Separation of nucleotides in homogenates of octopus retina by ion-pair reversed-phase liquid chromatography and identification by mass spectrometry

An isocratic ion-pair reversed-phase liquid chromatographic method has been developed for the determination of thirteen nucleotides including cyclic AMP and cyclic GMP. The resolution capability of this method was evaluated successfully using homogenates of octopus retina, the aim being to elucidate the role of nucleotides (particularly ADP and ATP) in the control of oxidative metabolism. To overcome the inherent lack of specificity of ultraviolet detection we used the coupling of liquid chromatography with mass spectrometry, via a thermospray interface, to confirm the identity of the nucleotides of interest in the biological samples.     

Ligation Behaviour of Tetrahydroborate and Azide Towards Copper(II)

A new complex formulated as [Cu(Pn)₂(N₃)(BH₄)](Pn = 1,3-propanediamine) has been prepared and characterized. The results indicate that the tetrahydroborate and azide ions complete the coordination. The complex is octahedral and non-electrolytic. A cyclic voltammetric study shows that the complex exhibits a single one-electron redox couple (Cu²⁺/Cu⁺).     

Chemical composition and antimicrobial activity of the essential oils of Ferula latisecta and Mozaffariania insignis from Iran

The hydrodistilled oils from the aerial parts of Ferula latisecta and Mozaffariania insignis, which is endemic to Iran, were analyzed by GC and GC/MS. (Z)-Ocimenone (32.4%), (E)-ocimenone (20.3%), and cis-pinocarvone (11.4%) were the main components among the 22 constituents characterized in the oil of F. latisecta, representing 87.7% of the total components detected. Twenty-five compounds were identified in the oil of M. insignis, representing 99.0% of the total oil, with octyl acetate (41.1%), β-pinene (30.3%), and α-pinene (23.9%) as the main constituents. The essential oils were examined for their potential antimicrobial activities. Published in Khimiya Prirodnykh Soedinenii, No. 6, pp. 561–563, November–December, 2006.     

Production and Purification of Pectinase from Bacillus subtilis 15A-B92 and Its Biotechnological Applications

Enzymes that degrade pectin are called pectinases. Pectinases of microbial origin are used in juice clarification as the process is cost-effective. This study screened a pectinase-producing bacterium isolated from soil and identified as Bacillus subtilis 15A B-92 based on the 16S rRNA molecular technique. The purified pectinase from the isolate showed 99.6 U/mg specific activity and 11.6-fold purity. The molecular weight of the purified bacterial pectinase was 14.41 ± 1 kD. Optimum pectinase activity was found at pH 4.5 and 50 °C, and the enzyme was 100% stable for 3.5 h in these conditions. No enzymatic inhibition or activation effect was seen with Fe²⁺, Ca²⁺, or Mg²⁺. However, a slight inhibition was seen with Cu²⁺, Mn²⁺, and Zn²⁺. Tween 20 and 80 slightly inhibited the pectinase, whereas iodoacetic acid (IAA), ethylenediaminetetraacetate (EDTA), urea, and sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) showed potent inhibition. The bacterial pectinase degraded citrus pectin (100%); however, it was inactive in the presence of galactose. With citrus pectin as the substrate, the Km and Vmax were calculated as 1.72 mg/mL and 1609 U/g, respectively. The high affinity of pectinase for its substrate makes the process cost-effective when utilized in food industries. The obtained pectinase was able to clarify orange and apple juices, justifying its application in the food industry.     

Performance investigation of an advanced tracked prime mover on the low bearing soil

This study has presented a performance investigation of an advanced tracked prime mover for the operation of agricultural goods and other operations on peat terrain. The maximum and continuous traction torque of the prime mover has been developed by designing an advanced controller for controlling the intelligent system. The prime mover’s mobility is studied with ultrasonic displacement sensor, torque transducer, National Instrument cRIO-9004 Compact-RIO Real-time Controller Unit (RCU), a National Instrument TPC 2106T Touch Panel Control (TPC), a Trimble AG132 GPS antenna and receiver unit, and a Dlink DIR-655 router. The fuzzy logic controller (FLC) has been equipped with the prime mover hydraulic system to increase the traction torque of the hydraulic motor when the prime mover’s sinkage is more than or equal to 70 mm. The prime mover’s design demonstrates good potential in traversing peat terrain as the measured tractive effort was found to be 48% of the vehicle’s gross weight while the recommended tractive effort is in the range of 30–36% of the vehicle’s gross weight.     

Chromium Trioxide Supported onto Wet Silica Gel: Rapid Oxidation of Alcohols to Carbonyl Compounds Under Microwave Irradiation in Solventless System

In an environmentally benign system, alcohols are rapidly oxidized to carbonyl compounds using CrO 3 supported onto wet silica gel as an oxidant under microwave irradiation.