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MOF based on cobalt terephthalate and 1,10-phenanthroline was synthesized according to a modified procedure by the interaction of cobalt nitrate, terephthalic acid, and 1,10-phenanthroline in the presence of alkali. MOF has been used to extract the organic Congo red and methylene blue dyes from their aqueous solutions. The degree of removal depends on temperature and reaches values close to 100% within 60 min at 291 and 308 K. The limiting adsorption is 40 mg/g, and the Langmuir model is in good agreement with the experimental results. The antioxidant activity of MOF was evaluated on a model solution of adrenalin hydrochloride in an alkaline medium with a maximum inhibition of the oxidation of the model compound of 87.05%. The antibacterial activity of MOF against Escherichia coli (E. coli) was assessed as satisfactory, which is explained by the release of metal cations and organic ligand, and the long period of action is due to their synergistic action.

Changes in the state of the surface layer of semi-insulating (111) GaAs in air under the action of white light are studied using surface acoustic waves (SAWs). It is shown that, depending on the light intensity and the SAW power, the reactions of interaction with molecules, atoms, and charged particles of the air are enhanced or weakened. The role of standing acoustic waves arising in the surface layers of gallium arsenide, namely, the concentration of interaction effects in places of maximum illumination as a result of diffraction of light by standing acoustic waves, is considered. The formation of nuclei (Ga + As) in the diffraction spots, covered with layers of compounds with oxygen and carbon, either growing or spreading, is found, and the fact that the formation of an oxide layer leads to a reorientation of the GaAs surface is established.

Soda lakes are relic ecosystems inhabited by unique microorganisms, which are doubly extremophilic: both haloalkaliphilic and natronophilic. Two morphologically and physiologically similar monocultures of filamentous anoxygenic phototrophic bacteria (FAPB) were isolated from the water samples and biofilms on plants of the coastal zones of the steppe soda lakes Tanatar 6 and Gorchina 1 (Kulunda, Altai krai) during the season of their desalination. In their natural environments, FAPB coexisted with anoxygenic purple sulfur bacteria of the genera Chromatium, Thiocapsa, Ectothiorhodospira, and Thiorhodospira, as well as with oxygenic phototrophs (alkaliphilic cyanobacteria, euglenophytes, and diatoms). FAPB formed filaments surrounded by thin sheaths; their cells contained antenna structures (chlorosomes). Apart from small amounts of bacteriochlorophyll (BChl) a in the reaction center, both isolates contained also antenna BChl c and BChl d. Alpha- and beta-carotenes and their derivatives were also detected. FAPB grew well in the medium containing Na2S ∙ 9H2O (500 mg/L) at total mineralization of 15−30 g/L and pH 8−9.5. Identification of both cultures based on amino acid composition of the PufLM complex revealed that they belonged to the phylum Chloroflexi and were almost 100% identical both to each other and to the halo-alkaliphilic isolate “Candidatus Viridilinea mediisalina” Kir15-3F revealed previously in the Kiran soda lake (Eastern Siberia, Russia). It may be concluded that “Cand. Viridilinea mediisalina” is a typical component of Siberian soda lakes with moderate salinity.

A Gram-negative, anaerobic photoautotroph, nonmotile, oval bacterium possessing gas vesicles and having no prosthecae, designated as V1, was isolated from the South China Sea coastal zone. It had chlorosomes as photosynthetic structures, and bacteriochlorophyll c as the major photosynthetic pigment. The strain was found to grow at 20–35 °C, pH 6.3–8.0 (optimum, pH 7.1) and with 0.7–5.8% (w/v) NaCl (optimum, 1–1.8%). In the presence of sulfide and bicarbonate, acetate, and fructose promoted growth. The DNA G+C content was 47 mol%. While the new isolate belonged to the Chlorobiaceae genus Prosthecochloris, it exhibited low similarity of the 16S rRNA gene sequences (96.21–96.78%) to other members of this genus. Comparison of the genome nucleotide sequences of strain V1 revealed that the new isolate was remote from the Chlorobiaceae type strains both in dDDH (16.8–18.9%) and in ANI (75.2–77.8%). We propose to assign the isolate to a new species, Prosthecochloris marina sp. nov., with the type strain V1T ( = VKM-3301T = KCTC 15824T).

A mesophilic filamentous anoxygenic phototrophic bacterium, designated M50-1, was isolated from a microbial mat of the Chukhyn Nur soda lake (northeastern Mongolia) with salinity of 5−14 g/L and pH 8.0−9.3. The organism is a strictly anaerobic phototrophic bacterium, which required sulfide for phototrophic growth. The cells formed short undulate trichomes surrounded by a thin sheath and containing gas vesicles. Motility of the trichomes was not observed. The cells contained chlorosomes. The antenna pigments were bacteriochlorophyll d and β- and γ-carotenes. Analysis of the genome assembled from the metagenome of the enrichment culture revealed all the enzymes of the 3-hydroxypropionate bi-cycle for autotrophic CO2 assimilation. The genome also contained the genes encoding a type IV sulfide:quinone oxidoreductase (sqrX). The organism had no nifHDBK genes, encoding the proteins of the nitrogenase complex responsible for dinitrogen fixation. The DNA G + C content was 58.6%. The values for in silico DNA‒DNA hybridization and average nucleotide identity between M50-1 and a closely related bacterium ‘Ca. Chloroploca asiatica’ B7-9 containing bacteriochlorophyll c were 53.4% and 94.0%, respectively, which corresponds to interspecies differences. Classification of the filamentous anoxygenic phototrophic bacterium M50-1 as a new ‘Ca. Chloroploca’ species was proposed, with the species name ‘Candidatus Chloroploca mongolica’ sp. nov.

