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Essential and fixed oils have been researched as alternatives to chemical acaricides. The activity of volatile compounds from essential oils (1,8‐cineole, citral and eugenol) at 1.0% (w/v) and fixed oil (castor oil) at 0.3% (w/v) dissolved in 2.0% (v/v) dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) + 0.2% (w/v) Tween 80® was assessed against Rhipicephalus microplus using immersion tests. 1,8‐cineole (29.0%) and castor oil (30.2%) had the highest reproductive inhibition rate. A second experiment was performed to verify the effect of the 1,8‐cineole (10.0% w/v) and, or castor oil (0.3% w/v) on tick reproduction using different solubilizing agents. The highest reproductive inhibition was observed for the combination of 1,8‐cineole/castor oil (94.1%) and 1,8‐cineole in 2.0% (w/v) sodium lauryl ether sulphate (SLES) (92.8%). A third experiment showed morphological changes in R. microplus oocytes at different stages of development, as well as in pedicel cells. The most intense effects were observed when ticks were immersed in the formulation containing 1,8‐cineole (10.0% w/v) and castor oil (0.3% w/v) dissolved in 2% (w/v) SLES. These findings highlight the potential of this formulation as an alternative for managing cattle ticks as their cytotoxic effects can reduce R. microplus reproductive success. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sulfate minerals are rare in the Archean rock record and largely restricted to the occurrence of barite (BaSO4). The origin of this barite remains controversially debated. The mass‐independent fractionation of sulfur isotopes in these and other Archean sedimentary rocks suggests that photolysis of volcanic aerosols in an oxygen‐poor atmosphere played an important role in their formation. Here, we report on the multiple sulfur isotopic composition of sedimentary anhydrite in the ca. 3.22 Ga Moodies Group of the Barberton Greenstone Belt, southern Africa. Anhydrite occurs, together with barite and pyrite, in regionally traceable beds that formed in fluvial settings. Variable abundances of barite versus anhydrite reflect changes in sulfate enrichment by evaporitic concentration across orders of magnitude in an arid, nearshore terrestrial environment, periodically replenished by influxes of seawater. The multiple S‐isotope compositions of anhydrite and pyrite are consistent with microbial sulfate reduction. S‐isotope signatures in barite suggest an additional oxidative sulfate source probably derived from continental weathering of sulfide possibly enhanced by microbial sulfur oxidation. Although depositional environments of Moodies sulfate minerals differ strongly from marine barite deposits, their sulfur isotopic composition is similar and most likely reflects a primary isotopic signature. The data indicate that a constant input of small portions of oxidized sulfur from the continents into the ocean may have contributed to the observed long‐term increase in Δ33Ssulfate values through the Paleoarchean. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This study evaluated the efficacy, safety, and acceptability of a new ferrous sulfate oral solution (Tardyferon® 20 mg/mL) in young children with mild or moderate iron deficiency anemia (IDA). Methods: This was a multicenter, national, single‐arm, open‐label study. Children aged 6–53 months presenting with mild or moderate IDA (i.e., blood hemoglobin (Hb) ranging from 7.0 to 10.9 g/dL and serum ferritin <12 ng/mL) were eligible for inclusion. The ferrous sulfate heptahydrate solution (2 mg/kg/day) was administered orally for 3 months. If normalization of either Hb or ferritin was not achieved at month 3 the treatment was continued for another 3 months. Results: Of the 100 children screened, 21 aged 6–17 months were included and received the study treatment, and 19 were analyzed for hematologic outcomes at month 3. Only one patient continued treatment for the additional 3 months. At month 3, mean ± SD Hb and ferritin levels were 12.0 ± 0.7 g/dL and 31.5 ± 19.4 ng/mL, respectively. Hemoglobin and ferritin levels were normalized in 95% (18/19) and 84% (16/19) of the patients, respectively. Treatment compliance and levels of satisfaction of both the parents and the investigators were high. Overall, 33.3% of patients (7/21) experienced at least one adverse event. Only one patient (4.8%) experienced a drug‐related adverse event (upper abdominal pain). Conclusions: A 2 mg/kg daily dose of the new oral ferrous sulfate heptahydrate solution provides substantial therapeutic benefit with high levels of tolerability in young children who have mild or moderate IDA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The São Domingos area (Corte do Pinto, Portugal) represents a large sulfide ore deposit in the Iberian Pyrite Belt that was mined primarily for copper and sulfur in the past. Currently, the deserted mine and mine wastes are the reason for the production of acid mining drainage releasing potentially harmful elements. Because metastable secondary sulfates may temporary sink toxic pollutants, the in situ monitoring of their distribution is required. In this work, we tested a handheld Raman spectrometer equipped with a 532 nm laser excitation for this task. Twelve selected samples of complex composition were analyzed directly in the field using the handheld Raman spectrometer. For comparison, the collected samples were additionally analyzed through laboratory‐based Raman spectroscopy and X‐ray diffraction. Based on the in situ measurements, rozenite, melanterite, coquimbite, jarosite, metavoltine, chalcanthite, bonattite, antlerite, halotrichite‐group minerals, gypsum, and sulfur were detected. The results show that handheld Raman spectrometer is comparable with other laboratory techniques and such handheld systems can be deployed successfully for monitoring of sulfate distribution directly on site. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was carried out to investigate the potential therapeutic effect of galangin, a promising active principle of honeybee propolis, in dextran sulphate sodium (DSS)–induced colitis in mice. We explored the possible underlying mechanisms for galangin action and the therapeutic benefit of adding galangin to the standard therapy sulphasalazine. A galangin dose of 40 mg/kg was selected based on a preliminary dose‐selection study for investigation in a 4‐week cyclical model of DSS‐induced colitis. Mice received 3% DSS in their drinking water during the first and third weeks and were administered the treatments (40 mg/kg galangin, 100 mg/kg sulphasalazine and a combination of 20 mg/kg galangin and 50 mg/kg sulphasalazine) daily starting from the second week. Galangin significantly ameliorated DSS‐induced histopathological alterations and tissue injury, down‐regulated Toll‐like receptor 4 expression, suppressed NF‐κB p65 activation, lowered inflammatory cytokine levels and demonstrated antioxidant effects. The combination of galangin and sulphasalazine at half doses yielded comparable results to either drug alone at full dose. This study highlights galangin as a promising therapy for colitis management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Crystals of a new uranyl sulfate (C2N4H8S2)[UO2(SO4)2]·0.3H2O (1) templated by a relatively rare bis‐isothiouronium cation, were formed upon evaporation of aqueous solutions containing uranyl acetate, thiourea, and excess sulfuric acid. The new compound is orthorhombic, P212121, a = 6.928(2) Å, b = 13.398(3) Å, c = 15.225(3) Å, Z = 2. Its crystal structure is comprised of [UO2(SO4)2] moieties linked by hydrogen bonds formed between the template cations and terminal oxygen atoms of the sulfate tetrahedra. The C2N4H8S22+ template is most likely formed in situ during a redox reaction between uranyl cation and thiourea in a strongly acidic medium, with UO22+ partially reduced to U4+. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Chemotrophic microorganisms gain energy for cellular functions by catalyzing oxidation–reduction (redox) reactions that are out of equilibrium. Calculations of the Gibbs energy (ΔGr) can identify whether a reaction is thermodynamically favourable and quantify the accompanying energy yield at the temperature, pressure and chemical composition in the system of interest. Based on carefully calculated values of ΔGr, we predict a novel microbial metabolism – sulfur comproportionation (3H2S + SO42− + 2H+⇌ 4S0 + 4H2O). We show that at elevated concentrations of sulfide and sulfate in acidic environments over a broad temperature range, this putative metabolism can be exergonic (ΔGr<0), yielding ~30–50 kJ mol−1. We suggest that this may be sufficient energy to support a chemolithotrophic metabolism currently missing from the literature. Other versions of this metabolism, comproportionation to thiosulfate (H2S + SO42−⇌S2O32− + H2O) and to sulfite (H2S + 3SO42−⇌ 4SO32− + 2H+), are only moderately exergonic or endergonic even at ideal geochemical conditions. Natural and impacted environments, including sulfidic karst systems, shallow‐sea hydrothermal vents, sites of acid mine drainage, and acid–sulfate crater lakes, may be ideal hunting grounds for finding microbial sulfur comproportionators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Sulfur‐oxidizing Sulfurimonas spp. are widespread in sediments, hydrothermal vent fields, aquifers and subsurface environments such as oil reservoirs where they play an important role in the sulfur cycle. We determined the genome sequence of the oil field isolate Sulfurimonas sp. strain CVO and compared its gene expression during nitrate‐dependent sulfide oxidation to the coastal sediment isolate Sulfurimonas denitrificans. Formation of elemental sulfur (S0) and high expression of sulfide quinone oxidoreductase (SQR) genes indicates that sulfide oxidation in both strains is mediated by SQR. Subsequent oxidation of S0 was achieved by the sulfur oxidation enzyme complex (SOX). In the coastal S. denitrificans, the genes are arranged and expressed as two clusters: soxXY1Z1AB and soxCDY2Z2H, and sulfate was the sole metabolic end product. By contrast, the oil field strain CVO has only the soxCDY2Z2H cluster and not soxXY1Z1AB. Despite the absence of the soxXY1Z1AB cluster, strain CVO oxidized S0 to thiosulfate and sulfate, demonstrating that soxCDY2Z2H genes alone are sufficient for S0 oxidation in Sulfurimonas spp. and that thiosulfate is an additional metabolic end product. Screening of publicly available metagenomes revealed that Sulfurimonas spp. with only the soxCDY2Z2H cluster are widespread suggesting this mechanism of thiosulfate formation is environmentally significant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Silicate mercapto Duolite composite (SMDC) and activated Duolite A 101 D (AD) were prepared, characterized, and tested for uranium removal from sulfate solution using batch experiment technique. The capability of newly adsorbents for sorption of uranium was estimated and optimized under different controlling variables, including the impact of uranium initial concentration, pH of the medium, equilibrium time, temperatures, dose and interfering ions. Testing of different adsorbents for adsorption isotherms revealed that the achieved experimental data were fitting well with the Langmuir isotherm model with 68.02 mg·g–1 and 208.33 mg·g–1 as theoretical capacity for AD and SMDC, respectively. Thermodynamic parameters have been resulted in negative values for ΔH and ΔS indicating an exothermic and decreased randomness behavior for uranium(VI) adsorption, while negative values of ΔG indicate spontaneous uranium adsorption. The kinetics studies showed that the adsorption process was controlled expressed by pseudo‐second order model. Finally, the optimized factors have been applied for uranium(VI) recovery from Gattar leach liquor producing a uranium concentrate (Na2U2O7) with uranium concentration of 70 % and purity of 93.33 %. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Devils Lake is a terminal lake located in northeast North Dakota. Because of its glacial origin and accumulated salts from evaporation, the lake has a high concentration of sulfate compared to the surrounding water bodies. From 1993 to 2011, Devils Lake water levels rose by ~10 m, which flooded surrounding communities and increased the chance of an overspill to the Sheyenne River. To control the flooding, the State of North Dakota constructed two outlets to pump the lake water to the river. However, the pumped water has raised concerns about of water quality degradation and potential flooding risk of the Sheyenne River. To investigate these perceived impacts, a Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) model was developed for the Sheyenne River and it was linked to a coupled SWAT and CE‐QUAL‐W2 model that was developed for Devils Lake in a previous study. While the current outlet schedule has attempted to maintain the total river discharge within the confines of a two‐year flood (36 m3/s), our simulation from 2012 to 2018 revealed that the diversion increased the Sheyenne River sulfate concentration from an average of 125 to >750 mg/L. Furthermore, a conceptual optimization model was developed with a goal of better preserving the water quality of the Sheyenne River while effectively mitigating the flooding of Devils Lake. The optimal solution provides a "win–win" outlet management that maintains the efficiency of the outlets while reducing the Sheyenne River sulfate concentration to ≤600 mg/L. Research Impact Statement: The operation of the Devils Lake outlets can be optimized to reduce the impact on sulfate concentration of the Sheyenne River. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The noncentrosymmetric structure is one prerequisite of a nonlinear optical (NLO) material. Here, a sulfate Cs2Ca2(SO4)3 with a noncentrosymmetric structure was synthesized by high‐temperature solid‐state reaction, and its crystals were grown by spontaneous crystallization. Single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction indicates that Cs2Ca2(SO4)3 features a three‐dimensional framework constituted by corner‐sharing CaO6 octahedra and SO4 tetrahedra. Optical characterizations suggest that Cs2Ca2(SO4)3 is transparent down to 200 nm and exhibits a moderate second‐order NLO response of about 0.6 × KH2PO4. Electronic band structure calculations were performed to elucidate the optical origin. Furthermore, the title compound has good thermal stability of up to about 1000 K, which is greatly higher than those of NLO sulfates reported recently. This work may shed useful light on the development of new NLO sulfates with high thermal stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Arabidopsis thaliana contains 13 fibrillins (FBNs), which are all localized to chloroplasts. FBN1 and FBN2 are involved in photoprotection of photosystem II, and FBN4 and FBN5 are thought to be involved in plastoquinone transport and biosynthesis, respectively. The functions of the other FBNs remain largely unknown.To gain insight into the function of FBN6, we performed coexpression and Western analyses, conducted fluorescence and transmission electron microscopy, stained reactive oxygen species (ROS), measured photosynthetic parameters and glutathione levels, and applied transcriptomics and metabolomics.Using coexpression analyses, FBN6 was identified as a photosynthesis‐associated gene. FBN6 is localized to thylakoid and envelope membranes, and its knockout results in stunted plants. The delayed‐growth phenotype cannot be attributed to altered basic photosynthesis parameters or a reduced CO2 assimilation rate. Under moderate light stress, primary leaves of fbn6 plants begin to bleach and contain enlarged plastoglobules. RNA sequencing and metabolomics analyses point to an alteration in sulfate reduction in fbn6. Indeed, glutathione content is higher in fbn6, which in turn confers cadmium tolerance of fbn6 seedlings.We conclude that loss of FBN6 leads to perturbation of ROS homeostasis. FBN6 enables plants to cope with moderate light stress and affects cadmium tolerance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Luminol is chemically sufficiently stable to be diprotonated at high proton concentrations as provided by concentrated sulfuric acid. The luminol dication (5‐ammonium‐2‐hydro‐1,4‐phthalzinediol) sulfate was isolated as macroscopic single crystals and its structure was determined and refined from single‐crystal X‐ray data collected at 173 K [cell parameters: a = 8.3994(17) Å, b = 6.9985(14) Å, c = 17.486(4) Å, β = 90.85(3)°, V = 1027.8(4) Å3, space group P21/c]. The structure is comprised of layers stacked along the b axis. Intralayer interactions are accomplished by