bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characterization and Surface Acidity Modelling of an Iron Oxide-Impregnated Activated Carbon
Authors: Vaughan Ronald L. , Yang John , LeMire Laura E. , Reed Brian E.
Published: January 2008

The objective of the present research was to characterize the surface of an iron oxide-impregnated activated carbon (FeAC), model the surface acidity of the FeAC and determine the most appropriate acid-base surface-site representation — the foundation for modelling arsenic adsorption in water and wastewater treatment. The FeAC surface was characterized by measuring the surface area, using scanning electron microscopy and electron dispersive spectroscopy to confirm the presence of Fe, and determining the species at the carbon surface [Fe oxides, predominately hematite (α-Fe2O3)] using X-ray diffraction and differential thermal analysis. Potentiometric titrations of FeAC were performed at three ionic strengths (I) and surface complexation modelling was used to determine the surface-site and electrical double layer (EDL) representations. FeAC was modelled as one component for simplicity, as it was comparable to modelling FeAC as its two separate components (GAC1240 and Fe oxide). The diprotic and two-monoprotic surface-site representations coupled with either the diffuse layer (DLM) or triple layer (TLM) EDL models adequately fitted the data. Parameters for the I = 10−2 data set were used to predict the acid-base behaviour for I = 1.94 × 10−3 and 10−1. The TLM predicted titration data better than the DLM. Both diprotic and two-monoprotic representations in conjunction with the TLM may be used to predict FeAC surface acidity over a range of I values and can be used as the foundation for arsenic adsorption modelling.
Preparation of a Novel Macroporous Silica-based Diglycolamide Derivative-impregnated Polymeric Composite and its Adsorption Mechanism for Rare Earth Metal Ions
Authors: Zhang Anyun , Mei Chenmei , Wei Yuezhou , Kumagai Mikio
Published: January 2008

Diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA), a multi-dentate acidic chelating agent containing five carboxyl and three amine groups all capable of protonation, is a pentabasic acid. To separate minor actinide [MA(III)] and rare earth [RE(III)] elements effectively from a HNO3 solution containing DTPA generated in the MAREC process, a functional polymeric composite impregnated with a novel macroporous silica-based diglycolamide compound, N,N,N′,N′-tetraoctyl-3-oxapentane-1,5-diamide (TODGA), was prepared. Thus, the impregnated functional polymeric composite (TODGA/SiO2-P) was obtained by impregnating and immobilizing TODGA molecules in the pores of the SiO2-polymer (SiO2-P) particles (ca. 50 μm diameter) via a vacuum sucking technique.

The effects of H+ ions within the concentration range 0.01–3.0 M and of NO3− ions within the range 0.1–3.115 M on the adsorption of RE(III) ions onto TODGA/SiO2-P were investigated at 298 K. It was found that in the presence of 0.05 M DTPA, the DTPA species strongly affected the adsorption of RE(III) ions. The adsorption capability of TODGA/SiO2-P depended on the competitive reactions of RE(III) ions with two species, viz. H4DTPA− and H2DTPA3−. The distribution coefficient (Kd) for RE(III) ions increased with increasing NO3− concentration, with one RE(III) ion reacting with two NO3− ions. The adsorption mechanism of RE(III) ions towards the TODGA/SiO2-P polymeric composite in HNO3 solution containing 0.05 M DTPA was suggested as:

[Formula: see text]

The formation of H4DTPA− and RE(H4DTPA)(NO3)2 which are both capable of adsorbing with TODGA/SiO2-P was the main reason why RE(III) ions exhibited such significant adsorption in the presence of 0.05 M DTPA.
The importance of radiation fog in the tropical seasonal rain forest of Xishuangbanna, south-west China
Authors: Liu Wen Jie , Wang Ping Yuan , Li Jin Tao , Li Peng Ju , Liu Wen Yao
Published: January 2008

The tropical rain forest in Xishuangbanna, SW China has a high floristic diversity and is closely related to Malaysian rain forests in flora. This forest would not normally be established in such a climatic region as Xishuangbanna (less precipitation and lower air temperature) compared to those of the lowland moist tropics. The mean annual rainfall is 1487 mm, which is considerably lower than rain forests in other parts of the world. It is believed that the frequent occurrence of radiation fog might play an important role in the water relations of plants and in the hydrological cycle of this type of rain forest. However, the multiple hydrological and ecological effects of radiation fog are not well understood. In this paper, we describe and analyze the significance of radiation fog to this forest, and develop a hypothesis that fog plays an important role in the presence of the tropical rain forest in Xishuangbanna. Suggestions for further research on the significance of fog are offered.
Recent Biotechnological Applications Using Oleosins
Authors: Roberts N.J. , Scott R.W. , Tzen J.T.C.
Published: January 2008

Oleosins are naturally occurring, small (15-24 kDa), amphipathic, plant proteins that prevent the coalescence of
oil bodies (OBs) during seed and pollen maturation. The physiochemical properties of oleosins and their association with
OBs have led to a broad array of potential applications in biotechnology utilizing native or recombinant forms of oleosin
or oleosin-fused polypeptides. This review begins by briefly outlining the current understanding of oleosin topology, oil
body assembly and potential health issues. A schematic model is given to potentially explain the apparent simultaneous
existence of parallel and anti-parallel β sheets and a figure summarizing the process of oleosin translation through to oil
body formation in vivo is also presented. The applications for oleosins, the associated modes of action and their relevant
patents are then discussed in six areas: recombinant protein purification; generating protein complexes; in planta delivery;
emulsification; artificial oil bodies; and modifications to the properties of oleosin itself by creating polyoleosin.
Microsporidia: A Review of 150 Years of Research
Authors: Franzen C.
Published: January 2008

