Montana Mills - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Papers by Montana Mills

Mineralogy and Petrology, 2010

Auriacusite, ideally Fe3+Cu2+AsO4O, is a new arsenate mineral (IMA2009–037) and the Fe3+ analogue... more Auriacusite, ideally Fe3+Cu2+AsO4O, is a new arsenate mineral (IMA2009–037) and the Fe3+ analogue of olivenite, from the Black Pine mine, 14.5 km NW of Philipsburg, Granite Co., Montana, USA. It occurs lining quartz vughs and coating quartz crystals and is associated with segnitite, brochantite, malachite, tetrahedrite and pyrite. Auriacusite forms fibrous crystals up to about 5 µm in width and up to about 100 µm in length, which are intergrown to form fibrous mats. Individual crystals are a brownish golden yellow, whilst the fibrous mats are ochreous yellow. The crystals have a silky lustre and a brownish yellow streak. Mohs hardness is about 3 (estimated). The fracture is irregular and the tenacity is brittle. Auriacusite crystals are biaxial (+), with α = 1.830(5), β = 1.865(5) and γ = 1.910(5), measured using white light, and with 2V meas. = 83(3)º and 2V calc. = 84.6º. Orientation: X = a, Y = c, Z = b. Crystals are nonpleochroic or too weakly so to be observed. The empirical formula (based on 5 O atoms) is (Fe 1.333+Cu0.85Zn0.03)Σ2.21(As0.51Sb0.27Si0.04 S0.02Te0.01)Σ0.85O5. Auriacusite is orthorhombic, space group Pnnm, a = 8.6235(7), b = 8.2757(7), c = 5.9501(5) Å, V = 424.63(6) Å3, Z = 4. The five strongest lines in the powder X-ray diffraction pattern are [d obs in Å / (I) / hkl]: 4.884 / (100) / 101, 001; 2.991 / (92) / 220; 2.476 / (85) / 311; 2.416 / (83) / 022; 2.669 / (74) / 221. The crystal structure was solved from single-crystal X-ray diffraction data utilising synchrotron radiation and refined to R 1 = 0.1010 on the basis of 951 unique reflections with F o > 4σF. Auriacusite is identified as a member of the olivenite group with Fe3+ replacing Zn2+ or Cu2+ in trigonal bipyramidal coordination. Evidence suggests that auriacusite is an intermediate member between olivenite and an as yet undescribed Fe3+Fe3+-dominant member. The name is derived from the Latin auri (golden yellow) and acus (needle), in reference to its colour and crystal morphology.

Sin Nombre virus (SNV), hosted by the deer mouse (Peromyscus maniculatus), is the principal cause... more Sin Nombre virus (SNV), hosted by the deer mouse (Peromyscus maniculatus), is the principal cause of hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS) in North America. To improve our understanding of factors that contribute to the occurrence of HPS, we conducted an extensive field study of the characteristics of newly infected (as determined by recent acquisition of antibody) deer mice and the temporal pattern of antibody acquisition (seroconversion) from 1994 through 2004 in Montana, USA. We sampled 6,584 individual deer mice, of which 2,747 were captured over multiple trapping periods. Among these 2,747 deer mice, we detected 171 instances of seroconversion. There was no relationship between seroconversion and the acquisition of scars. However, recently infected Montana deer mice were more likely to be older, more likely to be males, and more likely to be in breeding condition. In addition, recently infected male deer mice gained less weight over the 1-mo period following seroconversion than did those that did not acquire antibody, suggesting that SNV infection may have negatively impacted the health of infected rodents. Incidence was highly variable among years, and timing of infections was primarily associated with the breeding season (generally early spring through late fall).

Organometallics, 2005

Twofold sila-substitution (C/Si exchange) in the saturated ring of the tetrahydronaphthalene skel... more Twofold sila-substitution (C/Si exchange) in the saturated ring of the tetrahydronaphthalene skeleton of the RXR-selective retinoid agonist bexarotene (1a) leads to disilabexarotene (1b). Compound 1b was synthesized in a multistep synthesis, starting from 1,2bis(chlorodimethylsilyl)ethane. The identity of 1b was established by elemental analyses and multinuclear NMR studies, and the C/Si analogues 1a and 1b (and an intermediate in the synthesis of 1b) were structurally characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Furthermore, 1a and 1b were studied for their interaction with retinoid X receptors. Although the twofold sila-substitution of 1a resulted in significant differences in the molecular structures of 1a and 1b, disila-bexarotene (1b) was shown to be a highly potent RXR agonist.