strong hydrogen bonds of three luminol dications to one central [SO4]2– ion. Interlayer interactions are formed by weak hydrogen bonds of one luminol dication to two [SO4]2– ions in the adjacent layers, respectively, and alternating sandwich and parallel‐displaced π‐π‐stacking of the 1‐hydropyridazine‐3,6‐diol moieties of luminol dications in adjacent layers, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Prion‐like transcellular spreading of tau in Alzheimer's Disease (AD) is mediated by tau binding to cell surface heparan sulfate (HS). However, the structural determinants for tau–HS interaction are not well understood. Microarray and SPR assays of structurally defined HS oligosaccharides show that a rare 3‐O‐sulfation (3‐O‐S) of HS significantly enhances tau binding. In Hs3st1−/− (HS 3‐O‐sulfotransferase‐1 knockout) cells, reduced 3‐O‐S levels of HS diminished both cell surface binding and internalization of tau. In a cell culture, the addition of a 3‐O‐S HS 12‐mer reduced both tau cell surface binding and cellular uptake. NMR titrations mapped 3‐O‐S binding sites to the microtubule binding repeat 2 (R2) and proline‐rich region 2 (PRR2) of tau. Tau is only the seventh protein currently known to recognize HS 3‐O‐sulfation. Our work demonstrates that this rare 3‐O‐sulfation enhances tau–HS binding and likely the transcellular spread of tau, providing a novel target for disease‐modifying treatment of AD and other tauopathies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Prion‐like transcellular spreading of tau in Alzheimer's Disease (AD) is mediated by tau binding to cell surface heparan sulfate (HS). However, the structural determinants for tau–HS interaction are not well understood. Microarray and SPR assays of structurally defined HS oligosaccharides show that a rare 3‐O‐sulfation (3‐O‐S) of HS significantly enhances tau binding. In Hs3st1−/− (HS 3‐O‐sulfotransferase‐1 knockout) cells, reduced 3‐O‐S levels of HS diminished both cell surface binding and internalization of tau. In a cell culture, the addition of a 3‐O‐S HS 12‐mer reduced both tau cell surface binding and cellular uptake. NMR titrations mapped 3‐O‐S binding sites to the microtubule binding repeat 2 (R2) and proline‐rich region 2 (PRR2) of tau. Tau is only the seventh protein currently known to recognize HS 3‐O‐sulfation. Our work demonstrates that this rare 3‐O‐sulfation enhances tau–HS binding and likely the transcellular spread of tau, providing a novel target for disease‐modifying treatment of AD and other tauopathies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aim: PBK‐1701TC is a novel sulfate tablet‐based that contains 320 mg of simethicone and delivers 90% of the salt and water delivered by oral sulfate solution (OSS) preparation. This study evaluated the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of PBK‐1701TC compared with OSS in bowel preparation for colonoscopy. Methods: This randomized, multicenter, phase 3 non‐inferiority trial included adults aged 19 years or older with a body mass index of 19–30 kg/m2 undergoing colonoscopy at five university hospitals in Korea. The primary efficacy endpoint was successful bowel‐cleansing rate, defined as Harefield Cleansing Scale grade A or B as evaluated by blinded central readers. Secondary endpoints included the presence of residual air bubbles. Adverse events and laboratory evaluations were monitored to assess safety. Tolerability was assessed via participant interview. Results: Overall, 235 participants were randomized, and 224 were included in the per‐protocol analysis (PBK, 112; OSS, 112). Successful bowel cleansing was achieved for 95.5% (107/112) in the PBK group, which was non‐inferior to the OSS group (98.2%, 110/112) with a difference of −2.7% (one sided 97.5% confidence limit, −8.1%). The participants in the PBK group had fewer intraluminal bubbles (0.9% vs 81.3%, P < 0.001) and reported a lower incidence of nausea and vomiting, with better acceptance, taste, and willingness to repeat the regimen than those in the OSS group (all P < 0.05). Conclusion: The novel sulfate tablet, PBK‐1701TC, was non‐inferior to OSS with respect to bowel‐cleansing efficacy and exhibited better safety and tolerability in adults undergoing colonoscopy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studies on α‐nickel sulfate hexahydrate (NSH) crystals grown under different conditions are undertaken to investigate how changes in growth conditions affect crystal properties and whether or not there is any modification of the average crystal structure due to changes in crystallization conditions. Thermogravimetric and microhardness studies were carried out on the crystals grown from two different aqueous solutions, one of them containing an excess of sulfuric acid. Raman spectra were recorded and a single‐crystal neutron diffraction investigation was conducted on both crystals. A detailed comparison between the two crystal structures and their Raman spectra showed that, although the two crystal structures are very similar, there are slight differences, such as the change in unit‐cell volume, differences in the ionic structure, particularly of the sulfate ions, and changes in the hydrogen‐bonding network. During solution crystal growth of a salt like NSH, varying the ionic environment around the solute ions influences the interionic interactions between them. Hence it is suggested that the above‐mentioned structural differences result from a fine‐tuning of the interionic interaction between the cations and anions of NSH in the solution phase. This difference is finally carried over to the crystalline phase. The resulting small crystal structure differences are enough to produce measurable changes in the thermal stability and fragility of the crystals. These differences in crystal properties can be explained on the basis of the observed structural differences between the two crystals grown under different conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Late Palaeozoic‐age strata from the Capitan Reef in west Texas show facies‐dependent heterogeneity in the sulphur isotopic composition of carbonate‐associated sulphate, which is trace sulphate incorporated into carbonate minerals that is often used to reconstruct the sulphur isotopic composition of ancient seawater. However, diagenetic pore fluid processes may influence the sulphur isotopic composition of carbonate‐associated sulphate. These processes variously modify the sulphur isotopic composition of incorporated sulphate from syndepositional seawater in shelf crest, outer shelf, shelf margin and slope depositional settings. This study used a new multicollector inductively‐coupled plasma mass spectrometry technique to determine the sulphur isotopic composition of samples of individual depositional and diagenetic textures. Carbonate rocks representing peritidal facies in the Yates and Tansill formations preserve the sulphur isotopic composition of Guadalupian seawater sulphate despite alteration of the carbon and oxygen isotopic compositions by meteoric and dolomitizing diagenetic processes. However, sulphur isotopic data indicate that limestones deposited in reef and slope facies in the Capitan and Bell Canyon formations largely incorporate sulphate from anoxic marine‐phreatic pore fluids isotopically modified from seawater by microbial sulphate reduction, despite generally preserving the carbon and oxygen isotopic compositions of Permian seawater. Some early and all late meteoric calcite cements have carbonate‐associated sulphate with a sulphur isotopic composition distinct from that of Permian seawater. Detailed petrographic and sedimentary context for carbonate‐associated sulphate analyses will allow for improved reconstructions of ancient seawater composition and diagenetic conditions in ancient carbonate platforms. The results of this study indicate that carbonate rocks that diagenetically stabilize in high‐energy environments without pore fluid sulphate gradients can provide a robust archive of ancient seawater's sulphur isotopic composition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sulfate cancrinite (SO4‐CAN) Na8[AlSiO4]6(SO4)(H2O)n (2.6 < n < 3.2) was synthesized under hydrothermal conditions at 200 °C and 48 hours. Three different Si‐Al sources were inserted: (a) kaolinite (K), (b) a gel of sodium‐waterglass and sodium aluminate (G), and (c) an oxide mixture of