Modeling Spin Interactions in a Triangular Cobalt(II) Complex with Triaminoguanidine Ligand Framework: Synthesis, Structure, and Magnetic Properties.

The new tritopic triaminoguanidine-based ligand 1,2,3-tris[(pyridine-2-ylmethylidene)amino]guanidine (H2pytag) was synthesized. The reaction of a mixture of cobalt(II) chloride and cobalt(II) perchlorate with the ligand H2pytag in pyridine solution leads to the formation of the trinuclear cobalt(II) complex [Co3(pytag)(py)6Cl3]ClO4. Three octahedrally coordinated high-spin cobalt(II) ions are linked through the bridging triaminoguanidine backbone of the ligand leading to an almost equilateral triangular arrangement. The magnetic properties of the complex were investigated by magnetic measurements, variable-temperature, variable-field magnetic circular dichroism (MCD) spectroscopy, and density functional theory as well as ab initio calculations. A rather strong antiferromagnetic exchange interaction between the cobalt(II) centers of ca. -12 cm-1 is determined together with a strong local anisotropy. The single-ion anisotropy of all three cobalt(II) centers is found to be easy-plane, which coincides with the tritopic ligand plane. MCD measurements and theoretical investigations demonstrate the presence of rhombic distortion of the local Co surrounding.

A magnetooptical study of (4-(2-dibutylaminoethanolato-N,O,O,O) chlorido copper(II)): a cubane complex with dominant ferromagnetic interactions.

This paper reports the experimental and theoretical study of a tetranuclear (CuClOCH2CH2N(C4H9)2)4 complex. Analysis of the magnetic circular dichroism spectrum was performed based on the Hamiltonian that includes the crystal field of the nearest ligands and the spin-orbit interaction. The crystal field parameters were evaluated in the framework of the exchange charge model that accounts for the exchange and covalence effects. The values of the crystal field parameters obtained during the analysis of the magnetic circular dichroism spectrum were used for the calculation of the principal values and the directions of the principal axes of the local g-tensors and for the simulation of both temperature dependence of the magnetic susceptibility and field dependence of the magnetization. The value of the exchange parameter (Jex = 30 cm(-1)) was obtained. It was demonstrated that the description of the low temperature magnetic properties requires taking into account the intercluster interaction.

The long-term outcome of the refractive error in children with hypermetropia.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the long-term outcome of high hypermetropic refractive errors in childhood. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed data from the clinical records of 164 children with spherical equivalent (SE) hypermetropic refractive errors in three medical centers collected over 29 years. Refractive errors between +1.00 and +3.00 diopter (D) on initial examination were classified as mild hypermetropia and those +5.00 D or greater were classified as high hypermetropia. The four variables studied were, age, refractive error, strabismus, and gender. The rate of reduction in hypermetropic refractive error was calculated over time in years. We identified subgroups according to age, gender, and initial refractive error. RESULTS: Seventy-eight children with high hypermetropia and 86 children with mild hypermetropia were studied. High hypermetropia was detected at a mean age of 3.3 years, while mild hypermetropia was detected at a mean 4 years of age. The mean follow-up was 6.6 years for high hypermetropia and 6.4 years for mild hypermetropia. Over the follow-up period, children in all subgroups tended to reduce their refractive errors. The reduction in refraction power was small for both mild and high hypermetropic refractive errors. Amblyopia in the high hypermetropia group was more common and more refractory to treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Most children with hypermetropia of less than +3.00 D experience a reduction in hyperopic refractive error over time and will outgrow any need for corrective lenses. Children with hyperopia greater than +5.00 D will not experience a significant reduction in the power of the refractive error.

Synthesis, characterization, hydrolase and catecholase activity of a dinuclear iron(III) complex: Catalytic promiscuity.

