Optimal population analysis

An easy method of approximating the electron density of a molecule by expressing it as a sum of squares of atomic orbitals is described. The coefficients are determined by minimizing the error in the electric field. The optimal population analysis is an integration of this optimized density over the orbitals belonging to one atom. The Mulliken population analysis can be interpreted as the integral of a Mulliken density that is a similar expression with fixed coefficients. The two densities are compared in détail using calculations on the water molecule and, more briefly, HF, LiH, BH, and C₂H₄. The error in the densities is identified and examined. The optimal population analysis is strongly recommended as a practical improvement to the Mulliken populations.     

Partial purification of active delta and epsilon subunits of the membrane ATPase from escherichia coli.

We have partially purified active delta and epsilon subunits of the E. coli membrane-bound Mg2+-ATPase (ECF1). Treating purified ECF1 with 50% pyridine precipitates the major subunits (alpha, beta, and gamma) of the enzyme, but the two minor subunits (delta and epsilon), which are present in relatively small amounts, remain in solution. The delta and epsilon subunits were then resolved from one another by anion exchange chromatography. The partially purified epsilon strongly inhibits the hydrolytic activity of ECF1. The epsilon fraction inhibits both the highly purified five-subunit ATPase and the enzyme deficient in the delta subunit. The latter result indicates that the delta subunit is not required for inhibition by epsilon. By contrast, two-subunit enzyme, consisting chiefly of the alpha and beta subunits, was insensitive to the ATPase inhibitor, suggesting that the gamma subunit may be required for inhibition by epsilon. The partially purified delta subunit restored the capacity of ATPase deficient in delta to recombine with ATPase-depleted membranes and to reconstitute ATP-dependent transhydrogenase. Previously we reported (Biochem, Biophys. Res. Commun. 62:764 [1975]) that a fraction containing both the delta and epsilon subunits of ECF1 restored the capacity of ATPase missing delta to recombine with depleted membranes and to function as a coupling factor in oxidative phosphorylation and for the energized transhydrogenase. These reconstitution experiments using isolated subunits provide rather substantial evidence that the delta subunit is essential for attaching the ATPase to the membrane and that the epsilon subunit has a regulatory function as an inhibitor of the ATPase activity of ECF1.     

High-performance liquid chromatography of cardiolipin

Resolution of freshly prepared and of commercially available (degraded) samples of cardiolipin into 15-30 components has been accomplished by reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography using a 3-micron particulate Microsorb C18 column irrigated with linear gradients of acetonitrile--methanol--10 mM phosphate buffer pH 7.4. Selected resolved components were crystallized and characterized by infrared absorption spectra. Saponification of other components and identification of component fatty acids by reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography demonstrated the presence of ten fatty acids (14:0, 14:1, 16:0, 16:1, 18:0, 18:1, 18:2, 18:3, 20:0, 20:4), with linoleic acid (18:2) identified in all resolved components. From fatty acid composition data it appears that several resolved fractions consist of single cardiolipin molecular species.     

A thermal synthesis of a new tin(IV) dithiocarbamate

A new tin dithiocarbamate containing sulphur bridges, di--sulphidobis [bis(N,N-diethyldithiocarbamato)tin(IV)], has been isolated from the thermal decomposition of tetrakis(N,N-diethyldithiocarbamato)tin(IV). A dimeric structure is proposed on the basis of results from mass spectrometry, infrared spectroscopy, thermal analysis and vapour pressure osmometry.

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Zusammenfassung Ein neues, Schwefelbrücken enthaltendes Zinn-Dithiocarbamat, Di--sulfidobis[bis(N,N-diäthyldithiocarbamato)Zinn(IV)], wurde bei der Zersetzung von Tetrakis(N,N-diäthyl-dithiocarbamato)Zinn(IV) isoliert. Aufgrund der Ergebnisse der Massenspektrometrie, der Infrarotspektroskopie, der Thermoanalyse und der Dampfdruck-Osmometrie wird eine Dimerstruktur vorgeschlagen.

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Résumé Un nouveau dithiocarbamate d'étain contenant des ponts de soufre, le di--sulfidobis[bis(N,N-diéthyl-dithiocarbamato)é tain(IV)], a été isolé lors de la décomposition thermique du tétrakis(N,N-diethyl-dithiocarbamato) étain(IV). Une structure dimère est proposéeà partir des résultats obtenus par spectrométrie de masse, spectroscopie infrarouge, analyse thermique et osmométrie sous pression de vapeur.

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—-- [/N,N- (/IV)], [/N,N- (/IV)], , (N,N- ) (IV). - , , .

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The authors gratefully acknowledge the assistance given by Dr. A. G. Wedd with the vacuum sublimation technique. One of us, G. K. B., is grateful for a research scholarship provided by La Trobe University.     

INTERACTION OF VIOLOGEN DYES WITH CHROMATOPHORES AND REACTION-CENTER PREPARATIONS FROM RHODOSPIRILLUM RUBRUM

Abstract —Various low-potential viologen dyes enhance light-induced absorption changes in the near-infrared region (ΔA870) in chromatophore preparations from Rhodospirillum rubrum in the presence of dichlorophenol indophenol and a high concentration of ascorbate (DCPIP + asc). An increase in ΔA870 was also observed in large reaction-center preparations from R. rubrum with viologens in the presence of ascorbate. Our results indicate that E'₀, of the primary electron acceptor X may be as low as -0.37 V, as suggested recently by P. A. Loach (1973, personal communication).     

