Measurement of the Cosmic Ray Helium Energy Spectrum from 70 GeV to 80 TeV with the DAMPE Space Mission.

The measurement of the energy spectrum of cosmic ray helium nuclei from 70 GeV to 80 TeV using 4.5 years of data recorded by the Dark Matter Particle Explorer (DAMPE) is reported in this work. A hardening of the spectrum is observed at an energy of about 1.3 TeV, similar to previous observations. In addition, a spectral softening at about 34 TeV is revealed for the first time with large statistics and well controlled systematic uncertainties, with an overall significance of 4.3σ. The DAMPE spectral measurements of both cosmic protons and helium nuclei suggest a particle charge dependent softening energy, although with current uncertainties a dependence on the number of nucleons cannot be ruled out.

[Determination of trichlorobenzene in workplace air by solvent desorption gas chromatography].

Objective: To develop a solvent desorption-gas chromatography method for determination of trichlorobenzene in workplace air. Methods: Trichlorobenzene in workplace air were captured by Sampling tube consisting of glass fiber filter and solvent desorption activated carbon and desorbed with carbon disulfide, separated through capillary chromatographic column, and then analyzed by gas chromatography-electron capture detector. Results: The linear ranges of 1, 2, 3-trichlorobenzene, 1, 2, 4-trichlorobenzene and 1, 3, 5-trichlorobenzene were 12.20-1220.00, 16.60-1660.00 and 14.80-1480.00 µg/L, respectively, and the related coefficients were between 0.99946 to 0.99948. The relative standard deviations (RSD) within the groups of 1, 2, 3-trichlorobenzene, 1, 2, 4-trichlorobenzene and 1, 3, 5-trichlorobenzene were 1.96%-2.68%, 1.73%-2.82% and 1.81%-2.56%, respectively, and the RSD between the groups were 3.27%-4.25%, 2.85%-4.83% and 3.46%-4.43%, respectively. The average recovery efficiencies were 92.4%, 92.0% and 93.6%, respectively. The minimum quantification concentrations were 0.81, 1.53 and 1.18 µg/m(3), respectively (3 ml desorption solution, 15.00 L sample) . The samples could be stored at room temperature for at least 5 days. Conclusion: This method could be used for monitoring of 1, 2, 3-trichlorobenzene, 1, 2, 4-trichlorobenzene and 1, 3, 5-trichlorobenzene in workplace air.

Measurement of the cosmic ray proton spectrum from 40 GeV to 100 TeV with the DAMPE satellite.

The precise measurement of the spectrum of protons, the most abundant component of the cosmic radiation, is necessary to understand the source and acceleration of cosmic rays in the Milky Way. This work reports the measurement of the cosmic ray proton fluxes with kinetic energies from 40 GeV to 100 TeV, with 2 1/2 years of data recorded by the DArk Matter Particle Explorer (DAMPE). This is the first time that an experiment directly measures the cosmic ray protons up to ~100 TeV with high statistics. The measured spectrum confirms the spectral hardening at ~300 GeV found by previous experiments and reveals a softening at ~13.6 TeV, with the spectral index changing from ~2.60 to ~2.85. Our result suggests the existence of a new spectral feature of cosmic rays at energies lower than the so-called knee and sheds new light on the origin of Galactic cosmic rays.

[Determination of ethyl methacrylate in workplace air by solvent desorption-gas chromatography].

Objective: To develop a solvent desorption-gas chromatography method for determination of ethyl methacrylate(EMA) in workplace air. Methods: EMA in workplace air was captured by charcoal tubes and desorbed with carbon disulfide, separated through capillary chromatographic column, and then analyzed by gas chromatography-flame ionization detector. Results: The linear ranges of EMA were 0.00-9108.00 mg/L, and the related coefficients were 0.999 96. The relative standard deviations(RSD) within the group were 0.55%-1.84%, and the RSD between the group were1.26%-3.30%. The average desorption efficiencies were 98.26%-100.58%. The average samplingefficiencies were 99.98%-100.00%. and the minimum detectable concentration and the minimum quantification concentration were respectively 0.03 mg/m(3) and 0.10 mg/m(3) per 3.00 L of air. The samples could be stored at room temperature for 7 days. Conclusion: This method could be used formonitoring of EMA in workplace air.

Analysis of Detection of Mixed Semen Stains with Different Immunological Test Methods and Case Applications.

