Functional changes in rat liver mitochondria on administration of 2-methyl-4-dimethylaminoazobenzene

Administration of 2-methyl-4-dimethylaminobenzene in the diet (0.1%, w/w) for 85-90 days doubled the content of mitochondria in the livers of rats. The azodye was covalently bound to liver proteins, and about 15% of the amount found in liver was associated with the mitochondrial fraction. Mitochondria isolated from the livers of azodye-fed animals showed drastically lowered ability to oxidize NAD+-linked substrates. The inhibited electron-transfer step was the reduction of ubiquinone. The organelles showed a large increase in succinate oxidase activity. The activity of cytochrome oxidase and the content of cytochrome aa3 were substantially higher in these organelles. Azodye-fed animals showed depressed serum cholesterol concentrations. The content of ubiquinone in liver also registered a small increase.

Polarized ethylenes: structures of (1,3-dimethyl-2-imidazolidinylidene)malononitrile and (1,3-dimethyl-2-perhydropyrimidinylidene)malononitrile

Crystal structures of the title compounds, (I) and (II), have been determined by three-dimensional diffraction methods. Crystals of CsHIoN 4 (I) are monoclinic, space group P21/a with Z = 4, Mr= 162, a = 7.965 (1), b = 16.232 (2), c = 7.343 (1) A, fl = 113.54 (1) °, V = 890.7 A 3, D,n = 1.218, D x = 1.208 gcm -3, g(Cu Ka, 2 = 1.5418/~) = 6.47 em -1, F(000) = 344. The crystals of C9H12N4 (II) are orthorhombic, space group P21en, with Z = 4, Mr = 176, a = 7.983 (3), b = 8.075 (2), c = 14.652 (3) ./k, V = 944.43/~3, Dm= 1.219, D x = 1.237 g cm -3, #(Mo Ka, ). = 0.7107 ,/k) = 0.868 cm -1, F(000) = 376. Both structures were solved by direct methods and refined to R = 5.8% for (I) and 5.3 % for (II). The C-C double-bond distances are 1.407 (3) in (I) and 1.429 (6)/~ in (II), appreciably longer than normal. The steric and push-pull effects result in rotation about the C=C bond, the rotation angles being 20.2 (3) in (I) and 31.5 (6) o in (II).

Reinvestigation of the structure of Feist's acid 3-methylene-trans-1,2-cyclopropanedicarboxylic acid

C6H604, Mr = 142, triclinic, P[, a = 4.842(1), b = 7.607(1), c = 9.168 (3) A, ~ = 98.41(2), fl = 99.89(2), y = 77.74(1) ° , V = 320.9/k 3, Z = 2, Dm= 1.45 (flotation), D x = 1.470 g cm -3, p(Mo Ktt, 2 = 0.7107 A) = 0.63 cm -~, F(000) = 148. The structure was solved by direct methods and refined to an R value of 0.038 for 723 intensity measurements. The geometrical changes in the cyclopropane ring are discussed in the light of substituent effects. In the crystal structure the carboxylic groups are disordered.

Thermal properties of 3BaO-3TiO(2)-B2O3 glasses

Transparent glasses in the system 3BaO-3TiO2-B2O3 (BTBO) were fabricated via the conventional melt-quenching technique. The as-quenched samples were confirmed to be non-crystalline by differential thermal analysis (DTA). Thermal parameters were evaluated using non-isothermal DTA experiments. The Kauzmann temperature was found to be 759 K based on heating-rate-dependent glass transition and crystallization temperatures. A theoretical relation for the temperature-dependent viscosity is proposed for these glasses and glass-ceramics.

Self-Assembly of Molecular Prisms via Pt-3 Organometallic Acceptors and a Pt-2 Organometallic Clip

The design and two-component [2 + 3] self-assembly of a series of new organometallic molecular prisms (3a-d) are described. Assemblies 3a,b incorporate 4,4',4'-tris[ethynyl-trans-Pt(PEt3)(2)]triphenylamine (1a) containing a Pt-ethynyl functionality as tritopic planar acceptor and organic ``clips'' 2a and 2b, respectively [where 2a = 1,3-bis(3-pyridyl)isophthalic amide; 2b= 1,3-bis(ethynyl-3-pyridyl)benzene]. In a complementary approach all organic tritopic planar donor ligand 2c [2c 4,4',4'-tris(4-pyridylethynyl)triphenylamine] was assembled with all organometallic ``clip'', 1,8-bis[{trans-Pt(PEt3) (2)(NO3)}ethynyl]anthracene (1b), to obtain prism 3c. A organometallic carbon-centered acceptor, 1,1,1- tris[4-{trans-Pt(PEt3)(2)(NO3)}ethynylphenyl]ethane (1c), has been prepared, and its prism derivative (3d) using an organic `clip'' is prepared. Assemblies (3a-d) were characterized by multinuclear NMR spectroscopy, electrospray ionization mass spectroscopy, and elemental analysis. 3a-d showed fluorescence behavior in solution, and quenching of fluorescence intensity (3a,3c-d) was noticed upon addition of TNT (2,4,6-trinitrotoluene), a common constituent of many commercial explosives. A thin film of the assembly 3d made by spin coating of a solution of 3 x 10(-5) M in DMF on it 1 cm(2) quartz plate showed fluorescence response to the vapor of TNT.

