Solid substrate cultivation of Gibberella fujikuroi on an inert support

Growth of Gibberella fujikuroi on Amberlite, an inert support, and gibberellic acid (GA₃) production was studied in glass columns under different conditions of temperature and water activity (a_w). Maximum biomass concentration and GA₃ production were respectively 40 (mg/g inert support) and 0.73 (mg/g inert support). While high specific growth rates were obtained, low initial nitrogen resulted in low biomass concentrations. Maximum GA₃ (31°C, a_w=0.985) was not produced by the maximum concentration of biomass (25°C, a_w=0.992). Peaks in the rate curves of either outlet gas, CO₂ or O₂, occurred on exhaustion of urea indicating, for future works, just when to feed the culture additional nitrogen.     

碳源对玫烟色虫草菌丝生长、芽生孢子产生及其耐热性的影响

提高虫生真菌孢子应对热胁迫的能力是生防菌应用研究的关键,为研究菌丝培养阶段碳源对玫烟色虫草Cordyceps fumosorosea IF-1106耐热性的影响,选择了麦芽糖、可溶性淀粉、蔗糖、葡萄糖、果糖、海藻糖为碳源的培养基对玫烟色虫草IF-1106进行液体培养,评估了不同碳源条件下菌丝的生长、产孢及所产芽生孢子的耐热性。结果表明,在菌株培养阶段,培养基中碳源的种类及浓度对菌丝产量、产孢量及所产芽生孢子的耐热性有显著影响,其中蔗糖为碳源时,所产芽生孢子的耐热性强,45 ℃热胁迫条件下LT₅₀为1.65 h;蔗糖浓度为40 g/L时,可产生大量耐热芽生孢子,液体培养3 d后产孢量可达3.43×10⁷个孢子/mL。为探索不同培养条件下所产芽生孢子耐热性不同的原因,提取了孢子内的海藻糖并采用离子色谱法对其进行了定量分析,发现耐热性高的芽生孢子胞内海藻糖含量普遍较低,可见海藻糖是与芽生孢子耐热性密切相关的内源物质。综上所述,选择适宜的培养基是调控孢子耐热性的有效途径,本研究为生产高耐热的玫烟色虫草生防制剂提供了有益的指导。     

Response surface modelling of the production of ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids-enriched fats by a commercial immobilized lipase

The aim of this study was to model the production of fats, enriched with ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (ω-3 PUFA) for nutraceutical purposes, via the response surface methodology. These fats were obtained by transesterification of palm oil stearin (POS) with a concentrate (EPAX 2050TG) of triglycerides enriched with ω-3 PUFA and soybean oil, catalysed by a commercial immobilized Candida antarctica lipase (“Novozym 435”).

The initial water activity (a_w) of the biocatalyst, POS and EPAX 2050TG concentrations, time and temperature showed a significant effect on the transesterification reaction, as well as on the competing reactions of hydrolysis and lipid oxidation.

Depending on the factors included, the transesterification reaction was described either by first- or second-order models.

The production of free fatty acids, which is ascribed both to the hydrolytic reaction and the mechanism of lipase-catalysed transesterification, showed a second-order dependence on the initial a_w of the biocatalyst.     

Structures and magnetism of rubidium and cesium salts of dimeric oxovanadium(IV) tartrate(4−) complexes

