Synthesis, Characterization, and Computational Studies on Gallium(III) and Iron(III) Complexes with a Pentadentate Macrocyclic -Phosphinate Chelator and Their Investigation As Molecular Scaffolds for F Binding.

With the aim of obtaining improved molecular scaffolds for F binding to use in PET imaging, gallium(III) and iron(III) complexes with a macrocyclic -phosphinate chelator have been synthesized and their properties, including their fluoride binding ability, investigated. Reaction of Bn-tacn (1-benzyl-1,4,7-triazacyclononane) with paraformaldehyde and PhP(OR) (R = Me or Et) in refluxing THF, followed by acid hydrolysis, yields the macrocyclic (phosphinic acid) derivative, H(Bn-NODP) (1-benzyl-4,7-phenylphosphinic acid-1,4,7-triazacyclononane), which is isolated as its protonated form, H(Bn-NODP)·2HCl·4HO, at low pH (HCl), its disodium salt, Na(Bn-NODP)·5HO at pH 12 (NaOH), or the neutral H(Bn-NODP) under mildly basic conditions (EtN). A crystal structure of H(Bn-NODP)·2HCl·HO confirmed the ligand's identity.

Decreased Exercise-Induced Changes in Prefrontal Cortex Hemodynamics Are Associated With Depressive Symptoms.

People with a depressed mood tend to perform poorly on executive function tasks, which require much of the prefrontal cortex (PFC), an area of the brain which has also been shown to be hypo-active in this population. Recent research has suggested that these aspects of cognition might be improved through physical activity and cognitive training. However, whether the acute effects of exercise on PFC activation during executive function tasks vary with depressive symptoms remains unclear.

Extreme crowding in laying hens during a recurrent smothering outbreak.

Background: Piling, a behaviour where hens crowd together, is referred to as smothering if mortalities result. Smothering is a considerable concern for the egg industry, yet is vastly understudied.

Methods: During an outbreak of recurrent smothering, continuous video footage captured a commercial, free-range flock over 35 days.