Implementation of adiabatic geometric gates with superconducting phase qubits

We present an adiabatic geometric quantum computation strategy based on the non-degenerate energy eigenstates in (but not limited to) superconducting phase qubit systems. The fidelity of the designed quantum gate was evaluated in the presence of simulated thermal fluctuations in a superconducting phase qubits circuit and was found to be quite robust against random errors. In addition, it was elucidated that the Berry phase in the designed adiabatic evolution may be detected directly via the quantum state tomography developed for superconducting qubits. We also analyze the effects of control parameter fluctuations on the experimental detection of the Berry phase.

Identification of dauricine and its metabolites in rat urine by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry

A rapid, sensitive and specific liquid chromatographic-electrospray ionization (ESI) tandem ion trap mass spectrometric method has been developed for identification of dauricine and its metabolites in rat urine. Six healthy rats were administrated a single dose (100 mg/kg) of dauricine by oral gavage. The urine were sampled from 0 to 24 h and purified by using a C18 solid-phase extraction (SPE) cartridge, then the purified urine samples were separated on a reversed-phase C18 column using methanol/2 mmol/L ammonium acetate (70:30, v/v, adjusted to pH 3.5 with formic acid) as mobile phase and detected by an on-line MS detector. Identification and structural elucidation of the metabolites were performed by comparing their changes in molecular mass (Deltam) and full scan MS(n) spectra with those of the parent drug. At least eight metabolites (such as N-demethyl, dehydrogenate, demethoxyl, hydroxyl, glucuronide conjugated and sulfate conjugated metabolites) and the parent drug were found in rat urine.

Effect of oxygen content on the transport properties of LaTiO(3+β/2) thin films

The structural and transport properties of LaTiO(3+β/2) epitaxial thin films, grown at different oxygen pressures ranging from 6.6 × 10(-4) to 5 Pa, have been investigated. X-ray diffraction peaks of the films shift to lower angles with increasing oxygen pressure, indicative of a variation of the corresponding lattice spacing. All the films show T(2) dependence of resistivity over a large temperature range of ∼200 K, suggesting a band-filling-induced metallic Fermi-liquid behaviour. Upturns in resistivity have been revealed at low temperatures, which could be ascribed to the Anderson-localization effect caused by the cation vacancies. Furthermore, for the thin films grown at high oxygen pressures of 0.5 and 5 Pa, the dependence of resistivity on temperature shows a maximum at high temperatures. The maximum seems to support the argument that transition between t-orbital ordering and disordering plays an important role in dominating transport properties at high temperatures. Carrier density deduced from Hall coefficient increases with the decrease of oxygen content, and shows strong temperature dependence. From the experimental data, it can be asserted that in the LaTiO(3+β/2) thin films, besides the band filling effect, localization or disorder caused by La and Ti vacancy effects controls the unique transport properties.

Spectroscopic and theoretical studies on copper(II) complex of maleinitriledithiolate and 1,10-phenanthroline

A complete vibrational spectra analysis of the title complex is performed in this paper. The molecular geometry, binding, electron structure and spectroscopic properties for the title complex are studied in detail by PM3 or ZINDO/S method. It has been found that this complex has a planar structure belonging to the symmetry point group C2v and its ground state is the spin doublet state. By comparison with the observed results, it can be concluded that PM3 methods are reliable to calculate the vibrational spectra of this molecule. It is worth noting that the scientific method of assigning vibrational spectra for a complicated molecule containing metal is established herein for the first time by giving main fixed points and pivotal vibrational units. Besides the regular symbols, the new defined symbols eta and M play an important role in describing the vibrational modes accurately and vividly.

