China,Science and Humanities

Mankind is today indeed at a turning point of history: For the first time, we recognize and experience the limitations set by the finite resources of the globe. But also for the first time in history, we truely have the capability to develop all the technological tools necessary to shape our future.     

博格达山南缘芦草沟组的浊积扇

根据岩性、沉积构造、古生物化石和地球化学标志，系统分析了博格达山南缘广泛发育的二叠系芦草沟组的沉积环境。研究表明：博格达山南缘芦草沟组深湖相沉积十分发育，并在此背景上沉积了近岸浊积扇和远岸浊积扇。其中，深湖相暗色泥、页岩和油页岩构成了良好的烃源岩。同时，认为吐哈盆地前侏罗系具有良好的勘探前景。     

In vitro reactivation of anaphase spindle elongation using isolated diatom spindles

A key step for analysing the mechanochemistry of mitosis would be the isolation of a functional spindle capable of anaphase chromosome movement in vitro. Although Mazia and Dan first isolated spindles in 1952, with one or two possible exceptions, isolated spindles are non-functional. An alternative approach has used permeabilized cells to study anaphase chromosome movement, but these preparations are biochemically and morphologically complex, and hence difficult to analyse. We describe here a simple procedure for isolating diatom spindles which are capable of anaphase spindle elongation in vitro. With addition of ATP, the two half-spindles slide completely apart, with concomitant decrease in the zone of overlap. Electron microscopy reveals decreased numbers of microtubules throughout the spindle after ATP addition and confirms the complete absence of structures beyond the spindle poles. These results are inconsistent with theoretical models of mitosis which suggest that spindle poles are pushed apart by microtubule growth, are pulled apart by external forces applied to the poles, or are released from tension generated during spindle formation. The results are consitent with models that postulate mechanical interactions in the zone of microtubule overlap as a factor in spindle elongation.     

Thiarubrine A, a bioactive constituent of Aspilia (Asteraceae) consumed by wild chimpanzees

Two African species of Aspilia (Asteraceae), which are used medicinally by man and which are eaten by wild chimpanzees in an unusual manner, were found to contain the potent antibiotic thiarubrine A as a major leaf phytochemical. Its presence in leaf material strengthens the view that the feeding behavior of wild chimpanzees is related to special physiological or pharmacological effects on the animals.     

On the Construction of Mohr Stress Circle and a Graphic Method in Representing the Stress Components on Different Oblique Planes

The Mohr stress circle for three-dimensional stress is usually determined by equations,which is lack of intuitionistic meanings and difficult to understand. In this paper, the construction of Mohr stress circle is illustrated directly by numerical method. The shortcoming of Mohr stress circle in representing the stress components on different oblique planes for three-dimensional stress is analyzed. A three-dimensional figure is given to describe the variation of normal and shear stress on different oblique planes at one point for the first time.     

添加剂对AN多变晶型影响研究

本文运用热分析的方法对四十余种无机、有机添加剂和几种表面活性剂及水分对硝酸铵(AN)晶型转变的影响进行了研究。结果表明这些添加剂对AN的影响应为多种因素的综合结果。     

A model for interfacial activation in lipases from the structure of a fungal lipase-inhibitor complex

Lipases are hydrolytic enzymes which break down triacylglycerides into free fatty acids and glycerols. They have been classified as serine hydrolases owing to their inhibition by diethyl p-nitrophenyl phosphate. Lipase activity is greatly increased at the lipid-water interface, a phenomenon known as interfacial activation. X-ray analysis has revealed the atomic structures of two triacylglycerol lipases, unrelated in sequence: the human pancreatic lipase (hPL)4, and an enzyme isolated from the fungus Rhizomucor (formerly Mucor) miehei (RmL). In both enzymes the active centres contain structurally analogous Asp-His-Ser triads (characteristic of serine proteinases), which are buried completely beneath a short helical segment, or 'lid'. Here we present the crystal structure (at 3 A resolution) of a complex of R. miehei lipase with n-hexylphosphonate ethyl ester in which the enzyme's active site is exposed by the movement of the helical lid. This movement also increases the nonpolarity of the surface surrounding the catalytic site. We propose that the structure of the enzyme in this complex is equivalent to the activated state generated by the oil-water interface.     

Effects of polysorbates and Cremophor EL on vascular responses in rat aorta

The effects of Tween 20, Tween 80, and Cremophor EL, surface active agents which are used for dispersion of water-insoluble substances, on vascular responsiveness were investigated using rat aortic rings. In high concentrations all these agents produced persistent contractions in aortic rings independent of the presence of endothelium. These contractions were not influenced by inhibitors of known endogenous contractile mediators. Incubation with these agents caused a concentration-dependent inhibition of the endothelium-dependent relaxant responses to acetylcholine in intact precontracted aortic rings. Endothelium-independent relaxations produced by sodium nitroprusside were not inhibited, but rather potentiated in the presence of Tween 80 (10^–1 ml/l). On the other hand, Tween 80 inhibited the contractile effects of 5-hydroxytryptamine, phenylephrine, and bradykinin significantly. The data suggests that these substances affect both endothelial cells and vascular smooth muscle.