Self-assembly of three new coordination complexes: Formation of 2-D square grid, 1-D chain and tape structures

Three distinct coordination complexes, viz., [Co(imi)(2)(tmb)(2)] (1) [where imi = imidazole], {[Ni(tmb)(2)(H2O)(3)]center dot 2H(2)O}(n) (2) and [Cu-2(mu-tmb)(4)(CH3OH)(2)] (3), have been synthesized hydrothermally by the reactions of metal acetates,2,4,6-trimethylbenzoic acid (Htmb) and with or without appropriate amine. The Ni analogue of 1 and the Co analogue of 2 have also been synthesized. X-ray single-crystal diffraction suggests that complex 1 represents discrete mononuclear species and complex 2 represents a 1D chain coordination polymer in which the Ni(H) ions are connected by the bridging water molecules. Complex 3 represents a neutral dinuclear complex. In 1, the central metal ions are associated by the carboxylate moiety and imidazole ligands, whereas the central metal atom is coordinated to the carboxylate moiety and the respective solvent molecules in 2 and 3. In 3, the four 2,4,6-trimethylbenzoate moieties act as a bridge connecting two copper (11) ions and the 0 atoms of methanol coord geometry, with the methanol molecule at the apical position. In all the three structures the central metal atom sits on a crystallographic inversion centre. In all the cases, the coordination entities are further organized via hydrogen bonding interactions to generate multifarious supramolecular networks. Complexes 1, 2 and 3 have also been characterized by spectroscopic (UV/Vis and IR) and thermal analysis (TGA). In addition, the complexes were found to exhibit antimicrobial activity. The magnetic susceptibility measurements, measured from 8 to 300 K, revealed antiferromagnetic interactions between the Co(II) ions in compound 1 and the Ni(II) ions in la, respectively.

Sensory Systems in Sawfishes. 2. The Lateral Line.

The lateral line system allows elasmobranchs to detect hydrodynamic movements in their close surroundings. We examined the distribution of pit organs and lateral line canals in 4 species of sawfish (Anoxypristis cuspidata, Pristis microdon, P. clavata and P. zijsron). Pit organs could only be located in A. cuspidata, which possesses elongated pits that are lined by dermal denticles. In all 4 pristid species, the lateral line canals are well developed and were separated into regions of pored and non-pored canals. In all species the tubules that extend from pored canals form extensive networks. In A. cuspidata, P. microdon and P. clavata, the lateral line canals on both the dorsal and ventral surfaces of the rostrum possess extensively branched and pored tubules. Based on this morphological observation, we hypothesized that these 3 species do not use their rostrum to search in the substrate for prey as previously assumed. Other batoids that possess lateral line canals adapted to perceive stimuli produced by infaunal prey possess non-pored lateral line canals, which also prevent the intrusion of substrate particles. However, this hypothesis remains to be tested behaviourally in pristids. Lateral line canals located between the mouth and the nostrils are non-pored in all 4 species of sawfish. Thus this region is hypothesized to perceive stimuli caused by direct contact with prey before ingestion. Lateral line canals that contain neuromasts are longest in P. microdon, but canals containing neuromasts along the rostrum are longest in A. cuspidata.

DNA markers linked to the R(2) rust resistance gene in sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) facilitate anticipatory breeding for this disease variant.

Pre-emptive breeding for host disease resistance is an effective strategy for combating and managing devastating incursions of plant pathogens. Comprehensive, long-term studies have revealed that virulence to the R (2) sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) rust resistance gene in the line MC29 does not exist in the Australian rust (Puccinia helianthi) population. We report in this study the identification of molecular markers linked to this gene. The three simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers ORS795, ORS882, and ORS938 were linked in coupling to the gene, while the SSR marker ORS333 was linked in repulsion. Reliable selection for homozygous-resistant individuals was efficient when the three markers, ORS795, ORS882, and ORS333, were used in combination. Phenotyping for this resistance gene is not possible in Australia without introducing a quarantinable race of the pathogen. Therefore, the availability of reliable and heritable DNA-based markers will enable the efficient deployment of this gene, permitting a more effective strategy for generating sustainable commercial cultivars containing this rust resistance gene.

Gottschalk residence; Zeppelin Strasse 2, Hannover, Germany.

Verso: We were all born in that house except your mother ??

Gottschalk residence; Zeppelinstrasse 2, Hannover, Germany. architecture residences

Verso: Possibly the Gottschalk house at Zeppelinstrasse 2 in Hannover, Germany, dated 1911. Removed from an unknown scrapbook.

