bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Polyenic Hydrocarbons as Sex Attractants for Geometrids and Amatids (Lepidoptera) Found by Field Screening in Hungary
Authors: Szőcs Gábor , Tóth Miklós , Bestmann Hans Jürgen , Vostrowsky Otto , Tumlinson James H. , Heath Robert R.
Published: August 2018

During field screening of polyene compounds, conducted at different localities of Hungary, in 1984, sex attractants were found for Costaconvexa polygrammata Bkh., as (3Z , 6Z , 9Z)-3,6,9-eicosatriene; Eupithecia subnotata Hbn., as (3Z , 6Z , 9Z)-3,6,9-nonadecatriene; Synthomis phegea L., as (3Z , 6Z , 9Z)-3,6,9-heneicosatriene and for Dysauxes ancilla L., as (3Z , 6 Z, 9Z )-l,3,6,9-nonadecatetraene. (7E , 9Z)-7,9-dodecadienyl acetate was found to be a sex attractant for Sterrha rubraria Stgr.
Betulin aus archäologischem Schwelteer / Identification of Betulin in Archaeological Tar
Authors: Sauter F. , Hayek E. W. H. , Moche W. , Jordis U.
Published: August 2018

A compound obtained from an early Iron-Age wood tar via “Kugelrohr”-distillation or extraction was identified as betulin by TLC. 1H - and 13C - NMR as well as by mass spectroscopy.

This result validates the assumption that birch was used for the preparation of the archaeological wood tar found at the excavation in Stillfried a .d . March. Lower Austria.
Purification and Properties of Chalcone Synthase from Cell Suspension Cultures of Soybean
Authors: Welle Roland , Grisebach Hans
Published: August 2018

Incubation of soybean cell suspension cultures in B-5 medium containing 0.4 ᴍ sucrose caused induction of chalcone synthase (CHS) up to a specific activity of 8 µkat/kg. CHS from these cultures was purified to apparent homogeneity by a 5-step procedure. Isoelectric focussing of pure CHS gave a major band at pH 5.45 and two weaker bands at pH 5.35 and 5.5. At least the bands at pH 5.35 and 5.45 had CHS activity. Analysis of pure CHS by two-dimensional electrophoresis gave a set ot six proteins with a M, of 40 kDa and pIs between 6.0 and 6.6. One-dimensional PAGE of CHS under non-denaturing conditions gave three closely spaced protein bands. A specific antibody was raised against soybean CHS which cross-reacted with parsley CHS.

Attempts to find synthesis of deoxychalconc or of the corresponding 7.4′-dihydroxyflavanonc with CHS of different purification stages and with various cofactors failed.
cAMP-Dependent Protein Kinase Activity in Yeast Mitochondria
Authors: Müller Günter , Bandlow Wolfhard
Published: August 2018

Two different cAMP-binding proteins have been identified in yeast mitochondria by photo­ affinity labelling and based on the occurrence of cAMP-binding activity in two different sub-mito­ chondrial fractions. One protein (Mr 45-46000) is tightly bound to the inner mitochondrial membrane whereas the other (Mr 42000) is found in the soluble intermembrane space. With endogenous substrate cAMP-dependent protein kinase activity could not be demonstrated with sufficient clarity. However, using acidic heterologous substrates, like casein and phosvitin, one cAMP-dependent protein kinase was identified in the intermembrane space. Only low phosphate incorporation was found using histone fractions as substrate. cAMP-dependent modification of proteins appears to be very shortlived in mitochondria. Its physiological significance remains unknown, since neither mitochondrial transcription, translation, respiration nor import of cyto-plasmically synthesized precursors into mitochondria appear to be influenced by exogenous cAMP either in vivo or in vitro. It is shown that cAMP is not actively transported into the inner mitochondrial compartment but rather binds to a receptor(s) localized outside the permeability barrier provided by the inner membrane.
Lysine Decarboxylase from Hafnia alvei: Purification, Molecular Data and Preparation of Polyclonal Antibodies
Authors: Beier Horst , Fecker Lothar F. , Berlin Jochen
Published: August 2018

The purification and molecular properties of lysine decarboxylase from Hafnia alvei and the preparation of polyvalent antibodies specific for this enzyme are described. The enzyme was purified within two HPLC steps on a TSK G 4000 SW and a MonoQ column to homogeneity. The subunit of the enzyme has a molecular weight of approximately 80.000 d. Under “native” conditions it seems to form aggregates up to ten subunits. Lysine decarboxylase from H. alvei contains one mol pyridoxal phosphate per mol subunit. Antibodies against the lysine decarboxylase were purified by affinity chromatography.
Notes: Conformational Changes in Proteins Induced by Low Temperatures: an Infrared Study
Authors: Casal H. L. , Köhler U. , Mantsch H. H. , Goñi F. M. , Arrondo J.L.R.
Published: August 2018

Infrared spectra of hemoglobin (met-hemoglobin) and myoglobin were recorded in the temperature range -110 °C to 30 °C. On cooling hydroalcoholic solutions of hemoglobin, the spectra indicate a conformational change (revealed by the appearance of a band at 1665 cm-1) compatible with the appearance of distortions in its α-helical structure. In the case of myoglobin smaller effects are ob­ served. These conformational changes are entirely reversible and do not occur in frozen aqueous solutions.
Notes: Identification of the Sex Pheromone of Eggplant Borer Leucinodes orbonalis Guenèe (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae)
Authors: Pingchou Zhu , Fanlei Kong , Shengdi Yu , Yongqing Yu , Shuping Jin , Xinhua Hu , Jianwei Xu
Published: August 2018

(E)11-Hexadecenyl acetate was identified from sex pheromone gland extract of female eggplant borer. The acetate synthesized in the laboratory showed high attractant activity in the field.
Notes: Structural Features and Biological Functions in Blue Copper Proteins
Authors: Nishida Yuzo
Published: August 2018

