Mechano-Chemical Coupling at Molecular Level: Forced Dissociation of Selectin/Ligand Binding

Mechano-chemical coupling is a common phenomenon that exists in various biological processes at different physiological levels. Bone tissue remodeling strongly depends on the local mechanical load. Leukocytes are sheared to form the transient aggregates with platelets or other leukocytes in the circulation. Flow pattern affects the signal transduction pathways in endothelial cells. Receptor/ligand interactions are important to cell adhesion since they supply the physical linkages...

2D Kinetics and Forced Dissociation of Selectin-ligand Bindings

Cell adhesion is crucial to many pathophysiological processes, such as inflammatory reaction and tumor metastasis. It is mediated by specific interactions between receptors and ligands, and provides the physical linkages among cells. For example, interactions between selectins and glycoconjugate ligands mediate leukocyte initially tethering to and subsequently rolling on vascular surfaces in sites of inflammation or injury, which is determined by their fast kinetic rates. To mediate cell adhesion, the interacting receptors and ligands must anchor to apposing surfaces of two cells or a cell and the substratum, i.e. , the so-called two-dimensional (2D) binding, which differs from interactions in the fluid phase, i.e. , the three-dimensional (3D) binding. How structural variations and surface environments of interacting molecules affect their 2D kinetics, and how external forces manipulate their dissociation has little been known quantitatively, and nowadays attracts more and more attentions.

Vortex dislocations in wake-type flow induced by spanwise disturbances

Vortex dislocations in wake-type flow induced by three types of spanwise disturbances superimposed on an upstream velocity profile are investigated by direct numerical simulations. Three distinct modes of vortex dislocations and flow transitions have been found. A local spanwise exponential decay disturbance leads to the appearance of a twisted chainlike mode of vortex dislocation. A stepped spanwise disturbance causes a streamwise periodic spotlike mode of vortex dislocation. A spanwise sinusoidal wavy disturbance with a moderate waviness causes a strong unsteadiness of wake behavior. This unsteadiness starts with a systematic periodic mode of vortex dislocation in the spanwise direction followed by the spanwise vortex shedding suppressed completely with increased time and the near wake becoming a steady shear flow. Characteristics of these modes of vortex dislocation and complex vortex linkages over the dislocation, as well as the corresponding dynamic processes related to the appearance of dislocations, are described by examining the variations of vortex lines and vorticity distribution. The nature of the vortex dislocation is demonstrated by the substantial vorticity modification of the spanwise vortex from the original spanwise direction to streamwise and vertical directions, accompanied by the appearance of noticeable vortex branching and complex vortex linking, all of which are produced at the locations with the biggest phase difference or with a frequency discontinuity between shedding cells. The effect of vortex dislocation on flow transition, either to an unsteady irregular vortex flow or suppression of the Kaacutermaacuten vortex shedding making the wake flow steady state, is analyzed. Distinct similarities are found in the mechanism and main flow phenomena between the present numerical results obtained in wake-type flows and the experimental-numerical results of cylinder wakes reported in previous studies.

Structural Integration of Tellurium Oxide into Mixed-Network-Former Glasses: Connectivity Distribution in the System NaPO3–TeO2

FSodium phosphate tellurite glasses in the system (NaPO3)(x)(TeO2)(1-x) were prepared and structurally characterized by thermal analysis, vibrational spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and a variety of complementary solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) techniques. Unlike the situation in other mixed-network-former glasses, the interaction between the two network formers tellurium oxide and phosphorus oxide produces no new structural units, and no sharing of the network modifier Na2O takes place. The glass structure can be regarded as a network of interlinked metaphosphate-type P(2) tetrahedral and TeO4/2 antiprismotic units. The combined interpretation of the O 1s XPS data and the P-31 solid-state NMR spectra presents clear quantitative evidence for a nonstatistical connectivity distribution. Rather the formation of homootomic P-O-P and Te-O-Te linkages is favored over mixed P-O-Te connectivities. As a consequence of this chemical segregation effect, the spatial sodium distribution is not random, as also indicated by a detailed analysis of P-31/No-23 rotational echo double-resonance (REDOR) experiments. ACHTUNGTRENUNG(TeO2)1 x were prepared and structurally characterized by thermal analysis,vibrat ional spectroscopy,X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and a variety of complementary solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) techniques. Unlike the situation in other mixed-network-former glasses,the interaction between the two network formers tellurium oxide and phosphorus oxide produces no new structural units,and no sharing of the network modifier Na2O takes place. The glass structure can be regarded as a network of interlinked metaphosphate-type P(2) tetrahedral and TeO4/2 antiprismatic units. The combined interpretation of the O 1s XPS data and the 31P solid-state NMR spectra presents clear quantitative evidence for a nonstatistical connectivity distribution. Rather,the formation of homoatomic P O P and Te O Te linkages is favored over mixed P O Te connectivities. As a consequence of this chemical segregation effect,the spatial sodium distribution is not random,as also indicated by a detailed analysis of 31P/23Na rotational echo double-resonance (REDOR) experiments.

