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The development of efficient organic solid‐state lasers requires an in‐depth understanding between chemical structure, intermolecular interactions in the crystal phase, and optical and electronic properties. This study highlights these closed dependencies in novel 7‐azaindole phenylhydrazone derivatives and their corresponding boron complexes, by deploying a combined approach of experimental techniques and theoretical calculations (Density Functional Theory and Time‐Dependent Density Functional Theory) in the solvated and solid‐state phase. Notably, it is found that when these compounds, which are weakly emissive in solution, are processed into crystalline microfibers, they experience a sharp emission enhancement and exhibit laser action at low pump fluence thresholds. This is achieved by partially inhibiting structural relaxation, which drives non‐radiative decay, a critical factor for effective lasing, highlighting the potential of these materials for future optoelectronic applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although it is well established that land use and management affects soil microbial biodiversity, with consequences for soil‐mediated ecosystem services, knowledge on human‐induced variability in soil bacterial and fungal communities is more abundant for cropping than for livestock systems. In particular, grazing management affects vegetation cover and light availability to lower vegetation layers, particularly in wooded grazing ecosystems. Our objective was to evaluate the use of T‐RFLP analysis to characterise soil microbial community patterns. We worked in a grazed temperate savannah in Entre Ríos (Argentina) and focused on two farms with different grazing management, resulting in different vegetation cover. At each farm, we sampled soils from four conditions forming a two shrub cover conditions (open and close) by two light availability conditions (high and low) factorial set with three replicates. T‐RFLP data for bacteria and fungi were used to characterise biodiversity patterns (diversity indexes, relative abundance of operational taxonomic units and community structure). Analyses were performed, between and within farms, using nonmetric multidimensional scaling analysis, non‐parametric multivariate analysis of variance and network analysis. Variation patterns of soil microbial communities were detected using T‐RFLP analysis in savannah soils from these two livestock farms. Farm, light and shrub conditions were statistically significant factors shaping variation patterns. For bacterial communities, light availability and shrub cover affected biodiversity and community structure respectively, but this impact was detected only for the farm with lower grazing intensity. For fungal communities, light availability was the factor shaping community structure, also with slightly higher impact on the farm with lower grazing intensity. These results suggest that in temperate woodlands lower grazing intensity, associated with higher vegetation cover, increases bacterial biodiversity while it decreases fungal community structure. Soil bacterial and fungal communities, showed contrasting patterns, and appear as sensitive indicators to monitor grazing management effects. We showed that T‐RFLP analysis is a cost‐effective methodology (compared to Illumina sequencing) that would be useful to disentangle impact of grazing intensity and vegetation cover in grazed temperate savannah. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Different molecular strategies have been carefully evaluated to produce solid‐state luminescence enhancement (SLE) in compounds that show dark states in solution. A set of α‐phenylstyrylarene derivatives with a butterfly shape have been designed and synthesised, for the first time, with the aim of improving the solid‐state fluorescence emission of their parent styrylarene compounds. Although these butterfly molecules are not fluorescent in solution, one of them (1,2,4,5‐tetra(α‐phenylstyryl)benzene) exhibits a fluorescence quantum yield as high as 68 % in a drop‐cast sample and 31 % in its crystalline form. In contrast, 1,3,5‐tris(α‐phenylstyryl)benzene and 4,6‐bis(α‐phenylstyryl)pyrimidine do not show SLE. A range of fluorescence spectroscopy experiments and DFT calculations were carried out to unravel the origin of different photophysical behaviour of these compounds in the solid state. The results indicate that a rational strategy to control the SLE effect in luminogens depends on a delicate balance between molecular properties and inter‐/intramolecular interactions in the solid state. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: RASopathies are a set of relatively common autosomal dominant clinically and genetically heterogeneous disorders. Cardiac outcomes in terms of mortality and morbidity for common heart defects (such as pulmonary valve stenosis and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy) have been reported. Nevertheless, also Atypical Cardiac Defects (ACDs) are described. The aim of the present study was to report both prevalence and cardiac outcome of ACDs in patients with RASopathies. Methods: A retrospective, multicentric observational study (CArdiac Rasopathy NETwork—CARNET study) was carried out. Clinical, surgical, and genetic data of the patients who were followed until December 2019 were collected. Results: Forty‐five patients out of 440 followed in CARNET centers had ACDs. Noonan Syndrome (NS), NS Multiple Lentigines (NSML) and CardioFacioCutaneous Syndrome (CFCS) were present in 36, 5 and 4 patients, respectively. Median age at last follow‐up was 20.1 years (range 6.9–47 years). Different ACDs were reported, including mitral and aortic valve dysfunction, ascending and descending aortic arch anomalies, coronary arteries dilation, enlargement of left atrial appendage and isolated pulmonary branches diseases. Five patients (11%) underwent cardiac surgery and one of them underwent a second intervention for mitral valve replacement and severe pericardial effusion. No patients died in our cohort until December 2019. Conclusions: Patients with RASopathies present a distinct CHD spectrum. Present data suggest that also ACDs must be carefully investigated for their possible impact on the clinical outcome. A careful longitudinal follow up until the individuals reach an adult age is recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aim Of the Study: Outcomes after repair of tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) are good with either a transventricular (TV) or transatrial (TA) approach. We sought to determine if there is a relationship between the TV or TA approach and right ventricular (RV) function, and the role of residual pulmonary regurgitation (PR) on the long-term outcomes.Methods: This was a retrospective cohort multicentric study on survivors after surgical repair of TOF (TA versus TV approach, ±transannular patch) between 1990 and 2004. All patients underwent magnetic resonance imaging to assess RV volume, function, and PR. Patients were matched for length of follow-up and age. Clinical adverse events were retrieved from institutional databases.Results: Seventy-nine patients (TA/TV = 37/42, median age 0.3 and 1.0 yrs, respectively) were included. At a median follow-up of 16.6 years (12.5-20.3), there were no differences in freedom from reintervention (either catheter or surgical), RV volumes, function, and PR between the TA and TV groups. Pulmonary valve (PV) replacement was significantly less frequent in the TA subgroup (P = 0.033) and patients with a preserved PV showed significantly lower RV volumes and less adverse events at follow-up.Conclusions: There is no significant difference in RV volumes and function between the TA and TV. However, the TA approach seems to be protective against PV replacement in the long-term. When PV is not preserved at repair, residual pulmonary regurgitation is a significant cause of late RV dysfunction and dilation, and is associated with a higher rate of late adverse events. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective We analyze the incidence of postoperative severe airflow limitation after single-stage unifocalization in patients with pulmonary atresia, ventricular septal defect, and major aortopulmonary collateral arteries (PA/VSD/MAPCAs) and comment on the treatment performed. Methods From 1994 until 2014, 118 patients with diagnosis of PA, VSD, MAPCAs underwent surgical treatment. Four patients (3.4%) developed severe airflow complications postoperatively. Chromosome 22q11 deletion was present in three of them. Median age at the time of unifocalization was 6.2 months (range 21 days to 11 months). Results The first patient developed malacia and compression of the left bronchus from the distal RV-PA conduit and was treated with external bronchial stenting with two incomplete costal cartilage rings. The second patient developed recurrent esophagus-left bronchus fistula treated with multiple surgical esophageal and bronchus reconstructions. The third child presented with bilateral bronchial malacia treated with bilateral stenting followed by surgical elongation of the neo-left pulmonary artery to avoid external compression. The last patient developed bilateral bronchomalacia treated with bilateral bronchial stenting followed by RV-PA conduit replacement and endobronchial stenting calibration. Conclusion Particular categories of patients with PA, VSD, MAPCAs (22q11 chromosome deletion, neonates/infants, patients with dominant/exclusive collaterals) may be more predisposed to develop airway compromise. The treatment of the lesion should be individualized according to the pathogenic mechanism. We suggest endoluminal treatment in absence of compression by vascular structures while surgery was used in case of extrinsic compression. doi: 10.1111/jocs.12539 (J Card Surg 2015;30:453-458) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Interactions of l-cysteine ethyl ester hydrochloride (CE), a bioactive cysteine derivative, with dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC) were investigated. To gain a deeper insight into analyzing l-cysteine ethyl ester HCl interaction with liposomes of DPPC in anhydrous and hydrated states, we performed experimental studies by infrared (Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy) and Raman spectroscopies. The results revealed that the interaction of CE with the phospholipid head groups was the same in absence or presence of water. In both states, the wavenumber of the PO2− group and CN bond of the choline group decreased. This behavior can be ascribed to the replacement of hydration water and binding to the phosphate group. In the Raman spectrum results for the anhydrous and gel states, the SH stretching band of the CE shifted to lower frequencies with a decrease in its force constant. Biologically active lipophilic molecules such as CE should be studied in terms of their interaction with lipid bilayers prior to the development of advanced lipid carrier systems such as liposomes. The results of these studies provide information on membrane integrity and physicochemical properties that are essential for the rational design of lipidic drug delivery systems. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To analyze the effectiveness and the results of the use of a vacuum-assisted closure (VAC) system for the treatment of complex sternal wounds in newborns after cardiac surgery. Methods From May 2008 until December 2012, six patients developed post-sternotomy wound problems (large defects of epithelialization or mediastinitis), which were treated with a VAC system. Median age at the time of institution of VAC was 24.5 days (range 16 to 65 days). Median time of treatment was 14 days (range 3 to 42 days). Results All patients were newborns and all underwent delayed sternal closure after cardiac surgery. The indications for using the VAC system were: mediastinitis in two patients (33.3%) and impairment of healing without signs of infection in four (66.7%). All children after VAC therapy achieved healing of the sternal wound. VAC therapy was started with high negative pressures (−125 mmHg) continuously then switched to an intermittent modality in all patients. Conclusion VAC system with high negative pressure is safe, effective, and is a well-tolerated therapy in newborns with complex sternal wounds. doi: 10.1111/jocs.12463 (J Card Surg 2015;30:190-193) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the South American Republic of Chile genetic counseling is not currently recognized as an independent clinical discipline, and in general is provided by physicians with training in clinical genetics. At present only one genetic counselor and 28 clinical geneticists practice in this country of over 16 million inhabitants. Pediatric dysmorphology constitutes the primary area of practice in clinical genetics. Although the country has a universal health care system and an adequate level of health care, genetic conditions are not considered a health care priority and there is a lack of clinical and laboratory resources designated for clinical genetics services. Multiple educational, cultural and financial barriers exist to the growth and development of genetic counseling services in Chile. However, during the last 10 years increased awareness of the importance of identifying individuals at risk for inherited cancer syndromes led to growing interest in the practice of cancer genetics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Periodontitis is an inflammatory process caused by a specific group of microorganisms, resulting in the destruction of the tooth-supporting tissue and the resorption of the alveolar bone. Therefore, periodontitis has been considered a risk factor for preeclampsia because infection is one of the factors involved in the etiology and pathogenesis of preeclampsia. The aim of the present study is to determine whether periodontitis is a risk factor for preeclampsia and to identify other possible risk factors. Methods: A case-control study was performed with 574 puerperae under care at the university hospital at the Universidade Federal de Pernambuco in the city of Recife, Brazil. Data collection was preceded by a training exercise and a pilot study. Biologic and socioeconomic data were collected along with medical and dental records. A periodontal examination was performed on all dental elements to determine probing depth and gingival recession. The association between periodontitis and preeclampsia was first adjusted for the variables within each block, and adjusted for the variables of all blocks in the final multivariate model. Results: The multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that, after adjustment for other risk factors, periodontitis remained an independent risk factor for preeclampsia (adjusted odds ratio [OR] = 8.60, confidence interval [CI] -- 3.92 to 18.88, P <0.001 and adjusted OR -- 2.03, 95% CI = 1.43 to 2.90, P <0.001, when using the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention/American Academy of Periodontology definition). Conclusion: The results suggest that within the population studied, periodontitis was a risk factor for preeclampsia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nucleus laminaris (NL) neurons in the avian auditory brainstem are coincidence detectors necessary for the computation of interaural time differences used in sound localization. In addition to their excitatory inputs from nucleus magnocellularis, NL neurons receive inhibitory inputs from the superior olivary nucleus (SON) that greatly improve coincidence detection in mature animals. The mechanisms that establish mature distributions of inhibitory inputs to NL are not known. We used the vesicular GABA transporter (VGAT) as a marker for inhibitory presynaptic terminals to study the development of inhibitory inputs to NL between embryonic day 9 (E9) and E17. VGAT immunofluorescent puncta were first seen sparsely in NL at E9. The density of VGAT puncta increased with development, first within the ventral NL neuropil region and subsequently throughout both the ventral and dorsal dendritic neuropil, with significantly fewer terminals in the cell body region. A large increase in density occurred between E13-15 and E16-17, at a developmental stage when astrocytes that express glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) become mature. We cultured E13 brainstem slices together with astrocyte-conditioned medium (ACM) obtained from E16 brainstems and found that ACM, but not control medium, increased the density of VGAT puncta. This increase was similar to that observed during normal development. Astrocyte-secreted factors interact with the terminal ends of SON axons to increase the number of GABAergic terminals. These data suggest that factors secreted from GFAP-positive astrocytes promote maturation of inhibitory pathways in the auditory brainstem. J. Comp. Neurol. 520:1262-1277, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

