Vedolizumab serum trough concentrations with and without thiopurines in ulcerative colitis: The prospective VIEWS pharmacokinetics study

BACKGROUND Ulcerative colitis(UC)is a chronic inflammatory condition requiring continuous treatment and monitoring.There is limited pharmacokinetic data on vedolizumab during maintenance therapy and the effect of thiopurines on vedolizumab trough concentrations is unknown.AIM To investigate the exposure-response relationship of vedolizumab and the impact of thiopurine withdrawal in UC patients who have achieved sustained clinical and endoscopic remission during maintenance therapy.METHODS This is a post-hoc analysis of prospective randomized clinical trial(VIEWS)involving UC patients across 8 centers in Australia from 2018 to 2022.Patients in clinical and endoscopic remission were randomized to continue or withdraw thiopurine while receiving vedolizumab.We evaluated vedolizumab serum trough concentrations,presence of anti-vedolizumab antibodies,and clinical outcomes over 48 weeks to assess exposure-response asso-ciation and impact of thiopurine withdrawal.RESULTS There were 62 UC participants with mean age of 43.4 years and 42%were females.All participants received vedolizumab as maintenance therapy with 67.7%withdrew thiopurine.Vedolizumab serum trough concentrations remained stable over 48 weeks regardless of thiopurine use,with no anti-vedolizumab antibodies detected.Pa-tients with clinical remission had higher trough concentrations at week 48.In quartile analysis,a threshold of>11.3μg/mL was associated with sustained clinical remission,showing a sensitivity of 82.4%,specificity of 60.0%,and an area of receiver operating characteristic of 0.71(95%CI:0.49-0.93).Patients discontinuing thiopurine required higher vedolizumab concentrations for achieving remission.CONCLUSION A positive exposure-response relationship between vedolizumab trough concentrations and UC outcomes suggests that monitoring drug levels may be beneficial.While thiopurine did not influence vedolizumab levels,its with-drawal may necessitate higher vedolizumab trough concentrations to maintain remission.

Dynamics and genetic regulation of macronutrient concentrations during grain development in maize

Nitrogen(N), phosphorus(P), and potassium(K) are essential macronutrients that are crucial not only for maize growth and development, but also for crop yield and quality. The genetic basis of macronutrient dynamics and accumulation during grain filling in maize remains largely unknown. In this study, we evaluated grain N, P, and K concentrations in 206 recombinant inbred lines generated from a cross of DH1M and T877 at six time points after pollination. We then calculated conditional phenotypic values at different time intervals to explore the dynamic characteristics of the N, P, and K concentrations. Abundant phenotypic variations were observed in the concentrations and net changes of these nutrients. Unconditional quantitative trait locus(QTL) mapping revealed 41 non-redundant QTLs, including 17, 16, and 14 for the N, P, and K concentrations, respectively. Conditional QTL mapping uncovered 39 non-redundant QTLs related to net changes in the N, P, and K concentrations. By combining QTL, gene expression, co-expression analysis, and comparative genomic data, we identified 44, 36, and 44 candidate genes for the N, P, and K concentrations, respectively, including GRMZM2G371058 encoding a Doftype zinc finger DNA-binding family protein, which was associated with the N concentration, and GRMZM2G113967encoding a CBL-interacting protein kinase, which was related to the K concentration. The results deepen our understanding of the genetic factors controlling N, P, and K accumulation during maize grain development and provide valuable genes for the genetic improvement of nutrient concentrations in maize.

Trends of surface ozone based on hourly concentrations in the Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei region during 2017–2021

