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Limb-girdle muscular dystrophies (LGMD) are a genetically heterogeneous category of autosomal inherited muscle diseases. Many genes causing LGMD have been identified, and clinical trials are beginning for treatment of some genetic subtypes. However, even with the gene-level mechanisms known, it is still difficult to get a robust and generalizable prevalence estimation for each subtype due to the limited amount of epidemiology data and the low incidence of LGMDs. Taking advantage of recently published exome and genome sequencing data from the general population, we used a Bayesian method to develop a robust disease prevalence estimator. This method was applied to nine recessive LGMD subtypes. The estimated disease prevalence calculated by this method was largely comparable with published estimates from epidemiological studies; however, it highlighted instances of possible underdiagnosis for LGMD2B and 2L. The increasing size of aggregated population variant databases will allow for robust and reproducible prevalence estimates of recessive disease, which is critical for the strategic design and prioritization of clinical trials.

Fine-scale molecular architecture is critical for nervous system and other biological functions. Methods to visualize these nanoscale structures would benefit from enhanced accessibility, throughput, and tissue compatibility. Here, we report RAIN-STORM, a rapid and scalable nanoscopic imaging optimization approach that improves three-dimensional visualization for subcellular targets in tissue at depth. RAIN-STORM uses conventional tissue samples and readily available reagents and is suitable for commercial instrumentation. To illustrate the efficacy of RAIN-STORM, we utilized the retina. We show that RAIN-STORM imaging is versatile and provide 3D nanoscopic data for over 20 synapse, neuron, glia, and vasculature targets. Sample preparation is also rapid, with a 1-day turnaround from tissue to image, and parameters are suitable for multiple tissue sources. Finally, we show that this method can be applied to clinical samples to reveal nanoscale features of human cells and synapses. RAIN-STORM thus paves the way for high-throughput studies of nanoscopic targets in tissue.

With more labels appearing on food products, it becomes questionable how many add relevant information to consumers. Some products have labels conveying no, redundant, or minimal information, while others have multiple labels that contain overlapping information. The expansion of these types of minimal-information labeling suggests a perception among marketers that labels improve consumers’ perceptions and increase willingness to pay (WTP). Using watermelons, field experiments with 328 participants were conducted to estimate WTP differences between (1) a product with a minimal-information label and no label; and (2) a product with a minimal-information label with and without an overlapping label. While the minimal-information label added nothing new about the origin of the watermelon (redundant information), added minimal information on taste, and provided no mention of food safety (no information), perceptions among participants of all these attributes positively and significantly increased in both label comparisons. The WTP for the product with a minimal-information label also increased, demonstrating consumers will sacrifice real money for products with these labels. The evidence suggests that labels have capabilities to shape perceptions and influence WTP even beyond those attributes they make a claim regarding.

Retinal function relies on precisely organized neurons and synapses and a properly patterned vasculature to support them. Alterations in these features can result in vision loss. However, our understanding of retinal organization pathways remains incomplete because of a lack of methods to rapidly identify neuron and vasculature regulators in mammals. Here we developed a pipeline for the identification of neural and synaptic integrity genes by high-throughput retinal screening (INSiGHT) that analyzes candidate expression, vascular patterning, cellular organization, and synaptic arrangement. Using this system, we examined 102 mutant mouse lines and identified 16 unique retinal regulatory genes. Fifteen of these candidates are identified as novel retina regulators, and many (9 of 16) are associated with human neural diseases. These results expand the genetic landscape involved in retinal circuit organization and provide a road map for continued discovery of mammalian retinal regulators and disease-causing alleles.

Two new vanadium tellurites, VTeO4(OH) (1) and Ba2V4O8(Te3O10) (2), have been synthesized successfully with the use of hydrothermal reactions. The crystal structures of the two compounds were determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Compound 1 crystallizes in the polar space group Pca21 (No. 29) while compound 2 crystallizes in the centrosymmetric space group C2/c (No. 15). The topography of compound 1 reveals a two-dimensional, layered structure comprised of VO6 octahedral chains and TeO3(OH) zig-zag chains. Compound 2, on the contrary, features a three-dimensional [V4O8(Te3O10)]4- anionic framework with Ba2+ ions filled into the 10-member ring helical tunnels. The [V4O8(Te3O10)]4- anionic network is the first 3D vanadium tellurite framework to be discovered in the alkaline-earth vanadium tellurite system. Powder second harmonic generation (SHG) measurements indicate that compound 1 shows a weak SHG response of about 0.3×KDP (KH2PO4) under 1064 nm laser radiation. Infrared spectroscopy, elemental analysis, thermal analysis, and dipole moment calculations have also been carried out.

En las ultimas decadas ha aumentado constantemente el numero de lesiones de las glandulas suprarrenales que se diagnostican y extirpan. Paralelamente, la mejoria de los medios diagnosticos y terapeuticos ha permitido disminuir la mortalidad asociada a este tipo de patologia. A partir de los anos decada de 2000 se impuso la via de acceso laparoscopica como la via de eleccion. En el plano anestesico, el principal desafio de la cirugia de las glandulas suprarrenales se relaciona con los tumores secretores, que se asocian a un sindrome endocrino. De hecho, estos tumores pueden dar lugar a una liberacion masiva de hormonas, que produce modificaciones hemodinamicas, metabolicas y electroliticas durante el periodo perioperatorio. Este articulo describe la preparacion preoperatoria asi como la actitud terapeutica operatoria y postoperatoria de los tumores secretores y no secretores, concentrandose en el sindrome de Cushing, el sindrome de Conn y el feocromocitoma.

Objectives: To describe the association, within a gynecologic surgery population, between a patient’s age and their main source of healthcare news during the COVID-19 pandemic as well as compliance with preventative guidelines as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Materials and Methods: This is a cross-sectional survey conducted via telephone of gynecologic surgery patients whose scheduled procedures were postponed as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Subjects were placed into two groups based on age - those 60 and above and those less than 60. Patients were questioned regarding their demographics, behavioral practices, and their primary news source related to the pandemic. Traditional news sources were defined as TV, radio, or newspaper. Modern news sources included any form of social media. Results: Of the 115 subjects eligible for this study, 49 agreed to participate (42.6%). Of these, 27 (55%) were age 60 and above and 22 were under the age of 60 (45%). In the older group, all subjects reported using traditional media while only eight subjects (30%) also reported obtaining healthcare information from modern news sources. In the younger group, 16 subjects (73%) reported using traditional media while 14 (63%) simultaneously reported using modern media. When comparing the groups, there was no statistically significant difference in utilization of traditional news sources by age, however, the older group was much less likely to receive their information from modern media (P < 0.001). Regarding preventative measures, women over the age of 60 were more likely to quarantine than the younger group (OR = 2.35). Conversely, women under 60 were more likely to wear a mask (OR = 3.6), hand wash (OR = 2.36), and social distance (OR = 1.88). Conclusion: All subjects were likely to use traditional media while only those in the younger group were more likely to also utilize modern media and practice most preventative behaviors.

