Synthesis,characterization, catalase functions and DNA cleavage studies of new homo and heteronuclear Schiff base copper(II) complexes

A new tetradentate diimine–dioxime ligand containing a donor set of N₄, and its homo-, heterodinuclear and homotrinuclear copper(II) complexes were prepared and characterized on the basis of their elemental analysis, FT-IR, ¹H and ¹³C NMR spectra, molar conductivity and magnetic moment measurements. The extraction ability of N,N′′-bis[1-biphenyl-2-hydroxyimino-1-ethylidene]-diethylenetriamine was also evaluated in chloroform by using several transition metal picrates such as Mn(II), Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II), Zn(II), Pb(II), Cd(II) and Hg(II). It has been seen that the ligand shows strong binding ability toward the copper(II) ion. Moreover, the catalytic activities of the complexes for the disproportionation of hydrogen peroxide were investigated in the presence of imidazole. The synthesized complexes display efficiency in the disproportion reactions of hydrogen peroxide, producing water and dioxygen in catalase-like activity. The interaction between these complexes and DNA has also been investigated by agarose gel electrophoresis. We found that the homo- and heterodinuclear copper complexes can cleave supercoiled pBR322 DNA to nicked and linear forms. The dinuclear complexes including phenanthroline (2–4), with H₂O₂ as a co-oxidant, exhibited the strongest cleaving activity.     

Inverse scattering on the half-line for generalized ZS-AKNS system with general boundary conditions

The inverse scattering problem for a first order system of three equations on the half-line with nonsingular diagonal matrix multiplying the derivative and general boundary conditions is considered. It is focused the case of two repeated diagonal elements of diagonal matrix. The scattering matrix on the half line is defined and a unique restoration of the potential from the scattering matrix is proved. The possible application to integration of integro-differential four-wave interaction problem is also focused.     

Modification of sialic acid-MBTH assay for quantitative determination of nonenzymatically glucosylated proteins

A colorimetric assay for the quantitative determination of nonenzymatically glucosylated proteins is presented. The method employed is a modification of the method of Massamiri et al. (1978, Anal. Biochem., 91, 618–625) for quantitating sialic acid residues. The procedure involves periodate oxidation of the glucosylated protein releasing formaldehyde. The latter is then detected by complexing with the reagent, 3-methyl-2-benzothiazolinone hydrazone (MBTH). Fructose is used as a standard as it is structurally analogous to the ketoamine form on the protein. The MBTH assay can accurately detect fructose in concentrations as low as 1 μM. The assay was utilized to quantitate in vitro nonenzymatically glucosylated calmodulin and bovine serum albumin.     

Effects of European mistletoe (Viscum album L. subsp. album) extracts on activity rhythms of the Syrian hamsters (Mesocricetus auratus)

Antitumor drugs may have some significant nervous system side-effects such as disrupted sleep, eating and drinking patterns. European Mistletoe has been investigated for many decades for its potential use against cancer. To test the hypothesis that the non-antineoplastic effects of mistletoe might be mediated by the actions on the circadian timing system, we have applied mistletoe extracts and vehicle and have measured locomotor activity, feeding and drinking rhythms under constant darkness. Four groups (vehicle, 20 mg kg(-1) ip injection, 40 mg kg(-1) ip injection and 6 g kg(-1) oral administration) were performed for both heat-treated and freeze-dried extracts. None of the administrations changed the locomotor activity, feeding and drinking rhythms in the groups except for 40 mg kg(-1) freeze-dried injected group. The locomotor activity levels decreased in 40 mg kg(-1) freeze-dried extract injected group. These results suggest that, side-effects of mistletoe on circadian timing system of the Syrian hamster depend on the dose and the preparation method of the extract.     

Identification of redox sensitive thiols of protein disulfide isomerase using isotope coded affinity technology and mass spectrometry

Regulation of the redox state of protein disulfide isomerase (PDI) is critical for its various catalytic functions. Here we describe a procedure utilizing isotope-coded affinity tag (ICAT) technology and mass spectrometry that quantitates relative changes in the dynamic thiol and disulfide states of human PDI. Human PDI contains six cysteine residues, four present in two active sites within the a and a' domains, and two present in the b' domain. ICAT labeling of human PDI indicates a difference between the redox state of the two active sites. Furthermore, under auto-oxidation conditions an approximately 80% decrease in available thiols within the a domain was detected. Surprisingly, the redox state of one of the two cysteines, Cys-295, within the b' domain was altered between the fully reduced and the auto-oxidized state of PDI while the other b' domain cysteine remained fully reduced. An interesting mono- and dioxidation modification of an invariable tryptophan residue, Trp-35, within the active site was also mapped by tandem mass spectrometry. Our findings indicate that ICAT methodology in conjunction with mass spectrometry represents a powerful tool to monitor changes in the redox state of individual cysteine residues within PDI under various conditions.     

