Computational simulations on the fish-type-Ⅱ antifreeze protein-ice-solvent system

Based on the computational simulation with the vacuum environment for the fish-type-Ⅱ antifreeze proteinice-solvent (water)system,the multi-complex system of the antifreeze protein-ice-water has been constructed and calculated.We have studied the interaction of such proteinice system with water solvent through the dynamics simulation with 350 ps.By employing the Molecular Dynamics simulation and semi-empirical method calculation,we have further investigated the interface properties of the antifreeze protein and ice crystal combined system.Consequently,a water solvent affects significantly the properties of this combined system.     

Drought resistance of four grasses using pressure-volume curve

Pressure-volume curve (PV curve) technique is a major method for studying critical plant water potential and critical tissue water content when plasmolysis takes place. In the present study, a mathematical solution method is put forward to obtain parameters based on the PV curve. The calculated results for the parameters of Lolium perenne, Festuca arundinacea, Leymus chinensis and Stipa krylovii indicated that the mathematical solution method is convenient for actual research compared with the graphical method. Further analysis of the calculations suggested that drought resistance decreased in the following order: S. krylovii > F. arundinacea and L. chinensis > L. perenne. __________ Translated from Acta Scientiarum Naturalium Universitatis Nankaiensis, 2006, 39(3): 16–22 [译自: 南开大学学报 (自然科学版)]     

Cytokines mRNA in bone marrow-derived dendritic cells in asthmatic mouse

By inducing and amplifying dendritic cells (DCs) derived from the bone marrow of asthma murine in vitro, cytokines mRNA were expressed, and the functions of DCs were investigated. Cells isolated from murine bone marrow have been cultured with rmGM-CSF and rmIL-4, and the expression of cytokines mRNA was determined by ribonuclease protection assay combined with multi-probe templates. Large numbers of DCs have been obtained from bone marrow, and they expressed interleukin-13 (IL-13), interleukin-9 (IL-9), and interleukin-3 (IL-3) mRNA. Moreover, the level of IL-13 mRNA and IL-9 mRNA expressed by DCs in asthmatic mice was significantly higher than those in the control groups (P<0.05). But, the level of IL-3 mRNA showed no discrepancy between the two groups (P>0.05). DCs are very important in the forming and developing of asthma, which implies that the therapy targeted at DCs will possibly become a new goal. __________ Translated from Journal of Nanjing Normal University (Natural Science), 2005, 28(2): 96–100 [译自: 南京师范大学学报 (自然科学版), 2005, 28(2): 96–100]     

Cloning, sequencing and prokaryotic expression of cDNAs for antifreeze protein family from beetle Tenebrio molitor

Partial cDNA sequences coding for antifreeze proteins in Tenebrio molitor were obtained by RT-PCR. Sequence analysis revealed nine putative cDNAs with a high degree of homology to Tenebrio molitor antifreeze protein genes published in GenBank. The recombinant pGEX-4T-1-tmafp-XJ430 was introduced into E. coli BL21 to induce a GST fusion protein by IPTG. SDSPAGE analysis for the fusion protein shows a band of 38 kDa. pCDNA3-tmafp-XJ430 was injected into mice to generate antiserum which was later detected by indirect ELISA. The titer of the antibody was 1:2000.Western blotting analysis shows that the antiserum was specifically against the antifreeze protein. Our results laid the foundation for further studies on the properties and functions of insect antifreeze proteins. __________ Translated from Hereditas (Beijing), 2006, 28(12): 1532-1540 [译自: 遗传]     

Anisotropy analyses of population distribution patterns

Direction-dependence, or anisotropy, of spatial distribution patterns of vegetation is rarely explored due to neglect of this ecological phenomenon and the paucity of methods dealing with this issue. This paper proposes a new approach to anisotropy analysis of spatial distribution patterns of plant populations on the basis of the data resampling technique (DRT) combined with Ripley’s L index. Using the ArcView Geographic Information System (GIS) platform, a case study was carried out by selecting the population of Pinus massoniana from a needle-and broad-leaved mixed forest community in the Heishiding Nature Reserve, Guangdong Province. Results showed that the spatial pattern of the P. massoniana population was typically anisotropic with different patterns in different directions. The DRT was found to be an effective approach to the anisotropy analysis of spatial patterns of plant populations. By employing resampling sub-datasets from the original dataset in different directions, we could overcome the difficulty in the direct use of current non-angular methods of pattern analysis. Translated from Acta Scientialrum Naturalium Universitatis Sunyatseni, 2006, 45(2): 83–87 [译自: 中山大学学报 (自然科学版)]     

