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Three new ortho-metallated palladium complexes, [Pd(O,O'-hfacac)(κ(2)-2-C6F4PPh2)] (), [Pd2(O,O'-hfacac)2(μ-2-C6F4PPh2)2] () and [Pd(O,O'-hfacac)(κC-2-C6F4PPh2)(PPh3)] () (hfacac = hexafluoroacetylacetonate), have been prepared and fully characterised. The electrochemical reductions of complexes , together with those of other cyclopalladated complexes containing 2-C6R4PPh2 ligands (R = H, F) were studied by cyclic, rotating disk and microelectrode voltammetry. Evidence for the one-electron reduction of [PdI(κ(2)-2-C6F4PPh2)(PPh2Fc)] () was obtained from coulometric analysis, although the product is unstable and undergoes further chemical processes. Preparative electro-reduction of [Pd2(μ-Br)2(κ(2)-2-C6F4PPh2)2] () in CH2Cl2 causes reductive cleavage of its Pd-C σ-bonds and formation of the complex [PdBr2{PPh2(2-C6F4H)}2] (); possible mechanisms are discussed.

Use of the yeast two-hybrid system has provided definition to many previously uncharacterized pathways through the identification and characterization of novel protein-protein interactions. The two-hybrid system uses the bifunctional nature of transcription factors, such as the yeast enhancer Gal4, to allow protein-protein interactions to be monitored through changes in transcription of reporter genes. Once a positive interaction has been identified, either of the interacting proteins can be mutated by site-specific or randomly introduced changes, to produce proteins with a decreased ability to interact. Mutants generated using this strategy are very powerful reagents in tests of the biological significance of the interaction and in defining the residues involved in the interaction. Such techniques are termed reverse two-hybrid methods. We describe a reverse two-hybrid method that generates loss-of-interaction mutations of the catalytic subunit of the Escherichia coli heat-labile toxin (LTA1) with decreased binding to the active (GTP-bound) form of human ARF3, its protein cofactor. While newer methods are emerging for performing interaction screens in mammalian cells, instead of yeast, the use of reverse two-hybrid in yeast remains a robust and powerful means of identifying loss-of-interaction point mutants and compensating changes that remain among the most powerful tools of testing the biological significance of a protein-protein interaction.

Treatment of [PtI2(COD)] (COD = 1,5-cyclooctadiene) with 2-LiC6H4P(S)Ph2 gives the complex cis-[Pt{κ(2)-2-C6H4P(S)Ph2}2] () containing a pair of ortho-metallated triphenylphosphine sulfide rings. The selenium counterpart, [Pt{κ(2)-2-C6H4P(Se)Ph2}2] (), which exists as cis- and trans-isomers in solution, and the palladium analogues, cis-[Pd{κ(2)-2-C6H4P(X)Ph2}2] [X = S (), Se ()], are obtained by transmetallation of [MCl2(COD)] with the organotin reagent 2-Me3SnC6H4P(X)Ph2 in a 1 : 2 mol ratio. The reaction of [PdCl2(COD)] with 2-Me3SnC6H4P(X)Ph2 in a 1 : 1 mol ratio, and the reaction of with palladium(ii) acetate, give dinuclear, anion-bridged complexes [Pd2(μ-Cl)2{κ(2)-2-C6H4P(X)Ph2}2] [X = S (), Se ()] and [Pd2(μ-OAc)2{κ(2)-2-C6H4P(S)Ph2}2] (), respectively. Complexes and could not be made directly from triphenylphosphine sulfide by standard ortho-palladation procedures. The bridging framework in complexes and is cleaved by tertiary phosphines to give mononuclear derivatives [PdCl{κ(2)-2-C6H4P(X)Ph2}(PR3)] [X = S, R = Ph (); X = Se, R = Ph (); X = Se, R = 4-tolyl ()]. The selenium-containing compounds and decompose slowly in solution giving dinuclear complexes [PdCl(μ2-Se-κ(2)-P,Se-2-SeC6H4PPh2)PdCl(μ-2-C6H4PPh2)(PR3)] [R = Ph (), 4-tolyl ()]. The structure of complex establishes that the bridging 2-C6H4PPh2 group is generated by reduction of the phosphine selenide unit, not by ortho-metallation of the coordinated triphenylphosphine. The chloro-bridges of and are also cleaved by acetylacetonate (acac) and deprotonated Schiff bases forming mononuclear species [Pd{κ(2)-2-C6H4P(X)Ph2}L2] [L2 = acac, X = S (), Se (); L2 = 2-OC6H4CH[double bond, length as m-dash]NC6H4-4-R, X = S, R = OMe (), NO2 (); X = Se, R = OMe (), NO2 ()]. The ability of complexes , and the Schiff base-derivatives to catalyse Heck-Mizoroki and Suzuki-Miyaura C-C bond-forming reactions has also been investigated.

There is a general agreement that the most valid method of measuring peak lower-body mechanical power output (LBPP) in a countermovement jump (CMJ) is by analysis of the corresponding vertical component of the ground reaction force (VGRF)-time history of the jump. However, there is no published standard protocol. The purpose of this study was to establish a standard protocol. The variables necessary to define a valid and reliable CMJ method were: (a) vertical force range, (b) force sampling and integration frequency, (c) method of integration, (d) determination of body weight (BW), and (e) determination of the initiation of the CMJ. Countermovement jumps off a force platform (FP) were performed by 15 male professional rugby players. The 5 variables were then optimized to maximize the reliability and validity of the measure of LBPP. Errors of <1% (p ≤ 0.05) in the measurement of LBPP were obtained using the following specification: (a) 6 times BW (using a 16-bit analog to digital converter), (b) 1,000 Hz, (c) Simpson's rule or the trapezoidal rule, (d) mean VGRF for 1 second of quiet standing immediately before jump signal, and (e) 30 ms before the instant BW ± 5 SD is exceeded after the jump signal. Peak lower-body power output was most sensitive to variables 4 and 5. It was concluded that this study has established a standard protocol for the criterion method of measuring peak power in a CMJ using an FP. As all other estimates and less reliable methods of determining LBPP in a CMJ rely on the FP method for calibration, it is proposed that this protocol be used as the basis of future criterion measures using a FP.

Event-related potential studies using delayed match-to-sample tasks have demonstrated the presence of two components, N270 and N400, possibly reflecting the sequential processing of multiple sources of endogenous mismatch. To date, studies have only investigated mismatch between a single cue and target. In this study, we used distractor stimuli to investigate the effect of a secondary source of mismatch distinct from the task-relevant stimulus. Subjects performed two paradigms in which the cue and target could match or mismatch. In one paradigm, task-irrelevant distractors were added--producing a source of task-irrelevant perceptual mismatch. A mismatch-triggered negativity was elicited in both paradigms, but was delayed and enhanced in magnitude in the distractors present paradigm. It is suggested that the distractors may differentially affect mismatch responses through the generation of a task-irrelevant mismatch response., (Copyright © 2014 Society for Psychophysiological Research.)

The fully dimensional approach to the relationship between schizotypal personality traits and schizophrenia describes schizotypy as a continuum throughout the general population ranging from low schizotypy (LoS) and psychological health to high schizotypy (HiS) and psychosis-proneness. However, no biological markers have yet been discovered that reliably quantify an individual's degree of schizotypy and/or psychosis. This study aimed to evaluate quantitative electroencephalographic (qEEG) measures of power spectra as potential biomarkers of the proneness towards the development of psychosis in schizotypal individuals. The resting-state oscillatory brain dynamics under eyes-closed condition from 16 LoS and 16 HiS individuals were analysed for qEEG measures of background rhythm frequency, relative power in δ, θ, low-α, high-α, low-β, high-β and low-γ frequency bands, and the high-temporal cross-correlation of power spectra between low- and high-frequency bands observed by averaging signals from whole-head EEG electrodes. HiS individuals at rest locked the thalamocortical loop in the low-α band at a lower-frequency oscillation and displayed an abnormally high level of neural synchronisation. In addition, the high-α band was found to be positively correlated with both the high-β and low-γ bands unlike LoS individuals, indicating widespread thalamocortical resonance in HiS individuals. The increase of regional alpha oscillations in HiS individuals suggests abnormal high-level attention, whereas the pattern of correlation between frequency bands resembles the thalamocortical dysrhythmia phenomenon which underlies the symptomatology of a variety of neuropsychiatric disorders including schizophrenia. These qEEG biomarkers may aid clinicians in identifying HiS individuals with a high-risk of developing psychosis., (Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Background: Understanding the effects of temperature and nitrogen levels on key variables, particularly under field conditions during cool seasons of temperate climates, is important. Here, we document the impact of root-zone heating and nitrogen (N) fertility on the accumulation and composition of fall- and spring-grown lettuce biomass. A novel, scalable field system was employed., Results: Direct-seeded plots containing a uniform, semi-solid, and nearly stable rooting medium were established outdoors in 2009 and 2010; each contained one of eight combinations of root-zone heating (-/+) and N fertility (0, 72, 144, and 576 mg day(-1)). Root-zone heating increased but withholding N decreased biomass accumulation in both years. Low N supplies were also associated with greater anthocyanin and total antioxidant power but lower N and phosphorus levels. Tissue chlorophyll a and vitamin C levels tracked root-zone temperature and N fertility more closely in 2009 and 2010, respectively., Conclusions: Experimentally imposed root-zone temperature and N levels influenced the amount and properties of fall- and spring-grown lettuce tissue. Ambient conditions, however, dictated which of these factors exerted the greatest effect on the variables measured. Collectively, the results point to the potential for gains in system sustainability and productivity, including with respect to supplying human nutritional units., (Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry.)

