bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Direct determination of dialkyl phosphates by strong anion‐exchange liquid chromatography/atmospheric pressure chemical ionization mass spectrometry using a quadrupole ion trap instrument
Authors: Draper William M. , Behniwal Paramjit , Wijekoon Donald
Published: July 2008

The direct determination of dialkyl phosphates (DAPs) in water by strong anion‐exchange (SAX) liquid chromatography/atmospheric pressure chemical ionization (APCI) mass spectrometry was investigated. The SAX high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) column was eluted with methanol/water gradients containing ammonium formate (AF) separating the DAPs which included six dimethyl‐ and diethyl‐substituted phosphates, thiophosphates, and dithiophosphates. The high buffer concentrations required for separation were compatible with −ve APCI, but in +ve APCI the DAPs were unstable giving anomalous ions such as [M+15]+ and [M+29]+. These ions are believed to result from ion molecule reactions with CH3OH in the plasma. DAPs are very stable in −ve APCI being detected as abundant [M–H]− ions, even with 200 mM AF. At higher AF concentration formate clusters ([M+45]− and [M+91]−) were seen. Fragmentation by collision‐activated dissociation (CAD) was more efficient for deprotonated ethyl‐substituted DAPs which lost ethylene followed by ethanol. APCI instrument detection limits were in the low ng/mL range and the response was highly linear. Isotope dilution quantitation using d10‐diethyl dithiophosphate (DEDTP) as an internal standard produced an instrument detection limit of 2 ng DEDTP/mL and method detection limit (MDL) of 9.3 ng/mL with accuracy of 99% (spike concentration, 25 ng/mL). DAP mixtures required storage in cold, dry conditions and alcohol solvents should be avoided because of solvolysis reactions. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Simultaneous determination of mercapturic acids derived from ethylene oxide (HEMA), propylene oxide (2‐HPMA), acrolein (3‐HPMA), acrylamide (AAMA) and N,N‐dimethylformamide (AMCC) in human urine using liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Schettgen Thomas , Musiol Anita , Kraus Thomas
Published: July 2008

Mercapturic acids are highly important and specific biomarkers of exposure to carcinogenic substances in occupational and environmental medicine. We have developed and validated a reliable, specific and very sensitive method for the simultaneous determination of five mercapturic acids derived from several high‐production chemicals used in industry, namely ethylene oxide, propylene oxide, acrylamide, acrolein and N,N‐dimethylformamide. Analytes are enriched and cleaned up from urinary matrix by offline solid‐phase extraction. The mercapturic acids are subsequently separated by means of high‐performance liquid chromatography on a Luna C8 (2) column and specifically quantified by tandem mass spectrometric detection using isotopically labelled analytes as internal standards. The limits of detection (LODs) for N‐acetyl‐S‐2‐carbamoylethylcysteine (AAMA) and N‐acetyl‐S‐2‐hydroxyethylcysteine (HEMA) were 2.5 µg/L and 0.5 µg/L urine, while for N‐acetyl‐S‐3‐hydroxypropylcysteine (3‐HPMA), N‐acetyl‐S‐2‐hydroxypropylcysteine (2‐HPMA) and N‐acetyl‐S‐(N‐methylcarbamoyl)cysteine (AMCC) it was 5 µg/L. These LODs were sufficient to detect the background exposure of the general population. We applied the method on spot urine samples of 28 subjects of the general population with no known occupational exposure to these substances. Median levels for AAMA, HEMA, 3‐HPMA, 2‐HPMA and AMCC in non‐smokers (n = 14) were 52.6, 2.0, 155, 7.1 and 113.6 µg/L, respectively. In smokers (n = 14), median levels for AAMA, HEMA, 3‐HPMA, 2‐HPMA and AMCC were 243, 5.3, 1681, 41.7 and 822 µg/L, respectively. Due to the simultaneous quantification of these mercapturic acids, our method is well suited for the screening of workers with multiple chemical exposures as well as the determination of the background excretion of the general population. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Adaptive neural control for a class of uncertain nonlinear systems with unknown time delay
Authors: Wang Dan , Lan Weiyao
Published: July 2008

A neural network (NN)‐based robust adaptive control design scheme is developed for a class of nonlinear systems represented by input–output models with an unknown nonlinear function and unknown time delay. By approximating on‐line the unknown nonlinear functions with a three‐layer feedforward NN, the proposed approach does not require the unknown parameters to satisfy the linear dependence condition. The control law is delay independent and possible controller singularity problem is avoided. It is proved that with the proposed neural control law, all the signals in the closed‐loop system are semiglobally bounded in the presence of unknown time delay and unknown nonlinearity. A simulation example is presented to demonstrate the method. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
GSE: A flexible, yet efficient, encapsulation for IP over DVB‐S2 continuous generic streams
Authors: Cantillo Juan , Collini‐Nocker Bernhard , De Bie Ulrik , Del Rio Oscar , Fairhurst Gorry , Jahn Axel , Rinaldo Rita
Published: July 2008

The second‐generation specification for Digital Video Broadcast over Satellite, DVB‐S2, defines an improved and adaptive physical layer. A new framing structure at the link layer, known as the generic stream (GS), is introduced offering an alternative to the well‐known MPEG transport stream (TS). This paper presents the requirements for and the design of an encapsulation protocol to transport IPv4 and IPv6 datagrams and other network protocol packets directly over DVB‐S2 using this GS profile. The resulting generic stream encapsulation (GSE) is a novel method that provides flexible encapsulation with support for fragmentation. A flexible extension header format allows GSE to carry additional header information, suitable for enhanced features, such as link layer encryption and IP header compression. The paper assesses GSE performance by simulation using realistic traffic profiles and attenuation fading. This demonstrates considerable improvement in efficiency compared with the MPE/MPEG‐2 TS, especially when used with adaptive coding and modulation (ACM). Although designed for DVB‐S2 systems, the new encapsulation is suitable for other second‐generation physical layer standards. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Fluorescent Liposomes as Contrast Agents for In Vivo Optical Imaging of Edemas in Mice
Authors: Deissler Verena , Rüger Ronny , Frank Wilhelm , Fahr Alfred , Kaiser Werner A. , Hilger Ingrid
Published: July 2008

