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A new electrocardiographic algorithm using retrograde P waves for differentiating atrioventricular node reentrant tachycardia from atrioventricular reciprocating tachycardia mediated by concealed accessory pathway.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to use an electrocardiographic (ECG) algorithm, derived from the results of radiofrequency ablation, to discriminate atrioventricular node reentrant tachycardia (AVNRT) from atrioventricular reciprocating tachycardia (AVRT) and to localize a concealed accessory pathway, prospectively. BACKGROUND: Information about ECG criteria for differentiating AVNRT from AVRT is limited and has not been confirmed by surgical or catheter ablation. METHODS: Four hundred six ECGs (obtained from 406 different patients) that demonstrated narrow QRS complex (< 0.12 s) supraventricular tachycardia with an RP' interval less than the P'R interval or pseudo r' wave in lead V1 or pseudo S wave in inferior leads, or both, were examined, and the results were confirmed by radiofrequency catheter ablation. The initial 226 ECGs were analyzed to develop a stepwise algorithm, and the subsequent 180 ECGs were prospectively evaluated by the new algorithm. RESULTS: The presence of a pseudo r' wave in lead V1 or a pseudo S wave in leads II, III, aVF indicated anterior-type AVNRT with an accuracy of 100%. With the difference of RP' intervals in leads V1 and III > 20 ms, posterior-type AVNRT could be differentiated from AVRT utilizing a posteroseptal pathway with a sensitivity of 71% (95% confidence interval [CI] 55% to 89%), a specificity of 87% (95% CI 67% to 97%) and a positive predictive value of 75% (95% CI 56% to 91%). According to the polarity of retrograde P waves in leads V1, II, III, aVF and I during AVRT, the concealed accessory pathway could be localized to one of the nine regions on the atrioventricular annuli with an accuracy of 75% (for a right midseptal pathway) to 93.8% (for a left posterior pathway). Overall, the new algorithm had an accuracy of 97.8% in discriminating AVNRT from AVRT and 88.1% in localizing a concealed accessory pathway, prospectively. Prediction was incorrect in only 15 patients (9.1%). CONCLUSIONS: The new ECG algorithm derived from the analysis of retrograde P waves during tachycardia could provide a criterion for differential diagnosis between AVNRT and AVRT and for predicting the location of concealed accessory pathways.

Adolescent↗

Multiple signal transduction pathways mediate interleukin-4-induced 3beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase/Delta5-Delta4 isomerase in normal and tumoral target tissues.

The 3beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase/Delta5-Delta4 isomerase (3beta-HSD) isoenzymes catalyze an essential step in the formation of all classes of active steroid hormones. We have recently shown that 3beta-HSD type 1 gene expression is specifically induced by interleukin (IL)-4 and IL-13 in several human cancer cell lines and in normal human mammary and prostatic epithelial cells in primary culture. There is evidence that IL-4 stimulates bifurcating signaling pathways in which the Stat6-signal pathway is involved in differentiation and gene regulation, whereas insulin receptor substrate (IRS) proteins mediate the mitogenic action of IL-4. As a matter of fact, we have shown that IL-4-activated Stat6 in all cell lines studied, where IL-4 induced 3beta-HSD type 1 expression but not in those cell lines that failed to respond to IL-4. The mechanism of the induction of 3beta-HSD type 1 gene expression was further characterized in ZR-75-1 human breast cancer cells. We have also found that IL-4 rapidly induced IRS-1 and IRS-2 phosphorylation in these cell lines. Moreover, insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-1 and insulin, which are well known to cause IRS-1 and IRS-2 phosphorylation, increased the stimulatory effect of IL-4 on 3beta-HSD activity. IRS-1 and IRS-2 are adapter molecules that provide docking sites for different SH2 domain-containing proteins, leading to the activation of multiple pathways, such as the phosphatidylinositol (PI) 3-kinase and the mitogen-activated protein (MAP) pathways. The inhibition of IL-4-induced 3beta-HSD expression by PI 3-kinase inhibitors (wortmannin and LY294002) as well as an inhibitor of MAP kinase activation (PD98059), indicates the involvement of those pathways in this response to IL-4. Wortmannin also blocked MAP kinase activation by IL-4, insulin and IGF-1 suggesting that the MAP kinase cascade acts as a downstream effector of PI 3-kinases. Furthermore, we showed that the PKC activator phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate (PMA) also potentiated the IL-4-induced 3beta-HSD activity, thus suggesting that one signaling molecule that is involved in the signal transduction of the IL-4 action on 3beta-HSD type 1 expression is also a substrate for PKC. Taken together, these findings suggest the existence of a novel mechanism of gene regulation by IL-4. This mechanism would involve in the phosphorylation of IRS-1 and IRS-2, which transduce the IL-4 signal through a PI 3-kinase- and MAP kinase-dependent signaling pathway. However, the inability of IGF-1, insulin and PMA to stimulate 3beta-HSD type 1 expression by themselves in the absence of IL-4 indicates that the multiple pathways downstream of IRS-1 and IRS-2 must act in cooperation with an IL-4-specific signaling molecule, such as the transcription factor Stat6. It is also of interest to note that there also appear to be differences between the regulation of the 3beta-HSD type 1 and type 2 promoters.

