Interactions of thiophenes and acidophilic,thermophilic bacteria

The growth and oxygen consumption of a variety of thermophilic, acidophilic bacteria in the presence of thiophene-2-carboxylate (T2C) and dibenzothiophene (DBT) have been determined. T2C was extremely toxic to the acidophiles in comparison with neutrophiles, but appeared to be degraded by a heterotrophicSulfolobus- like thermophile. DBT proved to be unstable at high temperatures, even in the absence of bacteria, and was not a substrate for the thermophiles.     

Self-avoiding random walk: A Brownian motion model with local time drift

Summary A natural model for a self-avoiding Brownian motion inR ^d, when specialised and simplified tod=1, becomes the stochastic differential equation , where {L(t, x):t0,xR} is the local time process ofX. ThoughX is not Markovian, an analogue of the Ray-Knight theorem holds for {L(,x):xR}, which allows one to prove in many cases of interest that exists almost surely, and to identify the limit.     

Mapping of possible prion protein self-interaction domains using peptide arrays

Background  

The common event in transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs) or prion diseases is the conversion of host-encoded protease sensitive cellular prion protein (PrP^C) into strain dependent isoforms of scrapie associated protease resistant isoform (PrP^Sc) of prion protein (PrP). These processes are determined by similarities as well as strain dependent variations in the PrP structure. Selective self-interaction between PrP molecules is the most probable basis for initiation of these processes, potentially influenced by chaperone molecules, however the mechanisms behind these processes are far from understood. We previously determined that polymorphisms do not affect initial PrP^C to PrP^Sc binding but rather modulate a subsequent step in the conversion process. Determining possible sites of self-interaction could elucidate which amino acid(s) or amino acid sequences contribute to binding and further conversion into other isoforms. To this end, ovine – and bovine PrP peptide-arrays consisting of 15-mer overlapping peptides were probed with recombinant sheep PrP^C fused to maltose binding protein (MBP-PrP).     

Optimized separation of scopoletin and umbelliferone and cis-trans isomers of ferulic and p-coumaric acids by reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography

A systematic optimization strategy for reverse-phase h.p.l.c. is used to produce complete separation of all components of a mixture containing two coumarins, umbelliferone and scopoletin, and the cis-trans isomers of two cinnamic acids, p-coumaric and ferulic. A series of experiments gives retention time data for each of these substances in four citric acid-buffered mobile phases. A mathematical model fitted to this data gives model parameters that provide the basis for a window diagram of relative retentions vs. mobile phase pH. The window diagram gives an estimate of the mobile phase pH required for optimum separation.     

Stereoelectronic control of the rate of ring opening in azidofurans

5-Azido-2-furyl alkyl ketones are converted into nitrogen and 4,5-dioxo-2-alkenenitriles in a reaction whose facility depends on the nature of the alkyl group.     

Toward a microchip-based solid-phase extraction method for isolation of nucleic acids

A silica-based solid-phase extraction system suitable for incorporation into a microchip platform (nu-total analytical system; nu-TAS) would find utility in a variety of genetic analysis protocols, including DNA sequencing. The extraction procedure utilized is based on adsorption of the DNA onto bare silica. The procedure involves three steps: (i) DNA adsorption in the presence of a chaotropic salt, (ii) removal of contaminants with an alcohol/water solution, and (iii) elution of the adsorbed DNA in a small volume of buffer suitable for polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification. Multiple approaches for incorporation of this protocol into a microchip were examined with regard to extraction efficiency, reproducibility, stability, and the potential to provide PCR-amplifiable DNA. These included packing microchannels with silica beads only, generating a continuous silica network via sol-gel chemistry, and combinations of these. The optimal approach was found to involve immobilizing silica beads packed into the channel using a sol-gel network. This method allowed for successful extraction and elution of nanogram quantities of DNA in less than 25 min, with the DNA obtained in the elution buffer fraction. Evaluation of the eluted DNA indicated that it was of suitable quality for subsequent amplification by PCR.     

Studies on intramolecular nh-bridging in aromatic compounds. Part 3 [1–3]

A study was made of the use of calcium oxide as a catalyst at a temperature of 400–700° for the dehy-drocyclization of four primary arylamines: 2-aminobiphenyl, 1-aminotriphenylene (5c) , 2-phenoxyaniline, and N-(2-aminophenyl)pyrrole. Maximal yields of cyclized products isolated were 53% (carbazole), 52% (4H-naphtho[1,4-def]carbazole), 18% (phenoxazine), and 0%, respectively. Comparison is made with reported cyclizations of the corresponding nitro and azido starting materials. In one case, treatment of I-nitrotriphenylene with triethyl phosphite produced mainly diethyl N-(1-triphenylenyl)phosphoramidate (51%). Mono- and hemihydrochlorides of 5c are described. A mechanism for the catalyzed dehydrocy-clization is proposed.