Lanthanide ions for the hydrolysis of 5'-mononucleotides and 3'-mononucleotides

Cleavage of adenosine-5'-monophosphate (5'-AMP), guanosine-5'-monophosphate (5'-GMP), adenosine-3'-monophosphate (3'-AMP) and guanosine-3'-monophosphate (3'-GMP) by lanthanides was investigated by NMR and the method of measuring the liberated phosphates. Rapid cleavage of both 5'-mononucleotides and 3'-mononucleotides by Ce-III and Ce-IV under air at pH 9 and 37 degrees C was observed. Other lanthanides showed less efficiency for hydrolyzing 5'-mononucleotides but 3'-mononucleotides were catalyzed by a range of lanthanide ions. The mechanism for hydrolyzing 3'-mononucleotides by lanthanides was:investigated. The notable difference in reactivity between Ce-III and the other lanthanide ions under air was further studied showing that the cleavage is enhanced with increasing molar fraction of Ce-IV. The fast cleavage of mononucleotides by Ce-III under air at pH 9 is ascribed to the resultant Ce-IV in the reaction mixture. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science Ltd.

AN ALGEBRAIC METHOD TO ESTIMATE GENERAL TYPE OF PHASES OF STRUCTURE FACTORS

The algebraic formulas of 1.5 and 2.5 rank are given for four space groups P2(1), Pn, Pna2(1), P2(1)2(1)2(1). It is better that the results of applying them to estimating general type of phases for four correspondent crystal structures. And a method of transforming algebraic formulas from 1.5(2.5) rank is proposed.

STUDIES ON THE REACTION AND STRUCTURE OF THE COMPLEXES OF ALKALINE-EARTH METAL WITH CHLOROPHOSPHONAZO-DBC

In this paper, the reaction and structure of the complexes of alkaline earth metal (Ca, Sr, Ba) with 2-(4'-chloro-2'-phosphonazo)-7-(2', 6'-dibromo-4'-chlorophenylazo 1, 8-dihydroxy-3, 6-naphthalene disulfonic acid (Chlorophosphonazo-DBC) have been studied. This ligand has eight forms under different acidity. The protonation reactions take place at [H+] > 0.36 mol.dm-3. The ligand begins dissociations at pH > 0.5. Two protons are released in the complexes formation reactions(Me2+ + 2HI half-arrow-pointing-left and half-arrow-pointing-right MeL2 + 2H+). The stability constants of the complexes of Calcium, Strontium and Barium have been determined by Yoe-Jone method, Majumder-Chakrabartty method and calculation method. The order of the stability of complexes is as follows: Sr > Ba > Ca. The structure of the complexes have also been studied by infrared spectroscopy, Laser Raman spectroscopy, NMR, and EPR. The results show that these groups of N = N, PO3H2 and OH are active groups in the complex reactions. The structure of the complexes of Strontium, Barium and Calcium with chlorophosphonazo-DBC are represented and the reaction and the complex bonds are discussed in this paper.

ELECTRONIC-STRUCTURE AND CHEMICAL BONDING OF EUROPIUM NITRATE COMPLEX WITH AZACROWN (2, 2)

The electronic structure and bond character of europium nitrate complex with azacrown (2, 2)(1, 7, 10, 16-tetraoxa-4, 13-diazacyclooctadecane), [Eu(NO_3)_2(2, 2)] NO_3, have been studied by means of XPS and INDO method. The data of electronic binding energies and charge distribution of atoms in the complex showed that chemical shift of less electronegative nitrogen N1s binding energy was larger than that of more electronegative oxygen O1s binding energy in coordinating atoms, and that charge transfer from N...

An improved PCR method for direct identification of Porphyra (Bangiales, Rhodophyta) using conchocelis based on a RUBISCO intergenic spacer

An improved method of PCR in which the small segment of conchocelis is amplified directly without DNA extraction was used to amplify a RUBISCO intergenic spacer DNA fragment from nine species of red algal genus Porphyra (Bangiales, Rhodophyta), including Porphyra yezoensis (Jiangsu, China), P. haitanensis (Fujian, China), P. oligospermatangia (Qingdao, China), P. katadai (Qingdao, China), P. tenera (Qingdao, China), P. suborboculata (Fujian, China), P. pseudolinearis (Kogendo, Korea), P. linearis (Devon, England), and P. fallax (Seattle, USA). Standard PCR and the method developed here were both conducted using primers specific for the RUBISCO spacer region, after which the two PCR products were sequenced. The sequencing data of the amplicons obtained using both methods were identical, suggesting that the improved PCR method was functional. These findings indicate that the method developed here may be useful for the rapid identification of species of Porphyra in a germplasm bank. In addition, a phylogenetic tree was constructed using the RUBISCO spacer and partial rbcS sequence, and the results were in concordant with possible alternative phylogenies based on traditional morphological taxonomic characteristics, indicating that the RUBISCO spacer is a useful region for phylogenetic studies.