Measurement of cell migration on surface-bound fibronectin gradients

A novel technique for the quantitative observation of cell migration along linear gradient substrates functionalized with adhesive proteins is presented. Gradients of the cell adhesion molecule fibronectin are generated by the cross diffusion of functionalizable alkanethiols on gold and characterized by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and surface plasmon resonance. Two distinct migration assays are described that characterize the movement of either sparsely populated noncontacting cells or a confluent monolayer of cells into free space. The drift speed of bovine aortic endothelial cells is measured and shown to increase along a fibronectin gradient when compared to a uniform control substrate using both assays. The results of these experiments establish reproducible conditions for studies of cell migration on gradients of surface-bound ligands.     

Reactions of metal carbonyl cluster complexes with multidentate phosphine ligands; reactions with bis(diphenylphosphino)methane

Reactions of Rh₆(CO)₁₆ with bis(diphenylphosphino)methane (dppm) gave Rh₆(CO)₁₄(dppm), Rh₆(CO)₁₂(dppm)₂, or Rh₆(CO)₁₀(dppm)₃, depending upon the reaction conditions. Rh₄(CO)₁₀(dppm) may be obtained from the reaction of Rh₄(CO)₁₂ with dppm, but this derivative rapidly decomposes in solution to give Rh₄(CO)₈(dppm)₂, Rh₆(CO)₁₄(dppm), and Rh₆(CO)₁₂(dppm)₂. Ir₄(CO)₁₀(dppm) and Ir₄(CO)₈(dppm)₂ have also been prepared, and their structures are discussed on the basis of infrared and ³¹P NMR spectroscopic data.     

Investigation of the metabolic fate of 2-, 3- and 4-bromobenzoic acids in bile-duct-cannulated rats by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry and high-performance liquid chromatography/inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry/electrospray mass spectrometry

Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICPMS) has been used to determine the rate and routes of excretion of bromine following the intraperitoneal administration (50 mg kg(-1)) of 2-, 3- and 4-bromobenzoic acids to male bile-duct-cannulated rats. Analysis of urine and bile for (79/81)Br using ICPMS showed that all three bromobenzoic acids were rapidly excreted (82-98%) within 48 h of dosing, primarily via the urine. High-performance liquid chromatography/inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (HPLC/ICPMS) was then used to obtain metabolite profiles for bile and urine. These profiles revealed that extensive metabolism had taken place, with the unchanged bromobenzoic acids forming a minor part of the total of compound-related material detected. Concomitant MS studies, supplemented by alkaline hydrolysis, enabled the identification of the major metabolite of all three of the bromobenzoic acids as a glycine conjugate. Ester glucuronide conjugates were also identified, but formed only a small proportion of total.     

Copolymerization of styrene and diethyl fumarate with ZnBr2. IV. Comparison between photoinitiation and electroinitiation

A comparative analysis of photoinitiation and electroinitiation can help elucidate initiation processes in donor-acceptor charge-transfer copolymerization. The technique has been applied to the zinc bromide-catalyzed copolymerization of styrene and diethyl fumarate in methanol. The photocopolymer product was analyzed by GPC, NMR, and elemental analysis. The results showed that 1:1 copolymers were formed initially, but changes occurred in both the kinetics and products after the early stages of the reaction. Significant correlations found between the two initiation methods included the initial kinetic order with respect to the initiating process and the effect on product yield of equivalent increases in total initiation energy. The limiting value of zinc bromide for both initiation methods was found to be the same. The data obtained support the contention that the copolymerization proceeds through a donor–acceptor process and that photoactivation of the preformed complex, inducing electron transfer, is a likely initiation process.     

Copolymerization of acrylic acid to nylon-6 by trapped radicals—II: Liquid phase grafting and properties of copolymers

Initial rates of grafting, R_g, have been determined for film of nylon-6, which had been -,,-irradiated in vacuo and subsequently immersed in outgassed, aqueous, acrylic acid at 50'. Equilibrium swellings due to water and to monomer are attained rapidly by nylon-6 and give rise to a high R_g. During grafting a constant swelling due to water occurs immediately but the rate of uptake of monomer is less than R_g, These effects are discussed on the basis of compatibility. At a fixed equilibrium monomer concentration, [AA], in the film, R_g ∝ D^β where D is the dose and β = 0.94. At a fixed dose, R_g ∝ [AA]^α where α = 1.04. The value of β indicates mainly monomolecular termination by radical burial. This is postulated to occur by trapping of growing grafts in crystalline regions and/or transfer from them to such regions. By selectively dyeing and sectioning films of different degrees of grafting (DG), the progress of the grafting front inwards has been shown to follow closely the corresponding grafting curve of DG vs time. Grafting does not alter the moisture regain of nylon. Surface resistance and swelling in water change with DG, the effect being enhanced markedly by converting the grafts to their sodium salts.