Synthesis,spectral characterization,electrochemical and biological studies of Co(II), Ni(II) and Cu(II) complexes with thiocarbohydrazone

A series of metal complexes of Co(II), Ni(II) and Cu(II) have been synthesized with the Schiff base derived from thiocarbohydrazide and 8-formyl-7-hydroxy-4-methylcoumarin. The structures of the complexes have been proposed by elemental analyses, molar conductance, spectral (IR, UV-Vis, ESR and FAB-mass), magnetic, thermal and electrochemical studies. These complexes are soluble in DMF and DMSO and molar conductance values indicate that they are non-electrolytes. Elemental analyses of the complexes confirm stoichiometry ML ·; 2H₂O [M=Co(II), Ni(II) and Cu(II)]. Spectroscopic studies indicate coordination occurs through phenolic oxygen after deprotonation and nitrogen of azomethine. The Schiff base and its complexes have also been screened for antibacterial (Escherichia coli, Streptococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes and Pseudomonas aeruginosa) and antifungal activities (Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus flavus and cladosporium) by the MIC method. The brine shrimp bioassay was also carried out to study their in vitro cytotoxic properties.     

DNA cleavage,in vitro antimicrobial and electrochemical studies of Co(II), Ni(II), and Cu(II) complexes withm-substituted thiosemicarbazide Schiff bases

Co(II), Ni(II), and Cu(II) complexes, ML₂ · 2H₂O have been synthesized with Schiff bases derived from m-substituted thiosemicarbazides and 2-methoxy benzaldehyde. The complexes are soluble in DMF/DMSO and non-electrolytes. From analytical, spectral (IR, UV-Vis, ESR, and FAB-mass), magnetic and thermal studies octahedral geometry is proposed for the complexes. The redox behavior of the complexes was investigated using cyclic voltammetry. The Schiff bases and their metal complexes have been screened for antibacterial (Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Salmonella typhi) and antifungal activities (Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus flavus, and Cladosporium) by Minimum Inhibitory Concentration method. DNA cleavage is studied by agarose gel electrophoresis method.     

Synthesis,characterization, electrochemical and in-vitro antimicrobial studies of Co(II), Ni(II), and Cu(II) complexes with Schiff bases of formyl coumarin derivatives

A series of Co(II), Ni(II), and Cu(II) complexes have been synthesized with Schiff bases (H₂L^I and H₂L^II) derived from 8-formyl-7-hydroxy-4-methylcoumarin or 5-formyl-6-hydroxycoumarin and o-aminophenol. Structures have been proposed from elemental analyses, spectral (IR, UV-Vis, FAB-mass, and Fluorescence), magnetic, and thermal studies. The measured low molar conductance values in DMF indicate that the complexes are non-electrolytes. Elemental analyses indicate ML · 3H₂O [M = Co(II), Ni(II), and Cu(II)] stoichiometry. Spectroscopic studies suggest coordination through azomethine nitrogen, phenolic oxygen of o-aminophenol, and the coumarin via deprotonation. The Schiff bases and their complexes have been screened for antibacterial (Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Salmonella typhi) and antifungal (Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus flavus, and Cladosporium) activities by minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) method. The redox behavior of the complexes was investigated using cyclic voltammetry (CV).     

Synthesis,characterization, and antimicrobial studies of some Schiff-base metal(II) complexes

Neutral complexes of Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II), and Zn(II) have been synthesized from the Schiff bases derived from 3-nitrobenzylidene-4-aminoantipyrine and aniline (L¹)/p-nitro aniline (L²)/p-methoxy aniline (L³) in the molar ratio 1 : 1. The structural features have been determined from microanalytical, IR, UV-Vis, ¹H-NMR, mass, and ESR spectral data. The Cu(II) complexes are square planar, while Co(II), Ni(II), and Zn(II) complexes are tetrahedral. Magnetic susceptibility measurements and molar conductance data provide evidence for the monomeric and neutral nature of the complexes. The X-band ESR spectrum of Cu(II) complexes at 300 and 77 K were recorded. The electrochemical behavior of the complexes in MeCN at 298 K was studied. The in vitro biological screening effects of the investigated compounds were tested against the bacterial species Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Proteus vulgaris, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa and fungal species Aspergillus niger, Rhizopus stolonifer, Aspergillus flavus, Rhizoctonia bataicola, and Candida albicans by the well-diffusion method. Comparison of the inhibition values of the Schiff bases and their complexes indicate that the complexes exhibit higher antimicrobial activity.     