A new idea that elucidates the electron carrier ability of plastocyanin (and of azurin) is proposed. It emphasizes the fact that two lobes of the d-orbital, where one unpaired electron of copper (II) ion lies, are not screened by the ligand atoms, which would facilitate the electron transfer between the d-orbital and the redox partners (cytochrom f and P-700 in the case of plastocyanin). Several evidences which support the above proposal are provided.
Terpenoids from a Black Sea Bryozoan Conopeum seuratum
Authors: Hadjieva P. , Popov S. , Budevska B. , Dyulgerov Al. , Andreev St.
Published: August 2018

In the Bryozoan Conopeum seuratum six esterified monoterpene alcohols, three free monoter-pene alcohols, three monoterpene ketones, two monoterpene aldehydes, four esters of diterpene acids, two diterpene acids and one triterpene acid were identified, most of them new for marine organisms. Some non-terpenoid compounds were identified too. Preliminary investigation on the terpenoids of the Black Sea sponge Halichondria panicea was performed and its terpenoid composition was compared with those of C. seuratum.
Comparison of Various Strategies Designed to Optimize Indole Alkaloid Accumulation of a Cell Suspension Culture of Catharanthus roseus
Authors: Berlin Jochen , Mollenschott Christiane , DiCosmo Frank
Published: August 2018

The cell line CP-3 of Catharanthus roseus produces low levels of indole alkaloids during station­ary phase of growth, but increased levels when transferred to growth-limiting production media. Highest specific yields of alkaloids were usually achieved 8-15 days after transfer of the cells to the production medium. We attempted to reduce the time required for alkaloid production by altering preculture conditions, and by adding an elicitor preparation known to stimulate alkaloid accumulation in other cells. Reduction of 2,4-D in the last growth medium before transfer to production medium and a high initial inoculum load into the production medium resulted in rapid and greatest alkaloid accumulation (up to 2 mg ajmalicine/g dry mass or 40 mg/1 within 7 days). The addition of elicitor to the cell suspension stimulated high levels of tryptamine biosynthesis and accumulation under all culture conditions. Additionally, two cell lines derived from CP-3 cells and maintained on NAA/kinetin containing medium were selected for rapid growth in the absence of 2,4-D and were characterized with respect to their ajmalicine production. At a high inoculum load these cells produced up to 1.3 mg/g or 20 mg ajmalicine/1 when cultivated on the growth medium. The biotechnological utility of such cell lines is discussed.
Organolead Toxicity in Plants: Triethyl Lead (Et3Pb+) Acts as a Powerful Transmembrane Cl-/OH- Exchanger Dissipating H+ -Gradients at Nano-Molar Levels
Authors: Hager A. , Moser I. , Berthold W.
Published: August 2018

Triethyl lead (Et3Pb+), a highly toxic oxidation product of the anti-knock agent tetraethyl lead (Et4Pb) was shown to act as anion (Cl-/OH-) antiporter in plant membranes, dissipating energy- dependent ion gradients, membrane potentials, and consequently turgor. This mechanism was demonstrated with tonoplast-type vesicles isolated from coleoptiles of Zea mays L. The ATP- driven H+ accumulation within those vesicles was abolished already at nano-molar levels of Et3Pb+, but only in the presence of Cl-.

In intact cells the turgor dependent indole-3-acetic acid induced elongation growth of coleoptile segments of Avena sativa L. was inhibited by Et3Pb+ at micro-molar levels and after a lag of 15-20 min. This lag might be due to a slow penetration of the agent through the waxy cuticle and the cell wall.
Effect of pH on the Slow Phase Components of Delayed Luminescence in Chloroplasts
Authors: Hideg Éva , Demeter Sandor
Published: August 2018

The pH dependence of two, flash-induced slowly decaying delayed luminescence components - resulting from charge recombination of QA
- and QB
- with the S2 and S3 states (S2QA
- + S3QA
- and S2QB
- + S3QB
- recombinations) - in untreated and herbicide treated chloroplasts was investigated within a pH range of 5.5 to 8.5.

The component associated with QA
- showed the same pH-dependence in untreated and in DCMU-treated chloroplasts: its half-decay time increased with increasing pH reflecting an appr. +5 meV/pH change in the free energy of activation. Contrary to this the component associated with Ob exhibited an opposite behaviour: its half-decay time decreased with increasing pH and the free energy of activation changed with about -5 meV/pH.

It is concluded that both acceptor and donor side effects are involved in the pH-dependence of slow phase delayed luminescence components.
Chemokinesis and Necrotaxis of Human Granulocytes: the Important Cellular Organelles
Authors: Gruler Hans , Chevance Anne de Boisfleury
Published: August 2018

The directed and non-directed locomotion of human polymorphonuclear leukocytes on a glass surface was compared to Brownian and drift motion. The average track velocity was measured under different conditions. The track velocity of colchicine treated cells was the same as control cells. However, cytochalasin B treated cells and cytokineplasts had a reduced track velocity compared with the control cells.

The non-directed locomotion was investigated by measuring the mean square displacement as a function of time. The diffusion constant. D. which quantitates the random walk process, and the characteristic time, x, which governs the migration of the cell, was calculated. The value of the diffusion constant depended on the cell treatment: For control cells 261 μm2/min, for colchicine treated cells 145 μm2/min. for cytochalasin B treated cells 55 μm2/min, and for cytokineplasts 47 μm2/min. The characteristic time was about 40 s. The measurement showed that the non- directed locomotion can be described by the Brownian motion.

The directed locomotion was investigated by a necrotactic assay and quantitated by the McCutcheon index. This index was for control cells 0.85 ±0.07, for colchicine treated cells 0.8 ± 0.07, and for cytokineplasts 0.75 ± 0.1. The measurement showed that the directed locomo­tion can be described by a process which is called drift mode.

