Electrochemical properties of nanocrystalline and amorphous Mg-Y-Ni alloys applied to Ni-MH battery

The as-cast Mg2Ni-type Mg20–xYxNi10 (x=0, 1, 2, 3 and 4) electrode alloys were prepared by vacuum induction melting. Subsequently, the as-cast alloys were mechanically milled in a planetary-type ball mill. The analyses of scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) reveal that nanocrystalline and amorphous structure can be obtained by mechanical milling, and the amount of amorphous phase increases with milling time prolonging. The electrochemical measurements show that the discharge capacity of Y0 alloy increases with milling time prolonging, while that of the Y-substituted alloys has a maximum value in the same condition. The cycle stabilities of the alloys decrease with milling time prolonging. The effect of milling time on the electrochemical kinetics of the alloys is related to Y content. Whenx=0, the high rate discharge ability, diffusion coefficient of hydrogen atom, limiting current density and charge transfer rate all increase with milling time prolonging, but the results are exactly opposite whenx=3.

Effects of Nitric Oxide on the Germination of Wheat Seeds and Its Reactive Oxygen Species Metabolisms Under Osmotic Stress

Effects of sodium nitroprusside (SNP), a nitric oxide (NO) donor, on the germination and metabolism of reactive oxygen species were surveyed in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) seeds. Germination of wheat seeds and even the elongation of radicle and plumule were dramatically promoted by SNP treatments during the germination under osmotic stress. Meanwhile, activities of amylase and EP were enhanced, thus leading to the degradation of storage reserve in seeds. After osmotic stress was removed, higher viability of wheat seeds was also maintained. In addition, the activities of CAT, APX and the content of proline were increased by SNP treatment simultaneously, but activities of LOX were inhibited, and both of which were beneficial for improving the antioxidant capacity during the germination of wheat seeds under osmotic stress. It was also shown that the increase of the activity of amylase induced by SNP in embryoless half-seeds of wheat in the beginning period of germination (6 h) might be indirectly related to GA(3).

Influences of Nitrogen Level on Carbon Metabolism of Spring Maize

[Objective]To study the effect of supplies of nitrogen level on spring maize leaf blade carbon metabolism.[Method]In this experiment,field trail and biochemistry analysis were used to study the effect of the diference-nitrogen level on the content of chlorophyl and carboxylase activity of RuBP and PEP in the leaf of spring maize during main growing period.[Result]Applying proper amount of N could keep relative higher content of chlorophyl and higher activity of carboxylase of RuBP and PEP in the leaf of spring maize,insufficient or excessive（N 400 kg/hm^2） of nitrogenous fertilizer has the adverse effect.[Conclusion]In this experiment,applying 300 kg/hm^2 amount of N could keep relative higher content of chlorophyl and higher activity of carboxylase of RuBP and PEP in the leaf of spring maize during main growing period.It was important to strengthens the leaf blade photosynthesis ability,promote the yield formation and postpone the decline of leaf blade.

Effect of Milrinone Induced Insulin Resistance on Glucose and Lipid Metabolism in Rats

Aim To investigate the effects of milrinone (a selective phosphodiesteraseIII inhibitor PDE_3 ) on insulin secretion, blood glucose, plasma free fatty acids (FFA) anddose-response relationship, and assess possible effects of milrinone on glucose metabolism andinsulin sensitivity in conscious rats. Methods The catheterized nonstressed rats were administeredvarious doses of milrinone (1, 5, 25μmoL·kg^(-1)) and were compared with controls. Ahyperinsulinaemic-eugly-caemic clamp was established in counscious rats, andmilrinone(25μmoL·kg^(-1)) and 25% dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO, as a control) were given at 120 minduring hyperinsulinaemic-euglycaemic clamping. Glucose turnover was determind with by gaschromatograph mass spectrometer (GC-MS). Results After dosing, plasma FFA levels in 3 milrinonegroups significantly increased, compared with the controls and before dosing. The percentages ofelevation of FFA by the different milrinone doses were very similar, 50%, and 52% , 55% for 1, 5,and 25 μmoL·kg^(-1), repectively, at 2 min after dosing. Plasma insulin levels were significantlyelevated in the 5 and 25 μmoL·kg^(-1) groups, and the effect of milrione on glucose concentrationwas detectable only in 25μmoL·kg^(-1) group. During hyperinsulinaemic clamping, there weresignificant increase, in plasma FFA (from 173 +- 15 to 634 +- 87μmoL·kg^(-1)) and hepatic glucoseproduction (HGP), and a significant decrease in glucose infusion rates (GIR) to about 21% and aslight increase in plasma insulin after milrinone treatment. Conclusion Milrinone impaires theability of insulin to suppress lipolysis and HGP, and insulin-mediated glucose utilization inperipheral tissue. Therefore, milrinone administration may induce an acute insulin resistance invivo.

