Preparation, X-ray crystal structure determination, lattice potential energy, and energetics of formation of the salt S4(AsF6)2.AsF3 containing the lattice-stabilized tetrasulfur [2+] cation. Implications for the understanding of the stability of M(4)2+ and M2+ (M = S, Se, and Te) crystalline salts

S4(AsF6)2.AsF3 was prepared by the reaction of sulfur with arsenic pentafluroide in liquid AsF3 (quantitatively) and in anhydrous HF in the presence of trace amounts of bromine. A single-crystal X-ray structure of the compound has been determined: monoclinic, space group P2(1)/c, Z = 4, a = 7.886(1) A, b = 9.261(2) A, c = 19.191(3) A, beta = 92.82(1) degrees, V = 1399.9(4) A3, T = 293 K, R1 = 0.052 for 1563 reflections (I > 2 sigma (I) 1580 total and 235 parameters). We report a term-by-term calculation of the lattice potential energy of this salt and also use our generalized equation, which estimates lattice energies to assist in probing the homopolyatomic cation thermochemistry in the solid and the gaseous states. We find S4(AsF6)2.AsF3 to be more stable (delta fH degree [S4(AsF6)2.AsF3,c] approximately -4050 +/- 105 kJ/mol) than either the unsolvated S4(AsF6)2 (delta fH degree [S4(AsF6)2,c] approximately -3104 +/- 117 kJ/mol) by 144 kJ/mol or two moles of S2AsF6 (c) and AsF3 (1) by 362 kJ/mol. The greater stability of the S(4)2+ salt arises because of the greater lattice potential energy of the 1:2 solvated salt (1734 kJ/mol) relative to twice that of the 1:1 salt (2 x 541 = 1082 kJ/mol). The relative lattice stabilization enthalpies of M(4)2+ ions relative to two M2+ ions (i.e., in M4(AsF6)2 (c) with respect to two M2AsF6 (c) (M = S, Se, and Te)) are found to be 218, 289, and 365 kJ/mol, respectively. Evaluation of the thermodynamic data implies that appropriate presently available anions are unlikely to stabilize M2+ in the solid phase. A revised value for delta fH degree [Se4(AsF6)2,c] = -3182 +/- 106 kJ/mol is proposed based on estimates of the lattice energy of Se4(AsF6)2 (c) and a previously calculated gasphase dimerization energy of 2Se2+ to Se(4)2+.

Elucidating the mode of action of a corrosion inhibitor for iron

Two polymetallic iron(III) complexes 1 and 2 have been synthesised from the known corrosion inhibitor 3-(4-methylbenzoyl)-propionic acid HL1 and their crystal structures determined. Coordination geometries extracted from these structures have been used as the basis for molecular modelling onto idealised iron(III) oxide surfaces as an aid to understanding the efficacy of inhibitors of the 4-keto acid type. The proposed mode of action involves 1,3-bridging didentate coordination of the carboxylate function of L1 to two FeIII ions, hydrogen-bond formation between the 4-keto group of L1 and a bridging surface hydroxy group, as well as close packing of the aromatic end groups, which should generate a hydrophobic barrier on the surface. Adsorption isotherm experiments have been used to compare the strengths of binding of related carboxylic acids onto iron(III) oxide surfaces and indicate that the presence of the 4-keto function leads to the formation of significantly more stable surface complexes.

The Phil Hearne course: an evaluation of a multidisciplinary mental health education programme for clinical practitioners

A description and evaluation of the pilot of a 30-week multidisciplinary mental health education programme (The Phil Hearne Course) is presented. The course was based upon the expressed service needs of an NHS Trust and upon the needs of users consulted during the developmental phase of the project. The course was designed to provide core skills, relating to effective assessment, communication, intervention and networking. These skills were thought to be applicable to all mental health disciplines. The course was evaluated positively by students and staff and was found to be effective in improving practice by providing a range of core skills for mental health workers. It was also determined that students tended to over-estimate their skills in core areas, particularly care planning and record-keeping. It is intended to develop the course into a distance learning, skills-based package.