cristobalite and corundum (CK). The products were characterized by X‐ray powder diffraction (XRD), 29Si and 27Al MAS NMR spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDXS) and BET surface area analysis as well as simultaneous thermoanalysis (TG‐DTA). Mostly nanocrystals of platelet habit and dimensions smaller than 100 nm (beside a very few larger crystals) were observed from K. In contrast the gel (G) yielded to cancrinites with typical rod‐like morphology and dimensions of 100 × 500 nm. Large prismatic cancrinites up to 5 μm width and 10 μm length were observed from the oxide mixture CK. Furthermore the transition kinetics of the cancrinites into nosean was investigated at a temperature of 1000 °C under open conditions. This process was already complete after 1 hour for the nanocrystals from K but needed 10 hours for the nanocrystals from G and the microcrystals from CK. The relations between the individual Si‐Al source and the crystal properties like size, habit, and thermal transition kinetics were discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The extent of fractionation of sulfur isotopes by sulfate‐reducing microbes is dictated by genomic and environmental factors. A greater understanding of species‐specific fractionations may better inform interpretation of sulfur isotopes preserved in the rock record. To examine whether gene diversity influences net isotopic fractionation in situ, we assessed environmental chemistry, sulfate reduction rates, diversity of putative sulfur‐metabolizing organisms by 16S rRNA and dissimilatory sulfite reductase (dsrB) gene amplicon sequencing, and net fractionation of sulfur isotopes along a sediment transect of a hypersaline Arctic spring. In situ sulfate reduction rates yielded minimum cell‐specific sulfate reduction rates < 0.3 × 10−15 moles cell−1 day−1. Neither 16S rRNA nor dsrB diversity indices correlated with relatively constant (38‰–45‰) net isotope fractionation (ε34Ssulfide‐sulfate). Measured ε34S values could be reproduced in a mechanistic fractionation model if 1%–2% of the microbial community (10%–60% of Deltaproteobacteria) were engaged in sulfate respiration, indicating heterogeneous respiratory activity within sulfate‐reducing populations. This model indicated enzymatic kinetic diversity of Apr was more likely to correlate with sulfur fractionation than DsrB. We propose that, above a threshold Shannon diversity value of 0.8 for dsrB, the influence of the specific composition of the microbial community responsible for generating an isotope signal is overprinted by the control exerted by environmental variables on microbial physiology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nearly 70 years ago, it was shown that the reaction between equimolar amounts of SO3 and N2O5 results in dinitronium disulfate (NO2)2S2O7 rather than monosulfate (NO2)2SO4. Because SO3 can dimerize, it was believed for long that this feature is the main cause of the formation of nitronium disulfate. Then, it was discovered that the reaction of NOSO3Cl with N2O5 results in dinitronium disulfate, and (NO2)2SO4 was suggested as an intermediate. The development of Raman spectroscopy made it possible for us to solve the fundamental problem of the existence of an elusive dinitro sulfate. The inevitability of dinitro sulfate formation was demonstrated by the transformations of nitronium sulfates (NO2)2S2O7, NO2HSO4, and (NO2)[CF3C(O)OSO3], and the Raman spectroscopy technique has shown the presence of the compound in the solid reaction products. In order to establish the structure of solid dinitro sulfate, quantum chemical calculations of the nitro ester form (O2NOSO3NO2) and of the [OSO3NO2]− anion were performed, but the conclusions about the diionic structure [NO2]+2[SO4]2− were made only due to the synthesis of the related nitronium sulfates K (NO2)SO4 and K (NO2)S2O7 whose Raman spectra were compared with that of dinitro sulfate. The decomposition pathways of all these unstable molecules were established. Reactions of nitronium disulfates, (NO2)2S2O7 or (NO2)[CF3C(O)OS2O6], with CF3COOH showed that, unlike HNO3, the organic acid does not destroy the sulfate chains but can substitute terminal groups including nitronium ion. So the chemistry of nitronium monosulfates was studied for the first time, and the existence of an unstable dinitronium sulfate was proved using Raman spectroscopy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the luminous ostracod Cypridina (presently Vargula) hilgendorfii, Cypridina luciferyl sulfate (3‐enol sulfate of Cypridina luciferin) is converted to Cypridina luciferin by a sulfotransferase with 3′‐phosphoadenosine‐5′‐phosphate (PAP) as a sulfate acceptor. The resultant Cypridina luciferin is used for the luciferase–luciferin reaction of Cypridina to emit blue light. The luminescence stimulation with major organic cofactors was examined using the crude extracts of Cypridina specimens, and we found that the addition of coenzyme A (CoA) to the crude extracts significantly stimulated luminescence intensity. Further, the light‐emitting source in the crude extracts stimulated with CoA was identified as Cypridina luciferyl sulfate, and we demonstrated that CoA could act as a sulfate acceptor from Cypridina luciferyl sulfate. In addition, the sulfate group of Cypridina luciferyl sulfate was also transferred to adenosine 5′‐monophosphate (5′‐AMP) and adenosine 3′‐monophosphate (3′‐AMP) by a sulfotransferase. The sulfated products corresponding to CoA, 5′‐AMP and 3′‐AMP were identified using mass spectrometry. This is the first report that CoA can act as a sulfate acceptor in a sulfotransferase reaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two organic–inorganic hybrid layered materials, namely poly[(μ‐1,4‐diaminobenzene‐κ2N:N′)[μ3‐sulfato(VI)‐κ4O:O′:O′′,O′′′]manganese], [Mn(SO4)(C6H8N2)]n, 1, and poly[(μ‐1,4‐diaminobenzene‐κ2N:N′)[μ3‐sulfato(VI)‐κ4O:O′:O′′,O′′′]copper], [Cu(SO4)(C6H8N2)]n, 2, have been synthesized using 1,4‐phenylenediamine (PPD) as an organic template and component (linker). Both materials form three‐dimensional frameworks. The crystal structures were determined using data from powder X‐ray diffraction measurements. The purity and morphology of the compounds were studied by elemental analyses and SEM investigations, and their thermal stabilities were determined by thermogravimetric and nonambient powder X‐ray diffraction measurements, which indicated that 1 is stable up to 537 K and 2 is stable up to 437 K. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigated the influence of compressive fatigue on the sulfate resistance of slag (0, 20, 50, and 70%) contained concrete under steam curing. After 10,000 cycles loading of 0.5, 0.6, and 0.7 stress level, the concrete was exposed to 5% Na2SO4 for 540 days. The compressive strength, relative dynamic modulus of elasticity (RDME) and SO42− contents were tested after sulfate immersion. Results showed that the standard‐cured fatigued concrete had less strength reduction than the steam‐cured fatigued concrete during sulfate attack. The steam‐cured fatigued concrete containing 20% slag suffered the largest strength reduction, followed by the concrete containing 50, 70, and 0% slag. Compressive fatigue at high stress level (0.7) accelerated the sulfate deterioration of PC standard‐cured concrete, while the effect of low stress level (0.5) was minor. The RDME was not a sensitive indicator to access the sulfate resistance of concrete at the beginning of immersion. Compressive fatigue distinctly promoted the sulfate diffusion; the effective SO42− diffusion coefficient was increased when damage occurred in slag concrete. Besides, based on the fatigue damage, an experimental model of the sulfate deterioration of fatigued concrete was proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, mechanical, visual, and microstructure changes of geopolymer concrete exposed to sulfate and salt effects were investigated. Elazığ ferrochrome slag (EFS) and blast furnace slag (BFS)‐based geopolymer concretes which completed curing time were immersed in 5% sodium sulfate (Na2SO4), magnesium sulfate (MgSO4), sodium chloride (NaCl), and magnesium chloride (MgCl2) solutions for 12 weeks. The compressive strength values, ultrasonic pulse velocities, visual inspections, weight, and length changes of the samples were determined in this investigation. In