From this method of analysis it was determined that the important organelles of the cell for the directed and the non-directed locomotion are: (i) A part of the plasma membrane, (ii) the microfilaments, and (iii) an unstructurated part of the cytoplasme. The microtubules of the cell are only of minor importance for the directed and the non-directed locomotion.
Coumestans from the roots of pueraria mirifica
Authors: Ingham John L. , Tahara Satoshi , Dziedzic Stanley Z.
Published: August 2018

Three isoflavonoids obtained from a methanolic extract of Pueraria mirifica roots have been identified as 3,9-dihydroxy-8-methoxy-7-(3,3-dimethylallyl)-coumestan (mirificoumestan), 3,9-dihydroxy- 8-methoxy-7-(3-hydroxy-3-methylbutyl)-coumestan (mirificoumestan hydrate), and 3,9- dihydroxy-8-methoxy-7-(2,3-dihydroxy-3-methylbutyl)-coumestan (mirificoumestan glycol). These new coumestans co-occur with coumestrol (3,9-dihydroxycoumestan), a compound already found in P. mirifica roots
Enzymic synthesis of hydroxycinnamic acid esters of glucaric acid and hydroaromatic acids from the respective 1-O-hydroxycinnamoylglucoside and hydroxycinnamoyl-coenzyme a thioester as acyldonors with a protein preparation from cestrum elegáns leaves
Authors: Strack Dieter , Gross Wiltrud , Heilemann Jürgen , Keller Harald , Ohm Sabine
Published: August 2018

Hydroxycinnamoyltransferase activities which catalyze the formation of O-hydroxycinnamoyl- (p-coumaroyl-, feruloyl-, and sinapoyl-)-glucaric acids via the corresponding 1-O-hydroxycinnamoyl- β-glucoses, and O-(p-coumaroyl)-quinic acid and O-(p-coumaroyl)-shikimic acid both via p-coumaroyl-CoA thioester have been isolated from leaves of Cestrum elegáns D. F. L. v. Schlechtendal. The enzymic activities involved could be classified as 1-O-hydroxycinnamoyl-βglucose : glucaric acid hydroxycinnamoyltransferase (EC 2.3.1.- ) and p-coumaroyl-CoA : quinic acid/shikimic acid hydroxycinnamoyltransferase (EC 2.3.1. - ). This is the first time that both the O-glucoside- and the S-CoA-dependent activities in phenolic acid-ester formation were found to be present in the same plant
Energy transfer within pc trimers of mastigocladus laminosus studied by picosecond time-resolved transient absorption spectroscopy
Authors: Schneider S. , Geiselhart P. , Siebzehnrübl S. , Fischer R. , Scheer H.
Published: August 2018

The transient absorption recovery induced in phycocyanin trimers by picosecond pulses of variable wavelength (570-620 nm) has been recorded and analyzed by applying a least-squares multi-exponential fit procedure.

The results suggest that in native PC trimers the chromophores exhibit a microheterogeneity with the effect that the derived apparent lifetimes are functions of excitation and probing wavelength. It is suggested that, due to strong excitonic coupling between a-84 and β-84 chromophores, the lifetime of the terminal acceptor state is reduced to about 900 ps; the apparent energy transfer time from chromophore β-155 to a-84 and β-84 chromophores varies between 20-50 ps depending on the actual chromophore-protein arrangement (microheterogeneity)
Interaction of ryanodine with the calcium releasing system of sarcoplasmic reticulum vesicles
Authors: Hasselbach Wilhelm , Migala Andrea
Published: August 2018

Heavy sarcoplasmic reticulum vesicles were reacted with ryanodine in 0.6 ᴍKCl 0.3 ᴍ sucrose at pH 6.3 and pH 7.0 at 20 °C.

The inhibition of caffeine induced calcium release from actively loaded vesicles by ryanodine was applied to monitor time course and attainment of equilibrium of the interaction of ryanodine with its receptors in the vesicular membranes.

At ryanodine concentrations rising from 0.1-100 μᴍ, the logarithms of the release amplitudes linearly decline with time. The dependence of the inactivation reaction on the concentration of ryanodine did not saturate in the applicable concentration range. The reaction halflife times are concentration dependent. At pH 7.0, the half times decline from 100 to 10 s when the ryanodine concentration is raised from 0.1 to 1 μᴍ. At pH 6.3 a corresponding decline occurs between 3 μᴍ and 100 μᴍ. The marked dependence of the inactivation reaction on medium pH requires reaction times of one and five hours at pH 7.0 and 6.3, respectively for the attainment of reaction equilibrium at low ryanodine concentrations. The dependence of the amplitude of calcium release on the concentration of added ryanodine has been evaluated as proposed by Gutfreund (Enzymes: Physical Principles, p. 71, Wiley-Interscience, London 1972) for the preparation’s affinity for ryanodine and its number of binding sites. At pH 7.0, preparations appear to contain only 0.7 pmol sites per mg protein having an affinity for ryanodine of 0.33 nᴍ-1. The titration curves for caffeine induced calcium release, initial calcium uptake and final calcium level are identical, indicating that the three functions are controlled by the same receptor. Calcium induced calcium release, however, is only partially and differently affected by the occupancy of the high affinity ryanodine binding sites.