An efficient method for DNA isolation from red algae

A simple, inexpensive and efficient method was developed for rapid isolation of total genomic DNA from 15 red algal species. It resulted in 0.1 mug high quality DNA from 1 mg fresh algal material, with an A(260)/A(280) ratio of 1.68 - 1.90. Using this rapidly isolated DNA, the 18S ribosomal RNA genes ( rDNA) and the nuclear ribosomal DNA of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) regions were amplified. The tested DNA was suitable for restriction endonuclease digestion, genetic marker analysis and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification, and may be valid for other genetic manipulation.

Effect of iron on growth and lipid accumulation in Chlorella vulgaris

The economic feasibility of algal mass culture for biodiesel production is enhanced by the increase in biomass productivity and storage lipids. Effect of iron on growth and lipid accumulation in marine microalgae Chlorella vulgaris were investigated. In experiment I, supplementing the growth media with chelated FeCl3 in the late growth phase increased the final cell density but did not induce lipid accumulation in cells. In experiment II, cells in the late-exponential growth phase were collected by centrifugation and re-inoculated into new media supplemented with five levels of Fe3+ concentration. Total lipid content in cultures supplemented with 1.2 x 10(-5) mol L-1 FeCl3 was up to 56.6% biomass by dry weight and was 3-7-fold that in other media supplemented with lower iron concentration. Moreover, a simple and rapid method determining the lipid accumulation in C. vulgaris with spectrofluorimetry was developed. (c) 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

A bioaugmentation failure caused by phage infection and weak biofilm formation ability

Two biological aerated filters (BAF) were setup for ammonia removal treatment of the circulation water in a marine aquaculture. One of the BAFs was bioaugmented with a heterotrophic nitrifying bacterium, Lutimonas sp. H10, where the ammonia removal was not improved and the massive inoculation was even followed by a nitrification breakdown from day 9 to 18. The nitrification was remained stable in control BAF operated under the same conditions. Fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) with rRNA-targeted probes and cultivable method revealed that Lutimonas sp. H10 almost disappeared from the bioaugomented BAF within 3 d, and this was mainly due to the infection of a specific phage as revealed by flask experiment, plaque assay and transmission electron observation. Analyses of 16S rRNA gene libraries showed that bacterial groups from two reactors evolved differently and an overgrowth of protozoa was observed in the bioaugmented BAR Therefore, phage infection and poor biofilm forming ability of the inoculated strain are the main reasons for bioaugmentation failure. In addition, gazing by protozoa of the bacteria might be the reason for the nitrification breakdown in bioaugmented BAF during day 9-18.

Simple, mild and convenient synthesis of two novel N-dichloroacetyl oxazolidines and their biological activities

Two N-dichloroacetyl oxazolidines were synthesized with a simple, mild and convenient method. All the compounds were characterized by IR, (HNMR)-H-1 and elemental analysis. The preliminary biological test showed that the compounds protected maize against injury by some herbicides to some extent.

Inheritance of 15 microsatellites in the Pacific oyster Crassostrea gigas: segregation and null allele identification for linkage analysis

Microsatellites were screened in a backcross family of the Pacific oyster, Crassostrea gigas. Fifteen microsatellite loci were distinguishable and polymorphic with 6 types of allele-combinations. Null alleles were detected in 46.7% of loci, accounting for 11.7% of the total alleles. Four loci did not segregate in Mendelian Ratios. Three linkage groups were identified among 7 of the 15 segregating loci. Fluorescence-based automated capillary electrophoresis (ABI 310 Genetic Analyzer) that used to detect the microsatellite loci, has been proved a fast, precise, and reliable method in microsatellite genotyping.

Synthesized phosphorylated and aminated derivatives of fucoidan and their potential antioxidant activity in vitro

Three sulfated polysaccharide derivatives (phosphorylated and aminated fucoidan) were synthesized, and their potential antioxidant activities were investigated employing various established in vitro systems. Two methods were used in phosphorylation fucoidan: polyphosphoric acid and POCl3 method. Aminated fucoidan was prepared using the epichlorohydrin and ammonia water. All fucoidan derivatives possessed considerable antioxidant activity, and exhibited stronger antioxidant ability than fucoidan in certain tests. The phosphorylated fucoidan showed stronger hydroxyl radical and 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity and reducing power. The mechanism on influence the antioxidant activity of samples of phosphate and amino group was indicated. (C) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Identification of Crassostrea ariakensis and related oysters by multiplex species-specific PCR

Genetic markers are needed for rapid and reliable identification of oysters. In this study, we developed multiplex genus- and species-specific PCR markers for the identification of oysters from China. We used the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I (COI) and nuclear 28S ribosomal RNA genes for marker development. DNA sequences from different species were obtained from GenBank or by direct sequencing. Sequences were aligned, and genus- and species-specific nucleotides were identified. Primers were designed for genus/species-specific amplification to generate fragments of different sizes. A multiplex set of genus- and species-specific primers from the 28S gene was able to separate C. ariakensis and C. hongkongensis from other species and assign oysters to four genera. A set of species-specific COI primers provided positive identification of all five Crassostrea species from China, C. ariakensis, C. hongkongensis, C. angulata, C. gigas, and C. sikamea in a single PCR. The multiplex PCR assays do not require fluorescence-labeling or post-PCR enzyme digestion, providing a simple, fast and reliable method for the identification of oysters from China.