As a typical secondary air pollutant,surface ozone has been monitored routinely since 2013 in China.Most studies on the spatiotemporal variation of ozone have been centered around the daily maximum 8-h average,with little attention paid to the trends of hourly ozone,especially hourly ozone exceedances.Focusing on hourly ozone exceedances and peak values,the spatiotemporal trends of hourly ozone at 77 sites in 13 cities of the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei(BTH)region during 2017-2021 were analyzed in this study.The number of hours with exceedances(N_(H200))in 2019 was nearly three times that of 2021.On a five-year average,the percentage of cumulative NH200 in June accounted for up to 40.5%of all hourly exceedances.Cities in central Hebei Province had the highest cumulative annual N_(H200).June had the highest average hourly ozone exceeded multiples of 0.158.The top two cities with the highest average exceeded multiple were Tangshan(0.166)and Beijing(0.158).Tangshan and Xingtai ranked as the top two in terms of the mean of the 10 highest daily maximum ozone concentrations(MTDM),with 286.74 and 285.37μg m^(−3),respectively.The gap between the MTDM and the daily maximum of hourly ozone averaged over all sites had narrowed to 97.88μg m^(−3) in 2021,much lower than that in other years,which indicated that the stability and convergence of ozone pollution in BTH region had been enhanced in 2021 to some extent.

Universal thermodynamic model of calculating the mass action concentrations of omponents in a ternary strong electrolyte aqueous solution and its application in the NaCl-KCl-H_2O system

A universal thermodynamic model of calculating the mass action concentrations of components in a ternary strong electrolyte aqueous solution has been developed based on the ion and molecule coexistence theory,and verified in the NaCl-KCl-H2O ternary system at 298.15 K. To compare the difference of the thermodynamic model in binary and ternary strong electrolyte aqueous solutions,the mass action concentrations of components in the NaCl-H2O binary strong electrolyte aqueous solution were also computed at 298.15K. A transformation coefficient was required to compare the calculated mass action concentration and reported activity because they were obtained at different standard states and concentration units. The results show that the transformation coefficients between calculated mass action concentrations and reported activities of the same components change in a very narrow range. The calculated mass action concentrations of components in the NaCl-H2O and NaCl-KCl-H2O systems are in good agreement with the reported activities. This indicates that the developed thermodynamic model can reflect the structural characteristics of solutions,and the mass action concentration also strictly follows the mass action law.

Different concentrations of hyaluronic acid eye drops for dry eye syndrome: a systematic review and Meta-analysis

AIM:To compare high or low concentration of hyaluronic acid eye drops(HY)for dry eye syndromes(DES).METHODS:Randomized controlled trials(RCTs)comparing various concentrations of HY were searched in PubMed,Embase,Web of Science,Cochrane,SinoMed,CNKI,Wanfang Database,CQVIP,and Chinese journals databases between inception and July 2023.Pooled standardized mean differences(SMD)or weighted mean difference(WMD)with 95%confidence intervals(CI)from RCTs evaluating Schirmer’s I test(SIT),corneal fluorescein staining score(CFS),tear breakup time(TBUT),DES score(DESS),and Ocular Surface Disease Index(OSDI)were calculated.Sensitivity analysis,Egger’s test and Meta-regression analysis were performed for all indicators.RESULTS:We conducted a Meta-analysis of 10 RCTs that met the inclusion criteria,involving 1796 cases.High-concentrations group significantly improved the outcome of CFS according to random effects modelling(SMD,-3.37;95%CI,-5.25 to-1.48;P=0.0005).The rest of the results were not statistically significant,including indicators such as SIT,TBUT,DESS and OSDI.CONCLUSION:For dry eyes with positive corneal staining,a high concentration of HY is recommended,whereas in other cases,a high concentration of HY does not offer a more pronounced advantage over a low concentration of HY in the treatment of dry eyes.

Effects of Different Concentrations of Sulfate Ions on Carbonate Crude Oil Desorption:Experimental Analysis and Molecular Simulation

Low salinity water containing sulfate ions can significantly alter the surface wettability of carbonate rocks.Nevertheless,the impact of sulfate concentration on the desorption of oil film on the surface of carbonate rock is still unknown.This study examines the variations in the wettability of the surface of carbonate rocks in solutions containing varying amounts of sodium sulfate and pure water.The problem is addressed in the framework of molecular dynamics simulation(Material Studio software)and experiments.The experiment’s findings demonstrate that sodium sulfate can increase the rate at which oil moisture is turned into water moisture.The final contact angle is smaller than that of pure water.The results of the simulations show that many water molecules travel down the water channel under the influence of several powerful forces,including the electrostatic force,the van der Waals force and hydrogen bond,crowding out the oil molecules on the calcite’s surface and causing the oil film to separate.The relative concentration curve of water and oil molecules indicates that the separation rate of the oil film on the surface of calcite increases with the number of sulfate ions.

