Mediated modeling of the impacts of enhanced UV-B radiation on ecosystem services

This article describes the use of group model building to facilitate interaction with stakeholders, synthesize research results and assist in the development of hypotheses about climate change at the global level in relation to UV-B radiation and ecosystem service valuation. The objective was to provide a platform for integration of the various research components within a multidisciplinary research project as a basis for interaction with stakeholders with backgrounds in areas other than science. An integrated summary of the scientific findings, along with stakeholder input, was intended to produce a bridge between science and policymaking. We used a mediated modeling approach that was implemented as a pilot project in Ushuaia, Argentina. The investigation was divided into two participatory workshops: data gathering and model evaluation. Scientists and the local stakeholders supported the valuation of ecosystem services as a useful common denominator for integrating the various scientific results. The concept of economic impacts in aquatic and marsh systems was represented by values for ecosystem services altered by UV-B radiation. In addition, direct local socioeconomic impacts of enhanced UV-B radiation were modeled, using data from Ushuaia. We worked with 5 global latitudinal regions, focusing on net primary production and biomass for the marine system and on 3 plant species for the marsh system. Ecosystem service values were calculated for both sectors. The synthesis model reflects the conclusions from the literature and from experimental research at the global level. UV-B is not a significant stress for the marshes, relative to the potential impact of increases in the sea level. Enhanced UV-B favors microbial dynamics in marine systems that could cause a significant shift from primary producers to bacteria at the community level. In addition, synergetic effects of UV-B and certain pollutants potentiate the shift to heterotrophs. This may impact the oceanic carbon cycle by increasing the ratio of respiratory to photosynthetic organisms in surface waters and, thus, the role of the ocean as a carbon sink for atmospheric CO2. In summary, although changes in the marine sector due to anthropogenic influences may affect global climate change, marshes are expected to primarily be affected by climate change.     

New strategies of photoprotection

Adequate photoprotection is essential to control UV-related disorders, including sunburn, photoaging and photocarcinogenisis. Sun avoidance, protection of skin with clothing, and sunscreens are presently the best way of photoprotection, assuming that they are used properly. However, new strategies, which are based on or make use of the endogenous protective response to UV light, may further improve currently used photoprotective means. The addition of repair enzymes and/or antioxidants has a positive effect on skin's recovery from UV-induced DNA-damage. Several botanical agents, mainly vitamins and polyphenols, have shown to influence signal transduction pathways leading to photoprotective effects. Also stimulation of endogenous UV-response pathways via irradiation with a low UV dose or via simulation of UV-induced DNA-damage results in photoprotective effects. Future research in this field and combination of different photoprotective strategies will hopefully lead to improved photoprotection.     

Unitary Self-Adjoint Logics of Projections

Quantum logics of projections being self-adjointwith respect to a unitary operator on a Hilbert spaceare studied.     

Syntheses,Characterization, and Crystal Structures of a Dinuclear Complex and Coordination Polymer of Mercury(II) with Schiff Base Ligands containing N3 and N4 Donors

Two dinuclear mercury(II) iodide compounds, [Hg₂(L)(I)₄] ( 1 ) and [(L′)Hg(μ‐I)₂HgI₂]_n ( 2 ) [L = N,N′‐bis(phenyl(pyridin‐2‐yl)methylene)propane‐1,2‐diamine and L′ = N‐(phenyl(pyridin‐2‐yl)methylene)propane‐1,2‐diamine] were synthesized and characterized. The molecular structures of [Hg₂(L)(I)₄] ( 1 ) and [(L′)Hg(μ‐I)₂HgI₂]_n ( 2 ), which were determined by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction, indicate that each Hg^II in 1 has a distorted tetrahedral environment around the metal atom with a HgN₂I₂ chromophore, whereas in 2 one mercury(II) atom adopts a distorted tetrahedral arrangement with a HgI₄ chromophore and the other has a distorted square pyramidal environment with HgN₃I₂ chromophore. In the solid state, compound 2 consists of a 1D coordination polymer structure.     