Accidental spills or illegal discharges of pesticides in aquatic ecosystems can lead to exposure levels that strongly exceed authorized pesticide concentrations, causing major impacts on aquatic ecosystems. Such short-term events often remain undetected in regular monitoring programs with infrequent sampling. In early spring 2015, we identified a catastrophic pesticide spill with the insecticide cypermethrin in the Holtemme River, Germany. Based on existing pre-event macroinvertebrate community data, we monitored the effects and recovery of the macroinvertebrate community for more than two years after the spill. Strong short-term effects were apparent for all taxa with the exception of Chironomidae and Tubificidae. Effects could also be observed on the community level as total abundance, taxa number and biomass strongly decreased. Total abundance and taxa number showed a fast recovery. Regarding long-term effects, the total biomass remained substantially below the pre-contamination level (76%) until the end of the study. Also the abundances of three taxa (Gammarus, Leuctra, Limnius Ad.) did not return to levels prior to the spill even after 26 months. This lack of the taxon-specific recovery was likely due to their long generation time and a low migration ability due to a restricted connectivity between the contaminated site and uncontaminated stream sections. These factors proved to be stronger predictors for the recovery than the pesticide tolerance. We revealed that the biological indicators SPEARpesticides and share of Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera and Trichoptera (EPT) are not suitable for the identification of such extreme events, when nearly all taxa are eradicated. Both indicators are functioning only when repeated stressors initiate long-term competitive replacement of sensitive by insensitive taxa. We conclude that pesticide spills can have significant long-term effects on stream macroinvertebrate communities. Regular ecological monitoring is imperative to identify such ecosystem impairments, combined with analytical chemistry methods to identify the potential sources of spills.

The synthesis, structure elucidation, and spectroscopic measurements of a myriad of new, f-element borates has revealed the unusual effects that this electron-rich oxoanion has on the electronic properties of lanthanides and actinides. One purpose of these studies was to provide models for actinide compounds that may exist in either vitrified nuclear waste or in repositories located within salt deposits that have significant borate content. In addition, the radiation-damage resilience of polyborate networks positions these materials as suitable candidates for probing coordination chemistry and physical properties much deeper into the actinide series than is normally possible, and compounds with actinides up to californium (Z = 98) have been successfully prepared and characterized in exquisite detail. Structural determination of these materials show that both the lanthanide and actinide series display previously unknown coordination chemistry, but, more importantly, that the two series have little overlap in terms of structure and composition, and have few parallels. In addition, some of these compounds display unique physico-chemical properties, one example of which is the selective trapping of radionuclides. The foremost discovery first identified in actinide borates is that the chemistry of californium represents an onset of unprecedented chemical behavior that compares better with high-oxidation state, early transition metal complexes than it does with earlier f-elements.

SUMMARY Cone photoreceptors detect light and are responsible for color vision. These cells display a distinct polarized morphology where nuclei are precisely aligned in the apical retina. However, little is known about the mechanisms involved in cone nuclear positioning or the impact of this organization on retina function. We show that the serine/threonine kinase LKB1 and one of its substrates, AMPK, regulate cone nuclear positioning. In the absence of either molecule, cone nuclei are misplaced along the axon, resulting in altered nuclear lamination. LKB1 is required specifically in cones to mediate this process, and disruptions in nuclear alignment result in reduced cone function. Together, these results identify molecular determinants of cone nuclear position and indicate that cone nuclear position alignment enables proper visual function., In Brief Neuronal nuclear position is critical for circuit organization and function. Burger et al. identify LKB1 and AMPK as regulators of nuclear position in cone photoreceptors. Loss of either molecule results in mislocalized cone nuclei and altered retina function. Proper cone nuclear position may thus contribute to visual responses., Graphical Abstract

Previous studies have established that consumers have a significantly higher willingness to pay (WTP) for organic foods over their conventional counterparts. Not fully understood is how consumers view the importance of the required attributes of organic, how confident they are that the organic label reflects these attributes, and how these two factors interact and influence WTP. This study used non-hypothetical auction experiments to examine these issues with a sample of 128 consumers from the general population. Participants first entered their WTP for conventional and organic versions of four different foods selected in different categories (dairy, meat, vegetable) to cover the different possible organic attributes. They were then asked to rate their importance level in, and confidence of, seven required attributes of USDA organic (e.g. no synthetic pesticides, non-GM). The specific goals were to examine the relationship between importance and confidence ratings, and to determine if confidence ratings can be predicted by importance and how confidence in turn influences WTP. For the former, importance ratings for all organic attributes were found to be significantly higher than corresponding confidence ratings. Results from a simultaneous equation system then showed that higher importance ratings significantly increased confidence ratings, while higher confidence increased marginal WTP for all four organic food products. These findings suggest WTP for organic foods is more complex than typically perceived, with it relying heavily on how important consumers see each attribute and their confidence that they are really getting those attributes with their purchases.

Two new uranyl phosphonates were synthesized by using p-xylenediphosphonic acid (pmbH4) to react with uranyl salts in Emim or BMMim ([EMim][PF6] = 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate; [BMMim]Cl = 1-butyl-2,3-dimethylimidazolium chloride) at elevated temperature, namely [EMim][UO2(pmbH2)0.5(pmbH2)0.5(ox)0.5] (1) and [BMMim]2[(UO2)2(pmbH2)(pmb)] (2). Both compounds adopt two dimensional structures, consisting of an anionic layer of uranyl phosphonate, with cations filled in the interlayer spaces. The spectroscopic properties of the compounds were studied extensively using UV–Vis absorption, temperature dependent fluorescence, Raman and IR spectroscopies. The UV–Vis absorption spectrum contains typical peaks of uranyl complexes at around 320 nm and 420 nm, which are originated from the charge transfer transitions from O 2p orbitals to the U 5f/6d orbitals. Both compounds adopt five strong emission peaks, whose intensities increase with the decrease of temperature, as observed in the temperature dependent fluorescence spectra. In Raman and IR spectra, the peaks corresponding to the stretch of C–H/O–H, P–O/P O, and O U O bonds could all be located and assigned.

