Investigation of the distribution of water clusters in vegetables, fruits, and natural waters by flicker noise spectroscopy

The distribution of water clusters in fresh rain water and in rain water that was aged for 30 days (North Germany, 53 degrees 33' N, 12 degrees 47' E, 293 K, rain on 25.06.06) as well as in fresh vegetables and fruits was studied by flicker noise spectroscopy. In addition, the development of water clusters in apples and potatoes during ripening in 2006 was investigated. A different distribution of water clusters in irrigation water (river and rain) and in the biomatrix of vegetables (potatoes, onions, tomatoes, red beets) and fruits (apples, bananas) was observed. It was concluded that the cluster structure of irrigation water differs from that of water of the biomatrix of vegetables and fruits and depends on drought and the biomatrix nature. Water clusters in plants are more stable and reproducible than water clusters in natural water. The main characteristics of cluster formation in materials studied were given. The oscillation frequencies of water clusters in plants (biofield) are given at which they interact with water clusters of the Earth hydrosphere. A model of series of clusters 16(H2O)100 <--> 4(H2O)402 <--> 2(H2O)903 <--> (H2O)1889 in the biomatrix of vegetables and fruits was discussed.     

Spectrally silent transitions in the bacteriorhodopsin photocycle.

The photocycle kinetics of bacteriorhodopsin were analyzed from 0 to 40 degrees C at 101 wavelengths (330-730 nm). The data can be satisfactorily approximated by eight exponents. The slowest component (half-time 20 ms at 20 degrees C) belongs to the 13-cis cycle. The residual seven exponentials that are sufficient to describe the all-trans photocycle indicate that at least seven intermediates of the all-trans cycle must exist, although only five spectrally distinct species (K, L, M, N, and O) have been identified. These seven exponentials and their spectra at different temperatures provide the basis for the discussion of various kinetic schemes of the relaxation. The simplest model of irreversible sequential transitions includes after the first K--> L step the quasiequilibria of L<-->M, M<-->N, and N<-->O intermediates. These quasiequilibria are controlled by rate-limiting dynamics of the protein and/or proton transfer steps outside the chromophore region. Thus there exists an apparent kinetic paradox (i.e., why is the number of exponents of relaxation (at least seven) higher than the number of distinct spectral intermediates (only five)), which can be explained by assuming that some of the transitions correspond to changes in the quasiequilibria between spectrally distinct intermediates (i.e., are spectrally silent).     

A convenient approach to the synthesis of trinucleotide phosphoramidites--synthons for the generation of oligonucleotide/peptide libraries.

Trinucleotide phosphoramidites that correspond to the codons of all 20 amino acids were synthesized in high yield in 5g scale. Precursors of those amidites--trinucleotide phosphotriesters--have been prepared using the phosphotriester approach without protection of the 3'-hydroxyl function. The structures of trinucleotide phosphotriesters and intermediates were confirmed by 1H- and 31P-NMR spectra, mass-spectra and by analysis of SPDE-hydrolysates of deprotected preparations. Purity of the target products has been confirmed by test reactions. The synthons have been used for automated synthesis of oligonucleotides and corresponding libraries by a phosphite-triester approach. A 54mer, containing 12 randomized internal bases, and a 72mer with 24 internal randomized bases have been synthesized.     

Temperature and pH sensitivity of the O640 intermediate of the bacteriorhodopsin photocycle

The temperature and pH dependencies of the O₆₄₀ intermediate of the photocycle of bacteriorhodopsin (bR) were investigated by flash photolysis and T-jump experiments. The maximal concentration of the O₆₄₀ intermediate was found to be dependent on the temperature, which is described by a sigmoidal relationship. With increasing pH the midpoint of the sigmoidal curves shifts to higher temperatures. The Van't Hoff equation provides enthalpy and entropy values of the observed states. These results indicate that, in the investigated temperature (0-60°C) and pH (pH 4.0-10.0) range, the sequence of the principal intermediates in the pathway “M-N-O-bR” does not change. The observations of the O₆₄₀ intermediate at pH < 8.0 and of the N₅₅₀ intermediate at pH > 8.0 are most probably due only to changes of the intrinsic rate constants of the bR photocycle, not to a different mechanism.     

A novel technique for entrapment of hybridoma cells in synthetic thermally reversible polymers

Summary A new technique for entrapment of cells in thermally reversible polymer (poly-N-vinylcaprolactam - PVCl) has been developed. Using stabilizers, such as ovalbumin, sodium carboxymethylcellulose or egg powder were necessary to give structures that were stable upon stirring carriers. Two hybridoma lines, in particular, 3B4 and 1A10 cells were entrapped in gel and produced monoclonal antibodies IgG and IgM classes, respectively, against Arabis mosaic virus.     

Use of PVA-cryogel entrappedCitrobacter intermedius cells for continuous production of 3-fluoro-L-tyrosine

Summary The cells ofCitrobacter intermedius (containing L-tyrosine phenol lyase which catalyses the synthesis of 3-fluoro-L-tyrosine fromo-fluorophenol, pyruvate and ammonia) were entrapped into 10% poly(vinyl alcohol) cryogel beads. Cryogenic immobilization resulted in a moderate increase of the synthetic activity of the cells. During continuous operation for one month in a packed bed column reactor the productivity of the immobilized biocatalyst decreased by 30%.     

Materials on the serologic study of children inoculated with live measles vaccine

The results of serological examination of children, residents of Leningrad, vaccinated with live measles vaccine, are presented. A total of 2012 children were examined. Antibodies were absent in children of different age in 4.2--15.8% of cases. The greatest percentage of secronegative children (15) was noted among those vaccinated at the age of under one year. The mean geometrical antibody titres were the greatest in children aged from 7 to 14 years. The values of these mean titres were less in children vaccinated at the age of under one year than in those vaccinated later--6.5--8.6 and 10.6--11.3, respectively.     

The development of methods for obtaining monospecific ingredients for immunoenzyme analysis

The methods of the modification of Salmonella O- and H-antigens and the preparation of biologically active sorbents on their basis have been developed. The use of these sorbents has permitted the isolation of affinity antibodies with strictly defined specific activity. The work shows the possibility of the successful use of carriers obtained on the basis of porous glass, chemically modified by acrylic copolymers containing activated carboxylic groups, and intended for the immobilization of antigens of both protein and carbohydrate nature.