Effects of different concentrations of nicotinamide on hematopoietic stem cells cultured in vitro

BACKGROUND In vitro expansion to increase numbers of hematopoietic stem cells(HSCs)in cord blood could improve clinical efficacy of this vital resource.Nicotinamide(NAM)can promote HSC expansion ex vivo,but its effect on hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells(HSPCs,CD34^(+)CD38)and functional subtypes of HSCs-shortterm repopulating HSCs(ST-HSCs,CD34^(+)CD38CD45RACD49f^(+))and long-term repopulating HSCs(LT-HSCs,CD34^(+)CD38CD45RACD49f^(+)CD90^(+))is not yet known.As a sirtuin 1(SIRT1)inhibitor,NAM participates in regulating cell adhesion,polarity,migration,proliferation,and differentiation.However,SIRT1 exhibits dual effects by promoting or inhibiting differentiation in different tissues or cells.We propose that the concentration of NAM may influence proliferation,differentiation,and SIRT1 signaling of HSCs.AIM To evaluate the effects and underlying mechanisms of action of different concentrations of NAM on HSC proliferation and differentiation.METHODS CD34^(+)cells were purified from umbilical cord blood using MacsCD34 beads,and cultured for 10-12 d in a serum-free medium supplemented with cytokines,with different concentrations of NAM added according to experimental requirements.Flow cytometry was used to detect phenotype,cell cycle distribution,and apoptosis of the cultured cells.Real-time polymerase chain reaction was used to detect the transcription levels of target genes encoding stemness-related factors,che mokines,components of hypoxia pathways,and antioxidant enzymes.Dichloro-dihydro-fluorescein diacetate probes were used to evaluate intracellular production of reactive oxygen species(ROS).Determination of the effect of different culture conditions on the balance of cytokine by cytometric bead array.RESULTS Compared with the control group,the proportion and expansion folds of HSPCs(CD34^(+)CD38)incubated with 5 mmol/L or 10 mmol/L NAM were significantly increased(all P<0.05).The ST-HSCs ratio and fold expansion of the 5 mmol/L NAM group were significantly higher than those of the control and 10 mmol/L NAM groups(all P<0.001),whereas the LT-HSCs ratio and fold expansion of the 10 mmol/L NAM group were significantly higher than those of the other two groups(all P<0.05).When the NAM concentration was>10 mmol/L,cell viability significantly decreased.In addition,compared with the 5 mmol/L NAM group,the proportion of apoptotic cells in the 10 mmol/L NAM group increased and the proportion of cells in S and G2 phase decreased.Compared with the 5 mmol/L NAM group,the HSCs incubated with 10 mmol/L NAM exhibited significantly inhibited SIRT1 expression,increased intracellular ROS content,and downregulated expression of genes encoding antioxidant enzymes(superoxide dismutase 1,peroxiredoxin 1).CONCLUSION Low concentrations(5 mmol/L)of NAM can better regulate the balance between proliferation and differentiation,thereby promoting expansion of HSCs.These findings allow adjustment of NAM concentrations according to expansion needs.

Relationship between plasma risperidone concentrations and clinical features in chronic schizophrenic patients in China

BACKGROUND Prior studies have noted great variability in the plasma levels of risperidone(RIS).Plasma concentrations of RIS and its active moiety are highly variable and depend on absorption,metabolism,and other predictors of metabolic dysregulation;however,these factors are poorly understood and the association between metabolic change and change in psychopathology is uncertain.AIM To ascertain the characteristics of chronic schizophrenic patients treated with RIS,and to assess their relationship with plasma RIS levels.METHODS This was a descriptive cross-sectional study of 50 patients with a diagnosis of schizophrenic psychosis treated with RIS in a psychiatric service.The plasma concentrations of RIS and its metabolite 9-hydroxyrisperidone were determined by high performance liquid chromatography.The patients’demographic and clinical characteristics,and psychopathologies were assessed,and the associations between clinical variables and plasma levels of RIS were explored.RESULTS Male patients received higher doses of RIS than female ones,but plasma concentrations of RIS and risperidone+9-hydroxyrisperidone(active moiety)were higher in female patients.Age and the mean scores of the general psychopathology subscale of the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale(PANSS)were significantly positively correlated with plasma concentrations of risperidone+9-hydroxyrisperidone adjusted for weight and dose in all 50 subjects.In male subjects,we found a statistically significant positive correlation between the concentrations of risperidone+9-hydroxyrisperidone in plasma/(dose×kg)and age,mean PANSS negative subscale scores,mean PANSS general psychopathology subscale scores,and mean PANSS total scores.CONCLUSION Long-term use of RIS should be closely monitored in older patients and females to minimize the risk of high concentrations which could induce side effects.