Complexes of type A₄[VO(tart)]₂·nH₂O, where A = Rb or Cs and tart =d,l-tartrate(4−) (n = 2) or d,d-tartrate(4−) (n = 2 for Rb and n = 3 for Cs), were prepared from an aqueous mixture of V₂O₅, AOH and H₄tart. These complexes were studied by single-crystal X-ray diffraction methods: Rb₄[VO(d,l-tart)]₂·2H₂O, space group P1 with a = 8.156(1),b = 8.246(1),c = 8.719(1)Å, = 66.09(1)°, β = 65.07(1)°, γ = 82.40(1)°,Z = 2, 1917 observed reflections, and final R_w = 0.035; Cs₄[VO(d,l-tart)]₂·2H₂O, space group P₂₁/c with a = 9.350(1),b = 13.728(2),c = 8.479(1)Å, β = 106.77(1)°,Z = 4, 2235 observed reflections, and final R_w = 0.054; Rb₄[VO(d,d-tart)]₂·2H₂O, space group P₄₁₂₂ with a = 8.072(1),c = 32.006(3)Å,Z = 8, 1014 observed reflections and final R_w = 0.038; Cs₄[VO(d,d-tart)]₂·3H₂O, space group P₁₂₂ with a = 8.184(1),c = 33.680(5)Å,Z = 8, 1310 observed reflections, and final R_w = 0.063. Bulk magnetic susceptibility data (1.5–300 K) for these compounds and A₄[VOl,l-tart)]₂·nH₂O (A = Rb, Cs) were obtained on polycrystalline samples. These data were analyzed in terms of a Van Vleck exchange coupled S = 1/2 model which was modified to include an interdimer exchange parameters Θ. Analysis of the low-temperature (1.5–20 K) susceptibility data gave 2J = +1.30 cm⁻¹ and Θ = −1.86 K for Rb₄[VO(d,l-tart)]₂·2H₂O, 2J = +1.16 cm⁻¹ and Θ = −1.69 K for Cs₄[VO(d,l-tart)]₂·2H₂O, 2J = +1.90 cm⁻¹ and Θ = −0.82 K for Rb₄[VO(d,d-tart)]₂·2H₂O, 2J = +2.04 cm⁻¹ and Θ = −0.80 K for Rb₄[VO(l,l-tart)]₂·2H₂O, 2J = +1.52 cm⁻¹ and Θ = −0.25 K for Cs₄[VO(d,d-tart)]₂·3H₂O, and 2J = +1.64 cm⁻¹ and Θ = −0.31 K for Cs₄[VO(l,l-tart)]₂·3H₂O. These results suggest the magnitudes of intradimer (ferromagnetic and interdimer (antiferromagnetic) exchange interactions are similar in these complexes, as observed for the analogous Na salts.     

昆诺阿藜链格孢叶斑病病原及其生物学特性

为明确昆诺阿藜链格孢叶斑病病原,在山西省昆诺阿藜种植区采集典型症状的标本分离病原菌,选择代表性菌株LGB-b和LGB-h对其形态学、分子生物学、致病性及生物学特性进行了研究。综合形态学和多基因系统发育(Alt a 1、endoPG 和OPA10-2)分析,确定昆诺阿藜链格孢叶斑病病原为Alternaria alternata。致病性测定发现接种6 d后病斑呈灰绿至黄绿色,表面具有灰棕至灰褐色霉层,周围具黄绿色晕圈,与田间症状基本一致。菌株LGB-b和LGB-h均可侵染昆诺阿藜、藜和台湾藜。菌株LGB-b菌丝生长的最适培养基为V8 蔬菜汁琼脂培养基(V8)、温度为25-30 ℃、水活度≥0.98、pH为6-7;分生孢子萌发的最适水活度≥0.98、pH为6-7。菌株LGB-h菌丝生长的最适培养基为马铃薯胡萝卜琼脂培养基(PCA)、温度为20-25 ℃、水活度≥0.98、pH为6-7;分生孢子萌发的最适水活度≥0.98、pH为7-8。     

Photosynthetic response of Myriophyllum salsugineum A.E. orchard to photon irradiance, temperature and external free CO2

The photosynthetic capacity of Myriophyllum salsugineum A.E. Orchard was measured, using plants collected from Lake Wendouree, Ballarat, Victoria and grown subsequently in a glasshouse pond at Griffith, New South Wales. At pH 7.00, under conditions of constant total alkalinity of 1.0 meq dm⁻³ and saturating photon irradiance, the temperature optimum was found to be 30–35°C with rates of 140 μmol mg⁻¹ chlorophyll a h⁻¹ for oxygen production and 149 μmol mg⁻¹ chlorophyll a h⁻¹ for consumption of CO₂. These rates are generally higher than those measured by other workers for the noxious Eurasian water milfoil, Myriophyllum spicatum L., of which Myriophyllum salsugineum is a close relative. The light-compensation point and the photon irradiance required to saturate photosynthetic oxygen production were exponentially dependent on water temperature. Over the temperature range 15–35°C the light-compensation point increased from 2.4 to 16.9 μmol (PAR) m⁻² s⁻¹ for oxygen production while saturation photon irradiance increased from 41.5 to 138 μmol (PAR) m⁻² s⁻¹ for oxygen production and from 42.0 to 174 μmol (PAR) m⁻² s⁻¹ for CO₂ consumption. Respiration rates increased from 27.1 to 112.3 μmol (oxygen consumed) g⁻¹ dry weight h⁻¹ as temperature was increased from 15 to 35°C. The optimum temperature for productivity is 30°C.     

