一些新生代地质年代术语翻译之我见

笔者曾在《中国科技术语》(学术双月刊)上发表过"新生代地质年代术语的音义双译"和"地质年代术语的商榷"二文。由于该刊太专业化,没引起大多数人注意。我想把我们《化石》杂志上及其他刊物上遇到的一些问题在这里提一下。新生代的年代术语和其他古老年代的术语有很大的不同。首先"新生代"(Cenozoic)这个术语的"前缀""Ceno-"就是由"Cene"变来的、在古希腊语中就是"新"、"现在"的意思,而它的发音也接近于汉语的"新",所以,就有宝贵的"音义双译"效果。     

科学史在学习生命科学术语中的作用

术语是构成学术语言的基本元素.运用科学史能帮助学生正确理解生命科学术语的定义和意义,准确使用其词汇.结合术语的专业性、科学性、单义性和系统性等特征讨论科学史在学习中的作用,并介绍了一些典型的教学实例.     

介绍双子叶植物叶结构分类术语

本文系统地介绍了双子叶植物叶结构分类术语。这不仅有利于术语规范化,而且有利于国内外同行交流。     

浅议Ecological Restoration一词的中文翻译

科学术语Ecological Restoration一词于20世纪80年代初由西方学者提出,90年代后被引入中国。然而有关该术语的中文翻译问题一直存在分歧。本文从该术语在国外的概念解释及内涵发展变化沿革,该术语中核心词"restoration"及其相应动词形式"to restore"的语源学本义和相关引申意义,以及该术语近年来在国内有关部门领导讲话、政府门户网站和报刊报道中的使用情况等3个方面,通过比较对照和分析评述,探讨了该术语的中文准确翻译问题。在此基础上提出了该术语新的中文翻译——生态修复,并指出这样翻译既可保证其科学内涵与语言翻译上的"信、达、雅",又利于促进和指导当前国内正在全面开展的生态文明建设社会实践和具体行动。     

也谈“Biosystematics” 的中文译名以及由此引发的思考

本刊1998年第6期刊登了王中仁先生《术语“Ｂｉｏｓｙｓｔｅｍａｔｉｃｓ”和“Ｃｏｍｐｌｅｘ”的概念和中文译法辩析》一文(以下简称《术语》),读后颇受启发,同时也深有感触。正如《术语》一文的编者按所述,科学术语“所代表的意义必须力求准确,应用必须力求统一,只有这...     

细胞-水分关系的术语学

在植物-水分关系和土壤-水分关系领域中,意见的交流一向由于缺乏一个为该领域中和生物科学及物理科学的有关领域中全体科学家都能接受的有意义的标准化术语而受到妨碍。描述植物的吸水本领和植物中与土壤中水分的能量状况的许多可用的术语之中,水势似乎最令人满意,因为它跟现代热力学概念相一致。希望通过对水势这个术语的导出及其与相关的当前广泛应用的其他术语之间的关系的解释,能够促进其采用,作为植物-水分关系和土壤-水分关系的标准术语的基础。     

关于品种、新品种、杂种的一点认识

“品种”、“新品种”和“杂种”等术语在生命科学、特别是遗传学和育种学中经常使用,但在尽可能准确理解相关术语的同时,不难看出名词间的界限并非总是那么分明。依据资料并略加讨论,总结和分析了这些术语的涵义、适用场合和科学意义,以帮助人们将相关科学概念理解到准确的尺度。     

若干植物分类学术语介绍及中译名商榷

为便于国内外植物分类学同行的交流,本文介绍了48个国内尚未收入的植物分类学术语,提出了建议的中译名,并对10个已有术语的定义和中译名等问题进行了讨论。     

中医术语英译标准化与翻译的文化取向

重申中医术语英译标准化的意义、目标并探讨WHO西太区、世界中医药学会联合会等对中医名词术语翻译的标准化中翻译文化取向的意义。针对目前对中医术语国际标准化翻译的重新审定,提出中医术语翻译的文化取向、民族性原则的重要性,重视国际交流中翻译的话语权,凸显翻译中的文化内涵,据此提出自己见解:(1)对中医文化负载词的概念的翻译应以音译或异化为主;(2)中药、方剂翻译应以音译为主。     