Selective and specific detection of sulfate-reducing bacteria using potentiometric stripping analysis

A fast, sensitive and reliable potentiometric stripping analysis (PSA) is described for the selective detection of the marine pathogenic sulfate-reducing bacterium (SRB). Desulforibrio caledoiensis. The chemical and electrochemical parameters that exert influence on the deposition and stripping of lead ion, such as deposition potential, deposition time and pH value were carefully studied. The concentration of SRB was determined in acetate buffer solution (pH 5.2) under the optimized condition (deposition potential of -1.3 V. deposition time of 250 s, ionic strength of 0.2 mol L-1 and oxidant mercury (II) concentration of 40 mg L-1). A linear relationship between the stripping response and the logarithm of the bacterial concentration was observed in the range of 2.3 x 10 to 2.3 x 10(7) cfu mL(-1). In addition, the potentiometric stripping technique gave a distinct response to the SRB, but had no obvious response to Escherichia coli. The measurement system has a potential for further applications and provides a facile and sample method for detection of pathogenic bacteria. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Simultaneous determination of monoamine and amino acid neurotransmitters in rat endbrain tissues by pre-column derivatization with high-performance liquid chromatographic fluorescence detection and mass spectrometric identification

A sensitive and efficient method for simultaneous determination of glutamic acid (Glu), gamma-amino-butyric acid (GABA), dopamine (DA), 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) and 5-hydroxyindole acetic acid (5-HIAA) in rat endbrains was developed by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with fluorescence detection and on-line mass spectrometric identification following derivatization with 1,2-benzo-3,4-dihydrocarbazole-9-ethyl chloroformate (BCEOC). Different parameters which influenced derivatization and separation were optimized. The complete separation of five neurotransmitter (NT) derivatives was performed on a reversed-phase Hypersil BDS-C-18 column with a gradient elution. The rapid structure identification of five neurotransmitter derivatives was carried out by on-line mass spectrometry with electrospray ionization (ESI) source in positive ion mode, and the BCEOC-labeled derivatives were characterized by easy-to-interpret mass spectra. Stability of derivatives, repeatability, precision and accuracy were evaluated and the results were excellent for efficient HPLC analysis. The quantitative linear range of five neurotransmitters were 2.441-2 x 10(4) nM, and limits of detection were in the range of 0.398-1.258 nM (S/N = 3:1). The changes of their concentrations in endbrains of three rat groups were also studied using this HPLC fluorescence detection method. The results indicated that exhausting exercise could obviously influence the concentrations of neurotransmitters in rat endbrains. The established method exhibited excellent validity, high sensitivity and convenience, and provided a new technique for simultaneous analysis of monoamine and amino acid neurotransmitters in rat brain. (C) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Enhancement of atmospheric pressure chemical ionization for the determination of free and glycine-conjugated bile acids in human serum

A highly sensitive and accurate method based on the precolumn derivatization of bile acids (BA) with a high ionization efficiency labeling reagent 1,2-benzo-3,4-dihydrocarbazole-9-ethyl-benzenesulfonate (BDEBS) coupled with LC/MS has been developed. After derivatization, BA molecules introduced a weak basic nitrogen atom into the molecular core structure that was readily ionized in commonly used acidic HPLC mobile phases. Derivatives were sufficiently stable to be efficiently analyzed by atmospheric pressure chemical ionization (APCI)-MS/MS in positive-ion mode. The MS/MS spectra of BA derivatives showed an intense protonated molecular ion at m/z [M + H](+). The collision-induced dissociation of the molecular ion produced fragment ions at [MH - H2O](+), [MH - 2H(2)O](+), [MH - 3H(2)O](+). The characteristic fragment ions were at m/z 320.8, 262.8, and 243.7 corresponding to a cleavage of N - CO, O - CO, and C - OCC, respectively, and bonds of derivatized molecules. The selected reaction monitoring, based on the m/z [M + H]+ -> [MH - H2O](+), [MH - H2O](+), [MH - 2H(2)O](+), [MH-3H(2)O](+), 320.8, 262.8, and 243.7 transitions, was highly specific for the BA derivatives. The LODs for APCI in a positive-ion mode, at an S/N of 5, were 44.36-153.6 fmol. The validation results showed high accuracy in the range of 93-107% and the mean interday precision for all standards was < 15% at broad linear dynamic ranges (0.0244-25nmol/mL). Good linear responses were observed with coefficients of > 0.9935 in APCI/MS detection. Therefore, the facile BDEBS derivatization coupled with mass spectrometric analysis allowed the development of a highly sensitive and specific method for the quantitation of trace levels of the free and glycine-conjugated BA from human serum samples.