addition, scanning electron microscopy was performed for the microstructure analysis of the samples removed from the solutions. Sulfate solutions had a more negative effect on the samples than salt solutions. As the EFS ratio in the mixture increases, the loss rate in the strength of the samples exposed to sulfate and salt solutions decreased. While samples exposed to sodium chloride, sodium sulfate, and magnesium sulfate solutions occurred weight gain, samples exposed to magnesium chloride occurred weight loss. The samples in salt solutions shrank, while the samples in sulfate solutions expanded. No deterioration occurred on the surfaces of the samples exposed to the solutions for 12 weeks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microbial sulfur cycling in marine sediments often occurs in environments characterized by transient chemical gradients that affect both the availability of nutrients and the activity of microbes. High turnover rates of intermediate valence sulfur compounds and the intermittent availability of oxygen in these systems greatly impact the activity of sulfur‐oxidizing micro‐organisms in particular. In this study, the thiosulfate‐oxidizing hydrothermal vent bacterium Thiomicrospira thermophila strain EPR85 was grown in continuous culture at a range of dissolved oxygen concentrations (0.04–1.9 mM) and high pressure (5–10 MPa) in medium buffered at pH 8. Thiosulfate oxidation under these conditions produced tetrathionate, sulfate, and elemental sulfur, in contrast to previous closed‐system experiments at ambient pressure during which thiosulfate was quantitatively oxidized to sulfate. The maximum observed specific growth rate at 5 MPa pressure under unlimited O2 was 0.25 hr−1. This is comparable to the μmax (0.28 hr−1) observed at low pH (<6) at ambient pressure when T. thermophila produces the same mix of sulfur species. The half‐saturation constant for O2 (KO2) estimated from this study was 0.2 mM (at a cell density of 105 cells/ml) and was robust at all pressures tested (0.4–10 MPa), consistent with piezotolerant behavior of this strain. The cell‐specific KO2 was determined to be 1.5 pmol O2/cell. The concentrations of products formed were correlated with oxygen availability, with tetrathionate production in excess of sulfate production at all pressure conditions tested. This study provides evidence for transient sulfur storage during times when substrate concentration exceeds cell‐specific KO2 and subsequent consumption when oxygen dropped below that threshold. These results may be common among sulfur oxidizers in a variety of environments (e.g., deep marine sediments to photosynthetic microbial mats). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The brownmillerite, also known as tetracalcium aluminoferrite (C4AF), represents a solid solution series of Ca2(AlyFe(2–y))O5 (0 ≥ y ≤ 1.33), which is one of the most important components in ordinary Portland cement. The hydration of brownmillerite in the presence of gypsum attracts massive attentions, but the hydration mechanism remains controversial nowadays. In particular, the influence of Al/Fe ratio on brownmillerite hydration with gypsum is obscure and out of favor. This paper studies the hydration characteristics of a binary system containing brownmillerite and gypsum with variables including two Al/Fe ratios and gypsum contents in an attempt to interpret the retarding mechanism of sulfate ions. When the molar ratio of brownmillerite to gypsum is 1.0, the hydration process of Ca2(Al1.3Fe0.7)O5 shows five distinct stages in the conductivity test, while only two stages are observed in the case of Ca2(Al1.0Fe1.0)O5. A decrease of Al/Fe ratio in brownmillerite leads to severe stagnation of the hydration process. When the molar ratio of Ca2(Al1.0Fe1.0)O5 to gypsum is increased to 2.7, the hydration is able to proceed and also displays five stages similar to Ca2(Al1.3Fe0.7)O5. An adsorption layer of sulfate ions on the surface of brownmillerite contributes to the postponement of brownmillerite hydration. In addition, the concentration of aluminum in the solution is the key to break this adsorption layer and dominate the hydration proceeding of brownmillerite. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Condition deterioration of the concrete, especially in corrosive environments, is one of the most common imperfection and disadvantages of reinforced concrete structures. Sulfates' main damages are expansion and loss of strength. Geopolymers are one of the newest structural materials that have been widely developed in recent years for use in sustainable designs. Geopolymers are environmentally friendly and considered as green materials since they are effective in sustainable and eco‐friendly material design concept. One of the most important matters in the sustainability of structural materials is their resistance against sulfates. So far, the durability of perlite‐based geopolymers against sulfates and acids has not been investigated. In this research, the fineness influence, curing conditions, duration of maintaining in the sulfate environment at different weight percentage in solution (i.e., 2.5, 5, 7.5, and 10%) have been investigated. Compressive strength and microstructure changes of geopolymer samples have been assessed in this research. As a result, optimum increase in perlite fineness causes increase in compressive strength and durability of samples against sulfate attack. Also, samples that have been cured by autoclave method have better mechanical properties and better durability. It is hoped that by filling these deficiencies and gaps, a positive step can be taken to accelerate attempts for finding a suitable replacement for ordinary Portland cement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nowadays, several techniques have been utilized to remove sulfate from industrial sewage. The method using ZrO(OH)2 to adsorb sulfate is highly efficient and environmentally friendly, however, nano‐powdered ZrO(OH)2 is hard to be recycled owing to its great loss in the adsorption process, which brings enormous difficulties to industrial applications. In this research, to prevent adsorbents from losing, Y‐zeolite was modified with zirconium, including the incorporation of zirconium as heteroatoms into zeolite frameworks and ion‐exchange of Zr4+ into the cages of zeolite, and then used as carrier to load ZrO(OH)2 to fabricate adsorbent via the stepwise impregnation treatment. The as‐prepared supported adsorbent ZrO(OH)2/Y‐zeolite has a high SO42− adsorption capacity, a strong adsorption selectivity to SO42− and good adsorption‐regeneration circulation performances. The saturated SO42− adsorption capacity of 284.22 mg/g can be obtained under the following adsorption conditions: SO42− concentration of 10 g/L, the pH value of 1.5, the temperature of 25 °C. After five adsorption‐regeneration circulations, its adsorption capacity has decreased only about 10%. The adsorption‐ desorption of sulfate over ZrO(OH)2/Y‐zeolite adsorbent proceeds according to the ion‐exchange mechanism between sulfate and the surface hydroxyl groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The preparation and structural characterization of an original Th peroxo sulfate dihydrate, crystallizing at room temperature in the form of stable 1D polymeric microfibres is described. A combination of laboratory and synchrotron techniques allowed solution of the structure of the Th(O2)(SO4)(H2O)2 compound, which crystallizes in a new structure type in the space group Pna21 of the orthorhombic crystal system. Particularly, the peroxide ligand coordinates to the Th cations in an unusual μ3‐η2:η2:η2 bridging mode, forming an infinite 1D chain decorated with sulfato ligands exhibiting simultaneously monodentate and bidentate coordination modes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cooling crystallization was successfully carried out in a batch cooling crystallizer from impure acidic solutions to recover nickel as nickel sulfate salt with three different cooling rates. The compositions of the solutions included impurities of sodium, magnesium, chloride, and sulfuric acid to mimic industrial nickel electrowinning process solutions. The results show that NiSO4.6H2O mainly crystallized, and its solubility and purity decreased with the increase in the mass ratio of chloride to sulfate. Cooling rates did not have a significant influence on crystal purity; however, it did affect the filter cake moisture; lower moisture can be obtained with a lower cooling rate. The sequence of impurity removal efficiency from high to low was Cl >Na > Mg. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Blue perovskite LEDs, CsPbBr3 nanoplatelets, low dimensional perovskites, surface passivation Efficient and Stable Blue Light Emitting Diodes Based on CsPbBr3 Nanoplatelets with Surface Passivation by a Multifunctional Organic Sulfate (Adv. Keywords: blue perovskite LEDs; CsPbBr3 nanoplatelets; low dimensional perovskites; surface passivation EN blue perovskite LEDs CsPbBr3 nanoplatelets low dimensional perovskites surface passivation 1 1 1 09/05/23 20230901 NES 230901 B Blue Perovskite LEDs b In article number 2201605, Biwu Ma and co-workers develop highly efficient and stable blue emitting CsPbBr SB 3 sb nanoplatelets with surface passivation via a multifunctional organic sulfate, 2,2-(ethylenedioxy) bis(ethylammonium) sulfate. [Extracted from the article]