This study assesses if specially designed fluorescent liposomes can be used as contrast agent for near‐infrared fluorescence (NIRF) optical imaging of cultured macrophages in vitro and for NIRF imaging of inflammatory processes, like edema, in an in vivo mouse model. Fluorescent liposomes are prepared by the film hydration and extrusion method using cholesterol, L‐phosphatidylcholine, and the NIR fluorescent dye DY‐676‐C18 ester. Photon correlation spectroscopy and flow cytometry reveal that fluorescent liposomes are structurally stable for up to 133 days. Distinct uptake/labeling of cultured murine J774 macrophages is demonstrated by confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM), flow cytometry, and macroscopic NIRF imaging system at wavelengths >670 nm. Moreover, CLSM analysis reveals fluorescence signals within intracellular compartments. Ear edema is induced in mice (n = 16) by subcutaneous injection of zymosan A. Whole‐body NIRF imaging is performed after intravenous injection (0–24 h) of fluorescent liposomes (55 nmol dye per kg body weight). Distinctly higher fluorescence intensities (1613.6 ± 61.7 a.u.) are detected at inflamed areas of diseased mice as compared to controls (892.8 ± 19.4 a.u.). Furthermore, cell isolated from ear lavage reveals the presence of labeled F4/80 positive tissue macrophages. Taken together, the results indicate both that mouse macrophages labeled with fluorescent liposomes can be detected in vitro with fluoro‐optical methods and that in vivo optical imaging of inflammatory processes with fluorescent liposomes as contrast agent is feasible. Possibly, early stages of other inflammatory diseases could also be detected by the proposed diagnostic tool in the long term.
Prenasal thickness in trisomy‐21 fetuses at 16–24 weeks of gestation
Authors: Persico N. , Borenstein M. , Molina F. , Azumendi G. , Nicolaides K. H.
Published: July 2008

Objective

To construct a reference range for fetal prenasal thickness between 16 and 24 weeks of gestation and to evaluate the thickness in fetuses with trisomy 21.

Methods

We acquired three‐dimensional (3D) volumes of the fetal profile from 135 normal fetuses and 26 fetuses with trisomy 21 at 16–24 weeks' gestation. We used the multiplanar mode to obtain the exact mid‐sagittal plane and measured the prenasal thickness as the shortest distance between the anterior edge of the lowest part of the frontal bone (at the junction with the nasal bone when present) and the skin anteriorly.

Results

In the normal group prenasal thickness increased with gestation from a mean of 2.4 mm at 16 weeks to 4.6 mm at 24 weeks. Repeatability studies demonstrated that in 95% of the cases the difference between two measurements of prenasal thickness by the same operator and by different operators was less than 1 mm. In the trisomy‐21 fetuses the mean prenasal thickness was significantly larger than in normal fetuses and in 19 (73.1%) cases it was above the 95th centile of the normal range. There was no significant difference in prenasal thickness between the trisomic fetuses with and without ventriculomegaly, nuchal edema, absent nasal bone or a cardiac defect.

Conclusions

The fetal profile is routinely examined during the second‐trimester scan and therefore the skill needed to obtain the view necessary for the measurement of prenasal thickness is widely available. If the finding of our study—that in more than 70% of fetuses with trisomy 21 prenasal thickness is above the 95th centile—is confirmed in prospective screening studies this measurement alone could prove a highly sensitive method of second‐trimester screening for trisomy 21. Copyright © 2008 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis and Structures of Metallated N‐Heterocyclic Derivatives
Authors: Ponikiewski Lukasz , Shi Weifeng , Rothenberger Alexander
Published: July 2008

The synthesis and structures of five new compounds are reported. [Mg(6‐Oq)2(phen)2] (1), [Na(phen)3][(6‐HOq)(6‐Oq)] (2), 1/∞[Cu(3‐Opy)(3‐HOpy)2(PPh3)]∞ (3), 1/∞[Cu2{μ‐(6‐Oq)}(PPh3)2]∞ (4) and [Cu2(pht)2(μ‐dppm)2] (5) (6‐HOq = 6‐hydroxyquinoline; phen = 1,10‐phenanthroline, 3‐HOpy = 3‐hydroxypyridine; Hpht = phthalimide; dppm = bis‐(diphenylphosphino)methane) were prepared by deprotonation of N‐heterocyclic aromatic compounds with metal alkoxides. 1–5 represent useful starting materials for investigating the supramolecular cordination chemistry of organic anhydrides.
HoF[SeO3] und Ho3F[SeO3]4: Zwei fluorid‐derivatisierte Oxoselenate(IV) des Holmiums
Authors: Lipp Christian , Schleid Thomas
Published: July 2008

HoF[SeO3] and Ho3F[SeO3]4: Two Fluoride‐ Derivatized Holmium Oxoselenates(IV)

