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Notes: Abstract The advent of cloning animals has created a maelstrom of social concern about the “ethical issues” associated with the possibility of cloning humans. When the “ethical concerns” are clearly examined, however, many of them turn out to be less matters of rational ethics than knee-jerk emotion, religious bias, or fear of that which is not understood. Three categories of real and spurious ethical concerns are presented and discussed: 1) that cloning is intrinsically wrong, 2) that cloning must lead to bad consequences, and 3) that cloning harms the organism generated. The need for a rational ethical framework for discussing biotechnological advances is presented and defended.

Notes: Abstract Wheat (cv Chinese Spring) tissues were transformed using Agrobacterium tumefasciens and a new plasmid modular vector, pMVTBP. We constructed pMVTBP with unique restriction sites connecting (1) the CaMV 35S promoter, (2) a Kozak sequence, (3) the FLAG epitope, (4) the (His)6 epitope, (5) a coding region (for wheat TATA Binding Protein, wTBP) and (6) the CaMV 35S 3′UTR. This vector thus allows easy exchange of different regulatory or coding sequences. Explants of either germinating mature seeds, or immature embryos, were induced to callus for up to two weeks, treated with virulence-induced bacteria for one hour, then regenerated into plantlets. Transient expression of a GUS reporter gene, assayed at about one week, occurred in 10–12% of calluses. Expression of the FLAG-tagged wTBP was also detected, by immunostaining. Stable expression, by selective growth on geneticin, and by GUS expression at about six weeks, occurred in 1–2% of calluses, quite comparable to that achieved by other methods.

Notes: Abstract Our X-ray work of Dytek®-A, 2-methyl-pentamethylenediamine, containing polyamides shows polymorphism, whereas the polyamides with linear diamines do not. The polyamide of Dytek®-A and dodecanedioic acid, MPMD-12, is singled out for discussion and compared with the unbranched analogs of polyamides 6,12 and 5,12. Due to the presence of the -CH3 side group in the 2-position of the diamine, the polyamide MPMD-12 exhibits two stable crystal conformations. The new δ polymorph is not seen in linear polyamides 6,12 and 5,12. Studies by DSC polyamide MPMD-12 clearly illustrates at least two crystal forms, γ and δ, coexisting over a wide temperature range, and the isolation of each phase is possible by controlling temperature and time. The DMA modulus in the temperature region between the glass transition (or alpha relaxation) and melting transition shows strong dependence on the thermal history as demonstrated in a study of crystallization kinetics.

Notes: Abstract Lavandin (Lavandula x Emeric ex Loiseleur) is an aromatic plant, the essential oil of which is widely used in the perfume, cosmetic, flavouring and pharmaceutical industries. The qualitative or quantitative modification of its terpenes‐containing essential oil by genetic engineering could have important scientific and commercial applications. In this study, we report the first Agrobacterium tumefaciens‐mediated gene transfer into lavandin. The transformation protocol was optimized by lengthening precultivation and cocultivation periods and by testing five different bacterial strains. We obtained transformed callus lines at a frequency of 40–70 with strains AGL1/GI, EHA105/GI and C58/GI. Transgenic shoots were regenerated from these kanamycin resistant calli and rooted on selective medium with 150 mg l-1 kanamycin. The final percentage of transgenic plants obtained varied from 3 to 9, according to the strain used, within 6 months of culture. The presence of the introduced β‐glucuronidase and neomycin phosphotransferase II genes was shown both by PCR and Southern blot analysis. Transgene expression was investigated using histoenzymatic β‐glucuronidase assays, leaf callus assays and RT‐PCR. Results showed that both β‐glucuronidase and neomycin phosphotransferase II genes were expressed at a high level in at least 41 of the transgenic plants regenerated. This efficient transformation strategy could be used to modify some genetic traits of lavandin (flower colour, pathogens resistance) and to study the biosynthesis of the major monoterpene components of its essential oil (linalool, linalyl acetate, camphor and 1,8‐cineole).

Notes: Abstract Resistance to bialaphos, a broad-spectrum herbicide, was introduced into Lactuca sativa cv. Evola by Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated transformation. A. tumefaciens strains 0310 and 1310, both carrying the bialaphos resistance (bar) and neomycin phosphotransferase (nptII) genes, were used for transformation. Primary transformants were selected on kanamycin sulphate-supplemented shoot regeneration medium. Integration of both transgenes was confirmed by non-radioactive Southern hybridisation. The hypervirulent plasmid ToK47 in A. tumefaciens strain 1310 generated multiple insertions of T-DNA in some transgenic plants; the absence of pToK47 (strain 0310) resulted in single gene inserts in all plants tested. Resistance to glufosinate ammonium was observed in axenic seedlings grown on medium supplemented with the herbicide at 5 mg l−1 and in glasshouse-grown plants sprayed with the compound at 300 mg l−1. Stable expression of the bar gene was observed in R2 generation plants. The kanamycin resistance of R1 seedlings was observed by germinating seeds on medium supplemented with 200 mg l−1 kanamycin sulphate. The presence of NPTII protein and PAT enzyme activity were demonstrated by ELISA and PAT enzyme assay respectively. Transgenes segregated in a Mendelian fashion in some plant lines in the R1 generation; herbicide resistance also segregated in the expected ratio in the R2 generation in most transgenic lines. This study confirmed that an agronomically important transgene can be integrated and stably expressed over several generations in lettuce.

Notes: Abstract Particle bombardment has been used to transform three cultivars (L35, Ofanto, Svevo) and one breeding line (Latino × Lira) of durum wheat (Triticum turgidum L. var. durum). These varieties were co-transformed with plasmids containing selectable and scorable marker genes (bar and uidA) and plasmids containing one of two high-molecular-weight (HMW) glutenin subunit genes (encoding subunits 1Ax1 or 1Dx5). Ten independent transgenic lines were recovered from 1683 bombarded scutella (transformation efficiency thus 0.6%). Five lines expressed either subunit 1Dx5 or 1Ax1 at levels similar to those of endogenous subunits encoded on chromosome 1B. To identify the effects of the transgenes on the functional properties of grain, three lines showing segregation for transgene expression were used to isolate sibling T2 plants which were null or positive for the transgene product. Analysis of these plants using a small-scale mixograph showed that expression of the additional subunits resulted in increased dough strength and stability, demonstrating that transformation can be used to modify the quality of durum wheat for bread and pasta making.

Notes: Abstract Highly efficient Agrobacterium-mediated transformation of carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus L.) was obtained by first wounding stem explants via microprojectile bombardment. When this was followed by cocultivation with disarmed Agrobacterium in the dark, the transformation frequency-based on transient GUS expression-increased to over 10-fold that of explants wounded by other means and cocultivated under constant light. Two cycles of regeneration/selection on kanamycin were employed to generate stably transformed carnation plants and eliminate chimeras: first, plantlets were regenerated from inoculated stem explants and then leaves from these plantlets were used to generate transgenes in a second selection cycle of adventitious shoot regeneration. Agrobacterium strain AGLO, carrying the binary vector pCGN7001 containing uidA and nptII genes, was used in the stable transformation experiments. The combination of wounding via bombardment, cocultivation in the dark and two cycles of kanamycin selection yielded an overall transformation efficiency of 1–2 transgenes per 10 stem explants for the three carnation varieties analyzed. Histochemical and molecular analyses of marker genes in T0 and T1 generations confirmed the transgenic nature of the selected plants.

Notes: Abstract A procedure for transformation of the large-seeded endospermous legume guar (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba L.) and a study on transmission of the transgenes to offspring generations are presented. Using Agrobacterium tumefaciens with a T-DNA construct harbouring a β-glucuronidase gene (uidA) and a neomycin phosphotransferase gene (nptII), maximum transformation frequencies of cotyledonary explants were obtained using 145 mg/l kanamycin sulfate as selective agent. Carbenicillin and cefotaxime, used for the elimination of Agrobacterium after co-culture, displayed considerable toxicity to guar tissues but replacing most of these β-lactams by the non-phytotoxic β-lactamase inhibitor sulbactam as well as addition of thidiazuron and silver thiosulfate increased transformation frequencies up to 10-fold in total. The presence of the transgenes in the primary transformants was demonstrated by genomic DNA analysis of GUS-positive shoots. Chimaeric plants (5–10%) were identified by GUS analysis at the flowering stage and were discarded. Analysis of the R1 offspring from 17 independent transformants showed that in 41% of those, the uidA gene(s) was expressed and stably inherited consistent with Mendelian genetics. This was also found for the R2 and R3 generations of single copy transformants. On the other hand, a large proportion (47%) of the primary transformants gave R1 offspring in which 100% of the plants were GUS-negative. Analysis of these plants by PCR revealed that, at least, most of the transgene sequences were absent, suggesting that they had not been transmitted from the parent transformants. This occurred at similar high frequencies (40–50%) irrespective of the estimated copy number of the transgenes. Thus, major parts of the transgenes, even when present in multiple copies, displayed aberrant transmission, at a high frequency, in the process of going from the primary transformants to the first offspring generation.

Notes: Abstract The alternative oxidase of plant mitochondria is the terminal oxidase of the cyanide-insensitive respiratory pathway and is encoded by a nuclear gene. A 1 kb genomic fragment including exon 3 of the alternative oxidase was amplified by PCR from the genome of Arabidopsis thaliana. This fragment was connected to a tapetum-specific promoter in the antisense orientation and then introduced into tobacco. The pollen viability in three transgenic plants ranged from 2% to 60%. The reduced pollen viability cosegregated with the transgene in a selfed progeny. Immunolocalization of alternative oxidase protein in the immature flower bud section indicated that expression of alternative oxidase protein in tapetum of the transgenic plant was much lower than that of the non-transformant. The histological observation and protein gel-blot analysis showed that the development of pollen grains in the transgenic plant did not progress after the degradation of the tapetum, and the amount of alternative oxidase in pollen grains of the transgenic plant became lower than that of the non-transformant. These results suggested that the alternative oxidase activity in the tapetum has a significant effect on the pollen development.

Notes: Abstract Work is commonly made visible along two dimensions: the linear and the socio-spatial. Both are limited to depicting work in terms of relatively discrete actions. Activity theory introduces the crucial distinction between collective activity systems and individual actions. Expansive visibilization of collective activity systems offers a powerful intervention methodology for dealing with major transformations of work. The linear and the socio-spatial dimensions of work actions are seen in the broader perspective of a third, developmental dimension of work activity. Four steps are identified in a cycle of expansive visibilization, combining activity-level visions and action-level concretizations. The cycle is examined in detail as it unfolded in an intervention study at a children's hospital in Finland. It is concluded that expansive visibilization, driven by contradictions and seeking to reconceptualize the object and motive of work, is not a straightforward process which can be neatly controlled from above. Coherent analytical explanation and goal-setting may come only after the creation and practical implementation of innovative solutions.

Notes: Abstract Development of molecular techniques for phytopathogenic fungi aims at the identification of fungal genes whose products are essential for successful infection of the host plant. Initial approaches have relied on isolating candidate genes and generating null-mutations by homologous recombination. Unfortunately, the results of this strategy have not been overly successful. This has led to a search for alternatives which allow an unbiased identification of pathogenicity genes. One method, which has proved successful in several systems, is a tagging mutagenesis procedure termed restriction enzyme mediated integration (REMI). In this mini-review we describe this procedure and review its features and results of its use when applied to the identification of fungal genes required for disease development in planta.

Notes: Abstract A streamlined mini binary vector was constructed that is less than 1/2 the size of the pBIN19 backbone (3.5 kb). This was accomplished by eliminating over 5 kb of non-T-DNA sequences from the pBIN19 vector. The vector still retains all the essential elements required for a binary vector. These include a RK2 replication origin, the nptIII gene conferring kanamycin resistance in bacteria, both the right and left T-DNA borders, and a multiple cloning site (MCS) in between the T-DNA borders to facilitate cloning. Due to the reduced size, more unique restriction sites are available in the MCS, thus allowing more versatile cloning. Since the traF region was not included, it is not possible to mobilize this binary vector into Agrobacterium by triparental mating. This problem can be easily resolved by direct transformation. The mini binary vector has been demonstrated to successfully transform Arabidopsis plants. Based on this mini binary vector, a series of binary vectors were constructed for plant transformation.