DNA cleavage,antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory anthelmintic activities,and spectroscopic studies of Co(II), Ni(II), and Cu(II) complexes of biologically potential coumarin Schiff bases

A series of Co(II), Ni(II) and Cu(II) complexes, [ML?·?2H₂O] of Schiff bases derived from 4,4-diaminodiphenyl sulfone (dapsone) and 8-formyl-7-hydroxy-4-methylcoumarin/5-formyl-6-hydroxycoumarin have been synthesized. From analytical, spectral (IR, NMR, UV-Vis, ESR and FAB mass), and magnetic studies it has been concluded that the metal complexes possess octahedral geometry and are non-electrolytes. The redox behavior of the metal complexes is investigated by cyclic voltammetry. The Schiff bases and their metal complexes have been screened for antibacterial (Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella, Salmonella, Streptococcus, Staphylococcus proteus) and antifungal activities (Fusarium, Candida, Rhizopus, Penicillium chrysogenum and Aspergillus niger) by the minimum inhibitory concentration method. The anthelmintic activity of the ligands and their metal complexes against earthworms was investigated. The DNA cleavage study was done by agarose gel electrophoresis. Anti-inflammatory activity studies showed the test compounds are comparable to the standard drug diclofenac sodium.     

Synthesis,characterization, DNA cleavage,and in-vitro antimicrobial studies of Co(II), Ni(II), and Cu(II) complexes with Schiff bases of coumarin derivatives

A series of Co(II), Ni(II), and Cu(II) complexes ML?·?3H₂O have been synthesized with Schiff bases derived from 3-substituted-4-amino-5-mercapto-1,2,4-triazole and 5-formyl-6-hydroxy coumarin. The complexes are insoluble in common organic solvents but soluble in DMF and DMSO. The measured molar conductance values in DMF indicate that the complexes are non-electrolytes. In view of analytical, spectral (infrared, UV-Vis, ESR, TG, and FAB-mass), and magnetic studies, it has been concluded that all the metal complexes possess octahedral geometry in which ligand is coordinated to metal through azomethine nitrogen, phenolic oxygen, and sulfur via deprotonation. The Schiff bases and their complexes have been screened for antibacterial (Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Salmonella typhi) and antifungal activities (Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus flavus, and Cladosporium) by the minimum inhibitory concentration method. DNA cleavage is studied by agarose gel electrophoresis.     

Synthetic,spectroscopic, fluorescence,and biological investigation of Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II), and Zn(II) complexes of Schiff bases derived from 3-formyl-2-mercaptoquinolines (Quinol-2-thiones)

Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II), and Zn(II) complexes have been prepared with Schiff bases derived from 3-formyl-2-mercaptoquinoline and substituted anilines. The prepared Schiff bases and chelates have been characterized by elemental analysis, molar conductance, magnetic susceptibilities, electronic, IR, ¹H-NMR, ESR, cyclic voltammetry, FAB-mass, and thermal studies. The complexes have stoichiometry of the type ML₂ · 2H₂O coordinating through azomethine nitrogen and thiolate sulfur of 2-mercapto quinoline. An enhancement in fluorescence has been noticed in the Zn(II) complexes whereas quenching occurred in the other complexes. The ligands and their metal complexes have been screened in vitro for antibacterial and antifungal activities by MIC methods with biological activity increasing on complexation. Cu(II) complexes show greater bacterial than fungicidal activities. The brine shrimp bioassay was also carried out to study the in vitro cytotoxicity properties of the ligands and their corresponding complexes. Only four compounds have exhibited potent cytotoxic activity against Artemia salina; the other compounds were almost inactive for this assay.     