An amperometric biosensor based on multiwalled carbon nanotube-poly(pyrrole)-horseradish peroxidase nanobiocomposite film for determination of phenol derivatives

An amperometric biosensor based on horseradish peroxidase (HRP) and carbon nanotube (CNT)/polypyrrole (PPy) nanobiocomposite film on a gold surface has been developed. The HRP was incorporated into the CNT/PPy nanocomposite matrix in one-step electropolymerization process without the aid of cross-linking agent. Amperometric response was measured as a function of concentration of phenol derivatives, at a fixed bias voltage of -50 mV. Optimization of the experimental parameters was performed with regard to pH and concentration of hydrogen peroxide. The linear range, sensitivity and detection limit of the biosensor were investigated for eighteen phenol derivatives. The sensitivity in the linear range increased in this order: 4-methoxyphenol>2-aminophenol>guaiacol=m-cresol>2-chlorophenol=4-chlorophenol=hydroquinone=pyrocatechol>2,6-dimethoxyphenol>3-chlorophenol>p-cresol>p-benzoquinone=4-acetamidophenol>catechol>phenol=pyrogallol=2,4-dimethylphenol. CNTs was shown to enhance the electron transfer as a mediator and capable to carry higher bioactivity owing to its intensified surface area. The biosensor exhibited low detection limits with a short response time (2s) for the tested phenolics compared to the reported working electrodes. It retained 70% of its initial activity after using for 700 measurements in 1 month.     

Removal of thorium(IV) from aqueous solution by biosorption onto modified powdered waste sludge: experimental design approach

The biosorption of radioactive Th(IV) ions in the aqueous solutions onto the modified powdered waste sludge (MPWS) has been examined. In this context, the parameters affecting biosorption of Th(IV) from aqueous solutions has been examined by using MPWS biosorbent in Box Behnken statistical experimental design. The structure of MPWS biosorbent was characterized by using SEM and BET techniques. According to the experimental design results, MPWS and Th(IV) concentrations should be kept high to achieve the maximum efficiency in Th(IV) biosorption. On the other hand, MPWS, which is also used as a biosorbent, is an economical, effective and natural biosorbent.

     

A new approach to solar flare prediction

Frontiers of Physics - Graphene oxide (GO), the functionalized graphene with oxygenated groups (mainly epoxy and hydroxyl), has attracted resurgent interests in the past decade owing to its large...     

Developing teachers' models for assessing students' competence in mathematical modelling through lesson study

Applications and modelling have gained a prominent role in mathematics education reform documents and curricula. Thus, there is a growing need for studies focusing on the effective use of mathematical modelling in classrooms. Assessment is an integral part of using modelling activities in classrooms, since it allows teachers to identify and manage problems that arise in various stages of the modelling process. However, teachers’ difficulties in assessing student modelling work are a challenge to be considered when implementing modelling in the classroom. Thus, the purpose of this study was to investigate how teachers’ knowledge on generating assessment criteria for assessing student competence in mathematical modelling evolved through a professional development programme, which is based on a lesson study approach and modelling perspective. The data was collected with four teachers from two public high schools over a five-month period. The professional development programme included a cyclical process, with each cycle consisting of an introductory meeting, the implementation of a model-eliciting activity with students, and a follow-up meeting. The results showed that the professional development programme contributed to teachers’ knowledge for generating assessment criteria on the products, and the observable actions that affect the modelling cycle.     

Thermal boundary layer and the characteristic length on natural convection over a horizontal plate

Thickness of the thermal boundary layer on natural convection from a horizontal plate was experimentally measured and expressed as a function of Rayleigh number both in laminar and turbulent regimes. Several parametric equations expressing the Nusselt number as a function of Rayleigh number were developed combining experimental data by other authors with the ones obtained in this work. The characteristic length was taken as the thickness of the thermal boundary layer in one equation and as the ratio of the area to the perimeter in another one. Both characteristic lengths correlated the data precisely in wide ranges of Rayleigh numbers.

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