Notes: Abstract The biosynthetic pathway to 4-hydroxybenzoate (4HB), a precursor of the naphthoquinone pigment shikonin, was modified in Lithospermum erythrorhizon hairy root cultures by introduction of the bacterial gene ubiC. This gene of Escherichia coli encodes chorismate pyruvate-lyase (CPL), an enzyme that converts chorismate into 4HB and is not normally present in plants. The ubiC gene was fused to the sequence for a chloroplast transit peptide and placed under control of a constitutive plant promoter. This construct was introduced into L. erythrorhizon by Agrobacterium rhizogenes-mediated transformation. The resulting hairy root cultures showed high CPL activity. 4HB produced by the CPL reaction was utilized for shikonin biosynthesis, as shown by in vivo inhibition of the native pathway to 4HB with 2-aminoindan-2-phosphonic acid (AIP), an inhibitor of phenylalanine ammonia-lyase. A feeding experiment with [1,7-13C2]shikimate showed that in the absence of AIP the artificially introduced CPL reaction contributed ca. 20% of the overall 4HB biosynthesis in the transgenic cultures. ubiC transformation did not lead to a statistically significant increase of shikonin formation, but to a 5-fold increase of the accumulation of menisdaurin, a nitrile glucoside which is presumably related to aromatic amino acid metabolism.

Notes: Abstract Wnt signalling is involved in a variety of mammalian developmental processes, including cell proliferation, differentiation and epithelial–mesenchymal interactions, through which they contribute to the development of tissues and organs such as the limbs, the brain, the reproductive tract and the kidney. Wnts are secreted ligands that control cell processes via at least two pathways, one of which, the ‘canonical’ Wnt signalling pathway, operates through the cytosolic stabilisation of a transcriptional co-factor, β-catenin. This is achieved by downregulating the activity of a β-catenin turnover complex. Evidence from tumour expression studies, transgenic animals and in vitro experiments suggests that inappropriate activation of the canonical Wnt signalling pathway is a major feature in human neoplasia and that oncogenic activation of this pathway can occur at many levels. Inappropriate expression of the Wnt ligand and Wnt binding proteins have been found in a variety of human tumours. Further downstream, dysregulation of the β-catenin turnover complex, by loss of the Adenomatous Polyposis Coli or Protein Phosphatase 2A proteins, or by activating mutations of β-catenin, has been found in several tumour types, and is believed to be a key step in neoplastic progression. Transcriptional targets of the Wnt pathway include the cellular oncogenes cyclin D1 and c-myc. Activation of the Wnt signalling pathway by various means can therefore be a primary cause in oncogenesis, affecting cell proliferation, morphology and contact inhibition, as well as co-operating with other oncogenes in multistep tumour progression.

Notes: Abstract In South Africa the restructuring of the higher education system and the transformation of higher education institutions are located within the country's broad political and socio-economic transition to democracy. This paper focuses particularly on institutional transformation, and pays attention to the implications of the process of transformation for academic staff. The following five interlinked and interdependent issues characterizing institutional transformation in South African higher education are identified: democratising the governance structures of institutions increasing access for educationally and financially disadvantaged students restructuring the curriculum focusing on developmental needs in research and community service redressing inequalities in terms of race and gender. Although the overall effect of institutional transformation is experienced rather negatively by many academic staff members, the paper concludes that academics have to be empowered by means of staff development to remain active partners in the transformation process.

Notes: Abstract Anaerobic transformations of 1,1,1-trichloroethane (TCA), 1,1-dichloroethane (DCA), and chloroethane (CA) were studied with sludge from a lab-scale, municipal wastewater sludge digester. TCA was biologically transformed to DCA and CA and further to ethane by reductive dechlorination. TCA was also converted to acetic acid and 1,1-dichloroethene (11DCE) by cell-free extract. 11DCE was further biologically converted to ethene. This pathway was confirmed by transformation tests of TCA, DCA and CA, by tests with cell-free extract, and by chloride release during TCA degradation. With cell-free extract, acetic acid accounted for approximately 90% of the TCA transformed; tests with live cells indicate that the fraction of TCA transformed by this pathway decreased with lower biomass. The dechlorination of DCA to CA and CA to ethane was not stoichiometric. A high rate of TCA removal was observed under the experimental conditions. The results indicate that removal of TCA in anaerobic digestion should be complete, but DCA and CA could persist in a normally operating digester.

Notes: Abstract The aim of this paper is to analyse the main characteristics of post-socialist urban development in East Germany, especially the differences compared to urban development in other East and Central European countries. In spite of the many similar problems and processes in urban development, specific features of East Germany are characterised by the rapid growth of suburbia, especially in the first phase of transition, by the proceeding activities of urban renewal and revitalisation, and by a lower level of social polarisation and socio-spatial segregation as compared to other post-socialist countries. Important conditions for urban development in East Germany exist in special support programmes, high subsidies and other financial transfers as well as in engaged planning conceptions of the local authorities.

Notes: Abstract A 1369 bp DNA fragment (Sc) was isolated from a full-length clone of sugarcane bacilliform badnavirus (ScBV) and was shown to have promoter activity in transient expression assays using monocot (banana, maize, millet and sorghum) and dicot plant species (tobacco, sunflower, canola and Nicotiana benthamiana). This promoter was also tested for stable expression in transgenic banana and tobacco plants. These experiments showed that this promoter could drive high-level expression of the β-glucuronidase (GUS) reporter gene in most plant cells. The expression level was comparable to the maize ubiquitin promoter in standardised transient assays in maize. In transgenic banana plants the expression levels were variable for different transgenic lines but was generally comparable with the activities of both the maize ubiquitin promoter and the enhanced cauliflower mosaic virus (CaMV) 35S promoter. The Sc promoter appears to express in a near-constitutive manner in transgenic banana and tobacco plants. The promoter from sugarcane bacilliform virus represents a useful tool for the high-level expression of foreign genes in both monocot and dicot transgenic plants that could be used similarly to the CaMV 35S or maize polyubiquitin promoter.

Notes: Abstract Transgenic tobacco plants were produced that contained single-copy pART54 T-DNA, with a 35S-uidA gene linked to loxP-flanked kanamycin resistance (nptII) and cytosine deaminase (codA) genes. Retransformation of these plants with pCre1 (containing 35S transcribed cre recombinase and hygromycin (hpt) resistance genes) resulted in excision of the loxP-flanked genes from the genome. Phenotypes of progeny from selfed-retransformed plants confirmed nptII and codA excision and integration of the cre-linked hpt gene. To avoid integration of the hpt gene, and thereby generate plants totally free of marker genes, we attempted to transiently express the cre recombinase. Agrobacterium tumefaciens (pCre1) was cocultivated with leaf discs of two pART54-transformed lines and shoots were regenerated in the absence of hygromycin selection. Nineteen of 773 (0.25%) shoots showed tolerance to 5-fluorocytosine (5-fc) which is converted to the toxic 5-fluorouracil by cytosine deaminase. 5-fc tolerance in six shoots was found to be due to excision of the loxP-flanked region of the pART54 T-DNA. In four of these shoots excision could be attributed to cre expression from integrated pCre1 T-DNA, whereas in two shoots excision appeared to be a consequence of transient cre expression from pCre1 T-DNA molecules which had been transferred to the plant cells but not integrated into the genome. The absence of selectable marker genes was confirmed by the phenotype of the T1 progeny. Therefore, through transient cre expression, marker-free transgenic plants were produced without sexual crossing. This approach could be applicable to the elimination of marker genes from transgenic crops which must be vegetatively propagated to maintain their elite genotype.

Notes: Abstract Using the PDS-1000/He Biolistic® Particle Delivery System, the microprojectile travel distance, rupture disk pressure and DNA/gold particle concentrations were assessed in order to optimise short and longer-term β-glucuronidase reporter gene expression in microspore-derived embryos of wheat. The effects were also evaluated of using sterile filter paper to support explants and treatment with a high osmoticum medium (0.2 M mannitol/0.2 M sorbitol or 0.4 M maltose). In the optimised procedure, wheat microspore-derived embryos (MDEs), were placed on filter paper and incubated on medium containing 0.4 M maltose, for 4 h pre- and 45 h post-bombardment. Five μl pAHC25 (0.75 mg ml-1 in TE buffer) was precipitated onto 25 μl gold particles (60 mg ml-1 in sterile water), using 20 μl spermidine (0.1 M) and 50 μl CaCl2 (2.5 M). The particles were centrifuged and resuspended in 75 μl absolute ethanol prior to the preparation of 6 macrocarriers. A microprojectile travel distance of 70 mm, a rupture pressure of 1300 p.s.i., and a vacuum of 29′′ Hg were employed. Maltose at 0.4 M in the support medium was the most important factor influencing GUS activity in bombarded tissues. GUS activity, 1 day post-bombardment, reached 52 ± 17 GUS-positive foci/MDE (mean ± s.e.m, n=3), with 17 ± 4 foci/MDE at 15 days, giving a 3.0-fold increase (p〈0.05) compared to expression in MDEs bombarded on medium without a high osmoticum treatment.

Notes: Abstract Protocorms of orchid (Dendrobium hybrid) were transformed by microprojectile bombardment with a helium-pressured PDS 1000 particle gun. Gold particles coated with plasmid DNA containing ß-glucuronidase (GUS) and hygromycin phosphotransferase (Hpt) marker genes were used. Potentially transformed tissues were identified by active growth on MS medium supplemented with 50mg l-1 hygromycin. After 4–6 months of continuous selection, 15 hygromycin-resistant lines were recovered. Integration of transgenes into the genome of the transformed protocorms and plantlets were confirmed by GUS histochemical assay and Southern blot hybridization. The transgenic protocorms have gone through propagation for more than 8 months and maintained their transgenic characters. These results indicate that we have established a system for orchid transformation in a relatively high frequency and the transgenes are stably expressed in the transgenic plants.

Notes: Abstract Ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (Rubisco; EC 4.1.1.39) has played a central role in our understanding of chloroplast biogenesis and photosynthesis. In particular, its catalysis of the rate-limiting step of CO2 fixation, and the mutual competition of CO2 and O2 at the active site, makes Rubisco a prime focus for genetically engineering an increase in photosynthetic productivity. Although it remains difficult to manipulate the chloroplast-encoded large subunit and nuclear-encoded small subunit of crop plants, much has been learned about the structure/function relationships of Rubisco by expressing prokaryotic genes in Escherichia coli or by exploiting classical genetics and chloroplast transformation of the green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. However, the complexity of chloroplast Rubisco in land plants cannot be completely addressed with the existing model organisms. Two subunits encoded in different genetic compartments have coevolved in the formation of the Rubisco holoenzyme, but the function of the small subunit remains largely unknown. The subunits are posttranslationally modified, assembled via a complex process, and degraded in regulated ways. There is also a second chloroplast protein, Rubisco activase, that is responsible for removing inhibitory molecules from the large-subunit active site. Many of these complex interactions and processes display species specificity. This means that attempts to engineer or discover a better Rubisco may be futile if one cannot transfer the better enzyme to a compatible host. We must frame the questions that address this problem of chloroplast-Rubisco complexity. We must work harder to find the answers.

