paired aversive unconditioned stimulus (US), reduces fear elicited by the CS. Fear extinction is an active learning process that leads to the formation of a consolidated extinction memory, however it is fragile and prone to spontaneous recovery and renewal under environmental changes such as context. Understanding the neural mechanisms underlying fear extinction is of great clinical relevance, as psychological treatments of several anxiety disorders rely largely on extinction-based procedures and relapse is major clinical problem. This study investigated plasticity in the LA following fear memory reactivation in rats with and without extinction training. Phosphorylated MAPK (p44/42 ERK/MAPK), a protein kinase required in the amygdala for fear learning and its extinction, was used as a marker for neuronal plasticity. Rats (N = 11) underwent a Pavlovian auditory fear conditioning and extinction paradigm, and later received a single conditioned stimulus presentation to reactivate the fear memory. Results showed more pMAPK+ expressing neurons in the LA following extinction-reactivation compared to control rats, with the largest number of pMAPK+ neurons counted in the ventral LA, especially including the ventro-lateral subdivision (LAvl). These findings indicate that LA subdivision specific plasticity occurs to the conditioned fear memory in the LAvl following extinction-reactivation. These findings provide important insight into the organisation of fear memories in the LA, and pave the way for future research in the memory mechanisms of fear extinction and its pathophysiology.