NARCOBIT: a newly developed inhalational anesthesia system for mice.

NARCOBIT is the first anesthetic system for mice and rats to incorporate a ventilator. Therefore, it is expected to improve the reliability of mice and rat experiments by accurately controlling and maintaining the depth of anesthesia. In this study, we used NARCOBIT for inducing inhalational anesthesia in mice and evaluated the changes in their hemodynamic parameters. ICR mice were anesthetized with 5% isoflurane and room air, followed by endotracheal intubation. Subsequently, they were mechanically ventilated, and anesthesia was maintained by 2% isoflurane for a 60-min period (maintenance state) using NARCOBIT. In study 1, the heart rate (HR) and mean arterial blood pressure (MAP) were measured. The skin blood flow (SBF) from the hind legs was continuously measured during the maintenance state. Subsequently, the concentration-dependent effects of isoflurane on MAP were examined. In study 2, blood samples were obtained from the abdominal aorta for blood gas analysis. The HR and MAP decreased after anesthesia but were stable during the maintenance state. Decreased MAP and concentration-dependent effects of isoflurane were observed. The SBF increased slightly during the maintenance state but this increase was insignificant. The blood gas analysis showed neither hypoxia nor hypercapnia. Since the use of NARCOBIT enables the anesthetic concentration of isoflurane to be easily changed, a suitable anesthesia depth can be obtained for experimental purposes. Therefore, we conclude that NARCOBIT can be used for providing inhalational anesthesia to mice.     

A zigzag chain coordination polymer consisting of silver(I) ion having square planar geometry

Silver(I) complexes of hexakis(tolylsulfanyl)benzene (htsb), [Ag(htsb)](PF₆) (1), have been prepared and their molecular structures were determined by X-ray crystallography. In 1, the silver ion prefers a square planar coordination geometry comprized of four S atoms from two different htsb molecules and producing a zigzag chain structure of AgS in the silver coordination polymer. Based on the thermo-gravimetry analysis results, two tolylsulfanyl groups were easily eliminated at approximately 211 °C. However, [Ag(htsb)(2-butanone)] (PF₆) (2), which were obtained by the reactions in different solvents, showed a different colors and thermal degradation behaviors.     

Syntheses and crystal structures of mononuclear [2.2]paracyclophane complexes of rhodium and iridium supported by the pentamethylcyclopentadienyl ligand [M(η-pcp)(η-C5Me5)](BF4)2 (M=Rh and Ir)

Mononuclear [2.2]paracyclophane complexes of Rh and Ir, [M(η⁶-pcp)(η⁵-C₅Me₅)](BF₄)₂ (M=Rh (1) and Ir (2); pcp=[2.2]paracyclophane) were crystallized and their structures were first characterized crystallographically. On both pcp complexes the metal atom is bonded to the benzene ring on one side of the pcp ligand in the η⁶-coordination mode. The metal atom is also supported by the η⁵-C₅Me₅ ligand to afford a triple-decker sandwich structure. In Rh pcp complex 1 the average RhC(pcp) and RhC(C₅Me₅) distances are 2.284(2) and 2.161(2) Å, respectively. The average C(pcp)C(pcp) distance of 1.407(4) Å with the Rh atom is longer than that (1.388(4) Å) without a Rh atom. Similarly, the average IrC(pcp) and IrC(C₅Me₅) distances in Ir pcp complex 2 are 2.275(3) and 2.174(3) Å, respectively. The average C(pcp)C(pcp) distance of 1.410(4) Å with the Ir atom is longer than that (1.388(4) Å) without an Ir atom. It is interesting that the average interannular distances of 2.97 Å for 1 and 2 between two decks of the pcp ligand are shorter than that (3.09 Å) of the metal-free pcp ligand, indicative of the decrease of the repulsive π-interaction between benzene rings. The Rh pcp complex gave the well-resolved ¹H NMR signals of [Rh(η⁶-pcp)(η⁵-C₅Me₅)]²⁺, whereas the Ir pcp complex exhibited two kinds of ¹H NMR signals which were assigned as [Ir(η⁶-pcp)(η⁵-C₅Me₅)]²⁺ and [Ir₂(η⁶-pcp)(η⁵-C₅Me₅)₂]⁴⁺ in (CD₃)₂CO at 23 °C.     

