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BACKGROUND Mediastinal mature teratoma is the most common histological type of primary extragonadal germ cell tumor. In this report, we describe a rare case of giant mature teratoma located primarily in the anterior mediastinum and causing partial atelectasis of the upper and middle lobes of the right lung, as well as extrinsic compression of the right atrium. CASE SUMMARY A 31-year-old male with a giant mediastinal mature teratoma presented with progressive exertional dyspnea and chest pain for 1 mo. Computed tomography of the chest indicated the diagnosis of anterior mediastinal teratoma. The patient underwent right uniportal anterior approach video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS). En bloc resection of the giant teratoma, wedge resection of the upper and middle lobes of the right lung, resection of the thymus and partial excision of the pericardium were successfully performed. The pathological diagnosis revealed a mature cystic teratoma with foreign-body reaction that was closely related to the right lung, atrium dextrum, superior vena cava and ascending aorta. An atrophic thymic tissue was also discovered at the external teratoma surface. The patient was discharged on postoperative day 7. CONCLUSION This is the first report of the use of uniportal VATS for complete resection of a teratoma in combination with wedge resection of the right upper and middle lung lobes and partial resection of the pericardium.

All cells require Cu as a cofactor, but Cu2+ induces toxicity and oxidative damage. A strict system is thus needed to maintain Cu homeostasis. Using the ZFL zebrafish liver cell line as a model, we studied the cellular responses after exposure to Cu2+, using whole-transcriptome shotgun sequencing (RNA-seq) to screen nearly all transcriptomes in cell samples and identify changes in gene expression. ZFL cells were treated with 100, 200, or 400 μM CuCl2 and harvested after 4 and 24 h. RNA was then extracted and subjected to RNA-Seq and qPCR validation. Exposure to 400 μM CuCl2 for 4 h and 24 h led to the regulation of 5993 and 4235 genes, respectively. In a gene ontology enrichment analysis, Cu2+ exposure enriched the nitrogen compound metabolic process and antioxidant activity but did not significantly affect cellular copper, zinc, iron and calcium ion homeostasis. In a KEGG pathway enrichment analysis, anti-oxidative stress induced the glutathione metabolism pathway. Furthermore, Cu2+ also induced genes related to apoptosis and arrested the cell cycle in the G2 phase. This study was based on the full gene expression profile combined with pathway analysis details, providing a full cellular response picture for Cu.

Osmoregulation and osmoconformation are two mechanisms through which aquatic animals adapt to salinity fluctuations. The euryhaline crab Scylla paramamosain, being both an osmoconformer and osmoregulator, is an excellent model organism to investigate salinity adaptation mechanisms in brachyurans. In the present study, we used transcriptomic and proteomic approaches to investigate the response of S. paramamosain to salinity stress. Crabs were transferred from a salinity of 25 ppt to salinities of 5 ppt or 33 ppt for 6 h and 10 days. Data from both approaches revealed that exposure to 5 ppt resulted in upregulation of ion transport and energy metabolism associated genes. Notably, acclimation to low salinity was associated with early changes in gene expression for signal transduction and stress response. In contrast, exposure to 33 ppt resulted in upregulation of genes related to amino acid metabolism, and amino acid transport genes were upregulated only at the early stage of acclimation to this salinity. Our study reveals contrasting mechanisms underlying osmoregulation and osmoconformation within the salinity range of 5–33 ppt in the mud crab, and provides novel candidate genes for osmotic signal transduction, thereby providing insights on understanding the salinity adaptation mechanisms of brachyuran crabs.

Cadmium (Cd) is a non-essential metal with no known biological function and a broad range of toxic effects in biological systems. We used whole-transcriptome sequencing (RNA-seq) to study the effects of Cd

All cells require Cu as a cofactor, but Cu2+ induces toxicity and oxidative damage. A strict system is thus needed to maintain Cu homeostasis. Using the ZFL zebrafish liver cell line as a model, we studied the cellular responses after exposure to Cu2+, using whole-transcriptome shotgun sequencing (RNA-seq) to screen nearly all transcriptomes in cell samples and identify changes in gene expression. ZFL cells were treated with 100, 200, or 400 μM CuCl2 and harvested after 4 and 24 h. RNA was then extracted and subjected to RNA-Seq and qPCR validation. Exposure to 400 μM CuCl2 for 4 h and 24 h led to the regulation of 5993 and 4235 genes, respectively. In a gene ontology enrichment analysis, Cu2+ exposure enriched the nitrogen compound metabolic process and antioxidant activity but did not significantly affect cellular copper, zinc, iron and calcium ion homeostasis. In a KEGG pathway enrichment analysis, anti-oxidative stress induced the glutathione metabolism pathway. Furthermore, Cu2+ also induced genes related to apoptosis and arrested the cell cycle in the G2 phase. This study was based on the full gene expression profile combined with pathway analysis details, providing a full cellular response picture for Cu.