Microsporidiology is a field of science with a rather long history beginning in the middle of the 19th century
when a microsporidian infection of the silkworm devastated the European silkworm industry. Several other microsporidia,
mainly in insects and fish, were later described, but these organisms seemed to be mere curiosities for several years. However,
when it became clear that microsporidia were causing economically important diseases in insects and fish and more
recently, in mammals and even in humans with immunodeficiency, microsporidia have become a favourite subject for biologists
studying intracellular parasitism and molecular phylogeny. This review summarizes 150 years of microsporidian
research and traces the role of the microsporidia and of microsporidiology in biology and medicine.
Insight, quality of life, and functional capacity in middle‐aged and older adults with schizophrenia
Authors: Roseman Ashley S. , Kasckow John , Fellows Ian , Osatuke Katerine , Patterson Thomas L. , Mohamed Somaia , Zisook Sidney
Published: January 2008

Objective

The quality of life (QOL) for individuals with schizophrenia is determined by a number of factors, not limited to symptomatology. The current study examined lack of insight as one such factor that may influence subjective QOL or functional capacity. It was hypothesized that insight would significantly interact with symptom severity to influence subjective QOL. Insight was not expected to influence the relation between symptom severity and functional capacity.

Methods

Participants were middle‐aged and older outpatients who met diagnostic criteria for schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder, and subsyndromal depression. Insight, psychopathology, and subjective QOL were assessed via semi‐structured interviews and functional capacity was assessed via performance‐based measures.

Results

Insight interacts with negative symptom severity to predict subjective QOL. Severity of negative symptoms and insight contribute directly to functional capacity.

Conclusions

Individuals with intact insight may be better able to manage their symptoms, resulting in improved QOL. Treatment implications for improving the QOL of middle age and older adults with schizophrenia are discussed. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Task‐related interactions between kindergarten children and their teachers: the role of emotional security
Authors: Thijs Jochem T. , Koomen Helma M. Y.
Published: January 2008

This study examined the emotional security of kindergarten children in dyadic task‐related interactions with their teachers. In particular, it examined the interrelations between security, task behaviours (persistence and independence), social inhibition, and teachers' support. Participants were 79 kindergartners (mean age=69.7 months) and their 40 regular teachers. Children were selected to approach a normal distribution of social inhibition. Children and teachers were filmed during a dyadic interaction task outside the classroom. Three groups of independent observers rated children's emotional security and their task behaviours, as well as teachers' supportive behaviours. Multilevel modelling revealed a positive link between teachers' support and emotional security. This link suppressed a negative relation between social inhibition and emotional security. In addition, emotional security was positively associated with children's task behaviours and mediated part of the positive link between these behaviours and teachers' support. Finally, security moderated the relation between support and persistence, such that the effect of teachers' support on persistent behaviours was amplified for relatively insecure children. These results highlight the importance of considering emotional security when examining the interactions between kindergarten children and their teachers. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Preparation of high specific activity tritium‐labelled leukotriene B4 suitable for radioligand binding assay
Authors: Schramm Stanislav I. , Nagaev Igor Yu. , Sabirsh Alan , Shevchenko Valeriy P. , Arkhipova Anastasiya S. , Haeggström Jesper Z. , Myasoedov Nikolay F.
Published: January 2008

We describe a method of preparation of high specific activity tritium‐labelled leukotriene (LT) B4 from [5,6,8,9,11,12,14,15‐3H] arachidonic acid (AA; 6.66 TBq/mmol) utilizing a LTB4‐synthesizing enzyme system from rat basophilic leukemia (RBL‐1) cells. It was shown that both cyclooxygenase inhibitor indomethacin and adenosine 5′‐triphosphate induced [3H] AA transformation to [3H] LTB4. In optimized conditions up to 15% of total radioactivity of the incubation mixture was present in [3H] LTB4. A separation of [3H] LTB4 from other labelled C20:4 products was achieved by a three‐step reverse phase‐high‐performance liquid chromatography in methanol‐ and acetonitrile‐based solvent systems. [3H] LTB4 was confirmed to be identical to the naturally occurring LTB4 by a radioligand binding assay using a culture of HF1 cells that express a BLT1 receptor. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Raman and photoluminescence study of hot filament CVD diamond films grown on WC–Co substrates
Authors: Donato M. G. , Faggio G. , Messina G. , Santangelo S. , Tripodi P. , Barletta M. , Rubino G.
Published: January 2008

In this work, a Raman and photoluminescence (PL) study of synthetic diamond films grown by hot filament chemical vapor deposition (CVD) on WC–Co is presented. The changes in the Raman spectrum induced by the different pretreatments of the substrate and/or different growth parameters of the films are discussed. In particular, the spectra of the films grown at 740 °C substrate temperature, 36 mbar pressure and 1.7% methane content in the CH4H2 gas mixture and after different substrate pretreatments show all the features commonly observed in nanocrystalline diamond films, overlapped with a large PL background. A significant level of compressive stress is qualitatively deduced by the shift of the diamond Raman peaks. The different pretreatments of the substrates seem to have no influence on the quality of the diamond films. On the contrary, in samples grown at 700 °C substrate temperature, 10 mbar pressure and 1% methane content in the CH4H2 gas mixture, the contribution of the non‐diamond carbon phases to the Raman spectrum substantially decreases, even though the diamond Raman peak remains shifted and broad. Impurities in the films have been identified by means of low‐temperature PL measurements. W‐ and Si‐related optical centers have been clearly observed, together with a band at approximately 1.967 eV probably connected to a nitrogen‐related defect center. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Raman scattering study of evaporated carbon nanostructured films
Authors: Fazio E. , Latino M. , Neri F. , Bonsignore F.
Published: January 2008