Silver(I) tetraiodoethylene complexes with twisted olefin moiety

The reactions of silver perchlorate and tetraiodoethylene in different solvents, namely, benzene and toluene, isolated two silver(I)–iodocarbon complexes, [Ag(C₂I₄)(C₆H₆)₂(ClO₄)] (1) and [Ag(C₂I₄)(ClO₄)] (2). Both compounds contain intact iodoalkenes which coordinate via σ-donation of a halogen lone pair and retain their carbon–iodine bonds. Owing to the participation of the benzene molecules in coordination, complex 1 is found to be a discrete monomer in which the five-coordinate geometry of the silver ion is comprised of two benzene molecules, one C₂I₄ group and one perchlorate ion. In contrast, the unsaturated coordination environment of the metal ion in 2 is filled by the second iodocarbon group leading to a two-dimensional framework. The coordinated tetraiodoethylene molecules involve severe twisting of the C=C double bond, causing the C=C stretching band to move to a lower frequency.     

pH fluctuation of Sawano-ike Pond in Kyoto accompanied by water level changes

The supply and consumption of alkalinity in Sawano-ike Pond was investigated to reveal the mechanisms of pH fluctuation in the pond. Alkalinity in the bottom layer at the deepest point of the pond increased in summer, but in-pond generation of alkalinity was estimated to be very small because of the low depth of water in the pond. According to the calculations of water budget and solute balance, subsurface water, the alkalinity of which is moderately high, accounted for 45% of the total influx during a period of relatively high water level. The predicted concentrations of major ions and alkalinity in the pond calculated from the mass balance coincided well with measured concentrations. The relatively high pH values of the pond water during a period of high water level are considered to be mainly caused by alkalinity supplied by influxes, especially subsurface water. During a period of relatively low water level, predicted alkalinity exceeded measured alkalinity by 29%, indicating the occurrence of in-pond consumption of alkalinity with a resultant decrease in pH.     

Cloning and expression of three formate oxidase genes from Debaryomyces vanrijiae MH201

Debaryomyces vanrijiae MH201 produces formate oxidase (FOD) at estimated pI values by native isoelectric focusing of 5.1, 5.4, and 5.9. We cloned and expressed three formate oxidase cDNAs, FOD1, FOD2, and FDO3, of the yeast using Escherichia coli. The open reading frames of FOD1, FOD2, and FDO3 were 1,731 bp long, and encoded 576-amino acid polypeptides with molecular masses of 64,142, 63,794, and 63,836 Da respectively. Expression of FOD1, FOD2, and FOD3 resulted in the production of three isozymes, with pI values of 5.1, 5.9, and 5.9 respectively. Co-expression of FOD1 and FOD2 and of FOD1 and FOD3 resulted in the production of additional isozymes with pI values, of 5.4. The three amino acid sequences of FOD1, FOD2, and FOD3 contained a consensus motif of a flavin adenine dinucleotide binding site in their N-terminal parts and a glucose-methanol-choline oxidoreductase signature pattern, suggesting that formate oxidase ought to be classified in the glucose-methanol-choline oxidoreductase family.     

A 718-kb DNA Sequence of the Escherichia coli K-12 Genome Corresponding to the 12.7-28.0 min Region on the Linkage Map

The 718,122 base pair (bp) sequence of the Escherichia coliK-12 genome corresponding to the region from 12.7 to 28.0 minuteson the genetic map is described. This region contains at least682 potential open reading frames, of which 278 (41%) have beenpreviously identified, 147 (22%) were homologous to other knowngenes, 138 (20%) are identical or similar to the hypotheticalgenes registered in databases, and the remaining 119 (17%) didnot show a significant similarity to any other gene. In thisregion, we assigned a cluster of cit genes encoding multienzymecitrate lyase, two clusters of fimbrial genes and a set of lysogenicphage genes encoding integrase, excisionase and repressor inthe e14 genetic element. In addition, a new valine tRNA gene,designated valZ, and a family of long directly repeated sequences,LDR-A, -B and -C, were found.     