Studies on polysaccharides from three edible species of Nostoc (Cyanobacteria) with different colony morphologies: Comparison of monosaccharide compositions and viscosities of polysaccharides from field colonies and suspension cultures

Hot water-soluble polysaccharides woe extracted from field colonies and suspension cultures of Nostoc commune Vaucher, Nostoc flagelliforme Berkeley et Curtis, and Nostoc sphaeroides Kutzing. Excreted extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) were isolated from the media in which the suspension cultures were grown. The main monosaccharides of the field colony polysaccharides from the three species were glucose, xylose, and galactose, with an approximate ratio of 2:1:1. Mannose was also present, but the levels varied among the species, and arabinose appeared only in N. flagelliforme. The compositions of the cellular polysaccharides and EPS from suspension cultures were more complicated than those of the field samples and varied among the different species. The polysaccharides from the cultures of N. flagelliforme had a relatively simple composition consisting of mannose, galactose, glucose, and glucuronic acid, but no xylose, as was found in the field colony polysaccharides. The polysaccharides from cultures of N. sphaeroides contained glucose (the major component), rhamnose, fucose, xylose, mannose, and galactose. These same sugars were present in the polysaccharides from cultures of N. commune, with xylose as the major component. Combined nitrogen in the media had no qualitative influence on the compositions of the cellular polysaccharides but affected those of the EPS of N. commune and N. flagelliforme. The EPS of N. sphaeroides had a very low fetal carbohydrate content and thus was not considered to be polysaccharide in nature. The field colony polysaccharides could be separated by anion exchange chromatography into neutral and acidic fractions having similar sugar compositions. Preliminary linkage analysis showed that 1) xylose, glucose, and galactose were 1-->4 linked, 2) mannose, galactose, and xylose occurred as terminal residues, and 3) branch points occurred in glucose as 1-->3,4 and 1-->3,6 linkages and in xylose as a 1-->3,4 linkage. The polymer preparations from field colonies had higher kinematic viscosities than those from corresponding suspension cultures. The high viscosities of the polymers suggested that they might DE suitable for industrial uses.

小兴安岭主要树种及林型对气候变化的潜在响应研究

本文采用了国际上可信度高、应用广泛的林窗模型LINKAGES，结合多个气候模式的预测结果，对小兴安岭地区的17个主要树种和4个主要林型对气候变化的潜在响应进行了系统研究。验证结果表明，LINKAGES模型能够较好地跟踪并再现小兴安岭现有林分及各主要林型的演替动态，适用于树种和林型对气候变化响应的预测研究。主要结论如下： 1）以树种为研究对象的模拟结果表明，不同树种均具有各自不同的生存温度临界值，因此对气候变化的敏感性也不同。当温度缓慢上升时，云冷杉、枫桦将面临退化危险，但红松及其他阔叶树种的生长优势均更加明显；当温度快速上升时，大部分树种均显示出不同程度的衰退趋势，仅蒙古栎等耐高温、干旱的阳性树种能够较好地适应未来的高温环境。 2）以整个林分为研究对象的模拟结果表明，在小幅增温情景下，林分中的云冷杉、枫桦趋于退化，而红松及其他伴生阔叶树种的比重则逐渐增加，森林总生物量呈上升趋势；在中幅增温情景下，现存的云冷杉红松阔叶混交林有可能逐渐演化为阔叶混交林，物种多样性明显减少；在大幅增温情景下，小兴安岭现有林分呈显著的退化趋势。 3）林分年龄影响森林的演替方向。不同年龄林分对气候变化的响应程度存在差异。当未来气候条件适于红松生长时，过熟林的恢复能力最强，而中幼林的适应能力最强；当未来气候条件不适于红松生长时，过熟林的恢复能力下降，而中幼林依然具有较强的适应能力。 4）季节增温方式是影响森林演替方向的另一重要因素。当冬季增温幅度大于夏季时，小兴安岭现存林分的演替受气候变暖的影响相对最小，树种组成仍然能够保持较为稳定的针阔混交状态；反之，当冬季增温幅度小于夏季时，现存林分的演替受气候变暖的影响最显著，树种衰退最迅速。小兴安岭针阔混交林的演替与未来的增温方式关系密切，上限温度是现存树种能否继续存活的重要决定因子。 5）以林型为研究对象的模拟结果表明，如果未来气候维持当前的状况不变，云冷杉红松林、枫桦红松林、椴树红松林和蒙古栎红松林四种主要林型的森林组分均将继续维持目前的优势地位，并一直保持较为稳定的动态平衡。 在变暖气候情景下，各林型中的云杉、臭冷杉和枫桦将退出森林演替；目前的云冷杉红松林、枫桦红松林和椴树红松林均将逐渐向椴树、色木槭阔叶红松林演变；蒙古栎红松林林型内部的树种组成基本不变，但蒙古栎所占比例将大幅上升。 6）气候变化幅度决定各林型未来的生物量水平。椴树红松林和蒙古栎红松林100年后的红松生物量和林分总生物量均在小幅增温情景（OSU和GISS模式）下达到最大，云冷杉红松林则在中幅增温情景（CGCM2和HadCM3模式）下达到峰值，而枫桦红松林在现行气候条件下已经为最理想状态，气温的小幅变化也会对其造成影响。在大幅增温情景（UKMO和GFDL模式）下，各林型均难以适应近8℃的增温而全部呈退化趋势。 此外，土壤水分越充足，各林型对高温的耐受范围就相对越大。故从林型角度进行预测分析时，除温度外还应进一步考虑土壤水分与林内的湿度状况。