The kinetic and equilibrium data for the effects of ryanodine were combined and analyzed on account of a two step reaction sequence. The corresponding dissociation and rate constants were evaluated and combined with reported data of [3H]ryanodine binding (Pessah et al., J. Biol. Chem. 261, 8643-8648 (1986))
Tissue-Specific Incorporation of Azadirachtin in the Malpighian Tubules of Locus ta migratoria
Authors: Rembold H. , Müller Th. , Subrahmanyam B.
Published: August 2018

The retention, tissue distribution, and localization of [22,23-3H2]dihydroazadirachtin A was investigated in the female locust, Locusta migratoria. A constant quantity of 0.4 to 0.5 μg of dihydroazadirachtin A per gram body weight is recovered in the unchanged form 5 days after injection of any of the physiologically effective doses in the range of 1.5 to 3.0 pg/g. Malpighian tubules account for 73.7% of the amount of dihydroazadirachtin A which is retained in the whole body. In the Malpighian tubules it is localized in the basal and inner regions. It is inferred from these results, that dihydroazadirachtin A acts in its unchanged form through a high-affinity binding to organ-specific membrane receptors.
Molecular Composition of Glutamine Synthetase of Sinapis alba L.
Authors: Höpfner Matthias , Reifferscheid Georg , Wild Aloysius
Published: August 2018

Chloroplastic glutamine synthetase of Sinapis alba, purified to homogeneity by a simple three step procedure, revealed a molecular weight of about 395 kDa.

The native enzyme is composed of eight subunits of identical molecular weight (about 50 kDa (each), although isoelectrofocusing yielded six distinct bands in the pH 5.6 region of the gel. Labelling of the enzyme with the glutamate analogue herbicide [14C]phosphinothricin and with [γ-32P]ATP indicated that glutamine synthetase has eight reactive centers per molecule. The native enzyme dissociated into two enzymatically active subaggregates of about 195 kDa after Mg2+ deprivation.
Structure of the ATP-Synthase from Chloroplasts and Mitochondria Studied by Electron Microscopy
Authors: Boekema Egbert J. , Schmidt Günter , Gräber Peter , Berden Jan A.
Published: August 2018

The structure of the ATP-synthase, F0F1, from spinach chloroplasts and beef heart mitochondria has been investigated by electron microscopy with negatively stained specimens. The detergent- solubilized ATP-synthase forms string-like structures in which the F0 parts are aggregated. In most cases, the F1 parts are arranged at alternating sides along the string. The F0 part has an approximate cylindrical shape with heights of 8.3 and 8.9 nm and diameters of 6.2 and 6.4 nm for the chloroplast and mitochondrial enzyme, respectively.

The F1 parts are disk-like structures with a diameter of about 11.5 nm and a height of about 8.5 nm. The F, parts are attached to the strings, composed of F0 parts, in most cases, with their smallest dimension parallel to the strings. The stalk connecting F0 and F1 has a length of 3.7 nm and 4.3 nm and a diameter of 2.7 nm and 4.3 nm for the chloroplast and mitochondrial enzyme, respectively.
SO2 Injury in Intact Leaves, as Detected by Chlorophyll Fluorescence
Authors: Schmidt Wolfgang , Schreiber Ulrich , Urbach Wolfgang
Published: August 2018

The effects of short-time fumigation (0-60 min) of intact spinach leaves with SO2 (2 ppm) on the photosynthetic apparatus were investigated. A rather high SO2 concentration was applied to monitor immediate effects on the fluorescence behaviour with the influence of repair processes or secondary types of damage being minimized. Three different types of in vivo chlorophyll fluorescence measurements were used: Rapid induction kinetics (Kautsky effect), slow induction kinetics with repetitive application of saturation pulses (saturation pulse method), and decay kinetics following a single turnover saturating flash.

The slow induction kinetics with repetitive application of saturation pulses reacts in the most sensitive way indicating a primary damage at the level of the enzymatic reactions of the Calvin cycle.

It is suggested that stromal acidification upon SO2 uptake interferes with light activation of Calvin cycle enzymes. With longer fumigation times also damage at the level of photosystem II becomes apparent: A decrease in variable fluorescence yield reflects a lowering of photosystem II quantum yield, and the slowing down of fluorescence relaxation kinetics reveals an effect on the secondary electron transport from Qᴀ to Qв. The detrimental effects of SO2 depend to a great extent on the application of light during fumigation. Besides a light requirement for SO2 uptake by stomata opening also the possibility of photoinhibitory damage is discussed.

The susceptibility of leaves to photoinhibition may increase with a lowering of Calvin cycle activity by SO2.
Thermodynamic and Magnetic Resonance Studies on the Hydration of Polymers: II. Protein-Water Interactions in Powdered Ribonuclease
Authors: Janzen H. , Matuszak E. , Goldammer E. v. , Wenzel H. R.
Published: August 2018

ESR studies on spin-labeled amorphous RNase A as a function of varying concentrations of sorbed H2O and D2O will be presented. A relaxation analysis of saturation transfer (ST-)ESR spectra of 14N(1H) nitroxide spin-label molecules essentially fixed at amino acid residue His-105 will be given.

A characteristic correlation has been observed between the microdynamic behavior - expressed by the rotational correlation times of the paramagnetic label - and the macroscopic thermodynamic entropy for the sorption process of H2O and D2O at RNase. This correlation is particularly pronounced at low water concentrations, viz., nH₂O/nprotein ≤ 100. A significant difference in this concentration range exists between the two systems “RNase-H2O” and “RNase-D2O”, which is manifested not only by the thermodynamic data but also by the microdynamic behavior extracted from the corresponding non-linear ESR absorption line shapes.
Concentration of Hydroperoxide Lyase Activities in Root of Cucumber Seedlings
Authors: Hatanaka Akikazu , Kajiwara Tadahiko , Matsui Kenji
Published: August 2018

A study on distribution of hydroperoxide lyase activities in cucumber seedlings was performed. Hydroperoxide lyase activities were at elevated level in root, and in the upper and greener sections the lower activities were observed.
Studies on Columnidin Biosynthesis with Flower Extracts from Columnea hybrida
Authors: Stich K. , Forkmann G.
Published: August 2018