ABSTRACT: Objective To perform the separation and confirmation of mixed semen stains with immunological test method, and find a more effective method for the detection of mixed semen stains. Methods The semens of three volunteers were mixed. The mixed semen stains were processed and tested with prostate-specific antigen （PSA） colloidal gold immunoassay strip method, immunomagnetic beads method and laser capture microdissection, respectively. Statistics of the results of STR were gathered and compared with those of a single semen stain. Results After PSA colloidal gold immunoassay strip method testing, the samples showed a purplish red line in the test area and the control area. The results obtained with the immunomagnetic beads method showed a more complete and effective short tandem repeat （STR） sequence. The mixed semen stains were processed with laser capture microdissection and low volume amplified. The results were summarized and superimposed to obtain a complete single typing, which matched the single semen stain typing, with a typing success rate of 84.00%. Single suspect Y-STR typing was obtained with the application of the method above in actual cases, which provided evidence basis for rapid solving of the case. Conclusion The combination of PSA colloidal gold immunoassay strip method, immunomagnetic beads method and laser capture microdissection can be used to separate and confirm the mixed semen stains.

Preparation and identification of an antiserum against recombinant UL31 protein of pseudorabies virus.

Pseudorabies virus (PRV) early protein UL31 is a homologue of herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) UL31, which is a multifunctional protein important for HSV-1 infection. However, the precise roles of PRV UL31 in virus life cycle are still poorly understood. A relatively crucial tool for uncovering the function of UL31 is an antiserum that specifically detects UL31 in the PRV-infected cells. For this purpose, a recombinant UL31 protein consisting of N-terminal 27 aa of UL31 fused to EYFP and His-tag was expressed, purified and used for the preparation of antiserum in BALB/c mice. Our results show that Western blot analysis and immunofluorescence assay showed that this antiserum could specifically detect the purified recombinant UL31 as well as full-length UL31 in the PRV infected cells. These results demonstrate that the prepared antiserum could serve as a valuable tool for further studies of UL31 functions in PRV infection.

Molecular cloning and characterization of the pseudorabies virus UL31 gene.

We amplified a 816-bp sequence of the UL31 gene from the pseudorabies virus (PRV) Becker strain genome. Evidence that this was the UL31 gene was confirmed by cloning and sequencing. The PRV UL31 gene encodes a putative protein of 271-amino acid residues, which was designated the UL31 protein. Bioinformatic analysis indicated that PRV UL31 contains a conserved PHA03328 domain, closely related with the herpes virus nuclear egress lamina protein UL31 family and highly conserved among counterparts encoded by herpes UL31 genes. Nucleic acid sequence and amino acid sequence alignments demonstrated that PRV UL31 has a relatively higher homology with UL31 homologous proteins of subfamily Alphaherpesvirinae than other subfamilies. In addition, phylogenetic analysis showed that PRV UL31 has a close evolutionary relationship with members of the subfamily Alphaherpesvirinae, especially bovine herpesvirus 1 (BoHV-1), BoHV-5, equine herpesvirus 4 (EHV-4), EHV-9 and EHV-1. Antigen prediction demonstrated that several potential B-cell epitopes are located in PRV UL31. Additionally, secondary structure and three-dimension structure prediction revealed that PRV UL31 predominantly consists of α-helix. Taken together, these results provide insight on the function and mechanism of UL31 during PRV infection.

Molecular characterization of the pseudorabies virus UL2 gene.

A 948-bp sequence of the UL2 gene was amplified from the pseudorabies virus (PRV) Becker strain genome using polymerase chain reaction, and the gene identity was confirmed through further cloning and sequencing. Bioinformatic analysis indicated that the PRV UL2 gene encodes a putative polypeptide with 315-amino acid residues. Its encoding protein, designated UL2, has a conserved uracil-DNA glycosylase (UDG)_F1 domain, which is closely related to the herpesvirus UDG family and is highly conserved among its counterparts encoded by UDG genes. Multiple nucleic acid and amino acid sequence alignments suggested that the product of PRV UL2 has a relatively higher homology with UL2-like proteins of Alphaherpesvirinae than that of other subfamilies of Herpesviridae. In addition, phylogenetic analysis showed that PRV UL2 had a close evolutionary relationship with members of Alphaherpesvirinae, especially members of the genus Varicellovirus of bovine herpesvirus 1 and bovine herpesvirus 5. Antigen prediction indicated the presence of several potential B-cell epitopes in PRV UL2. In addition, secondary structure and 3-dimensional structure prediction revealed that PRV UL2 consisted predominantly of an α-helix. Taken together, these results provide molecular biological insight for the further study of the function and mechanism of UL2 during PRV infection.

Molecular cloning and characterization of the pseudorabies virus US1 gene.

