Influence of ligands on the fac⇌Δhνmer isomerization in [RuCl3(NO)(P–P)] complexes, [P–P = R2P(CH2)nPR2 (n = 1–3) and R2P(CH2)POR2, PR2–CHCH–PR2, R = Ph and (C6H11)2P-(CH2)2-P(C6H11)2]

[RuCl₃(NO)(P–P)], [P–P = R₂P(CH₂)_nPR₂ (n = 1–3) and R₂P(CH₂)POR₂, PR₂–CHCH–PR₂, R = Ph and (C₆H₁₁)₂P-(CH₂)₂-P(C₆H₁₁)₂] were obtained and characterized by ³¹P {¹H} NMR, IR spectroscopies and cyclic voltammetry. The structures of fac-[RuCl₃(NO)(P–P)], P–P = dppm (1), dppe (2), c-dppen (3) and dppp (4), mer-[RuCl₃(NO)(dcpe)] (6a) and mer-[RuCl₃(NO)(dppmO)] (7) have been determined by X-ray diffraction. Photochemical isomerization of fac- to mer-[RuCl₃(NO)(P–P)] was observed under white light in a CH₂Cl₂ solution and in solid state. The isomerization processes were followed by IR and ³¹P {¹H} spectra. The mer-[RuCl₃(¹⁵NO)(dppb)] isomer was used for the definition of the phosphorus atoms in the structure of the complex in solution. The electrochemical study shows that the oxidation/reduction processes observed in these complexes are dependent on both the isomer (fac or mer) and the solvent. In CH₂Cl₂, the NO⁺ reduction potentials are less negative for the mer-isomers than for the fac ones, while in CH₃CN solvent these potentials are, in general, very close for both isomers.     

First example of photomagnetic effects in ionic pairs [Ni(bipy)3]2[Mo(CN)8] · 12H2O

Ionic triads formed by [Ni^II(bipy)₃]²⁺ (bipy = 2,2′-bipyridyl) and diamagnetic [M^IV(CN)₈]^4? (M = Mo and W) were prepared and structurally characterized. The two compounds are isostructural and their structure consists of a three-dimensional hydrogen-bonded framework where cation–anion interactions occur through short contacts M–CN?H–C(bipy). Before irradiation, the Mo analogue behaves as paramagnet with small intermolecular interactions between the [Ni^II(bipy)₃]²⁺ cations. Upon irradiation with visible light, it exhibits a reversible photomagnetic effect, which is interpreted in terms of the formation of paramagnetic [Mo^V(CN)₈]^3? and [Ni^II(bipy)₂(bipy^?)]⁺ due to the outer-sphere electron transfer.     

Neumark-Nord 2 – A multiphase Middle Palaeolithic open-air site in the Geisel Valley (Central Germany)

The lake basin Neumark-Nord 2 (NN 2) is located in the Geisel Valley in Saxony-Anhalt (Germany). It was scientifically investigated between 2003 and 2008. The sediment sequence, which is about 10 to 11 m thick, consists of limnic deposits, mostly silts mixed with clays and sands. Sedimentological as well as palynological, malacological and palaeomagnetic investigations, supported by absolute datings, date the entire sequence into the Eemian and Early Weichselian. Within the deposits several archaeological find horizons were discovered. Neumark-Nord 2/2 (NN 2/2) at the beginning of the Eemian and Neumark-Nord 2/0 (NN 2/0) with an early Weichselian were the most important archaeological horizons. Both find horizons represent former lake shore sites, where numerous crushed animal bones and other faunal debris were found, which can be regarded as remains of hunted game. With regard to the rich lithic material, both find horizons differ remarkably. In NN2/2, a simple artefact spectrum with a certain Levallois component and a dominance of denticulated, notched and laterally retouched specimens. In NN 2/0, on the other hand, bifacial tools such as backed knives and sometimes finely retouched scrapers are dominant, while the Levallois component fades completely into the background. Thus, NN 2 is one of the few open-air sites in archaeological landscape of Central German where several middle Palaeolithic find horizons occur in superposition.     

