Effect of MTEC1 on the functional expression of TCRaβ+ 3G11− 6C10− CD4+ CD8− thymocyte subset

A murine CD4⁺ thymocyte subset with phenotype of TCRαβ⁺ 3G11⁻ 6C10⁻ CD4⁺ CD8⁻ CD69^+/- HSA^med/lo contains the cells in relatively functional matured status. The functional property of the cells in this subset is characterized by the unique pattern of cytokine production at transitional stage from Th0 to Th2 type with the latter being the dominant type. After being co-cultured with murine thymic medullary epithelial cell line (MTEC1) cells, a murine thymic medullary type epithelial cell line, the TCRαβ⁺ 3G11⁻ 6C10⁻ CD4⁺ CD8⁻ CD69^+/- HSA^med/lo thymocytes, has exhibited significantly higher levels of proliferation capability and IL-6 production, whereas the production of IL-4 and IL-10 is suppressed after co-culturing with MTECl. By contrast, MTECl could not induce thymocytes to secrete Thl type of cytokines. The results suggest that MTECl can regulate functional status of this thymocyte subset and induce them to develop into a specialized Th2 subset.     

Phenotypic analysis of the medullary-type CD4−CD8+ thymocytes in mice

Phenotypic analysis of the medullary-type CD4 CD8⁺ (CD8SP) thymocytes has revealed phenotypic heterogeneity within this cell population. The phenotype of mature peripheral CDS⁺T cells is TCRαβ⁺CD3⁺Qa-2⁺HSA 3G11⁻6C10, whereas in the medullary-type CD8SP thymocytes, 20% are Qa-2⁺; 33%, HAS; 30%, 3G11; and 70% are 6C10. The disparate expression patterns of these four cell surface markers suggest that medullary-type CD8SP thymocytes may undergo phenotypic maturation process. According to the distribution of these four cell surface markers, six subgroups of CD8SP thymocytes have been identified. The precursor-progeny relationship along with developmental pathway is postulated as follows: 6C10⁺HSA⁺3G11 Qa-2→ 6C10⁺HSA⁺ 3G11⁺Qa-2 → 6C10 HSA⁺3G11⁺Qa-2 → 6C10⁻HSA⁻3G11⁺Qa-2 → 6C10⁻HSA⁻3G11 Qa-2 → 6C10⁻HA S 3G11 Qa-2⁺, the cells in the last subgroup exit the thymus and home into periphery.     

Interaction of aloe-emodin with human serum albumin

The presence of several high affinity binding sites on human serum albumin (HSA) makes it a possible target for many drugs. This study is designed to examine the effect of aloe-emodin on HSA by fluo-rescence, CD spectroscopy and molecular modeling. The results of fluorescence measurements sug-gested that the hydrophobic interaction was the predominant intermolecular force stabilizing the AE-HSA complex, which was in good agreement with the result of molecular modeling study. And the enthalpy change ΔH0 and the entropy change ΔS0 were calculated to be -7.041 kJ·mol-1 and 76.619 J·mol-1·K-1 according to the Van't Hoff equation. The alterations of protein secondary structure in the presence of AE in aqueous solution were quantitatively calculated from CD spectra, and the content of α-helices obviously increased.     

Resonance-enhanced multiphoton ionization spectroscopy on the B′2Σ+ and B2Π states of NS

Resonance-enhanced multiphoton ionization （REMPI） spectra of N^32S and N^34S have been recorded in the range of 35700-40200 cm^-1. The radical was generated by a pulsed dc discharge of a mixture of SF6 and N2 under a supersonic free jet condition. All the 16 observed bands of N^32S radicals have been assigned, among which 12 bands belong to three transition progressions （v′=0-4, 0）, （v′=1-4, 1） and （v′=2-4, 2） from the X^2П ground state to the B′^2∑^＋ upper state and the rest correspond to （9, 0）, （10, 0）, （11, 0） and （12, 0） bands of B^2П-X^2П transition, respectively. Analysis of the rotationally resolved spectra yields exhaustive spectroscopic constants of both the X^2П ground state and the B′^2∑^＋ excited state. The electronic transition bands of the isotopic molecule N^34S have been rotationally analyzed for the first time and the rotational constants of the ground and upper states have been determined simultaneously.     