Fine mapping of an Arabidopsis thaliana male sterile mutant EC2-157

An Arabidopsis thaliana male sterile mutant EC2-157 has been isolated using an EMS mutagenesis strategy. Genetic analysis indicated that it was controlled by a single recessive gene called ms157. No pollen grains have been observed in mutant anthers. ms157 Has been mapped to a region of 74kb located in BAC clone T6K22 on chromosome IV using a map-based cloning strategy. As no male sterile genes have been reported in this region, ms157 could be a novel gene related to fertility. The further molecular cloning and functional analysis on this gene should facilitate our understanding of A. thaliana another development. __________ Translated from Journal of Shanghai Normal University (Natural Sciences), 2005, 34(1): 58–63 [译自: 上海师范大学学报 (自然科学版), 2005, 34(1): 58–63]     

Analysis of sparteines in the seeds of Ammopiptanthus mongolica

Seven alkaloids were isolated from the seeds of Ammopiptanthus mongolica by thin layer chromatography and silica gel column chromatography, and the chemical structures of five alkaloids, 17-oxosparteine, β-isosparteine, 3α-hydroxysparteine, sparteine, and 3β-hydroxysparteine were identified by ¹H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and electron ionization mass spectrum (EIMS). __________ Translated from Journal of Lanzhou University (Natural Sciences), 2007, 43(2): 43–46 [译自: 兰州大学学报(自然科学版)]     

Effect of laser pretreatment on germination and membrane lipid peroxidation of Chinese pine seeds under drought stress

The germination of laser-irradiated Chinese pine seeds was carried out under drought stress. The activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and peroxidase (POD), and the content of malondialdehyde (MDA) were determined. Results showed notably increased germination percentage, root length, vitality index and fresh weight. The SOD and POD protective enzyme system activity of the Chinese pine seedlings obviously rose. It can be concluded that the germination and juvenile resistance of Chinese pine seeds under drought stress are enhanced after laser processing. Translated from Journal of Shaanxi Normal University (Natural Science Edition), 2006, 34(2): 40–43 [译自: 陕西师范大学学报 (自然科学版)]     

Biological characteristics of wild Cycas fairylakea population in Guangdong Province, China

There are five wild populations of Cycas fairylakea in Guangdong Province, China, three of which are newly found. A study of the biological characteristics of C. fairylakea populations showed that this species had a narrow colonization area within 300 hm², and an island pattern of distribution. Because of the overexploitation, urbanization, environment pollution, plant diseases, and insect pests, the wild populations and individuals of C. fairylakea decreased markedly in the past decades. All five populations have an opposite pyramid age structure, few coning plants, few seed production, and low level of seed germination rate or sterility. In conclusion, C. fairylakea in Guangdong Province was threatened seriously and an urgent need to take effective efforts to protect the plants and habitats in its location sites was required. __________ Translated from Acta Scientiarum Naturalium Universitatis Sunyatseni, 2005, 44(6): 97–100 [译自: 中山大学学报 (自然科学版), 2006, 44(6): 97–100]     

Membrane-spanning domain of bovine foamy virus transmembrane protein having cytotoxicity

Foamy viruses (FVs) have broad cellular tropism infecting vertebrates from fish to human being, which indicates that Env protein has a high capability for membrane fusion. Conservative features in all FV transmembrane (TM) proteins include a region of hydrophobic domain called membrane-spanning domain (MSD), which contains several stretches of hydrophobic amino acids. To investigate whether these features were associated with the cytotoxicity effect of TM on Escherichia coli, a series of mutants were constructed and expressed in the E. coli BL21 (DE3) using pET-32a (+) as expressing vector. The results showed that only TM3 without MSD was expressed in E. coli, whereas the other two containing full or part of the MSD (TM1 and TM2) could not be expressed. Furthermore, the bacterial amount and living bacteria analysis revealed that the cytotoxicity of TM was dependent on its MSD, especially on the stretches of hydrophobic amino acids. Western blotting analysis showed that TM3 protein was purified with affinity purification. __________ Translated from Acta Scientiarum Naturalium Universitatis Nankaiensis, 2005, 38(2): 49–53 [译自: 南开大学学报 (自然科学版), 2005, 38(2): 49–53]     

Fluorescence intensity studies of Triassic acritarchs from the Yanchang Formation in Ordos basin, northwestern China

