AbstractIn Connection Research Articles

Mapping Surficial Radium Content as a Partial Indicator of Radon Concentrations in US Houses

Abstract In connection with the problem of indoor radon, we discuss the use of a database developed from the National Aerial Radiometric Reconnaissance in the development of a map of radium in soil for the contiguous 48 states. We examine the relationship between the results of measurements of radon in houses and the indications of the US map, noting that some, but by no means all, of the areas known to have elevated radon concentrations appear as areas of higher radium concentration than their surroundings and that there are other areas, in which measurements of high radon lavels have not been made, which are suggested as deserving of interest. We discuss mapping techniques for smaller areas and possible methods of dealing with apparent discrepancies between adjacent areas. We show that, on a national basis, as much as half the variation in radon from region to region may be accounted for by the level of radium in the soil, but that there are regions for which the radium concentration does not account for the relatively high observed radon.

Infrared Absorption Study of Human Hemoglobin α-Chain (123–136) Fragments in Dichloromethane

Abstract In connection with the relationship between the conformation and solubility of peptide intermediates having polar side chains, IR spectroscopic conformational analysis of peptide fragments of human hemoglobin α-chain (123–136) was performed in dichloromethane. In dichloromethane, the conformational behavior of the peptide fragments was, in essence, dependent on their amino acid sequences, and Boc–Ser(Bzl)–Thr(Bzl)–Val–Leu–OPac through Boc–Ala–Ser(Bzl)–Val–Ser(Bzl)–Thr(Bzl)–Val–Leu–OPac had predominantly unordered structures including some intramolecular hydrogen bonds, while Boc–Ala–Ser(Bzl)–Leu–Asp(OBzl)–Lys(Z)–Phe–Leu–OPac had successive intramolecular hydrogen bonds, probably corresponding to an α-helical structure. On the other hand, in carbon tetrachloride, the conformation of Boc–Val–Ser(Bzl)–Thr(Bzl)–Val–Leu–OPac and Boc–Ser(Bzl)–Val–Ser(Bzl)–Thr(Bzl)–Val–Leu–OPac had a typical β-sheet structure. These results are discussed on the basis of the amino acid sequences of the peptide fragments.

Infrared Absorption Study of Human Proinsulin C-Peptide Fragments in Dichloromethane

Abstract In connection with the relationship between the conformation and solubility of peptide intermediates having polar side chains, IR spectroscopic conformational analysis of human proinsulin C-peptide fragments was performed in dichloromethane. The polar amino acid residues involved in the peptide fragments are Glu(OBzl), Asp(OBzl), Gin, and Ser(Bzl). Especially, the N–H stretching absorption spectra have been explored over a wide range of concentration. Based on the concentration dependence of the N–H stretching bands, it has been shown that the characteristic N–H stretching band around 3330 cm−1 is due to the intramolecular hydrogen bond. Intermolecular hydrogen bonding also occurs to a small extent in these peptides, giving rise to a slight concentration dependence of the N–H stretching bands. Conformational behaviors of oligopeptides having protected polar side chains of the Glu(OBzl) and Asp(OBzl) residues are just the same as those of the corresponding homooligo(Leu)s, indicating that the protected polar side chains do not disturb conformational behaviors of the oligopeptides. Conformational analysis of the peptide in dichloromethane, which contains the Pro residue and has a high potential for the formation of an α-helical structure, distinctly suggests that the Pro residue near the N-terminal in the peptide has the great ability to promote successive intramolecular hydrogen bonds, probably corresponding to the α-helical structure of the peptide.

A Triphasic Ventilator for Reptiles

ABSTRACT In connection with studies of the spinal motor-control system (Hasan & Sasaki, 1986), the need arose to maintain freshwater turtles (Pseudemys scripta elegans) in a decapitated state for several days. Although a commercially available ventilator has been used in a similar situation (Rosenberg, 1972), such ventilators, apart from being expensive, are not designed to suit the reptilian respiratory pattern. In particular, they do not usually accommodate low frequencies of respiration, nor do they allow the apnoeic pauses (during which the lungs remain inflated while the glottis is constricted) that are observed in normal reptilian breathing (Wood & Lenfant, 1976; Jackson, 1979; Randall, Burggren, Farrell & Haswell, 1981). A simple, inexpensive ventilator was therefore constructed, which mimics the reptilian pattern. Its design is described here for possible use by others who may have similar requirements.

Syntheses of Some 6-Oxa- and 2,8-Dioxabicyclo[3.2.1]octanes in Connection with the Daphniphyllum Alkaloids

Abstract In connection with the daphniphyllum alkaloids, some 6-oxa- and 2,8-dioxabicyclo[3.2.1]octanes, which are included as a partial structure of daphmacrine and codaphniphylline, have been synthesized starting from geraniol.