Two ionic carbon nitride type compounds containing the ammelinium cation, ammelinium sulfate cyanuric acid (6C3N5H6O+·3SO4 2-·12/3C3N3H3O3·H2O) (1) and ammelinium sulfate monohydrate (2C3N5H6O+·SO4 2-·H2O) (2) were synthesized through hydrolysis of melam (C6N11H9) in diluted sulfuric acid. 1 crystallizes in hexagonal space group P63 (no. 173) with lattice parameters of a = 14.642(3), c = 13.113(4), and Z = 2. The structure is comprised of protonated ammelinium ions and neutral cyanuric acid molecules, which form a layered structure, as well as sulfate ions that span through these layers. 2 crystallizes in the triclinic space group P1¯ with lattice parameters of a = 7.404(3), b = 9.673(4), c = 10.040(4), α = 91.098(15), β = 109.884(10), γ = 92.567(13), and Z = 2. As for 1, the ammelinium rings form layers with the sulfate ions located in between. In both structures, no extended hydrogen bond networks between the respective triazine-based molecules are formed. Instead, single molecules or small building blocks occur isolated and interact primarily with sulfate anions. Compound 1, which was obtained phase pure, was further investigated by FTIR spectroscopy, solid-state NMR spectroscopy and powder X-ray diffractometry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Non‐icy material on the surface of Jupiter's moon Europa is hypothesized to have originated from its subsurface ocean and thus provide a record of ocean composition and habitability. The nature of this material is debated, but observations suggest that it comprises hydrated sulfate and chloride salts. Analogue spectroscopic studies have previously focused on single‐phase salts under controlled laboratory conditions. We investigated natural salts from perennially cold (<0 °C) hypersaline springs and characterized their reflectance properties at 100, 253, and 293 K. Despite similar major ion chemistry, these springs form mineralogically diverse deposits, which when measured at 100 K closely match reflectance spectra from Europa. In the most sulfate‐rich samples, we find that spectral features predicted from laboratory salts are obscured. Our data are consistent with sulfate‐dominated europan non‐icy material and further show that the emplacement of endogenic sulfates on Europa's surface would not preclude a chloride‐dominated ocean. Plain Language Summary: Europa, a moon of Jupiter, has become a priority target in the search for life off the Earth, due to the presence of a liquid water ocean under its icy shell. Salts on the moon's surface might originate from this ocean and therefore offer a way of studying the ocean without requiring direct access. Our knowledge of these salts comes from comparing spacecraft measurements to pure salts produced in laboratories. We have studied natural salts from hypersaline springs in the Canadian Arctic as an alternative, complementary approach. Measuring samples from these deposits at europan surface temperatures, several unexpected properties were observed, including the absence of spectral details predicted by previous laboratory studies. This challenges some of the estimates of europan surface composition. Natural analogues such as these will form part of an integrative approach to understanding data from upcoming missions, such as the National Aeronautics and Space Administration's (NASA) Europa Clipper and the European Space Agency's JUpiter ICy moons Explorer. Key Points: Low‐temperature hydrated salts from the Canadian Arctic provide geochemical and spectral analogues for europan surface materialQualitatively different deposits can form from fluids with similar major ion chemistryEndogenic sulfates on Europa would not rule out a chloride‐dominated ocean [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is well established that sulfide can be toxic to rooted aquatic plants. However, a detailed description of the effects of cumulative sulfate loads on sulfide and iron (Fe) porewater geochemistry, plant exposure, and ecological response is lacking. Over 4 yr, we experimentally manipulated sulfate loads to self‐perpetuating wild rice (Zizania palustris) populations and monitored increases in the ratio of sulfur (S) to Fe in sediment across a range of sulfide loading rates driven by overlying water sulfate. Because natural settings are complicated by ongoing Fe and S loads from surface and groundwater, this experimental setting provides a tractable system to describe the impacts of increased S loading on Fe–S porewater geochemistry. In the experimental mesocosms, the rate of sulfide accumulation in bulk sediment increased linearly with overlying water sulfate concentration up to 300 µg‐SO4 cm–3. Seedling survival at the beginning of the annual life cycle and seed mass and maturation at the end of the annual life cycle all decreased at porewater sulfide concentrations between 0.4 and 0.7 µg cm–3. Changes to porewater sulfide, plant emergence, and plant nutrient uptake during seed production were closely related to the ratio of S to Fe in sediment. A mass balance analysis showed that porewater sulfide remained a small and relatively transient phase compared to sulfate in the overlying water and Fe in the sediment solid phase. The results illuminate the evolution of the geochemical setting and timescales over which 4 yr of cumulative sulfate loading resulted in a wholesale shift from Fe‐dominated to sulfide‐dominated porewater chemistry. This shift was accompanied by detrimental effects to, and eventual extirpation of, self‐perpetuating wild rice populations. Environ Toxicol Chem 2019;38:1231–1244. © 2019 The Authors. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of SETAC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lots of concrete structures are located in marine environment, the durability damage of these structures is often the result of the interaction of load, environment, and other factors. In this paper, tests for the stress–strain relation of concrete under the coupled effects of sustained loading, sulfate attack and dry‐wet cycle were conducted. Then, based on the damage stress–strain relation model of concrete under sulfate attack, a calculation method for the stress–strain relation of concrete under the action of sulfate attack and dry‐wet cycle was proposed. Meanwhile, by taking into account the effect of creep on the stress–strain relation of concrete, a time‐dependent stress–strain relation model of concrete was presented. Numerical simulations by the time‐dependent stress–strain relation model demonstrate that the calculated results agree well with the experimental data. Furthermore, the rationality and applicability of the time‐dependent stress–strain relation model were also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Equol is a product formed during the biotransformation of the naturally occurring isoflavone daidzein by intestinal bacteria. The role of equol in the prevention of several hormone-dependent diseases such as prostate cancer and osteoporosis as well as vasomotor symptoms has been extensively investigated. Equol primarily occurs in the form of major metabolites such as glucuronides and sulfates, while intact equol has been detected at only ca. 1% in human plasma. However, to date, conjugated metabolites have been evaluated by measuring the free equol obtained after selective enzymatic