Notes: Abstract Oxygenic photosynthetic organisms adapt to varying light conditions by changing the distribution of light energy between Photosystem II (PS II) and photosystem I (PS I) during so-called state transitions. To identify the genes involved in this process, we have exploited a simple chlorophyll fluorescence video-imaging technique to screen a library of nuclear mutants of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii for colonies grown on agar plates that are disturbed in their ability to regulate light energy distribution between PS I and PS II. Subsequent modulated fluorescence measurements at room temperature and 77 K fluorescence emission spectra confirmed that 5 mutants (0.025% of total number screened) were defective in state transitions. [32P]orthophosphate phosphorylation experiments in vivo revealed that in one of these mutants, designated stm1, the level of LHC II polypeptide phosphorylation was drastically reduced compared with wild type. Despite WT levels of PS I and PS II, stm1 grew photoautotrophically at reduced rates, compared with WT especially under low light conditions, which is consistent with an important physiological role for state transitions. Our results highlight the feasibility of video imaging in tandem with mutagenesis as a means of identifying the genes involved in controlling state transitions in eukaryotic photosynthetic organisms.

Notes: Abstract A simple and easy method for the introduction of plasmid DNA into different species of Bacillus was developed. The method involves the suspension in a transformation buffer of nutrient agar grown cells in their late exponential phase and the addition of unpurified plasmid DNA. Transformants were obtained at a frequency of about 103 to 105 stable transformants per μg of plasmid DNA.

Notes: Abstract Solid-phase transformation of added Cd, Cu, Cr, Ni, Pb and Zn, in two arid-zone soils incubated in the field capacity moisture regime for one year, were studied. The heavy metals were fractionated into six empirically defined fractions using a selective sequential dissolution (SSD) protocol optimized for arid-zone soils. Each of these fractions was named based on the major soil component targeted for dissolution during the specific SSD step, but it is not assumed that they are mineralogically and chemically totally specific. The transformations of the metals in the two soils incubated at the field capacity regime were compared with those at the moisture saturation regime (Han and Banin, 1997). An initial fast stage of transformation of the soluble metals from the exchangeable (EXC) fraction to the less labile fractions (the carbonate (CARB) fraction for Cd, Pb, Zn, Ni and Cu, and the organic matter (OM) fraction for Cr, and to some extent Cu and Ni) occurred during the fractionation and within one hour after addition. This was followed by a second stage, involving long-term transformation processes of all metals: added Cd was transferred from the EXC into the CARB fraction; added Cr was transferred from the CARB to the OM fraction and Pb was transferred very slowly to the easily reducible oxide (ERO) fraction. Added Cu, Ni and Zn were transferred from the EXC and CARB fractions into the ERO fraction and to some extent OM and RO fractions. In Part I of this series, we reported that during incubation in the saturated moisture regime, Zn and Ni were transferred mainly into the RO and OM fractions. Cadmium, Cr and Pb underwent the same transformation pathways during the slow long-term process, with slightly different rates, in both water regimes. At low levels of addition, the incubated soils moved over one year towards a distribution similar to that of the native soil. At higher levels, the soils still remained removed from the quasi-equilibrium which characterized the native soil, even at the end of one year of incubation.

Notes: Abstract The overall objective of this study was to investigate the sorption kinetics of DDT in sediment under similar experimental conditions employed in corresponding toxicity studies for bentic organisms. A batch of aerated Schoonrewoerdse Wiel sediment, initially spiked with DDT, was sampled over a period of seven days. Concentrations of DDT, DDD and DDE were determined in both the solid and the solution phase in the sediment/water system after separation by centrifugation. It was found that the extractable amount of DDT decreased with increasing contact time. This can partly be explained in terms of transformation of DDT into DDD. Furthermore, the present applied extraction procedure seems to be less effective with increasing contact time, indicating an increase in binding strength of DDT with the sediment material. Finally, on the basis of DDT, DDE and DDD concentrations in both the solid phase and the solution phase, partition coefficients were calculated, which appeared to be independent of the contact time. This points at a very rapid equilibrating between DDT in pore water and in the extractable forms adsorbed at the solid phase.

Notes: Abstract The Health Council of the Netherlands organised an international workshop on the fate of pesticides in the atmosphere and possible approaches for their regulatory environmental risk assessment. Approximately forty experts discussed what is currently known about the atmospheric fate of pesticides and major gaps in our understanding were identified. They favoured a tiered approach for assessing the environmental risks of atmospheric dispersion of these chemicals. In the first tier a pesticide's potential for emission during application, as well as its volatilisation potential should be assessed. Estimates of the former should be based on the application method and the formulation, estimates of the latter on a compound's solubility in water, saturated vapour pressure and octanol/water partition coefficient. Where a pesticide's potential for becoming airborne exceeds critical values, it should be subjected to a more rigorous second tier evaluation which considers its toxicity to organisms in non-target areas. This evaluation can be achieved by calculating and comparing a predicted environmental concentration (PEC) and a predicted no-effect concentration (PNEC). By applying an extra uncertainty factor the PNEC can be provisionally derived from standard toxicity data that is already required for the registration of pesticides. Depending on the distance between the source and the reception area, the PEC can be estimated for remote areas using simple dispersion, trajectory type models and for nearby areas using common dispersion models and standard scenarios of pesticide use. A pesticide's atmospheric transport potential is based on factors such as its reaction rate with OH radicals. It should be used to discriminate between those compounds for which only the risks to nearby ecosystems have to be assessed, and those for which the risks to remote ecosystems also have to be determined. The participants were of the opinion that this approach is, in principle, scientifically feasible, although the remaining uncertainties are substantial. Further field and laboratory research is necessary to gain more reliable estimates of the physico-chemical properties of pesticides, to validate and improve environmental fate models and to validate the applicability of standard toxicity data. This will increase both the accuracy of and our confidence in the outcome of the risk assessment.

Notes: Abstract The transfer of genetic information by transformation, conjugation and transduction in bacteria occurs frequently in nature. These diverse gene transfer mechanisms in bacteria are the result of evolution and are not linked to reproduction as in eukaryotic organisms. In this review, gene transfer in bacteria will be considered from an evolutionary perspective.

Notes: Abstract A steroid-biotransforming strain RJ6 was identified as Micrococcus roseus. This bacterium has a 10 kb plasmid pMQV10. Curing mediated through cultivation of the culture with a low concentration (200 ng/ml) of mitomycin C is described. Loss of cholesterol degradation (chol+) and streptomycin resistance (Smr) phenotypes as a consequence of the loss of plasmid indicate the extrachromosomal location of these two genes in this strain. An electroporation procedure was developed for transformation of cured strain of Micrococcus (RJC6) by plasmids. Frequency of greater than 105 transformants/μg DNA was achieved, which is 100-fold higher than the standard transformation procedure that yielded 5.3×103 transformants/μg DNA in the same strain.

Notes: Abstract The design of a drying or cooling store aims to provide an even airflow distribution, when aerated, for preservation purposes. The airflow in some curved bottom bins are studied in this paper. The flow is modelled, using Darcy's law. A generalized Schwarz-Christoffel transformation is employed to reduce the problem of computing streamlines and isobars of airflow to solving a single nonlinear equation for the flow angle along the wall. Corresponding to different bin shapes, a few computed streamlines and isobars of airflow are presented, showing the effect of changing bottom geometries on the air flow. Heat transfer in such bins is also investigated. Based on an analysis of the far field of airflow, finite-height bins are considered. Analytical solutions of the heat conduction equation in terms of streamlines and isobars are obtained.

Notes: Abstract Transfection of rat embryonic fibroblasts with E7 gene of type 16 human papilloma virus changed the cytoskeleton and cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions in two clones of transformed cells. Cell morphology and substrate-dependent proliferation were also changed.

Notes: Abstract We report the construction of a binary vector for Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated transformation, pBIN20, which contains a superlinker region located between the left and right Ti border sequences. This vector, derived from pBI121, simplifies the cloning of plant expression cassettes and has been used in our laboratory to create lines of transgenic BY-2 tobacco cells. This new vector contains more than 20 unique restriction sites as well as the nptII selectable marker gene within the Ti-DNA borders.

Notes: Abstract We present an approach to estimate hourly grid-cell surface ozone concentrations based on observations from point monitoring sites in space, for comparison with grid-based results from the SARMAP photochemical air-quality model for a region of northern California. Statistical estimation is carried out on a transformed (square root) scale, followed by back-transforming to the original scale of ozone in parts per billion, adjusting for bias and variance. We estimate a spatially-varying diurnal mean structure and a non-separable space-time correlation structure on the transformed scale. Temporal pre-whitening is followed by modelling of a spatially non-stationary, diurnally-varying spatial correlation structure using a spatial deformation approach. Comparisons of SARMAP model results with the estimated grid-cell ozone levels are presented.

Notes: Abstract Regeneration and transformation systems from mature plant material of woody fruit species have to be achieved as a necessary requirement for the introduction of useful genes into specific cultivars and the rapid evaluation of resulting horticultural traits. We report here, for the first time, a procedure for genetic transformation and regeneration of mature tissues of woody plants that overcomes the long juvenile periods and high heterozygosity that are characteristic of most of these species. An improved regeneration frequency from mature explants was obtained by invigoration of the plant material through grafting of mature buds on juvenile seedlings. Co-cultivation of the explants in feederplates after inoculation with Agrobacterium tumefaciens resulted in enhanced transformation frequencies. Furthermore, in vitro shoot-tip grafting of the regenerated mature shoots on seedling rootstocks provided a rapid and efficient system for plant production. Citrus is the most extensivel y grown fruit crop worldwide and sweet orange (Citrus sinensis L. Osbeck) accounts for approximately 70% of the Citrus total production. Mature transgenic sweet orange plants have been obtained, which flowered and bore fruit in 14 months

Notes: Abstract This is the first successful report of the recovery of morphologically normal transgenic sugarcane plants from co-cultivation of calluses with Agrobacterium tumefaciens. Transformation frequencies (total of transgenic plants/number of cell clusters) were between 9.4 × 10−3 and 1.15 × 10−2. In our experiments, both LBA4404 (pTOK233) and EHA101 (pMTCA3IG), carrying a super-binary vector or supervirulent strain, respectively, were successful for sugarcane transformation. We found that three main factors: (1) the use of young regenerable calluses as target explants; (2) induction and/or improvement of the A. tumefaciens virulence system with sugarcane cell cultures and (3) pre-induction of organogenesis or somatic-embryogenesis-like sexual embryos, seem to be crucial in order to increase the cells competence for T-DNA transfer process. Patterns generated by Southern hybridization confirmed that T-DNAs were randomly integrated into sugarcane genome without th e persistence of A. tumefaciens in the transgenic plants

Notes: Abstract We developed a practical and efficient gene transfer system for indica rice utilizing mature-seed derived explants and a simple bombardment device which uses compressed helium for accelerating DNA-coated metal particles. Unlike instruments which have been described in the literature previously, this new bombardment device, which is an improvement of the particle inflow concept, does not require vacuum. This attribute simplifies the transformation procedure significantly and it makes rice transformation technology accessible to laboratories which may not have the resources to invest in more expensive particle bombardment instruments. We determined experimentally that we could recover transgenic rice plants utilizing three different particle bombardment instruments at comparable frequencies.