Syntheses and characterization of Cp2Ce[η3-N(QPPh2)2] (Q = S,Se) and Cp2Ce[η3-N(SPiPr2)(SePPh2)]

The compounds Cp₂Ce[η³-N(QPPh₂)₂] (Q = S (1), Se (2)) and Cp₂Ce[η³-N(SPⁱPr₂)(SePPh₂)] (3) have been synthesized from the protonolysis reactions between Cp₃Ce and HN(QPPh₂)₂ or HN(SPⁱPr₂)(SePPh₂) in THF. The structures of these compounds have been determined by X-ray crystallographic methods. The three compounds have similar structures in which the ligands are coordinated to Cp₂Ce moiety in an η³ fashion through the two chalcogen atoms and an N atom. Whereas the ⁷⁷Se NMR resonances are normal the ³¹P NMR resonances are shifted to much lower frequencies than in similar rare-earth compounds.     

Structure and magnetic properties of LnIII[Ru2(CO3)4] · 8H2O

Ln^III[Ru₂(CO₃)₄] · 8H₂O (Ln = Gd, Nd, Ho, Yb) is formed from the reaction of Ln^III and [Ru₂(CO₃)₄]^3? in water. These Ln^III materials have a 3D network structure composed of linked chains and μ_n-CO₃ linkages to both Ru and Ln^III sites, and are best described as Ln^III(OH₂)₄[Ru₂(CO₃)₄]_1/2[Ru₂(CO₃)₄(OH₂)₂]_1/2 · 3H₂O. Complete characterization of the Gd^III species is presented, as the other Ln^III are isostructural and exhibit large spin–orbit coupling leading to complex magnetic behavior. Magnetic ordering is not observed above 2 K.     

New coordination polymers based on a novel polynitrile ligand: Synthesis,structure and magnetic properties of the series [M(tcnoetOH)2(4,4′-bpy)(H2O)2] (tcnoetOH− = [(NC)2CC(OCH2CH2OH)C(CN)2]−; M = Fe,Co and Ni)

A novel polynitrile anionic ligand, tcnoetOH^?(=[(NC)₂CC(OCH₂CH₂OH)C(CN)₂]^?), has been synthesized by a one-pot reaction from a cyclic acetal and malononitrile. This ligand has been successfully used to prepare, with 4,4′-bpy as co-ligand, a novel series of coordination polymers formulated as [M(tcnoetOH)₂(4,4′-bpy)(H₂O)₂] with M(II) = Fe (1), Co (2) and Ni (3). These isostructural compounds present a linear chain structure consisting of octahedrally coordinated metal ions bridged by trans 4,4′-bpy ligands. The coordination sphere of the metal ions is completed with two terminal tcnoetOH^? ligand and two water molecules. The magnetic properties indicate that the three compounds are paramagnetic, as expected from the long 4,4′-bpy bridge connecting the metal atoms. Their magnetic properties have been fitted with a model of isolated ions including a zero field splitting for the Fe(II) and Ni(II) derivatives.     

The effect of dissolved oxygen concentrations on (1 → 3)- and (1 → 6)-β-glucanase production by Acremonium sp. IMI 383068 in batch culture

The influence of dissolved oxygen tension (DOT) on the production of extracellular (1 → 3)- and (1 → 6)-β-glucanases by the fungus Acremonium sp. IMI 383068 was investigated in batch culture. The controlled DOT levels at which cultures were grown affected the measured (1 → 3)-β-glucanase specific activities, but these effects were less marked on the measured (1 → 6)-β-glucanase specific activities. There appeared to be no direct link between the branching frequency of the fungus as reflected by its hyphal growth unit, and changing DOT levels. Whether pustulan or scleroglucan were used as the sole carbon source also affected production of these enzymes and their response to varying DOT. The measured (1 → 3)-β-glucanase specific activities were generally higher with scleroglucan, mainly because of the production of an extra active (1 → 3)-β-glucanase whereas pustulan grown cells produced a corresponding inactive protein with an identical electrophoretic mobility by SDS-PAGE and N-terminal amino acid sequence. With pustulan grown cells, DOT levels had comparatively little influence on the optimal measured specific activities of the (1 → 3)-β-glucanases, while with scleroglucan, they increased as DOT increased.     