hydrolysis. Thus, the precise types of conjugates circulating in vivo and the position(s) of the conjugation sites on the equol skeleton have yet to be clarified. Our study describes the identification of polar equol metabolites in the plasma of 2 equol-producers obtained at 8 hours after consuming 50 g of kinako (approximately 37 mg of daidzein). The structural identification of these conjugated metabolites in plasma was performed by comparison to the LC-ESI- MSn and 1H-NMR spectral data of the corresponding chemically synthesized compounds. The results of the LC-ESI- MS/MS analysis indicated that the main conjugated metabolite in plasma was (S)-equol- 7- glucuronide- 4'- sulfate along with lower amounts of 7-and 4'-monoglucuronides as well as 7-and 4'-monosulfates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel noncentrosymmetric (NCS) polar fluoride sulfate, CsSbF2SO4, was obtained by ionothermal synthesis. A meticulously designed co‐substitution approach was used to successfully replace the [TiO6]8− and [PO4]3− functional groups in KTiOPO4 (KTP) with [SbO4F2]7− and [SO4]2− units, respectively. The structure of CsSbF2SO4 features a pseudo‐3D framework consisting of interconnected 1D [SbF2O2SO4]5− chains of corner‐sharing [SbO4F2]7− octahedra and [SO4]2− tetrahedra. The title compound exhibits a sharply enlarged band gap compared to its parent compound, KTP, benefitting from the introduction of F− ions and the displacement of Sb3+ cations. Second harmonic generation (SHG) measurements manifested that CsSbF2SO4 is phase‐matchable and revealed a strong SHG response of about 3.0 KH2PO4 (KDP), which is the highest value reported for any metal sulfate reported to date. The reported fluoride sulfate is a promising near ultraviolet (UV) nonlinear optical (NLO) material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel noncentrosymmetric (NCS) polar fluoride sulfate, CsSbF2SO4, was obtained by ionothermal synthesis. A meticulously designed co‐substitution approach was used to successfully replace the [TiO6]8− and [PO4]3− functional groups in KTiOPO4 (KTP) with [SbO4F2]7− and [SO4]2− units, respectively. The structure of CsSbF2SO4 features a pseudo‐3D framework consisting of interconnected 1D [SbF2O2SO4]5− chains of corner‐sharing [SbO4F2]7− octahedra and [SO4]2− tetrahedra. The title compound exhibits a sharply enlarged band gap compared to its parent compound, KTP, benefitting from the introduction of F− ions and the displacement of Sb3+ cations. Second harmonic generation (SHG) measurements manifested that CsSbF2SO4 is phase‐matchable and revealed a strong SHG response of about 3.0 KH2PO4 (KDP), which is the highest value reported for any metal sulfate reported to date. The reported fluoride sulfate is a promising near ultraviolet (UV) nonlinear optical (NLO) material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Objectives: Erosive oral lichen planus (LP) may be painful and debilitating. Symptomatic oral LP has been treated with a wide spectrum of topical and systemic therapies, but few have been evaluated in large series. Hydroxychloroquine is suggested to be effective in oral LP. Methods: Twenty‐one consecutive patients with erosive, biopsy‐confirmed oral LP were prescribed. hydroxychloroquine sulphate 400 mg/day. Symptomatic improvement was evaluated by means of a visual analogue scale into three groups: no change, moderate to marked improvement and complete remission. Results: Five (24%) patients obtained complete remission, 12 (57%) patients showed moderate to marked improvement, 3 (14%) patients did not improve at all and in one patient therapy was terminated after 1 month due to side effects. Response to therapy was observed after 2–4 months. Side effects which ultimately led to termination of therapy in three patients were elevated creatinine serum levels (after 1 month), visual field defects (after 8 months) and hyperpigmentation (after 24 months). Among six patients who responded to therapy, three flared on stopping. Conclusions: Hydroxychloroquine sulphate may be effective and relatively safe treatment for erosive oral LP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chondroitin sulphate (CS) as a major component of the extracellular matrix of numerous connective tissues is responsible for biomechanical properties such as resistance and elasticity. It occurs in different isomeric forms with different sites and degrees of sulfation. The characterization of crude CS and quantitative isomeric identification by high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) requires specific enzymes, expensive reagents, and a complicated analytical process. Poor reproducibility and imprecise quantification were found with other methodologies. Raman spectroscopy allows rapid and reproducible identification of CS isomers offering specificity and avoids the need for sample pretreatment or external markers. In the present work, a quantitative identification of major contribution of isomeric chondroitin 4 and 6‐sulphate in crude CS by Raman spectroscopy has been performed. Two quantitative indices have been proposed based on areas of specific bands of interest related to main skeletal modes, an aromatic ring with axial orientation in the case of the major contribution of 4‐sulphate and C‐O‐(S) vibration, which is heavily detected in the case of the major contribution of 6‐sulphate. Both mammalian and fish sources of CS were used to validate the ability of mentioned indices to discriminate between prevalence of 4‐sulphate, 6‐sulphate, or none of them. Correspondence of given results with HPLC was demonstrated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Legume–rhizobia symbioses play a major role in food production for an ever growing human population. In this symbiosis, dinitrogen is reduced ("fixed") to ammonia by the rhizobial nitrogenase enzyme complex and is secreted to the plant host cells, whereas dicarboxylic acids derived from photosynthetically produced sucrose are transported into the symbiosomes and serve as respiratory substrates for the bacteroids. The symbiosome membrane contains high levels of SST1 protein, a sulfate transporter. Sulfate is an essential nutrient for all living organisms, but its importance for symbiotic nitrogen fixation and nodule metabolism has long been underestimated. Using chemical imaging, we demonstrate that the bacteroids take up 20‐fold more sulfate than the nodule host cells. Furthermore, we show that nitrogenase biosynthesis relies on high levels of imported sulfate, making sulfur as essential as carbon for the regulation and functioning of symbiotic nitrogen fixation. Our findings thus establish the importance of sulfate and its active transport for the plant–microbe interaction that is most relevant for agriculture and soil fertility. This article provides a comprehensive explanation for the importance of the nodule‐specific sulfate transporter and the role of sulfate by dissecting the sulfur distribution across the nodule tissue and directly linking sulfate incorporation to nitrogenase biosynthesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel niobium oxyiodate sulfate, Nb2O3(IO3)2 (SO4), was fabricated by a rational multi‐component design under moderate hydrothermal conditions. This multi‐component design is inspired by an interesting niobium oxysulfate reaction, which opens a new door for synthetic method to effectively introduce refractory metals such as Nb into crystal structures by hydrothermal synthesis. Nb2O3(IO3)2(SO4) features a cube‐like topological structure with a large phase‐matching second harmonic generation (SHG) response (6×KDP), a wide transparency window (0.38–8 μm), and a high laser damage threshold (LDT) (20×AgGaS2). It has the highest thermostability (stable up to 580 °C under air) among reported non‐centrosymmetric (NCS) iodates and sulfates and is stable in water and even concentrated H2SO4. Furthermore, Nb2O3(IO3)2(SO4) is a unique nonlinear optical (NLO) material among iodates and sulfates, because its SHG effect is mainly caused by the MO6 units rather than the IO3 or SO4 units, which is demonstrated by density functional theory (DFT) calculations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel niobium oxyiodate sulfate, Nb2O3(IO3)2 (SO4), was fabricated by a rational multi‐component design under moderate hydrothermal conditions. This multi‐component design is inspired by an interesting niobium oxysulfate reaction, which opens a new door for synthetic method to effectively introduce refractory metals such as Nb into crystal structures by hydrothermal synthesis. Nb2O3(IO3)2(SO4) features a cube‐like topological structure with a large phase‐matching second harmonic generation (SHG) response (6×KDP), a wide transparency window (0.38–8 μm), and a high laser damage threshold (LDT) (20×AgGaS2). It has the highest thermostability (stable up to 580 °C under air) among reported non‐centrosymmetric (NCS) iodates and sulfates and is stable in water and even concentrated H2SO4. Furthermore, Nb2O3(IO3)2(SO4) is a unique nonlinear optical (NLO) material among iodates and sulfates, because its SHG effect is mainly caused by the MO6 units rather than the IO3 or SO4 units, which is demonstrated by density functional theory (DFT) calculations. Oh my‐obium! The synthesis of crystalline Nb2O3(IO3)2(SO4) under moderate hydrothermal conditions is reported. The highly thermostable crystal features a strong second‐harmonic‐generation response, a wide transparency window, and a high laser damage threshold. