Phase identification in a series of liquid crystalline TPP polyethers and copolyethers having highly ordered mesophase structures. 7. Phase structures in a series of copolyethers containing odd and even numbers of methylene units of different compositions

A series of liquid crystalline copolyethers have been synthesized from 1-(4-hydroxy-4'-biphenyl)-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)propane with 1,7-dibromoheptane and 1,12-dibromododecene [coTPPs(7/12)], which represents copolyethers containing both odd and even numbers of methylene units. The molar ratio of odd to even methylene units in this series ranges from 1/9 to 9/1. The coTPPs(7/12) exhibit multiple phase transitions during cooling and heating in differential scanning calorimetry experiments. For all these thermal transitions, a small undercooling and superheating dependence is observed upon cooling and heating at different rates. Three types of phase behaviors can be classified in coTPPs(7/12) on the basis of the structural analyses by wide-angle X-ray diffraction on powder and fiber samples and by electron diffraction experiments in transmission electron microscopy. At room temperature, highly ordered smectic and smectic crystal (SC) phases are identified in coTPPs(7/12: 1/9 and 2/8), which is similar to the homopolymer TPP(m = 12). The coTPPs(7/12: 3/7, 4/6, and 5/5) possess a hexagonal columnar (Phi(H)) phase in which the molecular and columnar axes are parallel to the fiber direction and perpendicular to the hexagonal lateral packing. The coTPPs(7/12: 6/4, 7/3, and 8/2) possess a tilted hexagonal columnar (Phi(TH)) phase with a single tilt angle which increases with the increasing composition of the seven-numbered methylene units. However, in coTPP(7/12: 9/1), a Phi(TH) phase with multiple tilt angles is found. Upon heating, phase structures in most coTPPs(7/12) involving the columnar phases enter directly into the nematic (N) phase, while the coTPP(7/12: 1/9) exhibits a highly ordered smectic F (S-F) phase before it reaches the N phase. One exception is found in coTPP(7/12: 2/8), wherein the transformation from the S-F to Phi(H) occurs prior to the N phase. Combining the copolymer phase behaviors observed with the corresponding homopolymers TPP(n = 7) and TPP(m = 12), a phase diagram describing transition temperatures with respect to the composition can be constructed.

A scaling law of photoelectron angular distributions in one-cycle laser pulses

The photoelectron angular distributions (PADs) from above-threshold ionization of atoms irradiated by one-cycle laser pulses satisfy a scaling law. The scaling law denotes that the main features of the PADs are determined by four dimensionless parameters: (1) the ponderomotive number u(p) = U-p/hw, the ponderomotive energy U-p in units of laser photon energy; (2) the binding number E-b = E-b/h(w), the atomic binding energy E-b in units of laser photon energy; (3) the number of absorbed photons q; (4) the carrier-envelope phase phi(0), the phase of the carrier wave with respect to the envelope. We verify the scaling law by theoretical analysis and numerical calculation, compared to that in long-pulse case. A possible experimental test to verify the scaling law is suggested.

Characterization and Comparison of the Tissue-Related Modules in Human and Mouse

Background: Due to the advances of high throughput technology and data-collection approaches, we are now in an unprecedented position to understand the evolution of organisms. Great efforts have characterized many individual genes responsible for the interspecies divergence, yet little is known about the genome-wide divergence at a higher level. Modules, serving as the building blocks and operational units of biological systems, provide more information than individual genes. Hence, the comparative analysis between species at the module level would shed more light on the mechanisms underlying the evolution of organisms than the traditional comparative genomics approaches. Results: We systematically identified the tissue-related modules using the iterative signature algorithm (ISA), and we detected 52 and 65 modules in the human and mouse genomes, respectively. The gene expression patterns indicate that all of these predicted modules have a high possibility of serving as real biological modules. In addition, we defined a novel quantity, "total constraint intensity,'' a proxy of multiple constraints (of co-regulated genes and tissues where the co-regulation occurs) on the evolution of genes in module context. We demonstrate that the evolutionary rate of a gene is negatively correlated with its total constraint intensity. Furthermore, there are modules coding the same essential biological processes, while their gene contents have diverged extensively between human and mouse. Conclusions: Our results suggest that unlike the composition of module, which exhibits a great difference between human and mouse, the functional organization of the corresponding modules may evolve in a more conservative manner. Most importantly, our findings imply that similar biological processes can be carried out by different sets of genes from human and mouse, therefore, the functional data of individual genes from mouse may not apply to human in certain occasions.