Sunscreen chemicals, such as benzophenones (BPs), are common environmental contaminants that are posing a growing health concern due to their increasing presence in water, fish, and human systems. Benzoresorcinol (BP1), oxybenzone (BP3), and dioxybenzone (BP8) are the most commonly used BPs for their ability to protect from sunburn by absorbing a broad spectrum of ultraviolet radiation. In this study, zebrafish larvae were used as an in vivo model to investigate the potential risks and molecular mechanisms of the toxic effects of BPs. The effects of these BPs on the gene expression in the aryl hydrocarbon receptor pathway, estrogen receptor pathway, and sex differentiation were detected using quantitative real-time PCR. All BPs were found to function as agonists of the estrogen receptors α and β1, indicating that these BPs likely undergo similar molecular metabolism in vivo, whereby they can activate cytochrome P450 genes and promote the expression of CYP19A and DMRT1. Furthermore, the gene expression profile of larvae after BP3 exposure was evaluated using a whole transcriptome sequencing approach. BP3 affected estradiol biosynthesis and sex differentiation. It also regulated gonadotropin-releasing hormone, thus interfering with the endocrine system. As a xenobiotic toxicant, BP3 upregulated the expression of cytochrome P450 genes (CYP1A and CYP3A65) and glutathione metabolism-related genes (GSTA, GSTM, and GSTP). It also interfered with the nervous system by regulating the calcium signaling pathway. These findings will be useful for understanding the toxicity mechanisms and metabolism of BPs in aquatic organisms and promote the regulation of these chemicals in the environment.

Cadmium (Cd) is a non-essential metal with no known biological function and a broad range of toxic effects in biological systems. We used whole-transcriptome sequencing (RNA-seq) to study the effects of Cd2+ toxicity in zebrafish liver cells, ZFL. The results of an RNA-Seq analysis of ZFL cells exposed to 5, 10 or 20 μM Cd2+ for 4- or 24-h. The differentially expressed genes affected by Cd2+ were analyzed by using Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis to study the regulated pathways. Cd2+ regulated the expression of genes associated with cellular Cu, Zn, and Fe homeostasis, DNA replication leading to cell cycle arrest and apoptosis, and glutathione metabolism. Cd2+ boosted up the amino acid synthesis, possibly to support the glutathione metabolism for tackling the oxidative stress generated from Cd2+. Cd2+ stimulation was similar to heat or xenobiotics, based on the responses from ZFL such as endoplasmic reticulum stress and protein folding. We linked also those finding of gene activations relating to carcinogenesis of Cd. This paper provides a comprehensive analysis of the expression profiles induced by Cd2+ exposure in ZFL cells, as well as useful insights into the specific toxic effects.

The increasing quantities of insecticides that leach into water bodies severely affect the health of the aquatic environment. Juvenile hormone analogue (JHA) insecticides are endocrine disrupters that interfere with hormonal activity in insects by mimicking juvenile hormones (JHs). Because the structure and functions of methyl farnesoate in crustaceans are similar to the insect JHs, exogenous JHA insecticides may cause adverse effects on the growth and reproduction in crustaceans similar to those observed in insects. This study examined the toxic effects of two JHA insecticides, methoprene and fenoxycarb, on the water flea Moina macrocopa. The 24-h and 48-h LC50 values for fenoxycarb and methoprene were 0.53 and 0.32 mg/L and 0.70 and 0.54 mg/L, respectively. Chronic exposure to the two JHAs caused a series of toxic effects in M. macrocopa, including shortening of life expectancy, repression of body growth, reduction in fecundity, and disturbed the expression of genes involved in the JH signaling pathway, in cuticle development, and in the carbohydrate, amino acid, and ATP metabolic processes. Moreover, JHA exposure impaired the growth and reproduction of the offspring of M. macrocopa exposed to JHAs, even when the neonates were not exposed to the chemicals. In addition, changes in the expression of genes related to histone methylation indicate that epigenetic changes may promote transgenerational impairment in M. macrocopa. These results demonstrate the toxic effects of fenoxycarb and methoprene on non-target aquatic organisms. The damages done by these JHA insecticides to the aquatic environment is worthy of our attention and further studies.

Two new salts, [NO2BrBzPy]2[M(mnt)2] ([NO2BrBzPy]+= 1-(2′-bromo-4′-nitrobenzyl)pyridinium; mnt2−= maleonitriledithiolate; M = Ni(1), Pd(2)) have been prepared and characterized by elemental analyses, IR, UV, ESI-MS spectra, TG, and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The results reveal that when the metal ion is changed from Ni(II) to Pd(II), the crystal system, and the dihedral angles between the phenyl and pyridine rings and the C-C-N reference plane of the cation, and the stacking modes of the anions and the cations are evidently different. Some weak interactions such as C–H···Br, C−H···O, C−H···N and C−H···S hydrogen bonds, p or stacking interactions in 1 and 2 play important roles in the molecular stacking and generate a 2D structure.