Herein, we report the synthesis and characterization of the new di-iron(III) complex [(bbpmp)(H2O)(Cl)Fe(III)(µ-Ophenoxo)Fe(III)(H2O)Cl)]Cl (1), with the symmetrical ligand 2,6-bis{[(2-hydroxybenzyl)(pyridin-2-yl)methylamino]methyl}-4-methylphenol (H3bbpmp). Complexes 2 with the unsymmetrical ligand H2bpbpmp - {2-[[(2-hydroxybenzyl)(2-pyridylmethyl)]aminomethyl]-6-bis(pyridylmethyl) aminomethyl}-4-methylphenol and 3 with the ligand L(1)=4,11-dimethyl-1,8-bis{2-[N-(di-2-pyridylmethyl)amino]ethyl}cyclam were included for comparison purposes. Complex 1 was characterized through elemental analysis, X-ray crystallography, magnetochemistry, electronic spectroscopy, electrochemistry, mass spectrometry and potentiometric titration. The magnetic data show a very weak antiferromagnetic coupling between the two iron centers of the dinuclear complex 1 (J=-0.29cm(-1)). Due to the presence of labile coordination sites in both iron centers the hydrolysis of both the diester model substrate 2,4-BDNPP and DNA was studied in detail. Complex 1 was also able to catalyze the oxidation of the substrate 3,5-di-tert-butylcatechol (3,5-DTBC) to give the corresponding quinone, and thus it can be considered as a catalytically promiscuous system.

Metal complexes derived from hydrazoneoxime ligands: V. Spectral and structural studies on diacetylmonoxime n-alkanoylhydrazones and their nickel(II) and copper(II) complexes.

A series of diacetylmonoxime n-alkanoylhydrazones (H2L(n), n=4, 5, 6, 12 and 16) were prepared by the condensation of diacetylmonoxime with the corresponding n-alkanoylhydrazine in ethanol. The X-ray crystal structure of diacetylmonoxime octadecanoyl hydrazone has been solved and its molecular and supramolecular structures have been discussed. Both neutral dinuclear Cu(II) and Ni(II) complexes, [{M(L(n))}2] (M=Cu, Ni and n=4, 5, 6, 12 and 16) as well as cationic dinuclear Cu(II) complexes, [Cu2(L(n))(HL(n))]NO3 (n=12 and 16) have been also prepared and characterized by elemental analyses, FD- and ESI-mass spectra as well as IR, UV-Vis, (1)H NMR, (13)C NMR spectra. Variable temperature magnetic susceptibility measurements for dinuclear Cu(II) complexes have been also discussed.

Structural and magnetic studies of a new Co(II) thiocyanato coordination polymer showing slow magnetic relaxations and a metamagnetic transition.

Reaction of Co(NCS)2 with 4-ethylpyridine leads to the formation of three new compounds of composition Co(NCS)2(4-ethylpyridine)4 (1), [(Co(NCS)2]2(4-ethylpyridine)6 (2), and [Co(NCS)2(4-ethylpyridine)2]n (3). In all compounds the coordination of the Co(II) ions is distorted octahedral. 1 consists of discrete monomeric complexes and in 2 two Co(II) cations are linked by pairs of µ-1,3-bridging thiocyanato ligands into dimers. In the crystal structure of 3 the Co(II) cations are connected into chains by the same bridge as in 2. Magnetic studies show that 1 and 2 are paramagnets down to a temperature of 2 K, while compound 3, which is the main object of this study, is an antiferromagnet with the Néel temperature T(N) = 3.4 K. Its magnetic structure is built from ferromagnetic chains, which are weakly antiferromagnetically coupled. With increasing magnetic field a metamagnetic transition starts at ~175 Oe, as observed for a polycrystalline sample. Magnetic relaxations, which were observed in the antiferromagnetic state, are retained at the metamagnetic transition. With decreasing field 3 remains in a state, in which except of the faster magnetic relaxation process in single chains also a slower process coexists resulting in the appearance of a magnetic hysteresis loop.

Size dependence of harvested BaTiO3 nanoparticles on the electro-optic and dielectric properties of ferroelectric liquid crystal nanocolloids.

The influence of the size of harvested barium titanate nanoparticles on the properties of ferroelectric liquid crystal (FLC) nanocolloids was investigated by electro-optical and dielectric methods. The spontaneous polarization and the switching time are decreased for the liquid crystalline nanocolloids compared to nondoped FLC mixtures of different dipole strengths; this dependence is stronger for small size particles (9 nm) and weaker for larger size particles (26 nm) by the same concentration in weight. The decrease of the Goldstone mode (GM) relaxation frequency and the decrease of the dielectric GM absorption strength of the nanocomposites compared to the nondoped FLC mixture go stepwise with the increase of the nanoparticles diameter. Results have been interpreted via strong interaction between the FLC dipoles and the dipoles of the highly polar barium titanate nanoparticles.

