Transgenic rice plants with an antisense gene inserted via Agrobacterium tumefaciens were used to explore the impact of the reduction of Rubisco activase (RCA) on Rubisco and photosynthesis. In this study, transformants containing 15% to 35% wild type Rubisco activase were selected, which could survive in ambient CO₂ concentration but grew slowly compared with wild type controls. Gas exchange measurements indicated that the rate of photosynthesis decreased significantly, while stomatal conductance and transpiration rate did not change; and that the intercellular CO₂ concentration even increased. Rubisco determination showed that these plants had approximately twice as much Rubisco as the wild types, although they showed 70% lower rate of photosynthesis, which was likely an acclimation response to the reduction in Rubsico activase and/or the reduction in carbamylation.

A method of screening assay is demonstrated. The approach is based on the affinity of antitumor candidates for topoi-somerases. In this method, antitumor candidates are fished out using topoisomerases as targets. Traditional analysis of complex compounds typically encounters signal suppression due to the relatively low concentrations, but enzyme-affinity screening for the active compounds can effectively concentrate the desired analysts into a small volume of high concentration. Active compounds are separated from non-affinity compounds by ultrafiltration. The molecules-enzymes complexes that are retained on the filter are subsequently separated by acidification to obtain the topoisomerases-affinity compounds for analysis on High Performance Liquid Chromatography coupled with electrospray ionization mass spectrometric detection (ESI-MS). This enzyme-affinity based screening assay provides a highly specific and efficient method that can directly screen, identify, and acquire drug candidates thus improving the accuracy and speed of high-throughput screening activities.

Two kinds of water-soluble and ultraviolet (UV) curable oligomers were synthesized and characterized. The oligomers were evaluated as resins for water-based UV curable coating. The rheology of the two oligomers’ aqueous solutions was investigated in terms of solid fraction, pH dependence, and temperature dependence. The solutions were found to be Newtonian fluid showing rather low viscosity even at high solid fraction of 0.55. The drying process of the coatings and the properties of the cured coatings were studied by comparing them with water-dispersed UV-curable polyurethane methyl acrylate. It was evident that the water-soluble coating dried more slowly; and that the overall properties were inferior to those of the water-dispersed coating.

Novel MgCl₂-supported Ziegler-Natta (Z-N) catalysts prepared using a new one-pot ball milling method can effectively control the amounts of Ti-loading in the catalysts. Complex GPC data on polypropylene synthesized by these novel catalysts were analyzed using the method of fitting the molecular weight distribution (MWD) curves with a multiple Flory-Schulz function. It was found that multiple active centers exist in these novel catalysts. Detailed study of the effects of the Ti-loadings in the catalysts on the distribution of the active centers showed that the Ti-loadings in the novel MgCl₂-supported Z-N catalysts might affect the proportion of each type of active centers; and might be the main factor responsible for the effect of the Ti-loadings on the microstructure, the molecular weight and molecular weight distribution width of the resultant polymer, the catalytic activity and polymerization kinetics.

Study of the morphology, aggregation structure and properties of Bombyx morisilk treated by low temperature oxygen plasma showed that slight flutes appeared on the surface of Bombyx mori silk fiber and that its surface structure changed after plasma treatment. The conformation also changed and crystalline degree decreased. The stannic filling rate of treated fiber was improved. Because of etching, the weight of the fiber decreased but the breaking strength changed little after short-time treatment.

In this work, the charge dynamics characteristics of injection, transport and decay in porous and non-porous polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) film electrets were investigated by means of corona charging, isothermal and thermal stimulating surface-potential decay measurements. The results showed that the initial surface potential, whether positively or negatively charging, is much higher in non-porous PTFE than in porous PTFE. For porous film the value of initial surface potentials increases with increase of film thickness. Higher charging temperature can remarkably improve charge stability. The charge dynamics are correlated to materials microstructure according to their scanning electron micrographs. For non-porous PTFE films, polarizability change of C-F bonds is the main origin of electret charges; but for porous PTFE film a large number of bulk and interface type traps are expected because of the greater area of interface and higher crystallinity.

Calcium acrylate is a polymerized grout, and can polymerize in an aqueous solution. The polymerization reaction utilizes ammonium persulfate as a catalyst and sodium thiosulfate as the activator. Based on the theory of reaction kinetics, this study on the relation between gel time and concentration of activator and catalyst showed that gel time of calcium acrylate is inversely proportional to activator and catalyst concentration. A formula of gel time is proposed, and an example is provided to verify the proposed formula.

The chemisorption properties of N¹⁸O adsorption on TiO₂(110) surface were investigated by experimental and theoretical methods. The results of temperature programmed desorption (TPD) indicated that the temperatures of the three desorption peaks of the main N₂ molecules were at (low) temperature of 230 K, 450 K, and (high) temperature of 980 K. This meant that N¹⁸O decomposed and recombined during the process of N₂ desorption after N¹⁸O was exposed. Analysis of the stable combination and orbital theory calculation of the surface reaction of NO adsorption on the TiO₂(110) cluster model showed that there was clear preference for the Ti-NO orientation.