Reactions of tetrakis(dimethylamide)-titanium, -zirconium and -hafnium with silanes: synthesis of unusual amide hydride complexes and mechanistic studies of titanium-silicon-nitride (Ti-Si-N) formation

M(NMe(2))(4) (M = Ti, Zr, Hf) were found to react with H(2)SiR'Ph (R' = H, Me, Ph) to yield H(2), aminosilanes, and black solids. Unusual amide hydride complexes [(Me(2)N)(3)M(mu-H)(mu-NMe(2))(2)](2)M (M = Zr, 1; Hf, 2) were observed to be intermediates and characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. [(Me(2)N)(3)M(mu-D)(mu-NMe(2))(2)](2)M (1-d(2), 2-d(2)) were prepared through reactions of M(NMe(2))(4) with D(2)SiPh(2). Reactions of (Me(2)N)(3)ZrSi(SiMe(3))(3) (5) with H(2)SiR'Ph were found to give aminosilanes and (Me(2)N)(2)Zr(H)Si(SiMe(3))(3) (6). These reactions are reversible through unusual equilibria such as (Me(2)N)(3)ZrSi(SiMe(3))(3) (5) + H(2)SiPh(2) right arrow over left arrow (Me(2)N)(2)Zr(H)Si(SiMe(3))(3) (6) + HSi(NMe(2))Ph(2). The deuteride ligand in (Me(2)N)(2)Zr(D)Si(SiMe(3))(3) (6-d(1)) undergoes H-D exchange with H(2)SiR'Ph (R' = Me, H) to give 6 and HDSiR'Ph. The reaction of Ti(NMe(2))(4) with SiH(4) in chemical vapor deposition at 450 degrees C yielded thin Ti-Si-N ternary films containing TiN and Si(3)N(4). Ti(NMe(2))(4) reacts with SiH(4) at 23 degrees C to give H(2), HSi(NMe(2))(3), and a black solid. HNMe(2) was not detected in this reaction. The reaction mixture, upon heating, gave TiN and Si(3)N(4) powders. Analyses and reactivities of the black solid revealed that it contained -H and unreacted -NMe(2) ligands but no silicon-containing ligand. Ab initio quantum chemical calculations of the reactions of Ti(NR(2))(4) (R = Me, H) with SiH(4) indicated that the formation of aminosilanes and HTi(NR(2))(3) was favored. These calculations also showed that HTi(NH(2))(3) (3b) reacted with SiH(4) or H(3)Si-NH(2) in the following step to give H(2)Ti(NH(2))(2) (4b) and aminosilanes. The results in the current studies indicated that the role of SiH(4) in its reaction with Ti(NMe(2))(4) was mainly to remove amide ligands as HSi(NMe(2))(3). The removal of amide ligands is incomplete, and the reaction thus yielded "=Ti(H)(NMe(2))" as the black solid. Subsequent heating of the black solid and HSi(NMe(2))(3) may then yield TiN and Si(3)N(4), respectively, as the Ti-Si-N materials.

Stereoselective synthesis of substituted gamma-butyrolactones by the [3+2] annulation of allylic silanes with chlorosulfonyl isocyanate: enantioselective total synthesis of (+)-blastmycine

[structure: see text]. A stereoselective synthesis of gamma-butyrolactones by the [3 + 2] annulation of allylic silanes with N-chlorosulfonyl isocyanate (CSI) was developed. An enantioselective total synthesis of (+)-blastmycinone was accomplished using this annulation as the key step.

[Studies on response characteristics of Cl, Br, I of microwave plasma torch atomic emission detector for gas chromatography]

The present paper deals with a microwave plasma torch atomic emission detector for gas chromatography. Argon is used as support gas, carrier gas and make-up gas. The effect of oxygen scavenger gas on the detection performance for chlorine, bromine and iodine is discussed. Detection limits, dynamic ranges, relative standard deviations and response characteristics of GC-MPT-AED for chlorine, bromine and iodine in organic compounds were studied. The results are favorable in comparing with GC-ICP-AED.