Calculating models of mass action concentrations for structural units or ion couples in RbCl-H_2O binary system and RbCl-RbNO_3-H_2O ternary system

Thermodynamic models of calculating mass action concentrations for structural units or ion couples in RbCl-H2O binary and RbCl-RbNO3-H2O ternary strong electrolyte aqueous solutions were developed based on the ion and molecule coexistence theory at 298.15 K.A transformation coefficient is needed to compare the calculated mass action concentration and the reported activity because they are obtained at different standard states and concentration units.The results show that the transformation coefficients between the calculated mass action concentrations and the reported activities of the same structural units or ion couples in RbCl-H2O binary and RbCl-RbNO3-H2O ternary strong electrolyte aqueous solutions change in a very narrow range.The transformed mass action concentrations of structural units or ion couples in RbCl-H2O binary system are in good agreement with the reported activities. The transformed mass action concentrations of RbCl and RbNO3 in RbCl-RbNO3-H2O ternary solution are also in good agreement with the reported activities,aRbCl and 3RbNOa,with different total ionic strengths as 0.01,0.05,0.1,0.5,1.0,1.5,2.0,3.0 and 3.5 mol/kg,respectively.All those results mean the developed thermodynamic model of strong electrolyte aqueous solutions can reflect structural characteristics of RbCl-H2O binary and RbCl-RbNO3-H2O ternary strong electrolyte aqueous solutions and the mass action concentration also strictly follows the mass action law.

Impact of Pollutant Concentration and Particle Deposition on the Radiative Flow of Casson-Micropolar Fluid between Parallel Plates

Assessing the behaviour and concentration of waste pollutants deposited between two parallel plates is essential for effective environmental management.Determining the effectiveness of treatment methods in reducing pollution scales is made easier by analysing waste discharge concentrations.The waste discharge concentration analysis is useful for assessing how effectively wastewater treatment techniques reduce pollution levels.This study aims to explore the Casson micropolar fluid flow through two parallel plates with the influence of pollutant concentration and thermophoretic particle deposition.To explore the mass and heat transport features,thermophoretic particle deposition and thermal radiation are considered.The governing equations are transformed into ordinary differential equations with the help of suitable similarity transformations.The Runge-Kutta-Fehlberg’s fourthfifth order technique and shooting procedure are used to solve the reduced set of equations and boundary conditions.The integration of a neural network model based on the Levenberg-Marquardt algorithm serves to improve the accuracy of predictions and optimize the analysis of parameters.Graphical outcomes are displayed to analyze the characteristics of the relevant dimensionless parameters in the current problem.Results reveal that concentration upsurges as the micropolar parameter increases.The concentration reduces with an upsurge in the thermophoretic parameter.An upsurge in the external pollutant source variation and the local pollutant external source parameters enhances mass transport.The surface drag force declines for improved values of porosity and micropolar parameters.