Background The extended, 32-item version of the Sniffin’ Sticks identification test was developed in order to create a precise tool enabling repeated, longitudinal testing of individual olfactory subfunctions. New method Odors of the previous test version had to be changed for technical reasons, and the odor identification test needed re-investigation in terms of reliability, validity, and normative values. Results In our study we investigated olfactory abilities of a group of 100 patients with olfactory dysfunction and 100 controls. We reconfirmed the high test–retest reliability of the extended version of the Sniffin’ Sticks identification test and high correlations between the new and the original part of this tool. In addition, we confirmed the validity of the test as it discriminated clearly between controls and patients with olfactory loss. Comparison with existing method(s) The additional set of 16 odor identification sticks can be either included in the current olfactory test, thus creating a more detailed diagnosis tool, or it can be used separately, enabling to follow olfactory function over time. Additionally, the normative values presented in our paper might provide useful guidelines for interpretation of the extended identification test results. Conclusions The revised version of the Sniffin’ Sticks 32-item odor identification test is a reliable and valid tool for the assessment of olfactory function.

Dissimilatory metal-reducing bacteria (DMRB) can harvest energy for growth and activities by respiring metals, but it is so far unknown whether DMRB can acquire crystalline-phase actinides. In the present study, we used Shewanella oneidensis MR-1 to investigate microbially-mediated dissolution and reduction of U(VI) in three uranyl(VI) borate and boronate crystals (i.e., UO2(CH3BO2)(H2O) (UCBO); UO2B2O4 (UBO); and Na[(UO2)B6O10(OH)]·2H2O (NaUBO)). Comparison of the dissolved U(VI) concentrations between samples with and without bacteria indicates that MR-1 facilitated dissolution of UCBO and UBO. Based on the assumption that only dissolved U(VI) was reduced, U(VI) reduction was substantially underestimated for UCBO and NaUBO, indicating that MR-1 directly reduced crystalline U(VI) in these two compounds. Laser ablation-inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) analysis implied that interactions occurred between microbial ligands and the residual particles of uranyl compounds. We found that S. oneidensis MR-1 can mediate the dissolution and reduction of crystalline U(VI) through facilitated dissolution and consequent reduction of crystals or direct reduction of U(VI) in crystals. These results help evaluate the environmental fate of solid-phase U(VI), critical for predicting U transport and remediating U-contaminated sites.

During the solvothermal synthesis of a low-dimensional borate, KB5O7(OH)2⋅2H2O, in the presence of Pu(III), single crystals of plutonium dioxide unexpectedly formed. Single crystals of PuO2 also formed during the hydrothermal synthesis of another borate, Na2B5O8(OH)⋅2H2O, in the presence of Pu(III). The reactions were conducted at 170 °C and 150 °C, respectively, which are much lower temperature than previously reported preparations of crystalline PuO2. Yellow–green crystals with a tablet habit were characterized by single crystal X-ray diffraction and solid-state UV–vis–NIR absorption spectroscopy. The crystal structure was solved by direct methods with R1 = 1.26% for 19 unique observed reflections. PuO2 is cubic, space group Fm 3 ‾ m , and adopts the fluorite structure type. The lattice parameter was determined to be a = 5.421(5) A giving a volume of 159.3(2) A3. The absorption spectrum is consistent with Pu(IV).

The hydrothermal reaction of uranyl nitrate with rubidium nitrate and arsenic (III) oxide results in the formation of polymorphic α- and β-Rb[UO2(AsO3OH)(AsO2(OH)2)]·H2O (α-, β-RbUAs) and the anhydrous phase Rb[UO2(AsO3OH)(AsO2(OH)2)] (RbUAs). These phases were structurally, chemically and spectroscopically characterized. The structures of all three compounds are based upon topologically identical, but geometrically isomeric layers. The layers are linked with each other by means of the Rb cations and hydrogen bonding. Dehydration experiments demonstrate that water deintercalation from hydrous α- and β-RbUAs yields anhydrous RbUAs via topotactic reactions.

A review of trivalent actinide oxoanion compounds is presented. This work focuses on the systematics and periodic trends in the trivalent actinide series from Pu(III) to Cf(III). Three systems, are focused on: iodates, phosphites, and borates. In the first two series, the structure and bonding parallels that of lanthanides; whereas in the final series the chemistry of the actinides is distinct from the lanthanides.

Neuron function relies on and instructs the development and precise organization of neurovascular units that in turn support circuit activity. However, our understanding of the molecular cues that regulate this relationship remains sparse. Using a high-throughput screening pipeline, we recently identified several new regulators of vascular patterning. Among these was the potassium channel tetramerization domain-containing protein 7 (KCTD7). Mutations inKCTD7are associated with progressive myoclonic epilepsy, but how KCTD7 regulates neural development and function remains poorly understood. To begin to identify such mechanisms, we focus on mouse retina, a tractable part of the central nervous system that contains precisely ordered neuron subtypes supported by a trilaminar intravascular network. We find that deletion ofKctd7results in defective patterning of the adult retina vascular network, resulting in increased branching, vessel length, and lacunarity. These alterations reflect early and specific defects in vessel development, as emergence of the superficial and deep vascular layers were delayed. These defects are likely due to a role for Kctd7 in inner retina neurons. Kctd7 it is absent from vessels but present in neurons in the inner retina, and its deletion resulted in a corresponding increase in the number of bipolar cells in development and increased vessel branching in adults. These alterations were accompanied by retinal function deficits. Together, these data suggest that neuronal Kctd7 drives growth and patterning of the vasculature and suggest that neurovascular interactions may participate in the pathogenesis of KCTD7-related human diseases.Alevy et al. HighlightsKctd7 is required for normal retinal vascular organization and retinal function in adults.Deletion ofKctd7disrupts the emergence of the superficial and deep vessel layers.Kctd7 may impact vascular patterning through influencing neurons as it is expressed in and regulates bipolar cells.Kctd7 driven neurovascular interactions may participate in the pathogenesis of KCTD7-related human diseases.Lay SummaryNeuron function requires an organized vasculature to maintain brain health and prevent disease, but many neurovasculature regulatory genes remain unknown. Alevy et al. identify the progressive myoclonic epilepsy-associated geneKctd7as a key regulator of vascular development and retinal function. They further show that Kctd7 regulation of vessel patterning likely occurs downstream of its role in regulating the development or activity of specific neuron types. These data suggest that KCTD7-regulated neurovascular interactions may participate in the pathogenesis of associated human diseases.

