Studies of the oxovanadium(IV)—oxalate system: syntheses and crystal structures of binuclear (Ph4P)2[(VO)2(H2O)2(C2O4)3]·4H2O and of the one-dimensional chain material, (Ph4P)[VOCl(C2O4)]

The hydrothermal reactions of (Ph₄P)[VO₂Cl₂] and H₂C₂O₄ at 150 and 125°C yield (Ph₄P)₂[V₂O₂(H₂O)₂(C₂O₄)₃]·4H₂O (1) and (Ph₄P)[VOCl(C₂O₄)] (2), respectively. The structure of the molecular anion of 1 consists of a binuclear unit of oxovanadium(IV) octahedra bridged by a bisbidentate oxalate group. The VO₆ coordination geometry at each vanadium site is defined by a terminal oxo group, an aquo ligand, and four oxygen donors — two from the bisbidentate bridging oxalate and two from the terminal bidentate oxalate. The structure of 2 consists of discrete Ph₄P⁺ cations occupying regions between [VOCl(C₂O₄)]⁻_∞ spiral chains. The structure of the one-dimensional anionic chain exhibits V(IV) octahedra bridged by bisbidentate oxalate groups. Crystal data: 1·4H₂O, monoclinic P2₁/n, A = 12.694(3), B = 12.531(3), C = 17.17(3) Å, β = 106.32(2)°, V = 2621.3(13) ų, Z = 2, D_calc = 1.501 g cm⁻³, structure solution and refinement converged at a conventional residual of 0.0518; 2, tetragonal P4₃, A = 12.145(2), C = 15.991(3) Å, V = 2358.7(12) ų, Z = 4, R = 0.0452.     

Synthesis and characterization of SrCu2(O2CR)3(bdmap)3 and Bi2(O2CCH3)4(bdmap)2(H2O) (R = CH3, CF3; bdmap = 1,3-bis(dimethylamino)-2-propanolato)

New mixed metal complexes SrCu₂(O₂CR)₃(bdmap)₃ (R = CF₃ (1a), CH₃ (1b)) and a new dinuclear bismuth complex Bi₂(O₂CCH₃)₄(bdmap)₂(H₂O) (2) have been synthesized. Their crystal structures have been determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analyses. Thermal decomposition behaviors of these complexes have been examined by TGA and X-ray powder diffraction analyses. While compound 1a decomposes to SrF₂ and CuO at about 380°C, compound 1b decomposes to the corresponding oxides above 800°C. Compound 2 decomposes cleanly to Bi₂O₃ at 330°C. The magnetism of 1a was examined by the measurement of susceptibility from 5–300 K. Theoretical fitting for the susceptibility data revealed that 1a is an antiferromagnetically coupled system with g = 2.012(7), −2J = 34.0(8) cm⁻¹. Crystal data for 1a: C₂₇H₅₁N₆O₉F₉Cu₂Sr/THF, monoclinic space group P2₁/m, A = 10.708(6), B = 15.20(1), C = 15.404(7) Å, β = 107.94(4)°, V = 2386(2) ų, Z = 2; for 1b: C₂₇H₆₀N₆O₉Cu₂Sr/THF, orthorhombic space group Pbcn, A = 19.164(9), B = 26.829(8), C = 17.240(9) Å, V = 8864(5) ų, Z = 8; for 2: C₂₂H₄₈O₁₁N₄Bi₂, monoclinic space group P2₁/c, A = 17.614(9), B = 10.741(3), C = 18.910(7) Å, β = 109.99(3)°, V = 3362(2) ų, Z = 4.     

Relationship between cyprid energy reserves and metamorphosis in the barnacle Balanus amphitrite Darwin (Cirripedia; Thoracica)

