Organometallic chemistry of diphosphazanes. Rhodium(I) complexes of RN(PX2)2 (R = C6H5; X = OC6H5, OC6H4Br−p, R = CH3; X = OC6H5)

Reactions of [Rh(COD)Cl]₂ with the ligand RN(PX₂)₂ (1: R = C₆H₅; X = OC₆H₅) give mono- or disubstituted complexes of the type [Rh₂(COD)Cl₂{ν²−C₆H₅N(P(OC₆H₅)₂)₂}] or [RhCl{ν²−C₆H₅ N(P(OC₆H₅)₂)₂ }]₂ depending on the reaction conditions. Reaction of 1 with [Rh(CO)₂Cl]₂ gives the symmetric binuclear complex, [Rh(CO)Cl{μ−C₆H₅N(P(OC₆H₅)₂)₂} ₂, whereas the same reaction with 2 (R = CH₃; X = OC₆H₅) leads to the formation of an asymmetric complex of the type [Rh(CO)(μ−CO)Cl{μ−CH₃N(P(OC₆H₅)₂)₂}₂ containing both terminal and bridging CO groups. Interestingly the reaction of 3 (R = C₆H₅, X = OC₆H₄Br−p with either [Rh(COD)Cl]₂ or [Rh(CO)₂Cl]₂ leads only to the formation of the chlorine bridged binuclear complex, [RhCl{ν²−C₆H₅N(P(OC₆H₄Br−p)₂)₂}]₂. The structural elucidation of the complexes was carried out by elemental analyses, IR and ³¹P NMR spectroscopic data.     

Blue-light-induced pH changes associated with NO3−, NO2− and Cl− uptake by the green alga Monoraphidium braunii

In M. braunii, the uptake of NO₃⁻ and NO₂⁻ is blue-light-dependent and is associated with alkalinization of the medium. In unbuffered cell suspensions irradiated with red light under a CO₂-free atmosphere, the pH started to rise 10s after the exposure to blue light. When the cellular NO₃⁻ and NO₂⁻ reductases were active, the pH increased to values of around 10, since the NH₄⁺ generated was released to the medium. When the blue light was switched off, the pH stopped increasing within 60 to 90s and remained unchanged under background red illumination. Titration with H₂SO₄ of NO₃⁻ or NO₂⁻ uptake and reduction showed that two protons were consumed for every one NH₄⁺ released. The uptake of Cl⁻ was also triggered by blue light with a similar 10 s time response. However, the Cl⁻ -dependent alkalinization ceased after about 3 min of blue light irradiation. When the blue light was turned off, the pH immediately (15 to 30 s) started to decline to the pre-adjusted value, indicating that the protons (and presumably the Cl⁻) taken up by the cells were released to the medium. When the cells lacked NO₃⁻ and NO₂⁻ reductases, the shape of the alkalinization traces in the presence of NO₃⁻ and NO₂⁻ was similar to that in the presence of Cl⁻, suggesting that NO₃⁻ or NO₂⁻ was also released to the medium. Both the NO₃⁻ and Cl⁻-dependent rates of alkalinization were independent of mono- and divalent cations.     

Syntheses, characterizations and crystal structures of two lead(II) diphosphonates: Pb2[NH(CH2PO3)2] · 2H2O and Pb3[HO2C(CH2)3NH(CH2PO3)2]2 · 2H2O

Hydrothermal reactions of lead(II) acetate and HO₂C(CH₂)₃N(CH₂PO₃H₂)₂ at 170 and 140 °C, respectively, resulted in two different lead diphosphonates, namely, Pb₂[NH(CH₂PO₃)₂] · 2H₂O (1), in which the butyric acid moiety of the HO₂C(CH₂)₃N(CH₂PO₃H₂)₂ has been cleaved and a novel layered compound, Pb₃[HO₂C(CH₂)₃NH(CH₂PO₃)₂]₂ · 2H₂O (2). Their crystal structures have been determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction. In compound 1, the interconnection of the lead(II) ions by bridging amino-diphosphonate ligands leads to the formation of a 3D network. Compound 2 features an unusual triple-layer structure with the non-coordinated butyric acid moieties as pendant groups between the layers.     

Different Tolerance to Light Stress in NO3−- and NH4+-Grown Phaseolus vulgaris L.