The optical transparency, of perfluorocarbons used as Cherenkov media is of prime importance to many Ring Imaging Cherenkov detectors. We will in this paper show that the main photon absorbers in these fluids are hydrocarbons with double or triple bonds. We will moreover discuss a process which can eliminate these pollutants and restore the intrinsic excellent optical transparency of these fluids in the VUV range. (C) 2003 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Cs(UO2)Cl(SeO3) (1), Rb2(UO2)3O2(SeO3)3 (2), and RbNa5U2(SO4)7 (3) single crystals were synthesized using CsCl, RbCl, and a CuCl/NaCl eutectic mixture as fluxes, respectively. Their lattice parameters and space groups are as follows: P21/n (a=6.548(1) A, b=11.052(2) A, c=10.666(2) A and β=93.897(3)°), P 1 ¯ (a=7.051(2) A, b=7.198(2) A, c=8.314(2) A, α=107.897(3)°, β=102.687(3)° and γ=100.564(3)°) and C2/c (a=17.862(4) A, b=6.931(1) A, c=20.133(4) A and β=109.737(6)°. The small anionic building units found in these compounds are SeO32− and SO42− tetrahedra, oxide, and chloride. The crystal structure of the first compound is composed of [(UO2)2Cl2(SeO3)2]2− chains separated by Cs+ cations. The structure of (2) is constructed from [(UO2)3O11]16− chains further connected through selenite units into layers stacked perpendicularly to the [0 1 0] direction, with Rb+ cations intercalating between them. The structure of compound (3) is made of uranyl sulfate layers formed by edge and vertex connections between dimeric [U2O16] and [SO4] polyhedra. These layers contain unusual sulfate–metal connectivity as well as large voids.

Novel crystalline actinide materials can be used to immobilize uranium and transuranium elements at radioactive waste disposal sites. However, the stability and dissolution of such phases are still poorly understood. In this study, we investigated the dissolution kinetics of two uranyl borates and one plutonyl borate, UO 2 B 2 O 4 (UBO), Na[(UO 2 )B 6 O 10 (OH)]·2H 2 O (NaUBO), and PuO 2 [B 8 O 11 (OH) 4 ] (PuBO), with three different ligands, i.e., bicarbonate, phosphate, and natural humic acid (HA). These actinide borates were chosen because they possess different topologies that may influence dissolution. In the presence of bicarbonate, the apparent steady-state concentration of dissolved U(VI) and surface area-normalized dissolution rates were much higher for UBO compared to NaUBO. Uranyl phosphate, most likely in the form of (UO 2 ) 3 (PO 4 ) 2 (H 2 O) 4 , was precipitated on the surface of residual particles of UBO and NaUBO with phosphate. The dissolution rate of PuBO in NaNO 3 solution was much higher than UBO or NaUBO. This study revealed that actinide borate crystal dissolution was substantially influenced by crystalline structures of actinide borates and aqueous ligands.

The hydrothermal treatment of uranium trioxide and methylenediphosphonic acid with a variety of amines (2,2-dipyridyl, triethylenediamine, ethylenediamine, and 1,10-phenanthroline) at 200 °C results in the crystallization of a series of layered uranium diphosphonate compounds, [C10H9N2]{UO2(H2O)[CH2(PO3)(PO3H)]} (Ubip2), [C6H14N2]{(UO2)2[CH2(PO3)(PO3H)]2·2H2O} (UDAB), [C2H10N2]2{(UO2)2(H2O)2[CH2(PO3)2]2·0.5H2O} (Uethyl), and [C12H9N2]{UO2(H2O)[CH2(PO3)(PO3H)]} (Uphen). The crystal structures of the compounds are based on UO7 units linked by methylenediphosphonate molecules to form two-dimensional anionic sheets in Ubip2 and UDAB, and one-dimensional anionic chains in Uethyl and Uphen, which are charge balanced by protonated amine molecules. Interaction of the amine molecules with phosphonate oxygens and water molecules results in extensive hydrogen bonding in the interlayer. These amine molecules serve both as structure-directing agents and charge-balancing cations for the anionic uranium phosphonate sheets and chains in the formation of the different coordination geometries and topologies of each structure. Reported herein are the syntheses, structural and spectroscopic characterization of the synthesized compounds.

The uranyl silicates Cs 2 (UO 2 ) 2 Si 8 O 19 and Rb 2 (UO 2 ) 2 Si 5 O 13 were obtained by mixing stoichiometric amounts of uranium metal, tellurium dioxide, silicon dioxide, and an excess of correspondent alkali metal halide flux. These compounds crystallize in the orthorhombic space groups Pnma and C 222 with eight and two units per unit cell, respectively. Their crystal structures are dominated by zippered pentagonal bipyramidal chains of UO 7 and silicates layer that are further connected into 3D frameworks. The cesium compound has silicate double layers while rubidium has a single layer. Six-ring voids and ten-ring channels are found in both compounds.

Three new ordered quaternary interlanthanide chalcogenides, Ce2AgYb5/3Se6, La2CuErTe5, and Ce2CuTmTe5, have been prepared by direct reaction of the elements in molten NaBr at 900 °C. Each compound forms a new structure-type. The Ce2AgYb5/3Se6 structure consists of ∞ 2 { [ AgYb 5 / 6 Se 6 ] 6 – } layers intercalated by Ce3+ cations. These layers are composed of ∞ 1 { [ Yb 5 / 3 Se 6 ] 7 – } quadruplet ribbons of [YbSe6]9– octahedra and infinite ∞ 1 { [ AgSe 6 ] 11 – } double chains of [AgSe5]9–. The La2CuErTe5 structure is made of one-dimensional ∞ 1 { [ CuErTe 5 ] 6 – } ribbons separated by La3+ cations. These ribbons are formed by cis-edge sharing ∞ 1 { [ CuTe 2 ] 3 – } tetrahedral chains and trans-edge sharing ∞ 1 { [ ErTe 4 ] 5 – } chains. While La2CuErTe5 crystallizes in the orthorhombic space group Pnma, Ce2CuTmTe5 crystallizes in the monoclinic space group C2/m. The latter crystal structure is assembled from ∞ 2 { [ CuTmTe 5 ] 6 – } layers intercalated by Ce3+ cations. These layers consist of single ∞ 1 { [ TmTe 4 ] 5 – } chains connected to each other through dimers or pseudo-double chains.