Fluorescence properties of Early Cambrian acritarchs were investigated using Leica das Mikroskop (DM) microscopy with a mercury lamp. Well-preserved autoflurescence properties show a correlation between acritarchs morphology and the intensity of emitted fluorescence. In accordance with the fluorescence intensity of organic cell walls, two groups of microfossils were distinguished. Results of observation in this study, which are consistent with those of the previous foreign studies, are in good agreement with regular difference in autofluorescence intensity among palynomorphs reported by McPhilemy (1998). Spores and algae, including Botryococcus, have very bright fluorescence while acritarchs often show less intense fluorescence. Dark brown microfossils have been reworked, and have little or no fluorescence. __________ Translated from Acta Micropalaeontologica Sinica, 2006, 23(3): 309–312 [译自: 微体古生物学报]     

Chemical compounds and pharmacological effects of Rabdosia excisa

Many kinds of diterpenoids have been isolated from Rabdosia spp. Some of them have anti-microbial effects, counteract inflammation, and inhibit tumor progression activities. We conducted the present study in order to look for bioactive compounds in the medicinal plant Rabdosia excisa. In this study, five compounds were isolated from R. excisa; they were oridonin, isokamebakaurin, oleanolic acid, ursolic acid, and β-sitosterol. In order to identify the function of the extracts, the activity of antibiotics, antioxidation, and immunity test were carried out against these functions. Prospective results were observed in all of the tested items. Translated from Journal of Northeast Normal University (Natural Sciences), 2005, 37(4): 94–98 [译自: 东北师大学报 (自然科学版)]     

A comparison of in vitro anticancerous activity and mechanism of ethanolic extracts from different Ganoderma genus

Five ethanolic extracts from the mycelia of Ganoderma lucidum, G. tsugae, G. oerstedii, G. subamboinense, and G. resinaceum were respectively studied on their anticancerous activities against leukemic HL-60 cell line in vitro. Results showed that all five extracts potently inhibited HL-60 proliferation. The extract from G. lucidum mycelia exerted the highest activity. Annexin V/PI bivariate flow cytometric analysis further revealed that the five extracts significantly induced early apoptosis in HL-60 cells. The results illustrate that not only G. lucidum but also other Ganoderma species can inhibit cancer cells, and their mechanisms are related to induction of apoptosis. __________ Translated from Journal of Shanghai Normal University (Natural Sciences), 2005, 34(2): 77–81 [译自: 上海师范大学学报 (自然科学版), 2005, 34(2): 77–81]     

Effects of intercropping with persimmon on the rhizosphere environment of tea

The rhizosphere environment of tea (Camellia sinensis Kuntze) intercropped with persimmon (Diospyros kaki) differs from monocultures of tea. A trial was conducted to determine the effects of intercropping with persimmon on root exudates and soil nutrient condition of tea. Amino acid exuded in intercropping was three times higher than that in monoculture. Phenol, phenol/amino acid ration, dissolved sugar, and total organic acid were also lower in intercropping. The value of pH in soil was higher, and soil nutrient condition of rhizosphere, especially available nutrient, was not as well in intercropping as that in tea grown alone. While soil nutrient of non-rhizosphere was better than that in monoculture, tea quality and soil nutrient condition were better in intercropping ecosystem. __________ Translated from Journal of Southwest China Normal University (Natural Science), 2005, 30(4): 715–718 [译自: 西南师范大学学报 (自然科学版), 2005, 30(4): 715–718]     

A preliminary study on designing ecological corridors in Xishuangbanna National Nature Reserve with 3S techniques

This paper is based on the fieldwork in Xishuangbanna Natioanl Nature Reserve in Yunnan Province of China. GPS data of Asian elephants were collected and analyzed with the remote sensing satellite photos of the region to estimate the landform physiognomy of different colors. We also analyzed a series of ecological factors including altitude, landform, relief, villages and roads which affected the distribution and movement of Asian elephants. The results suggested the possibility of designing and establishing corridors in Xishuangbanna National Nature Reserve to protect the population of wild elephants in the region. __________ Translated from Journal of Beijing Normal University (Natural Science) 2006, 42(4): 405-C409 [译自: 北京师范大学学报 (自然科学版)]     

Biosynthetic production of type II fish antifreeze protein: fermentation by Pichia pastoris