The presence of carbon nanostructures in evaporated carbon thin films has been evidenced by Raman spectroscopy measurements. The films were grown by means of a conventional electron beam evaporation equipment, used to sublimate a graphite target and by varying the substrate temperature Ts from room temperature (RT) up to 830 °C. The effect of predeposited very thin cobalt films was also investigated. The Raman spectra of the carbon thin films are characterized by two bands near 1550 and 1400 cm−1 due to E2g stretching mode of graphite (G band) and to the double resonance Raman scattering, responsible for the observation of the defect induced‐D mode in graphite (D band). In particular, at 830 °C the characteristic features of a nanometric carbon structure are evident: the A1g radial breathing mode (RBM) at 150–300 cm−1 and the first overtone of the D peak at 2450–2650 cm−1. The formation, at a specific temperature, of Co particles of size below 100 nm has been identified as the main factor in determining the carbon nanostructures' growth. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Low‐wavenumber Raman scattering from aqueous solutions of carbohydrates
Authors: Perticaroli Stefania , Sassi Paola , Morresi Assunta , Paolantoni Marco
Published: January 2008

The low‐wavenumber Raman (LWR) scattering from aqueous solutions of glucose, fructose, trehalose, and dextran have been investigated in the 10–60 °C range at three different sugar concentrations. The spectra below 250 cm−1 have been analyzed in terms of the imaginary part of the dynamical susceptibility $\chi''(\overline{\nu})$, and described by the sum of quasi‐elastic (QE) and inelastic (IE) contributions. The subtraction of the QE scattering shows the presence of two bands representing bending‐like and stretching‐like modes of tetrahedral H‐bonded structures of liquid water. The differences of IE profiles in solutions and in the pure solvent have been discussed in terms of perturbations operated by sugar on the tetrahedral arrangement of H‐bonded network in liquid water. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
High Molecular Weight Poly(butyl methacrylate) via ATRP Miniemulsions
Authors: Simms Ryan W. , Cunningham Michael F.
Published: January 2008

Summary: The reverse atom transfer radical polymerization of butyl methacrylate in miniemulsion, initiated with the redox pair hydrogen peroxide/ascorbic acid and mediated with copper(II) bromide tris[2‐di(2‐ethylhexyl acrylate)aminoethyl]amine is capable of producing well‐controlled high‐molecular weight poly(butyl methacrylate).
High Temperature Semibatch Free Radical Copolymerization of Dodecyl Methacrylate and Styrene
Authors: Wang Wei , Hutchinson Robin A.
Published: January 2008

Summary: High temperature semibatch free radical copolymerizations of dodecyl methacrylate (DMA) and styrene (ST) were carried out. A mechanistic model including depropagation and penultimate chain growth was built in Predici®. The comparison between the simulated and the experimental final polymer molecular weights indicates that the initiator efficiency decreases when DMA is used as a comonomer. Using estimated initiator efficiencies and termination coefficients, the model provides good fits to the complete set of experimental data.
Controllable Preparation of Monodisperse Polystyrene Microspheres with Different Sizes by Dispersion Polymerization
Authors: Liu Qingquan , Wang Li , Xiao Anguo , Yu Haojie , Tan Qiaohua , Ding Jianhua , Yu Conglin
Published: January 2008

Summary: Monodisperse polystyrene (PS) microspheres with different sizes were prepared by dispersion polymerization in dispersion media of ethanol/water and isopropayl alcohol/water, respectively. The effect of polarity of the dispersion medium, stabilizer and initiator concentration on the average sizes and size range were evaluated. The results show that monodisperse PS microspheres with different sizes could be prepared in dispersion media of ethanol and isopropyl alcohol/water when appropriate initiator and stabilizer concentrations were employed, and the latter is a more appropriate medium to prepare uniform PS microspheres. It was found that the microsphere sizes reduced with increasing water content in the dispersion medium. Furthermore, in isopropyl alcohol/water dispersions, the average sizes decreased with increasing stabilizer concentration.
Radical Homo‐ and Copolymerization of Acrylamide and Ionic Monomers in Weak Magnetic Field
Authors: Rintoul Ignacio , Wandrey Christine
Published: January 2008

Summary: The synergy between magnetic field (MF) and electrostatic interactions on the kinetics of radical homopolymerization of acrylamide (AM), acrylic acid (AA), its ionized form acrylate (A−) and diallyldimethylammonium chloride (DADMAC), as well as AM/AA, AM/A−, DADMAC/AA, and DADMAC/AM copolymerizations was investigated. The application of MF during the polymerizations significantly increased the monomer consumption rate (Rp) of all monomers in homo and copolymerizations and the molar masses of polyAA and polyNaA. The molar mass of polyAM and the copolymer composition of any monomer combination remained unchanged by MF. The electrostatic interactions between ionic monomers and growing radicals dominate for the monomers and conditions studied here.
On a class of PDEs with nonlinear distributed in space and time state‐dependent delay terms
Authors: Rezounenko Alexander V.
Published: January 2008

A new class of nonlinear partial differential equations with distributed in space and time state‐dependent delay is investigated. We find appropriate assumptions on the kernel function which represents the state‐dependent delay and discuss advantages of this class. Local and long‐time asymptotic properties, including the existence of global attractor and a principle of linearized stability, are studied. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Superconvergence of quadratic optimal control problems by triangular mixed finite element methods
Authors: Chen Yanping
Published: January 2008

The aim of this work is to investigate the discretization of a quadratic convex optimal control problem using the mixed finite element method. The state and co‐state are approximated by the order k⩽1 Raviart–Thomas mixed finite element spaces, and the control is approximated by piecewise constant functions. We construct an interpolation of the exact control and a projection of the discrete scalar co‐state to be the approximated solution of the control variable for the continuous optimal control problem. As a result, it can be proved that the difference between the interpolation and the piecewise constant approximation has superconvergence property for the control of order h3/2 for k=0 and of order h2 for k=1. Moreover, only for the order k=1 Raviart–Thomas mixed finite element approximation does the postprocessing technique possess the superconvergence property of order h2. Finally, some numerical examples are given to demonstrate the practical side of the theoretical results about superconvergence. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Convergence analysis of a parallel interfield method for heterogeneous simulations with dynamic substructuring
Authors: Bonelli A. , Bursi O. S. , He L. , Magonette G. , Pegon P.
Published: January 2008