Preparation and characteristics of nonflammable polyimide materials

The thermal and flame-retardant properties of homo- and copolyimides were evaluated. Those containing sulfone linkages in the backbone were found to be more flame retardant. Both properties were dependent on the composition. A polyimide/silica nanocomposite was obtained through sol-gel processing. The effects of the addition of silica an the dispersion, interfacial adhesion, fire resistance, mechanical properties, and thermal stability of the composites were investigated. SEM analysis showed a good dispersion of silica with a diameter of 50-300 nm in the organic matrices. The addition of silica increased the fire retardancy and mechanical properties of the composites. (C) 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

季节增温方式对小兴安岭红松针阔混交林演替的潜在影响

应用林窗模型LINKAGES对小兴安岭红松针阔混交林在不同季节增温方式下的未来演替过程进行了模拟预测.以温度增加5℃、降水无明显变化作为未来变暖气候的模拟假设,共设计3种气候变暖方式预案,分别为冬季增温幅度大于夏季、冬季与夏季增温幅度相同以及冬季增温幅度小于夏季.模拟结果表明,当冬季增温幅度大于夏季时,小兴安岭现存林分的演替受气候变暖的影响相对最小,树种组成仍然能够保持较为稳定的针阔混交林状态;当冬季增温幅度小于夏季时,现存林分的演替受气候变暖的影响最显著,树种衰退最迅速.可见,小兴安岭针阔混交林的演替与未来的增温方式关系密切,上限温度是现存树种能否继续存活的重要决定因子.

A fucoidan fraction from Ascophyllum nodosum

A fucoidan fraction was purified from the brown alga Ascophyllum nodosum. The polysaccharide contained -fucose and sulfate as the only constituents. Combination of methylation analysis, Smith degradation, FTIR and NMR spectroscopy on the native and the de-sulfated polymers demonstrated that the fucoidan consisted of a highly branched core region with primarily α-(1→3)-linked fucosyl residues and a few α-(1→4) linkages. Branch points were at position 2 of the →3-linked internal residues. The side chains consisted of single and multi-unit fucosyl residues. The combined analytical data suggested also a complex sulfation pattern with substitution principally at position 2 and/or position 4. Such diversity in the structural features of this fucoidan may be of importance for its various biological properties.

气候变暖对长白山主要树种的潜在影响

应用LINKAGES模型对长白山自然保护区内主要树种在各斑块类型中对气候变化的潜在响应进行了模拟 .模拟时选择了目前和未来变暖 2种气候条件 ,对于目前气候状态 ,模型使用目前气象参数 ;而对于未来变暖气候 ,则按温度增加 5℃、降水无明显变化作为模拟假设 ,温度的增加假定各月都相同 ,即各月均增加 5℃ .模拟结果表明 ,对于高山岳桦林 ,气温变暧后岳桦依然扮演重要角色 ,但落叶松、云杉、冷杉等目前这一林带的伴生树种 ,在气温上升后 ,其生物量均有较大辐度的增加 ,部分占据目前岳桦的位置 ,即目前下部的云冷杉林带有上移的趋势 ;对于亚高山云冷杉林 ,其优势种云杉和冷杉在气温变暖后 ,生物量有较大辐度的增加 ,落叶松虽有增加的趋势但辐度较小 ,即云杉和冷杉在未来气温变暖后依然是这一林带的优势种 ,但生长会加快 ;阔叶红松林的主要建群种在气温升高后 ,其生物量只有较小的增加 ,其它主要伴生种的生物量随气温上升的增加趋势非常相似 ,表明阔叶红松林在未来气候变暖情况下仍将维持目前的结构状态 .