Nauplii batch cultures of Balanus amphitrite were reared with four different diatoms (Skeletonema costatum, Thalassiosira pseudonana, Chaetoceros gracilis, silicate-limited C. gracilis) at three different cells concentrations: 1×10⁵, 5×10⁵, and 1×10⁶ cells ml⁻¹. The cyprid energy reserves were quantified as the ratio of triacylglycerols (TAG) to DNA. Energy reserves of larvae fed on different diatoms at a concentration of 1×10⁶ cells ml⁻¹ were ranked in the order: silicate-limited C. gracilis>C. gracilis>T. pseudonana>S. costatum. There was a significant linear relationship between the TAG content of the diet and cyprid energy reserves. The effect of cyprid energy reserves on metamorphosis to polystyrene surface in the presence and the absence of conspecific settlement factor (SF) was studied after 12, 24, and 48 h of incubation. A strong positive correlation between energy reserves and percent metamorphosis was observed in the absence of SF (r_{12 h}=0.88, r_{24 h}=0.82, r_{48 h}=0.68, P<0.05). A weak positive correlation was observed in the presence of SF (r_{12 h}=0.43, r_{24 h}=0.48, r_{48 h}=0.50, P<0.05). In both treatments, more than 80% of the cyprids with high energy reserves metamorphosed within 24 h. In contrast, a high proportion of cyprids with low energy reserves metamorphosed in response to SF in 24 h. Our results indicate that discriminatory metamorphic behavior of cyprids is closely linked to their TAG/DNA ratio, a proxy for energy reserve.     

The monofunctionalized 1,4,7-triazacyclononane derivatives 1,4,7-triazacyclononane-N-acetate (L) and N-(2-hydroxybenzyl-1,4,7-triazacyclononane (HL) and their complexes with vanadium(IV)/(V). Localized and delocalized electronic structures in compounds containing the mixed valent [OV---O---VO] core

The synthesis of the tetradentate pendant arm macrocycles 1,4,7-triazacyclononane-N-acetate (L¹) and N-(2-hydroxybenzyl)-1,4,7-triazacyclononane (HL²) and their coordination chemistry with vanadium(IV) and (V) are reported. The following mononuclear species have been prepared and characterized by UV-Vis, IR spectroscopy: [L¹V^IVO(NCS)] (1), [L¹VO₂]·H₂O (2), [L²VO(NCS)] (3), [L²VO(NCS)]Cl (4), and [L²VO₂] (5). In addition, the dinuclear, mixed valent complexes [L₂¹V₂O₃]Br (6), [L₂²V₂O₃](ClO₄)·0.5acetone (7), and the homovalent complex [L₂²V₂O₃](ClO₄)₂ (8) have been synthesized. Complexes 2, 3, 6 and 7 have been characterized by single crystal X-ray crystallography. Crystal data: 2, space group P2₁c,a=9.944(4),b=6.701(3),c=18.207(8)Å, β=102.88(3)°, V=1182.7 ų, Z=4, D_calc=1.51 g cm⁻³, R=0.049 based on 4760 reflections; 3, space group Pbca, A=11.003(6), b=14.295(7), C=20.21(1) Å, V=3178.8 ų, Z=8, D_calc=1,50 g cm⁻³, R=0.057 based on 1049 reflections; 6, space Pbcn, a=12.922(3), B=13.852(3), C=12.739(3) Å, V=2280.3 ų, Z=4, D_calc=1,75 g cm⁻³, R=0.047 based on 1172 reflections; 7, space group C2/c, A=23.553(9), B=13.497(5), C=20.951(8) Å, β=90.03(3)°, V=6660.2 ų, Z=8, D_calc=1.49 g cm⁻³, R=0.053 based on 3698 reflections. Complexes 6 and 7 are mixed valent V(IV)/(V) complexes containing the [OV---O---VO]³⁺ core. In the solid state 6 belongs to class III (delocalized) and 7 to class I (localized) according to the Robin and Day classification of mixed valent compounds. A rationale for these differing electronic structures is given.     

The effects of in vivo and in vitro non-enzymatic glycosylation and glycoxidation on physico-chemical properties of haemoglobin in control and diabetic patients

The erythrocyte deformability, which is related to erythrocyte internal viscosity, was suggested to depend upon the physico-chemical properties of haemoglobin. In the present study we employed ESR spectroscopy in order to explore further the extent to which the in vivo or in vitro glycation and/or glycoxidation might affect haemoglobin structure and conformation. We revealed that under both in vivo and in vitro conditions the attachment of glucose induced a mobilization of thiol groups in the selected domains of haemoglobin molecules (the increased h₊₁/h₀ parameter of maleimide spin label, MSL; 0.377 ± 0.021 in diabetics vs 0.338 ± 0.017 in controls, n = 12, P < 0.0001). The relative rotational correlation time (τ_c) of two spin labels, TEMPONE and TEMPAMINE, respectively, in erythrocyte insides (5.22 ± 0.42 in diabetics, n = 21 vs 4.79 ± 0.38, n = 16 in controls, P < 0.005) and in the solutions of in vitro glycated haemoglobin, were increased. Neither oxidation nor crosslinking of thiol groups was evidenced in glycated and/or oxidized haemoglobin. In addition, erythrocyte deformability was found to be reduced in type 2 diabetic patients (6.71 ± 1.08, n = 28 vs 7.31 ± 0.96, n = 21, P < 0.015). In conclusion, these observations suggest that: the attachment of glucose to haemoglobin might have decreased the mobility of the Lys-adjacent Cys residues, thus leading to the increased h₊₁/h₀ parameter of MSL. Such structural changes in haemoglobin owing to non-enzymatic glycosylation may contribute to the increased viscosity of haemoglobin solutions (r = 0.497, P < 0.0035) and the enhanced internal viscosity of diabetic erythrocytes (r = 0.503, P < 0.003). We argue that such changes in haemoglobin, and consequently in red blood cells, might contribute to the handicapped oxygen release under tissue hypoxia in the diabetic state.     