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Anther Culture about Hybrid F_1 by Solanum torvum SW.(♂) × Solanum melongena L.(♀)

Objective] This study was conducted to investigate the effects of different hormone combinations and concentrations on cal us induction and pIant regeneration of F1 hybrid of Solanum torvum SW. ＆#215; Solanum melongena L. [Method] Media suppIemented with different combinations and concentrations of hormones were pre-pared for anther cal us induction, proIiferation, differentiation and regeneration. [Re-sult] MS＋1.0 m/L 2, 4-D＋0.5 mg/L 6-BA was the optimum medium for anther cal us induction. MS＋1.0 mg/L KT＋0.1 mg/L NAA was the optimum medium for cal us proIiferation. MS＋2.0 mg/L 6-BA＋0.3 mg/L NAA was the optimum medium for in-duction of adventitious buds. MS＋0.3 mg/L IAA was the optimum medium for root-ing of adventitious buds. The highest rooting rate was onIy 37.5 because induction of rooting was a difficuIt work. [Conclusion] The resuIts wiI provide references for outcross fertiIity and genetic improvement of eggpIant.

Pharmacokinetics of Scutellarin in Dogs

Aim To establish an RP-HPLC method for the determination of scutellarin in plasma and study its pharmacokinetics in dogs. Methods Scutellarin was given to dogs by intravenous injection and determined by RP-HPLC, the mean plasma concentration-time curve was plotted and pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated by program 3p87. Resu;ts The concentration-time curve of scutellarin could be fitted to three-compartment model with T1/2 pi, T1/2 α and T1/2 β being 1.05 ± 0.80 min, 6.99 + 2.76 min and 51.61 + 28.78 min, respectively, Vc being 880.1 + 508.3 mL, CL being 189.6 + 53.8 mL@ min- 1, and AUC0-90 and AUC0-∞ being 574.43 + 133.95 μg@ min@ mL - 1 and 599.34 ± 132.00μg@ min@mL- 1, respectively. Conclusion The fact that the concentrations of scutellarin in plasma declined rapidly after the medication suggested that the T1/2 of scutellarin should be taken into account in drug administration and preparation development.

Preparation and Pharmacokinetic Characterization of Sustained Release Melatonin Tablet

Aim To prepare the sustained release melatonin tablet with HPMC matrix and study its pharmacokinetics and bioavailatility. Methods HPMC was used as matrix to formulate the sustained release tablet. The influences of the size of melatonin, type and amount of HPMC, drug loading, type and amount of additives, and compressing pressure were investigated. Plasma concentration of melatonin in dogs after intravenous injection of two doses and oral administration of sustained release tablets and unmodified release capsules was detected by HPLC using fluorescence detector. Results The drug release from sustained release tablets was influenced by the size of melatonin, type and amount of HPMC, drug loading, and type and amount of additives. Melatonin was found to fit two compartment model after intravenous injection, AUC was proportional to doses, and t(1/2β) of two doses has no significant difference. Relative bioavailability of melatonin sustained release tablet to normal capsule was 83.8%, and absolute bioavailability was 3.75% for sustained release tablet and 4.49% for capsule. Conclusion The melatonin sustained release tablet was well formulated. The absolute bioavilability for oral administration of either sustained release tablet or unmodified release capsule of melatonin was less than 5%. The bioavailability of melatonin sustained release tablet was lower than that of unmodified release capsule, but MRT of sustained release tablet was significantly longer than that of capsule.

Metabolites of baicalein 6,7-diacetate in rats

To investigate the metabolites of baicalein 6,7-diacetate in rats. HPLC-DAD and LC/MS^n methods were used to analyze the metabolites in intestinal tract and plasma after oral administration of baicalein 6,7-diacetate to rats. Baicalein 6,7-diacetate was degraded into baicalein 6-monoacetate and baicalein in rat intestinal tract, and four baicalein glucuronides, baicalein 6-0- glucuronide, baicalein 6-methoxyl-7-O-glucuronide, baicalein 6,7-di-O-glucuronide, and baicalein 6-O-glucose-7-O-glucuronide were detected and tentatively identified in rat plasma. This is the first time to report the metabolites of baicalein 6,7-diacetate in rats. Six metabolites were identified in rat intestinal tract and plasma.