In order to predict the dynamic response of a complex system decomposed by computational or physical considerations, partitioned procedures of coupled dynamical systems are needed. This paper presents the convergence analysis of a novel parallel interfield procedure for time‐integrating heterogeneous (numerical/physical) subsystems typical of hardware‐in‐the‐loop and pseudo‐dynamic tests. The partitioned method is an extension of the method originally proposed by Gravouil and Combescure which utilizes a domain decomposition enforcing the continuity of the velocity at interfaces. In particular, the merits of the new method which can couple arbitrary Newmark schemes with different time steps in different subdomains and advance all the substructure states simultaneously are analysed in terms of accuracy and stability. All theoretical results are derived for single‐ and two‐degrees‐of‐freedom systems, as a multi‐degree‐of‐freedom system is too difficult to analyse mathematically. However, the insight gained from the analysis of these coupled problems and the conclusions drawn are confirmed by means of the numerical simulation on a four‐degrees‐of‐freedom system. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Population proteomics: Investigation of protein diversity in human populations
Authors: Nedelkov Dobrin
Published: January 2008

Outlined in this review is the concept of population proteomics, its aspects, enabling approaches, and significance in understanding proteins' roles in physiological processes and diseases. Population proteomics addresses the need for individual assessment of proteins across large populations to delineate the existence of structural variations, determine their frequency, and explore the association of the modifications with specific diseases. Besides the basic concepts and underlying reasons for such protein diversity studies, also reviewed here are the results of two fundamental studies that investigated human plasma protein diversity across the healthy population in the United States. Such studies of protein diversity are needed to map all the post‐expression protein modifications and determine the wild‐type protein profiles, similar to the human diversity studies at the genome level that have helped redefine the “normal” human genome.
Solvent influence on reaction mechanism of the nucleophilic substitution of β‐substituted alkoxyvinyl trifluoromethyl ketones with piperidine
Authors: Vdovenko Sergey I. , Gerus Igor I.
Published: January 2008

Multiple linear regressions of solvent effects on reactivity of β‐substituted β‐alkoxyvinyl trifluoromethyl ketones R1OCR2CHCOCF3 (1a, b) [(1a), R1R2CH3; (1b), R1C2H5, R2C(CH3)3] with piperidine (2) [(CH2)5NH] in nine aprotic and six protic solvents were obtained. Values of ln k in dimethyl sulfoxide are out of the regression in view of electrophilic solvent catalysis. For 1a (E‐s‐Z‐o‐Z) and 1b (Z‐s‐Z‐o‐Z), single regressions were obtained for all studied solvents, whereas for 1b (E‐s‐Z‐o‐Z) and 1b (E‐s‐Z‐o‐E) protic and aprotic solvents form separate correlations. In the first two cases, the rate retardation due to nucleophile protonation by alcohols is compensated by the rate acceleration via electrophilic solvent assistance whereas in the second two cases the rate retardation predominates and protic solvents form separate correlations with Reichardt's solvent parameter $E_T^N $. Hence, in those cases the reaction rate depends mostly on the solvent's hydrogen‐bond donor (HBD) acidity (α). The poor proton‐donating ability of enones 1a, b accounts for the negligible effect of solvent's basicity (β) on the reaction rate. For systems for which a single regression is observed, the main influence on the reaction rates comes from the solvent's dipolarity/polarizability (π*). Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Spirituality and depression: the role of spirituality in the process of recovering from depression
Authors: Rajakumar Sarojni , Jillings Carol , Osborne Margaret , Tognazzini Paula
Published: January 2008

Although there is increasing recognition of the influence of spirituality in health and healing, the understanding and provision of spiritual care in psychiatric practice, especially how spirituality helps in recovering from depression, has not kept pace with this trend. This study explored the role of spirituality in the process of recovering from depression. The findings revealed that spirituality played a significant role for participants in their recovery from depression and that it was experienced as connections. Connections enabled participants to form relationships with God/Higher Power, self, others and nature, and through these relationships participants found meaning and purpose in their lives. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Chemical composition of magnesium boride films obtained by CVD
Authors: Crociani Laura , Carta Giovani , Kaciulis Saulius , Mezzi Alessio , Rossetto Gilberto , Zanella Pierino
Published: January 2008

The films of magnesium boride were grown on Si(100) substrate by chemical vapor deposition, starting from the synthesis of the single‐source precursor Mg(BH4)2. The deposition time was varied to study its influence on the film composition. The chemical composition of produced samples was investigated by the XPS technique. The depth profiling of MgBx films was carried out by using Ar ion sputtering combined with cyclic XPS measurements. The contributions of different chemical species (boride and oxides) in the depth profiles were separated by peak‐fitting analysis of photoelectron B 1s and Auger Mg KLL spectra. In order to determine the correct parameters of peak fitting, the reference samples of MgB2 and MgO were studied as well. The produced samples were composed of MgBx film covered by an overlayer of magnesium and boron oxides, whose thickness was increasing with deposition time. The surface of the films was enriched with magnesium, while the volume was characterized by the B : Mg ratio exceeding 2. XPS results confirmed that the bulk decomposition of Mg(BH4)2 precursor was successful; therefore, some other phenomenon, such as Mg segregation, was responsible for the formation of MgBx films with x > 2. In addition, a prolonged deposition time resulted in a thicker surface overlayer of Mg and B oxides, but it did not change the stoichiometry of the boride film. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Study of corrosion products on Vietnamese archaeological bronzes dating from the Dông Sôn period
Authors: Schoukens I. , Tourwé E. , Guillaume J. , Viet Nguyen , Vereecken Jean , Terryn H.
Published: January 2008

