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Biomedical subjects

J A Howard

Publications and source records attributed to J A Howard.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2004

Plant molecular farming: systems and products.

Plant molecular farming is a new and promising industry involving plant biotechnology. In this review, we describe several diverse plant systems that have been developed to produce commercially useful proteins for pharmaceutical and industrial uses. The advantages and disadvantages of each system are discussed. The first plant-derived molecular farming products have reached the marketplace and other products are poised to join them during the next few years. We explain the rationale for using plants as biofactories. We also describe the products currently on the market, and those that appear likely to join them in the near future. Lastly, we discuss the issue of public acceptance of molecular farming products.

Biological Products↗
PubMed2003

Improved recovery of active recombinant laccase from maize seed.

Lignolytic enzymes such as laccase have been difficult to over-express in an active form. This paper describes the expression, characterization, and application of a fungal laccase in maize seed. The transgenic seed contains immobilized and extractable laccase. Fifty ppm dry weight of aqueously extractable laccase was obtained, and the remaining solids contained a significant amount of immobilized laccase that was active. Although a portion of the extractable laccase was produced as inactive apoenzyme, laccase activity was recovered by treatment with copper and chloride. In addition to allowing the apoenzyme to regain activity, treatment with copper also provided a partial purification step by precipitating other endogenous corn proteins while leaving >90% of the laccase in solution. The data also demonstrate the application of maize-produced laccase as a polymerization agent. The apparent concentration of laccase in ground, defatted corn germ is approximately 0.20% of dry weight.

Apoenzymes↗
PubMed2002

NaCl and fluid secretion by the intestine of the teleost Fundulus heteroclitus: involvement of CFTR.

Sections of posterior intestine of the euryhaline killifish Fundulus heteroclitus adapted to sea water were stimulated by the calcium ionophore ionomycin (1 micromol l(-1)) in combination with agents to elevate intracellular cyclic AMP levels, 0.5 mmol l(-1) dibutyryl-cyclic AMP (db-cAMP) with 0.1 mmol l(-1) 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine (IBMX). Intestinal bag preparations from recently fed animals (but not from overnight unfed animals) changed from fluid absorption (+18.9+/-8.30 microl cm(-2) h(-1), N=8) in the untreated control period to net fluid secretion after stimulation (-7.43+/-1.30 microl cm(-2) h(-1), N=8, P<0.01; means +/- S.E.M.), indicative of the capacity of teleost intestine to undergo secretion. Posterior intestinal pieces mounted in vitro in Ussing-style membrane chambers showed net Cl(-) uptake (+2.245+/-0.633 microequiv cm(-2) h(-1), N=7) that turned to net secretion following stimulation by ionomycin + db-cAMP + IBMX (-3.809+/-1.22 microequiv cm(-2) h(-1), N=7, P<0.01). Mucosal application of the anion channel blocker 1 mmol l(-1) diphenylamine-2-carboxylate (DPC) after ionomycin + db-cAMP + IBMX treatment significantly reduced serosal-to-mucosal unidirectional Cl(-) flux (P<0.001), net Cl(-) flux (P<0.05), short-circuit current (I(sc), P<0.001) and tissue conductance (G(t), P<0.001), while 0.1 mmol l(-1) 4,4'-diisothiocyano-2,2'-stilbene-disulphonic acid (DIDS, a blocker of anion exchange) was without effect. Stimulation by db-cAMP + IBMX (no ionomycin) significantly increased unidirectional fluxes, I(sc) and G(t) but did not produce net Cl(-) secretion. Ionomycin alone produced a transient increase in I(sc) but had no effect on G(t) and caused no significant changes in unidirectional or net Cl(-) fluxes. Addition of db-cAMP + IBMX after ionomycin treatment produced net secretion of Cl(-) and large increases in unidirectional fluxes and G(t). Cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) was immunocytochemically localized with a monoclonal mouse antibody to the carboxy terminus and found to be present in the cytoplasm and basolateral membranes of all enterocytes and in the brush-border membrane of some cells, whereas NKCC immunofluorescence, demonstrating the presence of the Na(+)/K(+)/2Cl(-) cotransporter, was present in the cytoplasm and brush-border membrane. We conclude that the teleost intestine is capable of salt and fluid secretion only if intracellular Ca(2+) and cyclic AMP pathways are stimulated together and that this secretion appears to involve activation of CFTR ion channels in the apical membrane of a subpopulation of enterocytes.