In vitro and in vivo activity of a new unsymmetrical dinuclear copper complex containing a derivative ligand of 1,4,7-triazacyclononane: catalytic promiscuity of [Cu2(L)Cl3].

Here we present the synthesis of the dinuclear complex [Cu(II)2(L)Cl3] (1), where L is the deprotonated form of the 3-[(4,7-diisopropyl-1,4,7-triazacyclononan-1-yl)methyl]-2-hydroxy-5-methylbenzaldehyde ligand. The complex was characterized by single crystal X-ray diffraction, potentiometric titration, mass spectrometry, electrochemical and magnetic measurements, EPR, UV-Vis and IR. Complex 1 is able to increase the hydrolysis rate of the diester bis-(2,4-dinitrophenyl)phosphate (2,4-BDNPP) by a factor of 2700, and also to promote the plasmidial DNA cleavage at pH 6 and to inhibit the formazan chromophore formation in redox processes at pH 7. Using Saccharomyces cerevisiae (BY4741) as a eukaryotic cellular model, we observed that 1 presents reduced cytotoxicity. In addition, treatment of wild-type and mutant cells lacking Cu/Zn-superoxide dismutase (Sod1) and cytoplasmic catalase (Ctt1) with 1 promotes increased survival after H2O2 or menadione (O2˙(-) generator) stress, indicating that 1 might act as a Sod1 and Ctt1 mimetic. Considered together, these results support considerations regarding the dynamic behaviour of an unsymmetrical dinuclear copper(II) complex in solid state and in aqueous pH-dependent solution.

Synthesis, crystal structure, and magnetic properties of the coordination polymer [Fe(NCS)2(1,2-bis(4-pyridyl)-ethylene)]n showing a two step metamagnetic transition.

Reaction of iron(II) thiocyanate with an excess of trans-1,2-bis(4-pyridyl)-ethylene (bpe) in acetonitrile at room temperature leads to the formation of [Fe(NCS)(2)(bpe)(2)·(bpe)] (1), which is isotypic to its Co(II) analogue. Using slightly different reaction conditions the literature known compound [Fe(NCS)(2)(bpe)(2)(H(2)O)(2)] (2) was obtained as a phase pure material. Simultaneous differential thermoanalysis and thermogravimetry prove that the hydrate 2 transforms into the anhydrate [Fe(NCS)(2)(bpe)(2)] (3), that decomposes on further heating into the new ligand-deficient 1:1 compound of composition [Fe(NCS)(2)(bpe)](n) (4), which can also be obtained directly by thermal decomposition of 1. Further investigations reveal that 4 can also be prepared under solvothermal conditions, and single crystal structure analysis shows that the iron(II) cations are linked via µ-1,3 bridging thiocyanato anions into chains, that are further connected into layers by the bpe ligands. Magnetic measurements, performed on powder samples, prove that 1 and 2 show only Curie-Weiss behavior, whereas in 4 antiferromagnetic ordering with a Néel temperature of 5.0 K is observed. At T < 4.0 K a two-step metamagnetic transition occurs at applied magnetic fields of 1300 and 1775 Oe. The magnetic properties are discussed and compared with those of related compounds.

Design of a dinuclear nickel(II) bioinspired hydrolase to bind covalently to silica surfaces: synthesis, magnetism, and reactivity studies.

Presented herein is the design of a dinuclear Ni(II) synthetic hydrolase [Ni(2)(HBPPAMFF)(µ-OAc)(2)(H(2)O)]BPh(4) (1) (H(2)BPPAMFF = 2-[(N-benzyl-N-2-pyridylmethylamine)]-4-methyl-6-[N-(2-pyridylmethyl)aminomethyl)])-4-methyl-6-formylphenol) to be covalently attached to silica surfaces, while maintaining its catalytic activity. An aldehyde-containing ligand (H(2)BPPAMFF) provides a reactive functional group that can serve as a cross-linking group to bind the complex to an organoalkoxysilane and later to the silica surfaces or directly to amino-modified surfaces. The dinuclear Ni(II) complex covalently attached to the silica surfaces was fully characterized by different techniques. The catalytic turnover number (k(cat)) of the immobilized Ni(II)Ni(II) catalyst in the hydrolysis of 2,4-bis(dinitrophenyl)phosphate is comparable to the homogeneous reaction; however, the catalyst interaction with the support enhanced the substrate to complex association constant, and consequently, the catalytic efficiency (E = k(cat)/K(M)) and the supported catalyst can be reused for subsequent diester hydrolysis reactions.