The self-assembly of [Co(NCS)4]2− anion and substituted benzyltriphenylphosphonium cations [4RBzTPP]+ (R = H(1), NO2(2)) results in the forming of two new hybrid materials, [BzTPP]2[Co(NCS)4](1) and [4NO2BzTPP]2[Co(NCS)4](2). The Co(II) ions of the [Co(NCS)4]2− anions in 1 form a 1D chain through S⋯S interactions with the S⋯S distance of 3.458 A, while the C–H⋯S, C–H⋯O hydrogen bond and p⋯π interaction were found in 2. Magnetic susceptibility measurement in the temperature range 2–300 K shows that 1 exhibits a magnetic coupling interaction from ferromagnetic to antiferromagnetic around 30 K as the temperature is lowered, while 2 shows weak antiferromagnetic coupling behavior.

Two tetrabromocuprate (II) salts with substituted benzyl pyridinium, [BzPy]2[CuBr4](1) and [4NO2BzPy]2[CuBr4](2) ([BzPy]+ = 1-benzylpyridinium; [4NO2BzPy]+ = 1-(4′-nitrobenzy- lpyridinium), were synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, IR, MS, and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The two salts comprise a [CuBr4]2−anion and two cations, and the [CuBr4]2−anion exhibits a distorted tetrahedral coordination geometry. The weak interactions such as p…π, π…π, C-H…π, C−H…Br or C−H…O hydrogen bonds play important roles in the stacking and stabilization of the two salts, and give rise to a 3D network structure. In addition, the two salts show good antibacterial activities for colibacillus, aurococcus, bacillus subtilus and bacillus thuringiensis.

Two new tetranuclear copper (II) macrocyclic complexes, [Cu4L(OAc)2(OH)2](ClO4)2·2MeCN 1 and [Cu4L (OAc)2(OH)2](PF6)2(H2O)2 2, have been obtained via condensation of 2,6-diformyl-4-methylphenolate with N,N′-bis(3-aminopropyl)-2-thiophenoethylamine in the presence of copper (II) ions. The complexes were characterized by IR, ES-MS and X-ray diffraction techniques. It shows the similar chair-shaped Cu4O4 core structure for these two macrocyclic complexes, which is composed of two kinds of crystallographically independent Cu(II) ions. The coordination spheres of the Cu(II) ions are distorted square pyramid and approximate square-planar configuration, respectively. In addition, it was found that the crystal structures are stabilized by abundant hydrogen bonds between perchlorate anions and adjacent macrocyclic units for complex 1. The network structure of 2 was maintained by π–π stacking of thiopheno groups and C H···F hydrogen bond interactions between adjacent macrocycles. The variable temperature magnetic susceptibility of complex 1 was measured in the temperature range of 2–300 K. The best fitting with a quasi-butterfly magneto-structural model gave the magnetic exchange parameters of Jbb = −197.6 cm−1, Jwb1 = −60 cm−1 and Jwb2 = 103.5 cm−1.

A new mononuclear nickel(II) complex, [NiL2] (HL = ((2-(5-fluoro-2-hydroxybenzyl)(2-(imidazole-2-yl)ethyl))imine), has been synthesized and characterized by IR, UV–vis and X-ray diffraction technique. The X-ray crystal structure of the complex shows that the coordination environment around Ni(II) ion is an approximate octahedron. Each molecule connects with four adjacent neighbors through strong hydrogen bonding interactions (N–H···O, d(N–O) = 2.687 A and ∠N–H···O = 158.3(1)°), forming a supramolecular network. The interaction of the complex with DNA was monitored using agarose gel electrophoresis. The results show that the complex has DNA cleavage activity. The cyclic voltammogram shows one pair of anodic and cathodic peaks with E1/2 = −1.06 V, assigned to the Ni(II)/Ni(I) couple.

Two molecular materials, [3RBzTPP][Ni(mnt)2] (mnt2− = maleonitriledithiolate, [3RBzTPP]+ = 3-R-benzyltriphenylphosphinium, R = CN(1), F(2)), have been investigated and characterized by elemental analyses, IR, UV spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction and magnetic susceptibility measurements. The [Ni(mnt)2]− anions of 1 and 2 stack into a column through the Ni⋯S or/and S⋯S interactions with a Ni⋯S distance of 3.765 A for 1 and with the Ni⋯S and S⋯S distances of 3.654 A and 3.681 A for 2. The weak C H⋯N, C H⋯F hydrogen bonds and π⋯π stacking interactions result in the forming of a 3D network structure. Magnetic susceptibility measurements in the temperature range 2–300 K show that 1 shows an antiferromagnetic coupling behavior with θ = −9.3 K, and 2 exhibits a spin-gap transition with Δ/kb = 945.0 K around 217 K.