小兴安岭不同年龄林分对气候变化的潜在响应

应用林窗模型LINKAGES分别对小兴安岭原始林不同年龄林分在5种气候变暖情景下的未来演替动态进行了模拟预测.5种气候变暖情景分别为:OSU、GISS、GFDL、UKMO和CGCM2.不同年龄林分的运行结果均表明:在OSU、GISS情景下,温度升高较平缓,小兴安岭的主要树种分布基本保持现有状态,总生物量有升高趋势;在GFDL、UKMO温度大幅度升高情景下,小兴安岭森林不能适应生态环境的急剧改变,存在全部衰退的可能;而CGCM2情景下,红松生物量先上升后下降,红松针阔混交林将逐渐演替为以色木槭和蒙古栎占优势的阔叶混交林.不同年龄林分间比较发现:当增温幅度未超过红松的耐受范围时,过熟林对气候变化的抗干扰能力显著优于其他林龄类型,但总生物量水平略低;中幼林对气候变化的适应能力最强,能够在气候变化过程中朝着最有利于充分利用光照、养分等环境因子的方向演替,树种组成达到稳定后的总生物量水平通常最高.反之,当超过红松的耐受范围时,过熟林的抗干扰能力和恢复能力均下降,表现为林分的迅速衰退及总生物量的明显波动;中幼林对气候变化的适应能力仍然较强,演替动态最平稳.

Regio-regular structure high molecular weight poly(propylene carbonate) by rare earth ternary catalyst and Lewis base cocatalyst

Lewis base modification strategy on rare earth ternary catalyst was disclosed to enhance nucleophilic ability of active center during copolymerization of carbon dioxide and propylene oxide (PO), poly(propylene carbonate) (PPC) with H-T linkages over 83%, and number-average molecular weight (M-n) up to 100 kg/mol was synthesized at room temperature using Y(CCl3OO)(3)-ZnEt2-glycerine catalyst and 1,10-phenanthroline (PHEN) cocatalyst. Coordination of PHEN with active Zinc center enhanced the nucleophilic ability of the metal carbonate, which became more regio-specific in attacking carbon in PO, leading to PPC with improved H-T linkages.

Synthesis and properties of soluble poly[bis(benzimidazobenzisoquinolinones)] based on novel aromatic tetraamine monomers

Four aromatic tetraamine monomers possessing flexible ether linkages were successfully synthesized by nucleophilic aromatic substitution of hydroquinone, 4,4'-dihydroxybiphenyl, 2,2'-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)propane, and 2,7-dihydroxynaphthalene with 5-chloro-2-nitroaniline, followed by reduction, respectively. With these monomers, a new class of soluble poly[ bis(benzimidazobenzisoquinolinones)] was prepared by a one-step, high-temperature solution polycondensation. The resulting polymers were completely soluble in phenolic solvents and had high inherent viscosities ranging from 1.2 to 1.5 g dL(-1). These polymers had glass transition temperatures in the range of 427-449 degrees C. Thermogravimetric analysis showed that all polymers were thermally stable, with 5% weight loss recorded above 510 degrees C in nitrogen.

Analysis of Saponins from Leaves of Aralia elata by Liquid Chromatography and Multi-stage Tandem Mass Spectrometry

Four saponins were isolated from the leaves of Aralia elata, and established using NMR and other spectroscopic methods, as well as data reported in the literature. Three Aralia saponins from the leaves of Aralia elata sharing the same structures as those isolated from the root bark suggested that the leaves would be a good substitute for the root bark of Aralia elata. These four Aralia saponins were then extensively investigated using complementarily positive and negative electrospray ionization multistage tandem mass spectrometry (ESI-MSn). Two isomers of saponins with different sugar linkages were then successfully differentiated by positive ESI-MSn and verified with different retention times and the collision-induced dissociation (CID) spectra by LC-MS. A simple and effective LC-MS method was thus developed for the rapid identification and screening of these saponins in plant extracts from leaves of Aralia elata.

Carbon dioxide/propylene oxide coupling reaction catalyzed by chromium salen complexes

A series of chromium/Schiff base complexes N,N'-bis(salicylidene)-1,2-phenylenediamino chromium(III) X were prepared and employed for the alternating copolymerization of carbon dioxide with racemic propylene oxide in the presence of (4-dimethylamino)pyridine. The effect of the complex structure and reaction conditions on the catalytic activity, the poly(propylene carbonate)/cyclic carbonate (PPC/PC) selectivity, and the polymer head-to-tail linkages was examined. The experiments indicated that N,N'-bis(3,5-di-tert-butylsalicylidene)-1,2-phenylenediamino chromium(III) (NO3) exhibited the highest PPC/PC selectivity as well as polymer head-to-tail linkages and N,N'-bis(3,5-dichlorosalicylidene)-1,2-phenylenediimino chromiu(III) (NO3) possessed the highest catalytic activity among these chromium/Schiff base complexes. The structure of the produced copolymer was characterized by the IR, H-1 NMR, and C-13 NMR measurements.