Doubly phenoxo-hydroxo-bridged dicopper(II) complexes: individual contributions of the bridges to antiferromagnetic coupling based on two related biomimetic models for catechol oxidases.

This paper describes the synthesis, structure and spectroscopic and magnetic properties of two (µ-phenoxo)(µ-hydroxo)dicopper(II) complexes (1 and 2) which contain similar N,O-donor atoms but with distinct coordination arrangements around the Cu(II) centers. Structural and magnetic studies of 1 and 2 allowed us to evaluate, for the first time, the individual contributions of the {Cu(µ-phenoxo)Cu} and {Cu(µ-hydroxo)Cu} structural units to the antiferromagnetic coupling between the Cu(II) centers in these complexes.

Synthesis, magnetostructural correlation, and catalytic promiscuity of unsymmetric dinuclear copper(II) complexes: models for catechol oxidases and hydrolases.

Herein, we report the synthesis and characterization, through elemental analysis, electronic spectroscopy, electrochemistry, potentiometric titration, electron paramagnetic resonance, and magnetochemistry, of two dinuclear copper(II) complexes, using the unsymmetrical ligands N',N',N-tris(2-pyridylmethyl)-N-(2-hydroxy-3,5-di-tert-butylbenzyl)-1,3-propanediamin-2-ol (L1) and N',N'-bis(2-pyridylmethyl)-N,N-(2-hydroxybenzyl)(2-hydroxy-3,5-di-tert-butylbenzyl)-1,3-propanediamin-2-ol (L2). The structures of the complexes [Cu(2)(L1)(µ-OAc)](ClO(4))(2)·(CH(3))(2)CHOH (1) and [Cu(2)(L2)(µ-OAc)](ClO(4))·H(2)O·(CH(3))(2)CHOH (2) were determined by X-ray crystallography. The complex [Cu(2)(L3)(µ-OAc)](2+) [3; L3 = N-(2-hydroxybenzyl)-N',N',N-tris(2-pyridylmethyl)-1,3-propanediamin-2-ol] was included in this study for comparison purposes only (Neves et al. Inorg. Chim. Acta2005, 358, 1807-1822). Magnetic data show that the Cu(II) centers in 1 and 2 are antiferromagnetically coupled and that the difference in the exchange coupling J found for these complexes (J = -4.3 cm(-1) for 1 and J = -40.0 cm(-1) for 2) is a function of the Cu-O-Cu bridging angle. In addition, 1 and 2 were tested as catalysts in the oxidation of the model substrate 3,5-di-tert-butylcatechol and can be considered as functional models for catechol oxidase. Because these complexes possess labile sites in their structures and in solution they have a potential nucleophile constituted by a terminal Cu(II)-bound hydroxo group, their activity toward hydrolysis of the model substrate 2,4-bis(dinitrophenyl)phosphate and DNA was also investigated. Double electrophilic activation of the phosphodiester by monodentate coordination to the Cu(II) center that contains the phenol group with tert-butyl substituents and hydrogen bonding of the protonated phenol with the phosphate O atom are proposed to increase the hydrolase activity (K(ass.) and k(cat.)) of 1 and 2 in comparison with that found for complex 3. In fact, complexes 1 and 2 show both oxidoreductase and hydrolase/nuclease activities and can thus be regarded as man-made models for studying catalytic promiscuity.

Bioinspired FeIIICdII and FeIIIHgII complexes: synthesis, characterization and promiscuous catalytic activity evaluation.