Resistance to human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) represents a significant problem in the design of novel therapeutics and the management of treatment regimens in infected persons. Resistance profiles can be elucidated by defining modifications to the viral genome conferred upon exposure to novel nucleoside reverse transcriptase (RT) inhibitors (NRTI). In vitro testing of HIV-1LAI-infected primary human lymphocytes treated with β-D-2',3'-dideoxy-2',3'-didehydro-5-fluorocytidine (DFC; Dexelvucitabine; Reverset) produced a novel deletion of AGT at codon 68 (S68Δ) alone and in combination with K65R that differentially affects drug response. Dual-approach clone techniques utilizing TOPO cloning and pyrosequencing confirmed the novel S68Δ in the HIV-1 genome. The S68Δ HIV-1 RT was phenotyped against various antiviral agents in a heteropolymeric DNA polymerase assay and in human lymphocytes. Drug susceptibility results indicate that the S68Δ displayed a 10- to 30-fold increase in resistance to DFC, lamivudine, emtricitabine, tenofovir, abacavir, and amdoxovir and modest resistance to stavudine, β-d-2',3'-oxa-5-fluorocytidine, or 9-(β-D-1,3-dioxolan-4-yl)guanine and remained susceptible to 3'-azido-3'-deoxythymidine, 2',3'-dideoxyinosine (ddI), 1-(β-D-dioxolane)thymine (DOT) and lopinavir. Modeling revealed a central role for S68 in affecting conformation of the β3-β4 finger region and provides a rational for the selective resistance. These data indicate that the novel S68Δ is a previously unrecognized deletion that may represent an important factor in NRTI multidrug resistance treatment strategies.

Objective: To compare maternal morbidity in cases of placenta accreta managed by a multidisciplinary care team with similar cases managed by standard obstetric care., Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study of all cases of placenta accreta identified in the State of Utah from 1996 to 2008. Cases of placenta accreta were identified using International Classification of Diseases (ICD-9) codes for placenta accreta, placenta previa, and cesarean hysterectomy. Maternal morbidity was compared for cases managed by a multidisciplinary care team in two tertiary care centers and similar cases managed at 26 other hospitals using multivariable logistic regression analysis., Results: One-hundred forty-one cases of placenta accreta were identified including 79 managed by a multidisciplinary care team and 62 cases managed by standard obstetric care. Women managed by a multidisciplinary care team were less likely to require large-volume blood transfusion (4 or more units of packed red blood cells) (43% compared with 61%, P=.031) and reoperation within 7 days of delivery for bleeding complications (3% compared with 36%, P<.001) compared with women managed by standard obstetric care. Women with suspected placenta accreta managed by a multidisciplinary team were less likely to experience composite early morbidity (prolonged maternal admission to the intensive care unit, large-volume blood transfusion, coagulopathy, ureteral injury, or early reoperation) than women managed by standard obstetric care (47% compared with 74%, P=.026). The odds ratio of composite early morbidity in women managed by a multidisciplinary team was 0.22, (95% confidence interval, 0.07- 0.70) in the multivariable model., Conclusion: Maternal morbidity is reduced in women with placenta accreta who deliver in a tertiary care hospital with a multidisciplinary care team., Level of Evidence: II

Peptides containing N-methylamino acids can exhibit improved pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic profiles compared to nonmethylated peptides, and therefore interest in these N-methylated peptides has been increasing in recent years. Arodyn (Ac[Phe¹,²,³,Arg⁴,D-Ala⁸]Dyn A(1-11)NH₂) is an acetylated dynorphin A(Dyn A) analog that is a potent and selective κ opioid receptor antagonist (Bennett et al., J Med Chem 2002, 45, 5617), and its analog [NMePhe¹]arodyn shows even higher affinity and selectivity for κ opioid receptors (Bennett et al., J Pept Res 2005, 65, 322). During the synthesis of [NMePhe¹]arodyn analogs, the arodyn-(2-11) derivatives were obtained as major products. Analysis indicated that Ac-NMePhe was lost from the completed peptide sequence during acidic cleavage of the peptides from the resin and that the acetyl group played an important role in this side reaction. Different cleavage conditions were evaluated to minimize this side reaction and maximize the yield of pure [NMePhe¹]arodyn analogs. Modifications to the N-terminus of the peptides to prevent the side reaction were also explored. The incorporation of a heteroatom-containing group such as methoxycarbonyl as the N-terminal functionality prevented this side reaction, while the incorporation of a bulky acyl group could not. Substituting NMePhe with the conformationally constrained analog Tic (1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline-3-carboxylic acid) also prevented the side reaction.

Arodyn (Ac[Phe¹,²,³,Arg⁴,D-Ala⁸]Dyn A(1-11)NH₂) is an acetylated dynorphin A (Dyn A) analog that is a potent and selective κ opioid receptor antagonist (Bennett et al., J Med Chem 2002, 45, 5617), and its analog [NMePhe¹]arodyn shows even higher affinity and selectivity for κ opioid receptors (Bennett et al., J Pept Res 2005, 65, 322). However, the latter compound is prone to deletion of the Ac-NMePhe moiety from the N-terminus of the peptide during acidic cleavage as described in the accompanying paper. Several stable analogs of [NMePhe¹]arodyn and [NMePhe¹,Trp³]arodyn where the acetyl group was substituted with a heteroatom-containing group were evaluated for their opioid receptor affinity, selectivity, and efficacy. Methoxycarbonyl derivatives exhibited the highest κ opioid receptor affinity among the analogs. Additional [CH₃OCO-NMePhe¹]arodyn analogs where position 3 was substituted with other aromatic or nonaromatic residues were also evaluated for κ receptor affinity, selectivity, and efficacy. [CH₃OCO-NMePhe¹]arodyn has similar κ opioid receptor affinity as [NMePhe¹]arodyn, retains high κ opioid receptor selectivity, and is a potent κ opioid receptor antagonist.

Four new complexes, [PdX(κ(2)-2-C(6)R(4)PPh(2))(PPh(2)Fc)] [X = Br, R = H (1), R = F (2); X = I, R = H (3), R = F (4)], containing ferrocenyldiphenylphosphine (PPh(2)Fc) have been prepared and fully characterised. The X-ray structures of complexes trans-1, cis-2 and cis-4, and that of a decomposition product of 4, [Pd(κ(2)-2-C(6)F(4)PPh(2))(μ-I)(μ-2-C(6)F(4)PPh(2))PdI(PPh(2)Fc)] (5), have been determined. These complexes show a distorted square planar geometry about the metal atom, the bite angles of the chelate ligands being about 69°, as expected. The cis/trans ratio of 1-4 in solution is strongly dependent on solvent. The new complexes and the uncoordinated PPh(2)Fc ligand were electrochemically characterised by cyclic and rotating disk voltammetry, UV-visible spectroelectrochemistry, and bulk electrolysis in dichloromethane and acetonitrile. In both cases, oxidation occurs at both the ferrocene and phosphine centres, but the complexes oxidise at more positive potentials than uncoordinated PPh(2)Fc; subsequently, the metal-phosphorus bond is cleaved, leading to free PPh(2)Fc(+), which undergoes further chemical and electrochemical reactions.

The synthesis and single-crystal X-ray structures of the first family of efficient NIR emitters with tunable emission energy based on dihalodiplatinum(III) (5d(7)-5d(7)) complexes of general formulae [Pt(2)(mu-C(6)H(3)-5-R-2-AsPh(2))(4)X(2)] (R = Me or CHMe(2); X = Cl, Br or I), together with that of their diplatinum(II) (5d(8)-5d(8)) precursors ([Pt(2)(mu-C(6)H(3)-5-R-2-AsPh(2))(4)]) and cyano counterparts (X = CN), are reported. The diplatinum(II) complexes with isopropyl groups are isolated initially as a mixture of two species, one being a half-lantern structure containing two bridging and two chelate C(6)H(3)-5-CHMe(2)-2-AsPh(2) ligands (1b) that exists in two crystalline modifications [d(Pt...Pt) = 3.4298(2) A and 4.3843(2) A]; the other is a full-lantern or paddle-wheel structure having four bridging C(6)H(3)-5-CHMe(2)-2-AsPh(2) ligands (2b) [d(Pt...Pt) = 2.94795(12) A]. Complete conversion of the isomers into 2b occurs in hot toluene. The Pt-Pt bond distances in the diplatinum(III) complexes are less than that in 2b and increase in the order X = Cl (3b) [2.6896(2) A] < Br (4b) [2.7526(3) A] < I (5b) [2.7927(7) A] approximately CN (6b) [2.7823(2), 2.7924(2) A for two independent molecules]. Comparison with the corresponding data for our previously reported series of complexes 3a-6a (R = Me) indicates that the Pt-Pt bond lengths obtained from single-crystal X-ray analysis are influenced both by the axial ligand and by intermolecular lattice effects. Like [Pt(2)(mu-pop)(4)](4-) [pop = pyrophosphite, (P(2)O(5)H(2))(2-)], the diplatinum(II) complexes [Pt(2)(mu-C(6)H(3)-5-R-2-AsPh(2))(4)] [R = Me (2a), CHMe(2) (2b)] display intense green phosphorescence, both as solids and in solution, and at room temperature and 77 K, with the emission maxima in the range 501-532 nm. In contrast to the reported dihalodiplatinum(III) complexes [Pt(2)(mu-pop)(4)X(2)](4-) that exhibit red luminescence only at 77 K in a glass or as a solid, complexes 3a-6a and 3b-6b are phosphorescent in the visible to near-infrared region at both room and low temperatures. The electronic spectra and photoemissive behavior are discussed on the basis of time-dependent density functional theory (TDDFT) calculations at the B3YLP level. The photoemissive states for the halide analogues 3a,b-5a,b involve a moderate to extensive mixing of XMMCT character and MC [d sigma-d sigma*] character, whereas the cyano complexes 6a and 6b are thought to involve relatively less mixing of the XMMCT character into the MC [d sigma-d sigma*] state.

