Copper(II) complexes of mono- and di-nucleating hexaamines

The potentially hexadentate polyamines N,N,N',N'-tetrakis(2-aminoethyl)ethane-1,2-diamine (L-1) and the octamethylated analogue N,N,N',N'-tetrakis(2-dimethylaminoethyl)ethane 1,2-diamine (L-2) have been complexed with copper(II) and the crystal structures of their complexes determined. A trigonal-bipyramidal co-ordination geometry for [Cu(HL1)][ClO4](3) was found where one aminoethyl arm is not co-ordinated. By contrast, a dinuclear structure of formula [(H2O)Cu(L-2)Cu(OH)](3+) was determined for the N-methylated analogue, where the hexaamine acts as a bridging ligand between the two square-pyramidal metal centres. Electronic and EPR spectroscopy are both consistent with these structures being maintained in solution.

Stage-specific proteophosphoglycan from Leishmania mexicana amastigotes - Structural characterization of novel mono-, di-, and triphosphorylated phosphodiester-linked oligosaccharides

Intracellular amastigotes of the protozoan parasite Leishmania mexicana secrete a macromolecular proteophosphoglycan (aPPG) into the phagolysosome of their host cell, the mammalian macrophage. The structures of aPPG glycans were analyzed by a combination of high pH anion exchange high pressure liquid chromatography, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, enzymatic digestions, electrospray-mass spectrometry as well as H-1 and P-31 NMR spectroscopy. Some glycans are identical to oligosaccharides known from Leishmania mexicana promastigote lipophosphoglycan and secreted acid phosphatase, However, the majority of the aPPG glycans represent amastigote stage-specific and novel structures. These include neutral glycans ([Glc beta(1-3)](1-2)Gal beta 1-4Man, Gal beta 1-3Gal beta 1-4Man, Gal beta 1-3Glc beta 1-3Gal beta 1-4Man), several monophosphorylated glycans containing the conserved phosphodisaccharide backbone (R-3-[PO4-6-Gal]beta 1-4Man) but carrying stage-specific modifications (R = Gal beta 1-, [Glc beta 1-3](1-2)Glc beta 1-), and monophosphorylated aPPG tri- and tetrasaccharides that are uniquely phosphorylated on the terminal hexose (PO4-6-Glc beta 1-3Gal beta 1-4Man, PO4-6-Glc beta 1-3Glc beta 1-3Gal beta 1-4Man, PO4-6-Gal beta 1-3Glc beta 1-3Gal beta 1-4Man), In addition aPPG contains highly unusual di- and triphosphorylated glycans whose major species are PO4-6-Glc beta 1-3Glc beta 1-3[PO4-6-Gal]beta 1-4Man, PO4-6-Gal beta 1-3Glc beta 1-3 [PO4-6-Gal]beta 1-4Man, PO4-6-GaL beta 1-3Glc beta 1-3Glc beta 1-3[PO4-6-Gal]beta 1-4Man, PO4-6-Glc beta 1-3[PO4-6-Glc]beta 1-3[PO4-6-Gal]beta 1-4Man, PO4-6Gal beta 1-3[PO4-6-Glc]beta 1-3Glc beta 1-3[PO4-6-Gal]beta 1-4Man, and PO4-6-Glc beta 1-3[PO4-6-Glc]beta 1-3Glc beta 1-3[PO4-6-Gal]beta 1-4Man. These glycans are linked together by the conserved phosphodiester R-Man alpha 1-PO4-6-Gal-R or the novel phosphodiester R-Man alpha 1-PO4-6-Glc-R and are connected to Ser(P) of the protein backbone most likely via the linkage R-Man alpha 1-PO4-Ser. The variety of stage-specific glycan structures in Leishmania mexicana aPPG suggests the presence of developmentally regulated amastigote glycosyltransferases which may be potential anti-parasite drug targets.

The impact of life stage and societal culture on subordinate influence ethics: A study of Brazil, China, Germany, and the US

In this paper, we investigate the effects of societal values and life stage on subordinate influence ethics. Based on the evolving crossvergence theory of macro-level predictors of values evolution, we demonstrate the applicability of crossvergence theory in the micro-level context. Furthermore, our study provides the first empirical multi-level analysis of influence ethics utilizing a multi pie-country sample. Thus, we illustrate how the breath of crossvergence can be expanded to provide a multi-level theoretical foundation of values and behavior evolution across cultures. Specifically, we integrate micro-level life stage theory and macro-level societal culture theory to concurrently assess the contributions of each theory in explaining subordinate influence ethics across the diverse societies of Brazil. China, Germany and the U.S. Consistent with previous research, we found significant societal differences in influence ethics. However, we also found that life stage theory played a significant role in understanding influence ethics. Thus, our findings expand the crossvergence perspective on societal change, indicating that key micro-level predictors (e.g., life stage) should be included in cross-cultural research. (C) 2009 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

The Internationalization Process as Generator Element of Dynamic Capacities: the case of WEG in Argentina and China

The objective of he article is to research the dynamic capacities developed and used by WEG in its internationalization process and to explain how these capacities help the company defends and supports competitive advantage. The article presents an exploratory study of the internationalization process of WEG in Argentina and China. This article has as analysis approach the dynamic capacities, contributes to the literature of international management in two aspects. First, it adds the analytical look of the internationalization based on dynamic capacities that are still well restricted. Second, when working the dynamic capacities as central element of the analysis of the internationalization process, it Proposes one framework of integrative analysis of the economic and behavioral theories that are used to explain the process of companies`-internationalization, although they are dealt independently and sometimes antagonistic way. The result shows as the dynamic capacities are articulated in the base of WEG in its process of internationalization for Argentina and the subsequent movement for China. The developed dynamic capacities in Argentina were acquired for the Brazilian headquarter and could have been applied in the process of internationalization for China. However, a more complex organizational structure cannot be identified where the inter-subsidiary relationships could share dynamic capacities as proposed in framework.