The secondary structure of horse cytochrome c with mutations in the P76GTKMIFA83 site of the Ω-loop, exhibiting reduced efficiency of electron transfer, were studied. CD spectroscopy studies showed that the ordering of mutant structure increases by 3–6% compared to that of the WT molecules due to the higher content of β-structural elements. The IR spectroscopy data are consistent with the CD results and demonstrate that some α-helical elements change into β-structures, and the amount of the non-structured elements is decreased. The analysis of the 1H-NMR spectra demonstrated that cytochrome c mutants have a well-determined secondary structure with some specific features related to changes in the heme microenvironment. The observed changes in the structure of cytochrome c mutants are likely to be responsible for the decrease in the conformational mobility of the P76GTKMIFA83 sequence carrying mutations and for the decline in succinate:cytochrome c-reductase and cytochrome c-oxidase activities in the mitoplast system in the presence of these cytochromes c. We suggest that the decreased efficiency of the electron transfer of the studied cytochromes c may arise due to: (1) the change in the protein conformation in sites responsible for the interaction of cytochrome c with complexes III and IV and (2) the change in the heme conformation that deteriorates its optimal orientation towards donor and acceptor in complexes III and IV therefore slows down electron transfer. The results obtained are consistent with the previously proposed model of mitochondrial cytochrome c functioning associated with the deterministic mobility of protein globule parts.

The influence of H2O2 on the photodegradataion of 5-methoxypsoralen (5-MOP) in ethanol and in waterethanol solutions upon exposure to KrCl excilamp radiation (λrad = 222 nm) and XeBr excilamp radiation (λrad = 283 nm) is investigated. A kinematic model of photodegradation of the investigated molecule is constructed. The addition of H2O2 resulted in a weak increase of the decay rate of 5-MOP in ethanol exposed to KrCl excilamp radiation. In water-ethanol solutions the addition of H2O2 altered the mechanism of decay of 5-MOP irradiated by the KrCl excilamp in comparison with irradiation by the XeBr excilamp. It has been shown that upon exposure to XeBr excilamp radiation in the presence of H2O2, the primary photoproduct of the transformation of 5-MOP in the reaction corresponding to the first-order kinetic model is formed both in ethanol and in the water-ethanol solutions. Maximum removal of 5-MOP takes place for the ratio of initial concentrations [5-MOP]:[H2O2] = 1:3 after 60 min irradiation. It is found that irradiation by the XeBr excilamp the decay rate of 5-MOP is 5 times higher in the water-ethanol solutions in comparison with ethanol. Upon exposure to KrCl excilamp radiation the mechanism of 5-MOP decay corresponds to a pseudo-firstorder kinetic model. The nature of the dependence of the decay rate of 5-MOP on the irradiation time for the ratio of initial concentrations [5-MOP]:[H2O2] = 1:24 indicates that during decay of the initial compound a photoproduct appears in the system which decays during the irradiation time into secondary compounds. Efficient removal of 5-MOP under this irradiation takes place for the ratio of initial concentrations [5-MOP]:[H2O2] = 1:10 after 60 min irradiation.

In this article, we present the description of a novel mesophilic phototrophic Chloroflexi bacterium, 'Candidatus Viridilinea mediisalina' Kir15-3F. We have isolated an anaerobic, highly enriched culture of this bacterium from the Kiran soda lake (Siberia) and optimized its cultivation. Metagenomic sequencing revealed that 'Ca. Viridilinea mediisalina' Kir15-3F is a bacteriochlorophyll-containing Chloroflexi bacterium in the enrichment culture. Fluorescent in situ hybridisation demonstrated a link between the phenotype described here and the 'Ca. Viridilinea mediisalina' Kir15-3F genome. Spectrophotometry and high-performance liquid chromatography analyses showed the presence of bacteriochlorophylls d, c and a, as well as lycopene, γ-carotene and β-carotene. Transmission electron microscopy showed chlorosomes, gas vesicles, polyhydroxyalkanoate-like and polyphosphate-like granules. Our results illustrated that 'Ca. Viridilinea mediisalina' Kir15-3F is an alkaliphilic, salt-tolerant, obligately mesophilic, anaerobic, phototrophic bacterium. The genome sequences lack genes of the Calvin cycle and a sulphide:quinone reductase gene for sulphide oxidation. Owing to the lack of an axenic culture and based on the genomic and phenotypic data, we have presented the description of the bacterium in the Candidatus category.

Photodegradation of 5-Methoxypsoralen (5-MOP), 4', 5'-dimethyl-3,4-cyclogeksilpsoralen (KC5) and 4'-methyl-3,4 cycloheptylpsoralen (KC4) has been carried out in an XeBr exilamps, both in the presence of H2O2, and a kinetic model, which explains the dependence of the pseudo-first order kinetic parameter on the substrate concentration and other operational variables, has been developed. In the development of the model, mass transfer of 5-MOP, KC5 and KC4from the bulk solution to the wall of the vessel was assumed as the step determining the rate of the photodegradation process, which successfully explains some singularities observed in the experimental results.By fitting the experimental data to the model, a detailed study of the influence of all operational variables on the pseudo-first order kinetic parameter has been done, in good agreement with the model hypotheses.