A phylogeny of Chinese leaf monkeys using mitochondrial ND3-ND4 gene sequences

The phylogeny of Chinese leaf monkeys, especially the snub-nosed monkeys (Rhinopithecus), has not been thoroughly investigated using molecular sequence data, perhaps due to their rarity in the wild and their poor representation in institutional collections. Despite several proposed classifications, systematic relationships of these species remain poorly defined and this has hindered their conservation. To clarify the phylogenetic relationships of the leaf monkey clade in China, we sequenced the mitochondrial ND3, ND4L, ND4, tRNA(Arg), tRNA(His), tRNA(Ser), and tRNA(Leu) genes for Rhinopithecus bieti, R. roxellana, Trachypithecus francoisi, T. f. leucocephalus, and T. phayrei as well as Pygathrix nemaeus and Colobus guereza. We included a rotal of 2252 characters for each individual, excluding gaps in primary sequences. Our interpretation of the results from character- and distance-based phylogenetic analyses suggest that (1) Pygathrix nemaeus is sister to Rhinopithecus rather than to Trachypithecus though it is quite divergent from the former; (2) the Yunnan snub-nosed monkey, Rhinopithecus bieti, represents a valid species; (3) the white-headed leaf monkey is not a distinct species, but instead is a subspecies of Trachypithecus francoisi (T. f. leucocephalus), though it should still be considered a separate evolutionarily significant unit (ESU); and (4) because two individuals of the Phayrei's leaf monkey, T. phayrei, are genetically distinct from one another, a more extensive revision of the taxonomy of this putative species in China is needed. These results, plus ongoing work on the molecular systematics of the entire Asian leaf monkey radiation, can provide a sound basis for identifying the appropriate units of conservation for this endangered group of primates.

Exploring consensus mRNA secondary (folding) structure units by stochastic sampling and folding simulation

It is extremely difficult to explore mRNA folding structure by biological experiments. In this report, we use stochastic sampling and folding simulation to test the existence of the stable secondary structural units of-mRNA, look for the folding units, and explore the probabilistic stabilization of the units. Using this method, We made simulations for all possible local optimum secondary structures of a single strand mRNA within a certain range, and searched for the common parts of the secondary structures. The consensus secondary structure units (CSSUs) extracted from the above method are mainly hairpins, with a few single strands. These CSSUs suggest that the mRNA folding units could be relatively stable and could perform specific biological function. The significance of these observations for the mRNA folding problem in general is also discussed. (c) 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Phylogeography of Schizothorax o'connori (Cyprinidae: Schizothoracinae) in the Yarlung Tsangpo River, Tibet

Schizothorax o'connori is endemic to the Yarlung Tsangpo River on the Tibetan Plateau. We assessed the relative impacts of historical and contemporary factors in organizing genetic variation in S. o'connori populations using mitochondrial cytochrome b sequences. We analyzed 191 samples from 11 populations and identified 78 haplotypes. The phylogenetic analyses and analysis of molecular variance all supported the same conclusions of two well-differentiated east-west phylogroups, separated by the Tsangpo Great Gorge. The split between the two clades accounted for 58% of the genetic variance observed among the examined samples. Waterfalls as effective barriers played an important role in shaping the phylogeographical structure of this species. Analyses of migration rates revealed that upstream dispersal was limited crossing waterfalls. Our study revealed substantial spatial and temporal variation in the influence of landscape features on contemporary patterns of genetic structure in S. o'connori. Interglacial range expansions clearly left their mark on contemporary populations above the Tsangpo Great Gorge.