A family of polynuclear cobalt and nickel complexes stabilised by 2-pyridonate and carboxylate ligands

The synthesis and structural characterisation of a series of cobalt and nickel cages are reported. Eight of these structures contain a [M10(mu3-OH)6(eta2, mu3-xhp),(eta2, mu2-O2CR)6]2+ core (where M = Co or Ni; xhp = 6-chloro- or 6-methyl-2-pyridonate: R = Me, Ph, CHMe2, CH2Cl, CHPh2 or CMe3), where the ten metal atoms describe a centred-tricapped-trigonal prism (ttp). The cage contains six hydroxide ligands around the central metal, and the exterior is coated with pyridonate and carboxylate ligands. For four of the cages additional metal centres are found attached to the upper and/or lower triangular faces of the trigonal prism, generating dodeca- and undecanuclear cages. Three further cages are reported that contain a metal core based on an incomplete centred-tetraicosahedron. These cages involve trimethylacetate as a ligand in company with either 6-methyl-2-pyridonate or 6-chloro-2-pyridonate. Comparison of these latter structures with the trigonal prisms reveal that they can be described as a pentacapped-trigonal prism missing one edge. Magnetic studies of three of the nickel cages with trigonal prismatic cores show spin ground states of S = 8, 4 and 2 for Ni12, Ni11 and Ni10 cages, respectively.

Parental smoking practices and caries experience in pre-school children

Voluntary and involuntary smoking influence general health. Links between voluntary smoking and oral health are confirmed for periodontal diseases and oral cancer/precancer. Since recent reports have suggested an association between parental smoking and caries experience in young children, this study aimed to explore varying patterns of parental smoking, adjusted for social class, with caries prevalence, using data derived from the UK National Diet and Nutrition Survey (1995). Data analysis was confined to 749 children aged 3.0-4.5 years, to avoid confounding effects of unerupted teeth. Bivariate analysis indicated that the prevalence of maternal rather than paternal smoking was significantly related to caries and substantially attenuated social class differences. The reported number of cigarettes smoked was not important. To compensate for the association between social class and maternal smoking, data were dichotomised by social class (manual/non-manual). With caries prevalence as the dependent variable, logistic regression analysis recorded maternal smoking as a significant independent variable in each case, with odds ratios of 1.55/1.96, respectively. The process was repeated for the combined dataset, using the more extensive (six) social class categories. This further analysis yielded an odds ratio for maternal smoking of 1.54 compared with 1.46 for social class. Nutrition status (as growth parameters) and dietary intake (as household spending on confectionery) were not significant independent variables in these equations. The rationale for these findings is discussed. Further research is required to determine mechanisms underlying these observations. It is concluded that maternal smoking is a significant factor to be considered as an additional risk indicator beyond social class when predicting caries risk in young children.

Developmental changes in the transmitter properties of sympathetic neurons that innervate the periosteum

During the development of sweat gland innervation, interactions with the target tissue induce a change from noradrenergic to cholinergic and peptidergic properties. To determine whether the change in neurotransmitter properties that occurs in the sweat gland innervation occurs more generally in sympathetic neurons, we identified a new target of cholinergic sympathetic neurons in rat, the periosteum, which is the connective tissue covering of bone, and characterized the development of periosteal innervation of the sternum. During development, sympathetic axons grow from thoracic sympathetic ganglia along rib periosteum to reach the sternum. All sympathetic axons displayed catecholaminergic properties when they reached the sternum, but these properties subsequently disappeared. Many axons lacked detectable immunoreactivities for vesicular acetylcholine transporter and vasoactive intestinal peptide when they reached the sternum and acquired them after arrival. To determine whether periosteum could direct changes in the neurotransmitter properties of sympathetic neurons that innervate it, we transplanted periosteum to the hairy skin, a noradrenergic sympathetic target. We found that the sympathetic innervation of the transplant underwent a noradrenergic to cholinergic and peptidergic change. These results suggest that periosteum, in addition to sweat glands, regulates the neurotransmitter properties of the sympathetic neurons that innervate it.