Two alkaliphilic strains of nonsulfur purple bacteria (NPB), B7-4 and B8-2, were isolated from southeast Siberia moderately saline alkaline steppe lakes with pH values above 9.0. The isolates were motile, polymorphous cells (from short rods to long spindly cells) 2.0-3.2 x 9.6-20.0 μm. Intracellular membranes of vesicular type were mostly located at the cell periphery. The microorganisms contained bacteriochlorophyll a and carotenoids of the spheroidene and spirilloxanthin series. The photosynthetic apparatus was represented by LH2 and LH1 light-harvesting complexes. In the presence of organic compounds, the strains grew aerobically in the dark or anaerobically in the light. Capacity for photo- and chemoautotrophic growth was not detected. The cbbl gene encoding RuBisCO was not revealed. Optimal growth of both strains occurred at 2% NaCl (range from 0.5 to 4%), pH 8.0-8.8 (range from 7.5 to 9.7), and 25-35 degrees C. The DNA G+C content was 67.6-69.8 mol %. Pairwise comparison of the nucleotides of the 16S rRNA genes revealed that strains B7-4 and B8-2 belonged to the same species (99.9% homology) and were most closely related to the aerobic alkaliphilic bacteriochlorophyll a-containing anoxygenic phototrophic bacterium (APB) Roseibacula alcaliphilum De (95.2%) and to NPB strains Rhodobaca barguzinensis VKM B-2406(T) (94.2%) and Rbc. bogoriensis LBB1(T) (93.9%). The isolates were closely related to the NPB Rhodobacter veldkampii DSM 11550(T) (94.8%) and to aerobic bacteriochlorophyll a-containing bacteria Roseinatronobacter monicus ROS 35(T) and Roseicitreum antarcticul ZS2-28(T) (93.5 and 93.9%, respectively). New strains were described as a new NPB genus and species of the family Rhodobacteriaceae, Rhodobaculum claviforme gen. nov., sp. nov., with B7-4(T) (VKM B-2708, LMG 28126) as the type strain.

A design of the microstrip antenna with an epitaxial structure used as a dielectric substrate is developed. The epitaxial structure contains a thin layer of n-type gallium arsenide of on a GaAs semi-insulating substrate. The layer thickness is selected with consideration for the carrier depletion region that appears at the interface between the metal layer, which forms the antenna, and the doped semiconductor layer. We demonstrated experimentally the possibility of application of this design as a FET antenna–generator in a frequency range of 10–15 GHz.

Results of theoretical research for two psoralen molecules: 8-methoxypsoralen and khellin are presented. Schemes of photophysical processes in psoralens based on quantum chemical calculation by the INDO method are analyzed. The rate constants of intersystem and internal conversions are calculated. We obtained rather high intersystem conversion constant that influences on the fluorescent yield of 8-methoxypsoralen (107 s-1) and an insignificant constant of intersystem conversion for khellin (103 s-1).

Formation of triplet states in aqueous herbicide solutions excited by nanosecond radiation of 4th harmonic of Nd:YAG laser (wavelength 266 nm) is revealed by the pump-probe method. During photosensitized 8-MOP oxidation of herbicides, formation of triplet states of the photosensitizer and of the hydrated electron is observed in the process of two-step photoionization of 8-MOP.

Five phylogenetically similar monocultures of mesophilic filamentous anoxygenic phototrophic bacteria (FAPB) were isolated from microbial mats of low-mineral (5–28 g/L) alkaline lakes in Buryat Republic, Transbaikalia and Mongolia, as well as from biofilms of an alkaline sulfide spring (3 g/L) of the Umhei hydrothermal system (Buryat Republic). New isolates were characterized by short trichomes (15–30 μm long and ∼1 μm in diameter), straight, curved, or wavy, surrounded by a thin iron-sorbing mucous sheath. Gliding motion of the trichomes was not observed. The trichomes formed bunches consisting of several filaments. Trichomes multiply by the separation of short fragments or single cells from the parental trichome. The cells in the filaments were elongated; they contained chlorosomes, gas vesicles, poly-β-hydroxybutyrate granules, and small polyphosphate inclusions. Bacteria contained bacteriochlorophylls c and a and γ-carotene. Absorption maxima of the pigments in the cells were observed at 462, (shoulder at 515), 742, 805, and 863 nm. The organisms were strict anaerobes capable of photoautotrophic growth with sulfide as an electron donor. Elemental sulfur emerged into the medium as a result of sulfide photooxidation. The organisms were tolerant to sulfide (up to 8 mM). Best growth occurred at pH 8.0, 3–15 g/L NaCl, and 1–5 g/L sodium bicarbonate. According to phylogenetic analysis, the 16S rRNA gene sequences of the FAPB isolates formed a separate cluster most closely related to the species cluster of the family Oscillochloridaceae, suborder Chloroflexinae, order Chloroflexales, class Chloroflexi. The differences with the closest 16S rRNA gene sequences of the known FAPB were 9–10%. The formal description of a new taxon, Candidatus’ Chloroploca asiatica’ gen. nov., sp. nov., is provided.