1. Impacts of global change on the distribution, abundance, and phenology of species have been widely documented. In particular, recent climate change has led to widespread changes in animal and plant seasonality, leading to debate about its potential to cause phenological mismatches among interacting taxa. 2. In mountainous regions, populations of many species show pronounced phenological gradients over short geographic distances, presenting the opportunity to test for effects of climate on phenology, independent of variation in confounding factors such as photoperiod. 3. Here we show for 32 butterfly species sampled for five years over a 1700 m gradient (560-2260 m) in a Mediterranean mountain range that, on average, annual flight period is delayed with elevation by 15-22 days per kilometre. Species mainly occurring at low elevations in the region, and to some extent those flying earlier in the year, showed phenological delays of 23-36 days per kilometre, whereas the flight periods of species that occupy high elevations, or fly in late summer, were consistently more synchronised over the elevation gradient. 4. Elevational patterns in phenology appear to reflect a narrowing phenological window of opportunity for larval and adult butterfly activity of high elevation and late-flying species. 5. Here, we speculate as to the causes of these patterns, and the consequences for our ability to predict species responses to climate change. Our results raise questions about the use of space-time substitutions in predicting phenological responses to climate change, since traits relating to flight period and environmental associations may influence the capacity of species to adapt to changing climates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is generally assumed that the toxicity of pyrethroid insecticides to birds is negligible, though few species have been tested. The oral acute toxicity of formulated beta-cyfluthrin was determined for canaries (Serinus sp.), shiny cowbirds (Molothrus bonariensis), and eared doves (Zenaida auriculata). Single doses were administered to adults by gavage. Approximate lethal doses 50 (LD50) and their confidence intervals were determined by approximate D-optimal design. Canaries were found to be substantially more sensitive to formulated beta-cyfluthrin (LD50 = (170 ± 41)mg/kg) than the other two species tested (LD50 = (2234 ± 544) mg/kg and LD50 = (2271 ± 433) mg/kg, resp.). The LD50 obtained for canaries was also considerably lower than typical toxicity values available in the literature for pyrethroids. This study emphasizes the need for testing a broader range of species with potentially toxic insecticides, using modern up and down test designs with minimal numbers of birds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

1. The ranges of many species have expanded in cool regions but contracted at warm margins in response to recent climate warming, but the mechanisms behind such changes remain unclear. Particular debate concerns the roles of direct climatic limitation vs. the effects of interacting species in explaining the location of low latitude or low elevation range margins. 2. The mountains of the Sierra de Guadarrama (central Spain) include both cool and warm range margins for the black-veined white butterfly, Aporia crataegi, which has disappeared from low elevations since the 1970s without colonizing the highest elevations. 3. We found that the current upper elevation limit to A. crataegi's distribution coincided closely with that of its host plants, but that the species was absent from elevations below 900 m, even where host plants were present. The density of A. crataegi per host plant increased with elevation, but overall abundance of the species declined at high elevations where host plants were rare. 4. The flight period of A. crataegi was later at higher elevations, meaning that butterflies in higher populations flew at hotter times of year; nevertheless, daytime temperatures for the month of peak flight decreased by 6·2 °C per 1 km increase in elevation. 5. At higher elevations A. crataegi eggs were laid on the south side of host plants (expected to correspond to hotter microclimates), whereas at lower sites the (cooler) north side of plants was selected. Field transplant experiments showed that egg survival increased with elevation. 6. Climatic limitation is the most likely explanation for the low elevation range margin of A. crataegi, whereas the absence of host plants from high elevations sets the upper limit. This contrasts with the frequent assumption that biotic interactions typically determine warm range margins, and thermal limitation cool margins. 