Two new coordination polymers of Robson-type macrocycles, [Cu2L1(μ-ClO4)2]∞ (1) and [Cu2L2(μ-ClO4)2]∞ (2) (where H2L1and H2L2 are the [2+2] condensation products of 2,6-diformyl-4-flurophenol with 1,3-diaminopropane and 2-hydroxy-1,3-diaminopropane, respectively), have been synthesized and characterized. The intriguing feature is that intermolecular perchlorato bridges occur between adjacent copper(II) centers. The cyclic voltammograms of the complexes show that each complex undergoes two pseudo-reversible processes with the half wave potentials, −0.361 V and −0.729 V for 1, and −0.372 V and −0.744 V for 2, respectively. Magnetic susceptibility was measured for 1 and 2 over a temperature range of 2–300 K. The optimized magnetic data were J = −359.6 cm−1, j′ = −30 cm−1 and R = 6.8 × 10−8 for 1 and J = −411 cm−1, j′ = −26 cm−1 and R = 2.4 × 10−7 for 2, respectively. The data reveal antiferromagnetic couplings between the copper(II) ions of intra- and intermolecular units.

The self-assembly of [BzEtPy]+([BzEtPy]+ = benzyl-4-ethylpyridinium) cation and the [Ni(mnt)2]− (mnt2− = maleonitriledithiolate) anion results in the forming of a new molecular solid [BzEtPy][Ni(mnt)2](1), in which the anions and cations stack into columns and the Ni(III) ions form a 1D zigzag alternating chain through Ni···S and π···π interactions between [Ni(mnt)2]− anions with the Ni···Ni distances of 3.886 A and 4.781 A, and the four columns of cations create cubic-like large channel in which the [Ni(mnt)2]− columns are located. Magnetic susceptibility measurements show that 1 exhibits a spin gap transition around 90 K.

Two new molecular solids, [BzPyNH2][Ni(mnt)2](1) and [2-NpCH2PyNH2][Ni(mnt)2](2) (mnt2− = maleonitriledithiolate, [BzPyNH2]+ = 1-benzyl-2-aminopyridinium and [2-NpCH2PyNH2]+ = 1-(2′-naphthylmethylene)-2-aminopyridinium) have been characterized structurally and magnetically. The Ni(Ш) ions of 1 and 2 form a 1D magnetic chain within a [Ni(mnt)2]− column through Ni⋯N or π⋯π interactions. Some weak interactions observed in 1 and 2 give further rise to a 2D structure. The overlapping fashions of the [Ni(mnt)2]− anions are different when the 2-aminopyridine ring was fixed and the phenyl ring changed into the naphthyl ring of the cation. Magnetic susceptibility measurements in the temperature range 2–300 K show that 1 is weak antiferromagnetic coupling, while 2 exhibits a novel and interesting spin-gap transition around 140 K with Δ/kb = 381.4 K.

A new dumbbell-type 4,4′-bipy-bridged dinuclear copper(II) complex, [Cu2(4,4′-bipy)L2(H2O)2](ClO4)4·8CH3OH·10H2O, where L = 1-[bis(3-aminopropyl)amino]-2- propanol and bipy = bipyridine, has been synthesized and characterized, X-ray crystallographic analysis shows that the [Cu2(4,4′-bipy)L2(H2O)2]4+ cations and water molecules generate layer structures extending parallel to bc planes through hydrogen bonding interactions of O–H···O and C–H···O. The layers are also connected by hydrogen bonding interactions involving methanol, water, and perchlorate anions. These interactions lead to the formation of rectangular channels of 12.3 A × 6.0 A along the crystallographic c axis. Perchlorate anions fill in each channel in a sandwich-like packing mode, they are joined with the adjacent layers by water heptamers. Magnetic susceptibility measurements show that the magnetic exchange interaction is weak although it has a regular π-type electron transfer pathway. Furthermore, the electrochemical and thermogravimetric properties of the complex were also investigated.

Two new salts, [BzTPP]2[Cu(mnt)2] (1) and [4NO2BzTPP]2[Cu(mnt)2] (2) (BzTPP+ = benzyltriphenylphosphonium and mnt2− = maleonitriledithiolate) have been prepared and characterized by elemental analyses, UV, IR, molar conductivity and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The single-crystal structure analysis shows that 1 crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P21/n, while 2 crystallizes in the triclinic space group P−1. The effects of weak intramolecular interactions such as C–H···O, C–H···S, C–H···N, C–H···Cu hydrogen bonds and p···π, π···π stacking interactions in the solids generate a 3D network structure. It is noted that the change in the molecular topology of the counteraction when the 4-substituted group in the benzyl ring is changed from H to NO2 results in differences in the crystal system, space group, weak interactions and the stacking mode of the cations and anions of 1 and 2. The magnetic susceptibilities of these salts measured in the temperature range 2.0 to 300 K show weak ferromagnetic coupling features with θ = 2.05 × 10−2 K for 1 and 5.13 × 10−3 K for 2.

An ionic pair complex, [FClBzDMAP]2[Pd(mnt)2] (1) , ([FClBzDMAP]+ = [1-(4′-fluoro-2′-chlorobenzyl)-4-dimetylamino pyridinium, mnt2− = maleonitriledithiolate), was synthesized and characterized by elemental analyses, IR, UV-vis spectra, molar conductivities and single crystal diffraction. The crystal belongs to the triclinic system, space group P-1 with cell constants a = 8.3472(8) A, b = 9.3988(9) A, c = 13.5875(14) A, α = 76.676(1)°, β = 86.036(1)°, γ = 71.182(1)°, Z = 1. It is interesting that the [FClBzDMAP]+ cations (C) and the [Pd(mnt)2]2− anions (A) in 1 stack into a 1D alternating CC-A-CC-A-CC column along ab direction, while the cations form a 1D column along bc direction. Some weak interactions such as p … π, π … π, Cl … S, and C─ H … N interactions in the crystal play important roles in the self-assembly process and give rise to a 3D network structure.