Three different structure types of rare‐earth metal(III) fluoride oxoselenates(IV) with the formula MF[SeO3] (M = Y, La, Lu) exist so far, whereas for the intermediate lanthanoids M3F[SeO3]4‐type compounds are known with the elements gadolinium and dysprosium. Holmium is now the first lanthanoid realizing both formula types of fluoride oxoselenates(IV), HoF[SeO3] as well as Ho3F[SeO3]4. HoF[SeO3] crystallizes isotypically to YF[SeO3] in the monoclinic system with space group P21/c (a = 657.84(6), b = 688.73(7), c = 718.25(7) pm, β = 99.213(5)° and Z = 4). Ho3+ at the general site 4e is surrounded by six oxide and two fluoride anions forming [HoO6F2]11− polyhedra (d(Ho–O) = 229−244 plus 261 pm, d(Ho–F) = 219 and 221 pm, CN(Ho3+) = 8). Like in YF[SeO3] the $^{2}_{\infty}\rm \{[HoO_{3}F]^{4-}\}$ sheets resulting from condensation of these polyhedra are interconnected by Se4+ cations showing a ψ1‐tetrahedral oxygen coordination as discrete [SeO3]2− anions (d(Se–O) = 167 – 175 pm), but by imaginary removal of the latter only $^{1}_{\infty}\rm \{[HoF^{v}_{2/2}]^{2+}\}$zigzag chains running parallel to the [001] direction remain. Ho3F[SeO3]4 crystallizes in the non‐centrosymmetric hexagonal space group P63mc (a = 1030.24(3), c = 680.37(2) pm and Z = 2). Three [HoO8F]14− polyhedra (d(Ho–O) = 232–254 pm and d(Ho–F) = 233 pm, CN(Ho3+) = 9) at a time are connected via common O2···F edges and four attached ψ1‐tetrahedral [SeO3]2− anions (d(Se–O) = 169–170 pm) to complete the basic building block {FHo3[(Se1)(O1)3][(Se2)(O2)(O3)2]3}. These entities with F−‐centered (Ho3+)3 triangles represent a single formula unit and share triangular (O1,O3,O3) faces with six other blocks in [001] direction. Large hexagonal channels are remaining in between which harbor the “lone‐pair” electrons of the isolated [(Se2)(O2)(O3)2]2− anions. Due to the free position of z/c in space group P63mc, z/c = 1/4 was chosen for the unique fluoride anion on site 2b (site symmetry: 3m.) in order to unify the descriptions for all M3F[SeO3]4‐type compounds eventually. The syntheses of HoF[SeO3] and Ho3F[SeO3]4 succeeded by reacting holmium sesquioxide (Ho2O3), holmium trifluoride (HoF3) and selenium dioxide (SeO2) in molar ratios of 1 : 1 : 3 and 4 : 1 : 12, respectively, with CsBr as fluxing agent within five days at 750 °C in evacuated graphitized fused‐silica ampoules.
Synthesis, Crystal Structure and Magnetic Behaviour of {[Co(dimb)2(H2O)2]·(NO3)2·(H2O)2}n
Authors: Yao Jing‐Cai , Zhang Li , Wang Yu‐Fang , Ma Lu‐Fang , Wang Li‐Ya
Published: July 2008

The title complex {[Co(dimb)2(H2O)2]·(NO3)2·(H2O)2}n (1) (dimb = 1,3‐di(imidazol‐1‐ylmethyl)‐5‐methylbenzene) has been hydrothermally synthesized by the reaction of dimb with Co(NO3)2·6H2O in aqueous solution. The cobalt(II) atoms are linked by bridging dimb ligands to form 2D corrugated and wavy networks containing Co4(dimb)4 macrocyclic motifs. Two neighboring independent layers interlinked each other in a parallel fashion to construct three‐dimensional structure by O–H···O, N–H···O and C–H···O hydrogen bonds. Magnetic measurement shows the weak antiferromagnetic interaction with a one‐dimensional chain model in the range of 5–300 K, with J of –0.68 cm−1.
Synthesis and Kinetic Study of Hydroxy/Fluoroapatite Solid Solution Formation by Decomposition of a Ca‐EDTA Complex
Authors: Arguedas Rebeca , Ledezma‐Gairaud Marisol , Sáenz Alejandro , Arias Juan D. , Montero Mavis L.
Published: July 2008

Fluoroapatite/hydroxyapatite (FA/HA) solid solutions were synthesized through the decomposition of a Ca(EDTA) complex in presence of phosphate and fluoride ions. Fluorine content and morphology depend on initial pH value. Phase identification, fluorine content, crystallinity and morphology of the obtained products were studied via chemical analysis, FTIR, SEM, XRD, and EDS. The kinetic study shows a catalytic dependence on pH value. The values of k0, kH+ and kOH are reported.
α‐Tetraphosphorus Trichalcogenide Diamides and Imides containing both Sulfur and Selenium
Authors: Tattershall Bruce W. , Holmes Kathryn E. , Tweedy Catherine , Valks Gina C.
Published: July 2008

Reaction of a mixture of bicyclic phosphorus sulfide selenide iodides α‐P4SnSe3−nI2 (n = 0–3) with PriNH2 and Et3N gave corresponding diamides α‐P4SnSe3−n(NHPri)2 (n = 0–3) and imides α‐P4SnSe3−n(μ‐NPri) (n = 2–3), identified in solution by 31P NMR. In one isomer of α‐P4S2Se(μ‐NPri), the C2 symmetry of imides such as α‐P4S3(μ‐NPri) was broken, allowing relative assignment of 2J NMR couplings to the PNP bridge and the PSP bridge opposite to it. The coupling through the sulfur bridge was found to be reduced to ca. zero, in contrast to previous assumptions for this class of compounds. Ab initio models were calculated at the MPW1PW91/svp level for the sulfide selenide imides and for a selection of bond rotamers of the diamides, and at the MPW1PW91/LanL2DZ(d) level for the sulfide selenide diiodides. Different skeletal isomers were prevalent for the mixed chalcogenide diamides than for the diiodides, showing that exchange of chalcogen between skeletal positions took place in the amination reaction even at room temperature. Similar differences to those observed were predicted by the models, suggesting that equilibrium was attained.
Salts of 1H‐Tetrazole – Synthesis, Characterization and Properties
Authors: Klapötke Thomas M. , Stein Marco , Stierstorfer Jörg
Published: July 2008