The ability to develop high levels of muscular power is considered an essential component of success in many sporting activities; however, the optimal load for the development of peak power during training remains controversial. Our aim in the present study was to determine the optimal load required to observe peak power output during the ballistic bench throw (BBT) and squat jump (SJ) in professional rugby players. Forty-seven, professional, male, rugby players of (mean +/- SD) mass 101.3 +/- 12.8 kg and height 1.82 +/- 0.08 m volunteered and gave informed consent for this study, which was approved by a university ethics committee. Players performed BBT at loads of 20, 30, 40, 50, and 60% of their predetermined 1 repetition maximum (1RM) and SJ at loads of 0, (body mass only), 20, 30, 40, 50, and 60% of their predetermined 1RM in a randomized and balanced order. Power output (PO) was determined by measurement of barbell displacement with subsequent calculation of velocity, force, and power. Relative load had a significant effect on PO for both the BBT (effect size eta(2): 0.297, p < 0.001) and SJ (Effect Size eta(2): 0.709, p < 0.001). Peak power output was produced when the athletes worked against an external load equal to 30% 1RM for the upper body and 0% 1RM for the lower body.

Treatment of [AuXL] (X = Br, L = AsPh(3); X = Cl, L = tht) with the lithium or trimethyltin derivatives of the carbanions [2-C6F4PPh2]- and [C6H3-n-F-2-PPh2]- (n = 5, 6) gives digold(I) complexes [Au2(mu-carbanion)2] (carbanion = 2-C6F4PPh2 2, C6H3-5-F-2-PPh2 3, C6H3-6-F-2-PPh2 4) which, like their 2-C6H4PPh2 counterpart, undergo oxidative addition with halogens X2 (X = Cl, Br, I) to give the corresponding, metal-metal bonded digold(II) complexes [Au2X2(mu-carbanion)2] (carbanion = 2-C6F4PPh2, X = Cl 5, Br 8, I 11; carbanion = C6H3-5-F-2-PPh2, X = Cl 6, Br 9, I 12; carbanion = C6H3-6-F-2-PPh2, X = Cl 7, Br 10, I 13). In the case of 2-C6F4PPh2 and C6H3-6-F-2-PPh2, the dihalodigold(II) complexes rearrange on heating to isomeric gold(I)-gold(III) complexes [XAu(I)(mu-P,C-carbanion)(kappa2-P,C-carbanion)Au(III)X] (carbanion = 2-C6F4PPh2, X = Cl 25, Br 26, I 27; carbanion = C6H3-6-F-2-PPh2, X = Cl 28, Br 29, I 30), in which one of the carbanions chelates to the gold(III) atom. This isomerisation is similar to, but occurs more slowly than, that in the corresponding C6H3-6-Me-2-PPh2 system. The Au2X2 complexes 6, 9 and 12, on the other hand, rearrange on heating via C-C coupling to give digold(I) complexes of the corresponding 2,2'-biphenyldiylbis(diphenylphosphine), [Au2X2(2,2'-Ph2P-5-F-C6H3C6H3-5-F-PPh2)] (X = Cl 32, Br 33, I 34), this behaviour resembling that of the 2-C6H4PPh2 and C6H3-5-Me-2-PPh2 systems. Since the C-C coupling probably occurs via undetected gold(I)-gold(III) intermediates, the presence of a 6-fluoro substituent is evidently sufficient to suppress the reductive eliminations, possibly because of an electronic effect that strengthens the gold(III)-aryl bond. Anation of 5 or 8 gives the bis(oxyanion)digold(II) complexes [Au2Y2(mu-2-C6F4PPh2)2] (Y = OAc 14, ONO2 15, OBz 16, O2CCF3 17 and OTf 20), which do not isomerise to the corresponding gold(I)-gold(III) complexes [YAu(mu-2-C6F4PPh2)(kappa2-2-C6F4PPh2)AuY] on heating, though the latter [Y = OAc 35, ONO2 36, OBz 37, O2CCF3 38] can be made by anation of 25-27. Reaction of the bis(benzoato)digold(II) complex 16 with dimethylzinc gives a dimethyl gold(I)-gold(III) complex, [Au(I)(mu-2-C6F4PPh2)2Au(III)(CH3)2] 19, in which both 2-C6F4PPh2 groups are bridging. In contrast, the corresponding reaction of 16 with C6F5Li gives a digold(II) complex [Au(II)2(C6F5)2(mu-2-C6F4PPh2)2] 18, which on heating isomerises to a gold(I)-gold(III) complex, [(C6F5)Au(I)(mu-2-C6F4PPh2)(kappa2-2-C6F4PPh2)Au(III)(C6F5)] 31, analogous to 25-27. The bis(triflato)digold(II) complex 20 is reduced by methanol or cyclohexanol in CH2Cl2 to a tetranuclear gold(I) complex [Au4(mu-2-C6F4PPh2)4] 21 in which the four carbanions bridge a square array of metal atoms, as shown by a single-crystal X-ray diffraction study. The corresponding tetramers [Au4(mu-C6H3-n-F-2-PPh2)4] (n = 5 22, 6 23) are formed as minor by-products in the preparation of dimers 3 and 4; the tetramers do not interconvert readily with, and are not in equilibrium with, the corresponding dimers 2-4. Addition of an excess of chlorine or bromine (X2) to the digold(II) complexes 5 and 8, and to their gold(I)-gold(III) isomers 25 and 26, gives isomeric digold(III) complexes [Au2X4(mu-2-C6F4PPh2)2] (X = Cl 39, Br 40) and [X3Au(mu-2-C6F4PPh2)AuX(kappa2-2-C6F4PPh2)] (X = Cl 41, Br 42), respectively. The structures of the digold(I) complexes 2, 4 and 32, the digold(II) complexes 5-11 and 14-18, the gold(I)-gold(III) complexes 19, 25, 35 and 38, the tetragold(I) complexes 21 and 22, and the digold(III) complexes 41 and 42, have been determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. In the digold(II) (5d9-5d9) series, there is a systematic lengthening, and presumably weakening, of the Au-Au distance in the range 2.5012(4)-2.5885(2) A with increasing trans-influence of the axial ligand, in the order X = ONO2 < O2CCF3 < OBz < Cl < Br < I < C6F5. The strength of the Au-Au interaction is probably the main factor that determines whether the digold(II) compounds isomerise to gold(I)-gold(III). The gold-gold separations in the digold(I) and gold(I)-gold(III) complexes are in the range 2.8-3.6 A suggestive of aurophilic interactions, but these are probably absent in the digold(III) compounds (Au...Au separation ca. 5.8 A). Attempted recrystallisation of complex 10 gave a trinuclear gold(II)-gold(II)-gold(I) complex, [Au3Br2(mu-C6H3-6-F-2-PPh2)3] 24, which consists of the expected digold(II) framework in which one of the axial bromide ligands has been replaced by a sigma-carbon bonded (C6H3-6-F-2-PPh2)Au(I)Br fragment.

Electrochemical studies of the salts [cat](4)[Pt(2)(mu-pop)(4)] (cat(+) = Bu(4)N(+) or PPN(+) [Ph(3)P=N=PPh(3)](+); pop = pyrophosphite, [P(2)O(5)H(2)](2-)) have been carried out in dichloromethane. In agreement with published studies of K(4)[Pt(2)(mu-pop)(4)] in water and [Ph(4)As](4)[Pt(2)(mu-pop)(4)] in acetonitrile, the [Pt(2)(mu-pop)(4)](4-) anion is found to undergo an initial one-electron oxidation under conditions of cyclic voltammetry to a short-lived trianion, [Pt(2)(mu-pop)(4)](3-). However, in the more weakly coordinating solvent dichloromethane, [Pt(2)(mu-pop)(4)](3-) appears to undergo oligomerization instead of solvent-induced disproportionation; thus the overall process remains a one-electron reaction rather than an overall two-electron oxidative addition process, even under long time-scale, bulk electrolysis conditions. Chemical oxidation of [cat](4)[Pt(2)(mu-pop)(4)] with [NO][BF(4)] or AgBF(4) gives mainly a dark, insoluble, ill-defined solid that appears to contain Pt(III) according to X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). In the case of [NO][BF(4)], a second reaction product, an orange solid, has been identified as a nitrosyl complex, [cat](3)[Pt(2)(mu-pop)(4)(NO)]. The X-ray structure of the PPN(+) salt shows the anion to consist of the usual lantern-shaped Pt(2)(mu-pop)(4) framework with an unusually large Pt-Pt separation [2.8375(6) A]; one of the platinum atoms carries a bent nitrosyl group [r(N-O) = 1.111(15) A; angle(Pt-N-O) = 118.1(12) degrees] occupying an axial position. The nitrosyl group migrates rapidly on the (31)P NMR time-scale between the metal atoms at room temperature but the motion is slow enough at 183 K that the expected two pairs of inequivalent phosphorus nuclei can be observed. The X-ray photoelectron (XP) spectrum of the nitrosyl-containing anion confirms the presence of two inequivalent platinum atoms whose 4f(7/2) binding energies are in the ranges expected for Pt(II) and Pt(III); an alternative interpretation is that the second platinum atom has a formal oxidation number of +4 and that its binding energy is modified by the strongly sigma-donating NO(-) ligand. Reduction of [Pt(2)(mu-pop)(4)X(2)](4-) (X = Cl, Br, I) in dichloromethane corresponds to a chemically reversible, electrochemically irreversible two-electron process involving loss of halide and formation of [Pt(2)(mu-pop)(4)](4-), as is the case in more strongly coordinating solvents.