Notes: Abstract Transgenic plants of strawberry cultivar Totem were developed by Agrobacterium-mediated transformation using a plasmid vector containing gus and nptII genes. Parallel experiments were carried out with and without repeated subculturing (iterative cultures) for generation of transgenic shoots on selection medium. The selection levels in the non-iterative pathway were kept constant, while in the iterative protocol, stepwise increase of selection pressure was applied at different stages of tissue growth. Rooted transgenic plants obtained via both protocols were outplanted in soil. Random leaf samples of greenhouse-grown transgenics were analysed for the presence of gus gene sequences by Southern hybridization as well as gus expression on leaf and petiole tissues by X-Gluc histological assay. Random leaf samples analysed from individual transgenic events developed under iterative culture were positive for the gus insert as verified by Southern analysis confirming the presence of transgenes and lack of chimaeras. Leaf samples of the transgenic events from the non-iterative protocol were either positive or negative on Southern analysis indicating the chimaeric nature of the transgenic plants. The absence of gus sequences in the transgenic plants grown under the non-iterative protocol reinforced the necessity of iterative cultures along with stepwise increase in selection levels for generating non-chimaeric transgenics in strawberry. The gus expression was highly variable, irrespective of the iterative or non-iterative protocol used for transformation. We conclude that strawberry is highly prone to develop chimaeric transgenics if derived from primary regenerants and that the iterative culture technique effectively converts chimaeras to pure line transgenic plants

Notes: Abstract The weakening of social integration and anomie are unavoidable in the transformation of societies. The effect is a decrease of quality of life accompanied by disenchantments, aggressiveness and escapism. In some countries in Eastern Europe like Bulgaria the anomie effects of transformation became particularly strong. The major reason is the political instability. The dissolution of the previous state-centered over-integration of society developed into a dissolution of major mechanisms of political integration. The prospects for improvement of quality of life are focused on the balance of economic, political and cultural re-integration of Bulgarian society.

Notes: Abstract The chilling sensitivity of several plant species is closely correlated with the levels of unsaturation of fatty acids in the phosphatidylglycerol (PG) of chloroplast membranes. Plants with a high proportion of unsaturated fatty acids, such as Arabidopsis thaliana, are resistant to chilling, whereas species like squash with only a low proportion are rather sensitive to chilling. The glycerol-3-phosphate O-acyltransferase (GPAT) enzyme of chloroplasts plays an important role in determining the levels of PG fatty acid desaturation. A cDNA for oleate-selective GPAT of Arabidopsis under the control of a maize Ubiquitin promoter was introduced into rice (Oryza sativa L.) using the Agrobacterium-mediated gene transfer method. The levels of unsaturated fatty acids in the phosphatidylglycerol of transformed rice leaves were found to be 28% higher than that of untransformed controls. The net photosynthetic rate of leaves of transformed rice plants was 20% higher than that of the wild type at 17°C. Thus, introduction of cDNA for the Arabidopsis GPAT causes greater unsaturation of fatty acids and confers chilling tolerance of photosynthesis on rice.

Notes: Abstract A cry1Ia5 insecticidal toxin coding gene has been cloned from an Indian isolate of Bacillus thuringiensis. Sequence analyses of the cry1Ia5 gene revealed the absence of potential polyadenylation signal sequences thus making it a suitable candidate for expression in plants without extensive modification. This possibility was examined by subcloning the cry1Ia5 gene into a plant expression vector and then transferring it to Nicotiana tabacum through Agrobacterium-mediated transformation. Our results demonstrate that N. tabacum with a stably integrated native cry1Ia5 gene afforded complete protection against predation by Heliothis armigera. Forty three percent of the transgenic plants displayed a high level of protection against insect predation. The protection obtained in transgenic plants with the cry1Ia5 gene was comparable to that obtained with the synthetically modified cry1A(b) or cry1A(c) genes. The results demonstrate that novel insecticidal genes already exist in nature that do not require extensive modifications for efficient expression in plants.

Notes: Abstract Three cultivars of lisianthus (Eustoma grandiflorum (Grise.)) were transformed with a homologous antisense CHS cDNA via Agrobacterium-mediated transformation. Over 50% of the transgenics derived from the purple flowering lines exhibited an altered flower colour pattern ranging from small streaks of white on the wild-type purple background through to completely white flowers. A significant portion of the transgenic lines showed unstable phenotypes. Northern and biochemical analysis showed that the altered flower patterns were associated with a loss of CHS gene transcript and a corresponding loss of CHS enzyme activity. In the white flowering line the level of total flavonoids was reduced to ca. 2.0% of the wild-type level. Some of the transgenic plants also exhibited alterations in flower form such as the formation of frilled petal tips and reduced flower opening. Several of the new patterned lines are being evaluated for stability and possible commercial release.

Notes: Abstract The agronomically important Indica (group 1) rice varieties IR64, IR72, hybrid restorer line Minghui 63, and BG90-2 were co-transformed by microbombardment of embryogenic suspensions with plasmids that contain the Xa21 gene which confers resistance to Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae and the hph gene for resistance to hygromycin B. Six of the 55 transgenic R0 plant lines containing the Xa21 gene displayed high levels of resistance to the pathogen, and no partial resistance was observed. The trait was stably inherited in subsequent generations, and transgenic plants are currently in field tests. The ability to transfer agronomically important genes into elite Indica rice varieties demonstrates the applicability of genetic engineering for the agronomic improvement of rice.

Notes: Abstract Blackspot, caused by the Ascomycete fungus Diplocarpon rosae, is the most widespread and pernicious disease of cultivated roses. While some species of rose possess resistance to D. rosae, none of the modern-day rose cultivars are fully resistant to the pathogen. In the current study, Biolistic gene delivery was used to introduce a rice gene, encoding a basic (Class I), chitinase into embryogenic callus of the blackspot-susceptible rose (Rosa hybrida L.) cv. Glad Tidings. The plasmid used for transformation carried the neomycin phosphotransferase (nptII) gene facilitating the selection and regeneration of transgenic plants on medium containing 250 mg/l kanamycin. Southern analysis confirmed integration of 2–6 copies of the chitinase gene into the rose genome; gene expression was confirmed by enzyme assay. Bioassays demonstrated that expression of the chitinase transgene reduced the severity of blackspot development by 13–43%. This degree of resistance to the pathogen correlated with the level of chitinase expression in the transgenic rose plants. The introduction of disease defence genes into rose provides a method of producing blackspot-resistant rose cultivars sought by breeders and growers.

Notes: Abstract We have developed an efficient and simpler method for genetic transformation and regeneration of cauliflower, Brassica oleracea var. botrytis plants. Explants from 4-day old seedlings were inoculated and cocultivated with Agrobacterium tumefaciens strain LBA4404 harbouring a binary vector with the neomycin phosphotransferase-II gene under the regulatory control of nopaline synthase promoter and terminator sequences, permitting transformed shoots to be selected on kanamycin containing medium. After three months rooted transformed plantlets were successfully transferred and grown under glasshouse conditions. Higher numbers of transformed plants were obtained from cotyledon than hypocotyl explants, presumably indicating cotyledons of cauliflower are more amenable to genetic transformation. Integration and expression of the introduced transgene were analysed by DNA gel blot and PCR analysis and NPT-II expression assay. Factors influencing transformation efficiency include explant age, concentration of bacterium used for infection, duration of infection and cocultivation with Agrobacterium. Transgenic plants of three commercial genotypes of cauliflower were produced using this method. We also show that introduction of antisense Bcp1 (pollen-specific gene) linked to a pollen-specific promoter (Lat52) resulted in the expected sterility of 50% pollen carrying this transgenic construct.

Notes: Abstract The T-DNA composition was analysed of twelve potato genotypes obtained after transforming a tetraploid cultivar with an antisense granule-bound starch synthase (GBSSI) gene. In five transformants (labelled TB50 nos.) the antisense GBSSI gene was driven by the CaMV 35S promoter, while in the remaining seven (labelled TBK50 nos.) the GBSSI promoter was used. In these twelve transformants the antisense effect on amylose production in potato tuber starch ranged from complete suppression to no discernible inhibition, and the number of T-DNA insertions ranged from one to at least fifteen. The antisense effect of individual T-DNA loci in progeny of these transformants was studied. Progeny containing a single T-DNA showed no inhibition of GBSSI activity. Only multiple, linked T-DNA insertions resulted in substantial antisense inhibition. T-DNA fragments present in duplex in selfed progeny resulted in a larger antisense effect than that in the parent (which contained the T-DNA insertions in simplex). Furthermore, the antisense effects of some T-DNA-containing linkage groups were influenced by the composition of endogenous GBSSI alleles. For practical breeding this implies that (1) the efficiency of obtaining primary potato transformants showing complete inhibition of GBSSI gene expression by antisense RNA is genotype-dependent, and (2) many transformants have to be produced per genotype to be able to select plants with maximum suppression of GBSSI and a minimum number of T-DNA loci.

Notes: Abstract To investigate early events of Agrobacterium-mediated transformation of apple cultivars, a synthetic green fluorescent protein gene (SGFP) was used as a highly sensitive, vital reporter gene. Leaf explants from four apple cultivars (‘Delicious’, ‘Golden Delicious’, ‘Royal Gala’ and ‘Greensleeves’) were infected with Agrobacterium EHA101 harboring plasmid pDM96.0501. Fluorescence microscopy indicated that SGFP expression was first detected 48 h after infection and quantitative analysis revealed a high T-DNA transfer rate. Plant cells with stably incorporated T-DNA exhibited cell division and developed transgenic calli, followed by formation of transgenic shoots at low frequencies. The detection of SGFP expression with an epifluorescence stereomicroscope confirmed the effectiveness of SGFP as a reporter gene for detection of very early transformation events and for screening of putative transformants. The efficiency of the transformation and regeneration process decreased ca. 10000-fold from Agrobacterium infection to transgenic shoot regeneration, suggesting that factors other than Agrobacterium interaction and T-DNA transfer are rate-limiting steps in Agrobacterium-mediated transformation of apple.

Notes: Abstract A method for efficient genetic transformation of wheat has been developed using immature embryos as targets for microprojectile-mediated gene transfer and a helium driven particle delivery system. Screening and selection of transgenic cells, somatic embryos and regenerated plants are performed with the gus-gene and the phosphinothricin acetyl transferase (bar) gene coding for Basta-resistance as the selectable marker. On average, one fertile transgenic plant can be obtained from about 100 microprojectile treated, immature embryos. The number of integrated copies of the transferred gene ranges from 1 up to about 10. Stable integrated genes are inherited in most of the transgenic lines in a normal mendelian fashion segregating 3:1 in the F2. Homozygous, as well as heterozygous, lines have been followed and analysed genetically at the molecular level and up to F5. Apart from normal stable gene expression, examples have also been found which showed a loss of gene activity or unexpected segregation pattern. For applied aspects, different genes are transferred aiming for improved disease resistance, modification of quality, or other characteristics. First results from these transgenic lines are reported, and problems still existing with the production of stable transgenic wheat lines are discussed.

Notes: Abstract An irregular pattern of transgene silencing was revealed in expression and inheritance studies conducted over multiple generations following transgene introduction by microprojectile bombardment of allohexaploid cultivated oat (Avena sativa L.). Expression of two transgenes, bar and uidA, delivered on the same plasmid was investigated in 23 transgenic oat lines. Twenty-one transgenic lines, each derived from an independently selected transformed tissue culture, showed expression of both bar and uidA while two lines expressed only bar. The relationship of the transgenic phenotypes to the presence of the transgenes in the study was determined using (1) phenotypic scoring combined with Southern blot analyses of progeny, (2) coexpression of the two transgenic phenotypes since the two transgenes always cosegregated, and (3) reactivation of a transgenic phenotype in self-pollinated progenies of transgenic plants that did not exhibit a transgenic phenotype. Transgene silencing was observed in 19 of the 23 transgenic lines and resulted in distorted segregation of transgenic phenotypes in 10 lines. Silencing and inheritance distortions were irregular and unpredictable. They were often reversible in a subsequent generation of self-pollinated progeny and abnormally segregating progenies were as likely to trace back to parents that exhibited normal segregation in a previous generation as to parents showing segregation distortions. Possible causes of the irregular patterns of transgene silencing are discussed.