In this work corrosion products present on Vietnamese archaeological bronzes from the Dông Sôn period are investigated using several complementary surface analysis techniques. An image with the accompanying depth profile of the different elements within the corrosion layer (Cu, Pb, Sn, O, Si, Al, Cl) was obtained by means of scanning electron microscopy—energy dispersive X‐ray analysis (SEM‐EDX). Raman spectroscopy revealed the presence of azurite, atacamite, and lead white in the corrosion layers. From X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) it is found that lead and tin are present as oxides, the chemical state of copper could not be determined univocally: copper is present as pure Cu or as copper oxide. On the basis of the SEM‐EDX measurements the samples are sorted according to a classification proposed by Robbiola et al. in literature. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Inhibition of carbon steel corrosion in media with H2S studied by impedance spectroscopy method
Authors: Tsygankova Liudmila E. , Vigdorovich Vladimir I. , Kichigin Vladimir I. , Kuznetsova Ekaterina
Published: January 2008

Investigations of carbon steel corrosion were conducted in the model stratum water saturated with hydrogen sulfide. Inhibitive properties of AMDOR IC‐6, that is, mixture of 10% aminoparafine C12C18 and 10% imidazoline dissolved in specific mixture of organic solvents, EM‐10 (imino‐bis‐[(ethyl‐2)‐(C‐alkyl of tall oil acids)‐(1,3‐diazocyclopenten‐2)]) and EM‐11 (1‐(3,6‐diazo‐8‐amine)‐(C‐alkyl of coco oil acids)‐1,3‐diazocyclopenten‐2) have been studied by the electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and for comparison by the weight loss and polarization measurements. The inhibitor concentration was equal to 25–200 mg/l. EIS measurements (60 kHz–10 mHz) were carried out at the corrosion potential (Ecor), anodic and cathodic polarization. The suggested equivalent circuit consists of four parallel branches and satisfactorily fits the experimental data obtained in the solutions with and without the inhibitors at Ecor. The observed values of double layer capacity Cdl < 1 µF/cm2 testify that multilayer adsorption of the inhibitors takes place on the electrode surface. It causes a retardation of the anodic reaction and slightly influences the cathodic one. Inhibitor efficiencies calculated on basis of impedance data qualitatively correlate with those obtained from the weight loss tests and the polarization measurements. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Facile fabrication of silver nanoparticles on silicon for surface‐enhanced infrared and Raman analysis
Authors: Huang Bei‐Bei , Wang Jin‐Yi , Huo Sheng‐Juan , Cai Wen‐Bin
Published: January 2008

A facile and economic method to fabricate and immobilize silver nanoparticles on a thin Si wafer (AgNP/Si) is reported for an analytical template in ambient environment by surface‐enhanced infrared/Raman spectroscopy. The protocol involves immersion of the Si wafer in a solution containing silver nitrate and hydrofluoric acid. To screen appropriate conditions for preparing AgNP/Si for SEIRAS application, different combinations of AgNO3 and HF solutions were examined with paranitrobenzoic acid (PNBA) used as the probe molecule in transmission measurements. These SEIRA‐active substrates were also promising for SERS application, as demonstrated with high quality SERS spectra of iron (III) protoporphyrin adlayer on AgNP/Si with a red excitation line. The AgNP/Si substrates prepared under different conditions were examined by SEM for qualitative correlation of enhancements with morphologies. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Polysulfonylamine. CLXXXIII. Neues aus der Festkörperchemie der Di(arensulfonyl)amine: Silber(I)‐di(4‐iod‐ benzolsulfonyl)amid, eine Schichtverbindung mit strukturdirigierenden Ag–I–C‐Motiven, und Di(4‐fluorbenzolsulfonyl)amin‐Monohydrat, eine Säulenstruktur mit intracolumnaren Wasserketten und intercolumnaren Wasserstoffbrücken C–H···F–C
Authors: Wölper Christoph , Kandula Maja , Graumann Tobias , Hartwig Sven , Blume Eike , Jones Peter G. , Blaschette Armand
Published: January 2008

Polysulfonylamines. CLXXXIII. Novel Solid‐State Aspects of Di(arenesulfonyl)amines: Silver(I) Di(4‐iodobenzenesulfonyl)amide, a Layer Compound Displaying Structure‐Directing Ag–I–C Motifs, and Di(4‐fluorobenzenesulfonyl)amine Monohydrate, a Column Structure Exhibiting Intracolumnar Water Chains and Intercolumnar C–H···F–C Hydrogen Bonds