Following a bout of high-intensity exercise of short duration (preload stimulus), the muscle is in both a fatigued and a potentiated (referred to as postactivation potentiation) state. Consequently, subsequent muscle performance depends on the balance between these 2 factors. To date, there is no uniform agreement about the optimal recovery required between the preload stimulus and subsequent muscle performance to gain optimal performance benefits. The aim of the present study was to determine the optimal recovery time required to observe enhanced muscle performance following the preload stimulus. Twenty-three professional rugby players (13 senior international players) performed 7 countermovement jumps (CMJs) and 7 ballistic bench throws at the following time points after a preload stimulus (3 repetition maximum [3RM]): baseline, approximately 15 seconds, and 4, 8, 12, 16, and 20 minutes. Their peak power output (PPO) was determined at each time point. Statistical analyses revealed a significant decrease in PPO for both the upper (856 +/- 121 W vs. 816 +/- 121 W, p < 0.001) and the lower (4,568 +/- 509 W vs. 4,430 +/- 495 W, p = 0.005) body when the explosive activity was performed approximately 15 seconds after the preload stimulus. However, when 12 minutes was allowed between the preload stimulus and the CMJ and ballistic bench throws, PPO was increased by 8.0 +/- 8.0% and 5.3 +/- 4.5%, respectively. Based on the above results, we conclude that muscle performance (e.g., power) can be significantly enhanced following a bout of heavy exercise (preload stimulus) in both the upper and the lower body, provided that adequate recovery (8-12 minutes) is given between the preload stimulus and the explosive activity.

When the ortho-metallated complexes cis-[Pt(kappa(2)-C6H3-5-R-2-PPh2)2] (R = H 1, Me 2) are either heated in toluene or treated with CO at room temperature, one of the four-membered chelate rings is opened irreversibly to give dinuclear isomers [Pt2(kappa(2)-C6H3-5-R-2-PPh2)2(mu-C6H3-5-R-2-PPh2)2] (R = H 10, Me 11). A single-crystal X-ray diffraction study shows the Pt...Pt separation in 10 to be 3.3875(4) A. By-products of the reactions of 1 and 2 with CO are polymeric isomers (R = H 13, Me 14) in which one of the P-C ligands is believed to bridge adjacent platinum atoms intermolecularly. In contrast to the behaviour of 1 and 2, when cis-[Pt(kappa(2)-C6H3-6-Me-2-PPh2)2] (cis-3) is heated in toluene, the main product is trans-3, and reaction of cis-3 with CO gives a carbonyl complex [Pt(CO)(kappa(1)-C-C6H3-6-Me-2-PPh2)(2-C6H3-6-Me-2-PPh2)] 15, in which one of the carbanions is coordinated only through the carbon. Formation of a dimer analogous to 10 or 11 is sterically hindered by the 6-methyl substituent. Comproportionation of 1 or 2 with [Pt(PPh3)2L] (L = PPh3, C2H4) gives diplatinum(I) complexes [Pt2(mu-C6H3-5-R-2-PPh2)2(PPh3)2] (R = H 16, Me 17). An X-ray diffraction study shows that 17 contains a pair of planar-coordinated metal atoms separated by 2.61762(16) A. There is no evidence for the formation of an analogue containing mu-C6H3-6-Me-2-PPh2. The axial PPh3 ligands of 16 are readily replaced by ButNC giving [Pt2(mu-2-C6H4PPh2)2(CNBut)2] 18, which is protonated by HBF4 to form a mu-hydridodiplatinum(II) salt [Pt2(mu-H)(mu-2-C6H4PPh2)2(CNBut)2]BF4 [21]BF4. The J(PtPt) values in [21]BF4 and 18, 2700 Hz and 4421 Hz, respectively, reflect the weakening of the Pt-Pt interaction caused by protonation. Similarly, 16 and 17 react with the electrophiles iodine and strong acids to give salts of general formula [Pt2(mu-Z)(mu-C6H3-5-R-2-PPh2)2(PPh3)2]Y (Y = Z = I, R = H 19+, Me 20+; Z = H, Y = BF4, PF6, OTf, R = H 22+; Z = H, Y = PF6, R = Me 23+). A single-crystal X-ray diffraction study of [23]PF6 shows that the cation has an approximately A-frame geometry, with a Pt-Pt separation of 2.7888(3) A and a Pt-H bond length of 1.62(1) A, and that the 5-methyl substituents have undergone partial exchange with the 4-hydrogen atoms of the PPh2 groups of the bridging carbanion. The latter observation indicates that the added proton of [23]+ undergoes a reversible reductive elimination-oxidative addition sequence with the Pt-C(aryl) bonds.

Two equivalents of Ph(2)PC triple bond CR (R=H, Me, Ph) react with thf solutions of cis-[Ru(acac)(2)(eta(2)-alkene)(2)] (acac=acetylacetonato; alkene=C(2)H(4), 1; C(8)H(14), 2) at room temperature to yield the orange, air-stable compounds trans-[Ru(acac)(2)(Ph(2)PC triple bond CR)(2)] (R=H, trans-3; Me=trans-4; Ph, trans-5) in isolated yields of 60-98%. In refluxing chlorobenzene, trans-4 and trans-5 are converted into the yellow, air-stable compounds cis-[Ru(acac)(2)(Ph(2)PC triple bond CR)(2)] (R=Me, cis-4; Ph, cis-5), isolated in yields of ca. 65%. From the reaction of two equivalents of Ph(2)PC triple bond CPPh(2) with a thf solution of 2 an almost insoluble orange solid is formed, which is believed to be trans-[Ru(acac)(2)(micro-Ph(2)PC triple bond CPPh(2))](n) (trans-6). In refluxing chlorobenzene, the latter forms the air-stable, yellow, binuclear compound cis-[{Ru(acac)(2)(micro-Ph(2)PC triple bond CPPh(2))}(2)] (cis-6). Electrochemical studies indicate that cis-4 and cis-5 are harder to oxidise by ca. 300 mV than the corresponding trans-isomers and harder to oxidise by 80-120 mV than cis-[Ru(acac)(2)L(2)] (L=PPh(3), PPh(2)Me). Electrochemical studies of cis-6 show two reversible Ru(II/III) oxidation processes separated by 300 mV, the estimated comproportionation constant (K(c)) for the equilibrium cis-6(2+) + cis6 <=> 2(cis-6(+)) being ca. 10(5). However, UV-Vis spectra of cis-6(+) and cis-6(2+), generated electrochemically at -50 degrees C, indicate that cis-6(+) is a Robin-Day Class II mixed-valence system. Addition of one equivalent of AgPF(6) to trans-3 and trans-4 forms the green air-stable complexes trans-3 x PF(6) and trans-4 x PF(6), respectively, almost quantitatively. The structures of trans-4, cis-4, trans-4 x PF(6) and cis-6 have been confirmed by X-ray crystallography.

Reaction of (C6H3-2-AsPh2-n-Me)Li (n = 5 or 6) with [AuBr(AsPh3)] at -78 degrees C gives the corresponding cyclometallated gold(I) complexes [Au2[(mu-C6H3-n-Me)AsPh2]2] [n = 5, (1); n = 6, (9)]. 1 undergoes oxidative addition with halogens and with dibenzoyl peroxide to give digold(II) complexes [Au2X2[(mu-C6H3-5-Me)AsPh2]2] [X = Cl (2a), Br (2b), I (2c) and O2CPh (3)] containing a metal-metal bond between the 5d9 metal centres. Reaction of 2a with AgO2CMe or of 3 with C6F5Li gives the corresponding digold(II) complexes in which X = O2CMe (4) and C6F5 (6), respectively. The Au-Au distances increase in the order 4 < 2a < 2b < 2c < 6, following the covalent binding tendency of the axial ligand. Like the analogous phosphine complexes, 2a-2c and 6 in solution rearrange to form C-C coupled digold(I) complexes [Au2X2[mu-2,2-Ph2As(5,5-Me2C6H3C6H3)AsPh2]] [X = Cl (5a), X = Br (5b), X = I (5c) and C6F5 (7)] in which the gold atoms are linearly coordinated by As and X. In contrast, the products of oxidative additions to 9 depend markedly on the halogens. Reaction of 9 with chlorine gives the gold(I)-gold(III) complex, [ClAu[mu-2-Ph2As(C6H3-6-Me)]AuCl[(6-MeC6H3)-2-AsPh2]-kappa2As,C] (10), which contains a four-membered chelate ring, Ph2As(C6H3-6-Me), in the coordination sphere of the gold(III) atom. When 10 is heated, the ring is cleaved, the product being the digold(I) complex [ClAu[mu-2-Ph2As(C6H3-6-Me)]Au[AsPh2(2-Cl-3-Me-C6H3)]] (11). Reaction of 9 with bromine at 50 degrees C gives a monobromo digold(I) complex (12), which is similar to 11 except that the 2-position of the substituted aromatic ring bears hydrogen instead halogen. Reaction of 9 with iodine gives a mixture of a free tertiary arsine, (2-I-3-MeC6H3)AsPh2 (13), a digold diiodo compound (14) analogous to 11, and a gold(I)-gold(III) zwitterionic complex [I2Au(III)[(mu-C6H3-2-AsPh2-6-Me)]2Au(I)] (15) in which the bridging units are arranged head-to-head between the metal atoms. The structures of 2a-2c and 4-15 have been determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. The different behaviour of 1 and 9 toward halogens mirrors that of their phosphine analogues; the 6-methyl substituent blocks C-C coupling of the aryl residues in the initially formed oxidative addition product. In the case of 9, the greater lability of the Au-As bond in the initial oxidative addition product may account for the more complex behaviour of this system compared with that of its phosphine analogue.

beta-D-2'-Deoxy-2'-fluoro-2'-C-methylcytidine (PSI-6130) is a cytidine analogue with potent and selective anti-hepatitis C virus (HCV) activity in the subgenomic HCV replicon assay, 90% effective concentration (EC90)=4.6 +/- 2.0 microM. The spectrum of activity and cytotoxicity profile of PSI-6130 was evaluated against a diverse panel of viruses and cell types, and against two additional HCV-1b replicons. The S282T mutation, which confers resistance to 2'-C-methyl adenosine and other 2'-methylated nucleosides, showed only a 6.5-fold increase in EC90. When assayed for activity against bovine diarrhoea virus (BVDV), which is typically used as a surrogate assay to identify compounds active against HCV, PSI-6130 showed no anti-BVDV activity. Weak antiviral activity was noted against other flaviviruses, including West Nile virus, Dengue type 2, and yellow fever virus. These results indicate that PSI-6130 is a specific inhibitor of HCV. PSI-6130 showed little or no cytotoxicity against various cell types, including human peripheral blood mononuclear and human bone marrow progenitor cells. No mitochondrial toxicity was observed with PSI-6130. The reduced activity against the RdRp S282T mutant suggests that PSI-6130 is an inhibitor of replicon RNA synthesis. Finally, the no-effect dose for mice treated intraperitoneally with PSI-6130 for six consecutive days was > or =100 mg/kg per day.