Studies on the inclusion complex reaction and fluorescent analytical application of β-cyclodextrin with hymecromone

The inclusion complex reaction condition and the mechanism of β-cyclodextrin with hymecromone have been studied by fluorescent spectrum. The fluorescent intensity and the stability of the system can be qreatly increased in qiven condition, and the formation constant of the inclusion complex reaction has been determined too. The system can be applied to the determination of trace amounts of hymecromone, the maximum fluorescent intensity is obtained with excitation and emission wavelength at 362 nm and 452 nm, respectively. The linear range for hymecromone is 8.0×10⁻⁹ mol·L⁻¹ to 1.0×10⁻⁵ mol·L⁻¹. The detection limit is 1.8×10⁻⁹ mol·L⁻¹. A simple, rapid and highly sensitive fluorimetric method is proposed for the determination of hymecromone. The results obtained are in agreement with those given by an official method. Foundation item: Supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (G1999046703) Biography: Luo Zhao-fu(1947-), female, Associate professor.     

Coordination behavior between zinc salts and L-α-methionine

The solubility properties of ZnCl\-2/ZnAc\-2/ZnSO\-4_Met_H\-2O systems at 25℃ in the whole cocentration range have been investigated by phase equilibrium method. The results indicate that ZnAc\-2 and ZnSO\-4 systems are both simple systems, which do not exist any compound; there are 2 complexes formed in ZnCl\-2 system: Zn(Met)Cl\-2 and Zn(Met)\-2Cl\-2·2H\-2O. Under the direction of phase equilibrium result, 2 solid complexes have been prepared in water and characterized by chemical analysis, IR, X_ray diffraction. Their combustion energies have also been determined by means of a RBC_type_1 rotating_bomb calorimeter, and their standard enthalpies of formation, Δ f, coor(s)H O-, have been calculated which are (-828.32±3.00) kJ·mol -1 and (-1 117.08±6.15) kJ·mol -1, respectively.     

The synthesis and characterisation of polyaniline catalysed and doped by squaric acid

Aniline was polymerized in dilute aqueous squaric acid and the polyaniline (PAn) was doped with 10⁻¹–10⁻³ mol/L of squaric acid. The corresponding electrical conductivity of the PAn is 10⁻¹–10⁻² S ⊙ cm⁻¹. The solubility of the doped PAn has been improved in common polar organic solvents. The FTIR and UV—Vis spectra show that the PAn has the structure of both quinone and imine. Supported by the National Natural Sciences Foundation of China Zhan Caimao: born in 1948, Associate professor     

Kinetic studies of the decomposition reaction of adducts of dinuclear Fe(Ⅱ)/O2

Kinetic studies of the decomposition reaction of dinuclear Fe(Ⅱ) adducts [Fe₂(N-Et-HPTB){O₂P(OPh)₂}](Cl- O₄)₂ (1) and [Fe₂(N-Et-HPTB) {O₂P(Ph)₂}] (ClO₄)₂ (2) with O₂ have been carried out at low temperature using UV-vis spectra. The decomposition reaction of Fe(Ⅱ)/O₂ adducts was first-order in the experimental conditions, and the activation parameters were obtained. ?H^¹ = 85.62 kJ·mol^-1, ?S¹ = 19.43 J·mol^-1·K^-1 for compound (1) and ?H^¹ = 97.97 kJ·mol^-1, ?S^¹ = 55.68 J·mol^-1·K^-1 for compound (2). These results are similar to those of dioxygen adducts of other metals complexes and natural enzymes such as methane mono- oxygenase (MMOH).     

Observation of small-scale processes over shelf break in the East China Sea

The turbulent dissipation along with temperature and salinity was measured on board R/V Dong Fang Hong 2 over the shelf break of the East China Sea from March 7 to 9, 2004. Applying the Turner angle, it is found that the ＇diffusive＇ double diffusion, salt-fingering, and stable stratification coexist in the upper water column of about 50 m. Below that depth, there exists weak salt-fingering. The turbulent dissipation rates are enhanced along the ray paths of M2 internal tides emanating from the shelf break with values ranging from 1.0×10^-9 W·kg^-1 to 1.2×10^-6 W·kg^-1. The corresponding diapycnal mixing rates are from 1×10^-6 m^2· s^-1 to 1×10^-2 m^2· s^-1. The spatially averaged mixing rate over the whole observation section is 2.3×10^-3 m^2· s^-1, which is much larger than 1×10^-5 m^2·s^-1 of the background diapycnal mixing rate in the open ocean.     

Magnetocaloric effect in Er-Al-Co bulk metallic glasses

A series of Er-Al-Co bulk metallic glasses (BMGs) have been prepared by the copper mold casting method. The glass forming ability and magnetocaloric effect (MCE) for these alloys have been investigated. The second-order magnetic transition from para-magnetic to ferromagnetic states takes place at about 9 K. These BMGs exhibit excellent MCE because of their large effective magneton number; Er56Al24Co20 BMG has a maximum entropy change and refrigeration capacity of 16.06 J kg-1 K-1 and 546 J kg-1,respectively,under the field of 50 kOe (10 kOe=795.775 kA/m) indicating that these BMGs are potential candidate magnetic materials for hydrogen liquefaction.     