Using polymerase chain reaction, a 1050-bp sequence of the US1 gene was amplified from the pseudorabies virus (PRV) Becker strain genome; identification of the US1 gene was confirmed by further cloning and sequencing. Bioinformatics analysis indicated that the PRV US1 gene encodes a putative polypeptide with 349 amino acids. The encoded protein, designated PICP22, had a conserved Herpes_IE68 domain, which was found to be closely related with the herpes virus immediate early regulatory protein family and is highly conserved among the counterparts encoded by Herpes_IE68 genes. Multiple nucleic acid sequence and amino acid sequence alignments suggested that the product of PRV US1 has a relatively higher homology with ICP22-like proteins of genus Varicellovirus than with those of other genera of Alphaherpesvirinae. In addition, phylogenetic analysis showed that PRV US1 has a close evolutionary relationship with members of the genus Varicellovirus, especially Equid herpes virus 1 (EHV-1), EHV-4 and EHV-9. Antigen prediction indicated that several potential B-cell epitopes are located in PICP22. Also, subcellular localization analysis demonstrated that PICP22 is predominantly located in the cytoplasm, suggesting that it might function as a cytoplasmic-targeted protein.

Preparation and characterization of an antiserum against truncated UL54 protein of pseudorabies virus.

Pseudorabies virus (PRV) early protein UL54 is a homolog of herpes simplex virus 1 immediate-early protein ICP27, which is a multifunctional protein essential for the virus replication. However, the precise role of the PRV UL54 protein in the virus life cycle is still poorly understood. To shed more light on this problem, we considered it essential to have available an antiserum specifically detecting this protein. Since it was known that a full-length UL54 protein is a too big molecule for efficient expression in prokaryotic systems, it was truncated from 1 to 66 N-terminal amino acids, fused to EYFP-His tag and expressed in Escherichia coli through an appropriate expression vector. The truncated protein was purified by Ni-NTA affinity chromatography and used for raising an antiserum in rabbits. Western blot analysis showed that this antiserum specifically recognized the purified truncated as well as full-length UL54 protein in PRV-infected cells. Immunofluorescence assay confirmed the latter finding and also demonstrated localization of this protein first in nucleoli and later in whole nuclei of PRV-infected cells. These results indicate that the prepared antiserum could serve as a valuable tool in further studies of PRV UL54 protein function.

Synthesis of a divalent glycoside of an alpha-galactosyl disaccharide epitope involved in the hyperacute rejection of xenotransplantation.

3,6-dioxaoct-1,8-diyl di-(3-O-alpha-D-galactopyranosyl-beta-D-galactopyranoside) was synthesized for use in research on hyperacute rejection of xenotransplantation. The trichloroacetate method was successfully applied to form stereoselectively the alpha-D-galactosyl linkage under mild reaction conditions and a simple procedure. The divalent O-glycoside was formed from the corresponding trichloroacetimidate in one step with reasonable yield.

Synthesis of galactosyl and lactosyl derivatives as potential anti-metastasis compounds.

Based on the known anti-metastasis activities of lactosides and galactosides, a galactosyl and a lactosyl trimannoside were prepared via the conventional Koenigs-Knorr and trichloroacetimidate methods, respectively. Through typical deblocking procedures, a tetrasaccharide alpha-D-Galp-(1 --> 2)-alpha-D-Manp-(1 --> 2)-alpha-D-Manp-(1 --> 6)-alpha-D-ManpOCH3 and a pentasaccharide beta-D-Galp-(1 --> 4)-beta-D-Glcp-(1 --> 2)-alpha-D-Manp-(1 --> 2)-alpha-D-Manp-(1 --> 6)-alpha-D-ManpOCH3 were obtained.

Synthesis of a tetrasaccharide fragment of cobra venom factor oligosaccharide.

Synthesis of a tetrasaccharide fragment, alpha-L-Fuc-(1-->3)-beta-D-GlcNAc-(1-->2)-alpha-D-Man-(1-->6)-alpha-D-Man- OMe of the cobra venom factor (CVF) oligosaccharide is described.

Synthesis and biological activities of dibenzyl dipiperazine diquaternary ammonium salts.

Twenty new 4,4'-dibenzoyl-1,1'-dibenzyl-1,1'-(decane-1,5-diyl)-piperazi nium dihalides 5a-l and 1,1'-dibenzyl-1,1'-(decane-1,5-diyl)piperazinium dihydrochloride dihalides 6a-l were prepared and evaluated for their analgesic, sedative and anti-inflammatory activities. Structure-activity relationship studies indicated that the compounds 6c (Ar = 4-NO2C6H5) and 6k (Ar = 3-Me-C6H5) exhibited higher activities than others. Compared with the corresponding compounds 6k and 6l, the presence of benzoyl in the compound 5k and 5l exerted a contrary influence on the activities. 5h and 6h show the highest anti-inflammatory activity (59%, dose 20 mg/kg and 48%, dose 1 mg/kg) in the series 5 and 6, respectively.