The synthesis, fluctionality and structural characterization of ReMo3H4(CO)12

The reaction of ReH₉²⁻ with Mo(diglyme)(CO)₃ leads to the formation of the mixed metal cluster trianion, ReMo₃H₄(CO)₁₂³⁻. This species has been characterized analytically, spectroscopically and through X-ray diffraction analysis. A pseudo-tetrahedral arrangement of M(CO)₃ fragments is adopted, such that each set of three carbonyl ligands eclipses the adjacent three tetrahedral edges, an apparent result of the location of the hydride ligands on the tetrahedral faces. Variable temperature NMR studies revealed a fluctional process for some of the carbonyl ligands, but not for the hydrides. Crystal data for [Me₄N]₃[ReMo₃H₄(CO)₁₂]·THF; space group P2₁/n, a = 12.157(2), B = 21.480(4), C = 15.964(3) Å, β = 98.26(1)°, Z = 4, R = 0.067 and R_w = 0.076.     

Biochemical and biophysical studies on cytochrome aa3 VIII. Effect of cyanide on the catalytic activity

1. 1. Cyanide inhibits the catalytic activity of cytochrome aa₃ in both polarographic and spectrophotometric assay systems with an apparent velocity constant of 4·10³ M⁻¹·s⁻¹ and a K_i that varies from 0.1 to 1.0 μM at 22 °C, pH 7·3.

2. 2. When cyanide is added to the ascorbate-cytochrome c-cytochromeaa₃−O₂ system a biphasic reduction of cytochrome c occurs corresponding to an initial K_i of 0.8 μM and a final K_i of about 0.1 μM for the cytochrome aa₃−cyanide reaction.

3. 3. The inhibited species (a²+a₃³⁺HCN) is formed when a²⁺a₃³⁺ reacts with HCN, when a²⁺a₃²⁺HCN reacts with oxygen, or when a³⁺a₃³⁺HCN (cyano-cytochrome aa₃) is reduced. Cyanide dissociates from a²⁺a₃³⁺HCN at a rate of 2·10⁻³ s⁻¹ at 22 °C, pH 7.3.

4. 4. The results are interpreted in terms of a scheme in which one mole of cyanide binds more tightly and more rapidly to a²⁺a₃³⁺ than to a³⁺a₃³⁺.

Nitrogen atom transfer and redox chemistry of terpyridyl phosphoraniminato complexes of osmium (IV)