The food business environment and the role of China and Brazil building a ""food bridge""

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to discuss the economic crisis of 2008/2009 and the major impacts on developing nations and food-producing countries Within this macro-environment of food chains, there is concern that food inflation might come back sooner than expected The role of China as one of the major food consumers in the future, and Brazil, as the major food producer, is described as the food bridge, and an agenda of common development of these countries suggested. Design/methodology/approach - This paper reviews literature on muses of food inflation, production shortages, and investigation of programs to solve the problem in the future, it is also based on author`s personal insights and experience of working on this field in the last 15 years, and recent discussions in forums and interviews Findings - The major factors that jointly caused food prices increase in 2007/2008 were population growth, Income distribution, urbanization, dollar devaluations, commodity funds, social programs, production shortages, and bionic`s A list of ten policies is suggested. horizontal expansion of food production, vertical expansion, reduction in transaction costs, in protectionism and other taxes, investment in logistics, technology and better coordination, contracts, new generation of fertilizers and to use the best sources of biofuels. Originality/value - Two major outputs from this paper are the ""food demand model"" that inserts in one model the trends and muses of food inflation and the solutions, and the ""food bridge concept"" that also aligns in one box the imminent major food chain cooperation between China and Brazil

Chetoneura shennonggongensis, a new species of cave-dwelling Keroplatini from China (Diptera : Keroplatidae), with a discussion of the position of Chetoneura

Chetoneura shennonggongensis Amorim & Niu, sp. n., inhabiting caves in East China, is described based on the adult male and female, plus larva. Chetoneura Colless, previously associated with Orfelia and known from a single species from caves in Malaysia, is formally transferred to the Keroplatini. This is the first description of the larva and of the general biology of the genus. The larva of this new species is suspended in a roughly horizontal hammock of silken threads amidst mucous coated snare threads from the roof of caves, but is not bioluminescent as some species of other genera in Keroplatidae ( e. g., Arachnocampa, Keroplatus, and Orfelia). A key to separate both species of the genus is provided. The position of the genus within the Keroplatini is considered. Chetoneura is considered to be closely related to a clade containing Heteropterna and Ctenoceridion.

Synthesis and electrochemical properties of vanadyl phosphate di-hydrate/polyaniline derivatives hybrid films

Vanadyl phosphate and its hybrid compounds have proven to undergo electrochemical intercalation and de-intercalation of lithium ions, which enables its use as cathode material for Li ion rechargeable batteries. In this context, vanadyl phosphate di-hydrate/polyaniline derivatives hybrid films were synthesized via the exfoliation and reconstruction approach in order to evaluate their potential use as cathode in ion lithium batteries. X-ray diffraction patterns indicate that the lamellar structure of the inorganic matrix is maintained, consistent with the topotactic process. In the scanning electron micrographs, hybrid films exhibit rough surface consisting of warped and cracked crystallites, quite different from vanadyl phosphate di-hydrate square platelets crystallites. Electrochemical evaluation using cyclic voltammetry and charge-discharge galvanostatic techniques shows small differences between the charge and the discharge curves, indicating an irreversibility of the hybrid systems. (C) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Identification of river sections for domestic water supply along the Yangtze River in Jiangsu Province, China

This paper presents major findings from a recent study aiming to systematically determine suitable river sections for local domestic water supply along the Yangtze River in Jiangsu Province, China. On the basis of analysis on the current riverbank utilization and bank stability, accessible and stable river sections in the region were selected. The water quality in these river sections was then studied using a two-dimensional unsteady flow and pollutant transport/transformation model, RBFVM-2D. The model was calibrated and verified against the hydrodynamic data, water quality data and remote sensing data collected from the river. The investigation on the pollution sources along the river identified 56 main pollution point sources. The pollution zones downstream of these point sources are the main threat for the water quality in the river. The model was used to compute the pollution zones. In particular, simulations were conducted to establish the relationship between the extent of the pollution zone and the wastewater discharge rate of the associated point source. These water quality simulation results were combined with the riverbank stability analysis to determine suitable river sections for local domestic water supply.

State sector reform and agriculture in China

China's state sector reform process is examined through the key sector of agriculture. A preview of aggregate statistics and broader reform measures indicate the declining role of the state. However, a systematic analysis of administrative, service and enterprise structures reveal the nuances of how the state has retained strong capacity to guide development of the agricultural sector. State and Party policy makers aim not only to support the livelihoods of hundreds of millions of farmers, but also to pursue agricultural modernization in the context of rapid industrialization. These goals are unlikely to be achieved through a wholesale transfer of functions to the private sector, so the state has maintained or developed new mechanisms of influence, particularly in the areas of service provision and enterprise development.