Synthesis,spectral, thermal,solid state d.c. electrical conductivity and biological studies of Co(II), Ni(II) and Cu(II) complexes with 3-substituted-4-amino (indole-3-aldehydo)-5-mercapto-1,2,4-triazole Schiff bases

A series of cobalt(II), nickel(II) and copper(II) complexes have been synthesized with Schiff bases derived from 3-substituted-4-amino-5-mercapto-1,2,4-triazole and indole-3-aldehyde in ethanol. These complexes have been characterized by elemental analyses, magnetic, spectroscopic (IR, UV-Vis, H-NMR, ESR, FAB-mass), thermal, electrochemical (CV) and solid state d.c. electrical conductivity studies. The elemental analyses confirm 1 : 2 stoichiometry of the type ML₂·2H₂O (M = Co/Ni) and ML₂ (M=Cu). The complexes are colored solids and non-electrolytes in DMF and DMSO. Magnetic and spectral data suggest octahedral geometry for Co(II) and Ni(II) complexes and square-planar geometry for Cu(II) complexes. The presence of coordinated water in Co(II) and Ni(II) complexes was confirmed by thermal and IR data of the complexes. The complexes are insoluble in water and common organic solvents and decompose at higher temperature. All these ligands and their complexes have also been screened for antibacterial (Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa) and antifungal activities (Aspergillus niger and Aspergillus fumigates) by the cup plate method.     

Synthesis,spectral characterization and biological activity of benzofuran Schiff bases with Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II), Zn(II), Cd(II) and Hg(II) complexes

New Schiff bases have been synthesized from benzofuran-2-carbohydrazide and benzaldehyde, [BPMC] or 3,4-dimethoxybenzaldehyde, [BDMeOPMC]; complexes of the type MLX₂, where M = Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II), Zn(II), Cd(II) and Hg(II), L = BPMC or BDMeOPMC and X = Cl, have been prepared. Structures have been elucidated on the basis of elemental analysis, conductance measurements, magnetic properties, spectral studies i.e., ¹H NMR, electronic, ESR and IR studies show that the Schiff bases are bidentate through the azomethine nitrogen and oxygen of the carbonyl. We propose tentative structures for all of these complexes. The antifungal and antibacterial activities of the ligands and their metal complexes have been screened against fungi Aspergillus niger and Aspergillus fumigatus and against bacteria Escherichia coli and S. aurious.     

Designing,Structural Elucidation and Comparison of the Cleavage Ability of Metal Complexes Containing Tetradentate Schiff Bases 1

New N₂O₂ donor type Schiff bases have been designed and synthesized by condensing acetylaceto-4-aminoantipyrine/acetoacetanilido-4-aminoantipyrine with 2-amino benzoic acid in ethanol. Solid metal complexes of the Schiff bases with Cu(II), Ni(II), Co(II), Mn(II), Zn(II), VO(IV), Hg(II) and Cd(II) metal ions were synthesized and characterized by elemental analyses, magnetic susceptibility, molar conduction, FAB Mass, IR, UV-Vis., ¹H NMR, and ESR spectral studies. The data show that the complexes have a composition of the ML type. The UV-Vis., magnetic susceptibility, and ESR spectral data of the complexes suggest a square planar geometry around the central metal ion, except for VO(IV) complexes, which have square-pyramidal geometry. The redox behavior of copper and vanadyl complexes has been studied by cyclic voltammetry. The nuclease activity of the above metal complexes shows that the complexes cleave DNA through redox chemistry. In the presence of H₂O₂, all the complexes are capable of cleaving calf thymus DNA plasmids, in order to compare the cleavage efficiency of all metal complexes in the two different ligand environments. In this assay, Cu(II), Ni(II), Co(II), and Zn(II) exhibit more cleavage efficiency than other metal ions. This article was submitted by the authors in English.     