Effects of Controlled Atmospheres with High_O_2 or High_CO_2 Concentrations on Postharvest Physiology and Storability of "Napoleon" Sweet Cherry

Sweet cherries ( Prunus avium L. cv. Napoleon) were stored in controlled atmospheres (CA) of high O(2) (70% O(2) + 0% CO(2)) or high CO(2) (5% O(2) + 10% CO(2)), in modified atmosphere package (MAP, (13% - 18%) O(2) + (2% -4%) CO(2)) and in air (control) at 1 degreesC to investigate the effects of different O(2) and CO(2) concentrations on physiological properties, quality and storability of the fruits during storage. The results indicated that compared with other treatments, CA with high O(2) concentration decreased fruit decay and ethanol content, but increased the accumulation of malondialdehyde (MDA) and stimulated browning. CA with high CO(2) concentration inhibited polyphenol oxidase (PPO) activity, reduced MDA content, maintained vitamin C content and firmness, decreased fruit decay and browning. Soluble solids contents (SSC) were not significantly affected by different atmosphere treatments. 'Napoleon' fruits stored in 5% O(2) + 10% CO(2) for as long as 80 d were of good quality, but only 40, 20 and 30 d stored in MAP, 70% O(2) + 0% CO(2) and air, re-spectively.

Shear Thickening Fluids Based on Additives with Different Concentrations and Molecular Chain Lengths

Shear thickening fluids （STFs） based on additives with different concentrations and molecular chain lengths were investigated. STF samples were prepared with silica and additive dispersed in polyethylene glycol （PEG） 400, where three types of additives with different molecular chain lengths of PEG4000, PEG6000, and PEG10000 were used. For PEG10000, different concentrations, including 0, 1%, 3%, and 5%, were selected to study the influences of additive concentrations. Rheological properties of the samples were measured with a rheometer. The results show that the shear thickening effect was significantly enhanced with the increase of the concentration and the molecular chain length of additives. The mechanism of enhancement was quantitatively explained with the formation of large particles clusters.

Corrosion behavior of micro-arc oxidation coating on AZ91D magnesium alloy in NaCl solutions with different concentrations

Ceramic oxide coatings were prepared on AZ91D magnesium alloys in alkaline silicate solution using micro-arc oxidation（MAO） technique.The corrosion behavior of MAO coating on AZ91D magnesium alloys in NaCl solutions with different concentrations（0.1%,0.5%,1.0%,3.5% and 5.0% in mass fraction） was evaluated by electrochemical measurements and immersion tests.The results showed that the corrosion rate of the MAO coated AZ91D increased with increasing chloride ion concentration.The main form of corrosion failure was localized corrosion for the MAO coated AZ91D immersed in higher concentration NaCl solutions（1.0%,3.5% and 5.0%）,while it was general corrosion in dilute NaCl solutions（0.1% and 0.5%）.Two different stages of the failure process of the MAO coated AZ91D could be identified：1） occurrence of the metastable pits and 2） growth of the pits.Different equivalent circuits were also proposed based on the results of electrochemical impedance spectroscopy（EIS） for the MAO coated AZ91D immersed in different concentrations of NaCl solutions for 120 h.

Concentrations of foliar and surface soil in nutrients Pinus spp. plantations in relation to species and stand age in Zhanggutai sandy land, northeast China

The concentrations of the foliar and surface soil nutrients and the variation with species and stand age were studied inPinus spp. plantations in Zhanggutai area, northeast China. The results showed that the total N, total P and C: N ratio of the soil inP. sylvestris var.mongolica stands were significantly higher in comparison with those inP. tabulaeformis andP. densiflora stands. ForP. sylvestris var.mongolica, the foliar P concentration appeared to decrease with age, and the foliar N and K concentrations did not show a consistent change with age. As for the different tree species of the similar age, the foliar N and P concentrations were significantly different (p<0.05), being withP. sylvestris var.mongolica>P. densiflora>P. tabulaeformis. The foliar N: P ratio ofP. densiflora significantly was higher thanP. sylvestris var.mongolica andP. tabulaeformis, while the foliar K was no obvious difference between the three tree species. There were significant correlation (p<0.05) between soil total N and P, soil organic matter and total P, foliar N and P, but it did not show significant correlations between soil and foliar nutrient concentrations, which might attribute to the excessive litter raking, overgrazing and low soil moisture in this area. Based on the foliar N: P ratio, we introduced a combination threshold index of N: P ratio with their absolute foliar nutrient concentrations to determine the possible limiting nutrient. According to the critical N: P ratio and their absolute foliar N, P concentrations, theP. sylvestris var.mongolica stands showed a decreased N limitation degree with age, theP. densiflora stands showed unlimited by N and P in the whole, and theP. tabulaeformis stands showed co-limited by N and P. No significant difference in soil nutrient concentrations of the surface soils was found between 45, 29, 20-yr-oldPinus sylvestris var.mongolica plantation stands. Keywords coniferous trees - foliar nutrient concentration - limiting nutrients - N - P ratio - Zhanggutai sandy land CLC number S718.55 Document code A Article ID 1007-662X(2004)01-0011-08 Foundation item: This research was supported by Key Knowledge Innovation Project (KZCX3-SW-418) of Chinese Academy of Sciences.Biography: CHEN Guang-sheng (1978-), male, master candidate in Institute of Applied Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang 110016, P. R. ChinaResponsible editor: Song Funan