Detailed electrochemical studies in dichloromethane (0.1 M Bu4NPF6) on the oxidation of the half-lantern [Pt2(kappa2As,C-C6H3-5-Me-2-AsPh2)2(mu-kappaAs,kappaC-C6H3-5-Me-2-AsPh2)2] (1) and full-lantern [Pt2(mu-kappaAs,kappaC-C6H3-5-Me-2-AsPh2)4] (2) complexes reveal the presence of an exceptionally stable dinuclear Pt cation 2+. Thus, oxidation of 1 occurs on the voltammetric time scale via a ladder-square scheme to give 2+, whereas 2 is directly converted to 2+. Electrochemically informed chemical synthesis enabled the isolation of solid [2+][BF4-] to be achieved. Single-crystal X-ray structural analysis showed that 2+ also has a lantern structure but with a shorter separation between the Pt centers [2.7069(3) A (2+), 2.8955(4) A (2)]. EPR spectra of 2+ provide unequivocal evidence for axial symmetry of the complex and are noteworthy because of an exceptionally large, nearly isotropic hyperfine coupling constant of about 0.1 cm(-1). Spectroscopic data support the conclusion that the unpaired electron in the 2+ cation is distributed equally between the two Pt nuclei and imply that oxidation of 2 to 2+ leads to the establishment of the metal-to-metal hemibond. Results of extended Huckel molecular orbital and density functional calculations on 2 and 2+ lead to the conclusions that s, p, dz2 mixing of orbitals contributes to the large EPR Pt hyperfine coupling and also that the structural adjustments that occur upon removal of an electron from 2 are driven by the metal-metal bonding character present in 2+.

We previously reported that the novel dynorphin A (Dyn A, Tyr-Gly-Gly-Phe-Leu-Arg-Arg-Ile-Arg-Pro-Lys-Leu-Lys-Trp-Asp-Asn-Gln) analog arodyn (Ac[Phe(1,2,3),Arg(4),d-Ala(8)]Dyn A-(1-11)NH(2), Bennett, M.A., Murray, T.F. & Aldrich, J.V. (2002) J. Med. Chem. vol. 45, pp. 5617-5619) is a kappa opioid receptor-selective peptide [K(i)(kappa) = 10 nm, K(i) ratio (kappa/mu/delta) = 1/174/583] which exhibits antagonist activity at kappa opioid receptors. In this study, a series of arodyn analogs was prepared and evaluated to explore the structure-activity relationships (SAR) of this peptide; this included an alanine scan of the entire arodyn sequence, sequential isomeric d-amino acid substitution in the N-terminal 'message' sequence, NMePhe substitution individually in positions 1-3, and modifications in position 1. The results for the Ala-substituted derivatives indicated that Arg(6) and Arg(7) are the most important residues for arodyn's nanomolar binding affinity for kappa opioid receptors. Ala substitution of the other basic residues (Arg(4), Arg(9) and Lys(11)) resulted in lower decreases in affinity for kappa opioid receptors (three- to fivefold compared with arodyn). Of particular interest, while [Ala(10)]arodyn exhibits similar kappa opioid receptor binding as arodyn, it displays higher kappa vs. mu opioid receptor selectivity [K(i) ratio (kappa/mu) = 1/350] than arodyn because of a twofold loss in affinity at mu opioid receptors. Surprisingly, the Tyr(1) analog exhibits a sevenfold decrease in kappa opioid receptor affinity, indicating that arodyn displays significantly different SAR than Dyn A; [Tyr(1)]arodyn also unexpectedly exhibits inverse agonist activity in the adenylyl cyclase assay using Chinese hamster ovary cells stably expressing kappa opioid receptors. Substitution of NMePhe in position 1 gave [NMePhe(1)]arodyn which exhibits high affinity [K(i)(kappa) = 4.56 nm] and exceptional selectivity for kappa opioid receptors [K(i) ratio (kappa/mu/delta) = 1/1100/>2170]. This peptide exhibits antagonistic activity in the adenylyl cyclase assay, reversing the agonism of 10 nm Dyn A-(1-13)NH(2). Thus [NMePhe(1)]arodyn is a highly kappa opioid receptor-selective antagonist that could be a useful pharmacological tool to study kappa opioid receptor-mediated activities.

Reaction of 2-Li-4-MeC6H3AsPh2 with [PtCl2(SEt2)2] gives two isomeric dinuclear platinum(II) complexes, one containing a half-lantern structure with two chelating and two bridging C6H3-5-Me-2-AsPh2 ligands, [Pt2(kappa2As,C-C6H3-5-Me-2-AsPh2)2(mu-kappaAs,kappaC-C6H3-5-Me-2-AsPh2)2], and the other, a full-lantern with four bridging C6H3-5-Me-2-AsPh2 ligands, [Pt2(mu-kappaAs,kappaC-C6H3-5-Me-2-AsPh2)4]. The lantern structure of the latter is retained in the dihalodiplatinum(III) complexes that are formed by oxidative addition of chlorine, bromine, or iodine to the isomeric mixture. The dichloro derivative undergoes metathesis reactions with silver or sodium salts, yielding the corresponding cyano, thiocyanato, cyanato, and fluoro species. The structures of all complexes have been determined by single-crystal X-ray analysis. The oxidative addition products have Pt-Pt distances in the range 2.65-2.79 A (cf. 2.89 A in the lantern diplatinum(II) structure), consistent with the presence of a Pt-Pt bond. Electrochemical data lead to the conclusion that an initial rapid one-electron process and subsequent chemical reactions produce the dihalodiplatinum(III) lantern structure when mixtures of the lantern and half-lantern complexes are oxidized by halogens. The electrochemical data also explain why chemical reduction of the dihalodiplatinum(III) complex produces only the lantern diplatinum(II) complex.

Use of the yeast two-hybrid system has provided definition to many previously uncharacterized pathways through the identification and characterization of novel protein-protein interactions. The two-hybrid system uses the bi-functional nature of transcription factors, such as the yeast enhancer Gal4, to allow protein-protein interactions to be monitored through changes in transcription of reporter genes. Once a positive interaction has been identified, either of the interacting proteins can mutate, either by site-specific or randomly introduced changes, to produce proteins with a decreased ability to interact. Mutants generated using this strategy are very powerful reagents in tests of the biological significance of the interaction and in defining the residues involved in the interaction. Such techniques are termed reverse two-hybrid methods. We describe a reverse two-hybrid method that generates loss-of-interaction mutations of the catalytic subunit of the Escherichia coli heat-labile toxin (LTA1) with decreased binding to the active (GTP-bound) form of human ARF3, its protein cofactor.

A reinvestigation of the true catalyst in a benzene hydrogenation system beginning with Ru(II)(eta(6)-C(6)Me(6))(OAc)(2) as the precatalyst is reported. The key observations leading to the conclusion that the true catalyst is bulk ruthenium metal particles, and not a homogeneous metal complex or a soluble nanocluster, are as follows: (i) the catalytic benzene hydrogenation reaction follows the nucleation (A --> B) and then autocatalytic surface-growth (A + B --> 2B) sigmoidal kinetics and mechanism recently elucidated for metal(0) formation from homogeneous precatalysts; (ii) bulk ruthenium metal forms during the hydrogenation; (iii) the bulk ruthenium metal is shown to have sufficient activity to account for all the observed activity; (iv) the filtrate from the product solution is inactive until further bulk metal is formed; (v) the addition of Hg(0), a known heterogeneous catalyst poison, completely inhibits further catalysis; and (vi) transmission electron microscopy fails to detect nanoclusters under conditions where they are otherwise routinely detected. Overall, the studies presented herein call into question any claim of homogeneous benzene hydrogenation with a Ru(arene) precatalyst. An additional, important finding is that the A --> B, then A + B --> 2B kinetic scheme previously elucidated for soluble nanocluster homogeneous nucleation and autocatalytic surface growth (Widegren, J. A.; Aiken, J. D., III; Ozkar, S.; Finke, R. G. Chem. Mater. 2001, 13, 312-324, and ref 8 therein) also quantitatively accounts for the formation of bulk metal via heterogeneous nucleation then autocatalytic surface growth. This is significant for three reasons: (i) quantitative kinetic studies of metal film formation from soluble precursors or chemical vapor deposition are rare; (ii) a clear demonstration of such A --> B, then A + B --> 2B kinetics, in which both the induction period and the autocatalysis are continuously monitored and then quantitatively accounted for, has not been previously demonstrated for metal thin-film formation; yet (iii) all the mechanistic insights from the soluble nanocluster system (op. cit.) should be applicable to metal thin-film formations which exhibit sigmoidal kinetics and, hence, the A --> B, then A + B --> 2B mechanism.