Synthesis,crystal structure,spectroscopic, and biological studies on Cu(II) complexes of N,O donor dimethyl isoxazole Schiff bases

Cu(II) complexes with Schiff bases DMIIMP, DMIIMBD, DMIIMBP, DMIIMCP, DMIIMMP, and DMIIMNP (see Introduction for definitions) are derived from condensation of 3,4-dimethyl 5-amino-isoxazole with salicylaldehyde and substituted salicylaldehydes. The newly synthesized ligands were characterized by IR, UV-Vis, ¹H NMR, ¹³C NMR, mass spectra, and elemental analysis. The Cu(II) complexes were characterized by IR, UV-Vis, ESR, elemental analysis, magnetic moments, thermogram, DTA, and single crystal analysis. The complexes have general formula [M(L)₂]. The Schiff bases are bidentate coordinating through the azomethine nitrogen and phenolic oxygen of salicylaldehydes. Based on the analytical and spectral data, four-coordinate geometry is assigned for all the complexes. ESR and single crystal analysis suggests square planar geometry for all complexes. [Cu(DMIIMP)₂] crystallizes in the orthorhombic system. Antimicrobial studies of Schiff bases and their metal complexes show significant activity with the metal complexes showing more activity than corresponding Schiff bases. Cytotoxicity of the copper complexes on human cervical carcinoma cells (HeLa) was measured using the Methyl Thiazole Tetrazolium assay.     

Synthesis,characterization and biological studies of some Co(II), Ni(II) and Cu(II) complexes derived from indole-3-carboxaldehyde and glycylglycine as Schiff base ligand

The Schiff base ligand derived from indole-3-carboxaldehyde(indal) and glycylglycine(glygly) were synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, IR, electronic spectrum, ¹H NMR and mass spectrum. Co(II), Ni(II) and Cu(II)–indal-glygly Schiff base complexes were synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, molar conductance, IR, electronic spectra, magnetic measurements, ESR, electrochemical studies, TGA, DSC analysis, XRD and SEM. Conductance measurements indicate that the above complexes are 1:1 electrolytes. IR spectral data show that the ligand is tridentate and the binding sites are azomethine nitrogen, peptide nitrogen and carboxylato oxygen atoms. Electronic spectral measurements indicate tetrahedral geometry for Co(II) and Ni(II) complexes and square planar geometry for Cu(II) complex. Magnetic measurements show weak ferromagnetic behaviour for Co(II) and Ni(II) complexes and paramagnetic behaviour for Cu(II) complex. ESR spectral data shows the ionic link between metal and the Schiff base ligand. The metal complexes are found to be stabilized in the unusual oxidation states of the metal ion during electrolysis. Thermal analysis of the complex indicates that the decomposition takes place in three steps. IR and thermal studies indicate that the fourth position would be occupied by a water molecule in complexes. XRD shows that the complexes have the crystallite size of 31, 40 and 67 nm, respectively. The surface morphology of the complexes was studied by SEM. The antimicrobial activity of the ligand and its complexes were screened by Kirby Bayer Disc Diffusion method. DNA cleavage studies were performed for metal–Schiff base complexes in presence of hydrogen peroxide as oxidant.     

Synthesis and photoluminescent properties of a Schiff-base ligand and its mononuclear Zn(II), Cd(II), Cu(II), Ni(II) and Pd(II) metal complexes

Mononuclear Zn(II), Cd(II), Cu(II), Ni(II) and Pd(II) metal complexes of Schiff-base ligand(HL₁) derived from 8-acetyl-7-hydroxycoumarin and P-phenylenediamine were prepared and characterized by microanalytical, mass, UV–Vis, IR, ¹H NMR, ¹³C NMR, ESR, conductance and fluorescence studies. The measured low molar conductance values in DMSO indicate that the complexes are non-electrolytes. The structures of the solid complexes under study are established by using IR, electronic and ESR spectroscopy suggesting that Zn(II) and Ni(II) complexes are octahedral, Cd(II) complex is tetrahedral, Cu(II) and Pd(II) complexes are square planar. The ESR spectrum of the Cu(II) complex in DMSO at 298 and 150 K was recorded and its salient features are reported, it supports the mononuclear structure. The Schiff base exhibited photoluminescence originating from intraligand (π–π*) transitions. Metal-mediated enhancement is observed on complexation of HL with Zn(II) and Cd(II), whereas metal-mediated fluorescence quenching occurs in Cu(II), Ni(II) and Pd(II).     