The most facile route for the formation of 1H‐Tetrazole (1, TZ) is the reaction of sodium azide with ammonium chloride and orthoethyl formate in glacial acetic acid. 1 was deprotonated using alkali hydroxides and carbonates yielding the corresponding metal salts LiTZ (4), NaTZ·H2O (5), KTZ (6), RbTZ (7) and CsTZ (8). The nitrogen rich salts NH4TZ·H2O (2) and N2H5TZ (3) were synthesized by the reaction of 1H‐tetrazole with aqueous NH3 and N2H4 solutions, respectively. In addition, Sr(TZ)2·5H2O (9) was obtained by deprotonation of 1 using Sr(OH)2·8H2O and its use as possible energetic ingredient in modern pyrotechnic compositions as a red component was investigated. All compounds were characterized using vibrational (IR and Raman) spectroscopy, multinuclear (1H, 7Li, 13C, 14N, 15N) NMR spectroscopy and elemental analysis. The structures in the crystalline state of compounds 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9 were determined using low temperature X‐ray diffraction and a detailed description is given in this work. The physico‐chemical properties of all compounds were investigated using DSC (differential scanning calorimetry) and the heats of formation were calculated using heats of combustion obtained by bomb calorimetry. Since tetrazoles often are energetic materials, the sensitivities of compounds 1–9 were tested using the BAM drophammer and friction tester. Crystal Data: 2: monoclinic, P21/n, a = 7.211(1), b = 4.0108(8), c = 17.991(4) Å, β = 91.97(3)°, V = 520.0(2) Å3, Z = 4, ρ = 1.343 g cm−3; 3: orthorhombic, Ccca, a = 6.763(1), b = 17.7510(4), c = 16.3160(8) Å, V = 1958.7(3) Å3, Z = 16, ρ = 1.385 g cm−3; 4: orthorhombic, C2221, a = 13.499(2), b = 14.389(3), c = 14.125(3) Å, V = 2743.6(9) Å3, Z = 8, ρ = 1.472 g cm−3; 5: orthorhombic, Pmma, a = 6.400(2), b = 5.837(1), c = 5.608(2) Å, V = 209.51(9) Å3, Z = 2, ρ = 1.745 g cm−3; 6: hexagonal, $P{\bar 6}$, a = 14.0037(2), b = 14.0037(2), c = 10.7285(2) Å, V = 1822.03(5) Å3, Z = 6, ρ = 1.774 g cm−3; 7: hexagonal, P63/m, a = 8.260(2), b = 8.260(2), c = 11.009(3) Å, V = 650.5(3) Å3, Z = 6, ρ = 2.367 g cm−3; 8: orthorhombic, Pbca, a = 7.3406(8), b = 9.610(1), c = 12.199(1) Å, V = 860.5(2) Å3, Z = 8, ρ = 3.118 g cm−3; 9: orthorhombic, Pnnm, a = 11.314(2), b = 13.876(3), c = 7.121(1) Å, V = 1117.9(4) Å3, Z = 2, ρ = 1.877 g cm−3.
Solvothermal Syntheses and Magnetic Properties of Two New Coordination Polymers with Mixed Ligands
Authors: Lin Chia‐Her , Tsao Tai‐Hsing
Published: July 2008

Two new coordination polymers, [Ni(H2O)(BDC)(bpp)]n (1) and [Co(mBDC)(bpp)]n (2) (BDC = 1,4‐benzene dicarboxylate anion; bpp = 4,4′‐trimethylene dipyridine; mBDC = 1,3‐benzene dicarboxylate anion), were synthesized by solvothermal reaction and structurally characterized. Single crystal X‐ray diffraction showed that 1 consists of an inclined interpenetration of 1D nets generating an overall 3D entanglement and compound 2 of 1D chains. The luminescent and magnetic properties of both compounds in the solid state were also investigated. Crystal data: 1: orthorhombic, Pnna; a = 18.3648(6), b = 13.6854(4), c = 16.2307(5) Å, V = 4079.3(2) Å3, and Z = 8. Crystal data: 2: triclinic, $P{\bar 1}$; a = 8.6966(4), b = 10.1093(4), c = 11.8334(4) Å, α = 68.263(1)°, β = 82.895(1)°, γ = 78.370(1)°, V = 945.16(7) Å3, and Z = 2.
Ba4Cr2US9: The First Chalcogenide Analogue of the Perovskite‐related (A3A′BO6)m(A3B3O9)n Family
Authors: Yao Jiyong , Ibers James A.
Published: July 2008

The compound Ba4Cr2US9, which crystallizes in space group P321, consists of one‐dimensional $^{1}_{\infty}\rm [Cr_{2}US_{9}^{2-}]$ chains separated by Ba2+ cations. Each one‐dimensional chain comprises face‐sharing CrS6 octahedra and US6 trigonal prisms in the sequence oct oct tp oct oct tp with the U and Cr centers in a linear chain parallel to [001].
Syntheses, Structure, Electrochemistry, and Optical Properties of 1,3‐Diethyl‐2,3‐dihydro‐1‐H‐1,3,2‐pyrido‐[4,5‐b]‐diazaboroles
Authors: Weber L. , Kahlert J. , Stammler H.‐G. , Neumann B.
Published: July 2008

Reaction of 2,5‐bis(dibromoboryl)thiophene (4) or 1,4‐bis(dibromoboryl)benzene (6) with two equivalents of N,N′‐dilithiated 2,3‐diaminopyridine (3) led to the generation of the pyridodiazaboroles 5 and 7 in which the two diazaborole rings are linked by 2,5‐thiophen‐diyl or 1,4‐phenylene units via the boron atom. The novel compounds were characterized by elemental analyses and spectroscopy (1H‐, 11B‐, 13C‐NMR, MS, and UV‐VIS). The molecular structure of 5 was elucidated by X‐ray diffraction. Cyclovoltammograms of 5 and 7 show two irreversible oxidation waves at 0.76 and 0.73 V, respectively vs Fc/Fc+. The novel compounds display intense blue luminescence with Stokes shifts of 76 and 74 nm and relative quantum yields of 39 and 43 % vs Coumarin 120 (Φ = 50 %).
Template Syntheses of Two Open‐framework Zinc Phosphites
Authors: Yang Yang , Zhao Yongnan , Yu Jianguo , Zhou Yang , Pang Nan , Su Hao , Pang Sha
Published: July 2008