Base Sequence↗

Metabolites: a helping hand for pathway evolution?

The evolution of enzymes and pathways is under debate. Recent studies show that recruitment of single enzymes from different pathways could be the driving force for pathway evolution. Other mechanisms of evolution, such as pathway duplication, enzyme specialization, de novo invention of pathways or retro-evolution of pathways, appear to be less abundant. Twenty percent of enzyme superfamilies are quite variable, not only in changing reaction chemistry or metabolite type but in changing both at the same time. These variable superfamilies account for nearly half of all known reactions. The most frequently occurring metabolites provide a helping hand for such changes because they can be accommodated by many enzyme superfamilies. Thus, a picture is emerging in which new pathways are evolving from central metabolites by preference, thereby keeping the overall topology of the metabolic network.

Animals↗

Signal transduction pathways and transcription factors involved in the gonadotropin-releasing hormone-stimulated gonadotropin subunit gene expression.

Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) stimulates gonadotropin (GTH) subunit gene expression via G protein-coupled membrane receptors. GnRH-stimulated GTH subunit gene expression is mediated by protein kinase C (PKC) and Ca(2+) signaling pathways. Recent numerous reports on signal transduction pathways which are involved in GnRH stimulation of mammalian GTH subunit genes showed differential sensitivity of GTH subunit genes to the two signaling pathways. Our recent studies on salmon GTH (sGTH) IIbeta subunit gene showed that its stimulation by GnRH is dependent on the PKC pathway. Furthermore, gel retardation and mutagenesis studies suggested that pituitary homeo box 1 (Ptx1) and Sp1 mediate the GnRH-induced PKC signaling on the sGTHIIbeta gene. However, both PKC and Ca(2+) pathways are involved in the GnRH-stimulated GTH alpha and LHbeta genes. Different preference to the pathways were often reported in a certain GTH subunit gene in different circumstances, suggesting that molecular targets of the two signaling pathways are different. Ets-related factor and cAMP response element binding protein have been proposed as targets of GnRH signaling on GTH alpha genes. Sp1 and early growth response protein 1 play pivotal roles in GnRH-stimulated LHbeta gene expression in synergism with steroidogenic factor-1 and Ptx1. Activating protein-1 mediates GnRH-induced PKC signaling to stimulate FSHbeta gene expression. Therefore, divergent transcription factors are involved in GnRH stimulation of GTH subunit gene expression, and molecular mechanisms of GnRH stimulation may be partially conserved between sGTH IIbeta and mammalian LHbeta genes.

Animals↗

Glycerolipid synthesis in Chlorella kessleri 11h. I. Existence of a eukaryotic pathway.