雄性麋鹿胆量和侵犯耦合与等级序位变化的关系

发情期的雄性麋鹿根据序位分为群主、挑战者和单身汉3个等级,序位变化是雄性麋鹿应对环境压力的直 观体现。本文利用胆量和侵犯2个行为指标在麋鹿生活史不同阶段的耦合强弱,来解释幼体时麋鹿序位发育、亚 成体时雄性序位定型及发情期时挑战者对群体序位的扰动。行为取样采用焦点取样法和扫描取样法相结合;分 析个体间行为样本流的非同步化水平,以同类型行为中较早发生、同步化率较低的判断为胆大;侵犯则结合攻 击行为和取胜指数来判定;粪样睾酮水平测定采用放射免疫分析法。结果显示雄性麋鹿幼体胆量和侵犯耦合与 等级序位呈负相关(r=-0.111 8,P=0.018 3);成体胆量和侵犯耦合与等级序位的波动呈正相关(r=0.917 9,P= 0.002 6)。从亚成体到成体:4头雄性麋鹿序位上升(胆量和侵犯耦合r=0.852 3,P=0.000 3),其中1头成为鹿 王;4头序位未发生改变(胆量和侵犯耦合r=0.482 9,P=0.006 3);3头序位下降(胆量和侵犯耦合r=0.251 7, P=0.003 5)。雄性麋鹿幼体睾酮水平与等级序位呈正相关(r=0.860 7,P=0.005 5);亚成体睾酮水平与等级序 位呈正相关(r=0.845 7,P=0.004 4);成体睾酮水平与等级序位呈正相关(r=0.954 6,P=0.001 8)。结果表明雄 性麋鹿发情期胆量和侵犯耦合强度与等级序位波动呈正相关;等级序位上升与睾酮水平升高有关。     

Studies of the cation complexing ability of crowns Part I. Synthesis, characterization and crystal structure of diazacrowns and their barium complexes

A number of N,N′-bis(4-substituted phenyl)-1,7-diaza-12-crown-4 and N,N′-bis(4-substituted phenyl)-1, 10-diaza-18-crown-6 (where the substituents are OCH₃, CH₃, H, Cl, respectively) have been prepared by cyclization reaction of a ditosylate with the appropriately substituted diol. These new macrocyclic ligands have been characterized by means of elemental analysis, IR, ¹H NMR and MS spectra. The crystal structures of N,N′-bis(4-chlorophenyl)-1,10-diaza-18-crown-6 (21) and its complex with barium thiocyanate Ba(SCN)₂ (22) have been determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction. The crystallographic data are as follows: 21: C₂₄H₃₂Cl₂N₂O₄, orthorhombic, P2₁2₁2₁, A=4.852(1), B=11.989(2), C=41.231(8) Å, V=2398.7(8) ų, Z=4; 22: C₂₆H₃₂Cl₂N₄O₄S₂Ba, monoclinic, P2₁/c, A=8.801(2), B=11.653(9), C=15.756(6) Å, ß=105.96(3)°, V=1553.7(14) ų, Z=2. In the complex, the Ba atom is eight-coordinate (O(1), O(2), O(1)′, O(2)′, N(1), N(1)′, N(21), N(21)′) to form a distorted D_6h geometry with the Ba atom at the center of crystallographic symmetry.     