7. Studies that have modelled distribution changes in response to climate change may have underestimated declines for many specialist species, because range contractions will be exacerbated by mismatch between the future distribution of suitable climate space and the availability of resources such as host plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To correlate anatomic and genetic features of paediatric patients with pulmonary atresia, ventricular septal defect (VSD) and multiple aortopulmonary collateral arteries with surgical outcome. Methods: 44 consecutive patients aged 33±40 mo underwent either primary one-stage unifocalization ( n =32) or palliative right ventricular outflow tract reconstruction ( n =12) followed by secondary unifocalization and repair ( n =10) based on preoperative morphometric and functional evaluation of pulmonary blood sources. Chromosome 22q11.2 microdeletion occurred in 41% of cases. Combined VSD closure during one-stage procedures was guided by an intraoperative pulmonary flow study. Complete repair was accomplished in 35 cases (83%, 95% CI 72–95%). Variables examined included occurrence of confluent intrapericardial pulmonary arteries, central pulmonary arteries, confluent intraparenchymal pulmonary arteries, dominant collateral or pulmonary arteries, and chromosome 22q11.2 microdeletion. The sensitivity and specificity of the pulmonary flow study in predicting postoperative pulmonary haemodynamics were also tested. Results: Eight-year actuarial survival and freedom from reoperation were 85% and 63%, respectively. Sensitivity and specificity of the pulmonary flow study were 94% and 100%, respectively. None of the anatomical variables examined was significantly related to the outcome of treatment. The only statistically relevant association was detected between survival and occurrence of 22q11.2 microdeletion ( p <0.003). Logistic analysis showed an increased likelihood of positive outcome in relation to first- ( p <0.02) or second-stage ( p <0.04) complete correction. Conclusion: Morphology of pulmonary blood supply has no major impact on surgical outcome. Pulmonary flow study is a highly specific and sensitive intraoperative test. Chromosome 22q11.2 microdeletion remains the only variable significantly affecting survival. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pesticides caused high mortality of birds in agro-ecosystems of Argentina's Pampas region during 1995-2003. As part of a program to monitor mortality events, we trained observers in distance sampling methods, conducted field trials under simulated conditions to assess the degree to which the critical assumptions of line-transect surveys were met, and estimated the density and number of chicken carcasses randomly placed along fixed transects in corn stubble, corn, alfalfa, wheat, pasture, and forest. The assumption of 100% detection probability of carcasses at 0 distance was met. We measured cluster size (1-5 carcasses) exactly and measured perpendicular distance from a cluster to transect centerline (0-40 m) with little error (absolute difference between actual and measured distances: ...=0.14 m, SE=0.01, n= 121). Cluster detection was not size-biased in corn stubble but was size-biased in corn, alfalfa, wheat, pasture, forest, and all strata combined. Thirteen 3-observer teams performed equally well in field trials regardless of having or not having observers with previous experience conducting transect surveys of bird carcasses in agro-ecosystems. Teams with experienced and inexperienced observers missed clusters near the centerline (defined here as 1.5-5 m for wheat and 5-15 m for other strata) but detected all clusters on the centerline (defined here as 0-1.5 m for wheat and 0-5 m for other strata). Percent relative bias was 0.36% for corn stubble (n=39); 5.63% for the combined data of corn, alfalfa, wheat, pasture, and forest (n=73); and 0.51% for all strata (n=121). Bias estimates were small in relation to standard errors of density estimates, and the density estimator produced 95% confidence intervals that always included true densities. Predators and scavengers started removing carcasses during the first day of exposure (cumulative survival: ...=0.69, SE=0.04, n=36) and stopped removing them after day 5 (cumulative survival: ...=0.04, SE=O.02, n=5). Carcass removal rate averaged -0.38/day (SE=0.03). Although line-transect sampling represents a viable method to estimate the density and number of dead birds in agro-ecosystems, scavenging data should be collected to adjust these estimates, even when surveys are conducted the day following pesticide application. An effective communication network between collaborators and the general public and observer readiness are needed as part of research and monitoring efforts to guide decision-making on agricultural practices, promote law enforcement, and manage wildlife in agro-ecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pesticides caused high mortality of birds in agro-ecosystems of Argentina's Pampas region during 1995-2003. As part of a program to monitor mortality events, we trained observers in distance sampling methods, conducted field trials under simulated conditions to assess the degree to which the critical assumptions of line-transect surveys were met, and estimated the density and number of chicken carcasses randomly placed along fixed transects in