The fatty acid distributions at the sn-1 and sn-2 positions in major chloroplast lipids of Chlorella kessleri 11h, monogalactosyl diacylglycerol (MGDG) and digalactosyl diacylglycerol (DGDG), were determined to show the coexistence of both C16 and C18 acids at the sn-2 position, i.e. of prokaryotic and eukaryotic types in these galactolipids. For investigation of the biosynthetic pathway for glycerolipids in C. kessleri 11h, cells were fed with [14C]acetate for 30 min, and then the distribution of the radioactivity among glycerolipids and their constituent fatty acids during the subsequent chase period was determined. MGDG and DGDG were labeled predominantly as the sn-1-C18-sn-2-C16 (C18/C16) species as early as by the start of the chase, which suggested the synthesis of these lipids within chloroplasts via a prokaryotic pathway. On the other hand, the sn-1-C18-sn-2-C18 (C18/C18) species of these galactolipids gradually gained radioactivity at later times, concomitant with a decrease in the radioactivity of the C18/C18 species of phosphatidylcholine (PC). The change at later times can be explained by the conversion of the C18/C18 species of PC into galactolipids through a eukaryotic pathway. The results showed that C. kessleri 11h, distinct from most of other green algal species that were postulated mainly to use a prokaryotic pathway for the synthesis of chloroplast lipids, is similar to a group of higher plants designated as 16:3 plants in terms of the cooperation of prokaryotic and eukaryotic pathways to synthesize chloroplast lipids. We propose that the physiological function of the eukaryotic pathway in C. kessleri 11h is to supply chloroplast membranes with 18:3/18:3-MGDG for their functioning, and that the acquisition of a eukaryotic pathway by green algae was favorable for evolution into land plants.

Acetates↗

The Jak/STAT pathway in model organisms: emerging roles in cell movement.

The JAK/STAT pathway was originally identified in mammals. Studies of this pathway in the mouse have revealed that JAK/STAT signaling plays a central role during hematopoeisis and other developmental processes. The role of JAK/STAT signaling in blood appears to be conserved throughout evolution, as it is also required during fly hematopoeisis. Studies in Dictyostelium, Drosophila, and zebrafish have shown that the JAK/STAT pathway is also required in an unusually broad set of developmental decisions, including cell proliferation, cell fate determination, cell migration, planar polarity, convergent extension, and immunity. There is increasing evidence that the versatility of this pathway relies on its cooperation with other signal transduction pathways. In this review, we discuss the components of the JAK/STAT pathway in model organisms and what is known about its requirement in cellular and developmental processes. In particular, we emphasize recent insights into the role that this pathway plays in the control of cell movement.

Animals↗

An EP overexpression screen for genetic modifiers of Notch pathway function in Drosophila melanogaster.

The Notch pathway comprises a signal transduction cascade required for the proper formation of multiple tissues during metazoan development. Originally described in Drosophila for its role in nervous system formation, the pathway has attracted much wider interest owing to its fundamental roles in a range of developmental and disease-related processes. Despite extensive analysis, Notch signaling is not completely understood and it appears that additional components of the pathway remain to be identified and characterized. Here, we describe a novel genetic strategy to screen for additional Notch pathway genes. The strategy combines partial loss of function for pathway activity with Enhancer-promoter (EP)-induced overexpression of random loci across the dorsoventral wing margin. Mastermind (Mam) is a nuclear component of the Notch signaling cascade. Using a GAL4-UAS-driven dominant-negative form of Mam, we created a genotype that exhibits a completely penetrant dominant wing-nicking phenotype. This phenotype was assayed for enhancement or suppression after outcrossing to several thousand EP lines. The screen identified known components or modifiers of Notch pathway function, as well as several potential new components. Our results suggest that a genetic screen that combines partial loss of function with random gene overexpression might be a useful strategy in the analysis of developmental pathways.

Animals↗

The amphidial neuron pair ALD controls the temperature-sensitive choice of alternative developmental pathways in the parasitic nematode, Strongyloides stercoralis.