Geomorphology, 2008

Debris flows are very important and widespread mass movements, and represent a remarkable geomorp... more Debris flows are very important and widespread mass movements, and represent a remarkable geomorphological hazard. This research deals with debris flows in an alpine environment, studied using dendrogeomorphological dating techniques, outlining their relation with precipitation, and analysing possible changes in their frequency and intensity over time. The study area is the upper Valle del Gallo (Northern Italy), a typical high mountain environment dominated by mass wasting processes, where many debris-flow fans occupy the valley bottom. Dendrogeomorphological research was conducted on twelve of these fans and two channels located on slopes. Tree growth anomalies (abrasion scars, compression wood and abrupt growth changes) were used as dating methods. Two hundred and thirty nine debris debris-flow events between 1875 and 2003 were dated using 757 trees (Pinus montana Mill.). Analysis between dated events and precipitation suggests that debris flows in the study area could be triggered by 20-30 mm of rain concentrated in a few hours. The debris-flow frequency tends to increase gradually, but the highest value seems to have occurred in the period 1974-1983. This trend agrees with the historical occurrence of flooding events in Northern Italy as inferred by literature, and with similar studies conducted in the Swiss Alps. The results of this research are intended as a contribution for understanding the response of geomorphological processes to climatic changes.

Organometallics, 2006

Sila-venlafaxine, a Sila-Analogue of the Serotonin/Noradrenaline Reuptake Inhibitor Venlafaxine: ... more Sila-venlafaxine, a Sila-Analogue of the Serotonin/Noradrenaline Reuptake Inhibitor Venlafaxine: Synthesis, Crystal Structure Analysis, and Pharmacological Characterization. -Title compound (I) and some derivatives are prepared by a racemic multi-step synthesis followed by optical resolution. Pharmacological characterization of these compounds (in form of their hydrochlorides) reveals sila-venlafaxine (I) to exhibit selective noradrenaline reuptake inhibition which is interesting with a view to the treatment of several nervous system disorders. -(DAISS, J. O.; BURSCHKA, C.; MILLS, J. S.; MONTANA, J. G.; SHOWELL, G. A.; WARNECK, J. B. H.; TACKE*, R.; Organometallics 25 (2006) 5, 1188-1198; Inst. Anorg. Chem., Julius-Maximilians-Univ., D-97074 Wuerzburg, Germany; Eng.) -Nuesgen 26-149

Mineralogy and Petrology, 2010

Auriacusite, ideally Fe3+Cu2+AsO4O, is a new arsenate mineral (IMA2009–037) and the Fe3+ analogue... more Auriacusite, ideally Fe3+Cu2+AsO4O, is a new arsenate mineral (IMA2009–037) and the Fe3+ analogue of olivenite, from the Black Pine mine, 14.5 km NW of Philipsburg, Granite Co., Montana, USA. It occurs lining quartz vughs and coating quartz crystals and is associated with segnitite, brochantite, malachite, tetrahedrite and pyrite. Auriacusite forms fibrous crystals up to about 5 µm in width and up to about 100 µm in length, which are intergrown to form fibrous mats. Individual crystals are a brownish golden yellow, whilst the fibrous mats are ochreous yellow. The crystals have a silky lustre and a brownish yellow streak. Mohs hardness is about 3 (estimated). The fracture is irregular and the tenacity is brittle. Auriacusite crystals are biaxial (+), with α = 1.830(5), β = 1.865(5) and γ = 1.910(5), measured using white light, and with 2V meas. = 83(3)º and 2V calc. = 84.6º. Orientation: X = a, Y = c, Z = b. Crystals are nonpleochroic or too weakly so to be observed. The empirical formula (based on 5 O atoms) is (Fe 1.333+Cu0.85Zn0.03)Σ2.21(As0.51Sb0.27Si0.04 S0.02Te0.01)Σ0.85O5. Auriacusite is orthorhombic, space group Pnnm, a = 8.6235(7), b = 8.2757(7), c = 5.9501(5) Å, V = 424.63(6) Å3, Z = 4. The five strongest lines in the powder X-ray diffraction pattern are [d obs in Å / (I) / hkl]: 4.884 / (100) / 101, 001; 2.991 / (92) / 220; 2.476 / (85) / 311; 2.416 / (83) / 022; 2.669 / (74) / 221. The crystal structure was solved from single-crystal X-ray diffraction data utilising synchrotron radiation and refined to R 1 = 0.1010 on the basis of 951 unique reflections with F o > 4σF. Auriacusite is identified as a member of the olivenite group with Fe3+ replacing Zn2+ or Cu2+ in trigonal bipyramidal coordination. Evidence suggests that auriacusite is an intermediate member between olivenite and an as yet undescribed Fe3+Fe3+-dominant member. The name is derived from the Latin auri (golden yellow) and acus (needle), in reference to its colour and crystal morphology.