corn stubble, corn, alfalfa, wheat, pasture, and forest. The assumption of 100% detection probability of carcasses at 0 distance was met. We measured cluster size (1-5 carcasses) exactly and measured perpendicular distance from a cluster to transect centerline (0-40 m) with little error (absolute difference between actual and measured distances: x=0.14 m, SE=0.01, n= 121). Cluster detection was not size-biased in corn stubble but was size-biased in corn, alfalfa, wheat, pasture, forest, and all strata combined. Thirteen 3-observer teams performed equally well in field trials regardless of having or not having observers with previous experience conducting transect surveys of bird carcasses in agro-ecosystems. Teams with experienced and inexperienced observers missed clusters near the centerline (defined here as 1.5-5 m for wheat and 5-15 m for other strata) but detected all clusters on the centerline (defined here as 0-1.5 m for wheat and 0-5 m for other strata). Percent relative bias was 0.36% for corn stubble (n=39); 5.63% for the combined data of corn, alfalfa, wheat, pasture, and forest (n=73); and 0.51% for all strata (n=121). Bias estimates were small in relation to standard errors of density estimates, and the density estimator produced 95% confidence intervals that always included true densities. Predators and scavengers started removing carcasses during the first day of exposure (cumulative survival: x=0.69, SE=0.04, n=36) and stopped removing them after day 5 (cumulative survival: x=0.04, SE=0.02, n=5). Carcass... [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We designed a set of procedures for first-line local health services to detect and treat the congenital transmission of Trypanosoma cruzi at a province-wide scale, and field-tested the programme in the province of Tucumán, northwestern Argentina, from 1992 to 1994. The programme consists of routine screening of pregnant women for seroreactivity to T. cruzi, serological and parasitological follow-up of the newborn at least twice during the first year of age, treatment of the infected infants, and evaluation of the outcome. 927 (5.5%) of 16 842 pregnant women were seroreactive to T. cruzi by indirect haemagglutination assay and ELISA. Twenty-one (6.7%) of 315 newborns to seroreactive mothers were diagnosed as infected with T. cruzi parasites microhaematocrit concentration before 30 days of age. Five newborns who initially tested negative had a T. cruzi infection detected by microhaematocrit and/or serological techniques at 3 or 6 months of age. Thus, congenital infection was diagnosed in 26 (7.1%) infants born to seroreactive women and residing in houses free of triatomine bugs. Four of 6 infants born to seroreactive mothers died during the first year of age and had some evidence of T. cruzi infection; one of the deaths was attributed to T. cruzi based on clinical evidence. After specific treatment with nifurtimox or benznidazole, 30 of 32 infants remained parasitologically and serologically negative. This study shows the feasibility of controlling the incidence of congenitally acquired T. cruzi infections at a province-wide scale by means of a specific screening programme at first-line health services level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Switching from organic to aqueous solvents for battery electrode processing is desirable due to both safety and cost advantages. Lithium iron phosphate (LFP) is considered a cathode material for aqueous processing due to its demonstrated chemical compatibility with water, in addition to its favorable cost, safety, electrochemical performance, and environmental advantages as a battery active material. All research on LFP stability in water has been conducted in a scenario where LFP is aged in stagnant water, or surrounded by water when confined within a composite electrode. However, a much accelerated degradation in the electrochemical performance of LFP when it is in contact with water and exposed to mechanical agitation is demonstrated. Changes to LFP are probed using a combination of materials characterization methods. Although there are no significant changes to the bulk particle structure and morphology, significant particle surface damage and compositional modifications are observed. These results suggest that the systems where LFP is exposed to agitation in an aqueous environment, such as in aqueous battery electrode processing or in aqueous slurry electrodes, need to be carefully investigated for potential changes to the LFP surface environment under relevant processing conditions. Lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) is considered a cathode material for aqueous processing due to demonstrated chemical compatibility with water, in addition to favorable cost, safety, electrochemical performance, and environmental advantages. However, this study demonstrates conditions under which a much‐accelerated degradation in the electrochemical performance occurs when the material is in contact with water and exposed to mechanical agitation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A green method for the conjugate addition of indoles (I) to various nitrostyrenes (II) or acetylenedicarboxylate (IV) is developed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An abstract of the article "A Concise Synthesis of 1-Oxygenated Carbazole Alkaloids, Clausine E and Clausine F." by D. Kamat and colleagues is presented.