We investigate functional role of the P76GTKMIFA83 fragment of the primary structure of cytochrome c. Based on the data obtained by the analysis of informational structure (ANIS), we propose a model of functioning of cytochrome c. According to this model, conformational rearrangements of the P76GTKMIFA83 loop fragment have a significant effect on conformational mobility of the heme. It is suggested that the conformational mobility of cytochrome c heme is responsible for its optimal orientation with respect to electron donor and acceptor within ubiquinol-cytochrome c oxidoreductase (complex III) and cytochrome c oxidase (complex IV), respectively, thus, ensuring electron transfer from complex III to complex IV. To validate the model, we design several mutant variants of horse cytochrome c with multiple substitutions of amino acid residues in the P76GTKMIFA83 sequence that reduce its ability to undergo conformational rearrangements. With this, we study the succinate-cytochrome c reductase and cytochrome c oxidase activities of rat liver mitoplasts in the presence of mutant variants of cytochrome c. The electron transport activity of the mutant variants decreases to different extent. Resonance Raman spectroscopy (RRS) and surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) data demonstrate, that all mutant cytochromes possess heme with the higher degree of ruffling deformation, than that of the wild-type (WT) cytochrome c. The increase in the ruffled deformation of the heme of oxidized cytochromes correlated with the decrease in the electron transport rate of ubiquinol-cytochrome c reductase (complex III). Besides, all mutant cytochromes have lower mobility of the pyrrol rings and methine bridges, than WT cytochrome c. We show that a decrease in electron transport activity in the mutant variants correlates with conformational changes and reduced mobility of heme porphyrin. This points to a significant role of the P76GTKMIFA83 fragment in the electron transport function of cytochrome c.

This work studies changes of the GaAs surface state under the effect of low-intensity electron flux and under the effect of weakly ionized plasma (evaporated Au vapors in vacuum). It is shown that the structure and composition of subsurface layers not only within the irradiated region, but also beyond it, changes even under weak exposure. It is found that the content of free Ga and As atoms not included into the gallium arsenide lattice decreases under irradiation of the GaAs surface, which is characteristic for the processes of plastic deformation relaxation. Removal of strain due to diffusion creep is determined by torsional deformation. Diffusion and viscosity coefficients under irradiation by electrons point to the bulk diffusion mechanism and to the grain boundary mechanism under Au deposition. Herewith, the state of the subsurface layer corresponds to the irradiation duration. The energy parameters of this process are estimated.

It is shown that surface acoustic waves (SAWs) can affect the in situ reactions and phase transformations occurring in the surface layers of high-resistivity (semi-insulator) gallium arsenide during deposition of gold. The film formed by SAWs is multilayer in the directions both parallel and perpendicular to the surface. Amplitude, velocity, and delay of the SAWs are very sensitive to the processes occurring in the interfacial Au/GaAs layers owing to the features of their propagation vectors.

Surface acoustic waves are used to study the transformation of the surface of a high-resistance (semi-insulating) gallium arsenide in situ in the course of the thermal deposition of gold in vacuum. It is demonstrated that the surface modifications that involve the formation of the Au-Ga liquid phase and solid solutions based on Au3Ga, Au7Ga2, etc. result in variations in the parameters (amplitude and phase) of the transmitted acoustic wave and can be identified using such variations.

We present a theoretical and experimental study of the fluorescent ability of new coumarin sensitizers. Using the INDO method, we have drawn the level diagram for the photophysical processes in the coumarin molecules. We have calculated the rate constants for internal conversion and intersystem crossing and the radiative rate constants. We have determined the experimental and theoretical fluorescence yields of the test compounds.

Psoralens (furocoumarines) are photosensitizers of vegetative origin increasing the sensitivity of biological objects to near-ultraviolet radiation (UV-A, 320–400 nm). In the present work, the influence of substitution on the energy level diagram is considered for the first element of the series-psoralen. The absorption and fluorescence spectra are investigated with the use of an SM-2203 spectrofluorimeter, and theoretical calculations are carried out. In addition, the results obtained are compared with the calculated and experimental results of other authors. The employed method of intermediate neglect of differential overlap (INDO) yields such parameters as an oscillator force, nature and energy of the transition, positions of triplets and singlets, etc. The geometry is optimized by the semi-empirical PM3 method of the program Hyperchem 6.03. A comparison of the calculated results for the examined compounds demonstrates that after the substitution, the absorption spectra are shifted toward the red range. The lower excited singlet of the 21,22-dimethyl-10,11-cyclohexylpsoralen compound lies higher than that of psoralen and 10,11-phenyl-21,22-cyclohexylpsoralen; it is located at 332 nm. The absorption spectra from the excited states undergo a bathochromic shift after the substitution. The most intensive T-T absorption bands are also indicated in this work.

