Crystallization of Arthrobacter sp. strain 1C N-(1-D-carboxyethyl)-L-norvaline dehydrogenase and its complex with NAD+

The novel NAD+-linked opine dehydrogenase from a soil isolate Arthrobacter sp. strain 1C belongs to an enzyme superfamily whose members exhibit quite diverse substrate specificites. Crystals of this opine dehydrogenase, obtained in the presence or absence of co-factor and substrates, have been shown to diffract to beyond 1.8 ? resolution. X-ray precession photographs have established that the crystals belong to space group P21212, with cell parameters a = 104.9, b = 80.0, c = 45.5 ? and a single subunit in the asymmetric unit. The elucidation of the three-dimensional structure of this enzyme will provide a structural framework for this novel class of dehydrogenases to enable a comparison to be made with other enzyme families and also as the basis for mutagenesis experiments directed towards the production of natural and synthetic opine-type compounds containing two chiral centres.     

Electron-transfer reduction of selected alcohols with alkalide K, K(15-crown-5)2 via organometallic intermediates

The course of the reaction of alkalide K⁻, K⁺(15-crown-5)₂1 with selected alcohols depends on the kind of alcohol and the mode of substrate delivery. In the case of methanol, potassium methoxide formed initially undergoes destruction at the excess of 1. It results in potassium oxide and methylpotassium. The latter opens the crown ether ring giving potassium tetraethylene glycoxide vinyl ether and methane. A similar course of the process is observed for propanol. Potassium glycidoxide is the main product formed in the reaction of 1 with glycidol. Its oxirane ring is opened at the excess of 1. Organopotassium alkoxides, i.e., potassium potassiomethoxide and dipotassium potassiopropane-1,2-dioxide are intermediate products of this reaction. They react then with the crown ether. Potassium methoxide, potassium enolate of acetaldehyde, dipotassium propane-1,2-dioxide and potassium tetraethylene glycoxide vinyl ether are the final products of this process.     

High temperature crystallization of aluminum fluoride. Course,hydrolysis, solid phases.

A study for AlF₃ crystallization from water solution was performed in the temperature range 100 to 200°C.Four solid phases were found to be precipitated, AlF₃.3H₂O (up to ca.120°C, cubic α-AlF₃.H₂O (decomposition of AlF₃.3H₂O in suspension), hexagonal β -AlF₃.H₂O (direct from solution) and the hydroxyfluoride Al(OH,F)₃.H₂O with an F/Al ratio of ca. 2.5 (hydrolysis of AlF₃). The extent of hydrolysis was established as a function of the initial AlF₃ concentration.X-ray diffraction and thermogravimetric data for the monohydrates were given and differences between the two indicated.     

Study on the initiation step of vinyloxirane and 3-butenyloxirane polymerization by alkalide K, K(15-crown-5)2

Transfer of one electron from potassium anion of alkalide K⁻, K⁺(15-crown-5)₂ to the double bond of vinyloxirane results in the oxirane ring opening exclusively in the α-position. K⁰ and radical anions are formed in the process. The former transfers the second electron mainly to the next monomer molecule. The latter dimerize to potassium glycoxides, which initiate the polymerization of vinyloxirane. The introduction of two CH₂ groups between the double bond and the oxirane ring changes the way of electron transfer. The oxirane ring of 3-butenyloxirane becomes the electron acceptor and its opening occurs in the β-position. In this case K⁰ transfers the second electron to the primarily formed radical anion giving an organopotassium intermediate. It reacts with crown ether. Potassium alkoxides are the reaction products. They become the real initiators of 3-butenyloxirane polymerization.     

Cycloaliphatic-aromatic polyimides based on diamines with azobenzene unit

A new family of functionalized semiaromatic polyimides has been developed. Cycloaliphatic-aromatic polyimides, derived from the polycondensation of 1,2,3,4-cyclopentanetetracarboxylic dianhydride (CPDA) with various diamines bearing azobenzene group, have been prepared and characterized. Molecular structural characterization for the resulting polymers has been achieved by ¹³C NMR, ¹H NMR, FTIR and UV-visible spectroscopies. Light-induced optical anisotropy, in novel azobenzene functionalized polyimides, has been studied by holographic polarization grating recording performed at 514.5 nm line of Ar⁺ laser. Two-wave mixing technique has been employed to inscribe the gratings in these polymers. Formation of gratings has been investigated with two s-s and s-p polarized writing beams. The kinetics of grating recording observed within the studied polymers is discussed in relation to their structure.     

Kinetic studies on fluvastatin photodegradation in solutions

Summary The effect of solvent on the photodegradation kinetics of fluvastatin was evaluated. The degradation rate of fluvastatin was estimated on the basis of the quantum yields and kinetic parameters determination. The photodegradation appeared to follow first-order kinetics. In order to establish the light intensity absorbed by a system, Reinecke’s salt was used as a chemical actinometer.     

Formation of radical anions and not deprotonation starts the reaction of gamma-butyrolactone with potassium anions

A mechanism is proposed for the reaction of gamma-butyrolactone with the potassium anion as a two-electron-transfer reagent. Potassium hydride and potassium 4-potassiobutyrate are formed in this process as intermediates. These compounds deprotonate gamma-butyrolactone. Potassium lactone enolate, potassium butyrate, and hydrogen are the final reaction products.     

Construction of a side pumped double-clad fiber using polished couplers

The paper presents a new way of side pumping double-clad fibers. Elaborated asymmetric polished couplers are presented. By using these couplers in pumping power set-ups of double-clad fiber very good pumping efficiency a very good efficiency was attained. The experimental and numerical optimizations of designed couplers are presented.     

A Study of the Activity of Recombinant Mn-Superoxide Dismutase in the Presence of Gold and Silver Nanoparticles

Applied Biochemistry and Biotechnology - Superoxide dismutase (SOD) is one of the best characterized enzyme maintaining the redox state in the cell. A bacterial expression system was used to...