The reaction of [(eta(6)-arene)RuCl(2)](2) (arene = C(6)Me(6), 1,4-MeC(6)H(4)CHMe(2)) with a large excess of the dianion of bis(2-mercaptoethyl) sulfide, (HSCH(2)CH(2))(2)S, obtained from deprotonation of the dithiol with freshly prepared NaOMe, gives the deep red, monomeric complexes [(eta(6)-arene)Ru(eta(3)-C(4)H(8)S(3))] (arene = C(6)Me(6) (5), 1,4-MeC(6)H(4)CHMe(2) (6)) in which the dianion is bound to the metal atom through one thioether and two thiolate sulfur atoms. Complex 5 reacts with [(eta(6)-C(6)Me(6))RuCl(2)](2) (4) in a 2:1 mole ratio to give a quantitative yield of the chloride salt of a binuclear cation [((eta(6)-C(6)Me(6))Ru)(2)Cl(mu(2)-eta(2):eta(3)-C(4)H(8)S(3))](+) (7) in which the thiolate sulfur atoms of the [(eta(6)-C(6)Me(6))Ru(eta(3)-C(4)H(8)S(3))] group bridge to a (eta(6)-C(6)Me(6))RuCl unit. This compound is also obtained directly from the reaction of 4 with the dithiolate, if the Ru dimer is used in large excess. The binuclear complex [((eta(6)-C(6)Me(6))Ru)(2)(MeCN)(mu(2)-eta(2):eta(3)-C(4)H(8)S(3))](PF(6))(2).MeCN, (9)(PF(6))(2).MeCN, is obtained by treatment of (7)Cl with NH(4)PF(6) in acetonitrile. Protonation of 5 with HCl gave the mono- and diprotonated derivatives viz. [(eta(6)-C(6)Me(6))Ru(eta(3)-C(4)H(9)S(3))]Cl, (8)Cl, and [(eta(6)-C(6)Me(6))Ru(eta(3)-C(4)H(10)S(3))]Cl(2), (10)Cl(2), respectively. The reaction of 5 with methyl iodide gives both the mono- and di-S-methylated derivatives. Treatment of 5 with dibromoalkanes, Br(CH(2))(n)Br (n = 1-5), effects ring closure to give the (eta(6)-C(6)Me(6))Ru dications containing the trithia mesocyclic zS3 (z = 8-12) ligands, isolated as their PF(6) salts. The X-ray crystal structures of 5, 6, the solvates of (7)Cl and (9)(PF(6))(2), and the trithia mesocyclic Ru complexes (eta(6)-C(6)Me(6))Ru(zS3)(PF(6))(2) (z = 8-11) are reported.

Arodyn (aromatic dynorphin) is a novel analogue of the opioid peptide dynorphin A with a nonbasic N-terminus that exhibits nanomolar affinity (K(i) = 10 nM) and remarkable selectivity for kappa opioid receptors (K(i) ratio (kappa/mu/delta) = 1/174/583). Arodyn completely reverses the agonism of dynorphin A (1-13)NH(2) in a concentration-dependent manner in the adenylyl cyclase assay. Thus arodyn is a novel kappa opioid receptor selective antagonist that will be useful to study these receptors.

A series of nickel(II) and palladium(II) aryl complexes substituted in the ortho position of the aromatic ring by a (pinacolato)boronic ester group, [MBr[o-C(6)H(4)B(pin)]L(2)] (M = Ni, L(2) = 2PPh(3) (2a), 2PCy(3) (2b), 2PEt(3) (2c), dcpe (2d), dppe (2e), and dppb (2f); M = Pd, L(2) = 2PPh(3) (3a), 2PCy(3) (3b), and dcpe (3d)), has been prepared. Many of these complexes react readily with KO(t)Bu to form the corresponding benzyne complexes [M(eta(2)-C(6)H(4))L(2)] (M = Ni, L(2) = 2PPh(3) (4a), 2PCy(3) (4b), 2PEt(3) (4c), dcpe (4d); M = Pd, L(2) = 2PCy(3) (5b)). This reaction can be regarded as an intramolecular version of a Suzuki cross-coupling reaction, the driving force for which may be the steric interaction between the boronic ester group and the phosphine ligands present in the precursors 2 and 3. Complex 3d also reacts with KO(t)Bu, but in this case disproportionation of the initially formed eta(2)-C(6)H(4) complex (5d) leads to a 1:1 mixture of a novel dinuclear palladium(I) complex, [(dcpe)Pd(mu(2)-C(6)H(4))Pd(dcpe)] (6), and a 2,2'-biphenyldiyl complex, [Pd(2,2'-C(6)H(4)C(6)H(4))(dcpe)] (7d). Complexes 2a, 3b, 3d, 4b, 5b, 6, and 7d have been structurally characterized by X-ray diffraction; complex 5b is the first example of an isolated benzyne-palladium(0) species.

Treatment of HgCl(2) with 2-LiC(6)H(4)PPh(2) gives [Hg(2-C(6)H(4)PPh(2))(2)] (1), whose phosphorus atoms take up oxygen, sulfur, and borane to give the compounds [Hg[2-C(6)H(4)P(X)Ph(2)](2)] [ X = O (3), S (4), and BH(3) (5)], respectively. Compound 1 functions as a bidentate ligand of wide, variable bite angle that can span either cis or trans coordination sites in a planar complex. Representative complexes include [HgX(2) x 1] [X = Cl (6a), Br (6b)], cis-[PtX(2) x 1] [X = Cl (cis-7), Me (9), Ph (10)], and trans-[MX(2) x 1] [X = Cl, M = Pt (trans-7), Pd (8), Ni (11); X = NCS, M = Ni (13)] in which the central metal ions are in either tetrahedral (6a,b) or planar (7-11, 13) coordination. The trans disposition of 1 in complexes trans-7, 8, and 11 imposes close metal-mercury contacts [2.8339(7), 2.8797(8), and 2.756(8) A, respectively] that are suggestive of a donor-acceptor interaction, M --> Hg. Prolonged heating of 1 with [PtCl(2)(cod)] gives the binuclear cyclometalated complex [(eta(2)-2-C(6)H(4)PPh(2))Pt(mu-2-C(6)H(4)PPh(2))(2)HgCl] (14) from which the salt [(eta(2)-2-C(6)H(4)PPh(2))Pt(mu-2-C(6)H(4)PPh(2))(2)Hg]PF(6) (15) is derived by treatment with AgPF(6). In 14 and 15, the mu-C(6)H(4)PPh(2) groups adopt a head-to-tail arrangement, and the Pt-Hg separation in 14, 3.1335(5) A, is in the range expected for a weak metallophilic interaction. A similar arrangement of bridging groups is found in [Cl((n)Bu(3)P)Pd(mu-C(6)H(4)PPh(2))(2)HgCl] (16), which is formed by heating 1 with [PdCl(2)(P(n)()Bu(3))(2)]. Reaction of 1 with [Pd(dba)(2)] [dba = dibenzylideneacetone] at room temperature gives [Pd(1)(2)] (19) which, in air, forms a trigonal planar palladium(0) complex 20 containing bidentate 1 and the monodentate phosphine-phosphine oxide ligand [Hg(2-C(6)H(4)PPh(2))[2-C(6)H(4)P(O)Ph(2)]]. On heating, 19 eliminates Pd and Hg, and the C-C coupled product 2-Ph(2)PC(6)H(4)C(6)H(4)PPh(2)-2 (18) is formed by reductive elimination. In contrast, 1 reacts with platinum(0) complexes to give a bis(aryl)platinum(II) species formulated as [Pt(eta(1)-C-2-C(6)H(4)PPh(2))(eta(2)-2-C(6)H(4)PPh(2))(eta(1)-P-1)]. Crystal data are as follows. Compound 3: monoclinic, P2(1)/n, with a = 11.331(3) A, b = 9.381(2) A, c = 14.516 A, beta = 98.30(2) degrees, and Z = 2. Compound 6b x 2CH(2)Cl(2): triclinic, P macro 1, with a = 12.720(3) A, b = 13.154(3) A, c = 12.724(2) A, alpha = 92.01(2) degrees, beta = 109.19(2) degrees, gamma = 90.82(2) degrees, and Z = 2. Compound trans-7 x 2CH(2)Cl(2): orthorhombic, Pbca, with a = 19.805(3) A, b = 8.532(4) A, c = 23.076(2) A, and Z = 4. Compound 11 x 2CH(2)Cl(2): orthorhombic, Pbca, with a = 19.455(3) A, b = 8.496(5) A, c = 22.858(3) A, and Z = 4. Compound 14: monoclinic, P2(1)/c, with a = 13.150(3) A, b = 12.912(6) A, c = 26.724(2) A, beta = 94.09(1) degrees, and Z = 4. Compound 20 x C(6)H(5)CH(3).0.5CH(2)Cl(2): triclinic, P macro 1, with a = 13.199(1) A, b = 15.273(2) A, c = 17.850(1) A, alpha = 93.830(7), beta = 93.664(6), gamma = 104.378(7) degrees, and Z = 2.