Background Vigorous-intensity exercise has been shown to aid in smoking cessation, especially among women. In a previous trial, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for smoking cessation plus regular vigorous aerobic exercise enhanced cessation rates, improved exercise capacity, and reduced weight gain compared to CBT plus equal contact time. Purpose This study examined the effectiveness of this program adapted for and implemented in the YMCAs. Design An RCT comparing CBT + Exercise (Exercise) to CBT + Contact Control (Control). Setting/participants Apparently healthy female smokers were recruited to four local YMCAs. Intervention YMCA staff members were trained to lead the manualized CBT smoking-cessation intervention and a standardized YMCA exercise program. Main outcome measures Seven-day point prevalence and continuous abstinence. Results Participants (330 women, mean age=44 years) were randomized to the Exercise ( n =166) or Control ( n =164) group. Results revealed no differences in 7-day point prevalence (29.5% vs 29.9%) nor continuous abstinence (13.9% vs 14.0%) between the Exercise and Control groups, respectively, at end of treatment or at the 3-, 6-, and 12-month follow-up. An examination of the relationship between exercise dose and quit status at end of treatment revealed that over 12 weeks, the odds of being quit (7-day point prevalence) grew by 4.5% for each additional aerobic exercise session (OR=1.05, 95% CI=1.01, 1.08) and by 7.7% for each additional resistance training session (OR=1.08, 95% CI=1.02, 1.14). Analyses were conducted between August 19, 2010, and December 16, 2011. Conclusions No differences were seen between groups in smoking outcomes. The association between greater exercise participation and higher odds of quitting within the exercise condition suggests that the lack of between-group differences might be a result of poor compliance with the exercise program. Trial registration This study is registered at clinicaltrials.gov NCT01615380.

Four new thorium and uranium diphosphonate compounds, [H{sub 3}O]{l_brace}Th{sub 2}[C{sub 6}H{sub 4}(PO{sub 3}){sub 2}]{sub 2}F{r_brace} (Thbbp-1), An{sub 2}{l_brace}(O{sub 3}PC{sub 6}H{sub 4}PO{sub 3}H){sub 2}[C{sub 6}H{sub 4}(PO{sub 3}H){sub 2}]{r_brace} [An=Th(IV), U(IV)] (Thbbp-2)/(U4bbp), and [(C{sub 2}H{sub 5})(CH{sub 3}){sub 3}N][(UO{sub 2}){sub 3}(O{sub 3}PC{sub 6}H{sub 4}PO{sub 3}H){sub 2}F(H{sub 2}O)] (U6bbp) have been synthesized hydrothermally using 1,4-benzenebisphosphonic acid as ligand. The crystal structures of these compounds were determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction. Thbbp-1 and Thbbp-2 contain seven-coordinate Th(IV) within ThO{sub 6}F and ThO{sub 7} units with capped trigonal prismatic and capped octahedral geometries, respectively. U4bbp is isotypic with Thbbp-2. The structure of U6bbp contains U(VI) is the common seven-coordinate pentagonal bipyramid. - Graphical abstract: Coordination polyhedra and luminescence properties in thorium and uranium compounds. Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Three-dimensional thorium and uranium complexes. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Conversion of U(VI) to U(IV) under hydrothermal condition. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Unusual seven-coordinate thorium complexes exhibiting capped octahedral and capped trigonal prismatic geometries.

Three Ba{sup 2+}/UO{sub 2}{sup 2+} methylenediphosphonates have been prepared from mild hydrothermal treatment of uranium trioxide, methylendiphosphonic acid (C1P2) with barium hydroxide octahydrate, barium iodate monohydrate, and small aliquots of HF at 200 Degree-Sign C. These compounds, Ba[UO{sub 2}[CH{sub 2}(PO{sub 3}){sub 2}]{center_dot}1.4H{sub 2}O (Ba-1), Ba{sub 3}[(UO{sub 2}){sub 4}(CH{sub 2}(PO{sub 3}){sub 2}){sub 2}F{sub 6}]{center_dot}6H{sub 2}O (Ba-2), and Ba{sub 2}[(UO{sub 2}){sub 2}(CH{sub 2}(PO{sub 3}){sub 2})F{sub 4}]{center_dot}5.75H{sub 2}O (Ba-3) all adopt layered structures based upon linear uranyl groups and disphosphonate molecules. Ba-2 and Ba-3 are similar in that they both have UO{sub 5}F{sub 2} pentagonal bipyramids that are bridged and chelated by the diphosphonate moiety into a two-dimensional zigzag anionic sheet (Ba-2) and a one-dimensional ribbon anionic chain (Ba-3). Ba-1, has a single crystallographically unique uranium metal center where the C1P2 ligand solely bridges to form [UO{sub 2}[CH{sub 2}(PO{sub 3}){sub 2}]{sup 2-} sheets. The interlayer space of the structures is occupied by Ba{sup 2+}, which, along with the fluoride ion, mediates the structure formed and maintains overall charge balance. - Graphical abstract: Illustration of the stacking of the layers in Ba{sub 3}[(UO{sub 2}){sub 4}(CH{sub 2}(PO{sub 3}){sub 2}){sub 2})F{sub 6}]{center_dot}6H{sub 2}O viewed along the c-axis. The structure is constructed from UO{sub 7} pentagonal bipyramidalmore » units, U(1)O{sub 7}=gray, U(2)O{sub 7}=yellow, barium=blue, phosphorus=magenta, fluorine=green, oxygen=red, carbon=black, and hydrogen=light peach. Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer The polymerization of the UO{sub 2}{sup 2+} sites to form uranyl dimers leads to structural variations in compounds. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Barium cations stitch uranyl diphosphonate anionic layers together, and help mediate structure formation. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer HF acts as both a mineralizing agent and a ligand.« less

The fifth Annual Dysferlin Conference, sponsored and organized by the Jain Foundation, was held from July 11 to 14, 2011 in Chicago, Illinois. Participants included 34 speakers, 31 poster presenters, 14 dysferlinopathy patients and family members, 5 representatives from other muscular dystrophy foundations, and 12 members of the Jain Foundation team. The objective of the dysferlin conference is to discuss progress towards developing therapies for the dysferlinopathies, Limb Girdle Muscular Dystrophy 2B (LGMD2B) and Miyoshi Myopathy (MMD1). These diseases manifest progressive muscle loss, usually beginning in the late teenage years, and are caused by mutations in the gene encoding dysferlin. The dysferlin protein is required for effective repair of muscle fiber membranes, but little is known about how this defect leads to the muscle loss experienced by patients, or if dysferlin is involved in other cellular processes that contribute to the pathology. The meeting addressed these and other issues specific to dysferlin deficiency, including the best tools for studying dysferlin and possible causes and interventions for the disease. Four dysferlinopathy patients from the Jain Foundation’s patient registry also shared their experiences with this disease, including the risk of misdiagnosis with polymyositis and the damaging outcome of prednisone treatment.