Rapid reactions occur between [Os^VI(tpy)(Cl)₂(N)]X (X = PF₆⁻, Cl⁻, tpy = 2,2′:6′,2″-terpyridine) and aryl or alkyl phosphi nes (PPh₃, PPh₂Me, PPhMe₂, PMe₃ and PEt₃) in CH₂Cl₂ or CH₃CN to give [Os^IV(tpy)(Cl)₂(NPPh₃)]⁺ and its analogs. The reaction between trans-[Os^VI(tpy)(Cl)₂(N)]⁺ and PPh₃ in CH₃CN occurs with a 1:1 stoichiometry and a rate law first order in both PPh₃ and Os^VI with k(CH₃CN, 25°C) = 1.36 ± 0.08 × 10⁴ M⁻ s⁻¹. The products are best formulated as paramagnetic d⁴ phosphoraniminato complexes of Os^IV based on a room temperature magnetic moment of 1.8 μ_B for trans-[Os^IV(tpy)(Cl)₂(NPPh₃)](PF₆), contact shifted ¹H NMR spectra and UV-Vis and near-IR spectra. In the crystal structures of trans-[Os^IV(tpy)(Cl)₂( NPPh₃)](PF₆)·CH₃CN (monoclinic, P2₁/n with a = 13.384(5) Å, b = 15.222(7) Å, c = 17.717(6) Å, β = 103.10(3)°, V = 3516(2) ų, Z = 4, R_w = 3.40, R_w = 3.50) and cis-[Os^IV(tpy)(Cl)₂(NPPh₂Me)]-(PF₆)·CH₃CN (monoclinic, P2₁/c, with a = 10.6348(2) Å, b = 15.146(9) ÅA, c = 20.876(6) Å, β = 97.47(1)°, V = 3334(2) ų, Z = 4, R = 4.00, R_w = 4.90), the long Os-N(P) bond lengths (2.093(5) and 2.061(6) Å), acute Os-N-P angles (132.4(3) and 132.2(4)°), and absence of a significant structural trans effect rule out significant Os-N multiple bonding. From cyclic voltammetric measurements, chemically reversible Os^V/IV and Os^IV/III couples occur for trans-[Os^IV(tpy)(Cl)₂(NPPh₃)](PF₆) in CH₃CN at +0.92 V (Os^V/IV) and −0.27 V (Os^IV/III) versus SSCE. Chemical or electrochemical reduction of trans-[Os^IV(tpy)(Cl)₂(NPPh₃)](PF₆) gives isolable trans-Os^III(tpy)(Cl)₂(NPPh₃). One-electron oxidation to Os^V followed by intermolecular disproportionation and PPh₃ group transfer gives [Os^VI(tpy)Cl₂(N)]⁺, [OS^III(tpy)(Cl)₂(CH₃CN)]⁺ and [Ph₃=N=PPh₃]⁺ (PPN⁺). trans-[Os^IV(tpy)(Cl)₂(NPPh₃)](PF₆) undergoes reaction with a second phosphine under reflux to give PPN⁺ derivatives and Os^II(tpy)(Cl)₂(CH₃CN) in CH₃CN or Os^II(tpy)(Cl)₂(PR₃) in CH₂Cl₂. This demonstrates that the Os^VI nitrido complex can undergo a net four-electron change by a combination of atom and group transfers.     

Polynuclear copper(II) complexes with μ2-1,1-azide bridges. Structural and magnetic properties

Two novel, weakly antiferromagnetically coupled, tetranuclear copper(II) complexes [Cu₄(PAP)₂(μ₂-1,1-N₃)₂(μ₂-1,3-N₃)₂(μ₂-CH₃OH)₂(N₃)₄ (1) (PAP = 1,4-bis-(2′-pyridylamino)phthalazine) and [Cu₄(PAP3Me)₂ (μ₂-1,1-N₃)₂(μ₂-1,3-N₃)₂(H₂O)₂(NO₂)₂]- (NO₃)₂ (2) (PAP3Me = 1,4-bis-(3′-methyl-2′-pyridyl)aminophthalazine) contain a unique structural with two μ₂-1,1-azide intramolecular bridges, and two μ₂-1,3-azide intermolecular bridges linking pairs of copper(II) centers. Four terminal azide groups complete the five-coordinate structures in 1, while two terminal waters and two nitrates complete the coordination spheres in 2. The dinuclear complexes [Cu₂(PPD)(μ₂-1,1-N₃)(N₃)₂(CF₃SO₃)]CH₃OH) (3) and [Cu₂(PPD)(μ₂-1,1-N₃)(N₃)₂(H₂O)(ClO₄)] (4) (PPD = 3,6-bis-(1′-pyrazolyl)pyridazine) contain pairs of copper centers with intramolecular μ₂-1,1-azid and pyridazine bridges, and exhibit strong antiferromagnetic coupling. A one-dimensional chain structure in 3 occurs through intermolecular μ₂-1,1-azide bridging interactions. Intramolecular Cu-N₃-Cu bridge angles in 1 and 2 are small (107.9 and 109.4°, respectively), but very large in 3 and 4 (122.5 and 123.2°, respectively), in keeping with the magnetic properties. 2 crystallizes in the monoclinic system, space group C2/c with a = 26.71(1), b = 13.51(3), c = 16.84(1) Å, β = 117.35(3)° and R = 0.070, R_w = 0.050. 3 crystallizes in the monoclinic system, space group P2₁/c with a = 8.42(1), b = 20.808(9), c = 12.615(4) Å, β = 102.95(5)° and R = 0.045, R_w = 0.039. 4crystallizes in the triclinic system, space group P1, with a = 10.253(3), b = 12.338(5), c = 8.072(4) Å, = 100.65(4), β = 101.93(3), γ = 87.82(3)° and R = 0.038, R_w = 0.036 . The magnetic properties of 1 and 2 indicate the presence of weak net antiferromagnetic exchange, as indicated by the presence of a low temperature maximum in χ_m (80 K (1), 65 K (2)), but the data do not fit the Bleaney-Bowers equation unless the exchange integral is treated as a temperature dependent term. A similar situation has been observed for other related compounds, and various approaches to the problem will be discussed. Magnetically 3 and 4 are well described by the Bleaney-Bowers equation, exhibiting very strong antiferromagnetic exchange (− 2J = 768(24) cm⁻¹ (3); − 2J = 829(11) cm⁻¹ (4)).     