A modified complex coacervation-co-precipitation method was used to prepare bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)-loaded nanospheres. Three natural polymers were used as packing materials to obtain nanoscale delivery device for BMP, in the presence of phosphatidylcholine functioning as stabilizer. Positively charged polysaccharide, N,N-diethylaminoethyl dextran (DEAE-dextran) tended to form stable, uniform and smaller size particles carrying BMP. Negatively charged bovine serum al-bumin (BSA) induced precipitation of the produced BMP particles due to its weak interaction with BMP molecules, although it produced nanosized BMP spheres. While collagen, a weakly positively charged protein shaped larger particles due to the strong interaction among themselves. A mechanism of co-precipitation process was also deduced to depict the formation of stable nanospheres.

Residue-residue contacts are very important in forming protein structure. In this work, we calculated the average probability of residue-residue contacts in 470 globular proteins and analyzed the distribution of contacts in the different interval of residues using Contacts of Structural Units (CSU) and Structural Classification (SCOP) software. It was found that the relationship between the average probability P̄_L and the residue distance L for four structural classes of proteins could be expressed as lgP_L=a+b×L, where a and b are coefficients. We also discussed the connection between two aspects of proteins which have equal array residue number and found that the distribution probability was stable (or unstable) if the proteins had the same (or different) compact (for example synthase) in the same structural class.

Silicon carbide ceramics were prepared with SiC powder treated by the fluidized bed opposed jet mill as raw materials, and the effects of the ultra-fine treatment mechanism on the compaction and sintering behavior of SiC ceramics were investigated. The results showed that the compacts had higher density and microstructure homogeneity when the sintering temperature of the compact was decreased; and that the surface microstructure, densification and mechanical properties of the sintered body could be ameliorated obviously.

Environmental concerns have highlighted the need of cleaner technologies. A cleaner, convenient and selective technology has been developed for the preparation of 3-(4,6-dimethoxy-pyrimidin-2-yloxy)-2-methyl-phenol (DPMP) from 2-methyl-benzene-1,3-diol in water as solvent. The isolated yield of DPMP is up to 86% in good selectivity. The product structure was characterized by conventional methods, 1H-NMR and MS. This technology belongs to the modern concept of environmentally friendly low wastes or non-wastes technology (LWNWT).

Great efforts have been made to resolve the serious environmental pollution and inevitable declining of energy resources. A review of Chinese fuel reserves and engine technology showed that compressed natural gas (CNG)/diesel dual fuel engine (DFE) was one of the best solutions for the above problems at present. In order to study and improve the emission per-formance of CNG/diesel DFE, an emission model for DFE based on radial basis function (RBF) neural network was developed which was a black-box input-output training data model not require priori knowledge. The RBF centers and the connected weights could be selected automatically according to the distribution of the training data in input-output space and the given approximating error. Studies showed that the predicted results accorded well with the experimental data over a large range of operating conditions from low load to high load. The developed emissions model based on the RBF neural network could be used to successfully predict and optimize the emissions performance of DFE. And the effect of the DFE main performance parameters, such as rotation speed, load, pilot quantity and injection timing, were also predicted by means of this model. In resumé, an emission prediction model for CNG/diesel DFE based on RBF neural network was built for analyzing the effect of the main performance parameters on the CO, NO_x emissions of DFE. The predicted results agreed quite well with the traditional emissions model, which indicated that the model had certain application value, although it still has some limitations, because of its high dependence on the quantity of the experimental sample data.

Modeling of solute transport is a key issue in the area of soil physics and hydrogeology. The most common approach (the convection-dispersion equation) considers an average convection flow rate and Fickian-like dispersion. Here, we propose a solute transport model in porous media of continuously expanding scale, according to the combinatorics principle. The model supposed actual porous media as a combinative body of many basic segments. First, we studied the solute transport process in each basic segment body, and then deduced the distribution of pore velocity in each basic segment body by difference approximation, finally assembled the solute transport process of each basic segment body into one of the combinative body. The simulation result coincided with the solute transport process observed in test. The model provides useful insight into the solute transport process of the non-Fickian dispersion in continuously expanding scale.

Based on the sedimentary and subsiding features of Kuqa foreland basin, this paper presents the following characteristics of Neogene coupling relationship between Kuqa Basin and Southern Tien Shan Orogen, Northwestern China: (1) The Southern Tien Shan Orogen underwent Neogene uplifting of 4 km in height and the Kuqa Basin underwent Neogene subsidence of 4-6 km in depth accordingly beginning in 25 Ma; (2) The Southern Tien Shan Orogen moved continuously toward the Kuqa Basin, with largest structural shortening rate of greater than 53.7%, and the north boundary of the Kuqa Basin retreated continuously southward accordingly since the Miocene; (3) There are two subsidence centers with high subsiding rates and large subsiding extent, located in the eastern and western Kuqa Basin respectively, with the subsiding maximizing in the deposition period of Kuqa Formation.