1-Methyl-3-isobutylxanthine↗
PubMed2001

Cocrystals of 2-(2,4,5,7-tetranitrofluoren-9-ylidene)propanedinitrile and 2,4,5,7-tetranitrofluoren-9-one with chlorobenzene.

Crystallization of 2,4,5,7-tetranitro-9-(dicyanomethylene)fluorene [DTeF; systematic name: 2-(2,4,5,7-tetranitrofluorene-9-ylidene)propanedinitrile] and 2,4,5,7-tetranitrofluoren-9-one (TeNF) from chlorobenzene in the presence of pi-donor compounds yielded the chlorobenzene solvate, C(16)H(4)N(6)O(8) x C(6)H(5)Cl, and the bis(chlorobenzene) solvate, C(13)H(4)N(4)O(9) x 2C(6)H(5)Cl, respectively. Both structures comprise mixed stacks of twisted fluorene moieties interspersed with nearly parallel chlorobenzene molecules. Solvent-free crystals of DTeF and TeNF were obtained from pure chlorobenzene.

Journal Article↗
PubMed2001

Hexahydroxybenzene-2,2'-bipyridine (1/2).

2,2'-Bipyridine (2BPY) and hexahydroxybenzene (HHB) crystallize in a 2:1 ratio as a neutral molecular adduct, C(6)H(6)O(6).2C(10)H(8)N(2), in space group P1 with Z = 1 and with the HHB molecule lying on an inversion centre. HHB, of which this is the first single-crystal X-ray structure determination, forms O-H...O hydrogen-bonded chains parallel to the a axis, with O...O distances of 2.761 (1) and 2.782 (1) A. O-H...N hydrogen bonds to the 2BPY molecules crosslink these chains, with O...N distances of 2.707 (1) and 2.735 (1) A.

Journal Article↗
PubMed2001

Interpenetrating supramolecular lattices in 4,4'-bipyridine-2,3,5,6-tetrahydroxy-1,4-benzoquinone (3/2).

4,4'-Bipyridine (BPY) and 2,3,5,6-tetrahydroxy-1,4-benzoquinone (THBQ) crystallize in a 3:2 ratio as a neutral molecular adduct, 3C(10)H(8)N(2).2C(6)H(4)O(6), in space group P1. There are two independent and centrosymmetric THBQ molecules and two different BPY molecules in the asymmetric unit, one of which lies about an inversion centre. The molecules link together through O-H...O and O-H...N hydrogen bonds to form three interpenetrating networks which create a 'superlattice' of three times the volume of the primitive cell.

Journal Article↗
PubMed2001

Cinnamoyl shikonin.

The title compound, 1-(5,8-dihydro-1,4-dihydroxy-5,8-dioxo-2-naphthyl)-4-methylpent-3-en-1-yl cinnamate, C(25)H(22)O(6), crystallizes in space group P2(1). The phenyl ring of the cinnamate is anti to the carbonyl group of the same moiety [C-C-C-C = -175.6 (2) degrees] and is nearly parallel to the naphthyl ring system. Two six-membered rings formed by intramolecular hydrogen bonds, with O-H...O distances of 2.587 (2) and 2.589 (2) A, occur on either side of the fused ring system, creating a tetracyclic pyrene-shaped system. The phenyl ring forms an intermolecular stack with the benzoquinone ring, as a result of aromatic pi-pi interactions.

Cinnamates↗
PubMed2001

Ab initio structure determination of BiPb2VO6 from powder diffraction data.

The crystal structure of BiPb2VO6 has been determined from powder diffraction data using a combination of direct methods and the novel approach of applying simulated annealing methods simultaneously to X-ray and neutron data; BiPb2VO6 is a polar, noncentrosymmetric, second harmonic generation active material and its crystal structure is one of the more complex to be solved ab initio from powder diffraction data.

Journal Article↗
PubMed2001

Spirocyclopropanated bicyclopropylidenes: straightforward preparation, physical properites, and chemical transformations.