Syntheses, structural characterizations, magnetic behaviors and theoretical analyses of two new ion-pair complexes, [IFBzIQl][Ni(mnt)2](1) and [IClBzIQl]2[Ni(mnt)2]2 · MeCN(2) [IFBzIQl][Ni(mnt)2] ([IFBzIQl]+ = 1-(2′-fluoro-4′-iodobenzyl)isoquinolinium, [IClBzIQl]+ = 1-(2′-chloro-4′-iodobenzyl)isoquinolinium, mnt2− = maleonitriledithiolate), have been investigated. In crystal of 1, the [Ni(mnt)2]− anions and the [IFBzIQl]+ cations stack into an alternating column through π⋯π stacking interactions. The anions of both 1 and 2 form a dimer via π⋯π stacking and S⋯S short interactions between the [Ni(mnt)2]− anions. The overlapping mode of two neighboring [Ni(mnt)2]− anions in the dimer is the Ni-ring fashion with a Ni⋯Ni distance of 4.076 A for 1, and ring–ring fashion with the Ni⋯Ni and S⋯S distances being 4.395 and 3.593 A for 2. Some weak interactions such as π⋯π, C⋯N, C–H⋯F or C–H⋯N in 1 and 2 play a crucial role in stacking and stabilizing the crystal lattice, and give a 3D network structure and exchange pathways of the magnetic interaction for 1 and 2. Magnetic susceptibility measurements for 1 and 2 in the temperature range 1.8–300 K show that the overall magnetic behavior indicates the presence of antiferromagnetic interaction, while 2 exhibits an activated magnetic behavior in the high-temperature region (HT) together with a Curie tail in the low-temperature region (LT).

Two new ion-pair complexes, [FBrBzPyN(CH 3 ) 2 ] 2 [Ni(mnt) 2 ] (1) and [FBrBzPyN(CH 3 ) 2 ][Ni(mnt) 2 ] (2) (mnt 2- = maleonitriledithiolate, [FBrBzPyN(CH 3 ) 2 ] + =[1-(4'-fluoro-2'-bromobenzyl)-4-dimethylamino-pyridinium]) have been prepared and characterized by elemental analyses, UV, IR, single crystal X-ray diffraction and magnetic susceptibility. The cations (D) and the anions (A) in 1 stack into a 1 D alternating column (i.e., of type ··· DDADDADD ···) via short S···Br. N···F, C···N interactions, and C-H···Br hydrogen bonds. The cation-cation π···π stacking interactions within the columns give further rise to a 2D network structure. Compound 2 forms a 3D structure in which the Ni(III) ions stack into a uniform 1 D zigzag magnetic chain through Ni···S, Ni···Ni, or π···π interactions with a Ni···Ni distance of 4.024 A. Magnetic susceptibility measurements in the temperature range 2-300 K show that 1 is expected to be diamagnetic, and 2 exhibits an interesting spin-gap transition (Δ/k b = 460.6 K) around 155 K.

Two new salts, [2-NaMePy]2[Ni(i-mnt)2] (1) and [2-NaMe-4-MePy]2[Ni(i-mnt)2] (2) ([2-NaMePy]+ = 1-(2′-naphthylmethyl)pyridinium, [2-NaMe-4-MePy]+ = 1-(2′-naphthylmethyl)-4-methylpyridinium and i-mnt2− = iso-maleonitriledithiolate), have been prepared and characterized by elemental analyses, UV, IR, molar conductivity, and single crystal X-ray diffraction. The anions in 1 form a 1-D chain through short C ··· N interactions between the anions, while the cations in 2 stack a 1-D column via C–H ··· π and π ··· π stacking interactions between the cations. The effect of weak intramolecular interactions such as C–H ··· N, C–H ··· S, C–H ··· Ni hydrogen bonds, and π ··· π stacking interactions between the cations and the anions further generate a 3-D network structure. The change of the molecular topology of the countercation when the 4-substituted group in the pyridine ring is changed from H atom to CH3 group results in different crystal system, space group, and the stacking mode of the cations and anions of 1 and 2.

A new ion-pair complex, bis[1-(4 ′ -nitrobenzyl)-3-cyanopyridinium]-bis(maleonitrile-dithiolate)nickelate(II)(1) ([NO 2 BzCNPy] 2 [Ni(mnt) 2 ]), was synthesized and characterized by elemental analyses, IR, MS spectra and single crystal diffraction. The crystal belongs to the triclinic system, space group P-1 with cell constants a = 9.452(1) A, b = 10.395(2) A, c = 11.117(2) A, α = 96.56(1)°, β = 113.94(1)°, γ = 112.68(1)°, Z = 1. The structure was solved by direct methods and refined to R1 = 0.0415 (wR 2 = 0.0771). The structure analysis reveals that the weak C… N, C-H… π, C-H… O, C-H… N interactions and π… π stacking interactios in the crystal play important roles in the self-assembly process and give rise to a 3D network structure.