Two strains of pink-colored aerobic bacteriochlorophyll a-containing bacteria were isolated from aerobic (strain ROS 10) and anaerobic (strain ROS 35) zones of the water column of Mono Lake (California, United States). Cells of the bacteria were nonmotile oval gram-negative rods multiplying by binary fission by means of a constriction. No intracellular membranes were detected. Polyphosphates and poly-β-hydroxybutyric acid were the storage compounds. Pigments were represented by bacteriochlorophyll a and carotenoids of the spheroidene series. The strains were obligately aerobic, mesophilic (temperature optimum of 25–30°C), alkaliphilic (pH optimum of 8.5–9.5), and moderately halophilic (optimal NaCl concentration of 40 g/l). They were obligately heterotrophic and grew aerobically in the dark and in the light. Respiration was inhibited by light at wavelengths corresponding to the absorption of the cellular pigments. The substrate utilization spectra were strain-specific. In the course of organotrophic growth, the bacteria could oxidize thiosulfate to sulfate; sulfide and polysulfide could also be oxidized. The DNA G+C content was 59.4 mol % in strain ROS 10 and 59 mol % in strain ROS 35. In their phenotypic properties, the new strains were close but not identical to the alkaliphilic bacterium Roseinatronobacter thiooxidans. The distinctions in the nucleotide sequences of the 16S rRNA genes (2%) and low DNA-DNA hybridization level with Rna. thiooxidans (22–25%) allow the new strains to be assigned to a new species of the genus Roseinatronobacter, Roseinatronobacter monicus sp. nov. with the type strain ROS 35T (=UNIQEM U-251T = VKM B-2404T).

The effect of antitubulin agents (Taxol, Vincristine, and Nocodazole) on MCF-7 human breast carcinoma cells was studied. The purpose of the study was to determine the type of death of these cells and the role of p53 protein in this process. The data obtained show that the antitubulin agents can activate not only both subtypes of the mitotic catastrophe (death during mitosis and postmitotic death of polyploid cells) but also death of mononuclear cells. It is assumed that disturbance of the organization of the microtubule system activates the G1 checkpoint in the cell cycle. Apoptosis is activated in a p53-independent manner in K-mitotic cells and after complete microtubule disassembly in interphase cells.

Microbiological and isotopic-geochemical investigations of the brackish meromictic lakes Shira and Shunet were performed in the steppe region of Khakasia in winter. Measurements made with a submersed sensor demonstrated that one-meter ice transmits light in a quantity sufficient for oxygenic and anoxygenic photosynthesis. As in the summer season, in the community of phototrophic bacteria found in Lake Shira, the purple sulfur bacteria Amoebobacter purpureus dominated, whereas, in Lake Shunet, the green sulfur bacteria Pelodictyon luteolum were predominant. Photosynthetic production, measured using the radioisotopic method, was several times lower than that in summer. The rates of sulfate reduction and production and oxidation of methane in the water column and bottom sediments were also lower than those recorded in summer. The process of anaerobic methane oxidation in the sediments was an exception, being more intense in winter than in summer. The data from radioisotopic measurements of the rates of microbial processes correlate well with the results of determination of the isotopic composition of organic and mineral carbon (δ13C) and hydrogen sulfide and sulfate (δ34S) and suggest considerable seasonal variations in the activity of the microbial community in the water bodies investigated.

A new purple sulfur bacterium (strain M9) was isolated from the steppe soda Lake Dzun Uldziin Nur (pH 9.4; mineralization, 3.3%) situated in southeastern Mongolia. Individual cells appear as vibrios 0.3-0.5 x 0.7-1 micron in size. The dividing cells often do not separate from each other, forming an almost closed ring. The internal photosynthetic membranes are represented by concentric lamellae lining the cell wall. Photosynthetic pigments are bacteriochlorophyll a and carotenoids of the spirilloxanthin series. The main carotenoid (> 96%) is spirilloxanthin. Two typical light-harvesting complexes (LH1 and LH2) are present in the membranes in a 1:1 ratio. The bacterium is an anaerobe and facultative photoorganoheterotroph. Photolithoautotrophic growth on sulfide is scarce. Thiosulfate is utilized as an electron donor only in the presence of organic matter. Globules of elemental sulfur are formed as an intermediary product of sulfide and thiosulfate oxidation and are deposited outside the cells. The end product of oxidation is sulfate. In the presence of sulfide and carbonates, acetate, lactate, malate, pyruvate, propionate, succinate, and fumarate are used as the additional sources of carbon in anoxygenic photosynthesis. Vitamin are not required. The bacterium is an alkaliphile the pH optimum is at 8.3-9.1, the pH range is 7.6-10.1. The optimum NaCl concentration in the medium is 1 to 7%; the range is 0.5 to 0.9%. The optimum carbonate content in the medium is 2%; the range is 1 to 10%. The best growth occurs at 30-35 degrees C. The DNA G + C content is 57.5 mol%. According to the results of analysis of the 16S rRNA gene sequences, the new isolate M9 belongs to the phylogenetic cluster containing representatives of the family Ectothiorhodospiraceae within the class "Gammaproteobacteria." In this class, the new isolate forms a new branch, which occupies an intermediate position between the representatives of the genera Ectothiorhodospira and Thiorhodospira. Based on the phenotypic and genetic characteristics, the new purple sulfurbacterium was assigned to a new species of a new genus of the family Ectothiorhodospiraceae, Ectothiorhodosinus mongolicum gen. nov., sp. nov.