Australian hardwood drying best practice manual. Part 2

This manual is a guide to establishing a set of operations to achieve high grade results in product quality and recovery, flexibility, innovation, cost, and competitiveness. The manual outlines: - economic and feasible technologies for increasing recovery and reducing avoidable loss during processing, from the log to the finished board, and - mechanisms that allow production value to be optimised in different sized mills. Part 2 includes sections 8 to 17: Air drying, pre-drying, reconditioning, controlled final drying, dry milling, storage, information assessment, drying quality assessment, moisture content monitoring, glossary. Part 1 Link: http://era.deedi.qld.gov.au/3138 Covers sections 1 to 7: Drying overview and strategy, coupe, log yard, green mill, green pack, bioprotection, rack timber.

Latent TGF-beta Binding Proteins : Adhesive functions and matrix association of LTBP-2 and potential functions of LTBP-1 and LTBP-3 in mesothelioma

Latent transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) binding proteins (LTBPs) -1, -3 and -4 are ECM components whose major function is to augment the secretion and matrix targeting of TGF-beta, a multipotent cytokine. LTBP-2 does not bind small latent TGF-beta but has suggested functions as a structural protein in ECM microfibrils. In the current work we focused on analyzing possible adhesive functions of LTBP-2 as well as on characterizing the kinetics and regulation of LTBP-2 secretion and ECM deposition. We also explored the role of TGF-beta binding LTBPs in endothelial cells activated to mimic angiogenesis as well as in malignant mesothelioma. We found that, unlike most adherent cells, several melanoma cell lines efficiently adhered to purified recombinant LTBP-2. Further characterization revealed that the adhesion was mediated by alpha3beta1 and alpha6beta1 integrins. Heparin also inhibited the melanoma cell adhesion suggesting a role for heparan sulphate proteoglycans. LTBP-2 was also identified as a haptotactic substrate for melanoma cell migration. We used cultured human embryonic lung fibroblasts to analyze the temporal and spatial association of LTBP-2 into ECM. By We found that LTBP-2 was efficiently assembled to the ECM only in confluent cultures following the deposition of fibronectin (FN) and fibrillin-1. In early, subconfluent cultures it remained primarily in soluble form after secretion. LTBP-2 colocalized transiently with FN and fibrillin-1. Silencing of fibrillin-1 expression by lentiviral shRNAs profoundly disrupted the deposition of LTBP-2 indicating that the ECM association of LTBP-2 depends on a pre-formed fibrillin-1 network. Considering the established role of TGF-beta as a regulator of angiogenesis we induced morphological activation of endothelial cells by phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) and followed the fate of LTBP-1 in the endothelial ECM. This resulted in profound proteolytic processing of LTBP-1 and release of latent TGF-beta complexes from the ECM. The processing was coupled with increased activation of MT-MMPs and specific upregulation of MT1-MMP. The major role of MT1-MMP in the proteolysis of LTBP-1 was confirmed by suppressing the expression with lentivirally induced short-hairpin RNAs as well as by various metalloproteinases inhibitors. TGF-beta can promote tumorigenesis of malignant mesothelioma (MM), which is an aggressive tumor of the pleura with poor prognosis. TGF-beta activity was analyzed in a panel of MM tumors by immunohistochemical staining of phosphorylated Smad-2 (P-Smad2). The tumor cells were strongly positive for P-Smad2 whereas LTBP-1 immunoreactivity was abundant in the stroma, and there was a negative correlation between LTBP-1 and P-Smad2 staining. In addition, the high P-Smad2 immunoreactivity correlated with shorter survival of patients. mRNA analysis revealed that TGF-beta1 was the most highly expressed isoform in both normal human pleura and MM tissue. LTBP-1 and LTBP-3 were both abundantly expressed. LTBP-1 was the predominant isoform in established MM cell lines whereas the expression of LTBP-3 was high in control cells. Suppression of LTBP-3 expression by siRNAs resulted in increased TGF-beta activity in MM cell lines accompanied by decreased proliferation. Our results suggest that decreased expression of LTBP-3 in MM could alter the targeting of TGF-beta to the ECM and lead to its increased activation. The current work emphasizes the coordinated process of the assembly and appropriate targeting of LTBPs with distinct adhesive or cytokine harboring properties into the ECM. The hierarchical assembly may have implications in the modulation of signaling events during morphogenesis and tissue remodeling.

BSDD-2.0: Biomolecules Segment Display Device - An updated web accessible computing resource

The existing internet computing resource, Biomolecules Segment Display Device (BSDD), has been updated with several additional useful features. An advanced option is provided to superpose the structural motifs obtained from a search on the Protein Data Bank (PDB) in order to see if the three-dimensional structures adopted by identical or similar sequence motifs are the same. Furthermore, the options to display structural aspects like inter- and intra-molecular interactions, ion-pairs, disulphide bonds, etc. have been provided.The updated resource is interfaced with an up-to-date copy of the public domain PDB as well as 25 and 90% non-redundant protein structures. Further, users can upload the three-dimensional atomic coordinates (PDB format) from the client machine. A free molecular graphics program, JMol, is interfaced with it to display the three-dimensional structures.