Two new open‐framework zincophosphites, Zn(H6C4N2S)(HPO3) (TJPU‐4) and [C6N2H14]·[Zn3(HPO3)4] (TJPU‐5) have been hydrothermally synthesized by using 2‐mercapto‐1‐methylimidazole [MMI] and 1,4‐diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane [DABCO] as templates. TJPU‐4 crystallizes in monoclinic space group P21/c with the cell parameters a = 8.787(4) Å, b = 9.732(4) Å, c = 10.515(4) Å, β = 105.316(6)°, V = 867.3(6) Å3. The structure of TJPU‐4 is constructed by ZnO3S tetrahedron and HPO3 pseudo‐pyramid to generate a layer of 4, 8‐network in bc plane. The organic template locates on the both sides of the 8‐membered rings and bonds to zinc atom through Zn–S bond. TJPU‐5 crystallizes in the triclinic space group $P{\bar 1}$ with cell parameters a = 9.294 (5) Å, b = 9.976 (5) Å, c = 9.986 (5) Å, α = 85.692 (7)°, β = 82.010 (7)° and γ = 80.184 (7)°, V = 902.1 (8) Å3. A novel 4488 cage is found in TJPU‐5. The connections of Zn(1)O4, Zn(3)O4 and HPO3 groups give rise to an infinite corner‐shared four‐ring chain. Using Zn(2)O4 as four connected bridges, linkages of these chains produce a 3‐D framework with intersecting 8‐ring channels running along [100], [010], [001], [011] and [111] directions.
Synthesis and Properties of Rb6Mn2O6
Authors: Pfeiffer Steffen , Fischer Dieter , Jansen Martin
Published: July 2008

Rb6Mn2O6 was prepared via the azide/nitrate route. Stoichiometric mixtures of the precursors (Mn3O4, RbN3 and RbNO3) were heated in a special regime up to 500 °C and annealed at this temperature for 75 h in silver crucibles. Single crystals have been grown by annealing a mixture with a slight excess of rubidium components at 450 °C for 500 h. According to the single crystal structure analysis, Rb6Mn2O6 is isotypic to K6Mn2O6, and crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P21/c with a = 6.924(1) Å, b = 11.765(2) Å, c = 7.066(1) Å, β = 99.21(3)°, 2296 independent reflections, R1 = 5.23 % (all data). Manganese is tetrahedrally coordinated and two tetrahedra are linked by sharing a common edge, forming a dimer [Mn2O6]6−. The magnetic behavior has been investigated.
On the Flexibility of Thioantimonate Networks: Solvothermal Syntheses and Crystal Structures of Six New Thioantimonates(III) with the [Sb4S7]2− Anion
Authors: Lühmann Henning , Rejai Zomaje , Möller Karina , Leisner Philipp , Ordolff Marie‐Eve , Näther Christian , Bensch Wolfgang
Published: July 2008

Six new thioantimonates(III) with the [Sb4S7]2− anion were obtained under solvothermal conditions with in‐situ formed transition metal complexes as structure directors. In the two isostructural compounds [Fe(dien)2]Sb4S7·H2O (1) and [Co(dien)2]Sb4S7·0.5 H2O (2) (dien = diethylenetriamine; space group: P21/c) the layered [Sb4S7]2− anion is characterized by Sb8S8 rings with a diameter of about 9.6·7.6Å. The cation complexes are located above and below the pores of the rings. Despite the larger size of the cation complex the network topology of the third thioantimonate [Ni(dien)(tren)]Sb4S7 (3) (tren = tris(2‐aminoethyl)amine; space group: P21/n) is similar to that of the first two compounds. In the isostructural thioantimonates [M(trien)]Sb4S7 (M = Zn (4); M = Mn (5); trien = triethylenetetramine; space group: $\rm P{\bar 1}$) the M2+ ions are fivefold coordinated by four N atoms of the amine molecule and by one S atom of the thioantimonate anion forming a MN4S trigonal bipyramid. Sb8S16 building blocks are the central structural motifs of the anion. Two of the terminal S atoms at the periphery of the Sb8S16 units are bound to M2+ ions and the four remaining terminal S atoms connect adjacent Sb8S16 groups into the final [Sb4S7]2− chain. [Ni(tren)]Sb4S7 (6) (space group: $\rm P{\bar 1}$) contains a one‐dimensional anionic chain. The Ni2+ ion has two bonds to the [Sb4S7]2− anion which is a unique feature in the thioantimonate(III) chemistry. The NiN4S2 octahedron is severly distorted with one very long Ni‐S bond of 2.782(2) Å. In all compounds several short S···H distances indicate hydrogen bonding interactions.
A Series of Three‐Dimensional Rare Earth Coordination Polymers with Two Binary Carboxylate as Mixed‐Ligand: Syntheses, Structures, Properties of [LnIII(mal)(ox)0.5(H2O)2]·2H2O (Ln = Pr, Nd, and La)
Authors: Zhang Xing‐Jing , Xing Yong‐Heng , Han Jing , Ge Mao‐Fa , Niu Shu‐Yun
Published: July 2008

A series of lanthanide coordination polymers, [LnIII(mal)(ox)0.5(H2O)2]·2H2O (Ln = Pr (1), Nd (2), and La (3); H2mal= maleic acid; H2ox = oxalic acid), were synthesized firstly by the reaction of LnIII nitrate salts with maleic anhydrid and oxalic acid under hydrothermal conditions and were characterized by elemental analysis, IR spectroscopy, and single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. X‐ray diffraction analyses reveal that they are crystallized in orthorhombic space group Fddd. Lanthanide metal center atom (Ln) and its corresponding centrosymmtric atom link through two chelating/bridging bidentate carboxyl groups of maleic acid ligands to form an infinite inorganic rod‐shaped building unit. These rod‐shaped building units were linked to each other through the carbon atoms of the maleate anions on the [110] plane to form lanthanide‐maleic acid layers. The oxalic acid pillared lanthanide‐maleic acid layers with intersected channels by free water molecules consist of a 3D framework structure. The thermogravimetric analyses of 1–3 were discussed in detail. The courses of the thermal decomposition of complexes are similar.
Village people, village music and the theoretical significance of the concept that poetry can harmonize people
Authors: Daobin FU
Published: July 2008