Effects of Ca^(2+)concentrations on accumulations of mineral elements in the components of Pteroceltis tatarinowii

The bark of Pteroce/tis tatarinowii is a raw material for manufacturing XuanPaper. The effects of Ca^(2+) concentrations on the accumulation of mineral elements in the bark,leaf and root of Pteroceltis tatarinowii were studied under controlled conditions. The types ofHoagland nutrient solution with three Ca^(2+) concentrations levels (200, 400 and 600 μg·g^(-1))and a control (without Ca^(2+)) were designed to culture Pteroceltis tatarinowii. After 6 months,contents of seven mineral elements including Ca, K, Mg, Mn, Zn, Cu and Na in the root, leaf and barkwere analyzed. The results indicated that Ca accumulations content in the root, leaf and bark hadpositively relation with Ca^(2+) concentrations (200, 400, 600 μg · g^(-1)), and the order of theCa content in the three components was root>leaf>bark. Ca content in the root treated with 600 μg·g^(-1) Ca^(2+) concentrations was 5.5 times as high as that of the control, and about 1.4 times ashigh as that of the root treated in 200 and 400 μg/g Ca^(2+) concentrations respectively. On thecontrary, K and Mg contents in the root, leaf and bark were negatively related to Ca^(2+)concentrations, especially in the bark, and their accumulation trend followed the order ofleaf>root>bark. K content in the bark treated with 600 μg ·g^(-1) Ca^(2+) concentrations was 39.3%of that of the control, and was 79.0% and 91.8% of that of the bark treated with 200 μg ·g^(-1)and 400 μg ·g^(-1) Ca^(2+) concentrations respectively; Mg content in the bark treated with 600μg ·g^(-1) Ca^(2+) concentrations was 23.4% of that of the control, and was 27.1% and 35.4% ofthat of the bark treated with 200 and 400 μg·g^(-1) Ca^(2+) concentrations respectively. Comparedwith the control, the general tendency of Mn, Zn and Cu content decreased with increasing of Ca^(2+)concentrations and their contents were in the order: root>leaf>bark. Based on the results of thisstudy, the experiment has been useful for providing academic bases in improving the bark quality ofPteroceltis tatarinowii on non-limestone soil.

Effects of Silicon at Different Concentrations on Morphology and Photosynthetic Physiological Mechanism of Japonica Rice

[Objective] The aim was to explore effects of silicon at different concentrations on morphology and photosynthetic physiological mechanism of japonica rice. [Method] Seedlings of japonica rice were treated with silicon at different concentrations （0, 30, 80, 130 and 180 mg/L of sodium silicate）; silicon contents were measured with Molybdenum blue spectrophotometric method in root, stem and leaf; plant height, root length and number in different treatment groups were measured with tools; chlorophyll a and b, and a/b in leaf and stem of rice in different groups were measured. [Result] Silicon contents in vegetative organs were as follows： stem〉leaf〉 root; when silicon was 80 mg/L, japonica ecotype was shortest; when silicon was 30 mg/L, root length of the rice was shortest and root number was least; when silicon was 30 mg/L, contents of chlorophyll a and b were highest and chlorophyll a/b achieved the peak when silicon was 80 mg/L. [Conclusion] Silicon at proper concen- tration would improve lodging-resistance and efficiency of photosynthesis, further enhancing yield of japonica rice.