ON THE PRODUCT OF RIESZ ALGEBRAS AND REPRESENTATION

Let { E i∶i∈I } be a family of Archimedean Riesz algebras.The product of Riesz algebras is denoted by Π i∈I E i .The main result in this paper is the following conclusion:there exists a completely regular Hausdorff space X such that Π i∈I E i is Riesz algebra isomorphic to C(X) if and only if for every i∈I there exists a completely regular Hausdorff space X i such that E i is Riesz algebra isomorphic to C(X i) .

Effects of in vitro subculture on the physiological characteristics of adventitious root formation in microshoots of Castanea mollissima cv.'yanshanhong'

Microshoots of Castanea mollissima cv.＇yanshanhong＇ in vitro acquired an enhanced rooting capability with increasing numbers of subculture.In this study,we investigated the effect of successive subculture on adventitious root formation in vitro by the determination of the endogenous hormone level and the enzyme activity.The levels of indoleacetic acid（IAA）,abscisic acid（ABA）,cytokinins（CTK） and gibberellic acid（GA3） were determined by high performance liquid chromatography（HPLC）,and the activities of indoleacetic acid oxidase（IAAO）,peroxidase oxidase（POD）,and polyphenol oxidase（PPO） were measured by ultraviolet-spectrophotometer assay after the induction of rooting at 2nd,4th,6th and 8th subculture.The relationships between physiological characteristics and subculture numbers or rooting rate were as follows：The levels of endogenous IAA in microshoots gradually increased,and endogenous levels of ABA,CTK and GA3 in microshoots decreased slightly after serial subcultures.The level of IAA was highly correlated with subculture numbers and rooting rates.The ratios of IAA/ABA and IAA/CTK both acutely raised with increasing rooting rate during successive subcultures and had high correlations with rooting rate.The activity of IAAO and POD are significantly negatively related with subculture numbers,and the activity of PPO increased after subcultures.

Bombyx mori Pyridoxal Kinase cDNA Cloning and Enzymatic Characterization

Pyridoxal kinase （PLK） （EC 2.7.1.35） catalyzes the ATP-dependent phosphorylation of pyridoxal, generating pyridoxal-5＇-phosphate （PLP）, an important cofactor for many enzymatic reactions. Bombyx mori, similar to mammals, relies on a nutritional source of vitamin B6 to synthesize PLP. This article describes how a cDNA encoding PLK was cloned from Bombyx mori using the PCR method （GenBank accession number： DQ452397）. The cDNA has an 894 bp open reading frame and encodes a protein of 298 amino acid residues with a molecular mass of 33.1 k.Da. The amino acid sequence shares 48.6% identity with that of human PLK, and it also contains signature conserved motifs of the PLK family. However, the protein is 10 or more amino acids shorter than the PLK from mammals and plants, and several amino acid residues conserved in the PLK from mammals and plants are changed in the protein. The cDNA cloned was expressed successfully in Escherichia coli using the T7 promoter/T7 RNA polymerase expression system, and the crude extracts containing the expressed product were found to have strong PLK enzymatic activity with a value of 30 nmol/min/mg, confirming that the cDNA encodes the functional PLK of Bombyx mori. This is the first identification of a gene encoding PLK in insects.

Identification of the metabolite and cytochrome P450 isoforms involved in rat liver microsomal metabolism of TM208

To identify the metabolite and CYP450 isoforms involved in rat liver microsomal metabolism of TM208. The present study investigated the metabolism of TM208 and the effects of selective CYP450 inhibitors on the metabolism of TM208 in rat liver microsomes. Various specific inhibitors of CYP were used to identify the isoforms of CYP involved in the metabolism of TM208. The inhibitor of CYP2D and that of CYP2B had strong inhibitory effects on TM208 metabolism in a concentration-de- pendant manner, the inhibitor of CYP1A had a modest inhibitory effect, and the inhibitor of CYP3A seemed not to have an obvious inhibitory effect on TM208 metabolism. TM208 might mainly be metabolized by CYP2D and CYP2B in rat liver microsomes.