Columnidin, the characteristic 3-deoxyanthocyanidin of some Columnea species, possesses the 3′,4′-B-ring hydroxylation pattern of luteolinidin and an additional hydroxyl group at the A-ring, most likely in the 8-position. Studies on substrate specificity of chalcone synthase and flavanone 4-reductase and the demonstration of high flavonoid 3′-hydroxylase activity revealed that the 3′-hydroxyl group of the B-ring of columnidin is introduced at the flavanone stage by hydroxylation of naringenin to eriodictyol. Enzymatic hydroxylation of the A-ring, however, could neither be observed with soluble enzyme preparation nor with microsomal fraction. Most probably this step first occurs at the anthocyanidin level. Besides flavonoid 3′-hydroxylase the microsomal fraction of Columnea flower extracts contains flavone synthase II activity catalysing desaturation of flavanones to flavones with NADPH as co-factor. The presence of some apigenin, appreciable amounts of luteolin and of the 3′,4′-hydroxylated flavan-4-ol luteoforol in the flowers confirm the enzymatic data.
Fructose-Enhanced Development and Growth of the N2-Fixing Cyanobiont Anabaena azollae
Authors: Rozen Anat , Schönfeld Mordechay , Tel-Or Elisha
Published: August 2018

Fructose supported the heterotrophic growth of the cyanobiont Anabaena azollae, isolated from the water fern Azolla filiculoides, and also enhanced its growth in the light by 2-3-fold. Fructose was taken up at a high rate in the light and in the dark, in an energy-dependent reaction. The photosynthetic and respiratory activities of the fructose grown cells were modified: O2 evolution in vivo was decreased by 40%, while PS I activity and dark respiration were 2-3-fold higher than in autotrophically grown cells. These changes were accompanied by 2-3-fold increase in heterocyst differentiation and by a 4-fold stimulation of nitrogenase activity.
Navigation and Compass Orientation by Insects According to the Polarization Pattern of the Sky
Authors: Kirschfeld K.
Published: August 2018

A recent theory attempts to explain how bees take their compass orientation from the pattern of polarized light in the sky (S. Rossel and R . Wehner, Nature 323, 128-131 (1986)). According to this theory, orientation can be erroneous and lead to the wrong course of a recruited bee in search of the foraging site whenever only a small patch of the blue sky is visible to the bee. It is shown that orientation under natural conditions is not erroneous, if the compass reference is variable in time but equally defined for both, scout bees and recruits.
The Occurrence of Tryptamine Derivatives in Psilocybe semilanceata
Authors: Brenneisen Rudolf , Borner Stefan
Published: August 2018

The content of tryptamine derivatives in Psilocybe semilanceata, a popular hallucinogenic mushroom, was measured by high-performance liquid chromatography. Most of the 52 samples have been collected at several localities in Switzerland during a 1-5 year period. The content of psilocybin and baeocystin varied in the range of 0.21-2.02% and 0.05-0.77%, respectively, whereas only traces of psilocin were present. The variability of the alkaloid level depending on origin, year of collection, size and part of mushrooms is discussed.
Isolation and Purification to Apparent Homogeneity of 4,5-Dioxovalerate Aminotransferase from Scenedesmus obliquus Mutant C-2 A′
Authors: Kah A. , Dörnemann D. , Senger H.
Published: August 2018

In the present paper the purification of a specific 4,5-dioxovalerate transaminase from pigment mutant C-2 A′ of the unicellular green alga Scenedesmus obliquus to apparent homogeneity is described. The newly isolated enzyme ʟ-glutamate: 4,5-dioxovalerate aminotransferase is not identical with ʟ-alanine: 4,5-dioxovalerate aminotransferase (EC 2.6.1.43) and ʟ-alanine: glyoxylate aminotransferase (EC 2.6.1.44). A procedure for the purification is described and the resulting homogeneous protein is characterized by its Kᴍ-values for oxo-substrates and amino donors, its pyridoxal phosphate requirement, reversability of the catalysis, pH-optimum, isoelectric point and its molecular weight.
Investigation on the Photosynthetic Membranes of Spruce Needles in Relation to the Occurrence of Novel Forest Decline I. The Photosynthetic Electron Transport
Authors: Dietz Bernhard , Moors Iris , Flammersfeld Ute , Rühle Wolfgang , Wild Aloysius
Published: August 2018

The investigations described here were carried out in the context of our research project on the physiological, biochemical, and cytomorphological characterization of spruce trees growing in natural habitats and showing damage of varying intensity. Here we report on specific aspects of the photosynthetic apparatus. The aim of the measurements was to analyze whether or not the activity of the photosynthetic electron transport pathway is affected in damaged trees. The investigations were carried out on a 20 to 25-year-old spruce plantation in the Hunsrück mountains and on an 80-year-old spruce plantation in the Westerwald mountains. The photosynthetic electron transport rate was determined by photoreduction of 2,6-dichlorophenolindophenol. A decrease of the electron transport rate was shown in the damaged spruce trees in comparison to the apparently healthy trees. The investigation of the water splitting enzyme system - determined in the Hillreaction by feeding in electrons by means of diphenylcarbazide - indicates that the electron transport on the oxidizing side of photosystem II is impaired. The results imply that the photosynthetic electron transport chains in the thylakoid membranes of the spruce chloroplasts are sites of early injurious effects. This is in agreement with the electron microscopic analyses which show consistently that early damage occurs especially at the cellular membranes. This membrane damage is apparent even in the green needles of damaged spruce trees.
Investigation on the Photosynthetic Membranes of Spruce Needles in Relation to the Occurrence of Novel Forest Decline II. The Content of QB-Protein, Cytochrome f, and P-700
Authors: Wild Aloysius , Flammersfeld Ute , Moors Iris , Dietz Bernhard , Rühle Wolfgang
Published: August 2018