Synthesis,characterization, antimicrobial,and nuclease activity studies of some metal Schiff-base complexes

A Schiff base (L) is prepared by condensation of cuminaldehyde and L-histidine, and characterized by elemental analysis, IR, UV-Vis, ¹H-NMR, ¹³C-NMR, and mass spectra. Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II), and Zn(II) complexes of this Schiff-base ligand are synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, molar conductance, mass, IR, electronic spectra, magnetic moment, electron spin resonance (ESR), CV, TG/DTA, powder XRD, and SEM. The conductance data indicate that all the complexes are 1 : 1 electrolytes. IR data reveal that the Schiff base is a tridentate monobasic donor, coordinating through azomethine nitrogen, imidazole nitrogen, and carboxylato oxygen. The electronic spectral data and magnetic measurements suggest that Co(II) and Ni(II) complexes are tetrahedral, while Cu(II) complex has distorted square planar geometry. XRD and SEM show that Co(II), Cu(II), and Zn(II) complexes have crystalline nature, while the Ni(II) complex is amorphous and the particles are in nanocrystalline phase. The in vitro biological activities of the synthesized compounds were tested against the bacterial species, Escherichia coli, Bacillus subtilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Staphylococcus aureus; and fungal species, Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus flavus, and Candida albicans by the disc diffusion method. The biological study indicates that complexes exhibit more activity than the ligand. The nuclease activity of the ligand and its complexes are assayed on CT DNA using gel electrophoresis in the presence and the absence of H₂O₂. The Cu(II) complex shows increased nuclease activity in the presence of an oxidant when compared to the ligand, Co(II) and Ni(II) complexes.     

Synthesis,spectral characterization,in vitro biological and DNA cleavage studies of Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II), and Zn(II) complexes with 1,2,4-triazole Schiff bases

A series of metal complexes of cobalt(II), nickel(II), copper(II), and zinc(II) have been synthesized with newly-derived biologically active ligands. These ligands were synthesized by condensation of 3-substituted-4-amino-5-hydrazino-1,2,4-triazole and orthophthalaldehyde. The probable structure of the complexes has been proposed on the basis of elemental analyses and spectral (IR, ¹H-NMR, UV-vis, magnetic, ESR, FAB-mass and thermal studies) data. Electrochemical study of the complexes is also made. All complexes are nonelectrolytes in N,N-dimethyl formamide and DMSO. The Schiff bases and their Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II), and Zn(II) complexes have been screened for antibacterial (Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa) and antifungal (Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus flavus, and cladosporium) activities by minimum inhibitory concentration method. DNA cleavage is also carried out.     

Synthesis, characterization, biological and thermal behaviour of Co(II), Ni(II) and Cu(II) complexes with Schiff bases having coumarin moieties

A series of Co(II), Ni(II) and Cu(II) complexes have been synthesized with Schiff bases derived from 5-amino-1,3,4-thiadiazole-2-thiol and 8-formyl-7-hydroxy-4-methylcoumarin/8-acetyl-7-hydroxy-4-methylcoumarin. The chelation of the complexes has been proposed in the light of analytical, spectral (IR, UV–Vis), ESI-mass, magnetic, ESR and thermal studies. The measured molar conductance values indicate that the complexes are non-electrolytes. TG and DTA provide the useful information about the coordination of water molecules to the metal ion and the stability of the complexes. TG and DTA curves show that the Co(II) complexes decomposition takes place in two stages corresponds to loss due to water molecules and Schiff base moiety. Whereas, Ni(II) and Cu(II) complexes decomposition took place in three steps corresponding to the loss of coordinated water molecules, 1,3,4-thiadiazole moiety and coumarin moiety, respectively. The Schiff bases and their complexes have been screened for their antibacterial and antifungal activities. The results of these studies show the metal complexes to be more antibacterial and antifungal as compared to the uncomplexed coumarins.     