Structural OH in mantle-derived clinopyroxene megacrysts from Nushan

Thirteen clinopyroxene megacrysts from Nushan Cenozoic basalts have been investigated by Fourier transform infrared spectrometer(FTIR). The results demonstrate that all samples contain trace amount of structural OH. Clinopyroxenes from Nushan show four groups of absorption bands, in which, 3 472–3 506 cm⁻¹ is the major characteristic one. It is suggested that the position of major band is probably related to AI content: the position of major characteristic band for high-AI samples is around 3 470 cm⁻¹, whereas that for low-AI samples around 3 620 cm⁻¹.     

Effects of anions on the biosorption of microelement cations by macroalga <Emphasis Type="Italic">Enteromorpha prolifera</Emphasis> in single- and multi-metal systems

The results of research on the effects of anions on the biosorption of microelement cations by the edible marine macroalga Enteromorpha prolifera in singleand multi-metal systems are discussed in this paper. It was shown that the maximum biosorption capacity (qmax) in a single-metal system of Co(II) ions decreased in the following sequence: Cl- (46.0 mg g-1) > SO42- (42.8 mg g-1) > NO3- (41.9 mg g-1). In multi-metal systems, in which the ratios of Cl-, NO3-, and SO42- were 0:0:4, 1:1:2, 3:0:1, and 4:0:0, there were clear differences among the biosorption capacities. In all the examined systems (other than the 0:0:4 system), inhibition of the binding of microelement cations by the macroalga was observed. In all the systems, the highest value of qmax was obtained for Cu(II) cations; the value ranged from 31.9 mg g-1 in 0:0:4 (SO42- only) to 18.2 mg g-1 in 4:0:0 (Cl-only).     

Chemical leaching of an Indian bituminous coal and characterization of the products by vibrational spectroscopic techniques

High volatile bituminous coal was demineralized by a chemical method. The vibrations of the "aromatics" structure of graphite, crystalline or non-crystalline, were observed in the spectra at the 1600 cm-1 region. The band at 1477 cm-1 is assigned as V_R band, the band at 1392 cm-1 as V_L band and the band at 1540 cm-1 as G_R band. Graphite structure remains after chemical leaching liberates oxygenated functional groups and mineral groups. The silicate bands between 1010 and 1100 cm-1 are active in the infrared (IR) spectrum but inactive in the Raman spectrum. Absorption arising from C-H stretching in alkenes occurs in the region of 3000 to 2840 cm-1. Raman bands because of symmetric stretch of water molecules were also observed in the spectrum at 3250 cm-1 and 3450 cm-1. Scanning electron microscopy analysis revealed the presence of a graphite layer on the surface. Leaching of the sample with hydrofluoric acid decreases the mineral phase and increases the carbon content. The ash content is reduced by 84.5wt% with leaching from its initial value by mainly removing aluminum and silicate containing minerals.     

Observation of internal tides and near-inertial motions in the upper 450 m layer of the northern South China Sea

Mooring ADCP current observations from August to November are used to study the barotropic tides, baroclinic tides and near-inertial motions in the upper 450 m layer of the northern South China Sea. The barotropic and baroclinic tides at the mooring station are all dominated by M2, K1, O1, P1, with the barotropic amplitudes being 7.8 cm·s^-1, 7.0 cm·s^-1, 5.4 cm·s^-1 and 3.5 cm·s^-1 respectively. The amplitudes of M2, K1, O1, P1 internal tides vary greatly, which are 12--15 cm·s^-1 in the thermocline, and then decrease with increasing depth. The amplitude of the barootropic near-inertial motions is less than 1 cm·s^-1, contributing little to the barotropic currents. However, that of the baroclinic nearinertial motions can be as large as 5 cm·s^-1. The inclination of tidal ellipse tends to increase with increasing depth, implying upward propagation of energy, while that of the near-inertial ellipse tends to decrease with increasing depth, implying downward propagation of energy.     