In this work we report on the synthesis, crystal structure, and physicochemical characterization of the novel dinuclear [Fe(III)Cd(II)(L)(µ-OAc)(2)]ClO(4)·0.5H(2)O (1) complex containing the unsymmetrical ligand H(2)L=2-bis[{(2-pyridyl-methyl)-aminomethyl}-6-{(2-hydroxy-benzyl)-(2-pyridyl-methyl)}-aminomethyl]-4-methylphenol. Also, with this ligand, the tetranuclear [Fe(2)(III)Hg(2)(II)(L)(2)(OH)(2)](ClO(4))(2)·2CH(3)OH (2) and [Fe(III)Hg(II)(L)(µ-CO(3))Fe(III)Hg(II)(L)](ClO(4))(2)·H(2)O (3) complexes were synthesized and fully characterized. It is demonstrated that the precursor [Fe(III)(2)Hg(II)(2)(L)(2)(OH)(2)](ClO(4))(2)·2CH(3)OH (2) can be converted to (3) by the fixation of atmospheric CO(2) since the crystal structure of the tetranuclear organometallic complex [Fe(III)Hg(II)(L)(µ-CO(3))Fe(III)Hg(II)(L)](ClO(4))(2)·H(2)O (3) with an unprecedented {Fe(III)(µ-O(phenoxo))(2)(µ-CO(3))Fe(III)} core was obtained through X-ray crystallography. In the reaction 2→3 a nucleophilic attack of a Fe(III)-bound hydroxo group on the CO(2) molecule is proposed. In addition, it is also demonstrated that complex (3) can regenerate complex (2) in aqueous/MeOH/NaOH solution. Magnetochemical studies reveal that the Fe(III) centers in 3 are antiferromagnetically coupled (J=-7.2cm(-1)) and that the Fe(III)-OR-Fe(III) angle has no noticeable influence in the exchange coupling. Phosphatase-like activity studies in the hydrolysis of the model substrate bis(2,4-dinitrophenyl) phosphate (2,4-bdnpp) by 1 and 2 show Michaelis-Menten behavior with 1 being ~2.5 times more active than 2. In combination with k(H)/k(D) isotope effects, the kinetic studies suggest a mechanism in which a terminal Fe(III)-bound hydroxide is the hydrolysis-initiating nucleophilic catalyst for 1 and 2. Based on the crystal structures of 1 and 3, it is assumed that the relatively long Fe(III···)Hg(II) distance could be responsible for the lower catalytic effectiveness of 2.

Tuning the structure and the magnetic properties of metallo-supramolecular polyelectrolyte-amphiphile complexes.

Self-assembly of Fe(2+) ions and the rigid ditopic ligand 1,4-bis(2,2':6',2''-terpyridin-4'-yl)benzene results in metallo-supramolecular coordination polyelectrolytes (MEPE). Sequential self-assembly of MEPE and dialkyl phosphoric acid esters of varying chain length via electrostatic interactions leads to the corresponding polyelectrolyte-amphiphile complexes (PAC), which have liquid-crystalline properties. The PACs have a stratified architecture where the MEPE is embedded in between the amphiphile layers. Upon heating above room temperature, the PACs show either a reversible or an irreversible spin-crossover (SCO) in a temperature range from 360 to 460 K depending on the architecture of the amphiphilic matrix. As the number of amphiphiles per metal ion is increased in the sequence 1:2, 1:4, and 1:6, the temperature of the SCO is shifted to higher values whereas the amphiphile chain length does not have a significant impact on the SCO temperature. In summary, we describe in this article how the structure and the magnetic response function of PACs can be tailored through the design of the ligand and the composition. To investigate the structure and the magnetic behavior, we use X-ray scattering, X-ray absorption spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, faraday-balance, and superconducting quantum interference measurements in combination with molecular modeling.

Unsymmetrical Fe(III)Co(II) and Ga(III)Co(II) complexes as chemical hydrolases: biomimetic models for purple acid phosphatases (PAPs).