Low‐temperature X‐ray structures are reported for (4‐I–C6H4SO2)2NAg (1, triclinic, $P{\bar 1}$, Z′ = 1) and (4‐F–C6H4SO2)2NH·H2O (2, orthorhombic, Pna21, Z′ = 2). Whereas metal di(arenesulfonyl)amides usually display folded anions (C–S···S′–C′ synperiplanar) and crystallize in lamellar layers, compound 1 has an extended anion (C–S···S′–C′ antiperiplanar) and forms non‐lamellar striated layers in which the ions are connected by Ag–N/Ag–O bonds in one dimension and by Ag–I–C interactions, C–I···O halogen bonds and weak π/π ring interactions in the other dimension. The silver ion adopts a trigonal‐bipyramidal pentacoordination comprising two long axial Ag–O bonds (259 and 261 pm), one short Ag–N bond (228 pm) and two structure‐determining Ag–I bonds (289 and 294 pm, Ag–I–C 107 and 109°). An analysis of Ag···I–C contacts < 340 pm extracted from the Cambridge Structural Database (25 structures, 63 contacts) reveals that the Ag–I–C angles lie between 90 and 110° for contacts < 300 pm, whereas for longer interactions, the directionality rapidly becomes weaker; this result is in keeping with the electrophile/nucleophile model for interactions involving halogen atoms bonded to carbon. In the structure of compound 2, a dimer of two independent water molecules is repeated via glide planes to give a chain in which water 1 acts as a difunctional hydrogen bond donor and water 2 as a difunctional acceptor. The extended disulfonylamine molecules are connected to water 1 by N–H···O(w), to water 2 by O(w)–H···O=S bonds. The resulting supramolecular polymer is a square column that is reinforced by C–H···O=S hydrogen bonds and π/π interactions and bears four one‐dimensional sets of fluorine atoms at the vertices. Dense packing of these columns causes all the fluorine atoms to segregate into parallel tunnels and to form short C–H···F–C intercolumnar contacts strongly suggestive of weak hydrogen bonding (H···F 240–250 pm, C···F 328–346 pm, C–H···F 137–148°).
Syntheses and Crystal Structures of Two New Open‐Framework Tin(II) Phosphates: Sn5O2(PO4)2 and Sn4O(PO4)2
Authors: Fan Le‐Qing , Wu Ji‐Huai , Huang Yun‐Fang
Published: January 2008

Two new three‐dimensional neutral open‐framework tin(II) phosphates, Sn5O2(PO4)2 and Sn4O(PO4)2, were synthesized under hydrothermal conditions with different ratio of tin(II) oxalate, phosphoric acid and 4,4′‐diaminodiphenylmethane. Their crystal structures have been solved by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction methods. Sn5O2(PO4)2 crystallizes in the space group $P{\bar 1}$ and contains six‐membered ring and twelve‐membered ring channels running parallel to the b axis. Sn4O(PO4)2 crystallizes in the space group P21/n and contains intersecting eight‐membered ring channels. These two compounds have rare trigonal‐planar Sn3O.
Homologous Silver Bismuth Chalcogenide Halides (N, x)P. II. The (2, x)P and (3, x)P Structure Families of Modular Compounds with Tunable Composition and Structure
Authors: Ruck Michael , Poudeu Poudeu Pierre Ferdinand
Published: January 2008

The crystal structures of two members of the solid solution series Ag3xBi5−3xS8−6xCl6x−1 (x = 0.52 (I), x = 0.67 (II)) and three compounds of the Ag4xBi6−4xQ10−8xBr8x−2 series (Q = S: x = 0.70 (III), x = 0.84 (IV); Q = Se: x = 0.72 (V)) were determined by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. The compounds crystallize in the monoclinic space group C2/m (No. 12) with a = 1326.7(3), b = 403.9(1), c = 1176.7(2) pm, β = 107.83(3)° for (I); a = 1325.4(3), b = 403.3(1), c = 1170.6(2) pm, β = 108.14(3)° for (II); a = 1338.9(4), b = 407.7(1), c = 1426.4(4) pm, β = 113.95(2)° for (III); a = 1346.7(4), b = 409.3(1), c = 1440.7(4) pm, β = 114.40(1)° for (IV); and a = 1370.9(2), b = 417.64(4), c = 1480.4(2) pm, β = 114.92(2)° for (V). (I) and (II) adopt the PbBi4S7 structure type, (III) to (V) crystallize in the CuBi5S8 type. All five compounds belong to the homologous series with general formula [BiQX]2[AgxBi1−xQ2−2xX2x−1]N+1 (Q = S, Se; X = Cl, Br; 1/2 ≤ x ≤ 1)), which resemble minerals of the pavonite series. They are characterized by the parameters N and x and are denoted (N, x)P. In the crystal structures, two kinds of layered modules alternate along [001]. Modules of type A uniformly consist of paired rods of face‐sharing monocapped trigonal prisms around Bi atoms with octahedra around mixed occupied metal positions (M = Ag/Bi) between them. Modules of type B are composed of chains of edge‐sharing [MZ6] octahedra (M = Ag/Bi; Z = Q/X). These NaCl‐type fragments are of thickness N = 2 in Ag3xBi5−3xS8−6xCl6x−1 and N = 3 in Ag4xBi6−4xQ10−8xBr8x−2. All structures exhibit Ag/Bi disorder in octahedrally coordinated metal positions and Q/X mixed occupation of some anion positions.
Homologous Silver Bismuth Chalcogenide Halides (N, x)P. III. The (4, x)P, (5, x)P, and (7, x)P Structure Families of Modular Compounds with Tunable Composition and Structure
Authors: Ruck Michael , Poudeu Poudeu Pierre Ferdinand
Published: January 2008

The crystal structures of six members of the homologous series with general formula [BiQX]2[AgxBi1−xQ2−2xX2x−1]N+1 (Q = S, Se; X = Cl, Br; 1/2 ≤ x ≤ 1) and N = 4, 5, or 7 were determined by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. The series are characterized by the parameters N and x and are denoted (N, x)P. Ag3Bi4S6Cl3 (x = 0.60) (I), Ag3.5Bi3.5S5Br4 (x = 0.70) (II) and Ag3.65Bi3.35Se4.70Br4.30 (x = 0.73) (III) belong to (4, x)P series Ag5xBi7−5xQ12−10xX10x−3 and adopt the AgBi6S9 structure type. The (5, x)P compound Ag3.66Bi4.34S6.68Br3.32 (IV), which corresponds to x = 0.61 in Ag6xBi8−6xS14−12xBr12x−4, crystallizes isostructurally to AgBi3S5. The compounds Ag4.56Bi5.44Se8.88Br3.12 (x = 0.57) (V) and Ag5.14Bi4.86S7.76Br4.24 (x = 0.64) (VI), which are members of (7, x)P series Ag8xBi10−8xQ18−16xBr16x−6, adopt the Ag3Bi7S12 structure type. In the monoclinic crystal structures (space group C2/m) two kinds of layered modules alternate along [001]. Modules of type A uniformly consist of paired rods of face‐sharing monocapped trigonal prisms around Bi atoms with octahedra around mixed occupied metal positions (M = Ag/Bi) between them. Modules of type B are composed of [MZ6] octahedra, which are arranged in NaCl‐type fragments of thickness N. All structures exhibit Ag/Bi disorder in octahedrally coordinated metal positions as well as Q/X mixed occupation of some anion positions. Corresponding to their black color, all compounds are narrow‐gap semiconductors (Eg = 0.35 eV for (II)). General characteristics of the entire class of (N, x)P compounds are gathered in a catalogue.
Synthesis and Structure of a Carbamato‐bridgded Digallyl‐ferrocenophane – Fixation of Carbon Dioxide with Aminogallanes
Authors: Feier‐Iova Ovidiu , Linti Gerald
Published: January 2008