Limits of the X-Ray Collimation by One Asymmetrical Bragg Reflection

Abstract In connection with the production of highly collimated X-rays the study of extremely asymmetrical Bragg reflections became of interest. In this paper the so-called extended dynamical theory of X-ray diffraction will be tested experimentally. As a result of this investigations the optimum conditions for X-ray collimation by means of one asymmetrical Bragg reflection are being discussed.

The Synthesis of 2,5-Bis(p-methoxycinnamoyl)-1,3,4,6,7,8- and 4,5-Bis(p-methoxycinnamoyl)-1,2,3,6,7,8-hexamethoxyxanthene

Abstract In connection with studies of the structure of carthamin derivatives, 2,5-bis(p-methoxycinnamoyl)-1,3,4,6,7,8- and 4,5-bis(p-methoxycinnamoyl)-1,2,3,6,7,8-hexamethoxyxanthene were synthesized. The comparison of these two hexamethoxyxanthenes with carthamin derivatives is described.

SYNTHESIS OF DEHYDRO-3,3′-BIS(p-HYDROXYCINNAMOYL)-5,5′-METHYLENEDIFILICINIC ACID, AN ANALOG OF CARTHAMIN

Abstract In connection with the studies on the structure of carthamin (1), dehydro-3,3′ -bis(p-hydroxycinnamoyl)-5,5′-methylenedifilicinic acid, an analog of 1, was synthesized from 2-benzoylphloroglucinol through five steps and its properties were compared with those of 1.

Synthesis of 3-(p-Hydroxycinnamoyl)-5-methylfilicinic Acid and Dehydro-3,3′-diacetyl-5,5′-methylenedifilicinic Acid

Abstract In connection with studies on the structure of carthamin (1), two analogous compounds of 1, 3-(p-hydroxycinnamoyl)-5-methylfilicinic acid and dehydro3,3′-diacetyl-5,5′-methylenedifilicinic acid have been synthesized.

ECONOMIC EVALUATION OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS OF OIL POLLUTION—A PRACTICAL LESSON USING THREE CASE HISTORIES1

ABSTRACT In connection with proposed measures to retrofit the existing oil tanker fleet with segregated ballast tanks, the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development undertook a cost-benefit evaluation. The examination indicated that for the areas analyzed the availability of data on physical damage is severely limited. This is due partly to the fact that environmental damage data is site-specific and cannot be generalized for other areas. This makes data collection difficult and expensive and the physical evaluation of worldwide measures uncertain. The evaluation also indicated that while marginal changes in oil pollution levels might be insignificant at any particular time, their cumulative, long-term effect could be important. This cumulative effect may not necessarily be measurable with any precision. The paper also concludes that because only the short-term effects can be measured and only few of them can be valued in monetary terms, the use of “cost-benefit” analysis in the chemical sense could lead to misleading results. Finally, an argument is made for more frequent application of a modified type of quantitative analysis, which would make the evaluation process a formal one and ensure that all the relevant factors are considered.

Particle creation and Dirac's large numbers hypothesis

IN connection with cosmologies based on the large numbers hypothesis1 (LNH), Dirac2 has suggested that continuous creation of matter is required. Two modes of particle creation have been proposed and cosmological models corresponding to each mode have been studied2. We demonstrate here that, within the context of the LNH, the number of particles in the Universe varies as expected (N ∝ t2) so that particle creation is unnecessary. Some unpleasant features of cosmologies based on the LNH are also discussed.

The Interaction of a Large Amplitude Travelling Wave with a Cylindrical Plasma

Abstract In connection with the problem of radio frequency heating of plasma, the interaction of a high power wave (0.1 GWatts) with a cylindrical plasma is investigated experimentally for frequencies near the ion cyclotron frequency and in the region between the ion cyclotron frequency and the lower hybrid frequency. It is found that a geometric resonance can be excited in which more than 90% of the wave energy is absorbed by the plasma. At frequencies around the ion cyclotron frequency, the macroscopic properties of the plasma, including distortion of the wave by large amplitude effects, can be fairly well explained by a MHD-model assuming an anomalous resistivity. The enlarged collision frequency is attributed to the presence of turbulence which is excited by drift currents connected with the wave.

Differential Thermal Analysis of Some Tervalent Metal Chelates of 1,5-Dialkylpentane-2,4-dionates

Abstract In connection with the purification of metal chelates by zone refining, thermal properties of the following β-diketone chelates of tervalent cobalt(III), aluminum(III), iron(III), manganese(III), and chromium(III) were investigated by differential thermal analysis (DTA). The β-diketones used in this study were heptane-3,5-dione, nonane-4,6-dione, 2,6-dimethylheptane-3,5-dione, 2,8-dimethylnonane-4,6-dione, 2,2,6,6-tetramethylheptane-3,5-dione, and tridecane-6,8-dione. Metal chelates of the alkyl substituted pentane-2,4-diones showed a lower melting- and higher decomposition temperature in comparison with the pentane-2,4-dionates. Discussion is given on the effects due to the structures of the alkyl substituents upon thermal properties of the hexacoordinate metal chelates.