Studies on Mononuclear Chelates Derived from Substituted Schiff Base Ligands: Synthesis and Characterization of a New 5-Methoxysalicyliden-<Emphasis Type="Italic">p</Emphasis>-Aminoacetophenoneoxime and Its Complexes with Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II), and Zn(II)

New complexes of Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II), and Zn(II) with new Schiff bases derived by the condensation of p-aminoacetophenoneoxime with 5-methoxysalicylaldehyde are synthesized. The compounds are characterized by elemental analyses, magnetic susceptibility measurements, IR, ¹H and ¹³C NMR spectra, electronic spectral data, and molar conductivity. The thermal stabilities of the compounds are also reported. The Schiff base acts as bidentate O,N-donor atoms, and their metal complexes are supposed to possess a tetrahedral geometry with respect to the central metal ion. The general formula of the 5-methoxysalicyliden-p-aminoacetophenoneoxime Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II), and Zn(II) complexes is Co(L)₂, Ni(L)₂, Cu(L)₂, and Zn(L)₂.     

Copper(II), Nickel(II) and Cobalt(II) Complexes of Dibasic Tridentate Schiff Bases

Complexes of Cu(II), Ni(II) and Co(II) with the Schiff bases derived from o-aminobenzoic acid with salicylaldehyde and its 5-chloro and 5-bromo derivatives have been prepared. The 1:1 (metal-ligand) stoichiometry of these complexes is shown by elemental analysis, gravimetric estimations and conductometric titrations while the structures of the complexes are proved by i.r. spectra and thermogravimetric analysis. The magnetic susceptibility and electronic spectra of Cu(II) complexes indicate the nonplanar binuclear structures while that of Ni(II) and Co(II) show their paramagnetic octahedral geometry. The molar conductance values in nitrobenzene indicate the nonelectrolytic behaviour of the complexes. The results show that the complexes of the type (Cu·L)₂, Ni·L·3H₂O and Co·L·3H₂O are formed having solvent molecule in coordination with the metal ion. The monopyridine and monoammonia adducts of Cu(II) complexes were found to be monomeric.     

Synthesis,structural characterization,and antibacterial studies of a tetradentate macrocyclic ligand and Its Co(II), Ni(II), and Cu(II) complexes

A novel macrocyclic tetradentate ligand 1,5,8,12-tetraaza-2,4,9,11-tetraphenyl-6,7:13,14-dibenzocyclohexadeca- 1,4,8,11-tetraene (L) has been synthesized. Cobalt(II), nickel(II), and copper(II) complexes of this ligand have been prepared and characterized by elemental analysis, molar conductance measurements, magnetic susceptibitity measurements, and mass, IR, electronic, and ESR spectral studies. The molar conductance measurements correspond to a nonelectrolytic nature for all the complexes, which can be formulated as [M(L)X₂] (where M = Co(II), Ni(II), and Cu(II); X = Cl⁻ and NO₃⁻). On the basis of IR, electronic, and ESR spectral studies, an octahedral geometry has been assigned to the Co(II) and Ni(II) complexes, whereas a tetragonal geometry was found for the Cu(II) complexes. The investigated compounds and uncomplexed metal salts and the ligands were tested against bacterial species like Sarcina lutea, Escherchia coli, and Staphylococcus aureus. The metal complexes have higher activity than the free ligand and metal salts. The text was submitted by the authors in English.     

Synthesis,characterization, and thermal analysis of transition metal complexes of polydentate ONO donor Schiff base ligand

Mn(II), Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II), Cd(II), and Hg(II) metal complexes with Schiff bases derived from 3-formyl-4-hydroxycoumarin and semicarbazone are synthesized and characterized on the basis of elemental analysis, molar conductance, magnetic moment, IR, electronic, ¹H NMR spectrum, and ESR spectrum, TGA, and X-ray diffraction powder methods. Molar conductance values indicate that the complexes are nonelectrolytic in nature. Magnetic moment and spectral studies suggest either tetrahedral or square-planar geometry around the central metal ions. The analytical data indicate that metal-to-ligand stoichiometry in all complexes is 1: 1. The article was submitted by the authors in English.