Perspirocyclopropanated bicyclopropylidene (6) was prepared in three steps from 7-cyclopropylidenedispiro[2.0.2.1]heptane (4) (24% overall) or, more efficiently, through dehalogenative coupling of 7,7-dibromo[3]triangulane (15) (82%). This type of reductive dimerization turned out to be successful for the synthesis of (E)- and (Z)-bis(spiropentylidene) 14 (67%) and even of the "third-generation" spirocyclopropanated bicyclopropylidene 17 (17% overall from 15). Whereas the parent bicyclopropylidene 1 dimerized at 180 degrees C to yield [4]rotane, dimerization of 6 at 130 degrees C under 10 kbar pressure occured only with opening of one three-membered ring to yield the polyspirocyclopropanated (cyclopropylidene)cyclopentane derivative 19 (34% yield), and at the elevated temperature the polyspirocyclopropanated 2-cyclopropylidene[3.2.2]propellane derivative 20 (25 % yield). Perspirocyclopropanated bicyclopropylidene 6 and the "third-generation" bicyclopropylidene 17 gave addition of bromine, hydrogen bromide, and various dihalocarbenes without rearrangement. The functionally substituted branched [7]triangulane 28 and branched dichloro-C2v-[15]triangulane 32 were used to prepare the perspirocyclopropanated [3]rotane (D3h-[10]triangulane) 49 (six steps from 6, 1.4% overall yield) and the C2v-[15]triangulane 51 (two steps from 17, 41% overall). Upon catalytic hydrogenation, the perspirocyclopropanated bicyclopropylidene 6 yielded 7,7'-bis(dispiro[2.0.2.]-heptyl) (52) and, under more forcing conditions, 1,1'-bis(2,2,3,3-tetramethylcyclopropyl) (53). The bromofluorocarbene adduct 33 of 17 reacted with butyllithium to give the unexpected polyspirocyclopropanated 1,4-di-n-butyl-2-cyclopropylidenebicyclo[2.2.0]hexane derivative 37 as the main product (55% yield) along with the expected "third-generation" perspirocyclopropanated dicyclopropylidenemethane 38 (21% yield). Mechanistic aspects of this and the other unusual reactions are discussed. The structures of all new unusual hydrocarbons were proven by X-ray crystal structure analyses, and the most interesting structural and crystal packing features are presented.

Journal Article↗
PubMed2001

trans-1,2,3-Tris(1-hydroxycyclopropyl)cyclopropane.

The central three-membered ring in the title compound, trans-1,1',1"-cyclopropane-1,2,3-triyltris(cyclopropanol), C(12)H(18)O(3), shows pronounced asymmetry of the bond lengths, which is induced by the different orientations of the substituents. A network of hydrogen bonds links the molecules into sheets.

Journal Article↗
PubMed2001

Crystal engineering in the gem-alkynol family: the key role of water in the structure of 2,3,5,6-tetrabromo-trans-1,4-diethynyl-cyclohexa-2,5-diene-1,4-diol dihydrate determined by X-ray and neutron diffraction at 150 K.

The structure of the title compound has been determined using low-temperature (150 K) single-crystal X-ray and neutron diffraction data. Crystals adopt the uncommon space group P4(2)/ncm and display a complex set of intermolecular interactions in which the water molecules play the crucial role: the water O-atom [O2(w)] accepts two hydrogen bonds and both water H atoms act as bifurcated donors. A set of O--H...O hydrogen bonds is formed around the 4(2) axis comprising (a) a cyclic tetrameric synthon involving four donor-H from two water molecules and two O(hydroxy) acceptors from two parent molecules, and (b) short discrete O(hydroxy)--H...O2(w) hydrogen bonds which link these tetramers along the c axis. Four Br...Br interactions [3.708 (1) A] form cyclic Br(4) tetramers around the 4 axis and are linked to the O--H...O system via O2(w)--H...Br bonds with H...Br = 2.995 (2) A. Finally, the O--H...O system is further linked to the parent molecules via C identical with C...H...O2(w) bonds of 2.354 (3) A. The supramolecular structure of the title hydrate is compared with that of the non-hydrated parent molecule, which also forms cyclic O--H...O bonded tetrameric synthons, and with its (non-hydrated) tetrachloro analogue, which forms cyclic tetrameric Cl(4) synthons [Madhavi, Desiraju et al. (2000b). Acta Cryst. B56, 1063--1070].