9,10,13-TRIHYDROXY-11,15-OCTADECADIENOIC ACID AND RELATED FATTY ACIDS IN THE ROOTS OF KIDNEY BEAN (PHASEOLUS VULGARIS L., “BENI-KINTOKI”)

Abstract In connection with studies on characterization of natural hatching-stimulants of soybean cyst nematode eggs, several fatty acids were isolated newly from the roots of kidney bean and identified as 4-hydroxy-1,12-dodecanedioic acid γ-lactone, 9,10,13-trihydroxy-11-and 15-octadecenoic acids, and 9,10,13-trihydroxy-11,15-octadecadienoic acid.

Phytosterols and Triterpenes in the Roots of the “Kidney Bean” (Phaseolus vulgaris L.)

Abstract In connection with the studies of hatching substances for soybean cyst nematodes, the neutral fraction of the roots of the “kidney bean” (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) has been examined. It was found that phytosterols and triterpenes exist in the roots of plants.

The Extraction of the Cesium Ion with Some Nitrophenols into Nitrobenzene. II. Homoconjugation Studies by Means of Conductivity Measurements

Abstract In connection with the liquid-liquid extraction study of alkali metal nitrophenolates, ionic equilibria taking place in the systems were studied by means of conductivity and solubility measurements. It was revealed that the adduct formation of p- and m-nitrophenolates consisted of homoconjugation, that is, free nitrophenols are attached not to cations, but to the nitrophenolate anions, thus forming the larger anions and being stabilized in the organic phase. Homoconjugation constants of the nitrophenolates, which are independent of the cations present, were measured. The difference in extraction behaviors was interpreted in terms of the solubilities in both aqueous and organic phases and in terms of the homoconjugation constants.

Stereochemical Studies of Monoterpene Compounds. XII. The Acid-Catalyzed Rearrangements of 2α-Bromo-10β-pinan-3-one

Abstract In connection with the bromination of 3-acetoxy-pin-2-ene (II), the acid-catalyzed rearrangement of 2α-bromo-10β-pinan-3-one (I) was investigated under several conditions. The bromoketone (I) was thus found to yield (+)-6-endo-bromocamphor (III), (−)-α-carvone (V), (−)-8-hydroxycarvotanacetone (VI), carvacrol (VII), (+)-dihydro-β-campholenolactone (VIII), and (+)-campholenic acid (IX). It also became clear that the bromocamphor (III) and the (V), (VI), and (VII) products are directly formed from the bromoketone (I), whereas the γ-lactone (VIII) is obtained via α-campholenic acid (IX) from the bromocamphor (III). The mechanistic implications of the rearrangements are discussed.

Photoinduced Reactions. XXXIV. Photosensitized Oxygenation of 2,4,5-Triphenylthiazole

Abstract In connection with the photodynamic action of the biological systems, photosensitized oxygenation of a thiazole was investigated. Photooxidation of 2,4,5-triphenylthiazole in methanol in the presence of rose bengal resulted in the formation of benzil and benzamide. On the other hand, photooxidation of 2,4,5-triphenylthiazole in chloroform containing methylene blue as a sensitizer gave N,N-dibenzoylthiobenzamide in good yield. Possible mechanisms for these reactions, involving an endo-peroxide or a zwitterionic peroxide, are discussed.

Nitration of Thenyl Derivatives. II. Preparation of Three Isomeric Mononitro Derivatives of 2-Thenyl Chloride and 2-Thenyl Acetate

Abstract In connection with the investigation of the products of the nitration of 2-thenyl chloride (I) and 2-thenyl acetate (II), three isomeric mononitro derivatives of I and II were prepared, and it was shown by NMR spectral study that, as in the case of I, the product obtained in the nitration of II by nitric acid in acetic anhydride consisted of all three isomeric mononitro derivatives. The isomer distribution of the mononitro derivatives of II, as determined by infrared spectroscopy, indicated 77% of the 5-, 9% of the 4-, and 14% of the 3-nitro isomer.

The reaction of nitrosyl chloride and of nitryl chloride with 2-cholestene.

Abstract In connection with our studies on introduction of nitrogen functions into steroids we investigated the addition of nitrosyl chloride and of nitryl chloride to 2-chlestene. Addition of nitrosyl chloride to 2-cholestene followed by dehydrohalogenation with pyridine leads to 2-nitro-2-cholestene as the only isolable product. The formation of nitro addition products is not attributable to the reaction of the olefin with nitryl chloride since the latter reacts with 2-cholestene to give mainly 2β, 3α-dichlorocholestane and 3α-chloro-2β-cholestanyl nitrate.