By reaction of tmp2GaCl (tmp = 2,2,6,6‐tetramethylpiperidino) (1) with dilithioferrocene the 1,1′‐digallylferrocene [{Fe(η5‐C5H4)2}(tmp2Ga)2] (2) was prepared. 2 reacted with CO2 to afford the ferrocenophane [Fe{η5‐C5H4‐Ga(O2Ctmp)(μ2‐O2Ctmp)}2] (3). Here, an eight‐membered Ga(OCO)2Ga‐Ring is the bridge in the ferrocenophane structure. The gallium carbamates [Me2GaO2Ctmp]2 (5), and tmp2Ga(η2‐O2Ctmp) (7) show structural features embedded in 3. The compounds were fully characterized by NMR, cyclovoltammetry and single crystal X‐ray structure analysis.
Halogenide der Seltenerdmetalle Ln4X5Z. Teil 2: Eine orthorhombische Verknüpfungsvariante o‐Ln4X5Z
Authors: Mattausch Hansjürgen , Schaloske Manuel C. , Hoch Constantin , Simon Arndt
Published: January 2008

Rare Earth Halides Ln4X5Z. Part 2: An Orthorhombic Variant of Ln4X5Z

The compounds Ln4Cl5C2 (Ln = La, Pr) and the isotypic bromides of lanthanum and cerium are prepared by reaction of LnX3, Ln metal and carbon in sealed Ta‐ampoules at temperature 900 °C < T < 950 °C. They crystallize in the orthorhombic space group Immm: La4Cl5C2: a = 3.9208(8) Å, b = 7.9446(16) Å, c = 17.2967(35) Å, Pr4Cl5C2: a = 3.8475(8) Å, b = 7.7590(16) Å, c = 17.0105(34) Å, La4Br5C2: a = 3.9950(8) Å, b = 8.2770(17) Å, c = 18.1010(36) Å and Ce4Br5C2: a = 3.9835(8) Å, b = 8.1865(16) Å, c = 18.0171(36) Å.

In the crystal structure the metal atoms are connected to Ln6 octahedra centered by C2 units. The Ln6C octahedra are condensed via opposite egdes to chains and connected via X atoms. The special interconnection of the M6X12C2 chains by the halogen atoms, Ln2n+2Xi−i2/2Xi−i(2n−2)/2Xi−a4/2Xa−i4/2 (n = 1), results in an orthorhombic crystal structure in contrast to the monoclinic variant described in part 1. The C2 groups together with the halogen atoms form ccp anionic substructure, and 4/5 of the octahedral voids is occupied by the Ln atoms. The C‐C distances vary between 1.41 und 1.44Å corresponding to a shortened C–C single bond and a lengthened C=C double bond. For metal‐metal bonds are 1 < e− < 3 electrons available suggesting an ionic formulation (Ln3+)4(X−)5C2m− e− with C26− or C24− ions (4 < m < 6).
Classifying tetrahydrobiopterin responsiveness in the hyperphenylalaninaemias
Authors: Langenbeck U.
Published: January 2008

Background

A significant percentage of patients with hyperphenylalaninaemia (HPA) due to primary deficiency of the phenylalanine hydroxylase enzyme (PAH) respond to a dose of tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4) with an increased rate of phenylalanine (Phe) disposal. The effect is exploited therapeutically, with some patients on BH4 even tolerating a normal diet.

Aim

Classification of the Phe blood level response to a BH4 load by percentage reduction (PR) suffers from loss of information: only part of usually more extensive test data is used, and PR values for different times after load cannot be compared directly. Calculation of half‐life (t1/2) of blood Phe is proposed as an alternative. This classic measure unifies interpretation of tests of different duration (e.g. 8 or 15 h). t1/2 subsumes first‐order formation of tyrosine, of Phe metabolites, and renal Phe excretion; zero‐order net protein synthesis can be neglected during short‐time tests.

Method

t1/2 is easily and robustly obtained by fit‐ting the total set of (3–4) data points to a log‐linear regression.

Results

The advantage of calculating t1/2 is exemplified by the analysis of selected published data. The results clearly speak in favour of an 8 h test period because so‐called ‘slow’ responders could also be detected within this time window and because tests of longer duration are less reliable kinetically. Sequential Phe and Phe/BH4 loading tests appear advantageous because the ‘natural’ t1/2 (without supplementation of BH4) is not normally known beforehand.