In order to obtain an insight into the damage of thylakoid membranes of spruce (Picea abies) trees with damage of varying intensity, investigations were performed on the content of Qв-protein, cytochrome f, and P-700 in chloroplasts of spruce needles from apparently healthy and from damaged trees. Needles from the second and third needle year and the seventh whorl were chosen. The investigations were carried out in 1986 on a 20 to 25-year-old spruce plantation in the Hunsriick mountains and on an 80-year-old spruce plantation in the Westerwald mountains. In damaged trees an unequivocal decrease in the content of Qв-protein, cytochrome f, and P-700 was found, even in needle groups that appear visibly green and healthy. The amount of cytochrome f decreased by 25% per dry weight (approximately to the same extent as chlorophyll); the content of Qв-protein and P-700, however, were more drastically reduced compared to the control trees (about 40% and 50%, respectively). These results of measuring the photosynthetic electron transport components imply that the thylakoid membranes are sites of early injurious effects.
Biochemical and Chemical Characterization of Trifluoromethylglyoxal Bis(guanylhydrazone), a Close Analog of the Antileukemic Drug Mitoguazone
Authors: Elo Hannu , Mutikainen Upo
Published: August 2018

In order to study the structure-activity relationships of bis(guanylhydrazone) type polyamine antimetabolites, trifluoromethylglyoxal bis(guanylhydrazone) (CF3-GBG), a close analog of the antileukemic drug methylglyoxal bis(guanylhydrazone) (mitoguazone. MGBG) was synthesized according to a novel modification of previous methods, yielding single crystals. Single-crystal X-ray crystallography revealed the presence of an isomer different from the one detected in the case of MGBG and all other bis(guanylhydrazones) so far studied. In contrast to MGBG, CF3-GBG was shown to be a very weak inhibitor of yeast adenosylmethionine decarboxylase, being thus devoid of value as a polyamine antimetabolite. In addition, the compound did not have antiproliferative activity against mouse L1210 leukemia cells in vitro. As long as analogous isomers of the two compounds are not available, no conclusions can be drawn about the reasons lying behind the drastical differences between their biological properties.
Metabolism of Ferulic Acid Sucrose Esters in Anthers of Tulipa cv. Apeldoorn: I. The Accumulation of Esters and Free Sugars
Authors: Bäumker P. A. , Arendt S. , Wiermann R.
Published: August 2018

The authors of Tulipa cv. Apeldoorn accumulate a large amount of ferulic acid sucrose esters. In addition to the well-known diferuloyl-(DFS) and triferuloyl sucrose esters (TFS), a new phenylpropanoid characterized as a monoester of ferulic acid and sucrose is described. Like T F S and D F S , this ester exhibits an accumulation m a x i m u m in the early stages of pollen development. Numerous free sugars have been extracted from Tulipa anthers. Three of them were identified as sucrose, glucose and fructose. Sucrose as the main component is accumulated in extremely high amounts during specific developmental stages (= 20 % of the dry weight).

After separation of the anthers into an anther wall fraction (AWF) and pollentapetum (PTF), each fraction shows a different accumulation kinetic of the free sugars and the ferulic acid esters. A correlation could be observed between the occurrence of the esters and sucrose in the pollentapetum fraction during the anther development.
On the Relationships between Molecular Conformation, Affinity towards Penicillin-Binding Proteins, and Biological Activity of Penicillin G-Sulfoxide
Authors: Beise Frank , Labischinski Harald , Bradaczek Hans
Published: August 2018

The binding capacity of penicillin G-sulfoxide towards the penicillin-binding proteins (PBP) of Staphylococcus aureus H was studied. The sulfoxide and its parent compound, penicillin G , differ only in two aspects, the sulfur-bound oxygen and an altered conformation of the five-membered thiazolidine-ring system. These minor alterations of the penicillin structure resulted in a drastical decrease of binding activity (about two orders of magnitude) of the sulfoxide derivative towards its target enzymes. Furthermore, the sulfoxide did not exhibit the selectivity of subinhibitory doses for PBP 3, as could be observed for penicillin G .

The biological consequences of this behaviour were monitored via growth curves, uptake of cell wall label, and analysis of the cell wall. Binding studies revealed that comparable growth inhibition and impairment of cell wall label uptake were achieved by at least a 100-fold higher penicillin G-sulfoxide concentration, compared to its parent compound.

In cell wall analysis, the application of high doses of the antibiotics, i.e. nearly saturated PBP , verified the above mentioned observation. Surprisingly, small but significant differences in cell wall composition occurred using subinhibitory doses, probably due to the altered affinity towards PBP 3, supporting the hypothesis of an important role of this PBP in peptidoglycan transpeptidation.
Semisynthetic Preparation of 1-O-hexadecyl-2-acetyl-sn-glyceryl-3- phosphorylcholine (Platelet Activating Factor)
Authors: Lekka Marilena E. , Tsoukatos Demokritos C. , Tselepis Alexandras D. , Kapoulas Vassilios M.
Published: August 2018

1-O-hexadecyl-2-acetyl-sn-glyceryl-3-phosphorylcholine (platelet activating factor, PAF), (1.9 μmol) was prepared from the total lipid extract of the protozoan Tetrahymena pyriformis 9 × 107 cells. The procedure involved mild alkaline hydrolysis of the total lipids, followed by acetylation and purification of the product by preparative TLC and HPLC . The yield was 60 % with respect to the content of 1-O-alkyl-2-acyl-sn-glyceryl-3-phosphorylcholine in the total lipids, determined after preparative TLC . The alkyl side chain of the semisynthetic PAF was composed of hexadecyl residue. Our product was identified as PAF according to its biological activity, the chromatographic behaviour on TLC and HPLC , the physicochemical properties and the behaviour under treatment with PLA2 and Lipase from Rhizopus arrhizus. The above procedure is proposed as a facile, inexpensive and convenient method.
Measuring P700 Absorbance Changes around 830 nm with a New Type of Pulse Modulation System
Authors: Schreiber Ulrich , Klughammer Christof , Neubauer Christian
Published: August 2018