The design and development of suitable biomimetic catalytic systems capable of mimicking the functional properties of enzymes continues to be a challenge for bioinorganic chemists. In this study, we report on the synthesis, X-ray structures, and physicochemical characterization of the novel isostructural [Fe(III)Co(II)(BPBPMP)(mu-OAc)(2)]ClO(4) (1) and [Ga(III)Co(II)(BPBPMP)(mu-OAc)(2)]ClO(4) (2) complexes with the unsymmetrical dinucleating ligand H(2)BPBPMP (2-bis[{(2-pyridyl-methyl)-aminomethyl}-6-{(2-hydroxy-benzyl)-(2-pyridyl-methyl)}-aminomethyl]-4-methylphenol). The previously reported complex [Fe(III)Zn(II)(BPBPMP)(mu-OAc)(2)]ClO(4) (3) was investigated here by electron paramagnetic resonance for comparison with such studies on 1 and 2. A magneto-structural correlation between the exchange parameter J (cm(-1)) and the average bond lengh d (A) of the [Fe(III)-O-M(II)] structural unit for 1 and for related isostructural Fe(III)M(II) complexes using the correlation J = -10(7) exp(-6.8d) reveals that this parameter is the major factor that determines the degree of antiferromagnetic coupling in the series [(BPBPMP)Fe(III)(mu-OAc)(2)M(II)](+) (M(II) = Mn, Fe, Co, Ni) of complexes. Potentiometric and spectrophotometric titrations along with electronic absorption studies show that, in aqueous solution, complexes 1 and 2 generate the [(HO)M(III)(mu-OH)Co(II)(H(2)O)] complex as the catalytically active species in diester hydrolysis reactions. Kinetic studies on the hydrolysis of the model substrate bis(2,4-dinitrophenyl)phosphate by 1 and 2 show Michaelis-Menten behavior, with 2 being 35% more active than 1. In combination with k(H)/k(D) isotope effects, the kinetic studies suggest a mechanism in which a terminal M(III)-bound hydroxide is the hydrolysis-initiating nucleophilic catalyst. In addition, the complexes show maximum catalytic activity in DNA hydrolysis near physiological pH. The modest reactivity difference between 1 and 2 is consistent with the slightly increased nucleophilic character of the Ga(III)-OH terminal group in comparison to Fe(III)-OH in the dinuclear M(III)Co(II) species.

Liquid crystalline phase transition induces spin crossover in a polyelectrolyte amphiphile complex.

Self-assembly of Fe(2+) or Ni(2+) ions and the ditopic ligand 6,6',6''-bis(2-pyridyl)-2,2':4',4'':2'',2'''-quaterpyridine (btpy) through coordinative binding results in rodlike metallosupramolecular coordination polyelectrolytes (Fe-MEPE or Ni-MEPE). Sequential self-assembly with dihexadecyl phosphate (DHP) via electrostatic interactions between MEPE and DHP leads to the corresponding polyelectrolyte amphiphile complex (PAC) with liquid crystalline properties. The MEPE rods are embedded in between the interdigitated DHP layers. Upon heating above room temperature, the Fe-PAC shows an irreversible spin-crossover (SCO) from a diamagnetic low-spin (LS) to a paramagnetic high-spin (HS) state accompanied by a color change from dark blue to pale blue. The SCO is nearly complete (95%) and directly associated with the structure changes induced by the melting of the amphiphilic matrix. The original Fe-PAC architecture does not reassemble upon cooling and remains in a disordered frozen HS state. However, dissolving the heated PAC induces reassembly, and the original dark blue, diamagnetic, ordered material is completely recovered. In comparison to Fe-PAC, Ni-PAC shows the same lamellar structure and the same temperature depended structure changes but has a constant magnetic moment. In contrast to Fe-PAC, in neat Fe-MEPE the SCO depends on the history of the sample and in particular on the amount of included solvent as thermogravimetric analysis, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and magnetic measurements indicate. Solid MEPE does not have liquid crystalline properties, and, therefore, the induced structure changes upon heating are constrained by the solid-state architecture, and thus, the SCO in Fe-MEPE is incomplete.

Long-term application of computer-based pleoptics in home therapy: selected results of a prospective multicenter study.

INTRODUCTION: The paper presents selected results of a prospective multicenter study. The reported study was aimed at the evaluation of a software-based stimulation method of computer training applied in addition to occlusion as a complementary treatment for therapy-resistant cases of amblyopia. The stimulus was a drifting sinusoidal grating of a spatial frequency of 0.3 cyc/deg and a temporal frequency of 1 cyc/sec, reciprocally coordinated with each other to a drift of 0.33 deg/sec. This pattern was implemented as a background stimulus into simple computer games to bind attention by sensory-motor coordination tasks. According to an earlier proposed hypothesis, the stimulation aims at the provocation of stimulus-induced phase-coupling in order to contribute to the refreshment of synchronization and coordination processes in the visual transmission channels. MATERIALS AND METHODS: To assess the outcome of the therapy, we studied the development of the visual acuity during a period of 6 months. Our cooperating partners of this prospective multicenter study were strabologic departments in ophthalmic clinics and private practices as well. For the issue of therapy control, a partial sample of 55 patients from an overall sample of 198 patients was selected, according to the criterion of strong therapy resistance. RESULTS: The visual acuity was increased about two logarithmic steps by an occlusion combined with computer training in addition to the earlier obtained gain of the same amount by occlusion alone. Recalculated relatively to the duration of the therapy periods, the computer training combined with occlusion was found to be about twice as effective as the preceding occlusion alone. DISCUSSION: The results of combined computer training and occlusion show an additional increase of the same amount as the preceding occlusion alone, which yielded at its end no further advantage to the development of visual acuity in the selected sample of our 55 therapy-resistant patients. In a concluding theoretical note, a preliminary hypothesis about the neuronal mechanisms of the stimulus-induced treatment effect is discussed.