The parasitic nematode Strongyloides stercoralis, has several alternative developmental pathways. Upon exiting the host (humans, other primates and dogs) in faeces, 1st-stage larvae (L1) can enter the direct pathway, in which they moult twice to reach the infective 3rd-stage. Alternatively, if they enter the indirect pathway, they moult 4 times and become free-living adults. The choice of route depends, in part, on environmental cues. In this investigation it was shown that at temperatures below 34 degrees C the larvae enter the indirect pathway and develop to free-living adulthood. Conversely, at temperatures approaching body temperature (34 degrees C and above), that are unfavorable for the survival of free-living stages, larvae develop directly to infectivity. The time-period within the L1's development during which temperature influenced the choice of the pathway depended on the temperature, but, at any given temperature, occurred approximately in the middle of the time-span spent in the L1 stage, which varied inversely with temperature. This critical period was associated with the time-interval in which the number of cells in the genital primordium began to increase, thus providing a morphological marker for the pathway decision in individual worms. Sensing the environment is the function of the amphidial neurons, and therefore we examined the role of individual amphidial neurons in controlling entry into the direct pathway to infectivity. The temperature-sensitive developmental switch is controlled by the neuron pair ALD (which also controls thermotaxis), as seen by the loss of control when these neurons are ablated. Thus, in S. stercoralis a single amphidial neuron pair controls both developmental and behavioural functions.

Animals↗

Reduction in IV t-PA door to needle times using an Acute Stroke Triage Pathway.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effectiveness of an Acute Stroke Triage Pathway in reducing door to needle times in acute stroke treatment with IV t-PA. BACKGROUND: A previous study at our tertiary referral centre, examining IV t-PA door to needle times, was completed in 2000. The median door to needle time was beyond the recommended National Institute for Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) standard of 60 minutes. In November 2001, an Acute Stroke Triage Pathway was introduced in the emergency room (ER) to address this issue. The goal of this pathway was to rapidly identify patients eligible for treatment for IV t-PA, so that CT scans and lab studies could be arranged immediately upon ER arrival. Our hypothesis was that the Triage Pathway would shorten door to CT and door to needle times. DESIGN/METHODS: Using retrospective data, pre (n=87) and post (n=47) triage pathway times were compared. The door to CT time was reduced by 11 minutes (p=0.015) and door to needle time was reduced by 18 minutes (p=0.0036) in a subgroup of patients that presented directly to our hospital. CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate that the Acute Stroke Triage Pathway is effective in reducing Door to CT and Door to Needle Times in patients presenting directly to our ER. However, a majority of treatment times were still beyond NINDS recommendations. Stroke Centers require periodic review of their efficiency to ensure that target times are being obtained and may benefit from the use of an Acute Stroke Triage Pathway.

Acute Disease↗

The quantitatively important relationship between homocysteine metabolism and glutathione synthesis by the transsulfuration pathway and its regulation by redox changes.

Homocysteine is a key junction metabolite in methionine metabolism. It suffers two major metabolic fates: transmethylation catalyzed by methionine synthase or betaine homocysteine methyl transferase and transsulfuration catalyzed by cystathionine beta-synthase leading to cystathionine. The latter is subsequently converted to cysteine, a precursor of glutathione. Studies with purified mammalian methionine synthase and cystathionine beta-synthase have revealed the oxidative sensitivity of both junction enzymes, suggesting the hypothesis that redox regulation of this pathway may be physiologically significant. This hypothesis has been tested in a human hepatoma cell line in culture in which the flux of homocysteine through transsulfuration under normoxic and oxidative conditions has been examined. Addition of 100 microM H(2)O(2) or tertiary butyl hydroperoxide increased cystathionine production 1.6- and 2.1-fold from 82 +/- 7 micromol h(-)(1) (L of cells)(-)(1) to 136 +/- 15 and 172 +/- 23 micromol h(-)(1) (L of cells)(-)(1), respectively. The increase in homocysteine flux through the transsulfuration pathway exhibited a linear dose dependence on the concentrations of both oxidants (50-200 microM H(2)O(2) and 10-200 microM tertiary butyl hydroperoxide). Furthermore, our results reveal that approximately half of the intracellular glutathione pool in human liver cells is derived from homocysteine via the transsulfuration pathway. The redox sensitivity of the transsulfuration pathway can be rationalized as an autocorrective response that leads to an increased level of glutathione synthesis in cells challenged by oxidative stress. In summary, this study demonstrates the importance of the homocysteine-dependent transsulfuration pathway in the maintenance of the intracellular glutathione pool, and the regulation of this pathway under oxidative stress conditions. Aberrations in this pathway could compromise the redox buffering capacity of cells, which may in turn be related to the pathophysiology of the different homocysteine-related diseases.