Microbiological and biogeochemical studies of the meromictic saline Lake Shira (Khakasia) were conducted. In the upper part of the hydrogen-sulfide zone, at a depth of 13.5–14 m, there was a pale pink layer of water due to the development of purple bacteria (6 × 105 cells/ml), which were assigned by their morphological and spectral characteristics toLamprocystis purpurea (formerly Amoebobacter purpureus). In August, the production of organic matter (OM) in Lake Shira was estimated to be 943 mg C/(m2day). The contribution of anoxygenic photosynthesis was insignificant (about 7% of the total OM production). The share of bacterial chemosynthesis was still less (no more than 2%). In the anaerobic zone, the community of sulfate-reducing bacteria played a decisive role in the terminal decomposition of OM. The maximal rates of sulfate reduction were observed in the near-bottom water (114 μg S/(l day)) and in the surface layer of bottom sediments (901 μg S/(dm3 day)). The daily expenditure of Corg for sulfate reduction was 73% of Corg formed daily in the processes of oxygenic and anoxygenic photosynthesis and bacterial chemosynthesis. The profile of methane distribution in the water column and bottom sediments was typical of meromictic reservoirs. The methane content in the water column increased beginning with the thermocline (7–8 m) and reached maximum values in the near-bottom water (17 μl/l). In bottom sediments, the greatest methane concentrations (57 μl/l) were observed in the surface layer (0–3 cm). The integral rate of methane formation in the water column and bottom sediments was almost an order of magnitude higher than the rate of its oxidation by aerobic and anaerobic methanotrophic microorganisms.

A rod-shaped heliobacterium motile by peritrichous flagella, designated strain OS-H1, was isolated from a sample of shoreline soil of the soda lake Ostozhe (pH 9.2, total salt content 0.22%) located in the steppe of south-east Siberia. In the first few transfers, the isolate produced heat-resistant endospores. Like other heliobacteria, strain OS-H1 contained bacteriochlorophyll g and lacked intracytoplasmic membranes. The new isolate was a strict anaerobe and photoheterotroph. In the light and in the presence of organic compounds, strain OS-H1 oxidized sulfide to elemental sulfur and polysulfides, but was not capable of photoautotrophic growth. The isolate was an obligate alkaliphile able to grow at pH 8-10.2. The best growth was observed at pH 8.5-9.5, a temperature of 30 degrees C and at 5-10 g sodium carbonate l(-1). Biotin was required as a growth factor. The G+C content of strain OS-H1 was 45.0 mol%. Comparison of the 16S rRNA gene sequence to that of phototrophic bacteria showed strain OS-H1 to group within gram-positive bacteria of the family Heliobacteriaceae with the closest relationship to Heliorestis daurensis (95.6% similarity). Based on physiological, genetic and chemotaxonomic characteristics, the new heliobacterium is described as a new species of the genus Heliorestis, Heliorestis baculata.

Two new species of heliobacteria isolated from cyanobacterial mats of two alkaline sulfidic hot springs are formally described. Strains BR4 and BG29 are assigned to anoxygenic phototrophic bacteria of the family Heliobacteriaceae, since they possess the unique properties of this taxon: strict anaerobiosis, formation of bacteriochlorophyll g, the lack of extensive intracytoplasmic membranes and chlorosomes, an unusual cell wall structure, and phylogenetic relatedness to the low G + C gram-positive eubacteria. Based on the 16S rDNA sequence similarity, strains BR4 and BG29 are assigned to the genus Heliobacterium and described as two new species of this genus: Heliobacterium sulfidophilum sp. nov. and Heliobacterium undosum sp. nov. The G + C content of the DNA is 51.3 mol % in Hbt. sulfidophilum and 57.2-57.7 mol % in Hbt. undosum. The cells of Hbt. sulfidophilum are rods, and the cells of Hbt. undosum are slightly twisted spirilla or short rods. Both new bacteria are motile by peritrichous flagella. Hbt. sulfidophilum produces endospores. The new bacteria are strict anaerobes growing photoheterotrophically on a limited range of organic compounds. In the dark, they can switch from photosynthesis to the slow fermentation of pyruvate. Biotin is required as a growth factor. Both species are highly tolerant to sulfide (up to 2 mM at pH 7.5) and oxidize it photoheterotrophically to elemental sulfur; photoautotrophic growth was not observed. The temperature optimal for growth of Hbt. sulfidophilum and Hbt. undosum is 30-35 degrees C, and the optimal pH is 7-8.

Gas permeation, sorption, and free volume was studied in a series of glassy vinylic type Si-containing polymers. They included p-substituted derivatives of polystyrene, which were compared with polystyrene, and poly(vinylphenyldimethyl silane). The strongest increase in permeability and diffusion coefficients were observed for the polymer containing the Si(CH3)3 group directly attached to phenylene ring. An introduction of spacers between phenylene ring and Si(CH3)3 group results in much lower gas permeability. Positron annihilation study of free volume in these polymers showed that lifetime spectra are composed of four components. It implies that size distribution of free volume in these polymers, which are characterized by a modest level of gas permeability, is bimodal, a feature previously observed only for extra large free volume and permeability materials such as poly(trimethylsilyl propyne). © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 78: 1612–1620, 2000