Sensitive Determination of DNA by RLS Enhancement of Metal Ions

0　IntroductionThequantitativeanalysisofnucleicacids,especiallythemi cro determinationofnucleicacids,isbecomingmoreandmoreimportantinmanybiologicalstudies.Recently ,apromisingspectraltechnique ,whichwasbasedonthemeasurementofen hancedresonancelightscattering (RLS) [1 ,2 ] ,hasgivenrisetostronginterestbyanalystsandbiochemistsfornucleicacidsandproteinassay[3 9] .Uptonow ,manykindscompoundshavebeenfoundRLSenhancementwhilebindingtoDNA ,andallthesecompoundsarecharacterizedofpositivechargewhicha…     

The contribution of root respiration to soil CO2 efflux in Puccinellia tenuiflora dominated community in a semi-arid meadow steppe

Rising atmospheric CO2 and temperature are altering ecosystem carbon cycling. Grasslands play an important role in regional climate change and global carbon cycle. Below-ground processes play a key role in the grassland carbon cycle because they regulate …     

Determination of ammonium ion in lake water by voltammetry

0　IntroductionDetectionofammoniumionisveryimportantinmanyfields,suchashealthcare,agriculture ,cultivationandenviron mentalpollutioncontrol.Severalanalyticalmethodshavebeende velopedforammoniumdeterminationincludingionchromatography ,spectrophotometry,fluorimetryandchemiluminescence .MostofthemarebasedonspectrophotometryusingtheBerthelot reactionbetweenammonium ,phenol,andhypochloriteleadingtothefor mationofanindophenoldye[1 ] .Thereactiontimeisaboutanhour,andsomedissolvedorganicnitrogencompo…     

Discovery of the superlarge gallium ore deposit in Jungar, Inner Mongolia, North China

Gallium, Ge, V, and U are the associated valuable elements in coal. From the 1950s to the 1970s, some researchers in the departments of coal industry and mineral resources of China investigated these elements in coal during geological explorations. The enrichment mechanism and the environmental influence of trace elements in coal have been deeply studied in recent twenty years. With respect to the ore-forming theories and practical utilizations of metals in coal, germanium was furthest studi…     

Electrochemical determination of trace amounts of lead (II) and cadmium (II) at a calix[6]arene modified carbon paste electrode

An electrochemical method for the simultaneous determination of lead(II) and Cadmium(II) with a calix[6]arene modified carbon paste electrode (CPE) has been developed. Pb²⁺ and Cd²⁺ were accumulated at the surface of the modified electrode via formation of chemical complexes with calix[6]arene, and reduced at 1.40 V. During the following anodic potential sweep, reduced lead and cadmium were oxidized, and two well-defined striping peaks appeared at about −0.60 V and −0.84 V. Compared with a bare carbon paste electrode, the calix[6]arene modified CPE greatly improves the sensitivity of determining lead and cadmium. The stripping peak currents change linearly with the concentration of Pb²⁺ 3.0×10⁻⁸–8.0×10⁻⁶ mol·L⁻¹ and with that of Cd²⁺ 6.0×10⁻⁸–1.0×10⁻⁵ mol ·L⁻¹. The detection limits of Pb²⁺ and Cd²⁺ are found to be 8.0×10⁻⁹ mol·L⁻¹ and 2.0×10⁻⁸ mol·L⁻¹, respectively. The modified carbon paste electrode was applied to determine trace levels of lead and cadmium in water samples. Comparing with that of atomic absorption spectrometry, the results suggests that the calix[6]arene modified CPE has great potential for the practical sample analysis. Foundation item: Supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (60171023) Biography: JI Xiao-bo (1980-), male, Master, research direction: electroanalytical chemistry.     

Trace determination of zirconium using anodic adsorptive voltammetry at a carbon paste electrode modified with multi-walled carbon nanotubes

A carbon paste electrode modified with multi-walled carbon nanotubes （MWCNT） was prepared and the determination of ultra trace amount of zirconium based on the anodic adsorptive voltammetry of the zirconium-calcium-alizarin red S mix-polynuclear complex is described in this paper for the first time. The results showed that the sensitivity and the selectivity of the method are excellent. The second derivative linear scan voltammograms of the complex were recorded by polarographic analyzer from 200 to 1200 mV （vs. SCE） and it was found that the complex can be adsorbed on the surface of the electrode, yielding a peak at about 840 mV, corresponding to the oxidation of ARS in the complex. The peak current increases linearly with Zr （IV） concentration in the range of 6.0×10^-12--6.0×10^-11 mol. L^-1 （accumulation time 120 s）, 6.0×10^-11--2.0×10^-9 mol. L-1 （accumulation time 90 s） and 2.0×10^-9--1.0×10^-7 mol. L^-1 （accumulation time 60 s） and the detection limit （S/N = 3） is 2.0×10^-12 mol. L^-1 （accumulation time 180 s）. The procedure has been successfully applied to the determination of zirconium in the ore samples.