1,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D3 increases nuclear vitamin D3 receptors by blocking ubiquitin/proteasome-mediated degradation in human skin

1,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D3 (D3) exerts its effects by binding to and activating nuclear vitamin D3 receptors (VDRs) that regulate transcription of target genes. We have investigated regulation of VDR levels in human skin in vivo and in cultured human keratinocytes. Quantitative ligand-binding analysis revealed that human skin expressed approximately 220 VDRs per cell, which bound D3 with high affinity [(dissociation constant (Kd) = 0.22 nM]. In human skin nuclear extracts, VDR exclusively bound to DNA containing vitamin D3 response elements as heterodimers with retinoid X receptors. Topical application of D3 to human skin elevated VDR protein levels 2-fold, as measured by both ligand-binding and DNA-binding assays. In contrast, the D3 analog calcipotriene had no effect on VDR levels. Topical D3 had no effect on VDR mRNA, indicating that D3 either stimulated synthesis and/or inhibited degradation of VDRs. To investigate this latter possibility, recombinant VDRs were incubated with skin lysates in the presence or absence of D3. The presence of D3 substantially protected VDRs against degradation by human skin lysates. VDR degradation was inhibited by proteasome inhibitors, but not lysosome or serine protease inhibitors. In cultured keratinocytes, D3 or proteasome inhibitors increased VDR protein without affecting VDR mRNA levels. In cells, VDR was ubiquitinated and this ubiquitination was inhibited by D3. Proteasome inhibitors in combination with D3 enhanced VDR-mediated gene expression, as measured by induction of vitamin D3 24-hydroxylase mRNA in cultured keratinocytes. Taken together, our findings indicate that low VDR levels are maintained, in part, through ubiquitin/proteasome-mediated degradation and that low VDR levels limit D3 signaling. D3 exerts dual positive influences on its nuclear receptor, simultaneously stimulating VDR transactivation activity and retarding VDR degradation.

Solid phase synthesis and NMR conformational studies on cyclic decapeptide template molecule

Selectively addressable topological templates represent a key feature in the de novo design of proteins using the TASP concept (Template Assembled Synthetic Proteins). The regioselectively addressable (orthogonally protected) lysine-containing cyclic templates are especially interesting for combinatorial chemistry. We report the synthesis and structural analysis of a series of cyclic and bicyclic decapeptide templates (model of TASP molecules). The peptides were synthesized via solid phase synthesis and followed by solution cyclization. The conformation of the peptides was studied by proton nmr spectroscopy in dimethylsulfoxide and in trifluoroethanol/water. The structure of the peptide template was calculated with the program DIANA and followed by simulated annealing from the nmr experimental constraints. The peptides adopts a fold comprising two beta-strands and two type II beta-turns predicted for conformationally well-defined templates. The design of such a restained cyclic decapeptide template will be discussed along with Regioselectively Addressable Functionalized Template (RAFT) molecular recognition and template for combinatorial synthesis.

Identification of heparin-binding EGF-like growth factor as a target in intercellular regulation of epidermal basal cell growth by suprabasal retinoic acid receptors

The role of retinoic acid receptors (RARs) in intercellular regulation of cell growth was assessed by targeting a dominant-negative RARalpha mutant (dnRARalpha) to differentiated suprabasal cells of mouse epidermis. dnRARalpha lacks transcriptional activation but not DNA-binding and receptor dimerization functions. Analysis of transgenic mice revealed that dnRARalpha dose-dependently impaired induction of basal cell proliferation and epidermal hyperplasia by all-trans RA (tRA). dnRARalpha formed heterodimers with endogenous retinoid X receptor-alpha (RXRalpha) over RA response elements in competition with remaining endogenous RARgamma-RXRalpha heterodimers, and dose-dependently impaired retinoid-dependent gene transcription. To identify genes regulated by retinoid receptors and involved in cell growth control, we analyzed the retinoid effects on expression of the epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor, EGF, transforming growth factor-alpha, heparin-binding EGF-like growth factor (HB-EGF) and amphiregulin genes. In normal epidermis, tRA rapidly and selectively induced expression of HB-EGF but not the others. This induction occurred exclusively in suprabasal cells. In transgenic epidermis, dnRARalpha dose-dependently inhibited tRA induction of suprabasal HB-EGF and subsequent basal cell hyperproliferation. Together, our observations suggest that retinoid receptor heterodimers located in differentiated suprabasal cells mediate retinoid induction of HB-EGF, which in turn stimulates basal cell growth via intercellular signaling. These events may underlie retinoid action in epidermal regeneration during wound healing.