5-Methyltetrahydrofolate-Homocysteine S-Methyltran↗

Intermediates in the refolding of ribonuclease at subzero temperatures. 3. Multiple folding pathways.

The kinetics of refolding of ribonuclease A have been measured at -15 degrees C by monitoring the intrinsic fluorescence and absorbance signals from the six tyrosine residues. For each probe multiphasic kinetics were observed. The burial of tyrosine residues, as determined by the change in absorbance at 286 nm, revealed four phases, whereas the kinetics of refolding monitored by fluorescence revealed only two phases. The rates of the transients detected by fluorescence were independent of pH. One of the faster transients detected by delta A286 involved a decrease in absorbance, which is consistent with solvent exposure, rather than burial, and suggests the possibility of an abortive partially folded intermediate in the earlier stages of folding. Double-jump unfolding assays were used to follow the buildup and decay of an intermediate in the refolding reaction at -15 degrees C. At both pH* 3.0 and pH* 6.0 the maximum concentration of the intermediate was 25-30% of the total protein. The existence of a second pathway of slow folding was inferred from the difference in rate of formation of native enzyme and breakdown of the observed intermediate, and by computer simulations. In addition, the unfolding assay demonstrated that 20% of the unfolded protein was converted to native at a much faster rate, consistent with observations in aqueous solution that 80% of unfolded ribonuclease A consists of slow-folding species. Kinetics and amplitude data from these and other refolding experiments with different probes were used to develop possible models for the pathway of refolding. The simplest system consistent with the results for the slow-refolding species involves two parallel pathways with multiple intermediates on each of them. Several independent lines of evidence indicate that about 30% of the unfolded state refolds by the minor pathway, in which the slowest observed phase is attributed to the isomerization of Pro-93. The major pathway involves 50% of the unfolded state; the reason why it refolds slowly is not apparent. A native-like intermediate is formed considerably more rapidly in the major slow-refolding pathway, compared to the minor pathway.

Freezing↗

The entry point of the K-proton-transfer pathway in cytochrome c oxidase.

Cytochrome c oxidase is a redox-driven proton pump. The enzyme has two proton input pathways, leading from the solution on the N-side to the binuclear center. One of these pathways, the K-pathway, is used for proton uptake upon reduction of the binuclear center. It is also important for local charge compensation during reaction of the fully reduced enzyme with O2. Two different locations have been proposed to constitute the entry point of the K-pathway: near S(I-299) or near E(II-101), respectively, in the Rhodobacter sphaeroides enzyme. The experiments discussed in this study are aimed at identifying the location of the entry point. The kinetics and extent of flash-induced proton release coupled to oxidation of heme a3 (tau congruent with 2 ms at pH 8.8 in the wild-type enzyme) in the absence of O2 were investigated in the ED(II-101), SD(I-299), and KM(I-362) mutant enzymes, i.e., at the two proposed entry points and in the middle of the pathway, respectively. This reaction was completely blocked in KM(I-362), while it was slowed by factors of 25 and 40 in the ED(II-101) and SD(I-299) mutant enzymes, respectively. During reaction of the fully reduced enzyme with O2, electron transfer from heme a to the catalytic site (during P(R)-formation) was blocked in the KM(I-362) and SD(I-299)/SG(I-299) but not in the ED(II-101)/ EA(II-101) mutant enzymes. The results are interpreted as follows: Residue K(I-362) is involved in both proton transfer and charge compensation (in different reaction steps). The impaired proton release in the S(I-299) mutant enzymes is an indirect effect due to an altered environment of K(I-362). E(II-101), on the other hand, is likely to be part of the K-pathway since mutation of this residue results in impaired proton release but does not affect the P(R) formation kinetics; i.e., the properties of K(I-362) are not altered. Consequently, we conclude that the entry point of the K-pathway is located near E(II-101).

Carbon Monoxide↗

Alterations in Taxol production in plant cell culture via manipulation of the phenylalanine ammonia lyase pathway.