The Ordovician reservoir of the Tahe oil field went through many tectonic reconstructions, and was characterized by multiple hydrocarbon chargings. The aim of this study was to unravel the complex charging histories. Systematic analysis of fluid inclusions was employed to complete the investigation. Fluorescence observation of oil inclusions under UV light, and microthermometry of both oil and aqueous inclusions in 105 core samples taken from the Ordovician reservoir indicated that the Ordovician reservoir underwent four oil chargings and a gas charging. The hydrocarbon chargings occurred at the late Hercynian, the Indo-Sinian and Yanshan, the early Himalaya, the middle Himalaya, and the late Himalaya, respectively. The critical hydrocarbon charging time was at the late Hercynian.

The basic granulite of the Altay orogenic belt occurs as tectonic lens in the Devonian medium- to lower-grade metamorphic beds through fault contact. The Altay granulite (AG) is an amphibole plagioclase two-pyroxene granulite and is mainly composed of two pyroxenes, plagioclase, amphibole and biotite. Its melano-minerals are rich in Mg/(Mg+Fe²⁺), and its amphibole and biotite are rich in TiO₂. The AG is rich in Mg/(Mg+Fe²⁺), Al₂O₃ and depletion of U, Th and Rb contents. The AG has moderate ∑REE and LREE-enriched with weak positive Eu anomaly. The AG shows island-arc pattern with negative Nb, P and Ti anomalies, reflecting that formation of the AG may be associated with subduction. Geochemical and mineral composition data reflect that the protolith of the AG is calc-alkaline basalt and formed by granulite facies metamorphism having peak P-T conditions of 750 °C-780 °C and 0.6-0.7 Gpa. The AG formation underwent two stages was suggested. In the early stage of oceanic crustal subduction, calc-alkaline basalt with island-arc environment underwent granulite facies metamorphism to form the AG in deep crust, and in the late stage, the AG was thrust into the upper crust.

Objective: To analyze the effectiveness and safety of corneal relaxing incisions (CRI) in correcting keratometric astigmatism during cataract surgery. Methods: A prospective study of two groups: control group and treatment group. A treatment group included 25 eyes of 25 patients who had combined clear corneal phacoemulsification, IOL implantation and CRI. A control group included 25 eyes of 25 patients who had clear corneal phacoemulsification and IOL implantation. Postoperative keratometric astigmatism was measured at 1 week, 1 month, 3 months and 6 months. Results: CRI significantly decreased keratometric astigmatism in patients with preexisting astigmatism compared with astigmatic changes in the control group. In eyes with CRI, the mean keratometric astigmatism was 0.29±0.17 D (range 0 to 0.5 D) at 1 week, 0.41±0.21 D (range 0 to 0.82 D) at 1 month, respectively reduced by 2.42 D and 2.30 D at 1 week and 1 month postoperatively (P=0.000, P=0.000), and postoperative astigmatism was stable until 6 months follow-up. The keratometric astigmatism of all patients decreased to less than 1.00 D postoperatively. Conclusions: CRI is a practical, simple, safe and effective method to reduce preexisting astigmatism during cataract surgery. A modified nomogram is proposed. The long-term effect of CRI should be investigated.

Objective: To construct a PC12 cell strain with neuronal differentiation, and observe the apoptosis and proliferation activity effects induced these cells by Amyloid beta-Protein (Aβ-43). Methods: 1) PC12 cells in logarithmic growth phase were subcultured for 24 h. After the culture fluid was changed, the cells were treated with Rat-β-NGF and cultured for 9 days. 2) Neuronal differentiation of PC12 cells in logarithmic growth phase were divided into four groups: control group (0), experimental group (1), experimental group (2) and experimental group (3). The concentrations of Aβ in the four groups were 0 μmol/L, 1.25 μmol/L, 2.5 μmol/L and 5 μmol/L, respectively. The cells were harvested at 24, 48 and 72 h later and stained with AnnexinV-FITC/PI after centrifugation and washing. Then flow cytometry was conducted to examine the apoptosis percentage. 3) NGF-induced PC12 cells were selected and Aβ with different concentrations was added. The final concentrations of Aβ were 0 μmol/L, 1.25 μmol/L, 2.5 μmol/L and 5 μmol/L, respectively. After the cells were incubated in an atmosphere of 5% CO₂ at 37 °C in an incubator for 72 h, the OD values were examined. Results: 1) Neuronal differentiated PC12 cell lines were successfully established. 2) Flow cytometric examination indicated that Aβ (1.25, 2.5, and 5.0 μmol/L) could effectively induce apoptosis of neuronal-differented cells at the 24 h, 48 h and 72 h time points. 3) Aβ (0-5.00 μmol/L) had no obvious effect on proliferation or restraining of the neuronal differentiation of the PC12 cells after a 72 h interacting process. Conclusion: This investigation revealed successful neuronal differentiation of the PC12 cell strain. The induction of apoptosis of the neurocytes by various concentrations of Aβ was observed and the influence of Aβ on induced proliferation of PC12 cells by Rat-β-NGF was revealed. This study may provide basis for future research on the molecular cure of AD and interdiction of AD evolution.