Serum levels of soluble Fas, nitric oxide and cytokines in acute decompensated cirrhotic patients

AIM： To evaluate plasma levels of nitrite/nitrate （NOx）, soluble Pas （spas） antigen, tumor necrosis factor alpha （TNF-α） and interleukin-6 （IL-6） in patients with compensated and acute decompensated cirrhosis and to evaluate mediators causing acute decompensation in liver cirrhosis, METHODS： This prospective study was conducted in the medical intensive care unit of an academic tertiary center, Fifty-five patients with acute decompensation （gastrointestinal hemorrhage, encephalopathy, hydropic decompensation） and twenty-five patients with compensated liver drrhosis were included, Blood samples were taken for analyses of spas, Nox, IL-6, TNF-α, Liver enzymes and kidney functions were also tested, RESULTS： In patients with acute decompensation, plasma spas levels were higher than in non-decompensated patients （15305 ± 4646 vs 12458± 4322 pg/mL, P 〈 0.05）. This was also true for the subgroup of patients with alcoholic liver cirrhosis （P 〈 0.05）. The other mediators were not different and none of the parameters predicted survival, except for ALT （alanine-aminotransferase）. In patients with portal-hypertension-induced acute hemorrhage, NOx levels were significantly lower than in patients with other forms of decompensation （70.8 ± 48.3 vs 112.9 ± 74.9 pg/mL, P 〈 0.05）. When NOx levels were normalized to creatinine levels, the difference disappeared. IL-6, TNF-α and spas were not different between bleeders and non-bleeders. In decompensated patients spas, IL-6 and NOx levels correlated positively with creatinine levels, while IL-6 levels were dependent on Child class. CONCLUSION： In acute decompensated cirrhotic patients sPas is increased, suggesting a role of apoptosis in this process and patients with acute bleeding have lower NOx levels, However, in this acute complex clinical situation, kidney function seems to have a predominant influence on mediator levels,

Liver cirrhosis as a consequence of iron overload caused by hereditary nonspherocytic hemolytic anemia

Nonspherocytic hereditary anemias are occasionally accompanied by significant iron overload but the significance for the development of chronic liver disease is not clear. We described two cases of patients with chronic liver d isease and severeiron overload due to chronic hereditary hemolysis. Both patients have had signs of liver cirrhosis and severe hemolysis since childhood. A hereditary pyruvate kinase deficiency (PKD) was discovered as the underlying reason for the hemolysis.Sequencing of the pyruvate kinase gene showed a mutation within exon 11. Liver histology in both patients revealed cirrhosis and a severe iron overload but primary hemochromatosis was excluded by HFE-gene analysis.An iron reduction therapy with desferrioxamine led to significant decrease of serum ferritin and sustained clinical improvement. PKD-induced hemolysis may cause severe iron overload even in the absence of HFE-genotype abnormalities. This secondary iron overload can lead to chronic liver disease and cirrhosis. Therefore, the iron metabolism of PKD patients has to be closely monitored and iron overload should be consequently treated.

Pharmacokinetics of recombinant human parathyroid hormone after subcutaneous administration in Rhesus monkeys by immunoradiometric assay

The purpose of this research was to study the pharmacokinetics and the bioavailability of recombinant human parathyroid hormone [rhPTH （1-34）] in Rhesus monkeys after single and multiple subcutaneous administration. An immunoradiometric assay （IRMA） was used to determine the plasma drug concentration of rhFFH （1-34） after giving single dose of 10, 20 and 40 ug/kg and daily dose of 40 ug/kg for 7 d by subcutaneous administration, and intravenous injection of 20 ug/kg in Rhesus monkeys. The pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated by noncompartmental analysis. The drug plasma level quantitation range was from 0.027 to 2.22 ng/mL. The intra- and inter-assay precision （CV） of analysis were less than 15%, and the average recovery was about 93.0% ± 8.6% - 116.5% ± 14.0%. After subcutaneous administration of rhPTH（1-34） at dose of 10, 20 and 40 ug/kg, the average Tmax was 0.67, 0.5 and 0.83 h, Cmax were 1.85 ± 0.05, 3.23 ± 0.25 and 7.15 ± 1.19 ng/mL, the AUC（0-∞） were 3.4 ± 0.6, 10.7 ± 1.3 and 12.6 ± 1.5 ng/h/mL, and terminal-phase elimination T1/2 were 0.72 ± 0.10, 1.15 ± 0.10 and 1.03 ± 0.06 h, respectively. The absolute bioavailability of rhPTH （1-34） was 46.96% after subcutaneous administration of 20 ug/kg. There was no evidence of accumulation during systemic exposure of rhPTH （1-34） upon multiple dosing in Rhesus monkeys. The IRMA assay method provide reasonable sensitivity and specificity for the pharrnacokinetic study of rhPTH （1-34） after subcutaneous or intravenous administration in Rhesus monkeys. The pharmacokinetic characteristic of rhPTH （1-34） in monkeys shows linear relationship with the dose administered subcutaneously.