Stereoselective formation of seven-coordinate titanium(IV) monomer and dimer complexes of ethylenebis(o-hydroxyphenyl)glycine

Reactions between the antitumor agent titanocene dichloride (Cp2TiCl2) and the hexadentate ligand N,N'-ethylenebis-(o-hydroxyphenylglycine) (H4ehpg) have been investigated in aqueous solution and the solid state. The racemic ligands give crystals of the monomer [Ti(ehpg)(H2O)] x (11/3)H2O (1), while the meso ligand gives the oxo-bridged dimer [[Ti(Hehpg)(H2O)]2O] x 13H2O (2). Complex 1 crystallizes in the monoclinic space group C2/c with a = 24.149(4) A, b = 14.143(3) A, c = 19.487(3) A, beta = 105.371(13) degrees, V = 6417.7(19) A3, Z = 12, and R(F) = 0.0499 for 4,428 independent reflections having I > 2sigma(I), and contains seven-coordinate pentagonal-bipyramidal TiIV with two axial phenolate ligands (Ti-O, 1.869(2) A). The pentagonal plane contains the two N-atoms at 2.210(2) A, two carboxylate O-atoms at 2.061(2) A, and a water molecule (Ti-OH2, 2.091(3) A). Complex 2 crystallizes as an oxygen-bridged dimer in the triclinic space group P-1 with a = 12.521(6) A, b = 14.085(7) A, c = 16.635(8) A, alpha = 80.93(2) degrees beta = 69.23(2) degrees, gamma = 64.33(2) degrees , V = 2472(2) A3, Z = 4, and R(F) = 0.0580 for 5956 independent reflections having I > 2sigma(I). Each seven-coordinate, pentagonal-bipyramidal TiIV has a bridging oxide and a phenolate as axial ligands. The pentagonal plane donors are H2O, two carboxylate O-atoms, and two NH groups, which form H-bonds to O-atoms both in the same half-molecule (O...N, 2.93-3.13 A) and in the other half-molecule (O...N, 2.73-2.75 A); the second phenoxyl group of each Hehpg ligand is protonated and not coordinated to TiIV, but H-bonds to a nearby amine proton (O...N, 2.73-2.75 A) from the same ligand and to a nearby H2O (O...O, 2.68 A). In contrast to all previously reported crystalline metal-EHPG complexes containing racemic ligands, in which the N(S,S)C(R,R) or N(R,R)C(S,S) form is present, complex 1 unexpectedly contains the N(S,S)C(S,S) and N(R,R)C(R,R) forms. This is attributed to the presence of ring strain in seven-coordinate TiIV complexes. Moreover, the rac ligands selectively form crystals of monomeric 1, while the meso ligand selectively forms crystals of the dimer 2 (N(R,R)C(R,S) or N(S,S)C(S,R)). Complexes 1 and 2 exhibit phenolate-to-TiIV charge-transfer bands near 387 nm, and 2D NMR studies indicate that the structures of 1 and 2 in solution are similar to those in the solid state. Complex 1 is stable over the pH range 1.0-7.0, while 2 is stable only between pH 2.5 and pH 5.5. Cp2TiCl2 reacts with EHPG at pH* 7.0 to give complex 1 with a t 1/2 of ca. 50 min (298 K), but complex 2 was not formed at this pH* value. At pH* 3.7, the reaction is very slow: 1 forms with a half-life of ca. 2.5 d, and 2 after ca. 1 week at ambient temperature. The relevance of these data to the possible role of serum transferrin as a mediator for the delivery of TiIV to tumor cells is discussed.

