Molecular Packing Modes. Part X. The Crystal and Molecular Structures of Trans,Trans-Muconic Acid

trans, trans-Muconic acid C₆H₆O₄ crystallises in the space group , with a = 8.982, b = 9.895, c = 3.787 Å, α = 103.68, β=75.27, γ= 101.58°, and two centrosymmetric molecules per unit cell. The structure was solved from 1671 reflections measured by an ω/2θ scan with Mo Kα radiation on an IBM 1800 computer-controlled Siemens diffractometer, and refined anisotropically (on F²) to R = 0.078. The geometries in the carbon chains of the two independent molecules are essentially identical; their bond lengths match to within 0.003 Å. The carboxyl group of one molecule is statistically disordered (C-O 1.257, 1.275 Å) whereas in the second molecule the bond lengths differ significantly (1.236, 1.294 Å), indicating a greater degree of order. A careful consideration of the packing mode allows us to interpret the difference between the two molecules.     

Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. niveum Molecular Diagnostics Past,Present and Future

Watermelon is an important commercial crop in the Southeastern United States and around the world. However, production is significantly limited by biotic factors including fusarium wilt caused by the hemibiotrophic fungus Fusarium oxysporum forma specialis niveum (Fon). Unfortunately, this disease has increased significantly in its presence over the last several decades as races have emerged which can overcome the available commercial resistance. Management strategies include rotation, improved crop resistance, and chemical control, but early and accurate diagnostics are required for appropriate management. Accurate diagnostics require molecular and genomic strategies due to the near identical genomic sequences of the various races. Bioassays exist for evaluating both the pathogenicity and virulence of an isolate but are limited by the time and resources required. Molecular strategies are still imperfect but greatly reduce the time to complete the diagnosis. This article presents the current state of the research surrounding races, both how races have been detected and diagnosed in the past and future prospects for improving the system of differentiation. Additionally, the available Fon genomes were analyzed using a strategy previously described in separate formae speciales avirulence gene association studies in Fusarium oxysporum races.     

Inductive Effects on Molecular Ionization Potentials. III. Primary,Secondary and Tertiary Aliphatic Amines

It is demonstrated that the ionization potentials of primary, secondary, and tertiary aliphatic amines correlate very well with the inductive and polar substituent constants, the only seriously deviating value being that for ammonia, itself. The correlation equation is found to be E_I = 9.62 + 13.8 Σσ_I.     

Polymerization of lactams,XLI. Molecular characterization of linear and branched polycaprylolactam

Samples of linear polycaprylolactam have been prepared and fractionated, and the [η]-M_w relationship has been established in m-cresol. Statistically branched samples have been obtained by copolymerizing 8-caprylolactam with bislactams. The degree of branching as well as the branching ability of different bislactams are discussed and compared with the corresponding data for branched polycaprolactams.     

Direct liquefaction of different lignocellulosics and their constituents: 2. Molecular weight determination,gas chromatography,i.r. spectroscopy

Oils derived by thermochemical conversion of different lignocellulosic feedstocks have been comparatively characterized. The average molecular weights (MW) were determined of oils and their SESC-fractions by use of high performance gel permeation chromatography. The MW of the oils varied between 230 (spruce holocellulose) and 540 Dalton (spruce organosolv lignin), while those of the SESC fractions increased with increasing polarity. Capillary g.c. was used to quantify monomeric phenols. No aromatic compounds could be detected in the oil from pure cellulose. I.r. spectra of the oils were evaluated quantitatively; multiple linear regression analysis revealed that the amounts of different types of phenols and the oxygen content can be calculated approximately from the i.r. data.     

Targeting Cytokines,Pathogen-Associated Molecular Patterns,and Damage-Associated Molecular Patterns in Sepsis via Blood Purification

Sepsis is characterized by a dysregulated immune response to infections that causes life-threatening organ dysfunction and even death. When infections occur, bacterial cell wall components (endotoxin or lipopolysaccharide), known as pathogen-associated molecular patterns, bind to pattern recognition receptors, such as toll-like receptors, to initiate an inflammatory response for pathogen elimination. However, strong activation of the immune system leads to cellular dysfunction and ultimately organ failure. Damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs), which are released by injured host cells, are well-recognized triggers that result in the elevation of inflammatory cytokine levels. A cytokine storm is thus amplified and sustained in this vicious cycle. Interestingly, during sepsis, neutrophils transition from powerful antimicrobial protectors into dangerous mediators of tissue injury and organ dysfunction. Thus, the concept of blood purification has evolved to include inflammatory cells and mediators. In this review, we summarize recent advances in knowledge regarding the role of lipopolysaccharides, cytokines, DAMPs, and neutrophils in the pathogenesis of sepsis. Additionally, we discuss the potential of blood purification, especially the adsorption technology, for removing immune cells and molecular mediators, thereby serving as a therapeutic strategy against sepsis. Finally, we describe the concept of our immune-modulating blood purification system.