The binuclear cycloaurated compounds [Au(2)(mu-C(6)H(3)-2-PPh(2)-n-Me)(2)] (n = 5, 1a; n = 6, 1b) react with the digold(I) complexes [Au(2)(mu-S(2)CN(n)()Bu(2))(2)] and [Au(2)(mu-dppm)(2)](PF(6))(2) to give heterobridged dinuclear complexes [Au(2)(mu-C(6)H(3)-2-PPh(2)-n-Me)(mu-S(2)CN(n)Bu(2))] (n = 5, 5a; n = 6, 5b) and [Au(2)(mu-C(6)H(3)-2-PPh(2)-n-Me)(mu-dppm)]PF(6), (n = 5, 9a; n = 6, 9b), respectively. Complex 5a exists in the solid state as an infinite zigzag chain of dimeric units with intramolecular Au-Au separations of 2.8331(3) and 2.8243(3) A for independent molecules and intermolecular Au-Au separations of 3.0653(3) and 3.1304(3) A. Both 5a and 5b undergo oxidative addition with halogens to give the heterovalent, gold(I)-gold(III) compounds [XAu(I)(mu-2-Ph(2)PC(6)H(3)-n-Me)Au(III)X(eta(2)-S(2)CN(n)Bu(2))] [n = 5, X = Cl (6a), I (8a); n = 6, X = Cl (6b), Br (7b), I (8b)]. Compound 8a has been shown by X-ray crystallography to contain a gold(III) atom coordinated in a planar array by bidentate, chelating di-n-butyldithiocarbamate, iodide, and the sigma-aryl carbon atom, together with a gold(I) atom that is linearly coordinated by the phosphorus atom of the arylphosphine and by iodide. The intramolecular gold-gold distance of 3.2201(3) A indicates little or no interaction between the metal atoms. In contrast to the behavior of the homobridged complexes 1a and 1b, the heterobridged dithiocarbamate complexes 5a and 5b give structurally similar products on reaction with halogens, irrespective of the position of the ring methyl substituent. Crystal data for [Au(2)(mu-C(6)H(3)-2-PPh(2)-5-Me)(mu-S(2)CN(n)Bu(2))] (5a): triclinic, space group P1 (No. 2), with a = 11.3398(1), b = 15.9750(2), c = 16.4400(3) A, alpha = 91.0735(9), beta = 109.3130(7), gamma = 90.7666(8) degrees, V = 2809.47(6) A(3), and Z = 4. Crystal data for [IAu(I)(mu-2-Ph(2)PC(6)H(3)-5-Me)Au(III)I(eta(2)- S(2)CN(n)Bu(2))] (8a): triclinic, space group P1 (No. 2), with a = 8.6136(2), b = 9.3273, c = 21.1518(4) A, alpha = 84.008(1), beta = 84.945(1), gamma = 75.181(1) degrees, V = 1630.54(6) A(3), and Z = 2.

The avrPphF gene was cloned from Pseudomonas syringae pathovar phaseolicola (PPH:) races 5 and 7, based on its ability to confer avirulence towards bean cultivars carrying the R1 gene for halo-blight resistance, such as Red Mexican. avrPphF comprised two open reading frames, which were both required for function, and was located on a 154 kb plasmid (pAV511) in PPH: Strain RW60 of PPH:, lacking pAV511, displayed a loss in virulence to a range of previously susceptible cultivars such as Tendergreen and Canadian Wonder. In Tendergreen virulence was restored to RW60 by avrPphF alone, whereas subcloned avrPphF in the absence of pAV511 greatly accelerated the hypersensitive resistance reaction caused by RW60 in Canadian Wonder. A second gene from pAV511, avrPphC, which controls avirulence to soybean, was found to block the activity of avrPphF in Canadian Wonder, but not in Red Mexican. avrPphF also conferred virulence in soybean. The multiple functions of avrPphF illustrate how effector proteins from plant pathogens have evolved to be recognized by R gene products and, therefore, be classified as encoded by avirulence genes.

Aims: To examine the relation between the replication error (RER) phenotype and other genetic events, clinical features, and long term survival in patients with Dukes' B stage II (T3,N0,M0) colorectal cancer., Methods: RER phenotype was investigated in 159 patients by PCR amplification of microsatellite marker loci on chromosomes 5q, 17p, 17q, and 18q from tumour DNA extracted from archival tissue. Data on activating c-Ki-ras mutations were available from a previous study. Immunohistochemical detection of p53 and c-erbB-2 expression was performed on paraffin wax embedded tissue., Results: Of 159 colorectal cancers studied, 22 (14%) were RER+ while 137 (86%) were RER- for two or more loci. RER+ tumours were more commonly located in the right colon, tended to be larger than RER- tumours, and were more often poorly differentiated than RER- cancers. No significant associations were seen between RER status and the presence of a mutant c-Ki-ras gene, or between RER status and p53, c-erbB-2, or c-myc gene expression. Univariate survival analysis showed that outcome was similar in RER+ and RER- cases. Multivariate survival analysis showed that the relative risk of death for patients with RER+ cancers was 0.95 that of patients with RER- cancers., Conclusions: The results suggest that, while the RER phenotype may be associated with some differences in tumour pathology (site, size, differentiation), it is not associated with the genetic alterations studied or with significant differences in long term survival.

The bean halo blight pathogen, Pseudomonas syringae pv. phaseolicola (Psph), is differentiated into nine races based on the presence or absence of five avirulence (avr) genes in the bacterium, which interact with corresponding resistance genes. R1-R5, in Phaseolus vulgaris. The resistance gene R2 is matched by avrPphE, which is located adjacent to the cluster of hrp genes that are required for pathogenicity of Psph. Although only races 2, 4, 5 and 7 are avirulent on cultivars with R2 (inducing the hypersensitive response; HR), homologues of avrPphE are present in all races of Psph. DNA sequencing of avrPphE alleles from races of Psph has demonstrated two routes to virulence: via single basepair changes conferring amino acid substitutions in races 1, 3, 6 and 9 and an insertion of 104bp in the allele in race 8. We have demonstrated that these base changes are responsible for the difference between virulence and avirulence by generating transconjugants of a virulent race harbouring plasmids expressing the various alleles of avrPphE. Agrobacterium tumefaciens-directed expression of avrPphE from race 4 in bean leaves induced the HR in a resistance gene-specific manner, suggesting that the AvrPphE protein is alone required for HR induction and is recognized within the plant cell. The allele from race 6, which is inactive if expressed in Psph, elicited a weak HR if expressed in planta, whereas the allele from race 1 did not. Our results suggest that the affinity of interaction between AvrPphE homologues and an unknown plant receptor mediates the severity of the plant's response. Mutation of avrPphE alleles did not affect the ability to colonize bean from a low level of inoculum. The avirulence gene avrPphB, which matches the R3 resistance gene, also caused a gene-specific HR following expression in the plant after delivery by A. tumefaciens.

The distribution of p21WAf1/CiP1, MDM2, and Bax/Bcl-2 proteins in ultraviolet (UV)-irradiated and nonirradiated human skin was examined immunohistochemically and compared with p53 protein levels. Sun-protected buttock skin from three volunteers was exposed to solar simulated irradiation, and biopsies were performed 0.5, 1, 2, 4, and 24 hours after irradiation as well as control unirradiated skin from the opposite buttock. A similar staining pattern was observed in each of the three volunteers. P53 protein was detectable in all skin samples examined. P21Waf1/CiP1 protein was visible in the nuclei of cells at 4 hours, and staining intensity increased at 24 hours. MDM2 protein expression was noted in isolated nuclei in the epidermis at 24 hours. Bax cytoplasmic staining was evident in the basal layer of the epidermis of all samples, and this staining appeared to increase in intensity in the 4- and 24-hour specimens. There was no Bcl-2 immunohistochemical staining in any sample. These results suggest that p53 and genes/proteins under the control of p53 are altered/ activated in normal human skin in response to UV exposure.

The National Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel appointed a task force to review the definition of Stage I pressure ulcers, specifically to assess its adequacy in people with darkly pigmented skin. The process used by the task force to draft a new definition is described in this preliminary report of their work. The proposed definition and initial critique of it are given.

Sudden death at night is known to occur in young patients with insulin-dependent (Type 1) diabetes mellitus (IDDM) but the aetiology is uncertain. A cardiac arrhythmia has been postulated, but there has been little evidence to support this. We present the case of a 31-year-old man with IDDM of 17 years duration, who died suddenly while asleep. Over preceding months, he had had strict glycaemic control (HbA1 8.9%), normal 24 h blood pressure (mean 131 +/- 2.1/76 +/- 2.2 mmHg), no evidence of microangiopathy or endothelial dysfunction and normal standard clinical tests of autonomic function. An electrocardiogram was similarly unremarkable, with a QTc interval of 0.414 s, and an echocardiogram had demonstrated normal left ventricular mass index (96.4 g m-2). However, there was no nocturnal dip in heart rate (daytime 74 +/- 2.7, and nocturnal 68 +/- 1.6 beats min-1), and he had grossly impaired baroreflex sensitivity during Phase 4 of the valsalva manoeuvre (0.5 ms mmHg-1), with power spectral analysis studies suggesting an abnormality of parasympathetic function. The coroner's autopsy demonstrated no structural abnormalities. We hypothesize that abnormal baroreflex sensitivity could either predict a risk of or account for some of the unexplained deaths in IDDM, in that relative overactivity of the sympathetic nervous system could cause ventricular arrhythmias.

Objective: To examine the effects of different types of antihypertensive treatment on endothelium-dependent relaxation in resistance arteries from spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs)., Design and Methods: Three-week-old SHRs were treated with the angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor perindopril (1 mg/kg/day) or quinapril (3 mg/kg/day) or the vasodilator hydralazine (50 mg/kg/day) or the calcium antagonist amlodipine (10 mg/kg/day). Control SHRs and Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rats were treated with water. After 21 weeks rats were culled and mesenteric resistance arteries were mounted in a myograph. Relaxation responses to the endothelium-dependent vasodilators acetylcholine (ACh) and bradykinin were recorded before and after incubation with the nitric oxide synthase inhibitor NG-nitro-L-arginine (L-NOARG), as was the relaxation response to the nitric oxide donor sodium nitroprusside (SNP)., Results: All drugs prevented the rise in blood pressure found in the untreated SHRs. ACh-induced relaxation was significantly impaired in the untreated SHRs compared with the WKY rats. Treatment with either ACE inhibitor prevented the development of this impaired response. ACE inhibitor treatment significantly increased the relaxation response to bradykinin. Despite lowering blood pressure, hydralazine or amlodipine had no effect on ACh- or bradykinin-induced relaxation. Responses to SNP were not different between untreated SHRs and WKY rats and were not affected by drug treatment., Conclusion: Specific properties of certain antihypertensive drugs may play an important role in restoring endothelium-dependent relaxation in the small arteries that regulate peripheral resistance in the SHR.