Notes: Abstract Genetically engineered rice (Oryza sativa L.) with the ability to synthesize glycinebetaine was established by introducing the codA gene for choline oxidase from the soil bacterium Arthrobacter globiformis. Levels of glycinebetaine were as high as 1 and 5 μmol per gram fresh weight of leaves in two types of transgenic plant in which choline oxidase was targeted to the chloroplasts (ChlCOD plants) and to the cytosol (CytCOD plants), respectively. Although treatment with 0.15 m NaCl inhibited the growth of both wild-type and transgenic plants, the transgenic plants began to grow again at the normal rate after a significantly less time than the wild-type plants after elimination of the salt stress. Inactivation of photosynthesis, used as a measure of cellular damage, indicated that ChlCOD plants were more tolerant than CytCOD plants to photoinhibition under salt stress and low-temperature stress. These results indicated that the subcellular compartmentalization of the biosynthesis of glycinebetaine was a critical element in the efficient enhancement of tolerance to stress in the engineered plants.

Notes: Abstract In 1992, a special issue of Breast Cancer Research and Treatment was devoted to the insulin-like growth factors and breast cancer. In that issue, identification of the key components of the IGF system was reviewed and their potential role in breast cancer growth was described. In this issue, we revisit the IGF system with particular attention to data that further supports their role in the growth regulation of breast cancer. Several new facets of the IGF system are described, and several laboratories have more clearly defined how each individual component of the IGF system may influence breast cancer biology.

Notes: Abstract Stable red astaxanthin-producing transformants were obtained after genetic transformation of two Phaffia rhodozyma mutants. A yellow mutant, accumulating β-carotene, and an albino mutant, accumulating phytoene, from P. rhodozyma were transformed using a genomic library of wild-type strain UCD 67-385 in the pBluescript vector. Hybridization assays, using the pBluescript DNA as a radioactive probe, indicate integration of vector sequences into the genome of the transformants. Transformants DNA was digested with restriction endonucleases, ligated with T4 DNA ligase and then used to transform E. coli. Ampicillin resistant plasmids, containing 0.1, 0.2, and 2.5 kb DNA inserts of P. rhodozyma, were rescued from the yeast red transformants. The molecular analysis indicate that transformation has occurred by an integration event of donor DNA into the genome of the host strains.

Notes: Abstract One of the major means to foster European integration is the establishment of border spanning regions (‘Euroregions’). This is particularly important on the Eastern borders of the EU, e.g. in Eastern Germany. There, however, a double transformation to post-socialist society is taking place, both inside and outside the EU. Tensions arise between objectives on local and higher political levels, intensified by totally different economic structures and access to EU funds on both sides of the border. This is particularly true for the case of the emerging Euroregion Viadrina. Problems in preserving old industrialised localities in East Germany (e.g. steel) and attempts to resurrect the urban fair place Frankfurt/Oder, clash with transition in agriculture and consumer industries and with new concepts in tourism development and environmental protection in the Polish border zone. In region building, political, economic and ideological goals compete with each other. Local initiatives and higher political governance may both support and hamper each other. The same holds true for the interdependence of cultural integration and economic development. The paper concludes that regional economic development can only be expected if, via the building of the Euroregion, the interplay of these factors leads to compromise and harmonization between the different parties involved.

Notes: Abstract A most distinctive feature of the settlement pattern of the Brasov area is the extreme dispersal of mixed farming encountered in the western extreme of the county to the north and south of Zarnesti: the Bran and Poiana Marului areas. Here a system of peasant subsistence farming developed in a political borderland between the Habsburg and Ottoman Empires. Despite feudal pressures, the peasantry took all available opportunities to extend their independence including elaborate transhumance systems. And after seeing transfrontier commerce as a source of plunder, in the tradition of Balkan highway robbery within relatively unregulated spaces, the peasantry has profited through employment in factories, particularly during the communist period. However, the current recession in manufacturing is throwing the rural population back on limited land resources. Although farming assumes an important subsistence role which contributes to stability, the long-term survival of these communities will depend on new sources of income. Rural tourism has considerable potential and a promising start has been made in Bran. There are, however, constraints on the further development of the business and great attention will have to be given to the conservation of the environment in both the Bucegi Mountains and the Piatra Craiului where national park status is proposed.

Notes: Abstract This study evaluates some aspects of the socio-economic transformation of rural Romania with reference to the views of representative organisations (at national, regional and local levels) and other experts. Interviews conducted in ten communes of nine Romanian counties (‘judete’) focus attention on the advantages and disadvantages of system change experienced since 1989; the most important problems and constraints for future socio-economic change; and appropriate policies and perspectives for development in the immediate future. Wherever appropriate the claims of interviewees are substantiated through reference to statistics, drawn in many cases from Chambers of Commerce & Industry (CCI). Local level representatives presented much more negative views on recent change than their national and regional level counterparts, but all agreed on the crucial problem of capital shortage. Thus while specific programmes to assist rural areas are justified, they cannot fully succeed until the national economy is able to grow more rapidly and attract greater foreign investment.

Notes: Abstract Rural diversification in Croatia is well advanced because many rural families have been able to find work in secondary and tertiary activities without the need to migrate to the towns. Many rural settlements have now attained an urban character although there are regional variations, including a contrast between the continental zone with a relatively high level of commitment to agriculture and the coastal areas, with pronounced ‘deagrarisation’ where the ports and tourist resorts are well developed and the natural resource conditions for agriculture are poor. These variations are examined at the municipality level with reference to two key indicators: the share of nonagricultural population and the share of workers in the total active population. Four categories of socio-economic transformation are recognised: more urbanised, urbanised, less urbanised and rural. The main regional differences between the continental and coastal areas are confirmed with the latter showing a relatively high level of socio-economic transformation through the prominence of more highly urbanised municipalities.

Notes: Abstract As a preliminary step in efforts to develop a successful protocol for Agrobacterium-mediated transformation of cotyledonary explants of Pinus pinea L. embryos, we tested the ability of embrionary exudates of this species to induce the expression of the virulence genes virA, virB, virC, virD, virE and virG in Agrobacterium tumefaciens containing vir: lacZ fusion constructs. The results obtained in the vir induction assay indicated the absence of bactericidal or bacteriostatic plant compounds affecting A. tumefaciens growth, and showed that cotyledonary and embrionary exudates of P. pinea are able to induce all virulence genes studied, except virG. The data suggest that A. tumefaciens can be used for gene transfer into this important forest and fruit species.

Notes: Abstract Regions of the sugarcane bacilliform badnavirus genome were tested for promoter activity. The genomic region spanning nucleotides 5999–7420 was shown to possess promoter activity as exemplified by its ability to drive the expression of the coding region of the uidA gene of Escherichia coli, in both Avena sativa and Arabidopsis thaliana. In A. sativa, the promoter was active in all organs examined and, with the exception of the anthers where the expression was localized, this activity was constitutive. In A. thaliana, the promoter activity was constitutive in the rosette leaf, stem, stamen, and root and limited primarily to vascular tissue in the sepal and the silique. The transgene was inherited and active in progeny plants of both A. sativa and A. thaliana.

Notes: Abstract The xylose isomerase gene (xylA) from Thermoanaerobacterium thermosulfurogenes (formerly Clostridium thermosulfurogenes) has been expressed in three plant species (potato, tobacco, and tomato) and transgenic plants have been selected on xylose-containing medium. The xylose isomerase gene was transferred to the target plant by Agrobacterium-mediated transformation. The xylose isomerase gene was expressed using the enhanced cauliflower mosaic virus (CaMV) 35S promoter and the Ω′ translation enhancer sequence from tobacco mosaic virus. Unoptimized selection studies showed that, in potato and tomato, the xylose isomerase selection was more efficient than the established kanamycin resistance selection, whereas in tobacco the opposite was observed. Efficiency may be increased by optimization. The xylose isomerase system enables the transgenic cells to utilize xylose as a carbohydrate source. It is an example of a positive selection system because transgenic cells proliferate while non-transgenic cells are starved but still survive. This contrasts to antibiotic or herbicide resistance where transgenic cells survive on a selective medium but non-transgenic cells are killed. The results give access to a new selection method which is devoid of the disadvantages of antibiotic or herbicide selection.

Notes: Abstract An electroporation procedure for the transformation of Pseudomonas oleovorans was developed using a model plasmid, pCN51. The optimal electrotransformation was achieved with cells harvested at 45 to 60 min of growth and concentrated to a cell density of 5 OD600nm, plasmid concentration of 6 μg per 100 μl of cell suspension, and a 0.1-cm gap-width cuvette. Electroporation was performed at the settings of 250 ω, 25μF and 2.5 kV. Transformation yields in the order of 103 colony-forming-unit per electroporation sample were obtained. This is a first report of the electroporation of the commercially valuable bacterium Ps. oleovorans. © Rapid Science Ltd. 1998

Notes: To get informations on both the structure and dynamics of hydrogen chelates 1 of heteroaromatic systems, a great variety of quinazoline-2-acetonitrile chelates were synthesized (see 2-4). Similarly to the situation of the corresponding H-chelates in the pyrimidine-2-acetonitrile series, the investigation of these new derivatives 2-4 by NMR spectroscopic methods (DNMR, COSY, NOESY, ROESY, EXSY, HMQC, HMBC) confirms the presence of an equilibrium of the two possible H-chelate structures (two ‘rotamers’ I and II, i.e., (E)/(Z) isomers; see Scheme). The corresponding equilibria I ⇌ II were determined by complete 1H-NMR signal assignment at low temperatures (after freezing the rotational processes). In addition, the tautomer equilibria A ⇌ B (relative energies of the two minima of the nonsymmetrical double-well potential) for both ‘rotamers’ are ascertained by H,H and C,H couplings. The results are an important basis for the interpretation of both the UV/VIS absorptions and the dependence of fluorescence and fluorescence quantum yields on temperature.

Notes: Stereoselective reactions of phthalimido-substituted radicals derived from (±)-threonine with different radical traps are reported (Scheme 3, Table 1). A strong influence of the nature of the radical trap on the stereoselectivity was noticed. Small nucleophilic radical traps gave preferentially the syn products. The observed selectivities are explained with the A1,3 strain model and depend on steric and electronic effects (Fig. 2). Reactions with electrophilic radical traps such as diphenyl diselenide gave the anti diastereoisomers with moderate stereocontrol, presumably due to stereoelectronic effects. The same stereochemical outcome, i.e., preferential formation of the anti products, was observed for the reactions of the related N-phthaloyliminium ion (Scheme 5, Table 2). The stereochemistry of the ionic reaction is rationalized by a Felkin-Anh model (Fig. 3).

Notes: The cyclopalladation of 1,1′-azonaphthalene (= di(naphthalen-1-yl)diazene; 2) with bis(hexafluoroacetyl-acetonato)palladium(II) (3; [Pd(hfa)2]) yields the ortho-palladated complex (1,1,1,5,5,5-hexafluoropentane-2,4-dionato-κ2O,O′)[1-(naphthalen-1-ylazo-κN2)naphthalen-2-yl-κC2]palladium(II) (4) as well as the peri-palladated complex (1,1,1,5,5,5-hexafluoropentane-2,4-dionato-κ2O,O′)[8-(naphthalen-1-ylazo-κN2)naphthalen-1-yl-κC1]-palladium(II) (5); their structures were corroborated by X-ray analyses. The formation of the novel peri-metallated product 5 containing a six-membered palladacycle strongly depends upon the reaction conditions.

Notes: The photoisomerization behavior of three mono[(E)-3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)prop-2-enoyl]spermidines, 1, 2, and 3, and three bis[(E)-3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)prop-2-enoyl]spermidines, 4, 5, and 6, are investigated. The synthetic product (E)-1 could be almost quantitatively (〉 96%) converted into its isomer (Z)-1 under UV light irradiation. In the cases of (E)-2 and (E)-3, a mixture of (E)/(Z) ca. 1:2 was obtained, when the same conditions were applied. The comparison of their UV spectra provides the possible explanation for these different behaviors. Furthermore, it was noticed that the (Z) → (E) isomerization of the C=C bond took place during the purification by reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC), and the (E)/(Z)-mixture is thus inseparable. The same feature could be observed during the isolation of the (Z,Z)-N,N′-bis[3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)prop-2-enoyl]-spermidines, (Z,Z)-4, (Z,Z)-5, and (Z,Z)-6. Nevertheless, the fractions of (Z,Z)-5 and (Z,Z)-6 were in almost pure state collected, and their 1-NMR spectra are presented.

