Limit distribution of the coefficients of polynomials with only unit roots

We consider sequences of random variables whose probability generating functions have only roots on the unit circle, which has only been sporadically studied in the literature. We show that the random variables are asymptotically normally distributed if and only if the fourth central and normalized (by the standard deviation) moment tends to 3, in contrast to the common scenario for polynomials with only real roots for which a central limit theorem holds if and only if the variance is unbounded. We also derive a representation theorem for all possible limit laws and apply our results to many concrete examples in the literature, ranging from combinatorial structures to numerical analysis, and from probability to analysis of algorithms. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Random Struct. Alg., 46,707–738, 2015     

On the structure of split Leibniz triple systems

We study the structure of arbitrary split Leibniz triple systems with a coherent 0-root space. By developing techniques of connections of roots for this kind of triple systems, under certain conditions, in the case of T being of maximal length, the simplicity of the Leibniz triple systems is characterized.     

Two novel abietane dimers from transformed root cultures of Salvia broussonetii

Broussonetone A (1) and broussonetone B (2), two novel dimeric abietane diterpenes, have been isolated from Salvia broussonetii root cultures transformed by Agrobacterium rhizogenes. The structure of broussonetone A was determined from spectroscopic data and confirmed by X-ray analysis. This dimer can be formed by a [4+2]-cycloaddition of two molecules of 13β-hydroxyabieta-8(14),9(11)-dien-12-one. NMR data of broussonetone B indicated that the C-20 methyl in part B of the broussonetone A molecule had been substituted by an aldehyde group. Thus, broussonetone B could be formed by an analogous Diels Alder reaction between 13β-hydroxyabieta-8(14),9(11)-dien-12-one as the dienophile and its 20-oxo derivative as the electrophile.     

本草古籍中化学教学资源的开发与利用*

历代本草,世代相传,距今已发展了两千多年,蕴藏着深厚的人文底蕴和科学精神,将其融入中学化学教学有利于实现化学学科的育人功能。挖掘提炼出本草古籍中与中学化学知识相契合的内容,结合药物化学、药理学等方面的知识,举例说明本草古籍在无机化学、有机化学及试题编制等方面的应用,探索将本草古籍融入中学化学教学的有效途径。     

The enormity of the zinc deficiency problem and available solutions; an overview

The societal cost of micronutrient deficiency (MND) or the “hidden hunger” is in millions of dollars/year, reducing the GDP of some countries by as much as 11%. Zn is an important micronutrient for both plants and animals. An estimated 17% of the world population, or around 1.1 billion people, are at the risk of zinc (Zn) deficiency. The deficiency has been related to adverse pregnancy outcomes, stunted growth, premature deaths, immune system dysfunctions, neuro-behavioral disorders, and recently with the failure to recover from COVID-19. These health risks associated with Zn deficiency have compelled FAO and WHO to recommend Zn fortification of diet. Correcting Zn deficiency is a challenge due to several reasons. Close to half of the agricultural soils are Zn deficient, and chemical Zn fertilizers are costly and ineffective. Developing Zn-rich crops through plant breeding and genetic engineering is challenging. Zn-dense diet is costly and cannot be implemented in the low-income region most affected by Zn deficiency. Lack of consensus among regulatory bodies on defining and diagnosing Zn deficiency in plants and Humans. Awareness and other sociocultural issues. Among the most important available solutions are zinc biofortification of the cereal crops, use of zinc biofertilizers, development of Zn-efficient crops with reduced phytate content. The use of Zn supplements, dietary modification, and diversification, especially with fish, are proposed as the most accessible and affordable solutions. Awareness programs in areas suffering the most from Zn deficiency are required. Despite the suggestions from FAO and WHO, global efforts to combat Zn deficiency matching those for combating diseases like HIV are not in place. Coordinated efforts of the international community, especially policy-makers, agricultural scientists, dieticians, physicians, and others, are required to address the issue of hidden hunger.     