Activation by reduction of the resting form of cytochrome c oxidase: Tests of different models and evidence for the involvement of CuB

(1) The reaction of the resting form of oxidised cytochrome c oxidase from ox heart with dithionite has been studied in the presence and absence of cyanide. In both cases, cytochrome a reduction in 0.1 M phosphate (pH 7) occurs at a rate of 8.2 · 10⁴ M⁻¹ · s⁻¹. In the absence of cyanide, ferrocytochrome a₃ appears at a rate (k_obs) of 0.016 s⁻¹. Ferricytochrome a₃ maintains its 418 nm Soret maximum until reduced. The rate of a₃ reduction is independent of dithionite concentration over a range 0.9 mM–131 mM. In the presence or cyanide, visible and EPR spectral changes indicate the formation of a ferric a₃/cyanide complex occurs at the same rate as a₃ reduction in the absence of cyanide. A g = 3.6 signal appears at the same time as the decay of a g = 6 signal. No EPR signals which could be attributed to copper in any significant amounts could be detected after dithionite addition, either in the presence or absence of cyanide. (2) Addition of dithionite to cytochrome oxidase at various times following induction of turnover with ascorbate/TMPD, results in a biphasic reduction of cytochrome a₃ with an increasing proportion of the fast phase of reduction occurring after longer turnover times. At the same time, the predominant steady state species of ferri-cytochrome a₃ shifts from high to low spin and the steady-state level of reduction of cytochrome a drops indicating a shift in population of the enzyme molecules to a species with fast turnover. In the final activated form, oxygen is not required for fast internal electron transfer to cytochrome a₃. In addition, oxygen does not induce further electron uptake in samples of resting cytochrome oxidase reduced under anaerobic conditions in the presence of cyanide. Both findings are contrary to predictions of certain O-loop types of mechanism for proton translocation. (3) A measurement of electron entry into the resting form of cytochrome oxidase in the presence of cyanide, using TMPD or cytochrome c under anaerobic conditions, shows that three electrons per oxidase enter below a redox potential of around +200 mV. An initial fast entry of two electrons is followed by a slow (k_obs ≈ 0.02 s) entry of a third electron. Above +200 mV, the number of electrons taken up in the initial fast phase drops as a redox center (presumably Cu_A) titrates with an apparent mid-point potential of +240 mV. The slow phase of reduction remains at the more positive redox values. (4) The results are interpreted in terms of an initial fast reduction of cytochrome a (and Cu_A at redox values more negative than +240 mV) followed by a slow reduction of Cu_B. Cu_B reduction is proposed to spin-uncouple cytochrome a₃ to form a cyanide sensitive center, and trigger a conformational change to an activated form of the enzyme with faster intramolecular electron transfer.     

Media and Fermentation Processes for the Rapid Production of High Concentrations of Stable Blastospores of the Bioinsecticidal Fungus Paecilomyces fumosoroseus

In shake flask and fermentor studies, various media components and culture inocula were tested to improve P. fumosoroseus spore production rates, yield and stability. To evaluate inoculum potential and inoculum scale-up for fermentor studies, conidia and liquid culture-produced spores of various strains of P. fumosoroseus were compared as inoculum. Inoculation of liquid cultures with blastospores at concentrations of at least 1×10⁶ spores mL^-1 resulted in the rapid production of high concentrations of blastospores (∼1×10⁹ spores mL^-1, 48 h fermentation time) for all strains tested. The rapid germination rate of blastospores (90% after 6 h incubation) compared to conidia (>90% after 16 h incubation) and the use of higher inoculum rates reduced the fermentation time from 96 to 48 h for maximal spore yields. A comparison of various complex nitrogen sources showed that liquid media supplemented with acid hydrolyzed casein or yeast extract supported the production of high concentrations of blastospores that were significantly more desiccation-tolerant (79-82% survival after drying) when compared to blastospores produced in media supplemented with other nitrogen sources (12-50% survival after drying). For rapid spore production, requirements for trace metals and vitamin supplementation were dependent on the type of hydrolyzed casein used in the medium. Fermentor studies with two strains of P. fumosoroseus showed that high concentrations (1.3-1.8×10⁹ spores mL^-1) of desiccation-tolerant blastospores could be produced in 48-h fermentations. These studies have demonstrated that the infective spores of various strains of the fungal bioinsecticide Paecilomyces fumosoroseus can be rapidly produced using deep-tank, liquid culture fermentation techniques.     