Several samples of microbial mat obtained from soda lakes of the Kunkurskaya steppe (Chita region) abundantly populated by purple bacteria were screened for the presence of heterotrophic alkaliphiles capable of oxidizing sulfur compounds to sulfate. This capacity was found in only one pigmented strain, ALG 1, isolated on medium with acetate and thiosulfate at pH 10. The strain was found to be a strictly aerobic and obligately heterotrophic alkaliphile. Growth on medium with acetate was possible within a narrow pH range from 8.5 to 10.4. The strain formed a reddish orange carotenoid and bacteriochlorophylla. Pigments were synthesized only at high concentrations of nitrogen-containing organic compounds (peptone or yeast extract). The production of bacteriochlorophylla was maximal under microaerobic conditions in darkness. Strain ALG 1 could oxidize sulfide, thiosulfate, sulfite, and elemental sulfur to sulfate. In heterotrophically growing culture (pH 10), thiosulfate was not oxidized until the late logarithmic phase. The sulfur-oxidizing activity was maximal at the most alkaline pH values. The notable increase in the efficiency of organic carbon utilization observed in the presence of thiosulfate suggested that the bacterium was a sulfur-oxidizing lithoheterotroph. The phylogenetic analysis of the 16S rRNA gene showed strain ALG 1 to be a member of the α-3 subgroup of Proteobacteria and to constitute a distinct branch located between nonsulfur purple bacteriaRhodobacter andRhodovulum. Based on the unique phenotypic properties and the results of phylogenetic analysis, the alkaliphilic isolate ALG 1 was assigned to a new genus and speciesRoseinatronobacter thiooxidans with the type strain DSM-13087

The genomic RNA of picornaviruses is attached to a small protein (VPg) via a covalent bond between a tyrosine and a 5′-terminal uridine phosphate. The same structure is present in potyvirus and calicivirus families. VPgs play a key role in initiation of viral replication by acting as primers for RNA synthesis. The model compound [ N (Ac), C O(NHMe)]Tyr-(5′P → O)Up-O-(CH 2 ) 6 NH 2 (mCLU), mimicking this ‘covalent linkage unit’ (CLU) and containing Tyr-pUp was synthesized in solution following the phosphoramidite scheme and used to raise antibodies for studying picornavirus infection. The antibodies recognized CLU-containing mengovirus RNA and showed minimal cross-reactivity with RNAs lacking CLU. Immunofluorescence staining of cells infected with a human rhinovirus demonstrated co-localization of the signals from anti-mCLU and from anti-VPg antibodies. Efficient synthesis of mCLU and anti-mCLU antibodies might be of great utility for investigating viral replication and identifying yet unknown viral and cellular CLU-containing RNA–protein complexes.

The GC-MS method was used to identify the addition products of methyldichlorosilane to vinyl acetate. Radiation-induced addition of methyldichlorosilane to vinyl acetate produces 2-methyldichlorosilylethyl ethyl ether. The reaction follows a radical-chain mechanism. The ratio of the rate constants of methyldichlorosilyl radical addition to C=C and C=O to vinyl acetate amounts to 0.4±0.1 (303 K).

The present paper deals with compounds called photosensitizers, namely, psoralen, 3,4-phenyl-4',5'- cyclohexylpsoralen, 4'-methyl-3,4-cycloheptyl psoralen, 4',5'-dimethyl-3,4-cyclohexyl psoralen (fig. 1). The absorption spectra from excited triplets states were investigated. The computed triplet-triplet absorption spectra of research compounds have been determined using INDO method. The experimental triplet-triplet absorption spectra have been obtained using the technique of laser flash photolysis in ethanol. The compare of computed and experimental data is shows that the computed second band wavelenght throughout agree very well (0,5-6 nm) with experimental data.

To begin with the present paper deals with compounds called photosensitizers, namely, psoralens (Ps), 21,22-dimethyl-10,11-cyclohexylpsoralen (DCP) and 10,11-phenyl-21,22-cyclohexylpsoralen (PhChP). The absorption spectra from excited triplets states, photophysical and spectral properties occurring in molecules were investigated in this paper. The triplet-triplet absorption spectra, spectrum So-Si-absorption and rate constants of Ps, DCP and PhChP have been determined using INDO method. Experimental absorption spectra of PhCIiP were obtained using CM-2203 spectrofluorimeter.© (2006) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.

This article presents the results of a systematic synthesis study of elastomeric crosslinkable polysilicon olefins, the related thermal crosslinking kinetics, and the main permeability parameters recorded for inorganic gases (He, N2, O2, and CO2) and C1–C7 hydrocarbons. Poly(vinyl allyl dimethylsilane) (PVADMS; glass-transition temperature < 273°K) was obtained by the anionic polymerization of bifunctional vinyl allyl dimethylsilane monomer. The polymers were amorphous, high molecular compounds with mixed carbo-heterochain structures containing double bonds capable of intermolecular crosslinking under a thermal treatment. Thus, thermally crosslinked polymers exhibited a high resistance toward exposure to organic vapors, unlike noncrosslinked PVADMS. IR spectroscopy was used to investigate the polymer structural changes induced by the thermal treatment. An original technique based on a differential method was used to measure gas permeability during thermal crosslinking. PVADMS possessed higher permeability for C1–C7 hydrocarbons than for inorganic gases (excluding CO2), even after crosslinking. Permeability coefficients ranging from 140 to 1780 Barrer for He and CH4 were found before crosslinking; the thermal crosslinking induced a nonlinear permeability decrease that could be correlated with the disappearance of the double bonds in the polymer structures, that is, cis-CHCH, trans-CHCH, and CH2CH in the side-chain position. According to the found properties, PVADMS could be used as a prospective material for the preparation of highly permeable selective membranes suitable for lower hydrocarbon and volatile organic compound recovery from various chemical and petrochemical process streams. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 96: 927–935, 2005