1. This study was designed to examine the effect of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors on resistance artery structure and endothelium-dependent relaxation in Goldblatt two-kidney, one-clip hypertensive rats. Four weeks after clipping, hypertensive and sham rats were treated with either perindopril (1 mg day-1 kg-1) or quinapril (3 or 30 mg day-1 kg-1). After 6 weeks mesenteric resistance arteries were mounted in a myograph for measurements of vascular structure. The endothelium-dependent relaxation response to acetylcholine and bradykinin and the response to the nitric oxide donor sodium nitroprusside were recorded. 2. All treatment regimes lowered the blood pressure and reversed both cardiac and resistance artery hypertrophy. Two-kidney, one-clip rats treated with quinapril showed a dose-dependent reduction in media cross-sectional area and media to lumen ratio. 3. Hypertension of 10 weeks' duration was associated with an impaired endothelium-dependent relaxation response to acetylcholine and bradykinin. Treatment with perindopril and either dose of quinapril prevented the development of impaired endothelium-dependent relaxation but had no effect on the response to sodium nitroprusside. Treatment had no effect on endothelium-dependent relaxation in sham rats. 4. Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor treatment is effective in normalizing blood pressure and cardiovascular structural changes. Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor treatment prevented the development of impaired endothelium-dependent relaxation to both acetylcholine and bradykinin. The ability of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors to reverse cardiovascular structural changes and prevent the development of abnormal endothelium-dependent relaxation may contribute to the overall effect of this type of antihypertensive drug.

1. Previous studies have shown that endothelium-dependent relaxation in the aorta of spontaneously diabetic bio bred rats (BB) is impaired. 2. We have investigated noradrenaline (NA) contractility, endothelium-dependent acetylcholine (ACh) and bradykinin (BK) relaxation, and endothelium-independent sodium nitroprusside (SNP) relaxation in mesenteric resistance arteries of recent onset BB rats and established insulin treated BB rats, compared to their age-matched non diabetic controls. 3. There was no significant difference in the maximum contractile response or sensitivity to noradrenaline in either of the diabetic groups compared to their age-matched controls. 4. Incubation with the nitric oxide synthetase inhibitor NG-nitro-L-arginine (L-NOARG) resulted in a significant increase in maximum contractile response to noradrenaline in the recent onset age-matched control group (P < 0.05). Analysis of the whole dose-response curve (using ANOVA for repeated measures with paired t test) showed a significant left-ward shift following the addition of L-NOARG (P < 0.001). A similar but less marked shift (P < 0.01) was evident in vessels from recent onset diabetics. An overall shift in both sensitivity and maximum response was also evident in the age-matched non diabetic controls of the insulin-treated group (P < 0.05). However, by contrast, there was no significant change in sensitivity in the insulin-treated diabetic rats. 5. ACh-induced endothelium-dependent relaxation was significantly impaired in the recent onset diabetic rats compared to their age-matched controls (47 +/- 11% versus 92 +/- 2%, P < 0.05, n = 6), and in the insulin treated diabetic rats (34 +/- 5% versus 75 +/- 6%, P < 0.05, n = 6). The relaxation responses to BK also were significantly impaired in the diabetic rats compared to their age-matched controls (recent onset: 20 +/- 3% versus 72 +/- 7%, P < 0.05, n = 6; insulin treated: 12 +/- 9% versus 68 +/- 7%, P < 0.05, n = 7). 6. Incubation with either the nitric oxide synthetase substrate, U-arginine, or the free radical scavenging enzyme superoxide dismutase (150 mu ml-1) failed to improve the attenuated response of acetylcholine-induced relaxation in the diabetic vessels. 7. Endothelium-dependent relaxation mediated by ACh and BK was significantly attenuated in both the diabetic and control vessels after incubation with L-NOARG. 8. Pretreatment with a cyclo-oxygenase inhibitor, indomethacin, significantly enhanced the relaxation to ACh in both the recent onset and insulin treated diabetic rats (42 +/- 10%, n = 7 versus 64 +/- 7%, n = 7, P < 0.05, and 40 +/- 5%, n = 7 versus 65 +/- 9%, n = 6, P < 0.05). 9. Following endothelium removal, there was a marked impairment in endothelium-dependent relaxation responses to ACh and BK in both the diabetic and control vessels. 10. Incubation with the thromboxane A2 receptor antagonist SQ29548, did not significantly improve the ACh endothelium-dependent relaxation response in the diabetic vessels. 11. Endothelium-independent relaxation to sodium nitroprusside was significantly impaired in the first group of diabetic vessels studied; however, subsequent studies showed no impairment of the sodium nitroprusside response in the diabetic vessels. 12. In conclusion, the ability of the endothelium to regulate vascular contractility is reduced in recent onset diabetic vessels, and significantly impaired in established insulin treated diabetics. Relaxation to the endothelium-dependent vasodilators ACh and BK was impaired in both the recent onset and the established insulin treated diabetics, and the ACh response was significantly improved following pretreatment with indomethacin, suggesting a role for a cyclo-oxygenase-derived vasoconstrictor. Preliminary studies with a thromboxane A2, receptor antagonist, SQ29548 did not significantly improve the impaired relaxation to ACh, indicating that the vasoconstrictor prostanoid is not thromboxane A2.

Aims-To determine possible associations between p53 allelic deletion, c-Ki-ras mutational activation, immunohistochemical detection of p53 and ras proteins, various clinicopathological variables, and patient outcome in 168 Dukes' stage B colorectal carcinomas.Methods-Allelic deletion at the p53 tumour suppressor gene locus was detected using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) based loss of heterozygosity (LOH) assays. Overexpressed proteins were detected using the CM1 polyclonal antibody. A PCR based assay was used to detect the presence of activating mutations at codon 12 of c-Ki-ras. Immunostaining was carried out using a monoclonal antibody to p21(ras).Results-p53 LOH, CM1 immunostaining, c-Ki-ras mutational activation, and p21(ras) immunostaining were not predictive of survival by logrank analysis. Multivariate analysis using Cox regression did not predict survival in this group of tumours.Conclusions-Aberrations in ras and p53 are unlikely to play an important role in the subdivision of patients with Dukes' stage B colorectal carcinoma into more accurate prognostic strata. It is possible that later genetic events are more important in conferring a specific phenotype on the resultant Dukes' stage B tumour.

The avirulence gene matching the R2 gene for resistance to halo-blight disease in Phaseolus was cloned and sequenced from race 4 strain 1302A of Pseudomonas syringae pv. phaseolicola. The predicted 41-kDa AvrPphE protein is hydrophilic, has no features that indicate function, and no similarity to other protein sequences. The promoter region of avrPphE contains a "harp box" motif. The gene was expressed more strongly in minimal than in nutrient-rich media. Lower concentrations of the phytoalexin phaseollin accumulated in tissue undergoing the hypersensitive reaction (HR) determined by avrPphE than by avrPphB. Homologs of avrPphE were detected in strains representing eight races of P. s. pv. phaseolicola including those virulent on cultivars with the R2 resistance gene, and in P. s. pv. tabaci but not in P. cichorii or P. s. pvs. coronafaciens, glycinea, maculicola, pisi, or syringae. Disruption of avrPphE prevented induction of the HR but did not appear to affect basic pathogenicity. Transposon mutagenesis and DNA sequencing showed that avrPphE was linked to hrpY a hrp locus identified at the left end of the hrp gene cluster. Sequence analysis showed that the region linked to avrPphE was very similar to DNA containing hrp genes from P. s. pv. syringae including hrpJ, hrpL, and hrpK.

Hairy cell leukemia (HCL) is a chronic lymphoproliferative disorder of the B cell lineage. In the search for specific markers with prognostic significance we evaluated the clinical value of IL-1 beta and sIL-2R levels in HCL patients. HCL patients (25) were classified according to their clinical status as "active", "non active" disease or partial or complete remission and response treatment. We found a good correlation between IL-1 beta or IL-2R levels and disease activity: improved clinical status or response to different therapies were associated with decreasing IL-1 beta or sIL-2R levels. In contrast, lack of response to therapy or disease progression was reflected in increases in both IL-1 beta and sIL-2R levels. In some patients increases of both cytokines preceded clinical symptoms. In conclusion our results show that IL-1 beta and s-IL-2R levels may be used as reliable markers for monitoring HCL activity, assessing response to treatment and predicting early progression of disease.

1. The effect of NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) and NG-nitro-L-arginine (L-NOARG) on noradrenaline (NA)-induced contractility and acetylcholine (ACh)-induced endothelium-dependent relaxation was studied in rat mesenteric resistance arteries. 2. Third order branches of mesenteric arteries were dissected and mounted on two forty micron wires in a Mulvany myograph. 3. Incubation with L-NAME and L-NOARG (10 microM) caused a time-dependent shift in the 50% response to NA (ED50) (0.01 microM-10 microM) but was not associated with an increase in the maximum contractile response. 4. L-NAME and L-NOARG (10 microM) caused a time-dependent inhibition of ACh (1 microM)-induced relaxation with a maximum effect after 120 min. 5. Following endothelium removal, incubation with either L-NAME or L-NOARG caused no significant shift in the ED50, although the residual relaxation response to ACh (1 microM) was further attenuated. 6. Incubation with the cyclo-oxygenase inhibitor, indomethacin, enhanced the relaxation to ACh and reduced the inhibitory effects of L-NAME and L-NOARG. 7. In conclusion, L-NAME and L-NOARG are potent inhibitors of acetylcholine-induced endothelium-dependent relaxation in mesenteric resistance arteries. The shift in ED50 associated with these inhibitors suggests a probable role for the endothelium in modulating the contractility of the resistance vasculature.

Use of the maxillary step osteotomy facilitates the transfer of information obtained by prediction tracing and model surgery to the patient at the time of surgery and allows for a well-visualized bone grafting area in cases of maxillary advancement. The use of Steinmann pin maxillary stabilization provides improved anteroposterior and vertical stabilization in indicated cases.