若尔盖自然保护区高原林蛙(Rana kukunoris)扩散模型与景观连接分析

揭示水体中繁殖的两栖动物在异质性景观中的空间扩散特点，探讨景观面积丧失和破碎化对于两栖动物的影响，为两栖动物的保护提供理论依据。本文以四川西北部若尔盖湿地自然保护区的高原林蛙(Rana kukunoris)为研究对象，通过运用地理信息系统及建立景观模型等方法，在分析若尔盖湿地自然保护区范围内现有景观格局的基础上，建立了高原林蛙的景观扩散模型，并模拟了“沼泽→草甸”的湿地逆演化过程下高原林蛙的空间分布与景观连接的变化特点。主要结果是： 1．若尔盖湿地自然保护区呈典型的沼泽—草甸式斑块—基质景观格局。草甸面积占整个景观面积的79.42%，景观蔓延度指数（CONTAG）为79.00远离最小值0而更趋向于最大值100，面积和景观蔓延度指数表明草甸是整个景观中面积占绝对优势且景观连接好的类型，构成了景观的基质，对景观的动态格局演变起主导作用。沼泽面积仅占整个景观面积的18.08%，但却是整个景观中斑块数目最多的单元，占所有斑块数的82.9%。因此沼泽斑块与草甸基质之间的动态结构对高原林蛙的扩散起着决定性的作用。 2．空间扩散模型表明，其它类型的景观不但扩展了高原林蛙的活动范围，而且也为高原林蛙在不同沼泽斑块间的连接提供了通道。高原林蛙的空间扩散区域使得彼此间成斑块化隔离状分布的沼泽形成了潜在景观功能连接，促进了不同斑块间物种的交流。小型沼泽作为垫脚石（stepping-stone），使得整个景观中的相隔距离较远的大型斑块联结为一个功能整体，促进了高原林蛙在整个景观中的相互动态联系。 3．模拟“沼泽→草甸”的湿地逆演化过程表明，大量小型沼泽湿地的消失将会 对在沼泽中繁殖并扩散到其它景观类型中去的高原林蛙造成潜在影响。逆演化过程不仅使沼泽斑块的分布范围，沼泽源斑块的面积和空间扩散面积减少，而且对景观连接也有很大影响。小型沼泽的消失，将使得景观斑块的功能连接变小，使得依靠小型沼泽作为跳板的动物在沼泽斑块之间的移动将变得更加困难。 本文是对生境丧失与破碎化影响下两栖动物的行为反应的一种尝试。影响模型的因素很多，包括动物对各种类型景观的偏好程度，地理数据的精度，及模型的可靠程度都是制约模型准确度的因素。 The spatial diffusion of water—breeding amphibian through heterogeneous landscape and the effects of landscape losing and fragmentation to amphibian were the core theory of the landscape ecology of amphibian. Geographical information system (GIS) and landscape model were used to model the diffused area of Rana kukunoris in Zoige Wetland Natural Reserve. Model was also used to analysis the spatial distribution variation of R. kukunoris and the change of landscape connectivity when simulated the retrogressive succession of landscape. The main results are below: 1. There was peatland—meadow pattern which was typical patch—matrix landscape pattern in Zoige Natural Reserve. The meadow area occupied 79.42% of the entire landscape area, contagion index (CONTAG) was 79.00 which was far away the minimum value (0) but tend to the maximum value (100). Both of these showed that meadow was the largest part and the most continue units. It was shown that meadow was matrix of the landscape, which evolved the leading role to the landscape dynamic pattern. Though their area only occupies 18.08% of entire landscape area, peatlands were according to 82.9% of the total patches. Dynamic of the pattern between peatlands and meadows decided the spatial diffusion of R. kukunoris. 2．The model indicated that the other types of landscape not only expanded diffusion of R. kukunoris, but also have provided the potential channels for frog's connections among different peatlands. The spatial diffusion zone of R. kukunoris forced isolated patch peatlands to be potential landscape functional connectivity. The small peatlands, as stepping-stone, made the large peatlands connect as a functional one and promoted the integrated and dynamic connectivity of R. kukunoris in the whole landscape. 3. The simulation of “peatlands→meadows”retrogressive succession process indicated that the decrease of small peatlands will have potential effect to R. kukunoris because they must bred in peatlands and diffuse to other type of the landscape. Retrogressive succession process not only made the decrease of distribution of peatlands, patches number of peatlands and diffused area of R. kukunoris, but also reduced the connectivity among source patches. As stepping-stone, the disappearance of small peatlands will made the migration of R. kukunoris among patches more difficult. The model was an experiment of the amphibian behavior reaction to habitat losing and fragmentation. There were many factors that could influence the accuracy of model, such as the preference of animals to each type of landscape, the geographical data precision, reliable degree of model.