Objective: To investigate the evolution of pulmonary hypertension, the pathological changes of pulmonary arteries, and the expression of VEGFmRNA and eNOSmRNA of pulmonary arterial endothelial cells in immature rabbits treated with intratracheal bleomycin (BLM). Methods: Immature rabbits were divided into control and BLM group. Two and four weeks after intratracheal normal saline or BLM injection, the systolic, diastolic and mean pulmonary artery pressure (PASP, PADP, MPAP) were measured by micro-catheter; the pathological changes and the expression of VEGFmRNA and eNOSmRNA of endothelial cells in pulmonary arteries were evaluated by HE and in situ hybridization. Results: Two and four weeks after intratracheal injection of BLM, the PASP, PADP and MPAP increased 53%, 49%, 52% in 2 weeks, and 43%, 89%, 56% in 4 weeks; the wall thickness increased and the cavity in middle and small pulmonary arteries became narrow; the Thickness Index (TI) and Area Index (AI) increased 25%, 14% in 2 weeks, and 22%, 24% in 4 weeks; the level of VEGFmRNA and eNOSmRNA expression decreased 46%, 43% in 2 weeks, and 43%, 51% in 4 weeks. There was no significant difference between 2 weeks and 4 weeks BLM groups. Conclusion: The pulmonary artery pressure was elevated, the thickness of wall increased and the cavity became narrow in middle and small pulmonary arteries, and the level of VEGFmRNA and eNOSmRNA expression in pulmonary arterial endothelial cells decreased in immature rabbits after 2 weeks and 4 weeks of intratracheal 4 U/kg BLM injection.

Objective: To investigate the influence of lead exposure on the immune function of lymphocytes and erythrocytes in preschool children. Materials and methods: A group of 217 children three to six years of age from a rural area were given a thorough physical examination and the concentration of lead in blood samples taken from each subject was determined. The indices of lymphocyte immunity (CD⁺₃CD⁺₄, CD⁺₃CD⁺₈, CD⁺₄CD⁺₈, CD^-₃CD⁺₁₉) and erythrocyte immunity (RBC-C3b, RBC-IC, RFER, RFIR, CD35 and its average fluorescence intensity) of 40 children with blood lead levels above 0.483 μmol/L were measured and compared with a control group. Results: The blood lead levels of the 217 children ranged from 0.11 μmol/L to 2.11 μmol/L. The CD⁺₃CD⁺₄and CD⁺₄CD⁺₈ cells were lower (P<0.01) and the CD⁺₃CD⁺₈ cells were higher in the lead-poisoned subjects than those in the control group (P<0.05). CD⁺₈ and CD^-₃CD⁺₁₉ did not show significant differences. Although the RBC-C₃b rosette forming rate was lower and the RBC-IC rosette forming rate was higher in the lead-poisoned group, this difference could not be shown to be statistically significant (P>0.05). RFIR was found to be lower in the lead-poisoned group (P<0.01). Compared with the control group, the positive rate of CD₃₅ was not found to be significantly different in a group of 25 lead-poisoned children (P>0.05), while the average fluorescence intensity was lower in the lead-poisoned group (P<0.05). Conclusion: Lead exposure can result in impaired immune function of T lymphocytes and erythrocytes in preschool children.

To evaluate the clinic outcome of off-pump coronary bypass grafting (OPCABG) of patients with coronary heart disease and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, we collected and analyzed 1998-2002 data on 28 patients with these two diseases who had received off-pump coronary bypass operation in our hospital, and compared with data on those who also had the same two diseases but received on-pump coronary artery bypass at same time. There were no operation-related death; one died of respiratory failure 14 days after operation while staying in hospital; there were more respiratory complications in the conventional coronary artery bypass grafting group (CCABG) than in the OPCABG group; and the PaO₂/FiO₂ in the CCABG group was higher than that in the OPCABG group during operation because of CPB, but lower than that in the OPCABG group 6-12 hours after operation. OPCABG seemed more suitable than CCABG for coronary artery disease patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease due to less damage to their oxygen-exchange capability and the fewer respiratory complications.