Journal Article↗
PubMed2001

A urea complex of copper(II) hypophosphite at 293, 100 and 15 K.

The crystal structure of poly[copper(II)-di-mu-hypophosphito-mu-urea], [Cu(H2PO2)2(CH4N2O)]n, has been determined at 293, 100 and 15 K. The geometry of the hypophosphite anion is very close to ideal, with point symmetry mm2. Each Cu atom lies on an inversion centre and is coordinated to six O atoms from four hypophosphite anions and two urea molecules, forming a tetragonal bipyramid. The unique urea molecule lies on a twofold axis. Each hypophosphite anion in the structure is coordinated to two Cu atoms. The hypophosphite anions, urea molecules and Cu(II) cations form polymeric ribbons. The Cu(II) cations in the ribbon are linked together by two hypophosphite anions and a urea molecule, which is coordinated to Cu via an O atom. The ribbons are linked to each other by N-H...O hydrogen bonds and form polymeric layers.

Journal Article↗
PubMed2001

Octafluoronaphthalene-diphenylacetylene (1/1).

The structure of the title complex, C10F8*C14H10, comprises mixed stacks of alternating diphenylacetylene and octafluoronaphthalene molecules, both lying at inversion centres and parallel to within 8.6 (1) degrees, in contrast with the herring-bone packing observed in crystals of either pure component.

Journal Article↗
PubMed2001

Trialkyltetrathiafulvalene-sigma-tetracyanoanthraquinodimethane [R(3)TTF-sigma-TCNAQ] diads: synthesis, intramolecular charge-transfer properties, and X-ray crystal structure.

We report the use of the electron-donating 4,5-dipentyl-4'-methyl-TTF (TTF = tetrathiafulvalene) moiety in combination with the electron acceptor 11,11,12,12-tetracyanoanthraquinodimethane (TCNAQ) unit in the novel D-sigma-A diad molecules 11, 17, and 18. These compounds display a weak, broad, low-energy intramolecular charge-transfer (ICT) band in the UV-vis spectra (lambda(max) 430-450 nm). Cyclic voltammetric studies show two reversible one-electron oxidation processes for the R(3)TTF moiety, and a reversible two-electron reduction process for the TCNAQ moiety. The electron affinity of TCNAQ is significantly enhanced by the electron-withdrawing sulfonamide and sulfonic ester groups (compounds 17 and 18, respectively). Simultaneous electrochemistry and EPR (SEEPR) experiments show no significant intramolecular interaction between the R(3)TTF and TCNAQ moieties in compounds 11 and 18. X-ray crystallographic data are presented for 5, 11, and 20. The structure of 5 reveals hydrogen-bonded dimers. In molecule 11 the bond lengths and conformations of both donor and acceptor moieties are typical for neutral species. Compound 20 is an unusual calcium complex of TCNAQ derivative obtained by dicyanomethylation of anthraquinone-2-carboxylic acid.

Journal Article↗
PubMed2001

Rapid neutron-diffraction data collection for hydrogen-bonding studies: application of the Laue diffractometer (LADI) to the case study zinc (tris)thiourea sulfate.

The successful application of the newly developed image-plate neutron Laue diffractometer (LADI) at the Institut Laue-Langevin (ILL), Grenoble, France, for rapid hydrogen-bonding characterization is reported. The case study concerns the promising non-linear optical material zinc (tris)thiourea sulfate (ZTS), which contains 30 atoms in the asymmetric unit and crystallizes in the orthorhombic space group, Pca2(1), a = 11.0616 (9), b = 7.7264 (6), c = 15.558 (1) A [T = 100.0 (1) K]. The results from a 12 h data collection from ZTS on LADI are compared with those obtained over 135 h using the monochromatic four-circle diffractometer D9 at the same reactor source with a crystal 13 times larger in volume. Both studies reveal the extensive hydrogen bonding and other close non-bonded contacts within the material. As expected, the results from D9 are more precise than those obtained from LADI; however, the bond geometry determined from the two experiments is the same within the larger estimated standard deviations. Furthermore, the conclusions drawn from the two studies separately regarding the nature of all supramolecular features are identical. This illustrates that LADI is eminently suitable for rapid characterization of hydrogen-bonded structures by neutron diffraction, with the gain in speed compared with traditional instrumentation being several orders of magnitude.

Journal Article↗