Halogenation of 2-Hydroxynicotinic Acid

A convenient method to prepare 5-halo-2-hydroxy-nicotinic acid is described.     

Supporting the development of algebraic thinking in middle school: a closer look at students’ informal strategies

This study investigated how 31 sixth-, seventh-, and eighth-grade middle school students who had not previously, nor were currently taking a formal Algebra course, approached word problems of an algebraic nature. Specifically, these algebraic word problems were of the form x + (x + a) + (x + b) = c or ax + bx + cx = d. An examination of students’ understanding of the relationships expressed in the problems and how they used this information to solve problems was conducted. Data included the students’ written responses to problems, field notes of researcher-student interactions while working on the problems, and follow-up interviews. Results showed that students had many informal strategies for solving the problems with systematic guess and check being the most common approach. Analysis of researcher-student interactions while working on the problems revealed ways in which students struggled to engage in the problems. Support mechanisms for students who struggle with these problems are suggested. Finally, implications are provided for drawing upon students’ informal and intuitive knowledge to support the development of algebraic thinking.     

Note on the Kaplan–Yorke Dimension and Linear Transport Coefficients

A number of new relations between the Kaplan–Yorke dimension, phase space contraction, transport coefficients and the maximal Lyapunov exponents are given for dissipative thermostatted systems, subject to a small but non-zero external field in a nonequilibrium stationary state. A condition for the extensivity of phase space dimension reduction is given. A new expression for the linear transport coefficients in terms of the Kaplan–Yorke dimension is derived. Alternatively, the Kaplan–Yorke dimension for a dissipative macroscopic system can be expressed in terms of the linear transport coefficients of the system. The agreement with computer simulations for an atomic fluid at small shear rates is very good.     

Palladium-catalyzed amidation of enol triflates: a new synthesis of enamides

[reaction: see text] The palladium-catalyzed coupling of a range of enol triflates with amides, carbamates, and sulfonamides has been developed. This offers a simple and widely applicable synthesis of enamides, which may not be readily available by other means.     

The potential use of continuous-flow isotope-ratio mass spectrometry as a tool in forensic soil analysis: a preliminary report

The use of continuous-flow isotope-ratio mass spectrometry (CF-IRMS) as a tool in soil analysis has been assessed as part of a larger study using a number of geological techniques applied in a forensic context. Carbon and nitrogen isotopic ratios, delta13C and delta15N, have been analysed to investigate situations which have arisen from crime casework. Three questions have been addressed: the role of spatial variation found over the short-scale (less than 20 m), temporal variation over a period of almost 2 years, and the variation found between source soils and soil transferred to footwear soles during a simple one-stage transfer process. Results are presented for the three experiments. The use of carbon and nitrogen isotopes has been shown to be useful in discriminating between soil types and sample locations, even when sampling occurs at a different time (as might be the case with a crime scene). In cases of primary transfer (from a source soil by a one-stage transfer to another surface, in this case, shoes and boots), the combination of carbon and nitrogen isotope ratios is a valuable tool in discriminating between sites and in showing the relationship of the transferred samples to the relevant source soils. Used in combination with other analytical techniques, isotopic analysis may prove to be a useful tool in a forensic context.     

Pigment epithelium-derived factor protects retinal ganglion cells

Background  

Retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) are responsible for the transmission of visual signals to the brain. Progressive death of RGCs occurs in glaucoma and several other retinal diseases, which can lead to visual impairment and blindness. Pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF) is a potent antiangiogenic, neurotrophic and neuroprotective protein that can protect neurons from a variety of pathologic insults. We tested the effects of PEDF on the survival of cultured adult rat RGCs in the presence of glaucoma-like insults, including cytotoxicity induced by glutamate or withdrawal of trophic factors.     

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor modulation of Kv1.3 channel is disregulated by adaptor proteins Grb10 and nShc

Background  

Neurotrophins are important regulators of growth and regeneration, and acutely, they can modulate the activity of voltage-gated ion channels. Previously we have shown that acute brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) activation of neurotrophin receptor tyrosine kinase B (TrkB) suppresses the Shaker voltage-gated potassium channel (Kv1.3) via phosphorylation of multiple tyrosine residues in the N and C terminal aspects of the channel protein. It is not known how adaptor proteins, which lack catalytic activity, but interact with members of the neurotrophic signaling pathway, might scaffold with ion channels or modulate channel activity.     

2∶1 Complex of desoxycholic acid and ethyl acetate: Disorder in the structure at 298 and 163 K

The crystal structure of the 21 channel complex of desoxycholic acid and ethyl acetate has been investigated at 298 and 163 K. The space group isP2₁2₁2₁(No. 19) with four molecules of desoxycholic acid in the unit cell. The ethyl acetate molecules are enclathrated along the 2₁ axes parallel toc and exhibit differing degrees of disorder in the low- and room-temperature structures. Differences in the disorder imply that it is both statistical and dynamic in nature. Our best model for each structure yieldsR=0.064 [R _w =0.058,w=( ₂ F)^–1] andR=0.068 [R _w =0.064,w=( ² F) ^–1 ] for the ambient- and low-temperature studies respectively.IUPAC Nomenclature: 3, 12-dihydroxy-5-cholan-24-oic acid.     

Structural study of the Diels-Alder reaction between tetrachlorodimethoxycyclopentadiene and the nickelocene-dimethyl acetylenedicarboxylate adduct. Crystal structures of the products

The cyclopentadienylnickel complex (2) and the parent dimethyl norbornadienedicarboxylate (4) each react with 1,2,3,4-tetrachloro-5,5-dimethoxycyclopentadiene (3) on the less hindred exo-face of the dienophile to produce anti-sequinorbornane adducts 5 and 6. X-ray crystal structures of these adducts have been determined and refined to R values of 0.029 and 0.042 respectively.