Growth response of major USA cowpea cultivars: II. Effect of salinity on leaf gas exchange

In an effort to elucidate the physiological processes involved in cowpea differential growth response of four major USA cowpea cultivars (CB5, CB27, 8517 and 7964) to increasing salinity, we investigated the effect of salinity on leaf gas exchange of net photosynthetic rate per unit leaf mass (Pnm) and per unit leaf area (Pna), and stomatal conductance (gs) of the four cowpea cultivars. The experiment was set up as a standard split-plot design in which cowpea plants were grown in greenhouse sand tanks irrigated with nutrient solutions. Seven salinities ranging from 2.6 to 20.5 dS m⁻¹ were constructed based on Colorado River water salt composition with NaCl, CaCl₂ and MgSO₄ as the salinization salts. Light-saturated Pnm, Pna and gs of fully expanded trifoliage were examined at the vegetative growth and flowering stages, and the data were analyzed using a split-plot analysis of variance (ANOVA) model. We found a highly significant (P ≤ 0.0001) reduction of Pnm, Pna and gs due to salinity. The responses of Pnm, Pna and gs to salinity could be further described by a general model of log(y) = a₁ + a₂x + a₃x², where y represents either Pnm, Pna, or gs; a₁, a₂ and a₃, empirical constants; x, salinity. We found that Pnm was more sensitive to salinity than Pna. Additionally, we found that increasing stomatal closure with increasing salinity might limit Pnm or Pna. While we did not find any significant difference (P > 0.05) of Pnm and Pna among the four cultivars, we did find a significant difference (P ≤ 0.05) in gs. No significant salt × cultivar interaction effect (P > 0.05) was found with Pnm, Pna and gs indicating that the four cowpea cultivars have the same response pattern of their leaf gas exchange to salinity.     

Hydrodynamic properties of the fractions of mannan formed by Rhodotorula rubra yeast

Aqueous solutions of fractions of an extracellular linear mannan formed by Rhodotorula rubra yeast have been investigated by hydrodynamic methods (high-speed sedimentation, translation isothermic diffusion and viscometry). The molecular weight was determined according to Svedberg ( ) and the polydispersity parameters of the initial sample were also determined (M_w/M_n = 1·20 and M_z/M_w = 1·21). Relationships between the molecular weight (M) and s_o, D_o and [η] in the range were: [η] = 2·33 × 10⁻² M^0.75, D_o = 1·65 × 10⁻⁴ M^0·58, s_o = 2·24 × 10⁻¹⁵ M^0·43. The equilibrium rigidity and hydrodynamic diameter of chains representing mannan molecules were evaluated.     

Crystal growth in aqueous hydrofluoric acid and (HF)x · pyridine solutions: syntheses and crystal structures of [Ni(H2O)6][MF6] (M = Ti, Zr, Hf) and Ni3(py)12F6 · 7H2O

The syntheses and structures of [Ni(H₂O)₆]²⁺[MF₆]²⁻ (M = Ti,Zr,Hf) and Ni₃(py)₁₂F₆·7H₂O are reported. The former three compounds are isostructural, crystallizing in the trigonal space group (No. 148) with Z = 3. The lattice parameters are a = 9.489(4), C = 9.764(7) Å, with V = 761(1) ų for Ti; a = 9.727(2), C = 10.051(3) Å, with V = 823.6(6) ų for Zr; and a = 9.724(3), C = 10.028(4)Å, with V = 821.2(8)ų for Hf. The structures consist of discrete [Ni(H₂O)₆]²⁺ and [MF₆]²⁻ octahedra joined by O---HF hydrogen bond Large single crystals were grown in an aqueous hydrofluoric acid solution. Ni₃(py)₁₂F₆·7H₂O crystallizes in the monoclinic space group I2/a (No. 15) with Z = 4. The lattice parameters are a = 16.117(4), B = 8.529(3), C = 46.220(7) Å, β = 92.46(2)°, and V = 6348(5) ų. The structure consists of discrete Ni(py)₄F₂ octahedra linked through H---O---HF and H---O---HO hydrogen bonding interactions. Single c were grown from a (HF)_x·pyridine/pyridine/water solution.     