A new ion-pair complex, bis(1-benzyltriphenylphosphinium) bis(1,2,5-thiadiazole-3,4-dithiolato)nickelate(II), [BzTPP]2[Ni(tdas)2](1), has been prepared and characterized by elemental analyses, UV, IR, MS spectrum, molar conductivity and single crystal X-ray diffraction. The title complex crystallizes in the triclinic space group P-1, a = 9.098(1) A, b = 9.666(1) A, c = 29.573(3) A, α = 83.81(1)°, β = 81.97(1)°, γ = 78.83(1)°, V = 2,517.5(4) A3, Z = 2. The unit cell contains two [BzTPP]+ and two halves of [Ni(tdas)2]2− anions in which the anion exhibits a quasi-planar structure. The [BzTPP]+ cation adopts a conformation where four phenyl rings are twisted to the C–C–P reference plane. The weak cation–cation C–H···π, π···π interactions and anion–cation C–H···N hydrogen bonds between the anion and cation play an important role in the stacking and stabilizing of the title complex. The title new ion-pair complex, bis(1-benzyltriphenylphosphinium) bis(1,2,5-thiadiazole-3,4-dithiolato)nickelate(II), [BzTPP]2[Ni(tdas)2](1), contains two [BzTPP]+ and two halves of [Ni(tdas)2]2− anions in which the weak cation–cation C–H···π, π···π interactions and anion−cation C–H···N hydrogen bonds between the anion and cation play an important role in the stacking and stabilizing of the title complex.

A novel binuclear manganese Mn(II) macrocyclic complex with two pyridylmethyl pendant arms, [Mn2II(H2L)(μ-OAc)2](ClO4)2 · H2O, has been synthesized and characterized crystallographically and magnetically. The crystal structure of the complex shows that two manganese ions locate in the same head of the macrocycle, leaving an uncoordinating cavity to catch protons through oxide of phenolate and the nearby imine groups in another head. The electrochemical study demonstrates that the complex gives two couples of redox peaks with E1/2 of 0.3775 V and 0.8409 V, respectively. The variable temperature magnetic susceptibility measurement on the sample displays weak antiferromagnetic interaction between two manganese (II) with the J = −3.733(7) cm−1. This complex exhibits a moderate activity for catalyzing disproportionation of H2O2 to O2.

A new molecular magnet, [NO2BrBzPyCH3][Ni(mnt)2] (1) ([NO2BrBzPyCH3]+ = 1-(2′-bromo-4′-nitrobenzyl)-2-methylpyridinium, and mnt2– = maleonitriledithiolate), has been prepared and characterized by single crystal X-ray diffraction and magnetic measurements. The Ni(III) ions of 1 form a quasi-one-dimensional alternating zig-zag magnetic chain within a Ni(mnt)2– column by intermolecular Ni···S, Ni···Ni or π···π interactions, and the [NO2BrBzPyCH3]+ cations stack into a column via weak Br···O interaction, p···π stacking interactions and C-H···O hydrogen bonds between the cations. Magnetic susceptibility measurements in the temperature range 1.8-300 K show that 1 exhibits a spin-gap transition around 180 K, and an antiferromagnetic interaction in the high-temperature phase (HT) and spin gap behavior in the low-temperature phase (LT). The transition for 1 is a second-order phase transition as determined by DSC analyses.

New alkaline-earth metal cryptates [ML](ClO4)2 · solvent (M = Ca2+, Sr2+, Ba2+; L = 1,4, 12,15,18,26,31,39,42,43,44-undecaazapentacyclo-[13.13.13.16,10.120,24.133,37]-tetratetraconta-4, 6, 8, 10(44), 11,18,20,22,24(43),25,31,33,35,37(42),38-pentadecaene) were synthesized by [2 + 3] template condensation of tris(2-aminoethyl)amine with 2,6-diformylpyridine and characterized by physical methods. The crystal structure of the calcium cryptate was determined. The central atom is nine coordinate with three pyridyl and six imino nitrogen atoms. The coordination polyhedron can be described as slightly distorted tricapped trigonal prism.

A meso cobalt(II) complex, [Co(II) L2L2′] · 4.25H2O, has been synthesized from heterocyclic Schiff‐base ligand N‐ (2‐pyridyliene)‐2‐pyrimidylamine (L1) with inorganic cobalt(II) Salt, and its coordination of chemistry has also been investigated. Carmine block crystals of [Co(II) L2 L2′] · 4.25H2O were obtained from the filtrate which was resulted from the addition of a hot alcohol solution of N‐ (2‐pyridyliene)‐2‐pyrimidylamine (L1) into the alcohol solution of the CoCl2 · 6H2O. Single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis indicates that it crystallizes in a trigonal system with space group R‐3c, with a=24.820(4), b=24.820(4), c=21.010(4) A, α=90°, β=90°, γ=120°, V=11209(3) A3, Z=36, Mr=533.413, F(000)=5060, Dc=1.439 g/cm3, μ(MoKα)=0.742 mm−1, R=0.0666, and wR2=0.2734 for 2229 reflections with I>2σ (I). The Co atom is coordinated in a elongated octahedral geometry by two O atoms, which produced by partial hydrolysis of N‐ (2‐pyridyliene)‐2‐pyrimidylamine (L1), and four N atoms, among which two N atoms were f...