Notes: The synthesis, absolute configuration, and olfactive evaluation of (-)-(E)-α-trans-bergamotenone (= (-)-(1′S,6′R,E)-5-(2′,6′-dimethylbicyclo[3.1.1]hept-2′-en-6′-yl)pent-3-en-2-one; (-)-1), as well as its homologue (-)-19 are reperted. The previously arbitrarily attributed absolute configuration of 1 and of (-)-α-trans-bergamotene (= (-)-(1 S,6R)-2,6-dimethyl-6-(4-methylpent-3-enyl)bicyclo[3.1. 1]hept-2-ene; (-)-2), together with those of the structurally related aldehydes (-)-3a,b and alcohols (-)-4a,b, have been rigorously assigned.

Notes: (-)-(R)-4,4,4,4′,4′,4′-Hexafluorovaline hydrochloride ((R)-5) of 98% ee is prepared from β,β-bis(trifluoromethyl)acrylic acid (= benzyl 4,4,4-trifluoro-3-(trifluoromethyl)but-2-enoate; 1) in 4 steps with an overall yield of 9.6%. Key step is the separation of the TsOH salts of the diastereoisomers obtained by anti-Michael addition of (+)-(R)-1-phenylethylamine (2) to 1 (→ (R,R)-3). In contrast to the published (S)-chirality, the X-ray structure analysis of (R,S)-6 reveals, that (R)-chirality has to be assigned to the levorotatory (-)-4,4,4,4′,4′,4′-hexafluorovaline hydrochloride.

Notes: The synthesis and characterization of tripodal dodecadentate ligands with salicylamide and bipyridine binding sites for iron(II) and iron(III) are presented.

Notes: The reaction of CuO'Bu with CO2, and iPr2NH in the presence of PPh3, gives the dialkylcarbamato complex [Cu(O2CNiPr2)(PPh3)2] (1). The CO2/R2NH system (R = Me, Et) in an appropriate organic medium reacts with Ag2O giving the corresponding N,N-dialkylcarbamato complexes of analytical formula [Ag(C2CNR2)] (R = Me, 2; R = Et, 3). The methyl derivative 2 was characterized by X-ray diffraction methods. Crystal data of 2: for [Ag2(O2CNMe2)2], C6H12Ag2N2O4, mol. wt. 391.9; monoclinic, space group P21/c, a = 12.08(1), b = 3.797(2), c = 11.316(7) Å, β = 113.37(6)°, V = 476.3 Å3, Z = 2, Dc = 2.732 g cm-3; μ(MoKα) = 40.64 cm-1, F(000) = 376.0; R = 0.059, Rw = 0.067; g.o.f. 1.27. The structure consists of dinuclear [(Ag2OCNMe2)2] units with slightly distorted linearly two-coordinated Ag-atoms containing bridging carbamato groups to form a substantially planar eight-membered ring with an intra-annular Ag—Ag distance of 2.837(2) Å; the dinuclear units are further joined by Ag—O bonds to form an infinite array. Compound 3, which is presumably dinuclear, as suggested by cryoscopic measurements in benzene, undergoes a structural fission with PPh3, giving the mononuclear triphenylphosphine derivative [Ag(O2CNEt2)(PPh3)2] (4). The amine-catalyzed conversion of Ag2O into Ag2CO3, in the presence of the iPr2NH/CO2 system, is also reported. Cl-Exchange from [AuCl(PPh3)] with [Ag(O2CNEt2)] (3) gives the first N,N-dialkylcarbamato complex of gold, namely [Au(O2CNEt2)(PPh3)] (5), which crystallizes in the monoclinic system: C23H25AuNO2P · 0.5 C7H16, mol. wt. 625.5, space group P21/c; a = 13.212(5), b = 12.25(1), c = 16.795(6) Å, β = 109.09(2)°, V = 2568(2) Å3, Z = 4, Dc, = 1.618 g cm-3; μ(AgKα) = 31.40 cm-1, F(000) = 1236.0; R = 0.058; Rw = 0.064; g.o.f. 2.121. The compound contains two-coordinated Au-atom, namely to the P-atom and to the O-atom of the monodentate carbamato group, the P—Au—O bond angle being 174.7(3)°. The reaction with MeI showed these compounds to react predominantly at the carbamato O-atom giving the corresponding urethanes R2NCO2Me. Evidence was gathered for the transient coordination of CO to Ag in 3.

Notes: The reactions of α-diazo ketones 1a,b with 9H-fluorene-9-thione (2f) in THF at room temperature yielded the symmetrical 1,3-dithiolanes 7a,b, whereas 1b and 2,2,4,4-tetramethylcyclobutane-1,3-dithione (2d) in THF at 60° led to a mixture of two stereoisomeric 1,3-oxathiole derivatives cis- and trans-9a (Scheme 2). With 2-diazo-1,2-diphenylethanone (1c), thio ketones 2a-d as well as 1,3-thiazole-5(4H)-thione 2g reacted to give 1,3-oxathiole derivatives exclusively (Schemes 3 and 4). As the reactions with 1c were more sluggish than those with 1a,b, they were catalyzed either by the addition of LiClO4 or by Rh2(OAc)4. In the case of 2d in THF/LiClO4 at room temperature, a mixture of the monoadduct 4d and the stereoisomeric bis-adducts cis- and trans-9b was formed. Monoadduct 4d could be transformed to cis- and trans-9b by treatment with 1c in the presence of Rh2(OAc)4 (Scheme 4). Xanthione (2e) and 1c in THF at room temperature reacted only when catalyzed with Rh2(OAc)4, and, in contrast to the previous reactions, the benzoyl-substituted thiirane derivative 5a was the sole product (Scheme 4). Both types of reaction were observed with α-diazo amides 1d,e (Schemes 5-7). It is worth mentioning that formation of 1,3-oxathiole or thiirane is not only dependent on the type of the carbonyl compound 2 but also on the α-diazo amide. In the case of 1d and thioxocyclobutanone 2c in THF at room temperature, the primary cycloadduct 12 was the main product. Heating the mixture to 60°, 1,3-oxathiole 10d as well as the spirocyclic thiirane-carboxamide 11b were formed. Thiirane-carboxamides 11d-g were desulfurized with (Me2N)3P in THF at 60°, yielding the corresponding acrylamide derivatives (Scheme 7). All reactions are rationalized by a mechanism via initial formation of acyl-substituted thiocarbonyl ylides which undergo either a 1,5-dipolar electrocyclization to give 1,3-oxathiole derivatives or a 1,3-dipolar electrocyclization to yield thiiranes. Only in the case of the most reactive 9H-fluorene-9-thione (2f) is the thiocarbonyl ylide trapped by a second molecule of 2f to give 1,3-dithiolane derivatives by a 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition.

Notes: The synthesis of a series of chiral enantiomerically pure C2-symmetric binucleating ligands is reported. Ligands of type 1-4, which consist of a phenolic or heterocyclic unit bridging two chiral dihydrooxazole rings. are readily accessible from chiral amino alcohols. Ligands 5a and 5b are composed of a cyclic urea or thiourea unit, respectively, and two 3,4-dihydro-2H-pyrrole rings containing a stereogenic center next to the N-atom. Compounds of this type are readily assembled from ethane-1,2-diamine and an imidothioic ester derived from pyroglutamic acid. These new ligands, which can coordinate two metals in close proximity to each other, are of interest regarding possible applications in asymmetric catalysis.

Notes: Stability constants have been measured for a series of ligands based on a 2,2′-(pyridine-2,6-diyl)bis[1H-benzimidazole] unit which forms dinuclear double-stranded helical complexes with copper(I). Variation of different structural parameters confirms the importance of the coordinate bond, the stacking interactions, and the weakly bridging pyridine units observed by X-ray crystallography. The stabilities of the complexes depend strongly on the solvent, and in MeCN, which is a good solvent for copper(I), the complexes are less stable and assemble in a stepwise manner. The interconversion of the enantiomers may be followed by 1H-NMR and takes place on a millisecond time scale around room temperature. The trends in lability are similar to those found for the stability of the complexes.

Notes: Oligodeoxyribonucleotides containing 7-deaza-2′-deoxy-8-methylguanosine (m8c7Gd; 2b) were prepared. For this purpose, the phosphonate 3a and the phosphoramidite 3b were synthesized and employed in solidphase oligodeoxyribonucleotide synthesis. The structures and the thermodynamic data of duplex formation of oligodeoxyribonucleotides containing 2b were investigated by temperature-dependent CD and UV spectra and compared with those containing 7-deaza-2′-deoxy-7-methylguanosine (m7c7Gd) or 7-deaza-2′-deoxy-guanosine (c7Gd; 2a). In general, compound 2b reduces the duplex stability. In case of the sequence d(m8c7G-C)4 (18), the B → Z transition was facilitated by the incorporation of 2b. Moreover, a single 7-deaza-8-methylguanine residue present in an oligodeoxyribonucleotide tract of guanine residues destabilizes the dG quadruplex significantly. This destabilization is more pronounced than in the case of 7-deazaguanine or 7-deaza-7-methyl-guanine.

Notes: Absolute rate constants and their Arrhenius parameters are obtained for the addition of a cyclic malonyl radical derived from Meldrum's acid to 20 mono- or 1,1-disubstituted alkenes in (±)-propylene oxide and for the addition of the open-chain di(tert-butyl)malonyl radical to six mono- or 1,1-disubstituted alkenes in 1,1,2-trichloro-1,2,2-trifluoroethane by time-resolved electron spin resonance spectroscopy. At room temperature, the radicals add at the unsubstituted C-atoms with rate constants ranging from 1.1. 105 M-1S-1 (acrolein) to 2.4. 106 M-1S-1 (1,1-diphenylethene). The frequency factors are in the narrow ranges of log (A/M-1S-1) = 8.7 ± 0.1 for the cyclic and log (A/M-1S-1) = 8.2 ± 0.2 for the open-chain malonyl species, whereas the activation energies vary from 12.9 kJ/mol (1,1-diphenylethene) to 21.7 kJ/mol (acrylonitrile). They correlate with the alkene ionization potentials and, more weakly, with the reaction enthalpy. No correlation was found between the activation energies and the alkene electron affinities. Hence, the results confirm and quantify the electrophilic nature of malonyl radicals in addition reactions.

Notes: An asymmetric synthesis of (-)-(4R)-dihydroisomyricoidine (28), a 13-membered amino lactam of type A, was performed by a diastereoselective Michael addition between the spermidine derivative 3 and the commercially available optically active ethyl carboxylate 4, and the cyclization of the resulting ω-amino acid 7 using diethyl phosphorocyanidate ((EtO)2POCN), followed by a Wittig reaction to introduce the (Z)-side chain. Some side reactions are also discussed.