Half-Lives of Superheavy Nuclei in Z=113 Alpha Decay Chain

The generalized liquid drop model (GLDM), including the proximity effects and centrifugal potential, and the cluster model with Cosh potential are used to study the half-lives of some Z=113 isotopes and their alpha-decay products.The experimental half-lives of (284)113, (283)113, (282)113and their alpha-decay products are well reproduced by the two models when zero angular momenta transfer is assumed. For (278)113 and its alpha-decay products, both the GLDM andthe cluster model could provide satisfactory results if we assume the alpha particle carry five units of angular momenta, which indicates that possible non zero angular momenta transfer and need further experimental measurements with high precision. Finally, we show that half-lives of alpha-decay are quite sensitive to the angular momentum transfers, and a formula could be used to describe the correlation between alpha-decay half-life and angular momentum transfer successfully.

Grown-like macrocycle zinc complex derived from beta-diketone ligand for the polymerization of rac-lactide

Enolic Schiff base zinc (II) complex 1 was synthesized. XRD revealed 1 was a novel crown-like macrocycle structure consisted of hexanuclear units of (LZnEt)(6) via the coordination chelation between the Zn atom and adjacent amine nitrogen atom. Further reaction of 1 with one equivalent 2-propanol at RT produced Zn-alkoxide 2 by in situ alcoholysis. Complex 2 was used as an initiator to polymerize rac-lactide in a controlled manner to give heterotactic enriched polylactide. Factors that influenced the polymerization such as the polymerization time and the temperature as well as the monomer concentration were discussed in detail in this paper.

Synthesis and characterization of functional poly(gamma-benzyl-L-glutamate) (PBLG) as a hydrophobic precursor

Four kinds of functional poly(gamma-benzyl-L-glutamate) (PBLG) copolymers containing chloro, azido, allyl or propargyl groups on the side chains were synthesized through ester exchange reactions of PBLG with functional alcohols without any protection and de-protection process. Hydrolysis of PBLG, which was found during the ester exchange reaction under low ratios of alcohol to the repeat units of PBLG, was thoroughly investigated, and could be successfully depressed by addition of certain amount of benzyl alcohol to the reaction system. Click chemistry reactions of the azidized or propargylated copolymers, thiol-ene reaction of the allyllated copolymer were taken successfully, indicating that the functional groups on the copolymers were still reactive.

The structural composite effect of Au-WO3-Al interconnecting electrode on performance of each unit in stacked OLEDs

In this article, we report the effects of the thickness of metal and oxide layers of the Al/WO3/Au interconnecting structure on the electrical and optical characteristics of the and bottom units of the two-unit stacked organic-light-emitting-devices (OLEDs). It is found that light emission performance of the upper unit is sensitive to the transmittance of semitransparent Al/WO3/Au structure, which can be improved by changing the thickness of each layer of the Al/WO3/Au structure. It is important to note that the introduction WO3 between Al and Au significantly enhances the current efficiency of both the upper and bottom units with respect to that of the corresponding Al/Au structure without WO3. In addition, the emission spectra of both the upper and bottom units are narrower than that of the control device due to microcavity effect. Our results indicate that the All WO3/Au interconnecting structure is a good candidate for fabricating independently controllable high efficiency stacked OLEDs.

