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Novel 3-aza-7-phosphabicyclo[3.3.1]nonan-9-ones have been synthesised via the Mannich reaction of a phosphorinanone, a primary amine and formaldehyde. The new phosphorus–nitrogen (PN) compounds are rigid and adopt a twin-chair conformation both in solution and the solid states. The coordination properties of the PN compounds were explored and a stable platinum complex was synthesised in which the PN ligand was bonded through both donor atoms.

The polymerase chain reaction is one of the most important reactions in molecular biology. Single stranded DNA is copied in a complex series of steps, at the core of which lies the action of the DNA polymerase. At each nucleotide along the template, the polymerase screens the dNTP pool until it finds the complementary dNTP. The insertion of each dNMP is a balance between high fidelity and rapid elongation. In this study the kinetics of the β type polymerase pyrococcus kodakaraensis (KOD) is analyzed. The kinetics is influenced by reaction conditions such as the dNTP pool composition and temperature. In a previous study by Viljoen et al. [2005, A macroscopic kinetic model for DNA polymerase elongation and high-fidelity nucleotide selection. Computational Biology and Chemistry 29, 101–110], a macroscopic kinetics expression of the polymerase chain reaction has been derived. The model contains four parameters that are intrinsic to a specific polymerase. The experiments to measure the temperature-dependence of the parameters for KOD DNA polymerase are reported. The results indicate that the optimal temperature for an equimolar dNTP pool is 72.5 ∘ C and the optimum temperature shifts to lower temperatures when the dNTP pool composition is biased.

An aqueous (NH4)2CO3 coprecipitation method, based on that of Groppi et al. [Appl. Catal. A 104 (1993) 101–108] was used to synthesize Sr1−xLaxMnAl11O19−α hexaaluminates. These materials were first synthesized by alkoxide hydrolysis. This synthesis route requires special handling of the starting materials and is not likely to be commercially practical. The materials prepared by (NH4)2CO3 coprecipitation have similar surface areas as those prepared by the alkoxide hydrolysis method. Their CH4 oxidation activity, measured as the temperature needed for 10% conversion of methane, is higher than those prepared by alkoxide hydrolysis. The La-substantiated material, LaMnAl11O19−α, shows high surface area with 19.3 m2/g after calcination at 1400°C for 2 h. It is active for CH4 oxidation with T10% at 450°C using 1% CH4 in air and 70 000 cm3/h g space velocity. The stability and activity of LaMnAl11O19−α prepared by (NH4)2CO3 coprecipitation method is a simple and important step forward for the application of CH4 catalytic combustion for gas turbines.

Protein S and C4b-binding protein (C4BP) form a tight complex (Kd approximately 0.6 nM) the physiologic purpose of which is unknown. The participation of protein S in this complex was investigated using site-specific mutagenesis. Normal recombinant human protein S (rHPS) and five specifically mutated protein S analogs were expressed in transformed human kidney 293 cells and the following properties were characterized: solution-phase C4BP binding, ability to be cleaved by thrombin, ability to act as a cofactor in the activated protein C-catalyzed inactivation of factor Va, and gamma-carboxyglutamic acid content. In some cases, beta-hydroxyaspartic acid plus beta-hydroxyasparagine content was also determined. Binding studies indicated that while clearly important for a high affinity interaction, the amino acid sequence Gly605-Ile614 identified by Walker (Walker, F J. (1989) J. Biol. Chem. 264, 17645-17648) does not account for all the binding energy of the HPS-C4BP interaction. All mutants perturbed in this region or lacking it altogether displayed reduced C4BP binding, and some retained anticoagulant cofactor function. Neither human factor X nor human steroid-binding protein had any measurable ability to compete with plasma HPS for C4BP binding. Furthermore, bovine protein S and a rHPS analog with bovine sequence from Gly597-Trp629 bound to human C4BP with the same affinity as did HPS, and both proteins substituted effectively for HPS as a cofactor for activated protein C in an otherwise human anticoagulation system. Together these results suggest that optimal binding of protein S to C4BP requires the putative alpha-helix Gly605-Ile614, as well as other undetermined regions of protein S, and that the regions of HPS responsible for C4BP binding and activated protein C cofactor function are structurally isolated.

Summary Germination of non-dormant peanut seeds is characterized by a “climacteric-like” pattern in ethylene production. Treatment with ethylene resulted in the autocatalytic stimulation of ethylene synthesis, accompanied by an acceleration in the rate of germination. It appears that the availability of ACC could be limiting during the initial phases of the germination process. An increase in the conversion of ACC to ethylene during germination suggest an increase in EFE activity of the seeds. Continuous application of 100 µM octanoic acid during the germination period resulted in the inhibition of seed germination. However, a brief treatment with 1 to 100 µM octanoic acid resulted in the stimulation of germination due to an increase in the sensitivity of the seed tissue to ethylene.

Among the vitamin K-dependent plasma proteins, only protein S contains the post-translationally modified amino acid erythro-beta-hydroxyasparagine (Hyn). Protein S also contains erythro-beta-hydroxyaspartic acid (Hya). The function of these unusual amino acids, located in the epidermal growth factor-like domains, is unknown. To determine if these post-translational modifications contribute to the functional integrity of human protein S (HPS), recombinant human protein S lacking Hya and Hyn (rHPSdesHya/Hyn) was purified from the medium of human kidney 293 cells that were transfected with HPS cDNA and grown in the presence of the hydroxylase inhibitor 2,2'-dipyridyl. Solution-phase equilibrium binding studies revealed that rHPSdesHya/Hyn binds C4b-binding protein (C4BP) in a manner indistinguishable from recombinant HPS and plasma-derived HPS, exhibiting a Kd in the presence of 2 mM CaCl2 of approximately 0.7 nM and a Kd in the presence of 4 mM EDTA approximately 10-fold higher. In a purified component system, rHPSdesHya/Hyn displayed normal anticoagulant cofactor activity in the activated protein C-catalyzed inactivation of coagulation factor Va bound in the prothrombinase complex. In addition, digestion of rHPSdesHya/Hyn with thrombin in the presence of EDTA appeared normal, and 2 mM CaCl2 prevented the cleavage. Together these results suggest that the post-translational modifications of Asn and Asp residues are not necessary for the macromolecular or Ca2+ interactions associated with the anticoagulant and C4BP binding characteristics of HPS.

Over the past several years, Federal and international regulations limiting the interference potential of electronic devices have forced designers and manufacturers of these devices to consider the electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) of their products. Although there are a few universities which offer courses to prepare electrical engineers for this challenge, many faculties are hesitant to introduce courses dealing with EMC. A case study is presented of how a such a course was developed at North Dakota State University, USA. Issues and concerns that occurred throughout the development and implementation process are discussed and encouragement is given to faculty who are interested in including EMC in their curricula.