Sin Nombre virus (SNV), hosted by the deer mouse (Peromyscus maniculatus), is the principal cause... more Sin Nombre virus (SNV), hosted by the deer mouse (Peromyscus maniculatus), is the principal cause of hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS) in North America. To improve our understanding of factors that contribute to the occurrence of HPS, we conducted an extensive field study of the characteristics of newly infected (as determined by recent acquisition of antibody) deer mice and the temporal pattern of antibody acquisition (seroconversion) from 1994 through 2004 in Montana, USA. We sampled 6,584 individual deer mice, of which 2,747 were captured over multiple trapping periods. Among these 2,747 deer mice, we detected 171 instances of seroconversion. There was no relationship between seroconversion and the acquisition of scars. However, recently infected Montana deer mice were more likely to be older, more likely to be males, and more likely to be in breeding condition. In addition, recently infected male deer mice gained less weight over the 1-mo period following seroconversion than did those that did not acquire antibody, suggesting that SNV infection may have negatively impacted the health of infected rodents. Incidence was highly variable among years, and timing of infections was primarily associated with the breeding season (generally early spring through late fall).

Organometallics, 2005

Twofold sila-substitution (C/Si exchange) in the saturated ring of the tetrahydronaphthalene skel... more Twofold sila-substitution (C/Si exchange) in the saturated ring of the tetrahydronaphthalene skeleton of the RXR-selective retinoid agonist bexarotene (1a) leads to disilabexarotene (1b). Compound 1b was synthesized in a multistep synthesis, starting from 1,2bis(chlorodimethylsilyl)ethane. The identity of 1b was established by elemental analyses and multinuclear NMR studies, and the C/Si analogues 1a and 1b (and an intermediate in the synthesis of 1b) were structurally characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Furthermore, 1a and 1b were studied for their interaction with retinoid X receptors. Although the twofold sila-substitution of 1a resulted in significant differences in the molecular structures of 1a and 1b, disila-bexarotene (1b) was shown to be a highly potent RXR agonist.

Geomorphology, 2008

Debris flows are very important and widespread mass movements, and represent a remarkable geomorp... more Debris flows are very important and widespread mass movements, and represent a remarkable geomorphological hazard. This research deals with debris flows in an alpine environment, studied using dendrogeomorphological dating techniques, outlining their relation with precipitation, and analysing possible changes in their frequency and intensity over time. The study area is the upper Valle del Gallo (Northern Italy), a typical high mountain environment dominated by mass wasting processes, where many debris-flow fans occupy the valley bottom. Dendrogeomorphological research was conducted on twelve of these fans and two channels located on slopes. Tree growth anomalies (abrasion scars, compression wood and abrupt growth changes) were used as dating methods. Two hundred and thirty nine debris debris-flow events between 1875 and 2003 were dated using 757 trees (Pinus montana Mill.). Analysis between dated events and precipitation suggests that debris flows in the study area could be triggered by 20-30 mm of rain concentrated in a few hours. The debris-flow frequency tends to increase gradually, but the highest value seems to have occurred in the period 1974-1983. This trend agrees with the historical occurrence of flooding events in Northern Italy as inferred by literature, and with similar studies conducted in the Swiss Alps. The results of this research are intended as a contribution for understanding the response of geomorphological processes to climatic changes.

Organometallics, 2006

Sila-venlafaxine, a Sila-Analogue of the Serotonin/Noradrenaline Reuptake Inhibitor Venlafaxine: ... more Sila-venlafaxine, a Sila-Analogue of the Serotonin/Noradrenaline Reuptake Inhibitor Venlafaxine: Synthesis, Crystal Structure Analysis, and Pharmacological Characterization. -Title compound (I) and some derivatives are prepared by a racemic multi-step synthesis followed by optical resolution. Pharmacological characterization of these compounds (in form of their hydrochlorides) reveals sila-venlafaxine (I) to exhibit selective noradrenaline reuptake inhibition which is interesting with a view to the treatment of several nervous system disorders. -(DAISS, J. O.; BURSCHKA, C.; MILLS, J. S.; MONTANA, J. G.; SHOWELL, G. A.; WARNECK, J. B. H.; TACKE*, R.; Organometallics 25 (2006) 5, 1188-1198; Inst. Anorg. Chem., Julius-Maximilians-Univ., D-97074 Wuerzburg, Germany; Eng.) -Nuesgen 26-149