Enzymic formation of p-hydroxybenzoate from p-hydroxycinnamate

An enzyme that converts p-hydroxycinnamate into p-hydroxybenzoate was found in rat liver. It is localized in the mitochondria and requires ATP. The activity is lost when the mitochondria are stored frozen overnight. Addition of magnesium chloride, cytochrome c, GSH, coenzyme A or potassium cyanide did not have any effect on the activity. When the rats were fed with alpha-p-chlorophenoxyisobutyrate, the rate of formation of p-hydroxybenzoate increased twofold. The reaction has some similar properties to fatty acid oxidation, but appears to be different in many respects.

Synthesis of caerulomycin

The synthesis of Caerulomycin starting from the known 4-methoxy-2,2′-bipyridyl-1-oxide, prepared from 2,2′-bipyridyl, is described.

A hot-wire microanemometer for measurement of air movements inside clothing

A hot-wire anemometer has been specially designed and fabricated for the measurement of the wind speed component of the microenvironment inside clothing. A copper-constantan thermocouple has been used for estimation of temperature. The constant-current method is used for measurement of air movement. The sensing element is mounted in a Perspex frame which can be strapped to the human body inside clothing. Speeds in the range 2–280 cm/sec have been measured with the instrument.

anemometer; thermocouple; air velocity inside clothing

Submitted on September 8, 1964