The Bioactive Peptide SL-13R Expands Human Umbilical Cord Blood Hematopoietic Stem and Progenitor Cells In Vitro

Hematopoietic stem and progenitor cell (HSPC) transplantation is a curative treatment of hematological disorders that has been utilized for several decades. Although umbilical cord blood (UCB) is a promising source of HSPCs, the low dose of HSPCs in these preparations limits their use, prompting need for ex vivo HSPC expansion. To establish a more efficient method to expand UCB HSPCs, we developed the bioactive peptide named SL-13R and cultured UCB HSPCs (CD34+ cells) with SL-13R in animal component-free medium containing a cytokine cocktail. Following 9 days of culture with SL-13R, the numbers of total cells, CD34+, CD38− cells, and hematopoietic stem cell (HSC)-enriched cells were significantly increased relative to control. Transplantation of cells cultured with SL-13R into immunodeficient NOD/Shi-scid/IL-2Rγ knockout mice confirmed that they possess long-term reconstitution and self-renewal ability. AHNAK, ANXA2, and PLEC all interact with SL-13R. Knockdown of these genes in UCB CD34+ cells resulted in reduced numbers of hematopoietic colonies relative to SL-13R-treated and non-knockdown controls. In summary, we have identified a novel bioactive peptide SL-13R promoting expansion of UCB CD34+ cells with long-term reconstitution and self-renewal ability, suggesting its clinical use in the future.     

Two Ecdysteroids Isolated from Micropropagated Lychnis flos-cuculi and the Biological Activity of Plant Material

Genetically uniform plant material, derived from Lychnis flos-cuculi propagated in vitro, was used for the isolation of 20-hydroxyecdysone and polypodine B and subjected to an evaluation of the antifungal and antiamoebic activity. The activity of 80% aqueous methanolic extracts, their fractions, and isolated ecdysteroids were studied against pathogenic Acanthamoeba castellani. Additionally, a Microtox^® acute toxicity assay was performed. It was found that an 80% methanolic fraction of root extract exerts the most potent amoebicidal activity at IC₅₀ of 0.06 mg/mL at the 3rd day of treatment. Both ecdysteroids show comparable activity at IC₅₀ of 0.07 mg/mL. The acute toxicity of 80% fractions at similar concentrations is significantly higher than that of 40% fractions. Crude extracts exhibited moderate antifungal activity, with a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) within the range of 1.25–2.5 mg/mL. To the best of our knowledge, the present report is the first to show the biological activity of L. flos-cuculi in terms of the antifungal and antiamoebic activities and acute toxicity. It is also the first isolation of the main ecdysteroids from L. flos-cuculi micropropagated, ecdysteroid-rich plant material.     

固载脯氨酸的毛发状纳米粒子的合成及其应用研究

毛发状粒子表面的聚合物链是一个具有一定流动性的动态体系,其负载的催化剂综合了均相和非均相负载催化剂的优点,为手性催化剂的负载和实用化提供了一条新的途径。本文利用Si O2纳米粒子表面修饰制得的功能基,通过表面RAFT聚合,并经过氨基去保护后制得负载脯氨酸的毛发状纳米粒子。通过热重、红外和透射电镜对毛发状二氧化硅纳米粒子的结构进行表征,并将获得的毛发状纳米粒子作为催化剂直接催化不对称Aldol反应。     

论卤盐养生（10）

卤盐（包括食盐）是中国矿物药的重要组成部分。从文化价值、临床应用和情志调摄3个方面诠释了卤盐的养生学意义,并全面、详细地阐述了食盐对中国古代文化的四大贡献、6种盐类的现代临床应用价值以及盐湖旅游的6项要素;列举了160多个盐湖卤水的主要化学成分、矿化度或微量元素;摘录了论述卤盐主治功用的古今文献。本文分期刊出。     

传统文化蕴含的化学智慧在元素无机化学教学中的有机融入

在讲授元素无机化学时,把中国传统文化中所包含的化学知识、化学智慧有机地融入课堂教学,将元素无机化学讲授与课程思政教学有机融合,从而增加理科课堂的文化性、知识性和趣味性,激发学生的学习兴趣;同时培养学生的文化自信,激发学生的民族自豪感。