Crystal structure,magnetic and thermal properties of the one-dimensional complex [Nd(pzam)3(H2O)Mo(CN)8] · H2O

The new d–f cyanido-bridged 1D assembly [Nd(pzam)₃(H₂O)Mo(CN)₈] · H₂O was prepared by self-assembly of pyrazine-2-carboxamide (pzam), Nd(NO₃) · nH₂O and (Bu₃NH)₃[Mo(CN)₈] · 4H₂O in acetonitrile. X-ray crystallographic studies indicate that the complex comprises chains of alternating, cyanido-bridged [Nd(pzam)₃(H₂O)]³⁺ and Mo(CN)₈]^3? fragments. The magneto-structural properties have been studied by field-dependent magnetization and specific heat measurements at low temperatures (?0.3 K). Below ≈10 K the Nd(III) moment is well approximated by an effective spin S = 1/2, with anisotropic g-tensor. The exchange coupling between the Nd(III) and the Mo(V) spins S = 1/2 along the structural chains is found to be ferromagnetic, with J/k_B = 1.8 ± 0.2 K and approximately XY (planar) anisotropy. No evidence for 3D interchain magnetic ordering is found. A comparison with magneto-structural data of other cyanido-bridged complexes involving the Nd(III) ion is presented.     

Expanding the 4,4′-bipyridine ligand: Structural variation in {M(pytpy)2}2+ complexes (pytpy = 4′-(4-pyridyl)-2,2′:6′,2″-terpyridine,M = Fe,Ni, Ru) and assembly of the hydrogen-bonded,one-dimensional polymer {[Ru(pytpy)(Hpytpy)]}n3n+

The solid state structures of [Ni(1)₂][NO₃]₂ · 2MeOH · 2H₂O, [Fe(1)₂][ClO₄]₂ · 2MeOH · 0.5H₂O, [Ru(1)₂][PF₆]₂ and [Ru(1)₂][PF₆][NO₃] (1 = 4′-(4-pyridyl)-2,2′:6′,2″-terpyridine) are presented and the structural variation observed for the {M(1)₂}²⁺ unit is discussed. Protonation of the pendant pyridine group in [Ru(1)₂]²⁺ leads to the formation of a hydrogen-bonded, one-dimensional polymer [{Ru(1)(H1)}_n]³ⁿ⁺ exemplifed by the solid-state structure of [{Ru(1)(H1)}{Fe(NCS)₆} · 1.25H₂O]_n.     

A CASSCF/CASPT2 investigation on electron detachments from ScSi n − (n = 4–6) clusters

Journal of Molecular Modeling - The mechanism for the competitive adsorption of CH4 and CO2 on coal vitrinite (DV-8, maximum vitrinite reflectance R o,max = 0.58%) was revealed...     

In-vivo dosimetry for field sizes down to 6 × 6 mm2 in shaped beam radiosurgery with microMOSFET

The aim of this study is to evaluate microMOSFET as in-vivo dosimeter in 6 MV shaped-beam radiosurgery for field sizes down to 6 × 6 mm². A homemade build-up cap was developed and its use with microMOSFET was evaluated down to 6 × 6 mm². The study with the homemade build-up cap was performed considering its influence on field size over-cover occurring at surface, achievement of the overall process of electronic equilibrium, dose deposition along beam axis and dose attenuation. An optimized calibration method has been validated using MOSFET in shaped-beam radiosurgery for field sizes from 98 × 98 down to 18 × 18 mm². The method was detailed in a previous study and validated in irregular field shapes series measurements performed on a head phantom. The optimized calibration method was applied to microMOSFET equipped with homemade build-up cap down to 6 × 6 mm². Using the same irregular field shapes, dose measurements were performed on head phantom. MicroMOSFET results were compared to previous MOSFET ones. Additional irregular field shapes down to 8.8 × 8.8 mm² were studied with microMOSFET. Isocenter dose attenuation due to the homemade build-up cap over the microMOSFET was near 2% irrespective of field size. Our results suggested that microMOSFET equipped with homemade build-up cap is suitable for in-vivo dosimetry in shaped-beam radiosurgery for field sizes down to 6 × 6 mm² and therefore that the required build-up cap dimensions to perform entrance in-vivo dosimetry in small-fields have to ensure only partial charge particle equilibrium.     