Three new two-photon absorption chromophores based on a pyrimidine core were synthesized by Aldol condensation in the absence of any organic solvents. Their single-photon spectroscopic characterization as well as their two-photon absorption properties is reported. In addition, strong modulation of single-photon and two-photon fluorescent spectra of these molecules by (de)protonation is also discussed.

Three dimetallic complexes of the unsymmetrical macrocycle (L)2−, [M1M2L]2+ (M1M2 = NiNi, CuZn, CuCd), have been synthesized by cyclocondensation between N,N′-bis(3-formyl-4-n-butylsalicylidene)ethylenediimine and 1,3-diaminopropane in the presence of M 1 2 + and M 2 2 + .The crystal structure of the complex [Ni2L4(H2O)2](ClO4)2 · 0.5CH3OH was determined by X-ray diffraction techniques.The asymmetric unit contains two complete macrocyclic complexes which are nevertheless quite similar to one another.The nickel–nickel separations, bridged by the two phenoxides, are 2.977 A and 2.982 A.In each molecule, the Ni(II) located in the ethylene chain linked site has a square planar geometry whereas the Ni(II) located in the propylene chain linked site has an octahedral environment.The results of ES-MS and cycle voltammograms confirm that Cu–Zn, Ni–Ni form stable complexes with the macrocyclic ligand L, however the complex composed of Cu–Cd was unstable, and easily lost Cd2+ from the complex in methanol solution.The cyclic voltammograms of the complexes show that each complex undergoes a stepwise reduction process, e.g.[Ni2L]2+ with E 1 / 2 1 = - 0.862 V and E 1 / 2 2 = - 1.20 V .Magnetic measurements in the 2–300 K range indicate weak antiferromagnetism for the dinuclear nickel(II) complex with the exchange constantJ = −0.90 cm−1.

Seven lathanide cryptates [LnL](NO)3 · nH2O (n=1–3; Ln=La, Ce, Pr, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb) were synthesized by the reactions of lanthanide nitrates with free ligand L (L was derived from the (2 + 3) condensation of 2,6-diformyl-pyridine (dfp) with tris-(2-aminoethyl) amine (tren)) and characterized by physical methods. ES-MS spectra show that except for La(III) cryptate, the other six are all stable in solution. The crystal structure of the Eu(III) cryptate showed a tricapped prismatic coordination geometry.

The reactions of a dioxotetraamine Cu(II) complex [Cu(H−2L)] (L is 6-(9-fluorenyl)-1,4,8,11-tetraazaandencane-5,7-dione)with O2 − were investigated by electrochemistry, UV–Vis spectrophotometry and pulse radiolysis, respectively. In DMSO solution, [CuII(H−2L)] was oxidized into [CuIII(H−2L)]+ by O2 −, a consecutive reaction was observed with [CuIII(H−2L)(O2 2−)] − as intermediates (k1=1.71×103 M−1 s−1, k2=1.2×10−2 s−1). The mechanism of O2 − dismutation catalyzed by the complex involved alternate oxidation and reduction of Cu(II) by O2 − and the kcat is 6.07 × 107 M−1 s−1 (pH 7.4).

A new neodymium cryptate [NdL](NO)3·H2O (L = 1,4,12,15,18,26,31,39,42,43,44-undecaazapentacyclo-[13.13.13.16,10.120,24.133,37]-tetratetraconta-4,6,8,10(44)11,18,20,22,24(43),25,31,33,35,37(42),38-pentadecaene) was synthesized by the reaction of free ligand L with neodymium nitrate and characterized by physical methods and X-ray crystallography. It crystallizes in space group with a = 14.623(2), c = 32.682(3) A, Z = 6. Final refinement of the structure gave R = 0.042 and Rw = 0.132 . The crystal structure of Nd(III) cryptate shows a tricapped prismatic structure with coordination number nine.

A new heterodinuclear cryptate [AgCuL](ClO4−)2 was synthesized by transmetallation via its precursor [Ag2L](ClO4−)2 (L = ligand). The electrospray mass spectrum (ES-MS) showed that the heterodinuclear entity exists in the solution. The X-Ray structure analysis shows that the AgI ion has tetrahedral geometry while CuI lies in a three-coordinate environment.

A new polyoxometalate (H2bpy)2{Eu(H2O)3(PW11O39)}·6H2O 1 constructed from lacunary Keggin frameworks, has been hydrothermally synthesized and characterized by IR and X-ray single crystal diffraction. It is interesting to find that the heteropolyanions are linked to chains, and the chains are further connected into an extensive two dimension (2D) layer structure depending on hydrogen bond.