Mixed-ligand rhenium(V) oxo monomers with triphenylphosphine oxide and lopsided and symmetrical heterocyclic ligands. Putative intermediates in rhenium(V) oxo synthetic chemistry

Normally, ReOCl₃ (Me₂S) (OPPh₃) (1) serves as a useful source of ReO³⁺ or ReOCl_x^(3−x)+ for the synthesis of Re complexes by ligand exchange. Complexes of the type ReOCl₃(OPPh₃)(L) (L = 1,5,6-trimethylbenzimidazole (Me₃Bzm) (2); 3,5-lutidine (3,5-lut) (3); pyridine (py) (4)) were prepared from 1 and one equivalent of L. Formation of these mixed-ligand complexes is unsual because the normally labile OPPh₃ in 1 was retained. Addition of non-coordinating triethylamine (NEt₃) gave [HNEt₃][ReOCl₄(OPPh₃] (5). The anion in 5 has been populated to be an intermediate in some synthetic schemes. ReOCl₃(OPPh₃)(Me₃Bzm) (2) was characterized by X-ray crystallography. Crystallographic data are: C₂₈H₂₇Cl₃N₂O₂PRe, P2₁/c, A = 18.503(3), B = 9.780(2), C = 15.735(4) Å, β = 97.56(2)°, D_calc = 1.76 g cm⁻³, Z = 4, R = 0.041, R_w = 0.066 for 3193 independent reflections. In 2, the pseudo-octahedral Re has the OPPh₃ ligand trans to the oxo ligand, and one of the OPPh₃ phenyl rings lies nearly over the five-membered ring of Me₃Bzm. Reaction of ReOCl₃(OPPh₃)(Me₃Bzm) (2) with one equivalent of 3,5-lut or py resulted in the precipitation of mixed-ligand species best formulated as Re₂O₃Cl₄(Me₃Bzm)₂(3,5-lut)₂ (6) and Re₂O₃Cl₄(Me₃Bzm)₂(py)₂ (7), respectively.     

1,10-Phenanthroline-5,6-dione as a building block for the synthesis of homo- and heterometallic complexes

1,10-Phenanthroline-5,6-dione (C₁₂H₆N₂O₂ (1)) reacts with V(η⁶-mesitylene)₂ and Ti(η⁶-toluene)₂ affording coordination compounds of general formula M(O,O′---C₁₂H₆N₂O₂)₃ (M=Ti (2); M=V (3)) which further react with TiCl₄ or TiCp₂(CO)₂ yielding the tetrametallic species M(O,O′---C₁₂H₆N₂O₂---N,N′)₃(M′L_n)₃ (M=V, M′L_n=TiCl₄ (4); M=Ti, M′L_n=TiCp₂ (5); M=V, M′L_n=TiCp₂ (6)). The complex salt [Fe(N,N′---C₁₂H₆N₂O₂)₃][PF₆]₂ (7) has been obtained from iron(II) chloride tetrahydrate and 1 in the presence of NH₄PF₆. The reaction of 7 with TiCp₂(CO)₂ affords the tetrametallic derivative [Fe(N,N′---C₁₂H₆N₂O₂---O,O′)₃(TiCp₂)₃][PF₆]₂ (8). TiCl₂(THF)₂ reacts with MCp₂(O,O′---C₁₂H₆N₂O₂) to give MCp₂(O,O′---C₁₂H₆N₂O₂---N,N′)TiCl₂ (M=Ti (9); M=V (10)). By reaction of TiCp₂(O,O′---C₁₂H₆N₂O₂---N,N′)TiCl₂ (9) with C₁₂H₆N₂O₂, the bimetallic derivative TiCp₂(O,O′---C₁₂H₆N₂O₂---N,N′)TiCl₂(O,O′---C₁₂H₆N₂O₂) (11) has been prepared, which readily adds to TiCl₄, to give the trimetallic titanium derivative TiCp₂(O,O′---C₁₂H₆N₂O₂---N,N′)TiCl₂(O,O′---C₁₂H₆N₂O₂---N,N′)TiCl₄ (12). VCp₂(O,O′---C₁₂H₆N₂O₂---N,N′)TiCl₂ (10) reacts with the tris-chelate iron(II) cation 7 affording the heptametallic cationic complex [Fe(N,N′---C₁₂H₆N₂O₂---O,O′)TiCl₂(N,N′---C₁₂H₆N₂O₂---O,O′)VCp₂]₃ ⁺² isolated as the hexafluorophosphate 13.     