[RuIII(medtra)(H2O)] (medtra = N-methylethylenediaminetriacetate) complex – A highly efficient NO inhibitor with low toxicity

Stopped-flow kinetic measurements were used to compare the reactivities of [Ru(medtra)(H₂O)] (medtra³⁻ = N-methylethylenediaminetriacetate) (1) and [Ru(hedtra)(H₂O)] (2) (hedtra³⁻ = N-hydroxyethylethylenediaminetriacetate) with NO in aqueous solution at 15 °C, pH 7.2 (phosphate buffer). The measured second-order rate constants (3 × 10³ and 6 × 10⁴ M⁻¹ s⁻¹ for 1 and 2, respectively) are three to four order of magnitudes lower than that for the reaction between [Ru^III(edta)(H₂O)]⁻ (3) with NO. However, NO scavenging studies of complexes 1–3, conducted by measuring the difference in nitrite production between treated and untreated murine macrophage cells, revealed that despite being less kinetically reactive toward NO, the [Ru(medtra)(H₂O)] complex exhibited the highest NO scavenging ability and lowest toxicity of compounds 1–3.     

Linear homobimetallic 4-thioacetyl-substituted NCN pincer palladium(II) and platinum(II) complexes with N-bidentate connecting units (NCN = [C6H2(CH2NMe2)2-2,6-R-4]−)

The synthesis and characterization of homobimetallic palladium and platinum complexes of type [(Me(O)CS-4-NCN–M ← N^∩N → M–NCN-4-SC(O)Me](OTf)₂ (Me(O)CS-4-NCN = [C₆H₂(CH₂NMe₂)₂-2,6-SC(O)Me-4]^?; N^∩N = 4,4′-bipyridine (bipy); M = Pd, 12; M = Pt, 13) is reported. The required bifunctional thio-acetyl NCN pincer starting compound NC(Br)N-4-SC(O)Me (2) has been synthesized by the consecutive reactions of NC(Br)N–I (I-1-C₆H₂(CH₂NMe₂)₂-3,5-Br-4) (1) with ^tBuLi, S₈ and Me(O)CCl, respectively. Chemoselective metallation at the C_aryl–Br bond was achieved by the reaction of 2 with the palladium(0) source [Pd₂(dba)₃] (3) (dba = dibenzylidene acetone). Treatment of thus formed [Pd(NCN-4-SC(O)Me)(Br)] (4) with [AgOTf] (8) (OTf = triflate, OSO₂CF₃) gave [Pd(NCN-4-SC(O)Me)(H₂O)][OTf] (9) which was further reacted with 0.5 equiv. of 4,4′-bipyridine (11a) to afford rigid-rod structured 12. When [Pt(tol)₂(SEt₂)]₂ (5) (tol = 4-tolyl) was used instead of 3, then 13 was produced via the in situ formation of [PtBr(NCN-4-SC(O)Me)] (7) and [Pt(NCN-4-SC(O)Me)(H₂O)][OTf] (10). Another possibility to synthesize 7 relied upon the subsequent reaction of 1 with 0.5 equiv. of 5 to give [PtBr(NCN-4-I)] (6) which further reacted with ^tBuLi, 1/8 S₈ and Me(O)CCl to afford 7. The cyclic voltammograms of 2, 7, and 13 are discussed.Complex 7 was structurally characterized by single crystal X-ray crystallography. Organometallic 7 crystallizes with three independent molecules in the asymmetric unit and displays a monomeric structure as commonly encountered in d⁸-metal pincer chemistry.     