Application of the hydro(solvo)thermal technique to the synthesis of metal carbonyl chalcogenide clusters Part 3. Synthesis, structural characterization, and spectroscopic studies of the clusters [{M(CO)4}n(MS4)] (M = Mo, W; N=1, 2)

The methanothermal reactions of M(CO)₆ (M = Mo, W) with Na₂S₂ gave a series of homonuclear clusters [{M(CO)₄}_n(MS₄)]²⁻ (M=Mo, W; N=1, 2), i.e. (Ph₄P)₂[(CO)₄Mo(MoS₄)] (I), (Ph₄P)₂[(CO)₄W(WS₄)] (II), (Ph₄P)₂[(CO)₄Mo(MoS₄)Mo(CO)₄] (III) and (Ph₄P)₂[(CO)₄W(WS₄)W(CO)₄] (IV). The two dimers, I and II, as well as the two trimers, III and IV, are isostructural to each other, respectively. All compounds crystallize in the triclinic space group with Z=2. The cell dimensions are: a=12.393(8), b=19.303(9), c=11.909(6) Å, =102.39(5), β=111.54(5), γ=73.61(5)°, V=2522(3) ų at T=23 °C for I; a=12.390(3), b=19.314(4), c=11.866(2) Å, =102.66(2), β=111.49(1), γ=73.40(2)°, V=2511(1) ų at T=23 °C for II; a=11.416(3), b=22.524(4), c=10.815(4) Å, =91.03(2), β=100.57(3), γ=88.96(2)°, V=2733(1) ų at T=−100 °C for III, a=11.498(1), b=22.600(4), c=10.864(3) Å, =90.92(2), β=100.85(1), γ=88.58(1)°, V=2771(2) ų at T=23 °C for IV. The dimers are each formed by the coordination of the tetrathiometalate as a bidentate chelating ligand to an M(CO)₄ fragment while addition of another M(CO)₄ fragment to the dimers results in the trimers. All compounds contain both tetrahedral and octahedral metal centers with the formal 6+ and 0 oxidation states, respectively.     

Synthesis and characterization of 1:2 metal complexes of the biheteroaromatic ligand 2-(2′-pyridyl)quinoxaline (L) and the X-ray structure of [CuL2](PF6)

The first 1:2 metal complexes of 2-(2′-pyridyl)quinoxaline (L) have been isolated. The physical and spectroscopic characteristics of the compounds [MCl₂L₂] (M = Ni, Cu, Cd) and [Cu^IL₂](PF₆) are described. The structure of the copper(I) complex has been determined by X-ray diffraction methods. Crystals are orthorhombic, space group P_cnb with A = 11.014(2), B = 12.886(2), C = 17.806(4) Å, V = 2527.1(9) ų and Z = 4. Refinement of the structure gave a final R factor of 0.046 (R_w = 0.041) for 814 unique reflections having I > 2.0σ(I). The ligand L acts as a bidentate chelate, the ligated atoms being the pyridine nitrogen and the nearest quinoxaline nitrogen. The structure of [CuL₂]⁺ consists of a distorted tetrahedral arrangement around the copper(I) atom with Cu---N bond lengths of 2.023(6) and 2.059(5) Å and the N---Cu---N angle of the chelating ligand equal to 80.6(2)°. A monomeric trans pseudo-octahedral stereochemistry is assigned for the [MCl₂L₂] complexes.     