RELATIONSHIPS OF STARCH CONCENTRATION WITH SPECIFIC LEAF WEIGHT AND MINERAL CONCENTRATIONS IN POTATO LEAVES UNDER VARIED CO_2 AND TEMPERATURE

Foliar concentrations of starch and major nutrients N, P, K, Ca, and Mg along with specific leaf weight (SLW) were determined in the potato (Solanun tuberosum L.) cvs "Denali", "Norland "'and "Russet Burbank" grown for 35 days under the CO2 concentrations of 500, 1 000, 1 500 and 2 000 mol mol-1 at both 16 and 20℃ air temperature. The starch concentration, pooled from the three cultivars, increased with increasing CO2 concentration at both 16 and 20℃,, and was consistently higher at 16℃ than at 20℃. The SLW (g m-2) was positively related to the foliar starch concentration on the basis of leaf area or dry weight. The concentrations of N, P, Ca, and Mg in leaves were negatively related to starch concentration under 14% starch on a dry weight basis. Above 14%, there was no significant relationship between nutrient and starch concentrations . The similar patterns were seen when the SLW and nutrient concentrations were expressed on a starch-free basis. In contrast, the leaf concentration of K was not closely related to the starch concentration. The results indicated that the changes in SLW and concentrations of N, P, Ca, and Mg in potato leaves only partially resulted from the changed starch concentration.

A universal thermodynamic model of calculating mass action concentrations for structural units or ion couples in aqueous solutions and its applications in binary and ternary aqueous solutions

A universal thermodynamic model of calculating mass action concentrations for structural units or ion couples in ternary and binary strong electrolyte aqueous solution was developed based on the ion and molecule coexistence theory and verified in four kinds of binary aqueous solutions and two kinds of ternary aqueous solutions. The calculated mass action concentrations of structural units or ion couples in four binary aqueous solutions and two ternary solutions at 298.15 K have good agreement with the reported activity data from literatures after shifting the standard state and concentration unit. Therefore, the calculated mass action concentrations of structural units or ion couples from the developed universal thermodynamic model for ternary and binary aqueous solutions can be applied to predict reaction ability of components in ternary and binary strong electrolyte aqueous solutions. It is also proved that the assumptions applied in the developed thermodynamic model are correct and reasonable, i.e., strong electrolyte aqueous solution is composed of cations and anions as simple ions, H2O as simple molecule and other hydrous salt compounds as complex molecules. The calculated mass action concentrations of structural units or ion couples in ternary and binary strong electrolyte aqueous solutions strictly follow the mass action law.

CALCULATING MODEL OF MASS ACTION CONCENTRATIONS FOR Cd-Sb ALLOY MELT

According to the Cd-Sb alloy phase diagram, resistivity, heat capacity, partial molar entropy and viscosity,the structural units of this alloy melt have been determined as Cd and Sb atoms as well as Cd3Sb2, Cd4Sb3 and CdSb compounds.Based on these structural units and the coexistence theory of metallic melt structure involing compound formation,a calculating model of mass action concentrations has been deduced.The calculated mass action concentrations Ncd are in good agreement with measured activities acd. The Gibbs standard free energy of formatioin for above three compunds have been obtained too.

Concentrations,Accumulation and Sources of PAHs in Surface Layer Sediments of Taizhou Bay

The concentrations, accumulation and sources of 15 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons （PAHs） had been studied or evaluated in the surface layer sediments of Taizhou Bay, China. It showed that the concentrations of PAHs ranged from 85.4 to 167.6 ng/g （averaged 138.62 ng/g）, and the highest level was found in Jiao Jiang Dock. Percentages of 2-, 3-, 4-, 5- and 6-cyclic aromatic hydrocarbons were 7.8 %, 42.1%, 33.3 %, 9.6 % and 7.2 % respectively. The accumulation indices of PAHs ranged from 532.7 to 1068.9 （averaged 807.5）, and the index of Phenanthrene was the highest （122.7）, while that of Benzo （a） Pyrene was the lowest （2.7） among them. In Taizhou Bay, PAHs in surface layer sediments came mainly from coal burning, partly from direct pollution of petroleum hydrocarbons.