The long and short of it: branch lengths and the problem of placing the New Zealand short-tailed bat, Mystacina

The taxonomic position of the endemic New Zealand bat genus Mystacina has vexed systematists ever since its erection in 1843. Over the years the genus has been linked with many microchiropteran families and superfamilies. Most recent classifications place it in the Vespertilionoidea, although some immunological evidence links it with the Noctilionoidea (=Phyllostomoidea). We have sequenced 402 bp of the mitochondrial cytochrome b gene for M. tuberculata (Gray in Dieffenbach, 1843), and using both our own and published DNA sequences for taxa in both superfamilies, we applied different tree reconstruction methods to find the appropriate phylogeny and different methods of estimating confidence in the parts of the tree. All methods strongly support the classification of Mystacina in the Noctilionoidea. Spectral analysis suggests that parsimony analysis may be misleading for Mystacina's precise placement within the Noctilionoidea because of its long terminal branch. Analyses not susceptible to long-branch attraction suggest that the Mystacinidae is a sister family to the Phyllostomidae. Dating the divergence times between the different taxa suggests that the extant chiropteran families radiated around and shortly after the Cretaceous-Tertiary boundary. We discuss the biogeographical implications of classifying Mystacina within the Noctilionoidea and contrast our result with those classifications placing Mystacina in the Vespertilionoidea, concluding that evidence for the latter is weak.

Biochemical and immunologic comparison of virus-like particles for a rotavirus subunit vaccine

A parenterally administered rotavirus vaccine composed of virus-like particles (VLPs) is being evaluated for human use. VLPs composed of bovine VP6 and simian VP7 (SA11, G3) proteins (6/7-VLPs) or of bovine VP2, bovine VP6, and simian VP7 (SA11, G3) proteins (2/6/7-VLPs) were synthesized and purified from Sf9 insect cells co-infected with recombinant baculoviruses. 6/7- and 2/6/7-VLP administered parenterally (i.m.) in mice had comparable immunogenicity, but the 2/6/7-VLPs were more homogeneous and stable. The inclusion of the VP2 capsid contributed to particle formation and stability. The adjuvant QS-21 significantly enhanced the immunogenicity of 2/6/7-VLPs over A10H or saline alone. Equivalent serum neutralizing antibody responses were induced over the range of 1-15 microg/dose of 2/6/7-VLPs administered with the range of 5-20 microg/dose of QS-21. The immunogenicity of 2/6/7-VLPs and inactivated SA11 virus were comparable. 2/6/7-VLPs are a promising candidate for a parenterally delivered rotavirus subunit vaccine.

Shifting care: GP opinions of hospital at home

Hospital at home (HaH) has become an increasingly popular model of care over the past few years. However, there is little evidence to suggest that this is a superior form of care when compared with standard inpatient care in terms of cost, satisfaction, or clinical outcomes. Despite concerns that these schemes increase general practitioner (GP) workload, there is also no published evidence on the effect of HaH on GPs. As part of a broader study, a survey was undertaken of all GPs in an inner London health authority for their views of HaH. Overall, GPs felt that such schemes increased their workload, but GPs who had used HaH were more strongly in favour of these schemes for a range of conditions.

Alcohol portrayal in Australian prime time television in 1990 and 1997

OBJECTIVE

This study examines the frequency of scenes involving alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinking acts in Australian TV serials in 1990 and 1997.

METHOD

In 1990 and 1997, 87.5 and 85 hours (respectively) of prime time Australian serials were video taped. Tapes were coded using a standard protocol, including visual or verbal references to alcoholic beverages and the act of consuming or preparing to consume any type of beverage.

RESULTS

In 1990 and 1997, prime time viewers saw on average 2.6 acts of alcohol consumption per hour. There was a statistically significant threefold decrease in the total number of references to alcohol on prime time Australian serials (primarily accounted for by a significant reduction in the incidental depiction of alcohol), an almost halving of the number of episodes that made some reference to alcohol and less consumption of beverages (both alcoholic and non-alcoholic) in 1997 compared with 1990.

CONCLUSIONS

The decrease in incidental references to alcohol was not due to an obviously more socially responsible depiction of alcohol. In both 1990 and 1997, uncritical viewers could conclude from watching Australian TV serials that alcohol is everywhere, is there to be drunk, is used and accepted by all ages and both sexes and is rarely associated with any negative consequences.

IMPLICATIONS

The portrayal of health or risk-taking behaviour on television may influence the perception of viewers that certain behaviours are 'normal', common or acceptable, may encourage modelling of that behaviour and may indirectly influence the policy agenda.