A nitrite reductase with cytochrome oxidase activity from Micrococcus denitrificans

The formation of nitrite reductase and cytochrome c in Micrococcus denitrificans was repressed by O₂. The purified nitrite reductase utilized reduced forms of cytochrome c, phenazine methosulphate, benzyl viologen and methyl viologen, respectively, as electron donors. The enzyme was inhibited by KCN, NaN₃ and NH₂OH each at 1 mM, whereas CO and bathocuproin, diethyl dithiocarbamate, o-phenanthroline and ,'-dipyridyl at 1 mM concentrations were relatively ineffective. The purified enzyme contains cytochromes, probably of the c and a₂ types, in one complex. A K_m of 46 μM for NO₂⁻ and a pH optimum of 6.7 were recorded for the enzyme. The molecular weight of the enzyme was estimated to be around 130000, and its anodic mobility was 6.8·10⁻⁶ cm²·sec⁻¹·V⁻¹ at pH 4.55.

The most highly purified nitrite reductase still exhibited cytochrome c oxidase activity with a K_m of 27 μM for O₂. This activity was also inhibited by KCN, NaN₃ and NH₂OH and by NO₂⁻.

A constitutive cytochrome oxidase associated with membranes was also isolated from cells grown anaerobically with NO₂⁻. It was inhibited by smaller amounts of KCN, NaN₃ and NH₂OH than the cytochrome oxidase activity of the nitrite reductase enzyme and also differed in having a pH optimum of about 8 and a K_m for O₂ of less than 0.1 μM. Spectroscopically, cytochromes b and c were found to be associated with the constitutive oxidase in the particulate preparation. Its activity was also inhibited by NO₂⁻.

The physiological role of the cytochrome oxidase activity associated with the purified nitrite reductase is likely to be of secondary importance for the following reasons: (a) it accounts for less than 10% of total cytochrome c oxidase activity of cell extracts; (b) the constitutive cytochrome c oxidase has a smaller K_m for O₂ and would therefore be expected to function more efficiently especially at low concentrations of O₂.     

Effects of monovalent cations on light energy distribution between two pigment systems of photosynthesis in isolated spinach chloroplasts

The effects of monovalent cations on the light energy distribution between two pigment systems of photosynthesis were studied in isolated spinach chloroplasts by measuring chlorophyll a fluorescence and photochemical reactions.

The addition of NaCl to the chloroplast suspension produced a 40–80% increase in fluorescence yield measured at 684 nm at room temperature. The fluorescence increase was completed about 5 min after the addition. The effect saturated at 100 mM NaCl. Low-temperature fluorescence spectra showed that NaCl increased the yields of two fluorescence bands of pigment system II at 684 and 695 nm but decreased that of pigment system I at 735 nm. Similar effects on chlorophyll a fluorescence at room and at low temperatures were obtained with NaBr, NaNO₃, Na₂SO₄, LiCl, KCl, RbCl, CsCl, NH₄Cl and CH₃NH₃Cl.

NaCl suppressed the quantum efficiency of NADP⁺ reduction supported by the ascorbate-2,6-dichlorophenolindophenol (DCIP) couple as an electron donor system in the presence of 3-(3′,4′-chlorophenyl)-1,1-dimethylurea (DCMU). On the other hand, NaCl only slightly enhanced the quantum yield of photoreaction II measured by the Hill reaction with DCIP.

It is concluded that the monovalent cations tested suppressed the excitation transfer from pigment system II to pigment system I; the effects were the same as those of alkaline earth metals and Mn²⁺ (refs. 1, 2).     

Preparation and crystal structure of trans-dihydroxo-[tetrakis(2,6-dichlorophenyl)porphinato]ruthenium(IV)·2toluene

Trans-dihydroxo-[tetrakis(2,6-dichlorophenyl)porphinato]ruthenium(IV) ([Ru(OH)₂(TDCPP)]) was prepared by meta-chloroperbenzoic acid oxidation of [Ru(CO)(TDCPP)] in dichloromethane-toluene, and its crystal structure is reported. Crystal data for [Ru(OH)₂(TDCPP)]·2toluene:C₄₄H₂₂N₄O₂Cl₈Ru·2C₇H₈, orthorhombic, space group Pbca a = 13.149(1), B = 19.893(2), C = 21.093(2)Å, U = 55.17.3(2) ų, Z = 4. The short axial Ru---O bond distance, 1.790(7) Å, is in the range expected for a double Ru(IV)-oxygen bond. Both hydroxo ligands are approximately located in the mean plane of two opposite dichlorophenyl groups. Full-matrix least-squares refinement of positional and thermal parameters, using 2368 unique reflections with F > 2.5 σ (F) led to R(F) = 0.063; R_w = 0.066.