Syntheses and properties of soluble biphenyl-based polyimides from asymmetric bis(chlorophthalimide)s

A novel synthesis of asymmetric bis(chlorophthalimide)s (3,4-BCPIs) has been established. The polymerizations of them produced higher molecular weight (0.38-0.51 dL/g) polyimides containing biphenyl units than those of isomeric polymers derived from symmetric bis(chlorophthalimide)s (4,4'-BCPIs) and 3,3'-BCPIs. The distribution of the formed biphenyl units of head to tail, head to head, and tail to tail in the chain of the polymers was about 58.0:21.0:21.0, determined by C-13 NMR spectra of the polymers. The composition of model compounds, determined by HPLC, was well consistent with the 13C NMR spectrum result. Comparing with polymers derived from 4,4'-BCPIs and 3,3'-BCPIs, the polymers derived from 3,4-BCPIs showed better solubilities in N,N-dimethylacetamide (DMAc), N,N-dimethyl-formamide (DMF), and N-methylpyrrolinone (NMP). Flexible films could be cast from the polymer solution with the inherent viscosities of above 0.35 dL/g. The polymer derived from asymmetric bis(chlorophthimide)s gave the highest T-g among the isomeric polymers.

Characterization of prolidase activity using capillary electrophoresis with tris(2,2'-bipyridyl)ruthenium(II) electrochemiluminescence detection and application to evaluate collagen degradation in diabetes mellitus

A new method for prolidase (PLD, EC 3.4.13.9) activity assay was developed based on the determination of proline produced from enzymatic reaction through capillary electrophoresis (CE) with tris(2,2'-bipyridyl)ruthenium(11) [Ru(bpy)(3)(2+)] electrochemiluminescence detection (ECL). A detection limit of 12.2 fmol (S/N = 3) for proline, corresponding to 1.22 x 10(-8) units of prolidase catalyzing for 1 min was achieved. PLD activity determined by CE-ECL method was in agreement with that obtained from the classical Chinard's one. CE-ECL showed its powerful resolving ability and selectivity as no sample pretreatmentwas needed and no interference existed. The clinical utility of this method was successfully demonstrated by its application to assay PLD activity in the serum of diabetic patients in order to evaluate collagen degradation in diabetes mellitus (DM). The results indicated that enhanced collagen degradation occurred in DM.

Neodymium oxide co-catalyzed melt free radical grafting of maleic anhydride onto co-polypropylene by reactive extrusion

Rare earth oxide, neodymium oxide (Nd2O3), CO-catalyzed melt grafting of maleic anhydride (MAH) onto co-polypropylene (co-PP) in the presence of dicumyl peroxide (DCP) was carried out by reactive extrusion. The experimental results reveal that the addition of Nd2O3 as a coagent leads to an enhancement in both MFR and the grafting degree of MAH, along with a simultaneous decrease in the gel content. When the Nd2O3 concentration is 6.0 mmol%, the increment of the grafting degree of MAH maximally is up to about 20% compared with the related system without adding Nd2O3, and the gel content decreases simultaneously to a very low level of about 3%. Attenuated total reflection FTIR (ATR-FTIR) indicates that the gel in the graft copolymers mainly arise from the cross-linking reaction between ethylene units of co-PP. A reasonable reaction mechanism has been put forward on the basis of our experimental results and other mechanisms reported in the literature. We also tentatively explain above results by means of synergistic effect between DCP and Nd2O3, which causes a higher concentration of the macroradical, in particular the tertiary macroradical.

Synthesis and characterization of a new layered zinc phosphate: (C3H4N2)(3)Zn-4(HPO4)(PO4)(2) with imidazole coordinating to Zn atoms

A new two-dimensional hybrid zinc phosphate with electro-neutral open-framework has been hydrothermally synthesized by using imidazole as a structure-directing agent, whose structure is characterized with 3-, 4-, 5, and 12-ring layers and coordination bonds between imidazole groups and zinc atoms, resulting in primary building units of ZnO2N2 and ZnO3N.