Four strains of purple sulfur bacteria containing bacteriochlorophyll b were isolated from cyanobacterial mats of soda lakes in the steppe of south-east Siberia, Russia. Cells of all strains were cocci without gas vesicles. Eventually, cells with flagella were seen in the electron microscope, but motile cells were observed very rarely in cultures. Internal photosynthetic membranes were of the tubular type. Photosynthetic pigments were bacteriochlorophyll b and carotenoids with spectral characteristics similar to 3,4,3',4'-tetrahydrospirilloxanthin. The bacteria were obligately phototrophic and strictly anaerobic. Hydrogen sulfide and elemental sulfur were used as photosynthetic electron donors. Thiosulfate was not used. During growth on sulfide, sulfur globules were formed as intermediate oxidation products, deposited inside the cells and centrally located. In the presence of sulfide and sodium bicarbonate, acetate, malate, propionate, pyruvate, succinate, fumarate and yeast extract were photoassimilated. Growth factors were not required. The new bacterium is an obligate alkaliphile growing at pH 8-10 with an optimum at pH 9. It showed good growth up to 6.0% sodium chloride and up to 8.5% sodium carbonates. Phenotypically, it is similar to Thiococcus pfennigii, but different by virtue of its alkaliphily and salt tolerance. The DNA G+C content was 63.6-64.8 mol %, compared to 69.4-69.9 mol % for Thiococcus pfennigii. The 16S rDNA sequence of strain A26T was approximately 92% similar to that of Thiococcus pfennigii DSM 226 and therefore a new genus and species name, Thioalkalicoccus limnaeus gen. nov. and sp. nov., are proposed for the new bacterium.

A novel alkaliphilic heliobacterium was isolated from microbial mats of a low-salt alkaline Siberian soda lake. Cells of the new organism were tightly coiled when grown in coculture with a rod-shaped bacterium, but grew as short filaments when finally obtained in pure culture. The new phototroph, designated strain BT-H1, produced bacteriochlorophyll g and a neurosporene-like pigment, and lacked internal photosynthetic membranes. Similar to other heliobacteria, strain BT-H1 grew photoheterotrophically on a limited range of organic compounds including acetate and pyruvate. Sulfide was oxidized to elemental sulfur and polysulfides under photoheterotrophic conditions; however, photoautotrophic growth was not observed. Cultures of strain BT-H1 were alkaliphilic, growing optimally at pH 9, and unlike other heliobacteria, they grew optimally at a temperature of 25 degrees C rather than at 40 degrees C or above. Analysis of the 16S rRNA gene sequence of the new organism showed that it groups within the heliobacterial clade. However, its branching order was phylogenetically basal to all previously investigated species of heliobacteria. The G+C content of the DNA of strain BT-H1 (44.9 mol%) was also quite distinct from that of other heliobacteria. This unique assemblage of properties implicates strain BT-H1 as a new genus and species of the heliobacteria, Heliorestis daurensis, named for its unusual morphology ("restis" is Latin for "rope") and for the Daur Steppe in Russia in which these soda lakes are located.

A new purple sulfur bacterium was isolated from microbial films on decaying plant mass in the near-shore area of the soda lake Malyi Kasytui (pH 9.5, 0.2% salinity) located in the steppe of the Chita region of south-east Siberia. Single cells were vibrioid- or spiral-shaped (3-4 microns wide and 7-20 microns long) and motile by means of a polar tuft of flagella. Internal photosynthetic membranes were of the lamellar type. Lamellae almost filled the whole cell, forming strands and coils. Photosynthetic pigments were bacteriochlorophyll a and carotenoids of the spirilloxanthin group. The new bacterium was strictly anaerobic. Under anoxic conditions, hydrogen sulfide and elemental sulfur were used as photosynthetic electron donors. During growth on sulfide, sulfur globules were formed as intermediate oxidation products. They were deposited outside the cytoplasm of the cells, in the peripheral periplasmic space and extracellularly. Thiosulfate was not used. Carbon dioxide, acetate, pyruvate, propionate, succinate, fumarate and malate were utilized as carbon sources. Optimum growth rates were obtained at pH 9.0 and optimum temperature was 30 degrees C. Good growth was observed in a mineral salts medium containing 5 g sodium bicarbonate l-1 without sodium chloride. The new bacterium tolerated up to 60 g sodium chloride l-1 and up to 80 g sodium carbonates l-1. Growth factors were not required. The DNA G + C composition was 56.0-57.4 mol%. Based on physiological, biochemical and genetic characteristics, the newly isolated bacterium is recognized as a new species of a new genus with the proposed name Thiorhodospira sibirica.

1. The reaction of NiCl2 and CoCl2 with Al(i-Bu)3 in the presence of small amounts of dienes has been studied. 2. The reaction of NiCl2 with Al(i-Bu)3 in the presence of a diene results in the formation ofπ-alkylnickel chlorides, in which the alkenyl ligand contains an oligomer of the diene and an H atom or an isobutyl group, with yields of ∼ 100%. The compounds synthesized are fairly stable with respect to deoxygenated water and aqueous solutions of HCl and H2SO4 and do not undergo disproportionation reactions. 3. The reaction of CoCl2 with Al(i-Bu)3 in the presence of 1,3-pentadiene results in the predominant formation of organocobalt compounds which do not contain chlorine and which are less stable with respect to deoxygenated water and aqueous solutions of acids.

Radical interaction of methyldichlorosilane with 1-hexene (B) and acetylene (C) is shown to form addition products. The calculated Arrhenius parameters for the relative rate constant of the addition reaction amount to lg AB/AC=0.0±0.2 and EB−EC=−7.8±0.5 kJ M−1.