A new measuring system for monitoring absorbance changes around 830 n m is described, which was developed by modification of a commercially available pulse modulation fluorometer. All modifications concern the emitter-detector unit of the fluorometer, such that only this unit needs to be exchanged when changing from fluorescence to absorbance measurements and vice versa. The new system is shown to be well-suited for measuring redox changes of P700, the reaction center of photosystem I, in intact leaves and isolated chloroplasts. The observed kinetic changes at 830 nm in response to single turnover or multiple turnover saturating flashes are practically identical to those previously measured around 700 nm . The signal/noise ratio is sufficiently high to give well-resolved kinetics without signal averaging. W h e n P700 is oxidized by far-red background light, valuable information on the state of the intersystem electron transport chain is given by the re-reduction kinetics induced by single or multiple turnover saturating flashes. Such measurements are facilitated by the use of poly-furcated fiberoptics. With intact leaves, almost identical responses are found when measuring through the leaf (transmission mode) or from the leaf surface (remission mode). Modulated chlorophyll fluorescence can be measured in parallel; application of saturation pulses for fluorescence quenching analysis produces transient P700 oxidation without oversaturating the measuring system. The information on the P700 redox state complements that obtained from fluorescence measurements, yielding a new practical tool in plant physiological research.
Immunological Study on the Structural Difference between Ribulose- 1,5-bisphosphate Carboxylase/Oxygenase from Nicotiana tabacum var. John William's Broadleaf and the Tobacco Mutant Su/su
Authors: Nespoulous C. , Fabisch P. , Radunz A. , Schmid G. H.
Published: August 2018

In the present paper we have attempted to characterize by means of immunological methods the molecular difference between ribulose 1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase from the wild type TV. tabacum var. John William's Broadleaf and the tobacco mutant Su/su. The tobacco mutant Su/su exhibits in comparison to the wild type a higher photorespiratory activity. The reagents used in the present study are monospecific antisera to the two bifunctional enzymes to be compared. We have analyzed the oxygenase activity of the two enzymes in dependance on the binding of the amount of antibodies out of the homologous and the not homologous antiserum. These analyses have shown, that the enzymes of both phenotypes were 4 0 % stronger inhibited in the equivalence regions with respect to their oxygenase function by antibodies of the antiserum to ribulose 1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase of the mutant than by antibodies of the wild type antiserum. It should be noted that the antiserum to the mutant enzyme exhibits a 25 % lower antibody titer, than the antiserum to the wild type enzyme.

In the region of extreme antibody excess, i.e. when antibodies are mostly monovalently bound and most antigenic determinants are saturated with antibodies, the oxygenase activity of both enzymes decreases towards zero in the presence of the homologous as well as in the presence of non-homologous antibodies. In the region of excess of antigenic determinants, that is when only a few antibody molecules can bind onto the enzymes, only the oxygenase activity of the mutant enzyme is inhibited by its homologous antibodies by 40 % . This apparent difference in the molecular structure of the two bifunctional enzymes to be compared is neither caught in the double immuno diffussion test nor in the tandem crossed immuno electrophoresis, using the two antisera as test reagents. In all cases only fused precipitation bands are observed.

Chemical modification of ribulose 1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase by hydroxylamine treatment or treatment with o-(p-nitrophenyl)hydroxylamine or simple heating of the enzyme to 50 °C are immunologically characterized. As a consequence of such treatment considerably less antibodies are adsorbed. The strongest influence exerts a treatment with o-(p-nitrophenyl)-hydroxylamine with simultaneous heat treatment of the enzyme for 20 min at 50 °C.
Description of Cell Adhesion by the Langmuir Adsorption Isotherm
Authors: Eckl Karl , Gruler Hans
Published: August 2018

The adhesion of granulocytes to a glass surface is both theoretically and experimentally investigated. The basic results are: (i) The adherence process of cells to a surface can be described by the Langmuir adsorption isotherm which also holds for the adsorption of molecules to a substrate. (ii) The granulocytes do not interact with each other during the adsorption/desorption process. (iii) The equilibrium constant at 37 °C for granulocytes adsorption to the glass surface is 170 cells/mm3 = 1.7 × 105 cells/ml. (iv) The equilibrium constant increases with decreasing temperature, (v) The equilibrium constant is a function of the chemokinetic/chemotactic stimulus f-Met-Leu-Phe. (vi) The desorption rate is also a function of the chemokinetic/chemotactic stimulus (kde
-1 = 71.5 min for 1 nᴍ and 330 min for 1 μᴍ f-Met-Leu-Phe). (vii) The adsorption rate is a function of the chemokinetic/chemotactic stimulus and the cellular bulk concentration (kad
-1- · cv
-1 = 104 min for 1 nᴍ and 8 min for 1 μᴍ f-Met-Leu-Phe, and cv = 4000 cells/mm3 = 4 × 106 cells/ml), (viii) The total number of cells which can bind to the surface is independent of temperature (and of the chemokinetic/chemotactic stimulus), (ix) The high affinity receptor site is responsible for the adherence (Kf-Met- = 1.8 nᴍ f-Met-Leu-Phe). (x) The chemokinetic/chemotactic stimulated adherence is a cooperative process on a molecular level, (xi) The cellular adsorption/desorption process is a rate controlled process. The thermodynamic description of the adsorption/desorption process failed.
Rare Eugenol-and Z-Coniferyl Alcohol Derivatives in Roots of Three Coreopsis Species
Authors: Thron U. , Martin R. , Reichling J.
Published: August 2018

Roots of three species of the genus Coreopsis (Compositae), C. tinctoria, C. lanceolata and C. grandiflora were investigated for the occurrence of phenylpropanoids. In addition to phenylpropanoids already known from other Coreopsis species some new derivatives of eugenol- and Z-coniferyl alcohol were found. In this report we present their structures together with their 1H NMR. 13C NMR and MS data. Two aromatic acetylenes - one of them not previously described for Coreopsis species - were identified as well.
Evidence for the Generation of Singlet Molecular Oxygen during Dopa and Dopamine Peroxidation
Authors: Kruk Irena , Lichszteld Krzysztof , Michalska Teresa , Bounias Michel
Published: August 2018

Participation of singlet molecular oxygen (1O2) in peroxidation of dopa and dopamine was studied by measurements of chemiluminescence spectra, the influence of solvents with various lifetime of O2 (1Δg) and O2 (1Δg)-quenchers on quantum yield of chemiluminescence.