Suprabasal expression of a dominant-negative RXR alpha mutant in transgenic mouse epidermis impairs regulation of gene transcription and basal keratinocyte proliferation by RAR-selective retinoids

To determine whether 9-cis retinoic acid receptors (RXRs) regulate the biological activity of all-trans retinoic acid (tRA) and its receptors (RARs) in skin, we have targeted a dominant-negative RXR alpha (dnRXR alpha) lacking transactivation function AF-2 to differentiated suprabasal keratinocytes in the epidermis of transgenic mice. Driven by the suprabasal-specific keratin-10 gene promoter, expression of dnRXR alpha severely reduced the ability of RAR-selective ligands tRA and CD367 to induce epidermal mRNA levels of the CRABPII, CRBPI, and CRBPII genes, which contain RA-responsive elements (RAREs) DR1 and/or DR2. It also reduced gene-specific, synergistic induction of CRBPI mRNA by a combination of CD367 and RXR-selective SR11237. Like endogenous RXR alpha, dnRXR alpha in epidermal nuclear extracts from the transgenic mice competitively formed heterodimers with endogenous RAR gamma on RAREs, suggesting that dnRXR alpha impairs retinoid signaling by competing with endogenous RAR gamma-RXR alpha heterodimers. Histologically, the epidermis of dnRXR alpha mice showed no detectable developmental abnormalities. Surprisingly, in adult animals, the suprabasal expression of dnRXR alpha significantly reduced the ability of topically applied tRA to stimulate proliferation of undifferentiated keratinocytes in the basal layer of epidermis. RXR-selective ligands alone had no detectable effects on both normal and transgenic mouse epidermis. Accordingly, we suggest that in vivo: (1) in suprabasal keratinocytes, retinoids regulate gene transcription via RAR-RXR heterodimers in which RAR confers a predominant ligand response, whereas RXR AF-2 is required for liganded RAR AF-2 to efficiently trans-activate target genes, and (2) this suprabasal RXR-assisted mechanism indirectly regulates proliferation of basal keratinocytes likely via intercellular signaling.

The application of prostaglandin E1 indirect portal vein angiography and color Doppler ultrasound in patients with post-devascularization portal hypertension

The selection of proper treatment is based on identification of the causes of massive hemorrhage of gastrointestinal tract after pericardial devascularization. The combined use of prostaglandin E1 indirect portal vein angiography, DSA of celiac artery and color Doppler can provide detailed information about portal vein system, including the presence of embolism, spongioid changes and devascularization of left gastric vein and left gastric artery and the direction of blood flow. If these techniques failed to reveal the causes of digestive tract bleeding, the endoscopy may show lesions of gastric mucosa, which could be accountable for the bleeding.

The relationship between the morphology of nucleus of liver cells and the liver functions and prognosis of portal hypertension due to hepatic cirrhosis

The morphology of nucleus of liver cells from 30 patients with portal hypertension due to hepatic cirrhosis and 5 normal persons were measured using an image analyzer coupled with a computer. It was found that the diameters, perimeters, areas and form factor (FF) of the nucleus of liver cirrhosis portal hypertension patients were significantly increased as compared with those of the normal subjects (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). There was a very significant difference in this parameters between the normal persons and patients with Child-Pugh A liver function or patients with Child-Pugh C liver function (P < 0.01 for both). Significant difference in these parameters existed between the normal persons or patients with Child-Pugh A liver function and patients with liver function of Child-Pugh B (P < 0.05). No significant difference in the parameter of optic density (OD) were found between the normal persons and patients with impairment of liver function of varying degrees (Child-Pugh Classification) (P > 0.05). Our results suggest that the hepatocytes of patients with portal hypertension due to hepatic cirrhosis became juvenile and the morphology of the hepatocytes of patients with impairment of liver function of Child-Pugh C changed obviously. The enlargement and sparsity of nucleus of hepatocytes as revealed by pathological examination is a sign of severe impairment of liver function.