Xiang li 乡里 (township civil service) is the basic political and social unit of the Zhou dynasty. Village people were the nobles who occupied certain positions in political and cultural affairs. Village music was employed in social gatherings of local communities. The rites and the music reflect the attempt of the nobles in the Zhou dynasty to make their secular lives refined, poetic and artistic. Drinking rite and shooting rites were regular local activities rich in artistic implications and both showed the characteristics of early drama. Poems and music were at the core of such friendly and harmonious gatherings of local communities. These activities and the notion that “poetry can harmonize people” have exerted profound and far-reaching influences upon the mind of the Chinese people as well as Chinese literature.
The death of Gao Qi and the change of the literary trend at the turn of the Yuan and Ming dynasties
Authors: Dongling ZUO
Published: July 2008

Since Sikuquanshu zongmu tiyao was published, it has been generally held that the reason why Gao Qi did not become one of the first-class poets is his early death. Having approached the changes in his creation after he stepped into Ming dynasty, this paper aims to correct the misunderstanding about Gao Qi’s death and points out that he did not make greater achievement because he was deprived of the social environment and the mental state, which is of great significance in the history of literary thought.
A retrospect on the evolution of ci poetry style and compositional rules during the Ming and Qing dynasties
Authors: Hongsheng ZHANG
Published: July 2008

The construction of ci poetry at the joint of Ming and Qing dynasties was embodied not only in its composition and respective theories, but in its pattern and rhythm. Ci experts, represented by Wan Shu, characterizes the rise and fall of ci in the Ming dynasty, commented on Shiyu tupu 诗余图谱 and Xiaoyu pu 啸余谱, and set up the norms on ci’s composition. Such studies were mostly seen in the first thirty years of the Qing dynasty, which can be considered as an important sign of the evolution of ci poetry.
Criticisms on the Ming poetics by poetic circles in the early Qing dynasty
Authors: Yin JIANG
Published: July 2008

The theoretical target and the discourse system of the Qing poetics were gradually established on the basis of extensive criticisms on the Ming poetics. The criticisms made on the Ming poetics in the early Qing dynasty primarily focused on three aspects: common practice of imitation, narrowly restricted outlooks of schools and poetry writing as part of social intercourses. The early Qing poets directed their criticisms at the school of Lixia and the school of Jingling. Thus, the theoretical framework of the early Qing poetics came into being after eliminating the drawbacks of the Ming poetics.
Commercial media and the popular dissemination of printed copies of Ming fiction
Authors: Wenrui LIN
Published: July 2008

Printed copies are a prerequisite for the realization of fiction reading. Ming popular fiction can be regarded as part of a commercial printing culture, and its spread and reception in the shape of printed copies were strongly influenced by the dissemination media. The involvement of commercial capital during the Ming promoted the large-scale development of private print shops, while the commercialization of print media led to the possibility of mass-published popular fiction. The degree of development of the print media
determined the phases and characteristics of the spread and reception of Ming popular fiction. The highly developed commercial traffic and postal services of the Ming expanded the channels through which printed copies of popular fiction could be spread, and the diversification of dissemination methods in society expanded the range of popular fiction reading.
The Sing-song Girls of Shanghai: The pioneering work of modern popular fiction
Authors: Boqun FAN
Published: July 2008

Haishang hua liezhuan is a distinctive marker of the transition from traditional to modern Chinese literature. No matter whether one looks at its choice of subject matter, character depiction, use of language, artistic technique, or even its publication channels, in every aspect this work’s originality shines through, illustrating how Chinese literature, even without the influence of foreign literary trends, also could walk the road towards modernization, because it possessed the innate dynamic towards it. The Haishang hua liezhuan is thus an excellent representative of popular fiction, one which—a quarter century before the emergence of the New Literature Movement—quietly ushered Chinese literature into modernity.
The Emergence of the Black Economic Research Center and the Review of Black Political Economy: 1969–1972
Authors: Handy John W.
Published: July 2008

This essay discusses the legacy of Robert Browne in the founding of the Black Economic Research Center (BERC), The Review of Black Political Economy, and the Caucus of Black Economists and its evolvement into the National Economic Association. The launching of BERC occurred within a period of far-reaching social change and the Vietnam War era. During this time, Robert Browne also was a national leader of the Vietnam anti-war movement and one of the first public intellectuals to establish a link between the civil rights movement and the peace movement. An argument is developed that this background provided as much impetus to Robert Browne for the creation of BERC and The Review as did the black nationalist programs and conferences of that era. During his eleven year tenure as Director at BERC, he pioneered ground-breaking research on the status of black-owned land in the south; consulted with community development corporations, black-owned businesses and banks; and prompted innovations in modern black philanthropy through the establishment of the Twenty-First Century Foundation. The origin and justification for The Review of Black Political Economy and the early activities and meetings of the Caucus and NEA are emphasized. In addition, an effort is made to include an enumeration of the earliest contributors to BERC, the NEA, and The Review – many of whom have not been mentioned in previous retrospectives.
Magnetism and chronometers: the research of the Reverend George Fisher
Authors: Roberts G. W.
Published: July 2008