不同氧浓度下C2C12细胞的Nrf2抗氧化系统对H2O2刺激的反应*

目的:探讨不同氧浓度下小鼠骨骼肌卫星细胞系(C2C12细胞)对H₂O₂刺激反应的变化及其机制。方法:小鼠骨骼肌卫星细胞系(C2C12细胞),经培养复苏后,将细胞分为7组,每组设8个复孔,各组分别加入浓度为0.1 mmol/L、0.25 mmol/L、0.5 mmol/L、0.75 mmol/L、1 mmol/L、2 mmol/L的H₂O₂,分别作用1 h、2 h后测细胞活力,选择细胞H₂O₂刺激的最佳作用时间和浓度;C2C12细胞分为不同氧浓度组:21% O₂、12% O₂、8% O₂、5% O₂每组设8个复孔,12 h后,H₂O₂作用1 h,收集细胞;检测细胞Nrf2蛋白荧光和蛋白表达量,测定Nrf2和抗氧化酶SOD1、SOD2、CAT、NQO-1、HO-1、GPX-1 的mRNA表达量及细胞ROS水平。结果:选择H₂O₂作用时间相对较短的1 h和浓度0.5 mmol/L作为本实验的H₂O₂刺激条件。与21%O₂组相比,12%O₂组细胞Nrf2蛋白荧光增强,Nrf2 的mRNA和蛋白表达以及抗氧化酶SOD1、SOD2、CAT、NQO-1、HO-1、GPX-1的 mRNA表达均显著增加(P＜0.05或P＜0.01),细胞 ROS水平明显降低(P＜0.01);8%O₂组仅GPX-1 mRNA显著增加(P＜0.05),其他指标变化不大;5%O₂组细胞 Nrf2 mRNA和蛋白表达以及抗氧化酶SOD1、SOD2、NQO-1、GPX-1的 mRNA表达均明显降低(P＜0.05或P＜0.01),细胞 ROS水平则明显升高(P＜0.01)。结论:不同氧浓度下C2C12细胞中Nrf2介导的抗氧化系统对H₂O₂刺激反应不同,12 h的12% O₂浓度可促进C2C12细胞Nrf2的抗氧化作用,而5% O₂浓度的严重低氧则作用相反。     

Effects of season on the yield and quality of agar from Gracilaria species (Gracilariaceae, Rhodophyta)

The effect of season on yield and physical properties of agars extracted from Gracia gracilis and G. bursa-pastoris were determined. The agar yield from G. gracilis was maximum during spring (30%) and minimum during autumn (19%). In G. bursa-pastoris, the agar yield was greatest in summer (36%) and lowest in winter (23%). Agar yield from G. bursa-pastoris was positively correlated with temperature (r=0.94; P<0.01) and salinity (r=0.97; P<0.01) and negatively with nitrogen content (r=−0.93; P<0.01). Agar gel strengths fluctuated from 229 to 828 g cm⁻² and 23 to 168 g cm⁻² for G. gracilis and G. bursa-pastoris, respectively. The gelling temperature showed significant seasonal variation for both species. Chemical analysis of agar from the two seaweeds indicated variation in 3,6-anhydrogalactose and sulfate content (P<0.01). Furthermore, there was an inverse correlation between the two chemical variables. In general, agar extracted from G. gracilis possessed better qualities than agar extracted from G. bursa-pastoris and can be considered a candidate for industrial use.     

Structures and magnetism of rubidium and cesium salts of dimeric oxovanadium(IV) tartrate(4−) complexes