Pharmacokinetics of Recombinant E. coli L-asparaginase in Rats

The distribution of ^(125)I recombinant E. coli L-asparaginase in tissues ororgans and the excretion in urine, feces and bile were studied with in vivo radioactive tracertechnique. The amount of radioactivity excreted in urine, feces and bile within 24 h afterintravenous administration of ^(125)I recombinant E. col L-asparaginase to rats was 68.95% ,4.44%and 5.36% of the dose respectively. ^(125)I recombinant E. coli L-asparaginase in plasma samples wasdetermined. The levels of structural intact molecule in plasma samples were evaluated by SDS-PAGEand bio-imaging analyzer system. Pharmacokinetic parameters were assessed with a model-dependentmethod. The concentration-time curves of recombinant E. coli L-asparaginase after intravenousinjection at 1 250 IU·kg^(-1), 2 500, IU·kg^(-1), 5 000 IU·kg^(-1) to rats were consistent withthe two-compartment model. The first and terminal elimination t_(1/2) were 0.52 ~ 0.63 h and 2.39 ~2.76 h respectively. AUC was linearly related to the doses. The results of distribution in tissuesor organs and excretion in urine suggested that the metabolites of the enzyme were cleared bymechanisms of urinary excretion. Pharmacokinetics parameters of recombinant E. coli L- asparaginasein rats are warranted for the design of future clinical trials.

Nuclear ?eld shift effects on stable isotope fractionation: a review

An anomalous isotope effect exists in many heavy element isotope systems （e.g., Sr, Gd, Zn, U）. This effect used to be called the ＂odd--even isotope effect＂ because the odd mass number isotopes behave differently from the even mass number isotopes. This mass-indepen- dent isotope fractionation driving force, which originates from the difference in the ground-state electronic energies caused by differences in nuclear size and shape, is cur- rently denoted as the nuclear field shift effect （NFSE）. It is found that the NFSE can drive isotope fractionation of some heavy elements （e.g., Hg, T1, U） to an astonishing degree, far more than the magnitude caused by the con- ventional mass-dependent effect （MDE）. For light ele- ments, the MDE is the dominant factor in isotope fractionation, while the NFSE is neglectable. Furthermore, the MDE and the NFSE both decrease as temperatures increase, though at different rates. The MDE decreases rapidly with a factor of 1/T2, while the NFSE decreases slowly with a factor of 1/T. As a result, even at high temperatures, the NFSE is still significant for many heavy element isotope systems. In this review paper, we begin with an introduction of the basic concept of the NSFE, including its history and recent progress, and follow with the potential implications of the inclusion of the NFSE into the kinetic isotope fractionation effect （KIE） and heavy isotope geochronology.

Effect of Water Deficit Stress on Isotope ^15N Uptake and Nitrogen Metabolism of Newhall Orange and Yamasitaka Mandarin Seedling

Soil water content significantly influenced uptake and distribution of ^15N in both Newhall and Yamasitaka. The content of ^15N uptake in treated plants was less than that in controlled plants, under 20% soil water content, ^15N was only taken up 16.02% by Newhall and 10.11% by Yamasitaka. The most ^15N was detained in root and old shoots under water stress. Protein concentration in two cultivars significantly decreased by water deficit stress, protein content of Newhall and Yamasitaka in controlled plants was 16.29 mg/g fresh weight and 15.89 mg/g fresh weight, but at 20% of water content, these were 9.60 mg/g fresh weight and 9.02 mg/g fresh weight. Water stress increased concentration of NH3-NH4^＋, Arginine and Proline. Compared with control plants, concentrations of NH3-NH4^＋ in both Newhall and Yamasitaka at 20% water content treatment increased 5.83 fold and 5.71 fold, Arginine increased 197% and 205%, and Proline increased 112% and 132%.