Sea raven type II antifreeze protein (SRAFP) is one of three different fish antifreeze proteins isolated to date. These proteins are known to bind to the surface of ice and inhibit its growth. To solve the three-dimensional structure of SRAFP, study its ice-binding mechanism, and as a basis for engineering these molecules, an efficient system for its biosynthetic production was developed. Several different expression systems have been tested including baculovirus, Escherichia coli and yeast. The latter, using the methylotrophic organism Pichia pastoris as the host, was the most productive. In shake-flask cultures the levels of SRAFP secreted from Pichia were up to 5 mg/l. The recombinant protein has an identical activity to SRAFP from sea raven serum. In order to increase yields further, four different strategies were tested in 10-l fermentation vessels, including: (1) optimization of pH and dissolved oxygen, (2) mixed feeding of methanol and glycerol with Mut^s clones, (3) supplementation of amino acid building blocks, and (4) methanol feeding with Mut⁺ clones. The mixed-feeding/Mut^s strategy proved to be the most efficient with SRAFP yields reaching 30 mg/l. Received: 19 November 1996 / Received revision: 29 January 1997 / Accepted: 7 March 1997     

Carboxymethytl pachymaram up-regulates dendritic cell function in hepatitis B virus transgenic mice

Carboxymethytl pachymaram (CMP) was administered to HBV transgenic mice through abdominal injection. Lymphocytes were extracted from the spleens. MTT method was used to detect cytotoxicity of CMP. Dendritic cells (DCs) were separated from lymphocytes and incubated with granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) and interleukin-4 (IL-4). Phenotypes of DC’s were assayed by flow cytometry (FCM). IL-12 released by DCs and IL-10 and IFN-γ produced by T cells in mixed lymphocyte reaction (MLR) were measured using ELISA. Results showed that CMP within the concentration of 0–500 μg/mL did not produce cytotoxicity to lymphocytes and could even increase DC phenotypes, and IL-12 level in HBV transgenic mice. It could also increase the secretion of IFN-γ, and inhibit the secretion of IL-10 inMLR. Thus it can up-regulate DC function. __________ Translated from Journal of Wuhan University (Natural Science Edition), 2006, 52(6): 778–782 [译自: 武汉大学学报(理学版)]     

Proteomic approach for acute-phase proteins of hemolymph and muscles in Scylla serrata challenged by a pathogenic bacterium

Acute-phase response is documented to be a significant mechanism of innate immunity in vertebrates and invertebrates. In this study, proteomic methodologies were applied for different protein expressions in hemolymph of Scylla serrata challenged by Vibrio parahaemolyticus after immunization, and in muscles of the crabs separately challenged by V. parahaemolyticus, V. anguillarum and Aeromonas hydrophila. Up-regulated cryptocyanin is documented in the hemolymph and up-regulated calexcitin, wingless (fragment) and tachykinin-related peptide in the muscle as acute-phase proteins. All the four altered proteins were responsible for bacterial stress, but cryptocyanin seemed to be a memory response protein against the challenge by a live bacterium after immunization of the live cells. These up-regulated proteins can be indicative of an understanding of immunity of a crab. __________ Translated from Journal of Xiamen University (Natural Science), 2005, 44(4): 559–562, 44(Sup.): 191–194 [译自: 厦门大学学报(自然科学版), 2005, 44(4): 559–562, 44(增刊): 191–194]     

Home ranges and habitat vegetation characters in breeding season of Narcissus Flycatcher and Yellow-rumped Flycatcher

The home ranges of the Narcissus Flycatcher (Ficedula narcissina elisae) and the Yellow-rumped Flycatcher (F. zanthopygia) are measured by radio telemetry in a subalpine forest near Beijing, China. The home range is calculated by 100% Minimum Convex Polygon (MCP), and the area varies from 2,000 to 5,000 m². The majority of flycatchers can be found in the bottom of valleys and the underside of mountains. It is fairly rare for both Flycatcher species to leave their nests more than 70 m. Individuals of the species in pair-banding and nest-detecting periods have larger home ranges than those in incubation and rearing periods. The levels of canopy coverage in the home ranges of Narcissus Flycatchers are significantly higher than that of Yellow-rumped Flycatchers. There are also more tall trees and stumps in the home ranges of Narcissus Flycatchers than in that of Yellow-rumped Flycatchers. The dominant tree species in the home ranges of Narcissus Flycatchers is Dahurian Birch (Betula dahurica), whereas Manchurian Walnut (Juglans mandshurica) is the dominant tree species in the home ranges of Yellow-rumped Flycatchers. Translated from Journal of Beijing Normal University (Natural Science), 2006, 42(3): 295–299 [译自: 北京师范大学学报 (自然科学版)]