LIDAR mapping of ozone-episode dynamics in Paris and intercomparison with spot analyzers Supplementary material available at http://link.springer.de/journals/apb

Continuous mapping of an ozone episode in Paris in June 1999 has been performed using a differential absorption lidar system. The 2D ozone concentration vertical maps recorded over 33 h at the Champ de Mars are compiled in a video clip that gives access to local photochemical dynamics with unprecedented precision. The lidar data are compared over the whole period with point monitors located at 0-, 50-, and 300-m altitudes on the Eiffel Tower. Very good agreement is found when spatial resolution, acquisition time, and required concentration accuracy are optimized. Sensitivity to these parameters for successful intercomparison in urban areas is discussed. Received: 11 February 2002 / Published online: 14 March 2002     

Adducts of Rh2[MTPA]4 with some phosphine chalcogenides: nature of binding and ligand exchange

Adducts of four phosphine chalcogenides with the chiral dirhodium complex ([Rh-Rh]) were investigated by variable-temperature 1H and 31P NMR spectroscopy in order to compare their properties as axial ligands. Whereas the selenide (1) and the sulfide (2) are strong ligands with electrostatic attraction and, in addition, a significant orbital (HOMO-LUMO) interaction, the phosphine oxide compounds (P=O) bind primarily via electrostatic attraction and are relatively weak donors. Moreover, the overall bond strength in these adducts depends on steric congestion around the P=O group.     

THE ROLE OF SOLAR ULTRAVIOLET RADIATION IN 'NATURAL' WATER PURIFICATION

Abstract— The concentration of Escherichia coli in the input and output of a tertiary wastewater system (4 lagoons) has been monitored over an 11 month period. The integrated flux of biologically active solar ultraviolet (UV) radiation was measured during this period. By also determining (1) the effective temperature in the system, (2) the growth rate of E. coli at the effective temperature, (3) the penetration of the solar UV into the lagoons, (4) the dose-response relation for killing of E. coli by UV and (5) the retention time of water in the system, it is possible to compare the 'die off' expected from solar UV exposure to the actual 'die off' observed for different batches of water.
The observed killing of E. coli was quite close to the values calculated, considering the numerous factors involved. Solar UV light would thus seem to be a very important factor in the natural purification of water. Because each successful species must possess characteristics (physiological or behavioral) which provide adequate resistance to solar UV, the ecological role of solar UV radiation has not been widely appreciated.     

Preparation, characterization and thermolysis of metal nitrate complexes with 4,4’-bipyridine

Two bis(bipyridine) polymeric metal nitrate complexes with 4,4’-bipyridine of simple formula like [M(bipy)₂](NO₃)2⋅xH₂O (where M=Co, Ni and Cu; x=4, 2 and 0, respectively) have been prepared and characterized. Their thermal decomposition has been undertaken using simultaneous TG-DTG-DTA and DSC in nitrogen atmosphere and non-isothermal TG in air atmosphere. Isothermal TG has been performed at decomposition temperature range of the complexes to evaluate the kinetics of decomposition by applying model-fitting as well as isoconversional method. Possible mechanistic pathways have also been proposed for the thermolysis. Ignition delay measurements have been carried out to investigate the response of these complexes under the condition of rapid heating.     

Building addressable libraries: the use of electrochemistry for spatially isolating a heck reaction on a chip

Pd(0) was generated at preselected sites on an electrochemically addressable chip and then utilized to effect a Heck reaction. The Pd(0) was confined to the preselected electrodes with the use of allylmethyl carbonate. Unlike most mediated electrochemical reactions, the electrolysis in this case was not used to convert a stoichiometric process into a catalytic one by recycling the metal. Instead, the unique environment of the chip was used to interfere with a catalytic process to make it stoichiometric. This was done to gain spatial control over the reaction. The development of a strategy for conducting Pd(0)-catalyzed reactions on the chips should greatly expand the synthetic chemistry available for building chip-based libraries.     

Microengineered PEG Hydrogels: 3D Scaffolds for Guided Cell Growth

Designing three‐dimensional (3D) scaffolds for selective manipulation of cell growth is of high relevance for applications in regenerative medicine. Especially, scaffolds with oriented morphologies bear high potential to guide the restoration of specific tissues. The fabrication of hydrogel scaffolds that support long‐term survival, proliferation, and unidirectional growth of embedded cells is presented here. Parallel channel structures are introduced into the bulk hydrogels by uniaxial freezing, providing stable, and uniform porosity suitable for cell invasion (pore diameters of 5–15 µm). In vitro assessment of the scaffolds with murine fibroblasts (NIH L929) shows a remarkable unidirectional movement along the channels, with the cells traveling several millimeters through the hydrogel.