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two uranyl aqua sulfate compounds: [(CH3)3NCH2COOH] [UO2(Cl)(SO4)(H2O)] (1) and UO2((CH3)3NCH2COO)(SO4)(H2O) (2) were synthesized and their crystal structures were determined. The morphology changes between the two‐dimensional anionic structural unit of 1 and the neutral structural unit of 2 are examined, and the impact of their terminally coordinating ligands discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Chinese Herb QingBai decoction (QBD) has been approved affective in the treatment of IBD patients in clinic. However, the underlying mechanism remains unknown. We aim to investigate the effect of QBD on the mouse model of ulcerative colitis and its possible mechanism. Methods: C57/bL mice were given 5% DSS to induce colitis and were divided as QBD and mesalazine group. Weight, faeces and mental status were recorded each day and the histopathological changes (goblet cells etc) of the colon were observed after sacrificed. Fluorescein isothiocyanate‐dextran 4000 was measured to reflect the intestinal mucosal permeability. In addition, cell junction‐related proteins and possible signal pathways were investigated. Results: QingBai decoction could significantly alleviate the inflammation and the protection effect of colitis is comparable as those in mesalazine enema group. It was found that the permeability reduced significantly with QBD treatment vs the control group, while no significant difference between the mesalazine and QBD groups. QBD treatment could upregulate the expression of tight junction complex（ZO‐1, claudin‐1 and occludin）and muc‐2 expression. It significantly reduced the production and secretion of serials proinflammatory cytokines (IL‐1β, IL‐6, Kc and TNF‐α) compared with the control group. Meanwhile, NF‐κB and Notch pathways were regulated. Conclusion: QingBai decoction can effectively alleviate intestinal inflammation and mucosal barrier function in colitis mice, and the mechanism may be related to the inhibition of inflammatory cascade as well as enhanced mucus layer barrier and mechanical barrier function by NF‐κB and Notch signalling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: A late‐appearing patch test reaction may be a sign of active sensitization or represent a delayed elicitation reaction. Objectives: To retrospectively study the effect of concentration on the time course of allergic reactions to routine concentration dilution series of formaldehyde and nickel sulfate. Methods: We tested concentration dilution series of 2%, 1%, 0.32% and 0.1% formaldehyde and 5%, 1.6%, 0.5% and 0.16% nickel sulfate, respectively. The last readings were performed on day 4 to day 6. We included patients with allergic reactions to either of the two lowest concentrations in each dilution series and whose tests had been read three times. Results: Forty‐two nickel‐allergic and 23 formaldehyde‐allergic patients fulfilled the inclusion criteria. In 26 (62%) of the nickel‐sensitive patients, reactions to lower concentrations appeared later than reactions to the highest concentration. Of the formaldehyde‐sensitive patients, 17 (74%) developed one or two allergic reactions to lower concentrations later than reactions to the highest concentration, and one (4%) patient developed allergic reactions to lower concentrations sooner than a reaction to the highest concentration. The remaining patients showed all allergic reactions at the same reading. Conclusions: In these selected, relatively strongly sensitized patients, allergic reactions to lower concentrations quite regularly appeared later than reactions to higher concentrations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Morquio A syndrome is an autosomal mucopolysaccharide storage disorder that leads to accumulation of keratan sulfate. Diagnosis of this disease can be aided by measuring the levels of keratan sulfate in the urine. This requires the liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LCMS/MS) measurement of sulfated N‐acetyl‐d‐lactosamines in the urine after cleavage of the keratan sulfate with keratanase II. Quantification requires isotopically‐labelled internal standards. The synthesis of these 13C6‐labelled standards from 13C6‐galactose and N‐acetylglucosamine is described. The required protected disaccharide is prepared utilising a regioselective, high yielding β‐galactosylation of a partially protected glucosamine acceptor and an inverse addition protocol. Subsequent synthesis of the 13C6‐labelled mono and disulfated N‐acetyllactosamines was achieved in five and eight steps, respectively, from this intermediate to provide internal standards for the LCMS/MS quantification of keratan sulfate in urine. Accurate quantification of glycosaminoglycans in a patient's urine aids in the diagnosis of mucopolysaccharidosis diseases. Measuring levels of keratan sulfate requires heavy atom labelled monosulfated and disulfated N‐acetyllactosamines as internal standards for mass spectrometry analysis. The synthesis of these standards from 13C6‐galactose and N‐acetylglucosamine is described and utilises a selective, high yielding glycosylation with a partially protected acceptor via an inverse addition protocol. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Raman spectra of the Na2SO4‐K2SO4‐H2O system are not well‐defined in the literature. Specifically, the proper identification of sodium and potassium sulphate (aphthitalite or glaserite, K3Na(SO4)2) and anhydrous sodium sulphate (thenardite, Na2SO4) is particularly problematic because their vibrational profiles present the same main Raman peak at 993 cm−1 and very similar low frequency bands. As proved in bibliography, the similarity of their spectra can often lead to uncertain or erroneous identifications. Considering that aphthitalite and thenardite can be found as degradation products on built heritage materials and the degree of danger associated to them is not the same, being the second one the most harmful, the resolution of this problem has a critical importance. For this reason, in the present work, the Raman spectra of aphthitalite and thenardite are deeply studied to identify the vibrational fingerprints enabling their correct identification. The results here summarized and provided by two different Raman instruments highlight that the spectrum of aphthitalite displays characteristic bands at 1,084 and 1,202 cm−1. In contrast, the bands at 1,100, 1,129, and 1,152 cm−1 seem to be characteristic of thenardite. Furthermore, when those secondary bands are not observed or mixtures of both compounds are present, the ratio between their most intense bands at 452 and 993 cm−1 is the key for their correct characterization. On the whole, this study fills the gaps observed in literature and gives the solution for the correct identification of aphthitalite and thenardite even when secondary bands are not observed. This study fills the gaps observed in literature in the Raman spectra of the Na2SO4‐K2SO4 system by 532 and 785‐nm excitation lasers, which has a relevant importance in built heritage studies, giving the solution for the correct identification of aphthitalite and thenardite even when secondary bands are not observed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]