Abstract: NH₄⁺‐grown plants are more sensitive to light stress than NO₃^?‐grown plants, as indicated by reduced growth and intervenal chlorosis of French bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.). Measuring the time course of F_v/F_m ratios under photoinhibitory light regimes did not reveal any difference in PS II damage between NO₃^?‐ and NH₄⁺‐grown plants, in spite of some indications of higher energy quenching in NO₃^?‐grown plants. Also, a direct action of NH₄⁺ as an uncoupler at the thylakoid membrane could be excluded. Instead, biochemical analysis revealed enhanced lipid peroxidation and higher activity of scavenging enzymes in NH₄⁺‐grown plants indicating that these plants make use of metabolic pathways with stronger radical formation. Evidence for higher rates of photorespiration in NH₄⁺‐grown plants came from experiments showing that electron flux and O₂ evolution were decreased by SHAM in NH₄⁺‐grown plants, and by antimycin A in NO₃^?‐grown plants. Further, the comparison of electron flux and of photoacoustic measurements of O₂ evolution suggested that in NH₄⁺‐grown plants the Mehler reaction was also increased, at least in the induction phase. However, the major cause of N form‐dependent stress sensitivity is assumed to be in the coupling between photosynthesis and respiration, i.e., NO₃^?‐grown plants can utilize the TCA cycle for the generation of C skeletons for amino acid synthesis, thus improving the ATP: reductant balance, whereas NH₄⁺‐grown plants have enhanced rates of photorespiration.     

K2Fe(C2O4)(HPO4)(OH2) · H2O: A layered oxalatophosphate hybrid material

One novel layered oxalatophosphate structure K₂Fe(C₂O₄)(HPO₄)(OH₂) · H₂O (1) has been synthesized by hydrothermal method. X-ray crystallography reveals that the complex 1 possesses a 2D layered structure constructed from octahedral FeO₆, tetrahedral moieties and multidentate oxalate ligands with the K⁺ cations among the layers. It is noteworthy that the oxalate anion as a tetradentate ligand bonds to three iron atoms in bidentate-chelating mode on one side and in monodentate-bridging mode on the other, thus forming a neutral iron oxalate sheet. This new structural feature can be considered as the third role of the oxalate ions in metal oxalatophosphate chemistry.     

Cadmium-induced subcellular accumulation of O2·− and H2O2 in pea leaves

Cadmium is a toxic metal that produces disturbances in plant antioxidant defences giving rise to oxidative stress. The effect of this metal on H₂O₂ and O₂^·? production was studied in leaves from pea plants growth for 2 weeks with 50 µm Cd, by histochemistry with diaminobenzidine (DAB) and nitroblue tetrazolium (NBT), respectively. The subcellular localization of these reactive oxygen species (ROS) was studied by cytochemistry with CeCl₃ and Mn/DAB staining for H₂O₂ and O₂^·?, respectively, followed by electron microscopy observation. In leaves from pea plants grown with 50 µm CdCl₂ a rise of six times in the H₂O₂ content took place in comparison with control plants, and the accumulation of H₂O₂ was observed mainly in the plasma membrane of transfer, mesophyll and epidermal cells, as well as in the tonoplast of bundle sheath cells. In mesophyll cells a small accumulation of H₂O₂ was observed in mitochondria and peroxisomes. Experiments with inhibitors suggested that the main source of H₂O₂ could be a NADPH oxidase. The subcellular localization of O₂^·? production was demonstrated in the tonoplast of bundle sheath cells, and plasma membrane from mesophyll cells. The Cd‐induced production of the ROS, H₂O₂ and O₂^·?, could be attributed to the phytotoxic effect of Cd, but lower levels of ROS could function as signal molecules in the induction of defence genes against Cd toxicity. Treatment of leaves from Cd‐grown plants with different effectors and inhibitors showed that ROS production was regulated by different processes involving protein phosphatases, Ca²⁺ channels, and cGMP.     

Zinc complexes of 6-methyl-2-pyridinecarboxylic acid. Crystal structure of [Zn(MeC5H3NCOO)2(H2O)] · H2O

Reaction of Zn(AcO)₂ · 2H₂O with 6-methyl-2-pyridinecarboxylic acid (L) yielded a new compound [Zn(MeC₅H₃NCOO)₂(H₂O)] · H₂O. This complex was characterised by elemental analyses, conductivity measurements, infrared, ¹H and ¹³C{¹H} NMR spectroscopies and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The crystal structure consists of discrete molecules involving a pentacoordinated Zn atom with a geometry intermediate between a trigonal bipyramid and a square pyramid and with the two N_py atoms occupying the apical sites. Treatment of the complex [Zn(MeC₅H₃NCOO)₂(H₂O)] · H₂O with 2,2^′-bipyridine (bpy) produced [Zn(MeC₅H₃NCOO)₂(bpy)]. The metallic atom in this complex displays a distorted octahedral geometry and is coordinated to two ligands (L) via the pyridine nitrogen and the carbonyl oxygen atoms and to one 2,2^′-bypyridine (bpy).     