Dark red and dark brown crystals of Yb4Sb2S11.25 and Tm8Sb4Se11.68, respectively, were obtained from the reaction of the elements in Sb2Q3 (Q=S, Se) fluxes. Both non-stoichiometric compounds are orthorhombic and crystallize in the same space group Pnnm, with two formula units per unit cell (a=12.446(2), b=5.341(1), c=12.058(2) for sulfide and a=13.126(2), b=5.623(1), c=12.499(2) for the selenide). Their crystal structures are dominated by lanthanide-chalcogenide polyhedra (CN=7 and 8), which share corners, edges, triangular- and square-faces to form a three-dimensional framework embedding antinomy cations. The latter are coordinated by three sulfide anions with 5(1+2+2) secondary contacts forming basically infinite chains running along [0 1 0]. The chalcogens in both compounds form chalcogenide Q2− and dichalcogenide (Q2)2− anionic units. The optical analysis made on those compounds shows that both are semiconductors with band gap of 1.71 and 1.22 eV for Yb4Sb2S11.25 and Tm4Sb2Se11.75, respectively.

The hydrothermal reactions of uranium trioxide, uranyl acetate, or uranyl nitrate with 1,4-benzenebisphosphonic acid in the presence of very small amount of HF at 200 °C results in the formation of three different uranyl diphosphonate compounds, [H3O]2{(UO2)6[C6H4(PO3)(PO2OH)]2[C6H4(PO2OH)2]2[C6H4(PO3)2]}(H2O)2 (Ubbp-1), [H3O]4{(UO2)4[C6H4(PO3)2]2F4}·H2O (Ubbp-2), and {(UO2)[C6H2F2(PO2OH)2(H2O)}2·H2O (Ubbp-3). The crystal structures of these compounds were determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction experiments. Ubbp-1 consists of UO7 pentagonal bipyramids that are bridged by the phosphonate moieties to form a three-dimensional pillared structure. Ubbp-2 is composed of UO5F2 pentagonal bipyramids that are bridged through the phosphonate oxygen atoms into one-dimensional chains that are cross-linked by the phenyl spacers into a pillared structure. The structure of Ubbp-3 is a three-dimensional open-framework with large channels containing water molecules with internal dimensions of approximately 10.9×10.9 A. Ubbp-1 and Ubbp-2 fluoresce at room temperature.

The hydrothermal treatment of UO(3), Cd(CH(3)CO(2))(2) center dot 2H(2)O, and triethyl phosphonoacetate results in the formation of Cd(2)[(UO(2))(6)(PO(3)CH(2)CO(2))(3)O(3)(OH)(H(2)O)(2)] center dot 16H(2)O (CdUPAA-1), [Cd(3)(UO(2))(6)(PO(3)CH(2)CO(2))(6) (H(2)O)(13)] center dot 6H(2)O (CdUPAA-2), and Cd(H(2)O)(2)[(UO(2))(PO(3)CH(2)CO(2))(H(2)O)](2) (CdUPAA-3). CdUPAA-1 adopts a cubic three-dimensional structure constructed from planar uranyl oxide clusters containing both UO(7) pentagonal bipyramids and UO(8) hexagonal bipyramids that are linked by Cd(II) cations and phosphonoacetate to yield large cavities approximately 16 angstrom across that are filled with disordered water molecules. CdUPAA-2 forms a rhombohedral three-dimensional channel structure that is assembled from UO(7) pentagonal bipyramids that are bridged by phosphonoacetate. CdUPAA-3 is layered with the hydrated Cd(II) cations incorporated directly into the layers linking one-dimensional uranyl phosphonate substructures together. In this structure, there are complex networks of hydrogen bonds that exist within the sheets, and also stitch the sheets together. (C) 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

The 4th Annual Dysferlin Conference, sponsored and organized by the Jain Foundation, was held from September 11–14, 2010 in Bellevue, WA, USA. Participants included 36 invited speakers from 10 countries around the world, 16 additional scientists and clinicians, 26 poster presenters, 4 dysferlinopathy patients, 2 representatives of other muscular dystrophy foundations, and 7 members of the Jain Foundation scientific team. The objective of the annual Dysferlin Conferences is to accelerate research on the dysferlinopathies, Limb Girdle Muscular Dystrophy 2B (LGMD2B) and Miyoshi Myopathy, by promoting collaboration and sharing between leading scientists and clinicians in the field. LGMD2B/MM are caused by mutations in dysferlin, and are characterized by progressive muscle wasting that begins in the late teenage years. Although dysferlin has been implicated in muscle fiber membrane repair, effective therapy development requires a more complete understanding of dysferlin’s function and how it leads to muscle pathology. This year’s meeting implemented a novel “lab-meeting” conference format that emphasized the open exchange of information by multiple researchers that converged on a specific scientific question or topic. This format allowed a detailed analysis of key questions in the field, and a venue to air potential solutions.

The 3rd Annual Dysferlin Conference, held from June 2–5, 2009 in Boston, MA, USA, brought together leading scientists and clinicians to discuss recent progress towards understanding and developing a therapy for the dysferlinopathies, Limb Girdle Muscular Dystrophy 2B (LGMD2B) and Miyoshi myopathy. These diseases involve progressive muscle wasting, typically beginning in the late teenage years, and are caused by mutations in the gene encoding dysferlin [1,2]. Dysferlin is required for repair of muscle fiber membrane tears [3,4], but little is known about how this defect contributes to disease pathology or whether dysferlin is also involved in other cellular processes. The conference was sponsored and organized by the Jain Foundation, and participants included 37 invited speakers, 10 additional scientists and clinicians, 40 poster presenters, 5 dysferlinopathy patients, 3 representatives of other muscular dystrophy foundations, and 7 members of the Jain Foundation scientific team. Research was presented from 11 countries around the world. Prior to the start of the main conference, a satellite meeting on the design of a natural history study for dysferlinopathy came up with specific recommendations about issues specific to this disease, including the high clinical variability, small patient numbers, and slow disease progression.

Objectives The relationship between enhanced physical activity and decreased menopause symptoms is equivocal. In this study we sought to better understand this relationship by examining the association of physical activity to different symptom domains and by examining mediating and moderating variables. Study design Women participating in a randomized control trial on physical activity were given a menopause symptom measure (MENQOL) at follow-up. Of the 280 women participating, 113 (mean age = 52) reported having symptoms they attributed to menopause. Regression analyses were run to examine if change in physical activity predicted fewer symptoms. Exercise self-efficacy was examined as a mediator and depressive symptoms as a moderator. Results An increase in physical activity from baseline was found to be related to reporting fewer total menopause symptoms (β = −0.22, p = .02). When the total menopause symptoms score was examined by domain, increased physical activity was found to be related to reporting fewer general symptoms attributed to menopause (psychosocial (β = −0.18, p = .05) and physical (β = −0.23, p = .01)), but had no effect on specific symptoms of menopause (vasomotor and sexual). Exercise self-efficacy was found to mediate the relationship between increased physical activity and total, physical and psychosocial menopause symptoms. Finally, for individuals with high depressive symptoms, those who increased physical activity the most reported fewer sexual symptoms of menopause. Conclusion This study suggests that physical activity participation is associated with lower general symptom reporting as opposed to specifically impacting menopause symptoms. Further, exercise self-efficacy mediates the relationship between physical activity and general menopause symptoms, suggesting a psychological pathway.