One approach to increasing secondary metabolite production in plant cell culture is to manipulate metabolic pathways to utilize more resources toward production of one desired compound or class of compounds, such as diverting carbon flux from competing secondary pathways. Since phenylalanine provides both the phenylisoserine side chain and the benzoyl moiety at C-2 of Taxol, we speculated that blockage of the phenylpropanoid pathway might divert phenylalanine into Taxol biosynthesis. We used specific enzyme inhibitors to target the first enzyme in the phenylpropanoid pathway, phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL), the critical control point for conversion of L-phenylalanine to trans-cinnamic acid. Cinnamic acid acted quickly in reducing PAL activity by 40-50%, without affecting total protein levels, but it generally inhibited the taxane pathway, reducing Taxol by 90% of control levels. Of the taxanes produced, 13-acetyl-9-dihydro-baccatin III and 9-dihydrobaccatin III doubled as a percentage of total taxanes in C93AD and CO93P cells treated with 0.20 and 0.25 mM cinnamic acid, when all other taxanes were lowered. The PAL inhibitor alpha-aminooxyacetic acid (AOA) almost entirely shut down Taxol production at both 0.5 and 1.5 mM, whereas L-alpha-aminooxy-beta-phenylpropionic acid (AOPP) had the opposite effect, slightly enhancing Taxol production at 1 microM but having no effect at 10 microM. The discrepancy in the effectiveness of AOA and AOPP and the lack of effect with addition of phenylalanine or benzoic acid derivatives further indicates that the impact of cinnamic acid on Taxol is related not to its effect on PAL but rather to a specific effect on the taxane pathway. On the basis of these results, a less direct route for inhibiting the phenylpropanoid pathway may be required to avoid unwanted side effects and potentially enhance Taxol production.

Cinnamates↗

Characterization of the acetate-producing pathways in Escherichia coli.

Although the bacterium E. coli is chosen as the host in many bioprocesses, the accumulation of a common byproduct, acetate, is often problematic. Acetate, when present at high levels, will inhibit both cell growth and recombinant protein productivity. In addition, products derived from the central aerobic metabolic pathway often compete with the acetate-producing pathways poxB and ackA-pta for glucose as the substrate. As such, a significant portion of the glucose may be excreted as acetate, wasting substrate that otherwise could have been used for the desired product. We have created mutant E. coli strains with a deletion of either the poxB or the ackA-pta pathway. These two strains, along with the wild-type strain, have been studied in batch reactors over a 12 h time period, at pH 7.0 and 6.0. The wild-type strain has also been studied using glucose as the carbon source. Data were collected to correlate cellular growth, extracellular metabolite production, enzyme activity, and gene expression. Results show that the ackA-pta pathway dominates in exponential phase, and the poxB pathway dominates in stationary phase. The ackA-pta pathway is repressed in acidic environments, whereas the poxB pathway is activated.

Acetate Kinase↗

Development of a culture sub-population induction model: signaling pathways synergy and taxanes production by Taxus canadensis.

Cell cultures of Taxus canadensis were subjected to exogenously applied ethylene (ET) hormone and methyl jasmonate (MJ) elicitation in factorial design experiments. Levels of extracellular taxanes, including paclitaxel, were used with principal component analysis for fault detection and real-coded genetic algorithms for parameter optimization to construct a culture sub-population induction model. Culture sub-populations were identified by the model as (1) uninduced, (2) induced to unilateral function of the ET-signaling pathway, and (3) induced to cooperation between jasmonic acid (JA)- and ET-signaling pathways. Comprehensive model results suggested greater rates of cellular induction (resulting in exogenous taxane production) by ET gas as opposed to MJ elicitation. However, cellular induction of ET-signaling pathway genes increased the rate of induction of JA-signaling pathway genes by orders of magnitude. In addition, model results showed that induction of genes leading to extracellular production of the simple taxane 10-deacetylbaccatin III was regulated by the unilateral ET-signaling pathway. However, it was suggested that further processing of this simple taxane to complex taxane structures, such as paclitaxel, required further gene induction by the JA-signaling pathway. Thus, production rate constants of exogenous complex taxanes were predicted to be an order of magnitude lower than that for the simple taxane 10-deacetylbaccatin III. The fraction of the cell culture sub-population displaying unilateral ET-signaling pathway gene induction was found inversely proportional to levels of MJ elicitation. When coupled with simple non-growth product models, levels of all extracellular taxanes were effectively predicted using the culture sub-population induction model.