Complexes of type A₄[VO(tart)]₂·nH₂O, where A = Rb or Cs and tart =d,l-tartrate(4−) (n = 2) or d,d-tartrate(4−) (n = 2 for Rb and n = 3 for Cs), were prepared from an aqueous mixture of V₂O₅, AOH and H₄tart. These complexes were studied by single-crystal X-ray diffraction methods: Rb₄[VO(d,l-tart)]₂·2H₂O, space group P1 with a = 8.156(1),b = 8.246(1),c = 8.719(1)Å, = 66.09(1)°, β = 65.07(1)°, γ = 82.40(1)°,Z = 2, 1917 observed reflections, and final R_w = 0.035; Cs₄[VO(d,l-tart)]₂·2H₂O, space group P₂₁/c with a = 9.350(1),b = 13.728(2),c = 8.479(1)Å, β = 106.77(1)°,Z = 4, 2235 observed reflections, and final R_w = 0.054; Rb₄[VO(d,d-tart)]₂·2H₂O, space group P₄₁₂₂ with a = 8.072(1),c = 32.006(3)Å,Z = 8, 1014 observed reflections and final R_w = 0.038; Cs₄[VO(d,d-tart)]₂·3H₂O, space group P₁₂₂ with a = 8.184(1),c = 33.680(5)Å,Z = 8, 1310 observed reflections, and final R_w = 0.063. Bulk magnetic susceptibility data (1.5–300 K) for these compounds and A₄[VOl,l-tart)]₂·nH₂O (A = Rb, Cs) were obtained on polycrystalline samples. These data were analyzed in terms of a Van Vleck exchange coupled S = 1/2 model which was modified to include an interdimer exchange parameters Θ. Analysis of the low-temperature (1.5–20 K) susceptibility data gave 2J = +1.30 cm⁻¹ and Θ = −1.86 K for Rb₄[VO(d,l-tart)]₂·2H₂O, 2J = +1.16 cm⁻¹ and Θ = −1.69 K for Cs₄[VO(d,l-tart)]₂·2H₂O, 2J = +1.90 cm⁻¹ and Θ = −0.82 K for Rb₄[VO(d,d-tart)]₂·2H₂O, 2J = +2.04 cm⁻¹ and Θ = −0.80 K for Rb₄[VO(l,l-tart)]₂·2H₂O, 2J = +1.52 cm⁻¹ and Θ = −0.25 K for Cs₄[VO(d,d-tart)]₂·3H₂O, and 2J = +1.64 cm⁻¹ and Θ = −0.31 K for Cs₄[VO(l,l-tart)]₂·3H₂O. These results suggest the magnitudes of intradimer (ferromagnetic and interdimer (antiferromagnetic) exchange interactions are similar in these complexes, as observed for the analogous Na salts.     

Eight-coordinate chelate complexes of zirconium(IV) and niobium(IV): X-ray diffractometric and EPR investigations

The N,N-diethylcarbamato derivative of zirconium(IV), Zr(O₂CNEt₂)₄ has been studied by X-ray crystallography. Crystal data: C₂₀H₄₀Na₄O₈Zr, monoclinic, space group C2/c, a = 14.057(1), b = 12.168(1), c = 16.746(2) Å, β = 108.071(4)°, Z = 4, D_c = 1.356, F(000) = 1168, T = 213 K. The compound is isotypic with the corresponding niobium(IV) derivative with a dodecahedral coordination at the zirconium atom. By reaction of NbCl₄(THF)₂ with Tl(hfacac), the hexafluoroacetylacetonato derivative of niobium (IV), Nb(hfacac)₄, has been prepared and structurally characterized. The compound crystallizes in the orthorhombic space group Pna2₁ with the following cell constants: a = 10.399(4), b = 15.852(9), c = 119.073(1) Å. It is not isotypic with the corresponding zirconium(IV) derivative, Zr(hfacac)₄. Crystal data: C₂₀H₄F₂₄O₈Zr, monoclinic, space group P2₁/n, a = 11.974(4), b = 20.451(6), c = 13.140(3) Å, β = 104.487(11)°, Z = 4, D_c = 1.960, F(000) = 1776, T = 223 K. Although in both compounds the central metal atom shows a square antiprismatic coordination, the coordination mode of the ligands is different and slight deviations from the D₄(llll) and C₂(llss) ideal geometries have been observed in the case of niobium and zirconium, respectively. An EPR study has been performed on the Nb(IV) derivatives as diluted solid solutions in frozen organic solvents or in the diamagnetic matrix of the corresponding zirconium(IV) compound. The EPR spectra have confirmed the presence of non-interacting paramagnets in the solid solutions and, in the case of Nb(O₂CNEt₂)₄, the point symmetry of the paramagnetic centre has been found to be in agreement with the results of the X-ray investigation. An EPR spectrum of rhombic symmetry has been observed for the hexafluoroacetylacetonato derivative of Nb(IV) when diluted in frozen THF solution or in Zr(hfacac)₄.     