Anaemia among pregnant women remains a public health concern globally. One major cause of this persistent problem is iron deficiency, which may be the result of limited iron intake in the diet. Using the extended version of the theory of planned behaviour (eTPB), this study aims to develop and validate a questionnaire assessing psychosocial and environmental factors that could influence the consumption of iron-rich foods (IRFs) among Senegalese pregnant women. A three-step procedure was used. Six focus group discussions (FGDs) were held with 10 pregnant women each from a different region to identify salient beliefs related to each of the four constructs of the eTPB using a structured guide. Information from FGDs was used to develop a questionnaire, which was administered to the first group (n = 200) of pregnant women. Principal component analyses and exploratory factorial analyses were performed on the first set of data to identify latent factors for each construct namely the attitude, subjective norm and perceived behavioural control. A revised and shorter version of the questionnaire was administered to a second sample of pregnant women (n = 226) and confirmatory factorial analyses were conducted using this second set of data. Hancock and Muller's H reliability index was computed on the final model. The final questionnaire included 44 items. Most criteria for fit indices were met and H values were satisfactory. This study proposes a tool that could be used to explore determinants of the consumption of IRF among pregnant women. Further validation is still warranted in other contexts., (© 2024 The Author(s). Maternal & Child Nutrition published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

In the title compound, C(10)H(10)N(4)O(4)·0.5H(2)O, the two rings of the pteridine system are nearly coplanar [dihedral angle = 4.25 (9)°]. The atoms of the carboxyl group are also coplanar with the pteridine unit [r.m.s. deviation from the mean plane of the pteridine skeleton = 0.092 (2) Å]. In the crystal, the presence of the water molecule of crystallization (O atom site symmetry 2) leads to a hydrogen-bonding pattern different from the one shown by many carboxylic acid compounds (dimers formed through O-H⋯O hydrogen bonds between neighbouring carboxyl groups): in the present structure, the water mol-ecule, which lies on a binary axis, acts as a bridge between two mol-ecules, forming a hydrogen-bonded dimer. In addition to the hydrogen bonds, there are π-π ring stacking inter-actions involving the pyrimidine and pyrazine rings [centroid-centroid distance = 3.689 (1)Å], and two different pyrazine rings [centroid-centroid distance = 3.470 (1)Å]. Finally, there is a C-O⋯π contact involving a carboxyl-ate C-O and the pyrimidine ring with a short O⋯Cg distance of 2.738 (2) Å.

The title compound, [Cu(C(11)H(12)N(4)O(3))(C(18)H(15)P)(2)]PF(6), is the third example reported in the literature of a five-coordinated Cu(I)P(2)NO(2) system. The metal is coordinated to both PPh(3) mol-ecules through the P atoms and to the pyrazine ring of the lumazine mol-ecule through an N atom in a trigonal-planar arrangement; two additional coordinated O atoms, at Cu-O distances longer than 2.46 Å, complete the coordination. The coordination environment can be described as an inter-mediate square-pyramidal/trigonal-bipyramidal (SP/TBP) polyhedron.