Stimulus Deprivation Increases Pineal Gsα and Gβ

Denervation and other forms of stimulus deprivation cause an increase in the magnitude of subsequent responses, a phenomenon commonly referred to as denervation supersensitivity. This has been well demonstrated with the cyclic AMP response to norepinephrine in the pineal gland. In the present report, we address the question of whether stimulus deprivation alters alpha and beta subunits of the GTP binding regulatory protein that stimulates adenylyl cyclase activity (Gs). Stimulus deprivation of the pineal gland was produced by denervation (superior cervical ganglionectomy), decentralization of the superior cervical ganglia, or by exposure of the animal to continuous lighting. All increased both the alpha and beta subunits of Gs (Gs alpha and G beta) by up to fourfold, as estimated using semiquantitative western blot technology. These effects were detectable after 1 day of stimulus deprivation and were sustained for 2 weeks. The stimulatory effects of constant light-induced stimulus deprivation were also apparent by measuring cholera toxin-dependent ADP-ribosylation of Gs alpha, which revealed a four-fold increase in the amount of labeled substrate. The results of in vivo studies were confirmed with in vitro studies, which demonstrated a spontaneous increase in both Gs alpha and G beta during 72 h of organ culture. The constant light-induced increases in both Gs alpha and G beta were prevented by continuous administration of isoproterenol (0.3 mg/kg/day), supporting the suggestion that adrenergic stimulation controls the levels of Gs alpha and G beta. These studies indicate that stimulus deprivation increases both Gs alpha and G beta.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Crystal structure and thermal characterization of cadmium oxalate [CdC2O4 · 3H2O] and barium-doped cadmium oxalate [Ba0.5Cd0.5(C2O4)2 · 5H2O] single crystals grown in silica gel

Pure cadmium oxalate trihydrate (COT) and barium added cadmium oxalate (BCO) single crystals were grown by controlled diffusion of Cd²⁺ and Ba²⁺ ions in silica gel at ambient temperature. A single test tube technique coupled with gel aging conferred maximum size crystals by controlling the nucleation rate. It was found that the pH and age of the gel greatly influenced the crystal quality, their size and transparency. Grown crystals CdC₂O₄ · 3H₂O and Ba_0.5Cd_0.5(C₂O₄)₂ · 5H₂O were characterized by X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and thermal analysis. Effect of barium dopant on the growth and morphology of cadmium oxalate was studied. Pure cadmium oxalate crystallized in triclinic system and the barium-doped cadmium oxalate crystallized in hexagonal system with massive changes in their unit cell parameters. The infrared spectrum revealed the presence of oxalate ligands and water of hydration in both the pure and barium-doped crystals. Thermal analysis showed that the grown crystals were dehydrated thermally even from lower temperatures and the doped crystals were found more stable.     

Neuro-steroids: 3β-hydroxy-Δ5-derivatives in the rodent brain

Pregnenolone, dehydroepiandrosterone and their sulfate esters have been characterized in the rat brain. Their formation or accumulation depend on in situ mechanisms unrelated to the peripheral endocrine glands. Although their functions are still poorly understood, they may affect the brain by metabolism to sex steroid hormones and they may be functionally related to sexual behavior, possibly through direct modulations of the firing rates of neurons.     

Preparation and structural characterisation of the compound [MeC5H4NCOOH][ZnCl3(H2O)] · [MeC5H4NCOO]H2O

The reaction of the ZnCl₂ with 6-methyl-2-pyridinecarboxylic acid, with a 1:2 metal-to-ligand molar ratio, affords optimum yields for the synthesis of [MeC₅H₄NCOOH][ZnCl₃(H₂O)] · [MeC₅H₄NCOO]H₂O. The new complex has been characterised by elemental analyses, IR, ¹H and ¹³C{¹H} NMR, and single crystal X-ray diffraction methods. The X-ray structure analysis revealed that this structure consists of [ZnCl₃(H₂O)]⁻ anions, [MeC₅H₄NCOOH]⁺ cations, [MeC₅H₄NCOO] zwitterions, and solvent molecules (H₂O) by means of hydrogen bonds.     