The coordination chemistry of cationic main group clusters: syntheses and structures of [Fe3(Se2)2(CO)10] and [Fe4(Se2)3(CO)12]

The reactions of the polysulfur and selenium cationic clusters S₈²⁺ and Se₈²⁺ with various iron carbonyls were investigated. Several new chalcogen containing iron carbonyl cluster cations were isolated, depending on the nature of the counteranion. In the presence of SbF₆⁻ as a counterion, the cluster [Fe₃(E₂)₂(CO)₁₀] [SbF₆]₂·SO₂ (E = S, Se) could be isolated from the reaction of E₈²⁺ and excess iron carbonyl. The cluster is a picnic-basket shaped molecule of two iron centers linked by two Se₂ groups, with the whole fragment capped by an Fe(CO)₄ group. Crystallographic data for C₁₀O₁₂Fe₃Se₄Sb₂F₁₂S (I): space group monoclinic P2₁/c, A = 11.810(9), b = 24.023(6), c = 10.853(7) Å, β = 107.15(5)°, V = 2942(3) ų, Z = 4, R = 0.0426, R_w = 0.0503. When Sb₂F₁₁⁻ is present as the counterion, or Se₄[Sb₂F₁₁]₂ is used as the cluster cation source, a different cluster can be isolated, which has the formula [Fe₄(Se₂)₃(CO)₁₂] [SbF₆]₂·3SO₂. The dication contains two Fe₂Se₂ fragments bridged by an Se₂ group. Crystallographic data for C₁₂O₁₈Fe₄Se₆Sb₂F₁₂S₃ (III): space group triclinic , b = 18.400(9), C = 10.253(4) Å, = 93.10(4), β = 103.74(3), γ = 93.98(3)°, V = 1995(1) ų, Z = 2, R = 0.0328, R_w = 0.0325. The CO stretches in the IR spectrum all show a large shift to higher wavenumbers, suggesting almost no τ backbonding from the metals. This also correlates with the observed bond distances. All the compounds are extremely sensitive to air and water, and readily lose SO₂ when removed from the solvent. Thus all the crystals were handled at −100°C. The clusters seem to be either insoluble or unstable in all solvents investigated.     

Three Ni/Co(II) complexes with 4,4′-bipyridine and benzoic acid derivatives as mixed coligands: Hydrothermal syntheses, structures, and magnetisms

The hydrothermal reactions of 3,5-dinitrobenzoic acid, or p-toluic acid, 4,4′-bipyridine, with transition metal chlorides in basified solvent gave rise to three coordination polymers, [Ni₂(3,5-DNBC)₄(4,4′-bpy)₂(H₂O)] (1), [Co(3,5-DNBC)₂(4,4′-bpy)₂] (2), [Co₃(4,4′-bpy)(p-ToC)₆] (3), and characterized by elemental analysis, IR, single-crystal X-ray diffraction and variable-temperature magnetic measurements. Compound 1 crystallizes in the monoclinic system, P2₁/c space group, the structure determination reveals that 1 has a 2D network based on lozenge grids, where each Ni^II is in 4O + 2N coordination mode. Compound 2 is also monoclinic system, P2/c space group, and the X-ray structural analysis shows that 2 also has a 2D network but based on rectangular grids with the Co^II atom in a CoN₂O₄ environment. Compound 3 crystallizes in the triclinic system, space group, and polymerizes through nitrogen and oxygen atoms giving 1D chains with the Co^II(1) atom in a CoO₆ environment and Co^II(2) is in N + 4O coordination mode. In good agreement with the expected behavior, magnetic susceptibility measurements show weak ferromagnetic interactions for 1 and 3, whereas compound 2 exhibits moderate antiferromagnetic coupling.     

Thermal and photochemical substitution reactions of CpRe(PPh3)2H2 and CpRe(PPh3)H4. Catalytic insertion of ethylene into the C-H bond of benzene

The thermal and photochemical reactions of CpRe(PPh₃)₂H₄ and CpRe(PPh₃)H₄ (Cp = η⁵-C₅H₅) with PMe₃, P(p-tolyl)₃, PMe₂Ph, DMPE, DPPE, DPPM, CO, 2,6-xylylisocyanide and ethylene have been examined. While CpRe(PPh₃)₂H₂ is thermally inert, it will undergo photochemical substitution of one or two PPh₃ ligands. With ethylene, substitution is followed by insertion of the olefin into the C-H bond of benzene, giving ethylbenzene. CpRe(PPh₃)H₄ undergoes thermal loss of PPh₃, which leads to substituted products of the type CpRe(L) H₄. Photochemically, reductive elimination of dihydrogen occurs preferentially. The complex trans-CpRe(DMPE)H₂ was structurally characterized, crystallizing in the monoclinic space group P2₁/n (No. 14) with a = 6.249(6), b = 16.671(8), c = 13.867(7) Å, β = 92.11(6)°, V = 1443.7(2.9) Å and Z = 4. The complex trans-CpRe(PMe₂Ph)₂H₂ was structurally characterized, crystallizing in the monoclinic space group P2₁/n (No. 14) with a = 7.467(3), b = 23.874(14), c = 11.798(6) Å, β = 100.16(4)°, V = 2070.2(3.4) ų and Z = 4.     