Notes: Natural free carboxylic acids from the hadromerid sponge Diacarnus levii (Kelly-Borges and Vacelet) were esterified to yield the new cyclic norditerpene peroxides ent-muqubilin benzyl ester (= (αR,3S,6R)-α,6-dimethyl-6-[(E)-4-methyl-6-(2,6,6-trimethyl-cyclohex-1-en-1-yl)hex-3-enyl]-1,2-dioxan-3-acetic acid benzyl ester; 6, diacarnoate B methyl ester(= (αS,3R,6R)-α,6-dimethyl-6-{2-(4aS,8aS)-3,4,4a,5,6,7,8,8a-octahydro-3-oxo-2,5,5,8a-tetramethylnaphthalen-1-yl)ethyl}-1,2-dioxan-3-acetic acid methyl ester; 9), and deoxydiacarnoate B benzyl ester (= (αS,3R,6R)-α,6-dimethyl-6-{2-[(4aS,8aS)-3,4,4a,5,6,7,8,8a-octahydro-2,5,5,8a-tetramethyl-1-naphthalenyl]ethyl}-1,2-dioxan-3-acetic acid benzyl ester; 10), which were isolated following extensive chromatography. The relative configuration of the peroxide/α-methylacetate moiety of 6, 9, and 10, was directly determined from their NMR spectra. The absolute configurations of the peroxide/α-methylacetate moiety was deduced from comparative 1H-NMR data of the (S)- and (R)-phenylglycine methyl ester derivatives 7 and 8 as well as 11/13 and 12/14, all obtained from a mixture of the precursors of 3, 6, and 10. The absolute configuration at the carbobicyclic moiety of enone 9 and of 10, is identical, as established by chemical interconversion, 9 and 10 belong to the normal labdane series according to empirical CD rules, applied either directly to 9 or to the parent (+)-sclareolide-derived enone 20. In contrast, molar rotation additivity rules suggest the ent-labdane configuration for 9 and 10. The epidioxides 1-3, 6, and 10 proved active in vitro against the malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum; especially the previously isolated methyl 3-epinuapapuanoate (2) was active against a chloroquine-resistant strain, and this with a good security index.

Notes: 3-Hydroxy-2-cyanoalk-2-enamides, and 2-cyano-2-(tetrahydrofuran-2-ylidene)- and 2-cyano-2-(tetrahydropyran-2-ylidene)acetamides with N-alkyl and N-aryl substituents have been synthesized in three steps from cyanoacetic acid. Their conformations were investigated by X-ray crystallography and 1H-NMR ROESY spectroscopy at room temperature. The enolic compounds 1-3 adopt an extended conformation stabilized by a strong intramolecular O—H … O=C bond both in the solid state and in (D6)DMSO solution. In contrast, the structure of the cyclic derivatives 5a,b-8a,b is solvent-dependent. In the solid state and in CDCl3 solution, the compounds adopt an extended conformation of type I or III, while, in (D6)DMSO solution, their structures undergo time-dependent (Z)/(E)-isomerization structures (of type II or IV). This observation is compatible with a dipolar transition state of rotation. The kinetics of the isomerization are controlled by the N-substituent, the N-(t-Bu) derivatives 7a and 7b having the highest barrier of rotation around the C=C bond. The whole body of experimental evidence together with the results of molecular-mechanics calculations with I-IV, indicate that, in DMSO, two (E)/(Z)-isomers with two conformations are present, and that they undergo interconversion at room temperature with four different constants. The very fast exchange rates kI,II and kIII,IV in the NMR time-scale might be responsible for the detection of only two isomers.

Notes: A new acylated dimeric secoiridoid glycoside, seemannoside A (2), has been isolated from the aerial parts of Lisianthius seemannii (GRISEB) O. KUNTZE (Gentianaceae). The structure was established by spectroscopic analysis (UV, MS, 1H- and 13C-NMR, and 2D-NMR experiments) and chemical reactions as (E-4′-O-p-coumaroyl)lisianthioside. The structure of the (Z)-isomer (seemannoside B, 3), also present in the plant, was confirmed by LC/UV/1H-NMR analysis. The active principle, 6, responsible for the antifungal activity of the apolar extract against Cladosporium cucumerinum, has been isolated. Its structure has been established by NMR spectroscopy and X-ray crystallographic analysis as a rare type of aglycone monoterpene dimer.

Notes: Asymmetric Diels-Alder reaction of the pentadienoic and hexadienoic acids 2a,b with the chiral chloronitroso derivative 3 gave the primary adducts 4a,b with good-to-excellent enantioselectivity. Subsequent as- or trans-dihydroxylation and hydrogenolytic cleavage of the N—O bond led to the 5-amino-5-deoxypentono-δ-lactams 13a, 14, 15a, and 16 in the D-ribose, L-arabinose, D-xylose, and L-lyxose series, respectively, and to the 5-amino-5,6-dideoxyhexono-δ-lactams 13b and 15b in the D-allose and D-glucose series, respectively.

Notes: The synthesis of the monomeric building block 13 and its constitutional isomer 12 of a new type of DNA analog, distamycin-NA, is presented (Schemes 1 and 2). This building block consists of a uracil base attached to a thiophene core unit via a biaryl-like axis. Next to the biaryl-like axis on the thiophene chromophore, a carboxy and an amino substituent are located allowing for oligomerization via peptide coupling. The proof of constitution and the conformational preferences about the biaryl-like axis were established by means of X-ray analyses of the corresponding nitro derivatives 10 and 11. Thus, the uracil bases are propeller-twisted relative to the thiophene core, and bidentate H-bonds occur between two uracil bases in the crystals. The two amino-acid building blocks 12 and 13 were coupled to give the dimers 15 and 16 using dicyclohexylcarbodiimide (DCC) in THF/LiCl and DMF, respectively. While the dimer 15 showed no atropisomerism on the NMR time scale at room temperature, its isomer 16 occurred as distinct diastereoisomers due to the hindered rotation around its biaryl-like axis. Variable-temperature 1H-NMR experiments allowed to determine a rotational barrier of 19 ± 1 kcal/mol in 16. The experimental data were complemented by AM1 calculations.

Notes: Heating of a mixture of N,N′-(thiocarbonyl)diimidazole (= 1,1′-(carbonothioyl)bis[1H-imidazole]; 1) and 2,5-dihydro-1,3,4-thiadiazole 2a or 2b gave the 1,3-dithiolanes 4a and 4b, respectively, via a regiospecific 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition of the corresponding ‘thiocarbonyl methanides’ 3a,b onto the C=S group of 1 (Schemes 1 and 2). The adamantane derivative 4b was not stable in the presence of 1H-imidazole and during chromatographic workup. The isolated 1,3-dithiole 5 is the product of a base-catalyzed elimination of 1H-imidazole from the initial cycloadduct 4b. The formation of the S,N-acetal 6 can be rationalized by a protonation of the ‘thiocarbonyl ylide’ 3b followed by a nucleophilic addition of 1H-imidazole. With the diazo compounds 8a-e (Scheme 3) 1 underwent a regiospecific 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition to give the corresponding 2,5-dihydro-1,3,4-thiadiazole derivatives 9, which spontaneously eliminated 1H-imidazole to yield (1H-imidazol-1-yl)-1,3,4-thiadiazoles 10. The structures of 10a and 10d were established by X-ray crystallography. In the case of diazodiphenylmethane (8f), the initial cycloadduct 9f decomposed via a ‘twofold extrusion’ of N2 and S to give 1,1′-(2,2-diphenylethenylidene)bis[1H-imidazole] (11; Scheme 3).

Notes: The synthesis of new deoxyribose nucleosides by coupling chloropurines with modified D-ribose derivatives is reported. The methyl 2-deoxy-N-methyl-3-O-(p-toluoyl)-α-D-ribofuranosiduronamide (α-D-8) and the corresponding anomer β-D-8 were synthesized starting from the commercially available 2-deoxy-D-ribose (1) (Scheme 1). Reaction of α-D-8 with the silylated derivative of 2,6-dichloro-9H-purine (9) afforded regioselectively the N9-(2′-deoxyribonucleoside) 10 as anomeric mixture (Scheme 2), whereas β-D-8 did not react. Glycosylation of 9 or of 6-chloro-9H-purine (17) with 1,2-di-O-acetyl-3-deoxy-N-methyl-β-D-ribofuranuronamide (13) yielded only the protected β-D-anomers 14 and 18, respectively (Scheme 3). Subsequent deacetylation and dechlorination afforded the desired nucleosides β-D-11, β-D-12,15, and 16. The 3′-deoxy-2-chloroadenosine derivative 15 showed the highest affinity and selectivity for adenotin binding site vs. A1 and A2A adenosine receptor subtypes.

Notes: (S)-5,5,5,5′,5′,5′-Hexafluoroleucine ((S)-13) of 81 % ee is prepared from hexafluoroacetone (l) and ethyl bromopyruvate (= ethyl 2-oxopropanoate) in 7 steps with an overall yield of 18% (Schemes 1 and 2). Key step in this sequence is the highly enantioselective reduction of the carbonyl group in α-keto ester 4 either by bakers' yeast (91 % ee) or by ‘catecholborane’ 6 utilizing an oxazaborolidine catalyst, yielding hydroxy ester (R)-5 with 99% ee. The absolute configuration was determined by X-ray analysis of the HCl adduct (S,R)-9b of (2S)-N-[(R)- l-phenylethyl]-5,5,5,5′,5′,5′-hexafluoroleucine ethyl ester.

Notes: N-Fmoc-Protected (Fmoc = (9H-fluoren-9-ylmethoxy)carbonyl) β-amino acids are required for an efficient synthesis of β-oligopeptides on solid support. Enantiomerically pure Fmoc-β3-amino acids β3: side chain and NH2 at C(3)(= C(β)) were prepared from Fmoc-protected (S)- and (R)-α-amino acids with aliphatic, aromatic, and functionalized side chains, using the standard or an optimized Arndt-Eistert reaction sequence. Fmoc-β2- Amino acids (β2 side chain at C(2), NH2 at C(3)(= C(β))) configuration bearing the side chain of Ala, Val, Leu, and Phe were synthesized via the Evans' chiral auxiliary methodology. The target β3-heptapeptides 5-8, a β3- pentadecapeptide 9 and a β2-heptapeptide 10 were synthesized on a manual solid-phase synthesis apparatus using conventional solid-phase peptide synthesis procedures (Scheme 3). In the case of β3-peptides, two methods were used to anchor the first β-amino acid: esterification of the ortho-chlorotrityl chloride resin with the first Fmoc-β-amino acid 2 (Method I, Scheme 2) or acylation of the 4-(benzyloxy)benzyl alcohol resin (Wang resin) with the ketene intermediates from the Wolff rearrangement of amino-acid-derived diazo ketone 1 (Method II, Scheme 2). The former technique provided better results, as exemplified by the synthesis of the heptapeptides 5 and 6 (Table 2). The intermediate from the Wolff rearrangement of diazo ketones 1 was also used for sequential peptide-bond formation on solid support (synthesis of the tetrapeptides 11 and 12). The CD spectra of the β2- and β3-peptides 5, 9, and 10 show the typical pattern previously assigned to an (M) 31 helical secondary structure (Fig.). The most intense CD absorption was observed with the pentadecapeptide 9 (strong broad negative Cotton effect at ca. 213 nm); compared to the analogous heptapeptide 5, this corresponds to a 2.5 fold increase in the molar ellipticity per residue!

Notes: On irradiation (350 nm) in the presence of excess 2,3-dimethylbut-2-ene, the newly synthesized title compound 5 affords as main products the unexpected cyclopropylpyrrolidine 10 (50%) and the spiro-oxetane 9 (25%).

Notes: Among seventeen different Lewis acids, TiCl4 was found to be the best catalyst for the [4 + 2] cycloaddition of cyclopentadiene to N,N′-fumaroylbis[(2R)-bornane-10,2-sultam] ((-)-1). Independently of the TiCl4 molar concentration, almost constant and complete (98-89% d.e.) diastereofacial π-selection was achieved in the Diels-Alder addition of (-)-1 to cyclopentadiene, cyclohexadiene, isoprene, and 2,3-dimethylbuta-1,3-diene.

Notes: A new facile synthesis of N,S- and N,Se-acetals starting from aldehydes and primary amines is presented (Schemes 3-5). These acetals are used as precursors for stereoselective radical deuteration and allylation reactions (Schemes 6 and 7, Tables 1 and 2). The stereochemical outcome of the reactions depends on the radical trap and the substituents at the N-atom. Deuterations give always anti products with moderate to high selectivities. The allylation reactions give either syn or anti products with low to moderate selectivities. The observed stereoselectivities can be explained with a model based on minimization of A1,3 strain and are controlled by steric and stereoelectronic effects.