Syntheses and crystal structures of cyano-bridged cluster-metal layered coordination polymers [Cu(dien)]3[W4Te4(CN)12] · 9H2O and [Ni(en)(NH3)]3[W4Se4(CN)12] · 7.5H2O

Two new tetrahedral tungsten cyanide cluster compounds, [Cu(dien)]₃[W₄Te₄(CN)₁₂] · 9H₂O (1) (dien=diethylenetriamine) and [Ni(en)(NH₃)]₃[W₄Se₄(CN)₁₂] · 7.5H₂O (2) (en=ethylenediamine), were synthesized by treating aqueous solutions of the saltlike cluster compound K₆[W₄Te₄(CN)₁₂] · 5H₂O/K₆[W₄Se₄(CN)₁₂] · 6H₂O with copper(II)/nickel(II) chloride in aqueous ammonia containing dien/en. The cyano-bridged layered coordination polymeric compounds were characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis: monoclinic, space group P2₁ for 1; trigonal, space group for 2. Structures of 1 and 2 consist of infinite neutral layers of cluster components {W₄Te₄(CN)₁₂}/{W₄Se₄(CN)₁₂} connected, one another by {Cu(dien)} or {Ni(en)(NH₃)} fragments, respectively.     

Distributions of H+,K+-ATPase and Cl–,HCO3–-ATPase in micromere-derived cells of sea urchin embryos

In cultured cells derived from isolated micromeres of sea urchin eggs, H+,K+-ATPase activity, which became detectable simultaneously with the initiation of spicule formation, was localized in the plasma membrane and the microsome fractions. Activities of marker enzymes for plasma membrane, 5'-nucleotidase, Na+,K+-ATPase, and adenylate cyclase, were found to be high in the plasma membrane fraction. Considerable activity of rotenone-insensitive NADPH-cytochrome c reductase, a marker enzyme for microsome, was detectable in the microsome fraction. These fractions exhibited barely any appreciable activity of markers for the other organellae. H+,K+-ATPase in plasma membrane probably mediates H+ release from the cells, in which H+ is produced in overall reaction to form CaCO3, the main component of spicules, from Ca2+, CO2 and H2O. Cl-,HCO3(-)-ATPase activity was also found in these two fractions before and after the initiation of spicule formation. After initiation, the skeletal vacuole fraction was obtained from subcellular structures containing spicules. Considerable activity of Cl-,HCO3(-)-ATPase was observed in this fraction, which exhibited a weak activity of UDP-galactose: N-acetylglucosamine galactosyltransferase, a marker enzyme for Golgi body. Cl-,HCO3(-)-ATPase in the skeletal vacuole membrane probably mediates HCO3- transport into the vacuoles to supply HCO3- for spicule formation.     

A novel large heteropolytungstate constructed from two types of lacunary Keggin anions: K7Na13[(PW11O39)2(PW9O34)2(W2O3)2] · 25H2O

A novel crown-shaped heteropolytungstate is formed by covalently linking two [PW₁₁O₃₉]⁷⁻ and two [PW₉O₃₄]⁹⁻ fragments with four WO₆ octahedra, which represents not only the largest tungstophosphate constructed from two types of building blocks without considering the 4f lanthanide or other 3d transition metal ion linkers but also the highest degree of aggregation known in the large clusters incorporating monovacant lacunary anions.     

Nature of the Ln-Co magnetic interactions in compounds [Ln2Co3(C5H4NPO3)6] · 4H2O with open-framework structures

The reactions of Ln(NO₃)₃ · xH₂O, CoSO₄ · 7H₂O or ZnSO₄ · 6H₂O and 2-pyridylphosphonic acid under hydrothermal conditions result in heterometallic phosphonate compounds with formula [Ln₂M₃(C₅H₄NPO₃)₆] · 4H₂O (Ln₂M₃; M = Co^II or Zn^II; Ln = La^III, Ce^III, Pr^III, Nd^III, Sm^III, Eu^III, Gd^III, Tb^III, Dy^III). These compounds are isostructural and crystallize in a chiral cubic space group I2₁3. Each structure contains the {LnO₉} polyhedra and {MN₂O₄} octahedra which are connected by edge-sharing to form an inorganic open-framework structure with a 3-connected 10-gon (10, 3) topology. The nature of Ln^III-Co^II magnetic interactions in Ln₂Co₃ is investigated by a comparison with their Ln^III-Zn^II analogues. It is found that the Ln^III-Co^II interaction is weak antiferromagnetic for Ln = Ce and ferromagnetic for Ln = Sm, Gd, Tb and Dy. In the cases of Ln = Pr, Nd and Eu, no significant magnetic interaction is observed.     

Water-filled pseudo-nanotubes in Ag11.60H0.40[Cr(C2O4)3]4 · 15H2O: Synthesis, characterization and X-ray structure

The title compound, Ag_11.60H_0.40[Cr(C₂O₄)₃]₄ · 15H₂O (1) precipitates from aqueous solution as a dark violet solid in which silver ions are partially replaced by protons, and it crystallizes in an unusual structure with water-filled one-dimensional pseudo-nanotubes.