Spin Crossover Induced by Changing the Identity of the Secondary Metal Ion from PdII to NiII in a Face-Centered FeII 8 MII 6 Cubic Cage.

Discrete spin crossover (SCO) heteronuclear cages are a rare class of materials which have potential use in next-generation molecular transport and catalysis. Previous investigations of cubic cage [Fe8 Pd6 L8 ]28+ constructed using semi-rigid metalloligands, found that FeII centers of the cage did not undergo spin transition. In this work, substitution of the secondary metal center at the face of the cage resulted in SCO behavior, evidenced by magnetic susceptibility, Mössbauer spectroscopy and single crystal X-ray diffraction. Structural comparisons of these two cages shed light on the possible interplay of inter- and intramolecular interactions associated with SCO in the NiII analogue, 1 ([Fe8 Ni6 L8 (CH3 CN)12 ]28+ ). The distorted octahedral coordination environment, as well as the occupation of the CH3 CN in the NiII axial positions of 1, prevented close packing of cages observed in the PdII analogue. This led to offset, distant packing arrangements whereby important areas within the cage underwent dramatic structural changes with the exhibition of SCO.

Quinoid-Based Three-Dimensional Metal-Organic Framework Fe2(dhbq)3: Porosity, Electrical Conductivity, and Solid-State Redox Properties.

We report the synthesis, characterization, and electronic properties of the quinoid-based three-dimensional metal-organic framework [Fe2(dhbq)3]. The MOF was synthesized without using cations as a template, unlike other reported X2dhbq3-based coordination polymers, and the crystal structure was determined by using single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The crystal structure was entirely different from the other reported [Fe2(X2dhbq3)]2-; three independent 3D polymers were interpenetrated to give the overall structure. The absence of cations led to a microporous structure, investigated by N2 adsorption isotherms. Temperature dependence of electrical conductivity data revealed that it exhibited a relatively high electrical conductivity of 1.2 × 10-2 S cm-1 (Ea = 212 meV) due to extended d-π conjugation in a three-dimensional network. Thermoelectromotive force measurement revealed that it is an n-type semiconductor with electrons as the majority of charge carriers. Structural characterization and spectroscopic analyses, including SXRD, Mössbauer, UV-vis-NIR, IR, and XANES measurements, evidenced the occurrence of no mixed valency based on the metal and the ligand. [Fe2(dhbq)3] upon incorporating as a cathode material for lithium-ion batteries engendered an initial discharge capacity of 322 mAh/g.

Uniformity and Efficacy of Dry Powders Delivered to the Lungs of a Mycobacterial-Surrogate Rat Model of Tuberculosis.

PURPOSE: Pulmonary administration of dry drug powder is a considered promising strategy in the treatment of various lung diseases such as tuberculosis and is more effective than systemic medication. However, in the pre-clinical study phase, there is a lack of devices for effective delivery of dry powders to the lungs of small rodents. In this study, an administration device which utilizes Venturi effect to deliver dry powders to the lungs homogeneously was developed. METHODS: A Venturi-effect administration device which synchronizes with breathes by use of a ventilator and aerosolizes the dry powders was created. Pulmonary distribution of inhalable dry powders prepared by spray-drying poly(lactic-co-glycolic) acid and an antituberculosis agent rifampicin and anti-tuberculosis effect of the powders on mycobacteria infected rats by administration with the Venturi-effect administration device and a conventional insufflation device were evaluated. RESULTS: Homogeneous distribution of the dry powders in the lung was achieved by the Venturi-effect administration device due to efficient and recurring aerosolization of loaded dry powders while synchronizing with breathes. Amount of rifampicin delivered to the lungs by the Venturi-effect administration device was three times higher than that by a conventional insufflation device, demonstrating three times greater antimycobacterial activity. CONCLUSIONS: The Venturi-effect administration device aerosolized inhalable antituberculosis dry powders efficiently, achieved uniform pulmonary distribution, and aided the dry powders to exert antituberculosis activity on lung-residing mycobacteria.

Simulations predict intermediate-mass black hole formation in globular clusters.

The formation process of intermediate-mass black holes (IMBHs), defined as those between 100 and 105 solar masses (M⊙), is debated. One potential origin is the growth of less-massive black holes merging with stars and compact objects within globular clusters (GCs). However, previous simulations have indicated that this process only produces IMBHs under 500 M⊙ before gravitational wave recoil ejects them from the GC. We performed star-by-star simulations of GC formation, finding that high-density star formation in a GC's parent giant molecular cloud can produce sufficient mergers of massive stars to overcome that mass threshold. We conclude that GCs can form with IMBHs more than 103 M⊙⨀, which is sufficiently massive to be retained within the GC even with the expected gravitational wave recoil.

[Preparation of a manual treatment of pressure ulcers which draws attention to moisture of the affected part].

As for pressure ulcers care, prevention is the most important approach. However, pressure ulcers, might develop despite enough care, depending on each person's physical condition. As for the treatment of pressure ulcers, maintenance of a moderately moist environment (60-70%) is quite important. We propose the use of ointment to control the moisture of a pressure ulcer environment. One ointment base absorbs moisture, while another provides moisture. We have prepared a manual that allows the user to select the medicine according to the degree of moisture of the affected part. When the moisture cannot be regulated with one ointment, it can be adjusted by mixing two or more ointments. In choosing a drug for external use, it is important to pay attention not only to the effect of the main ingredient but also to the physicochemical properties of the ointment base that serves as vehicle for that active component.

[Preparation of a manual treatment of pressure ulcers which draws attention to moisture of the affected part].

As for pressure ulcers care, prevention is the most important approach. However, pressure ulcers, might develop despite enough care, depending on each person's physical condition. As for the treatment of pressure ulcers, maintenance of a moderately moist environment (60-70%) is quite important. We propose the use of ointment to control the moisture of a pressure ulcer environment. One ointment base absorbs moisture, while another provides moisture. We have prepared a manual that allows the user to select the medicine according to the degree of moisture of the affected part. When the moisture cannot be regulated with one ointment, it can be adjusted by mixing two or more ointments. In choosing a drug for external use, it is important to pay attention not only to the effect of the main ingredient but also to the physicochemical properties of the ointment base that serves as vehicle for that active component.