Synthesis and structural characterization of a mixed-ligand diiron(II) complex formed by a linked bitopic tris(pyrazolyl)methane ligand: {HC(3,5-Me2pz)3Fe[μ-p-C6H4(CH2OCH2C(pz)3)2]Fe(3,5-Me2pz)3CH}(BF4)4 (pz = pyrazolyl ring)

The structure of {HC(3,5-Me₂pz)₃Fe[μ-p-C₆H₄(CH₂OCH₂C(pz)₃)₂]Fe(3,5-Me₂pz)₃CH}(BF₄)₄ (pz = pyrazolyl ring) contains two octahedral iron(II) centers linked by a semirigid, bitopic tris(pyrazolyl)methane ligand. The solid-state structure shows the two heteroleptic-bonded iron(II) centers are low-spin at 200 K and situated in a trans orientation with respect to the central linking arene ring.     

Genotype × region and genotype × production level interactions in Holstein cows

The identification of the presence of genotype by environment interaction effects on important traits in Holstein cattle allows for the use of international genetic evaluations and a more efficient design of regional genetic evaluation programmes. The aim of this study was to determine the genotype × environment interaction effects in Chilean Holstein dairy cattle through the analysis of records corresponding to calvings between 1998 and 2015. Herds were classified in the central and southern regions of Chile based on herd location as well as by high and low levels of production environments based on the fat plus protein yield averages per herd within each region. The central region has a Mediterranean climate and a confined production system while the southern region has a humid temperate climate and a production system based on grazing with supplementation. Traits studied were milk yield (MY), fat yield (FY), protein yield (PY), fat content (FC) and protein content (PC) by lactation, age at first calving (AFC) and calving interval (CI). Several four-trait mixed animal models were applied to environmental category data as different traits, which included herd-year-calving season (herd-year-birth season for AFC) and lactation number as fixed effects, and animal additive genetic, sire-herd, permanent environment and residual effects as random effects. Genetic correlations (r_g) for MY, FY, FC, PC and CI were found to decrease as differences between environmental categories increased. The r_g between the most extreme environmental categories considered in this study for AFC (0.26) was the only one found statistically lower than 0.60. Genetic correlation values statistically lower than 0.80 (P < 0.05) were observed for AFC, CI, MY, FY and PY between some environmental categories. If separate genetic evaluations are adopted as practical criteria when the value of r_g is lower than 0.60, the consequence of improving a multi-trait economic breeding objective in this population is likely to be small unless extreme environmental categories are considered. However, a moderate decrease in selection response and re-ranking of selection candidates is expected for AFC, CI and yield traits when selection is performed in different environmental conditions. Genotype × environment interaction effects involving production systems in a Mediterranean climate and confinement vs. Temperate Oceanic climate and grazing with supplementation, and between two fat plus protein yield level categories within each environment, were at most moderate for the studied traits.     

Thermal effects in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) F1 embryos (farmed female × wild thermal-resistant male)

The aim of this work was to investigate the response of rainbow trout embryos (Oncorhynchus mykiss) (i.e., survival, size at hatching, time to hatching, malformations) to four incubation temperatures (5.8, 8.9, 14.0 and 16.8°C), taking into account the origin of the male parental genome and comparing pure farmed and F1 embryos (farmed female × wild thermal-resistant male). Several consequences of thermal stress were observed: lower accumulated thermal units (ATU) at hatching at high temperatures, and lower survival, shorter hatched free embryos and less-consumed yolk sac at extreme temperatures. The effect of the thermal-adapted male parental genome was shown only in the lower percentage of incompletely hatched free embryos in the F1 families. It appears that to obtain greater modification of thermal performance during early development, the adapted genome of the wild thermal-resistant population has to be included through maternal inheritance, thus producing a stabilized strain selected for domesticity, growth and thermal adaptation.     

Molecular pharming — VLPs made in plants

1. Download : Download high-res image (163KB)
2. Download : Download full-size image