Acetates↗

New pathways for chlorine dioxide decomposition in basic solution.

The product distribution from the decay of chlorine dioxide in basic solution changes as the ClO(2) concentration decreases. While disproportionation reactions that give equal amounts of ClO(2)(-) and ClO(3)(-) dominate the stoichiometry at millimolar or higher levels of ClO(2), the ratio of ClO(2)(-) to ClO(3)(-) formed increases significantly at micromolar ClO(2) levels. Kinetic evidence shows three concurrent pathways that all exhibit a first-order dependence in [OH(-)] but have variable order in [ClO(2)]. Pathway 1 is a disproportionation reaction that is first order in [ClO(2)]. Pathway 2, a previously unknown reaction, is also first order in [ClO(2)] but forms ClO(2)(-) as the only chlorine-containing product. Pathway 3 is second order in [ClO(2)] and generates equal amounts of ClO(2)(-) and ClO(3)(-). A Cl(2)O(4) intermediate is proposed for this path. At high concentrations of ClO(2), pathway 3 causes the overall ClO(3)(-) yield to approach the overall yield of ClO(2)(-). Pathway 2 is attributed to OH(-) attack on an oxygen atom of ClO(2) that leads to peroxide intermediates and yields ClO(2)(-) and O(2) as products. This pathway is important at low levels of ClO(2).

Journal Article↗

Structure sensitivity of methanol electrooxidation pathways on platinum: an on-line electrochemical mass spectrometry study.

By monitoring the mass fractions of CO(2) (m/z 44) and methylformate (m/z 60, formed from CH(3)OH + HCOOH) with on-line electrochemical mass spectrometry (OLEMS), the selectivity and structure sensitivity of the methanol oxidation pathways were investigated on the basal planes--Pt(111), Pt(110), and Pt(100)--and the stepped Pt electrodes--Pt(554) and Pt(553)--in sulfuric and perchloric acid electrolytes. The maximum reactivity of the MeOH oxidation reaction on Pt(111), Pt(110), and Pt(100) increases in the order Pt(111) < Pt(110) < Pt(100). Mass spectrometry results indicate that the direct oxidation pathway through soluble intermediates plays a pronounced role on Pt(110) and Pt(111), while, on Pt(100), the indirect pathway through adsorbed carbon monoxide is predominant. In 0.5 M H(2)SO(4), introducing steps in the (111) plane increases the total reaction rate, while the relative importance of the direct pathway decreases considerably. In 0.5 M HClO(4), however, introducing steps increases both the total reaction rate and the selectivity toward the direct oxidation pathway. Anion (sulfate) adsorption on (111) leads to a more prominent role of the direct pathway, but, on all the other surfaces, (bi)sulfate seems to block the formation of soluble intermediates. For both electrolytes, increasing the step density results in more methylformate being formed relative to the amount of CO(2) detected, indicating that the [110] steps themselves catalyze the direct oxidation pathway. A detailed reaction scheme for the methanol oxidation mechanism is suggested based on the literature and the results obtained here.

Journal Article↗

Analysis of bridge-mediated pathways for long-range charge transfer systems.

With the density matrix decomposition scheme of the path integral method, an accurate quantitative analysis on bridge-mediated pathways in long-range charge transfer processes is presented. Unlike a donor-bridge-acceptor triad, a long-range charge transfer process with a number of bridges has additional pathways in which charges always migrate through bridges but not necessarily by incoherent nearest-neighbor hopping. By employing the density matrix decomposition and sorting the incoherent nearest-neighbor and the coherent next-nearest-neighbor hopping pathways, respective contributions to the charge transfer are evaluated quantitatively. Numerical results of two series of configurations with varying degrees of coherence within the system have found that, depending on the configuration, the contribution of the coherent pathways other than superexchange pathways is significant. In the presence of the coherence, long-range charge transfer dynamics may be dominated by the through-bridge mechanism that consists of the coherent through-bridge pathways as well as the incoherent nearest-neighbor hopping pathways.

Letter↗