Under mild hydrothermal conditions UO2(NO3)2·6H2O, Hg2(NO3)2·2H2O, and Na2HAsO4·7H2O react to form [Hg5O2(OH)4][(UO2)2(AsO4)2] (HgUAs-1). Single crystal X-ray diffraction experiments reveal that HgUAs-1 possesses a pseudo-layered structure consisting of two types of layers: ∞ 2 [ Hg 5 O 2 ( OH ) 4 ] 2 + and ∞ 2 [ ( UO 2 ) 2 ( AsO 4 ) 2 ] 2 - . The ∞ 2 [ Hg 5 O 2 ( OH ) 4 ] 2 + layers are complex, and contain three crystallographically unique Hg centers. The coordination environments and bond–valence sum calculations indicate that the Hg centers are divalent. The ∞ 2 [ ( UO 2 ) 2 ( AsO 4 ) 2 ] 2 - layers belong to the Johannite topological family. The ∞ 2 [ Hg 5 O 2 ( OH ) 4 ] 2 + and ∞ 2 [ ( UO 2 ) 2 ( AsO 4 ) 2 ] 2 - layers are linked to each other through μ2-O bridges that include Hg⋯O=U=O interactions.

Three gadolinium scandium chalcogenides have been synthesized using Sb2Q3 (Q=S, Se) fluxes at 975 °C. Gd3.04Sc0.96S6, GdScS3, and Gd1.05Sc0.95Se3 are crystallized in U3ScS6 type, GdFeO3 type, and UFeS3 type structures, respectively. The magnetic susceptibilities for these compounds follow the Curie–Weiss law above their transition temperatures. The effective magnetic moments are close to calculated values for free Gd3+ ions. The Weiss constants for Gd3.04Sc0.96S6, GdScS3, and Gd1.05Sc0.95Se3 are determined to be −3.3(1), −4.5(4), and 1.5(1) K, respectively. Gd3.04Sc0.96S6 orders antiferromagnetically below 9 K. GdScS3 exhibits an antiferromagnetic ordering below 3 K with a weak ferromagnetism. Gd1.05Sc0.95Se3 undergoes a ferromagnetic transition around 5 K. The optical band gaps for Gd3.04Sc0.96S6, GdScS3, and Gd1.05Sc0.95Se3 are 1.5, 2.1, and 1.2 eV, respectively.

Ring Imaging CHerenkov (RICH) detectors in high energy physics demand a sufficiently high and stable refractive index and a long radiation length combined with good transparency extending into the UV range. n -Perflourcarbons fulfill all these criteria and show chemically inert behavior. In this paper an overview of n -perflourcarbons used for RICH detectors will be given. As an example of the experimental techniques for purification and recuperation, the C 4 F 10 system for the LHCb RICH 1 detector will be discussed. The purification of the C 4 F 10 gas cycle is based on a cascade of two membranes. The selected membranes let smaller molecules such as N 2 pass 16 times more effectively than C 4 F 10 . The recuperation system liquefies the C 4 F 10 by cooling it down to - 40 ∘ C . The liquid n -Perflourcarbon is extracted and the remaining light gases such as Ar go to the waste line. Laboratory tests have proved the capability of this system in 20 recuperation runs, with an average loss of less than 10% of the C 4 F 10 per recuperation cycle.

The hydrothermal reaction of UO2 with K3[Co(CN)6] and phosphoric acid results in the formation of K2[UO2Co(PO4)2]·H2O (KUCoP-1) as blue crystals. The crystal structure of KUCoP-1 was elucidated to reveal a three-dimensional framework constructed from UO7 pentagonal bipyramids that edge-share to form dimers that are bridged by phosphate anions into one-dimensional chains that extend down [101]. The phosphate anions also bond to Co2+ creating a tetrahedral environment as well as forming chains that extend along the c axis. The joining of these chains by the phosphate anions yields a three-dimensional framework with channels along the c axis that are occupied by K+ cations and water molecules.

Objective Examine the relationship between acute affective responses during a moderate-intensity exercise stimulus and future physical activity participation. Design Longitudinal, observational study in the context of a randomized controlled trial. Methods Healthy, sedentary adults (n=37) reported their basic affective response (i.e., feel good versus bad) prior to and during an acute, moderate-intensity exercise stimulus presented prior to randomization in a controlled physical activity promotion trial. At 6 and 12 months, 31 of the 37 participants reported their total weekly minutes of physical activity. Results As hypothesized, basic affective response to the moderate-intensity stimulus predicted 6-month physical activity (β=.51, p=.013) when controlling for baseline physical activity and self-reported affect prior to the initial exercise stimulus, and 12-month physical activity (β=.45, p=.047) when also controlling for 6-month physical activity. Conclusions Affective response to an acute moderate-intensity exercise stimulus predicted self-reported physical activity 6 and 12 months later. The findings could have implications for prescription of exercise intensity, as exercising at an intensity that yields a positive affective response may lead to greater participation in physical activity programs among previously sedentary adults.

The reaction between PuO{sub 2} and SeO{sub 2} under mild hydrothermal conditions results in the formation of Pu(SeO{sub 3}){sub 2} as brick-red prisms. This compound adopts the Ce(SeO{sub 3}){sub 2} structure type, and consists of one-dimensional chains of edge-sharing [PuO{sub 8}] distorted bicapped trigonal prisms linked by [SeO{sub 3}] units into a three-dimensional network. Crystallographic data: Pu(SeO{sub 3}){sub 2}, monoclinic, space group P2{sub 1}/n, a=6.960(1) A, b=10.547(2) A, c=7.245(1) A, {beta}=106.880(9){sup o}, V=508.98(17) A{sup 3}, Z=4 (T=193 K), R(F)=2.92% for 83 parameters with 1140 reflections with I>2{sigma}(I). Magnetic susceptibility data for Pu(SeO{sub 3}){sub 2} are linear from 35 to 320 K and yield an effective moment of 2.71(5) {mu}{sub B} and a Weiss constant of -500(5) K. - Graphical abstract: A depiction of the three-dimensional structure of Pu(SeO{sub 3}){sub 2} formed from the interconnection of one-dimensional chains of edge-sharing PuO{sub 8} dodecahedra by selenite anions.