Neurofibromatosis 2 leads to higher incidence of strabismological and neuro-ophthalmological disorders.

PURPOSE: Ophthalmic features of neurofibromatosis 2 (NF2) include juvenile cataract, retinal hamartomas and tumours of the cranial nerves. We hypothesize that these tumours lead to strabismological and neuro-ophthalmological symptoms, including palsies of cranial nerves III, IV and VI, nystagmus and gaze palsies. METHODS: We carried out a retrospective review of 73 patients with known genotype. They underwent ophthalmic, neuro-ophthalmological and strabismological examination. Statistical analysis was performed by calculating odds ratios and their 95% confidence intervals. RESULTS: Mean best corrected visual acuity was 0.85. Strabismus was found in 38 of 73 patients (52%). A deviation based on a cranial nerve palsy was found in 16 patients (22%) and three had supranuclear palsies. Eleven of 73 patients had a nystagmus, mostly caused by peripheral-vestibular disturbance. Binocular single vision was normal in 41 (58%), subnormal in six (8%) and not present in 24 (34%) patients. The average refractive error was - 0.57 D. Myopia of >or= 0.5 D was present in 47 (33%) eyes and hyperopia of >or= 2.0 D was measured in 11 (8%) eyes. In the subgroup analysis of NF2 mutation types, the relative risk for cranial nerve palsies and negative stereopsis was statistically significantly increased for the nonsense mutation group. The mosaicism group had a statistically significant decreased relative risk for concomitant squint, as did patients with unfound mutations for strabismus and poor stereopsis. CONCLUSIONS: The present study is, to our knowledge, the first to examine a larger collection of NF2 patients for strabismological and neuro-ophthalmological lesions. Compared with the normal population, our sample showed a higher amount of strabismus, refractive errors and an increased incidence of vestibular nystagmus.

Synthesis, structure, and physicochemical properties of dinuclear NiII complexes as highly efficient functional models of phosphohydrolases.

As metal ions are present in the catalytic sites of several enzymes, attention has been focused on the synthesis and characterization of metal complexes able to act as biomimetic functional and structural models for these systems. In this study, a novel dinuclear NiII complex was synthesized, [Ni2(L2)(OAc)2(CH3CN)]BPh4 (2) (HL2=2-[N-(2-(pyridyl-2-yl)ethyl)(1-methylimidazol-2-yl)amin omethyl]-4-methyl-6-[N-(2-(imidazol-4-yl)ethyl)amino methyl]phenol), employing a new unsymmetrical dinucleating ligand containing N,O-donor groups as a model for hydrolases. Complex 2 was characterized by a variety of techniques including: elemental analysis, infrared and UV-vis spectroscopies, molar conductivity, electrochemistry, potentiometric titration, magnetochemistry, and single-crystal X-ray diffractometry. The structural and magnetochemical data of 2 allow us to consider this complex as a structural model for the active site of the ureases, as previously reported for [Ni2(L1)(OAc)2(H2O)]ClO4.H2O (1) (HL1=2-[N-bis-(2-pyridylmethyl)aminomethyl]-4-methyl-6-[N-(2-pyridylmethyl)aminomethyl] phenol). The characterization of complexes 1 and 2 (mainly by X-ray diffraction and potentiometric titration) led us to study their reactivities toward the hydrolysis of the substrate bis(2,4-dinitrophenyl)phosphate (2,4-BDNPP). These studies revealed that complexes 1 and 2 show the best catalytic activity reported so far, with acceleration rates 8.8x10(4) and 9.95x10(5) times faster, respectively, than the uncatalyzed hydrolysis of 2,4-BDNPP. Catalytic activity of 2 on 2,4-DNPP showed that the monoester is hydrolyzed 27 times slower than the 2,4-BDNPP diester under identical experimental conditions. Therefore, 1 and 2 can undoubtedly be considered highly efficient functional models of the phosphohydrolases.