Although largely remembered as an astronomer, the Reverend George Fisher (1794–1873) played a significant part in studying the performance and possible improvement of marine chronometers in the mid-nineteenth century. Appointed astronomer to the Royal Navy's Arctic expedition of 1818, while on the voyage Fisher carried out research into the effects of magnetism on the accurate running of chronometers on board ship. By this time, chronometers were standard equipment on many ships and their reliability was a matter of importance to all mariners. Fisher's published findings from this research led to considerable contemporary debate, and also influenced the work of others in the field. Moreover, as papers held at the National Maritime Museum show, he carried on his chronometer research in later life, making further contributions to the subject that have remained somewhat neglected.
Human fasting plasma concentrations of vitamin E and carotenoids, and their association with genetic variants in apo C-III, cholesteryl ester transfer protein, hepatic lipase, intestinal fatty acid binding protein and microsomal triacylglycerol transfer protein
Authors: Borel Patrick , Moussa Myriam , Reboul Emmanuelle , Lyan Bernard , Defoort Catherine , Vincent-Baudry Stéphanie , Maillot Matthieu , Gastaldi Marguerite , Darmon Michel , Portugal Henri , Lairon Denis , Planells Richard
Published: July 2008

Plasma concentrations of vitamin E and carotenoids are governed by several factors, including genetic factors. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) in some genes involved in lipid metabolism have recently been associated with fasting plasma concentrations of these fat-soluble micronutrients. To further investigate the role of genetic factors that modulate the plasma concentrations of these micronutrients, we assessed whether SNP in five candidate genes (apo C-III,CETP,hepatic lipase,I-FABPandMTP) were associated with the plasma concentrations of these micronutrients. Fasting plasma vitamin E and carotenoid concentrations were measured in 129 French Caucasian subjects (forty-eight males and eighty-one females). Candidate SNP were genotyped by PCR amplification followed by restriction fragment length polymorphisms. Plasma γ-tocopherol, α-carotene and β-carotene concentrations were significantly different (P < 0·05) in subjects who carried different SNP variants in hepatic lipase. Plasma α-tocopherol concentrations were significantly different in subjects who had different SNP variants in apo C-III and cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP). Plasma lycopene concentrations were significantly different (P < 0·05) in women who had different SNP variants in intestinal fatty acid binding protein (I-FABP). Finally, there was no effect of SNP variants in microsomal TAG transfer protein upon the plasma concentrations of these micronutrients. Most of the observed differences remained significant after the plasma micronutrients were adjusted for plasma TAG and cholesterol. These results suggest that apo C-III, CETP and hepatic lipase play a role in determining the plasma concentrations of tocopherols while hepatic lipase and I-FABP may modulate plasma concentrations of carotenoids.
Sex ratio and female sexual status of the coconut pest,Oryctes monoceros(Coleoptera: Dynastidae), differ in feeding galleries and pheromone-baited traps
Authors: Allou K. , Morin J.-P. , Kouassi P. , Hala N'klo F. , Rochat D.
Published: July 2008

Oryctes monocerosis a serious coconut pest, causing up to 40% damage in tropical Africa. Synthetic aggregation pheromone, ethyl 4-methyloctanoate, has been used to lure adults to traps. Traps with pheromone plus decaying palm material captured a high proportion of males. This raises the question whether individuals, which damage palms are receptive to the pheromone. We studied the sex ratio of the insects feeding on coconuts and those attracted to pheromone traps. Sixty two percent of adults from feeding galleries on living coconut palms were females. Pheromone with rotting palm material lured 43% females. To investigate the reasons for this difference, we compared the reproductive system of females lured to the odour traps or feeding in coconut galleries, or present in old rotting stems. Ninety six percent of the females trapped by pheromone had mated, and were sexually mature. In the galleries on living palms, 46% of females were immature, and 24% had not mated. In old rotting stems where eggs are laid and larvae develop, a mixture of 52% mated and 48% virgin females was found. Therefore, the pheromone together with the odour of rotting coconut stems signals a reproduction site to beetles, particularly mature females. In practice, the pheromone-baited traps will help in reducing the dissemination of gravid females, but will not affect directly the numbers of immature ones attacking palms. Our results show that when using pheromones for monitoring or controlling insects, the physiological status of the insects may have unexpected effects on the outcome.
Disruption of Spodoptera exigua larval development by silencing chitin synthase gene A with RNA interference
Authors: Chen X. , Tian H. , Zou L. , Tang B. , Hu J. , Zhang W.
Published: July 2008

RNA interference (RNAi) is a powerful tool for rapidly analyzing gene functions. However, little is known about the possible use of dsRNA/siRNA as a pest control method. Here, we demonstrate that dsRNA/siRNA can induce the silence of chitin synthase gene A (CHSA), which is an important gene for the growth and development of cuticles and trachea in beet armyworm, Spodoptera exigua. Based on the in vitro RNAi experiments in an insect cell line (Trichoplusia ni High 5), in vivo RNAi was performed by injecting synthesized dsRNA/siRNA into the 4th instar larvae of S. exigua. Significantly lower levels of CHSA transcripts were detected. In addition, the cuticle of these insects was disordered and the epithelial walls of larval trachea did not expand uniformly in injected individuals. Moreover, Injections significantly increased abnormalities relative to control larvae. These results highlighted the possibility of dsRNA/siRNA for gene function studies in lepidopteran insects and future pest control.
Molecular markers reveal strong geographic, but not host associated, genetic differentiation inAphidius transcaspicus, a parasitoid of the aphid genusHyalopterus
Authors: Lozier J.D. , Roderick G.K. , Mills N.J.
Published: July 2008

Host plant associated genetic differentiation is a common phenomenon in phytophagous insects, but the degree to which such associations sequentially drive diversification at higher trophic levels is not as well understood. A recent study examining neutral molecular markers inHyalopterusaphids revealed that genetic structure in this genus is strongly determined by primary host plant use (Prunusspp.). In this paper, we take a similar approach to determine whether this host plant specificity has affected genetic structure in the parasitoidAphidius transcaspicus, an important natural enemy ofHyalopterusspp. in the Mediterranean. Mitochondrial DNA (428 bp) and seven microsatellite loci were examined in parasitoids collected from aphid populations on almond, apricot, peach and plum trees from Spain and Greece. In contrast to the previous findings forHyalopterusfrom the same regions, here we find no evidence for host associated diversification inA. transcaspicusat the species level or below, though geographic structure between regional populations is exceptionally high. These findings have several implications for our understanding of the ecology and evolution ofA. transcaspicusas well as for its use as a biological control agent forHyalopterus, suggesting that a consideration of host plant specificity may be less critical than factors such as climatic suitability or geographic origins of invasive populations.
Seasonal distribution of white-beaked dolphins (Lagenorhynchus albirostris) in UK waters with new information on diet and habitat use
Authors: Canning Sarah J. , Santos M. Begoña , Reid Robert J. , Evans Peter G.H. , Sabin Richard C. , Bailey Nick , Pierce Graham J.
Published: July 2008