EuLn2Q4 (Ln=Tb–Lu; Q=S, Se) has been synthesized using Sb2Q3 (Q=S, Se) fluxes at 1000 °C. These compounds crystallize in a CaFe2O4-type three-dimensional channel structure that is built from edge-shared double rutile chains of [LnQ6] octahedra running down the b-axis. Each double chain is connected at the vertices to four other double chains to form open channels where bicapped trigonal prismatic Eu2+ ions reside. All of these compounds show antiferromagnetic ordering with Neel temperatures, TN∼3–4 K. The optical band gaps for EuTb2Se4, EuDy2Se4, EuHo2Se4, EuEr2Se4, EuTm2Se4, EuYb2Se4 EuLu2Se4, and EuYb2S4 are found to be 2.0, 1.8, 1.8, 1.7, 1.8, 1.3, 1.7, and 1.6 eV, respectively.

{sup 151}Eu and {sup 121}Sb Moessbauer spectroscopy of EuSbSe{sub 3} and EuBiSe{sub 3} were measured at different temperatures. The presence of divalent europium and trivalent antimony were confirmed. The largely negative values of the isomer shift in {sup 151}Eu spectrum show highly ionic bonding within these two compounds. Both of them show magnetic hyperfine field splitting at 4.2 K, which indicates a change in the orientation of the EFG principal axis with respect to the magnetic hyperfine field direction. EuSbSe{sub 3} has slightly smaller electron density at the antimony nuclei, compared to Sb{sub 2}Se{sub 3.} - Graphical abstract: Experimental and simulated {sup 121}Sb Moessbauer spectrum of EuSbSe{sub 3} at 77 K.

Dark red single crystals of PrLnYb{sub 2}S{sub 6} (Ln=Pr/Yb, Tb, Dy) have been synthesized through the reactions of elemental rare earth metals and S using a Sb{sub 2}S{sub 3} flux at 1000 deg. C. These isotypic compounds adopt the F-Ln{sub 2}S{sub 3} three-dimensional open-channel structure type. Eight-coordinate Pr{sup 3+} ions sit in the channels that are constructed from three different edge-shared double chains running down the b-axis that contain Yb(1)S{sub 6} octahedra, Yb(2)S{sub 6} octahedra, and LnS{sub 7} monocapped trigonal prisms. Each double chain connects to four other neighbors by sharing vertices and edges. Considerable disordering in Ln positions was observed in single X-ray diffraction experiments only in the case of Pr/Yb. Least-squares refinements gave rise to the formulas of Pr{sub 1.34}Yb{sub 2.66}S{sub 6}, of PrTbYb{sub 2}S{sub 6}, and PrDyYb{sub 2}S{sub 6}, which are confirmed by the elemental analysis and magnetic susceptibility measurements. Pr{sub 1.34}Yb{sub 2.66}S{sub 6}, PrTbYb{sub 2}S{sub 6}, and PrDyYb{sub 2}S{sub 6} are paramagnetic down to 2 K, without any indications of long-range magnetic ordering. The optical transitions for Pr{sub 1.34}Yb{sub 2.66}S{sub 6}, PrTbYb{sub 2}S{sub 6}, and PrDyYb{sub 2}S{sub 6} are at approximately 1.6 eV. Crystallographic data are listed as an example for PrTbYb{sub 2}S{sub 6}: monoclinic, spacemore » group P2{sub 1}/m, a=10.9496(10) A, b=3.9429(4) A, c=11.2206(10) A, {beta}=108.525(2){sup o}, V=459.33(7) A{sup 3}, Z=2. - Graphical abstract: An illustration of the three-dimensional structure of PrTbYb{sub 2}S{sub 6} viewed along the b-axis.« less

δ-Ln2−xLuxS3 (Ln=Ce, Pr, Nd; x=0.67–0.71) compounds have been synthesized through the reaction of elemental rare-earth metals and S using a Sb2S3 flux at 1000 °C. These compounds are isotypic with CeTmS3, which has a complex three-dimensional structure. It includes four larger Ln3+ sites in eight- and nine-coordinate environments, two disordered seven-coordinate Ln3+/Lu3+ positions, and two six-coordinate Lu3+ ions. The structure is constructed from one-dimensional chains of LnSn (n=6–9) polyhedra that extend along the b-axis. These polyhedra share faces or edges with two neighbors within the chains, while in the [ac] plane they share edges and corners with other chains. Least square refinements gave rise to the formulas of δ-Ce1.30Lu0.70S3, δ-Pr1.29Lu0.71S3 and δ-Nd1.33Lu0.67S3, which are consistent with the EDX analysis and magnetic susceptibility data. δ-Ln2−xLuxS3 (Ln=Ce, Pr, Nd; x=0.67–0.71) show no evidence of magnetic ordering down to 5 K. Optical properties measurements show that the band gaps for δ-Ce1.30Lu0.70S3, δ-Pr1.29Lu0.71S3, and δ-Nd1.33Lu0.67S3 are 1.25, 1.38, and 1.50 eV, respectively. Crystallographic data: δ-Ce1.30Lu0.70S3, monoclinic, space group P21/m, a=11.0186(7), b=3.9796(3), c=21.6562(15) A, β=101.6860(10), V=929.93(11), Z=8; δ-Pr1.29Lu0.71S3, monoclinic, space group P21/m, a=10.9623(10), b=3.9497(4), c=21.5165(19) A, β=101.579(2), V=912.66(15), Z=8; δ-Nd1.33Lu0.67S3, monoclinic, space group P21/m, a=10.9553(7), b=3.9419(3), c=21.4920(15) A, β=101.5080(10), V=909.47(11), Z=8.

The COMPASS experiment makes use of the CERN SPS high-intensitymuon and hadron beams for the investigation of the nucleon spin structure and the spectroscopy of hadrons. One or more outgoing particles are detected in coincidence with the incoming muon or hadron. A large polarized target inside a superconducting solenoid is used for the measurements with the muon beam. Outgoing particles are detected by a two-stage, large angle and large momentum range spectrometer. The setup is built using several types of tracking detectors, according to the expected incident rate, required space resolution and the solid angle to be covered. Particle identification is achieved using a RICH counter and both hadron and electromagnetic calorimeters. The setup has been successfully operated from 2002 onwards using a muon beam. Data with a hadron beam were also collected in 2004. This article describes the main features and performances of the spectrometer in 2004; a short summary of the 2006 upgrade is also given., 84 papes, 74 figures