A theoretical study of MgH2 ambient and high-pressure phases using NQCC parameters

Quadrupolar parameters of nuclei can be used as a tool to understand the electronic structure of the compounds. Magnesium hydride (MgH₂) is a potential hydrogen storage material due to its outstanding hydrogen capacity, however, its high thermodynamic stability is unfavorable for dehydrogenation processes. Understanding the bonding nature of Mg and H is essential for improving its dehydrogenation performance. In this work the charge density distribution in MgH₂ is studied. For this purpose, using calculated NQCCs of hydrogen atoms, the electronic structure of α-MgH₂ with several high pressure forms of MgH₂ were compared. The results show that in the high pressure phases (β, γ, and δ) some hydrogens have very small NQCC and therefore these hydrogens form weaker bond with Mg. In other words, easier condition for dehydrogenation in pressure-induced forms is expected. The electric field gradient (EFG) at the site of quadrupolar nuclei were calculated to obtain NQCC parameters using Gaussian 03 at B3LYP/6-31G level of theory. The selected level and basis set give the rather acceptable qualitative NQCCs of hydrogen atoms.     

Formation and Characterisation of the Silver Hydride Nanocluster Cation [Ag3H2((Ph2P)2CH2)]+ and Its Release of Hydrogen

Multistage mass spectrometry and density functional theory (DFT) were used to characterise the small silver hydride nanocluster, [Ag₃H₂L]⁺ (where L=(Ph₂P)₂CH₂) and its gas‐phase unimolecular chemistry. Collision‐induced dissociation (CID) yields [Ag₂HL]⁺ as the major product while laser‐induced dissociation (LID) proceeds via H₂ formation and subsequent release from [Ag₃H₂L]⁺, giving rise to [Ag₃L]⁺ as the major product. Deuterium labelling studies on [Ag₃D₂L]⁺ prove that the source of H₂ is from the hydrides and not from the ligand. Comparison of TD‐DFT absorption patterns obtained for the optimised structures with action spectroscopy results, allows assignment of the measured features to structures of precursors and products. Molecular dynamics “on the fly” reveal that AgH loss is favoured in the ground state, but H₂ formation and loss is preferred in the first excited state S₁, in agreement with CID and LID experimental findings. This indicates favourable photo‐induced formation of H₂ and subsequent release from [Ag₃H₂L]⁺, an important finding in context of metal hydrides as a hydrogen storage medium, which can subsequently be released by heating or irradiation with light.     

N-functionalization of chitosan with bis-O-glycosylated derivative of 2,2-bis(methylol)propionic acid

A glycosylated 2,2-bis(methylol)propionic acid (bis-MPA) derivative as a versatile glycodendritic building block was synthesized by direct O-glycosylation of benzyl protected bis-MPA with d-glucose pentaacetate. After removal of the benzyl protection group by hydrogenation, the obtained bis-O-glycosylated bis-MPA unit with free carboxyl group was applied for modification of trityl protected chitosan by amidation. The removal of the 6-O-trityl protection group on chitosan backbone under acidic conditions yields acetyl protected glycosylated chitosan that forms gel in water. The acetyl protection group of d-glucose was removed under alkaline conditions to form glycosylated chitosan which is water-soluble at physiological conditions and, thus, it is suitable for further investigation as a potential carrier in drug delivery systems.     

An Isocyanide‐Based Multicomponent Reaction: New Route for Synthesis of Isoxazolinedione Derivatives

An efficient and novel multicomponent reaction for synthesis of new isoxazolinedione has been described. This protocol involves reaction of two molecules of isocyanide, aliphatic oxime, alkylidene substituted Meldrum's acid, and water (moisture). Elemental analyses, IR, ¹H NMR, and ¹³C NMR spectroscopic data of products are consistent with the structure defined by X‐ray diffraction analysis.     

One‐Pot Synthesis of Dispiro[oxindole‐3,3′‐pyrrolidines] by Three‐Component [3+2] Cycloadditions of in situ‐Generated Azomethine Ylides with 3‐Benzylidene‐2,3‐dihydro‐1H‐indol‐2‐ones

An efficient one‐pot, three‐component synthesis of novel dispiro[oxindole‐3,3′‐pyrrolidines] by 1,3‐dipolar cycloaddition of azomethine ylides, in situ generated by reaction of 1,2‐diones with sarcosine and subsequent decarboxylation, with a series of (E)‐3‐benzylidene‐2,3‐dihydro‐1H‐indol‐2‐ones is reported. Molecular complexity is generated in only one synthetic step. All reactions proceed with excellent regioselectivity and in good‐to‐excellent yields. The workup is easy, the reaction times are short, and no catalyst is required.