Notes: Based on O-methylasparvenone (1), a N-free 5HT2C antagonist with moderate affinity (pKi = 6.7), derivatives bearing dimethylamino (7), (dimethylamino)methyl (17, 18, 21, and 22), and aminomethyl substituents (26) in place of the benzylic OH group of 1 as well as pyrrolidine- (33) and piperidine-fused derivatives (29, 43, and 45) were synthesized. In contrast to the lead structure 1, these new ligands were active in vivo in the rat. The tricycles 33 and 45 display high affinities for the 5HT2C receptor (pKi = 8).

Notes: Thermal reactions of 1,2,3-trisubstituted aziridines 1 with 1,3-thiazole-5(4H)-thiones 6 in toluene yielded, in general, a mixture of two diastereoisomeric spirocyclic [2+3] cycloadducts. The formation of these products can be explained by a stereoselective electrocyclic ring opening of 1 to give an azomethine ylide 2 as the reactive intermediate, which is trapped immediately by 6 via a stereoselective 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition. Only in the case of trans-dimethyl 1-(4-methoxyphenyl)aziridine-2,3-dicarboxylate (trans-1a), four diastereoisomeric cycloadducts were formed (Scheme 4). This result is rationalized by an isomerization of the intermediate azomethine ylide cis-2a to trans -2a.

Notes: Due to their small mass, adjacent protons (or H-atoms) of molecular systems may exhibit quantum entanglement (or quantum correlations), even at ambient conditions. The considerable thermal disturbance and/or manybody interactions of condensed matter and the associated decoherence effect, however, cause this protonic entanglement to be restricted in space and time. Some aspects of entanglement and decoherence are mentioned. Extending our previous theoretical work, in the present paper the focus is on the possible existence of entangled protons belonging to the H-bonds of adjacent base pairs of B-type DNA. Based on the ‘working hypothesis’ that this effect does really exist, the most probable ‘positions’ for the appearance of protonic entanglement in DNA sequences are qualitatively determined. Furthermore, these ‘positions’ appear to correspond uniquely to dimers of adjacent base pairs of DNA. As a consequence, one can straightforwardly search for an enhanced appearance of such entangled H-bonds in DNA sequences of living organisms, using the existing DNA databases. A quantitative analysis of protein-coding DNA sequences of various organisms has been performed, the results of which provide strong evidence for the existence of the considered effect. The most striking finding may be summarized as follows: Quantum entanglement appears preferably between the third base of a codon and the first base of the following one. Quantitative estimates of this and further obtained results are presented. It is also shown that quantum-chemical considerations of stacking energies cannot account for the results. The new findings provide first evidence for the biological significance of entangled H-bonds.

Notes: The title compounds D-10 and L-10 were prepared from 1 in eight steps and in a combined overall yield of 41-49%.

Notes: The reaction of N,N'-dimethyl-2-nitroethene-1,1-diamine (8) with α,ß-unsaturated acyl isothiocyanates 9 affords 3,3-diamino-2-nitroacrylthioamides 10 (Scheme 2) in moderate-to-good yields. Cyclization of 10 under acidic conditions gives 1,3-thiazin-4-one derivatives of type 11. Oxidative cyclization of 10 with diethyl azodicaboxylate leads to 4-nitro-1,2-thiazol-5(2H)-imine derivatives 12.

Notes: The CH2Cl2 extract of Monotes engleri Gilg. (Dipterocarpaceae) showed antifungal activity against the yeast Candida albicans in our bioautographic TLC assays. After a first fractionation of the crude extract, the bioactivity was located in one of the fractions. To perform an efficient targeted isolation of the active compounds, LC/UV/MS and LC/UV/NMR analyses of the crude extract and the active fraction were performed. LC/UV/, LC/MS, and LC/NMR data (1D and 2D) allowed the identification of 1 as (2S)-2,3-dihydro-5,7-dihydroxy-{3-hydroxy-4-[(3-methylbut-2-enyl) oxy]phenyl}-4H-1-benzopyran-4-one, a new prenylated flavanone, named monoteson A. Subsequent isolation of 1 has permitted the determination of its absolute configuration on the basis of CD measurements. Theree other prenylated flavanoes 2-4 were isolated from the same extract. Compound 3 was identified as 2- (3, 5-dihydroxyphenyl) -2,3-dihydro-5, 7-dihydroxy-6, 8-bis (3-methylbut-2-enyl)-4 H-1-benzopyran-4-one, another new natural product, named monotesone B. The structures of 2 and 4 were established as selinone and lonchocarpol A, respectively. The antifungal activity against Candida albicans was determined for all compounds.

Notes: The disubstituted clusters[Ir4(CO)10(μ2-L—L)] with one edge-bridging ligand have a ground-state geometry with all COs terminal (L—L = (MeS)2CHMe, cluster 1) or with three edge-bridging COs (L—L = (Ph2P)2CHMe, cluste 2; L—L =Ph2P(CH2)3PPh2, cluster 3) in the solid state and in solution. A comparative 13C-NMR study of 1-3 shows that their respective ground-state geometries are merely relative minima of energy in the same kinetic profile of successive fluxional processes consisting of a merry-go-round of six COs about a unique trangular face and the rotation of terminal COs about one Ir-atom. The factors affecting the activation energy of the merry-go-round result from the relative bites of the bidentate ligands in the ground-state geometry, as shown by a comparison of the molecular structures of 2 and 3.

Notes: The kinetics of the reaction between pyridoxal 5′-phosphate (PLP) with carbidopa, hydralazine, and isoniazid, in aqueous solution at variable pH and constant ionic strength of 0.1M was studied spectrophotometrically. The rate constants of formation and hydrolysis of the resulting Schiff base, and its stability were determined in a wide range of pH. A comparison is made of the formation rate constants with those of PLP with hydrazine. The reactivity shows the sequence isoniazid 〉 hydrazine 〉 carbidopa 〉 hydralazine in the whole range of pH studied. The Schiff bases studied are more stable than those formed by PLP and hexylamine and as stable as those described for the reactions of PLP with poly(L-lysine) or copolypeptides containing L-lysine.

Notes: The coordination behavior of chiral binucleating ligands of type 1-4 with various transition metals has been investigated. 1H-NMR Titration experiments with zinc(II) salts gave detailed structural information about the structure of the resulting zinc complexes. Ligand 1 forms an unusual C3-symmetric dinuclear zinc complex [Zn2CIL3] (8a) which was characterized by X-ray crystallography. Treatment of complex 8a with various carboxylic acids resulted in ligand-exchange reactions. With ligand 2, a hydroxo-bridged dinuclear copper complex 15 was synthesized and its structure elucidated by X-ray analysis. Solution studies UV and 1H-NMR spectroscopy of the reaction of ligand 3 with ZnII and NII salts revealed the formation of dimeric species of the type [M2X4L2]. Ligand 4 formed well-defined dinuclear complexes with NiII and CuII salts of which the corresponding NiII complex [Ni2(AcO)2(ClO4)2L] (22a) was characterized by crystal-structure analysis.

Notes: Why Pentose- and Not Hexose-Nucleic Acids? Purine-Purine Pairing in homo-DNA: Guanine,Isoguanine, 2,6-Diaminopurine, and XanthineThis paper concludes the series of reports in this journal [1-4] on the chemistry of homo-DNA, the constitutionally simplifie dmodel system of hexopyranosyl-(6′ → 4′)-oligonucleotide systems stidued in our laboratory as potentially natural-nucleic-acid alternatives in the context of a chemical aetiology of nucleic-acid structure. The report describes the synthesis and pairing properties of homo-DNA oligonucleotides which contain as nucleobases exclusively purines, and gives, together with part III of the series [3], a survey of what we know today about purine-purine pairingin homo-DNA. In addition, the paper discusses those aspects of the chemistry of homo-DNA which, we think, influence the way how some of the structural features of DNA (and RNA) are to be interpreted on a qualitative level.Purine-purine pairing occurs in the homo-DNA domain in great variety. Most prominent is a novel tridentate Watson-Crick pair between guanine and isoguanine, as well as one between 2,6-diaminopurine and xanthinone, both giving rise to very stable duplexes containing the all-purine strands in antiparallel orientation. For the guanine-isoguanine pair, constitutional assignment is based on temperature-dependent UV and CD spectroscopy of various guanine- and isoguanine-containg duplexes in comparison with duplexes known to be paired in the reverse guanine is replaced by 7-carbauguanine. Isoguanine and 2,6-diaminopurine also have the capability of self-pariring in the reverse-Hoogsteen mode, as previously observed for adenine and guanine [3]. In this type of pairing, the interchangeably. Fig. 36 provides an overall survey of the relative strength of pairing in all possible purine-purine combinations.Watson-Crick pairing of isoguanine with guanine demands the former to participate in its 3H-tautomeric form; hitherto this specific tautomer had not been considered in the pairing chemistry of isoguanine. Whereas (cumulative) purine-purine pairing in DNA (reverse-Hoogsten or Hoogsteen) seems to occur in triplexes and tetrapalexes only, its occurrence in duplexes in a characteristic feature of homo-DNA chemistry. The occurrence of purine-purine Watson-Crick base pairs is probably a consequence of homo-DNA's quasi-linear ladder structure [1][4]. In a double helix, the distance between the two sugar C-atoms, on which a base pair is anchored, is expected to be constrained by the dimensions of the helix; in a linear duplex, however, there would be no restrictions with regard to base-pair length. Homo-DNA's ladder-like model also allows one to recognize one of the reasons why nucleic-acid duplexes prefer to pair in antiparallel, rather than parallel strand orientation: in homo-DNA duplexes, (averaged) backbone and base pair axes are strongly inclined toward one another [4]; the stronger this inclination, the higher the preference for antiparallel strand orientation is expected to be (Fig. 16).In retrospect, homo-DNA turns out to be one of the first artificial oligonucleotide systems (cf. Footnote 65) to demonstrate in a comprehensive way that informational base pairing involving purines and pyrimidines is not a capability unique to ribofuranosyl systems. Stability and helical shape of pairing complexes are not necessary conditions of one another; it is the potential for extensive conformational cooperativity of hte backbone structure with respect to the constellational demands of base pairing and base stacking that determines whether or nor a given type of base-carrying backbone structure is an informational pairing system. From the viewpoint of the chemical aetiology of nucleic-acid structure, which inspired our investigations on hexopyranosyl-(6′ → 4′)-oligonucleotide systems in the first place, the work on homo-DNA is only an extensive model study, because homo-DNA is not to be considered a potential natural-nucleic-acid altenratie. In retrospect, it seems fortunate that the model study was carried out, because without it we could hardly have comprehended the pairing behavior of the proper nucleic-acid alternatives which we have studied later and which will be discussed in Part VI of this series.The English footnotes to Fig. 1-49 provide an extension of this summary.

Notes: ‘Fully chiral’ dendrimers, containing a stereogenic center at each and every branching point, have been prepared using a chiral core triol with aromatic elongating units (cf. 27) and chiral branch diols (cf. 8, 12, and 24) as building blocks. The biggest dendrimer prepared is of the 4th generation (33: 46 building blocks, 93 stereogenic centers, 1028 possible stereoisomers), and has been obtained by a convergent growth approach in 32 steps starting from the biopolymer poly[(R)-3-hydroxybutanoic acid] (P(3-HB)). All compounds were shown to be monodisperse by MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry. Spin-lattice relaxation-time (T1) measurements and size-exclusion chromatography show typical features of structurally related achiral dendrimers. The influence of the chiral building blocks on the shape of the whole dendrimer has been investigated by chiroptical measurements: the specific rotation can be considered as average of all chiroptical properties of its constituent chiral units, independent of the solvent, the concentration, and the temperature. On the other hand, regularity in the circular dichroism (CD) spectra is completely lost with variation of the solvent (cf. Fig. 13).