Studies on the synthesis of two tetrasaccharides and the reactivity difference between them.

Studies on the reactivity of two synthetic tetrasaccharides as glycosyl acceptors showed that condensation of the methyl alpha-glycoside with a disaccharide donor afforded a hexasaccharide, but condensation of the methyl beta-glycoside with the disaccharide did not yield the corresponding hexasaccharide under the same conditions. A combination of theoretical results and 2D NMR indicated that the reactivity difference between the methyl alpha-glycoside and the methyl beta-glycoside was determined mainly by steric effects.

Syntheses and pharmacological activities of the derivatives of furanosesquiterpenes from Ligularia virgaurea.

Four benzofuranosesquiterpenes, 1-hydroxy-2-(3'-pentenyl)-3,7-dimethylbenzofuran (1), 1-hydroxy-2-(3'-pentenyl)-3,7-dimethylbenzofuran (2), cacalol (13), and 1,2-dehydrocacalohastin ( 14) were isolated from the rhizomes of Ligularia virgaurea (Compositae). A lipophilic group and an aqueous-favoring group were introduced to the compounds 1 and 13 to afford twelve new derivatives. Their structures were elucidated by spectroscopic methods. The results of the pharmacological test indicated that some of them can block Ca (++) influx by occupying binding sites of dihydropyridine.

[The synthesis and pharmacological activities of C-galactosides of furanosequiterpenes].

Four new C-galactosides were obtained by treatment of 1-O-trifluoroacetly-2, 3, 4, 6-tetra-O-benzly-alpha-D-galactopranose with 7-methoxy-6-(3-pentenyl)-3, 5-dimethylbenzofuran, 7-acetoxy-6-(3-pentenyl)-3, 5-dimethylbenzofuran and 1, 2-dihydrocacalohastin in the presence of Lewis acid. Their structures and compositions were elucidated by elemental analysis and spectroscopic methods. The results of the pharmacological test indicated that the sesquiterpenes are calcium antagonist but their C-galactosides are calcium agonist.

[Studies on synthesis and pharmacological activities of cimicifugamide from Cimicifuga dahurica, and its analogues].

The total synthesis of cimicifugamide, a new natural compound isolated from the roots of Cimicifuga dahurica, was accomplished by a reaction sequence of seven steps in an overall yield of 31%. Trifluoroacetoxy was used as leaving group at the anomeric carbon. The target product was characterized by IR, MS, 1HNMR, 13CNMR and elemental analysis. In addition, seven analogues were synthesized and their preliminary pharmacological activities were tested.

Synthesis of tetrasaccharides as possible metastatic inhibitors.

The synthesis is reported of the possible metastatic inhibitors-methyl beta-D-galactopyranosyl-(1-->4) -(2-acetamido-2-deoxy-alpha-D-glucopyranosyl)-(1-->6) -beta-D-galactopyranosyl-(1-->4)-beta-D-glucopyranoside (11) and methyl beta-D-galactopyranosyl- (1-->4)-(2-acetamido-2-deoxy-beta-D-glucopyranosyl)- (1-->6)-beta-D-galactopyranosyl-(1-->4)-beta-D-glucopyranoside (14)-by procedures for regio- and stereo-selective coupling, reduction of azido groups, N-acetylation, and O-deacetylation.

[Studies on synthetic peptide. XX: the antigenicity and linear epitope map of synthetic peptide hepatitis C virus].

Hepatitis C virus (HCV), the major causative agent of post transfusion non-A, non-B hepatitis (NANB), had been cloned and expressed. According to the protein sequence of HCV-BK and its epitope profiles which combined the hydrophilicity, accessibility, flexibility, antigenicity, charge distribution and HPLC reserve coefficient of protein using the "Goldkey" computer program, we designed and synthesized the following peptides: P1(475-495), P3(449-468), P4(658-663), P5(645-663), P6(484-489), P7(475-489), P15(655-662), P16(230-237), P17(225-237), P18(1220-1240), P19(1694-1735), P24(1230-1240), P25(1482-1493), P26(384-389), P27(2355-2389). The results of ELISA showed that P6(60% positive results) and P19(63% positive results) testing with PT-HC of Gu An, Hebei province were the major antigens in NS1 and in NS4 region, respectively.