Morphometric measurement of collagen in liver tissue with posthepatitis liver cirrhosis portal hypertension

A correct estimation of the collagen content in cirrhosis liver tissue and analysis of its relation to the degree of liver function injury are important to the clinician in the establishment of the diagnosis in the liver diseases. The author has performed the morphometric measurement of collagen with liver tissue pathological section by using TJTY-300 image analysis system. It was found that the cirrhotic liver tissue's collagen area and collagen average grey degree were notably higher than those in normal men (P < 0.05), average optical density was markedly lower than that in normal men (P < 0.05), integral optical density had no significant difference (P > 0.05) between patients and normal controls, but the integral optical density in cirrhotic liver was 1.21 times that of normal men. It suggests that the collagen content in cirrhotic liver tissue increased obviously, the average density of the increased collagen was lower than that in the normal liver tissue and the density of increased collagen was not homogeneous. Comparison between normal controls and patients with different Child-Pugh liver function grades in liver tissue collagen parameters revealed that the cirrhotic liver's collagen content can, to different degree, directly reflect the function status of cirrhotic liver.

Multi-variate stepwise discriminant analysis research affecting portal hypertension's grade factors of liver function

The ideal time for selecting portal hypertension operation is the accurate judgement of the grade of liver function, yet the present criterion in grading liver function is controversial. 50 patients with 20 factors related to portal hypertension were undergone stepwise discriminant analysis by using SAS software on the IBM/PC computer (significance level alpha = 0.05). The results show that ascites degree prothrombin time (PT), serum total bilirubin, serum albumin content, main portal vein flow are significant factors. In the light of above variates contributing to grading liver function as to establish a discriminant equation, it was found that the total agreement rate between replaceable discrimination and original Child-Pugh classification is 86%. A test for agreement was performed between discriminant and original classification, showing that the two kinds of classification methods have a good agreement rates (Kappa = 0.7856), indicating the discriminant classification is of practical values.

Application of CDFI and portal system pressure measurement in the study of portal hypertension hemodynamics

It has been discovered in portal system hemodynamics research using CDFI and pressure measurement, that among 40 portal hypertension patients the demonstrating rate of left gastric vein (LGV) was 77.5%, and all were hepatofugal. The demonstrating rates of spontaneous splenorenal vein shunt collaterals and of patency umbilical vein (UV) with blood signal were 85%, 12.5% respectively, and the thrombosis rate of portal system was 10%. Blood flow direction of main portal vein (MPV) in all patients was hepatopetal, and one case of superior mesenteric vein (SMV) and another one of splenic vein (SV) were hepatofugal. The patients with MPV thrombosis or portal system hepatofugal should be operated on by shunt. Shunt capacity of portal vein in gastroplenic region was 34.07% on average. This demonstrated that devascularization was applicable. Internal diameter, blood capacity and time average velocity (TAV) of the left portal vein (LPV) and right portal vein (RPV) with portal hypertension were almost equal, their difference being not significant (P > 0.2). This should be a basis for the diagnosis of portal hypertension. Free portal pressure (FPP) and internal diameter, blood capacity and TAV of MPV, SV, SMV, LGV were not correlative with each other.

[Hemodynamics of portal system using color ultrasonography and direct pressure measurement before and after pericardial devascularization]

Controlled study on the portal hemodynamics was carried out before and after pericardial devascularization in 23 patients with portal hypertension. Color ultrasonography detected LGV in 87% of the patients, total prehepatic shunt volume was larger than 46.92%, That through SV more than 15. 48%, and LGV about 15.97%. Hence the total volume shunted through gastrosplenic region was more than 31.45%. Postoperative FPP was significantly decreased (P < 0.05) and SOPP and gastris wall venous pressure increased (P < 0.01). Postoperative PVF did not change significantly. When the ratio of SAV to SVF was less than 1.0, postoperative PVF was significantly increased (P < 0.05). Shunt surgery is the treatment of choice. In the case when the ratio in larger than 1.0, PVF may, decrease (P < 0.01); Patients should receive devascularization. When SVF plus SMVF is greater than PVF, patients should be operated on only with splenectomy or devascularization.