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Measurement of particulates [respirable particulate matter (RPM or [PM.sub.10]), fine RPM ([PM.sub.25]), non-RPM (NRPM), and total suspended particulate matter (TSPM)] were carried out on a campaign basis over a period of 3 years (2003-2006) at Kaikhali (22.022[degrees]N and 88.614[degrees]E) inside one of the world's largest mangrove delta region--'The Sundarbans.' Considering the toxic potential of the particulate fractions, the foremost objective of this study was to determine the particulate concentrations during different parts of the year as well as to ascertain the trend of occurrence of the particulate fractions in an area of rich and unique biodiversity. Moreover, as the area had no past records on particulate data over a decade, the other important objective of the study was to prepare substantial database for the area for the present time. The average range of [PM.sub.10], [PM.sub.2.5], NRPM, and TSPM for the period from 2003-2006 has been found to be (57-118), (35-80), (10-25), and (73-135) [micro]g [m.sup.-3] respectively. The data obtained for the finer particulate fractions have been compared with some previous studies in India. In addition to the particulate fractions, meteorological parameters such as wind speed, wind direction, and temperature were also recorded to accomplish proper interpretation of the data. The requisite statistical parameters (standard deviation, average, and range) for the particulate fractions have also been calculated. CE Database subject headings: Measurement; India; Ecology; Environmental issues; Pollution. Author keywords: Biodiversity; Sundarbans; Respirable particulate matter; Fine respirable particulate matter; Non respirable particulate matter; Total suspended particulate matter. DOI: 10.1061/(ASCE)EE.1943-7870.0000120

Abstract: 1-Alkyl-2-(naphthyl-α/β-azo)imidazole (α-NaiR 1; β-NaiR, 2) react with [Os(H)(Cl)(CO)(PPh3)3] in THF and synthesise [Os(H)(CO)(PPh3)2(α/β-NaiR)](PF6) (3, 4). The X-ray structure of [Os(H)(CO)(PPh3)2(α-NaiEt)](PF6) (3c) shows a distorted octahedral geometry. Other spectroscopic studies (IR, UV–Vis, NMR) support the stereochemistry of the complexes. Addition of Cl2 in MeCN to 3 or 4 gives [Os(Cl)(CO)(α/β-NaiR)(PPh3)2](PF6) (5, 6), which were characterized by spectroscopic studies. The redox properties of the complexes show Os(III)/Os(II), Os(IV)/Os(III) and azo reductions. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The dietary supplement and adrenergic receptor agonist ephedrine has been a controversial topic as its safety has been questioned. β-adrenergic receptor (β-AR) activation causes immunomodulation, which may contribute to promotion of autoimmune pathology. This report investigated the ability of ephedrine to exacerbate processes associated with autoimmune disease in a lupus-prone mouse model. To mimic human supplementation, ephedrine was administered to NZM391 (lupus-prone) and BALB/c(nonlupus prone) mice orally twice a day for three months at a dose of 50 and 100 μg/day. Some ephedrine-treated NZM391 mice also were preadministered the β-AR antagonist propranolol to investigate β-AR involvement. Mice were bled monthly, and sera were assayed for a variety of lupus manifestations and immunological measurements. In NZM391 males and females, both doses of ephedrine significantly increased lupus manifestations, including IgG production and organ-directed autoantibody titers, and significantly lowered the ratio of IgG2a/IgG1 compared to controls. Ephedrine significantly decreased female lifespan and significantly increased circulating populations of plasma cells (CD38hi CD19lo cytoplasmic IgG+) and CD40+ B1a cells, while preventing an age-related decrease in the B1a cell population expressing a high level of CD5. While ephedrine induced gender-specific immunomodulation in BALB/c mice, increases in the lupus manifestations of antidsDNA titers and serum urea nitrogen were not detected. Preadministration of propranolol decreased lupus manifestations and serum levels of IgG and IgE in ephedrine-treated mice, but did not block the shift towards IgG1 production. These findings indicate that ephedrine via β-AR can exacerbate lupus symptoms in NZM391 mice and that blockade of the β-ARs on B cells, and not T cells, apparently was of greater importance as the inhibition of lupus symptoms corresponded to an inhibition of immunoglobulin levels, not a change of Th1/Th2 balance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Describes the development of a simple, externally heated opposed Bridgman anvil system for electrical resistivity measurements up to eight GPa pressure and 400 degrees Centigrade. Automation of the whole system; Pressure control of the system; System's calibration using high pressure-high temperature transitions in electrical resistivity of bismuth and ytterbium.

Abstract: Palladium(II) complexes of N-[(2-pyridyl)methyliden]-α(or β)-aminonaphthalene (α or β-NaiPy) are reported in this work. They are spectroscopically characterized along with some mixed ligand complexes, using diimine and azoimine functions. The single crystal X-ray structure of [Pd(N-(2-pyridyl)methyliden-β-aminonaphthalene)Cl2] has been determined. Luminescence properties of the complexes exhibit a ligand centered π–π∗ emission. Quantum yields (ϕ) have been calculated and it has been observed that the complexes of α-NaiPy show higher ϕ values than the complexes of β-NaiPy. Lifetime measurements suggest bi-exponential decay and the average fluorescence lifetime varies from 1.4 to 6.8ns. The spectroscopic properties are correlated with DFT and TD-DFT calculations in two complexes, Pd(β-NaiPy)X2 (X=Cl, I) and they are compared with the free ligand results. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]