Porous copper(I) complexes of 2,11-dithia[3.3]paracyclophane: desorption and adsorption of guest molecules

Four copper(I) complexes of 2,11-dithia[3.3]paracyclophane (dtpcp), [CuI(dtpcp)] · MeCN (1), [CuBr(dtpcp)] · MeCN (2), [CuCl(dtpcp)] · MeCN (3) and [Cu₂I₂(dtpcp)₂] · Me-thf (4) (Me-thf=2-methyltetrahydrofuran), have been synthesized and their molecular structures determined by X-ray crystallography. Complexes 1 and 2 are isostructural, and exhibit 3D networks with elliptical channels along a-axis, which are constructed by dtpcp molecules bridging zigzag CuI and CuBr chains, respectively. Complexes 3 and 4 are 2D porous sheet networks constructed by bridging the zigzag copper-dtpcp chains via rhombic ring of Cu₂X₂ (X=Cl or I). All sheets in 3 are packed in an eclipsed manner through π-π stackings to generate channels along the a-axis. However, the 2D porous sheets in 4 are packed in an offset mode such that channels are not formed along c-axis. Complexes 1 and 2 can reversibly incorporate guest acetonitriles without collapse of structures, and the original frameworks of 1 and 2 are completely recovered after incorporation of guests which are confirmed by X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD) pattern and ¹H NMR spectrum. Additionally, complex 1 exhibits selectivity in size and polarity for guest inclusion.     

Reversible photochromism of novel silver(I) coordination complexes with 1,2-bis(2′-methyl-5′-(2″-pyridyl)-3′-thienyl)perfluorocyclopentene in crystalline phase

Three novel silver(I) complexes with 1,2-bis(2-methyl-5′-(2″-pyridyl)-3′-thienyl)perfluorocyclopentene (BM-2-PTP) were synthesized by the reaction of Ag(CF₃SO₃) or Ag(CF₃COO) with BM-2-PTP in benzene at different temperatures. The structures of these metal complexes were revealed by X-ray crystallographic analyses and the correlation between crystal structures and photochromic performance was discussed. In complexes 1 and 2, silver(I) is three-coordinated to two nitrogens from distinct ligand molecules as well as one oxygen from anions to form a 1-D polymeric structure. On the other hand, complex 3 contains two crystallographic independent Ag(I) with different coordination environments, and the adjacent BM-2-PTP molecules are connected by Ag-CF₃CO₂-Ag chains to afford a 1-D double chain structure. The difference in structures of three complexes shows the interesting anionic effect on coordination and the subtleness of crystal engineering. It is noted that complex 3 underwent reversible photochromic reaction in crystalline state despite the unfavorable framework to the rotation of thiophene groups.     

Sympatric, simultaneous, and random mating between markless trout (iwame; Oncorhynchus iwame) and red-spotted masu salmon (amago; Oncorhynchus masou ishikawae)

The markless trout (iwame, Oncorhynchus iwame) has long been suspected not to be an independent species, but rather a markless mutant form of the red-spotted masu salmon (amago, O. masou ishikawae). Nevertheless, no field study has examined this issue. Here we report a field study on the reproductive ecology of iwame and amago coexisting in the upper stream of the Inabe River. We found that iwame and amago mate sympatrically, simultaneously, and randomly, and observed five cases of heterogeneous oviposition between the two. Our results suggest that no pre-mating reproductive isolation exists between iwame and amago. Because previous studies have shown the absence of post-mating isolation, we propose that iwame and amago are the same species. Iwame should be considered as a markless form of the red-spotted masu salmon, and O. iwame as a junior synonym of O. masou ishikawae.