Estimation of absorption efficiency in polychaetes using nitrogen content of food

From 14 values reported for nine species of polychaetes, a highly significant (P < 0.0005) multiple correlation (r = 0.987) between the nitrogen content of food (N) and absorption efficiency (Ae) is observed and is adequately fitted by the polynomial cubic equation: Ae = 11.744−13.353 N+6.510 N²−0.458 N³.     

Gemfibrozil treatment is associated with elevated adrenal androgen, androstanediol glucuronide and cortisol levels in dyslipidemic men

We have investigated the role of steroid hormones as coronary risk factors in Helsinki Heart Study population of dyslipidemic middle-aged men. We compare here the effects of gemfibrozil and placebo on the serum levels of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), its sulfate (DHEAS), their metabolite androstanediol glucuronide (3-AdiolG), androstenedione, cortisol, testosterone, and sex-hormone binding globulin (SHBG) in non-smokers. We also examined the associations between steroid and lipoprotein levels in both treatment groups. Compared with placebo gemfibrozil treatment was associated with significant elevations of the mean levels of DHEA 10.2 vs 8.0 nmol/1; P<0.005, of DHEAS 8.0 vs 5.8 μmol/1; P<0.001, of 3AdiolG 18.3 vs 8.4 nmol/1; P<0.001, of androstenedione 5.7 vs 5.1 nmol/1; P<0.02, and of cortisol 426 vs 358 nmol/1; P<0.001. The mean SHBG levels decreased from 46.4 to 41.7 nmol/1; P=0.03 with gemfibrozil treatment. No difference was found in testosterone levels 17.7 vs 18.8 nmol/1; P=0.11, or the ratio of testosterone/SHBG 0.45 vs 0.43; P=0.23. Positive correlations were found between high density lipoprotein-cholesterol and DHEAS (r=0.267; P<0.01) and DHEA (r=0.282; P<0.01) levels and negative correlations between low density lipoprotein-cholesterol and 3-AdiolG (r=−0.400; P<0.001) and cortisol (r=−0.281; P<0.01) levels in the gemfibozil group. Our results indicate that gemfibrozil treatment increases the production and turnover of adrenal androgens and cortisol, and suggest that activation of the adrenocorticol function and increased metabolism of androgens are related to the improved lipoprotein pattern during gemfibrozil treatment.     

Enumeration of heterotrophs, fecal coliforms and Escherichia coli in water: comparison of 3M Petrifilm plates with standard plating procedures

A total of 177 naturally contaminated water samples were analyzed by membrane filtration according to the Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater published by the American Public Health Association. Filters were incubated in parallel on mHPC-agar and 3M™ Petrifilm™ Aerobic Count Plates (Petrifilm™ AC plates) for heterotrophic counts. Fecal coliforms and Escherichia coli were enumerated on mFC-agar and 3M™ Petrifilm™ E. coli/Coliform Count Plates (Petrifilm™ EC plates). Typical colonies on each media type were confirmed following standard procedures. Heterotrophic counts were between 10³ and 10⁴ CFU/mL and the average log₁₀ counts obtained on Petrifilm™ AC plates were about two-fold lower than on mHPC-agar. Counts for fecal coliforms and E. coli were between 10² and 10³ CFU/mL. Average log₁₀ counts for confirmed fecal coliforms obtained on Petrifilm™ EC plates were slightly lower than on mFC agar with a correlation coefficient of 0.949. The average log₁₀ counts for confirmed E. coli on Petrifilm™ EC plates and on mFC agar were statistically not different (P=0.126) with a correlation coefficient of 0.879. Specificity of Petrifilm™ EC plates and mFC agar was evaluated by comparing typical colony counts with confirmed counts. On mFC agar, counts for typical colonies were by 2 log₁₀ CFU higher than the actual confirmed counts. In contrast, on Petrifilm™ EC plates typical colony counts were almost identical to confirmed colony counts for both fecal coliforms and E. coli. This comparison illustrates the high specificity of Petrifilm™ EC plates for enumeration of both fecal coliforms and E. coli in water.