The electrochemistry of Co(2)Co(2)SOD and Cu(2)Co(2)SOD on a pyrolytic graphite electrode (PGE) without using mediators was investigated by cyclic voltammetry (CV) and differential pulse voltammetry (DPV). The reversible and quasi-reversible voltammetric responses were observed for Co(2)Co(2)SOD and Cu(2)Co(2)SOD, respectively. Their formal redox potentials and electron numbers involved in electrode reactions were obtained, and are in agreement with those by spectroelectrochemistry (SEC).

The trinuclear copper(II) cryptate [Cu3L(im)(Br)2](ClO4)3·H2O was studied, where im denotes the imidazolate anion and L is a reduced form cryptand which was synthesized by [2 + 3] Schiff-base condensation of tris(2-aminopropyl)amine with 2,6-diformylpyridine followed by reduction with NaBH4. An ES-MS spectrum confirms the presence of a Cu3L core and its dimer in the cryptate. X-Ray analysis shows that the three copper(II) centers are arranged in an isosceles triangles. Cu(1) is located in a N4Br coordination environment with a square pyramidal configuration. Cu(2) and Cu(3) showed square planar configurations with N3Br and N4 coordination environments, respectively. Two nitrogens of an imidazole anion acting as a bridging ligand link Cu(1) and Cu(3). A weak interaction was found between Cu(2) and Br(1). Both intermolecular hydrogen bonds and the weak interaction between two molecules of cryptates via ClO4− resulted in the formation of a dimer of the cryptate. The magnetic interaction in the dimer was also studied.

A novel water-soluble octaazamacrocyclic dinuclear copper(II) complex with tetra-pendant arms, [Cu 2 L] Cl 2 ∙ 5H 2 O, was synthesized by [2+2] condensation between 2, 6-diformyl-4-chlorophenol and N, N, N', N'-tetrakis(2'-aminoethyl)-1, 2-diaminopropane in the presence of Cu(OAc) 2 ·H 2 O. Single-crystal X-ray structural analysis reveals that every copper(II) adopts a trigonal bipyramid coordination configuration. Macrocyclic units are joined together by strong π – π stacking interaction with centroid–centroid distance of 3.658 A. Water pentamers with O–O distances of 2.099–2.841 A are observed in the complex. The activity of superoxide dismutase of the complex has been investigated by the nitro blue tetrazolium method.

The copper(II) complex of a new bis-N4O-hexdentate Schiff-base, in which two N,N′-dimethyl-N-(3-(2′-aminoethylimine)-5-(chlorosalicylamine))-N′-(3-imine-5-chlorosalicylamine) units are connected by an ethylene, was synthesized and structurally characterized in the solid state as a form of pentanuclear single helicate based on the square-planar coordination geometries.

The Gd atom in the title compound, [Gd(C33H39N11)]Cl3·3H2O, lies on a position of 32 point symmetry and exhibits a tricapped trigonal prismatic coordination geometry. A twofold rotation axis passes through the coordinated N atom and the opposite C atom of the pyridyl ring of the ligand, while a threefold rotation axis passes through the aliphatic N atom. The Cl atom and O atom of the uncoordinated water mol­ecule both lie on twofold rotation axes.

The title dinuclear complex, [Cu2(C12H17FN3O2)2](ClO4)2·CH4O, was synthesized by condensation between diethyl­ene­triamine and 2-form­yl-4-fluoro-6-hydroxy­methyl­phenol in the presence of copper(II). It contains two similar units, which are linked by Cu—O bonds. The approximate planes of the two units are parallel to each other, and π–π inter­action exists between the two units.

The aim of this paper was to examine the sublethal toxic effects of nonylphenol ethoxylate (NP10EO), its primary degradation product nonylphenol (NP), and their mixture on Moina macrocopa. Chronic toxicity tests were carried out by using sublethal chemical concentrations. Results showed that all treatments reduced the survivorship, body length, and reproduction of M. macrocopa with NP being 10 %-20 % more toxic to M. macrocopa than NP10EO. Results also indicated that the toxic effects of NP10EO and NP mixture on M. macrocopa were more severe than that of any single chemical alone. At the highest concentration in this experiment, 0.337 mg L(-1) NP10EO plus 0.0154 mg L(-1) NP treatment caused the survivorship of M. macrocopa to zero, neonates number of reproductions to zero, 45.5 % reduction in the body length, and 88 % reduction in the total neonates number.

The title complex, [Gd((C24H28N4O4)(NO3)2(H2O)](NO3)·0.5CH3OH·1.75H2O, contains a gadolinium ion with a distorted monocapped square antiprismatic coordination.

Light green crystals of (H2bpy)2 [Eu(H2O)3(PW11O39)] ·6H2O (bpy: 4,4′-bipyridine) are hydrothermally synthesized from a mixture of Na2WO4, Na2HPO4, Eu2O3, bpy, and H2O (pH 4 adjusted with HNO3, 170 °C, autoclave, 5 d).