A decrease of absorption and fluorescence intensities of 1,3-diphenylizobenzofuran (DPBF) was also studied in the presence of dopa and dopamine oxidized with alkaline H2O2 as a criterion for the involvement of 1O2.
Inhibition of Bacteriochlorophyll Biosynthesis by Gabaculin (3-Amino, 2,3-dihydrobenzoic Acid) and Presence of an Enzyme of the C5-Pathway of δ-Aminolevulinate Synthesis in Chloroflexus aurantiacus
Authors: Kern Monika , Klemme Jobst-Heinrich
Published: August 2018

Biosynthesis of bacteriochlorophyll c and a in the thermophilic phototrophic prokaryote. Chloroflexus aurantiacus Ok-70-fl, was strongly inhibited by the antibiotic gabaculin (3-amino 2,3- dihydrobenzoic acid), an inhibitor of the glutamate-C5-pathway of ö-aminolevulinate (ALA) synthesis. The key enzyme of the Shemin-pathway of ALA formation, ALA synthase (EC 2.3.1.37), was not detected in cell extracts of Chi. aurantiacus. However, the extracts catalyzed ALA formation from glutamate 1-semialdehyde, a reaction being highly sensitive to gabaculin.
Quantitative Structure Activity Relationships of Fungicidally Active Triazoles: Analogs and Stereoisomers of Propiconazole and Etaconazole Quantitative Structure Activity Relationships of Fungicidally Active Triazoles: Analogs and Stereoisomers of Propiconazole and Etaconazole
Authors: Ebert E. , Eckhardt W. , Jäkel K. , Sozzi D. , Vogel C. , Moser P.
Published: August 2018

The preparation of the four stereoisomers of propiconazole (TILT®) is described. Their inhibition of the 14α-C-demethylation of the sterol nucleus is examined and compared with the inhibition by the four stereoisomers of etaconazole (SONAX®). The quantitative structure-activity relationships (QSAR) of substituted 1,3-dioxolane-2-yl-methyltriazoles and 1,3-dioxane-2-ylmethyltriazoles on in vivo fungicidal activity are investigated.
The Effect of Bialaphos on Ammonium-Assimilation and Photosynthesis I. Effect on the Enzymes of Ammonium-Assimilation
Authors: Wild Aloysius , Ziegler Christine
Published: August 2018

In this investigation, the effect of bialaphos (phosphinothricyl-alanyl-alanine) on the enzymes involved in NH4
+-assimilation - glutamine synthetase, glutamine-2-oxoglutarate aminotransferase, glutamate dehydrogenase - is examined and compared to the effect of phosphinothricin (glufosinate) on the same enzymes. Bialaphos was given to whole plants (in vivo) and to leaf homogenate (in vitro).

The investigation showed that bialaphos has an inhibiting effect on glutamine synthetase in vivo, but not in vitro. In contrast to this, phosphinothricin inhibits glutamine synthetase in vitro as well as in vivo. It was found that bialaphos, similar to phosphinothricin, does not inhibit glutamine-2-oxoglutarate aminotransferase and glutamate dehydrogenase in vivo or in vitro. Only at bialaphos concentrations exceeding 10 mM, there is an inhibition of glutamate dehydrogenase in vitro.

Using radioactive [3H]bialaphos (phosphinothricyl-3H-alanyl-alanine) it could be demonstrated that in the plant, bialaphos is split into phosphinothricin and alanine. The phosphinothricin released is probably the active herbicide component. Consequently, the herbicidal effects of phosphinothricin and bialaphos are the same.
Non-Enzymatic Isomerization of 12-Hydroxy-(3Z)-dodecenal to the (2JE)-Isomer after Enzymatic Cleavage of 13-HydroperoxylinoIeyl Alcohol in Tea Chloroplasts
Authors: Hatanaka Akikazu , Kajiwara Tadahiko , Matsui Kenji , Matsunaga Tomohiko
Published: August 2018

Incubation of synthetic 12-hydroxy-(3 Z)-dodecenal (3 ZHD) with tea chloroplasts revealed that 12-hydroxy-(2 E)-dodecenal (2 EHD) was the product of isomerization reaction of 3 ZHD during the incubation. The isomerization was caused also by incubation of 3 ZHD with the heat-inactivated chloroplasts. The isomerization activity was extracted with hot ethanol. These results indicate that the isomerization was caused by heat-stable factor(s) but not by enzyme(s) in tea chloroplasts.
Archaebacterial Citrate Synthases: The Enzymes from the Thermoacidophiles Sulfolobus acidocaldarius and Thermoplasma acidophilum Show pro-S Stereospecificity
Authors: Müller Hans-Dieter , Görisch Helmut
Published: August 2018

Citrate synthase from the thermoacidophilic archaebacterium Sulfolobus acidocaldarius was purified 365-fold to electrophoretic homogeneity. At 40 °C and pH 8.1 the homogeneous enzyme shows a specific activity of 73 units per mg, which corresponds to a turnover number of 44 sec-1. Citrate synthase from S. acidocaldarius shows pro-S stereospecificity, as is found with a partially purified preparation of the enzyme from Thermoplasma acidophilum, another thermoacidophilic archaebacterium.