Conclusion

With t1/2 as a reliable parameter of BH4 responsiveness, therapeutic decisions would be more rational and genotype–phenotype analysis may also profit.
A yeast model reveals biochemical severity associated with each of three variant alleles of galactose‐1P uridylyltransferase segregating in a single family
Authors: Chhay J. S. , Openo K. K. , Eaton J. S. , Gentile M. , Fridovich‐Keil J. L.
Published: January 2008

Classic galactosaemia is a potentially lethal inborn error of metabolism that results from profound impairment of galactose‐1P uridylyltransferase (GALT). Like many autosomal recessive disorders, classic galactosaemia demonstrates marked allelic heterogeneity; many if not most patients are compound heterozygotes. Owing in part to the fact that most GALT mutations are never observed in patients in the homozygous state, in part to concerns of possible allelic interaction, and in part to the broad range of GALT activity levels associated with the affected, carrier, and control states, definition of the specific functional consequence of individual variant GALT alleles from studies of clinical samples alone can be a challenging task. To overcome this problem we previously developed and applied a null‐background yeast system to enable functional analyses of human GALT alleles expressed individually or in defined pairs. We report here the application of this system to characterize three distinct variant alleles of GALT identified within a single family. Of these alleles, one carried a missense mutation (K285N) that has previously been reported and characterized, one carried a nonsense mutation (R204X) that has previously been reported but not characterized, and the third carried a missense substitution (T268N) that was novel. Our studies reported here reconfirm the profound nature of the K285N mutation, demonstrate that the R204X mutation severely compromises both expression and function of human GALT, and finally implicate T268N as one of a very small number of naturally occurring rare but neutral missense polymorphisms in human GALT.
The mitochondrial heat shock protein 60 (HSP60) is up-regulated inOnchocerca volvulusafter the depletion ofWolbachia
Authors: PFARR K. M. , HEIDER U. , SCHMETZ C. , BÜTTNER D. W. , HOERAUF A.
Published: January 2008

Wolbachia, a genus of endosymbiotic bacteria of filarial worms, represent novel targets for anti-filarial therapy. The efficacy of compounds againstWolbachiahas been evaluated using antiserum raised against the 60 kDa heat shock protein (HSP60) which binds specifically to this protein in bothWolbachiaand mitochondria. It has been shown thatWolbachiastains (using such specific probes) stronger than the mitochondria in untreatedOnchocerca volvulus, whereas after the depletion ofWolbachia(with drugs) staining of the mitochondria is increased. Herein, immunogold electron microscopy showed that specific anti-HSP60 serum specifically labelledWolbachiaand filarial mitochondria, and that both have distinct localization patterns, thus allowing them to be differentiated. Immunohistochemistry ofO. volvulusshowed that HSP60 staining is increased in the mitochondria afterWolbachiadepletion in the hypodermis, epithelia, muscles, oocytes, embryos, and developing spermatozoa. This could have been the result of the antiserum preferentially binding to theWolbachiawhen they are present or due to increased expression of the protein in the absence of the bacteria. To address this, mRNA levels of filarialhsp60inO. volvuluswere measured. After the depletion ofWolbachia, the transcription ofhsp60was significantly greater (7·7 fold) compared with untreated worms. We hypothesize that the increased expression of HSP60 in the absence ofWolbachiais due to a disruption of the homeostasis of the endosymbiosis.
Public health risk analysis of European bat lyssavirus infection in The Netherlands
Authors: TAKUMI K. , LINA P. H. C. , VAN DER POEL W. H. M. , KRAMPS J. A. , VAN DER GIESSEN J. W. B.
Published: January 2008

We present the frequency and the nature of contact incidents of the Serotine bat,Eptesicus serotinus, with humans and with companion animals (specifically cats and dogs), in The Netherlands between 2000 and 2005. Out of 17 bats in bite contact with humans, five tested positive for European bat lyssavirus (EBLV) type 1a. Cats had the most numerous contacts with bats (49 times) but a relatively low number of these bats were EBLV positive (six times). We estimated that the average incidence of human bat rabies infection might be between once per year and once per 700 years, depending mainly on the number of infectious viral particles in bat saliva. The risk of bat rabies is higher between April and October, and in the northern half of the country. This is the first study in Europe describing the risk of human bat rabies after bat contact incidents.
Non-imported brucellosis outbreak from unpasteurized raw milk in Moroccan immigrants in Spain
Authors: RAMOS J. M. , BERNAL E. , ESGUEVILLAS T. , LOPEZ-GARCIA P. , GAZTAMBIDE M. S. , GUTIERREZ F.
Published: January 2008

Nine cases of brucellosis were identified in the city of Elche (Comunidad Valenciana, Spain) in two families of Moroccan immigrants. All of the patients had drunk unpasteurized raw milk from goats.Brucella melitensisbiovar 3 was identified in clinical specimens. Preventive measures for brucellosis should be implemented among immigrant populations in Spain.
Diarrhoea prevention in a high-risk rural Kenyan population through point-of-use chlorination, safe water storage, sanitation, and rainwater harvesting
Authors: GARRETT V. , OGUTU P. , MABONGA P. , OMBEKI S. , MWAKI A. , ALUOCH G. , PHELAN M. , QUICK R. E.
Published: January 2008

Lack of access to safe water and sanitation contributes to diarrhoea moribidity and mortality in developing countries. We evaluated the impact of household water treatment, latrines, shallow wells, and rainwater harvesting on diarrhoea incidence in rural Kenyan children. We compared diarrhoea rates in 960 children aged <5 years in 556 households in 12 randomly selected intervention villages and six randomly selected comparison villages during weekly home visits over an 8-week period. On multivariate analysis, chlorinating stored water [relative risk (RR) 0·44, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0·28–0·69], latrine presence (RR 0·71, 95% CI 0·54–0·92), rainwater use (RR 0·70, 95% CI 0·52–0·95), and living in an intervention village (RR 0·31, 95% CI 0·23–0·41), were independently associated with lower diarrhoea risk. Diarrhoea risk was higher among shallow well users (RR 1·78, 95% CI 1·12–2·83). Chlorinating stored water, latrines, and rainwater use all decreased diarrhoea risk; combined interventions may have increased health impact.