The white-beaked dolphin, Lagenorhynchus albirostris, is commonly found throughout the North Sea and shelf waters of the North Atlantic. Little is known about the behaviour and ecology of this species, especially in British coastal waters. In this paper we present details of the seasonal and geographical distribution of white-beaked dolphins around the UK, along with new information on their diet and habitat use. Analysis of historical stranding records show a segregation of the sexes, with a significant difference between when males and females strand in UK waters. There has been a steady decline in reported strandings since the 1970s and seasonal differences in the distribution of strandings suggest that sea temperature may limit white-beaked dolphin distribution around the British coast. Stomach contents' analysis, from dolphins stranded mainly on the Scottish east coast, identified haddock and whiting as the predominant fish species being taken. Boat surveys were performed along the north-east Scottish coast to examine relationships between topography, environmental conditions, dolphin presence and group size. Dolphin presence was related to seabed slope and aspect while variation in temperature explained almost 45% of variation in observed group size, with smaller groups associated with higher sea temperatures.
The influence of trematodes on the macroalgae consumption by the common periwinkleLittorina littorea
Authors: Clausen Karin T. , Larsen Martin H. , Iversen Nina K. , Mouritsen Kim N.
Published: July 2008

Trematodes are ubiquitous elements of coastal ecosystems that commonly modify the phenotype of their invertebrate hosts, often with ramifications to higher levels of ecological organization. In this context, trematode infections have been suggested to reduce the consumption of the herbivorous gastropodLittorina littorea(L.) (Mollusca: Gastropoda), in turn affecting the composition of the macroalgal community on which the snail grazes. Here, we examine the effect of two species of trematodes,Renicola roscovitaandHimasthla elongata, onL. littorea's consumption in two outdoor microcosm experiments offering the snails two different ephemeral green algae species as a food source. Our results show that, irrespective of the species of parasite and food source, infection decreases consumption: uninfected snails consumed up to 65% more macroalgal biomass than infected snails. Aside from infection status, gender and size also influenced the snails' consumption rate significantly. The differing histopathological impacts of the two species of trematodes on the hosts' gonad–digestive gland complex (in which the parasites reside), suggests that parasitic castration is a likely mechanism for the reduced energy demand of infected periwinkles. Together with existing evidence, our investigation suggests that trematodes in general depress the grazing activity ofL. littorea, and that the resulting community regulation occurs throughout the snails' distributional range.
Stage-dependent interactions between intertidal crabs: from facilitation to predation
Authors: Méndez Casariego Agustina , Alberti Juan , Luppi Tomas , Iribarne Oscar
Published: July 2008

Large parts of the south-western Atlantic soft bottom intertidals are inhabited by the burrowing crab Neohelice granulata (previously known as Chasmagnathus granulatus) and the mud crab Cyrtograpsus angulatus, but adults rarely coexist in the same microhabitat. We describe the influence of burrows of N. granulata on the recruitment dynamic of C. angulatus and the effects of different ontogenetic stages of N. granulata on survival of recruits of C. angulatus. A two summer sampling shows that N. granulata burrows facilitate settlement of both species. To evaluate the mortality of recruits inside burrows, we performed a field experiment with juvenile and adult crab exclusion cages and inclusion of juveniles or adults of N. granulata. The results showed differences in crab sizes between treatments, due to predatory interactions that depended on prey size. When only juveniles of N. granulata were present, the higher mortality of C. angulatus was observed in smaller crabs. However when adults of N. granulata were present, larger juvenile crabs are the ones that suffered the highest mortality. These results show that adults are preying upon larger juveniles (of both species) reducing the mortality of the smaller ones that are preyed by the larger ones. We also measured emigration from these burrowing assemblages using bidirectional pitfall traps which showed that C. angulatus juveniles are leaving the burrows towards the subtidal. Here we demonstrate that N. granulata have positive and negative effects on the settlement of C. angulatus. These results highlight the importance of including stage-dependence relationships to analyse species interaction in marine ecology field works.
How do ectoparasitic nycteribiids locate their bat hosts?
Authors: LOURENÇO S. I. , PALMEIRIM J. M.
Published: July 2008

Nycteribiids (Diptera: Nycteribiidae) are specific haematophagous ectoparasites of bats, which spend nearly all their adult lives on hosts. However, females have to leave bats to deposit their larva on the walls of the roosts, where they later emerge as adult flies. Nycteribiids had thus to evolve efficient sensorial mechanisms to locate hosts from a distance. We studied the sensory cues involved in this process, experimentally testing the role of specific host odours, and general cues such as carbon dioxide, body heat, and vibrations. As models we used two nycteribiids (Penicillidia conspicua and Penicillidia dufourii) and their primary bat hosts (Miniopterus schreibersii and Myotis myotis, respectively). Carbon dioxide was the most effective cue activating and orientating the responses of nycteribiids, followed by body heat and body odours. They also responded to vibration, but did not orientate to its source. In addition, sensory cues combined (carbon dioxide and body heat) were more effective in orientating nycteribiids than either cue delivered alone. Results suggest that nycteribids have some capacity to distinguish specific hosts from a distance, probably through their specific body odours. However, the strong reliance of nycteribiids on cues combined indicates that they follow these to orientate to nearby multispecies bat clusters, where the chances of finding their primary hosts are high. The combination of sensory cues seems therefore an effective strategy used by nycteribiids to locate bat hosts at a distance.