若干植物分类学术语介绍及中译名商榷

为便于国内外植物分类学同行的交流,本文介绍了48个国内尚未收入的植物分类学术语,提出了建议的中译名,并对10个巳有术语的定义和中译名等问题进行了讨论。     

Role for dopamine in malonate-induced damage in vivo in striatum and in vitro in mesencephalic cultures

Defects in mitochondrial energy metabolism have been implicated in the pathology of several neurodegenerative disorders. In addition, the reactive metabolites generated from the metabolism and oxidation of the neurotransmitter dopamine (DA) are thought to contribute to the damage to neurons of the basal ganglia. We have previously demonstrated that infusions of the metabolic inhibitor malonate into the striata of mice or rats produce degeneration of DA nerve terminals. In the present studies, we demonstrate that an intrastriatal infusion of malonate induces a substantial increase in DA efflux in awake, behaving mice as measured by in vivo microdialysis. Furthermore, pretreatment of mice with tetrabenazine (TBZ) or the TBZ analogue Ro 4-1284 (Ro-4), compounds that reversibly inhibit the vesicular storage of DA, attenuates the malonate-induced DA efflux as well as the damage to DA nerve terminals. Consistent with these findings, the damage to both DA and GABA neurons in mesencephalic cultures by malonate exposure was attenuated by pretreatment with TBZ or Ro-4. Treatment with these compounds did not affect the formation of free radicals or the inhibition of oxidative phosphorylation resulting from malonate exposure alone. Our data suggest that DA plays an important role in the neurotoxicity produced by malonate. These findings provide direct evidence that inhibition of succinate dehydrogenase causes an increase in extracellular DA levels and indicate that bioenergetic defects may contribute to the pathogenesis of chronic neurodegenerative diseases through a mechanism involving DA.     

2017年中国植物科学若干领域重要研究进展

2017年中国植物科学继续保持高速发展态势, 重大成果频出, 具体表现在中国植物学家在国际顶级学术期刊发表的文章数量平稳上升。中国植物科学领域的研究工作者成果精彩纷呈, 如新型广谱抗病机制的发现、水稻广谱抗病遗传基础及机制和疫霉菌诱发病害成灾机制研究等。2017年中国生命科学领域十大进展评选中, 有两项植物科学领域的研究成果入选。水稻生物学、进化与基因组学和激素生物学等领域学科发展突出。另外, 值得一提的是, 长期从事高等植物与代谢途径调控分子网络研究和水稻品种设计育种的李家洋院士的研究成果“水稻高产优质性状形成的分子机理及品种设计”荣获2017年国家自然科学一等奖。这一具有重大国际影响的开创性贡献标志着中国植物科学在该领域的国际科学前沿居于引领和卓越地位。该文对2017年中国本土科学家在植物科学若干领域取得的重要研究成果进行了系统梳理, 旨在全面追踪和报道当前中国植物科学领域发展的最新前沿动态, 与广大读者共同分享我国科学家所取得的辉煌成就。     

2018年中国植物科学若干领域重要研究进展

2018年中国植物科学继续呈现快速发展的态势, 我国科学家在国际植物科学主流学术刊物发表论文数量大幅增加, 取得了多项具有重要影响的成果。调控植物生长-代谢平衡实现可持续农业发展入选2018年度中国科学十大进展; 中国被子植物区系进化历史研究入选2018年度中国生命科学十大进展。以水稻为代表的农作物和果蔬等经济作物研究在国际上已呈现出明显的优势, 若干领域已从“追赶”状态跨越到“领跑”地位。该文对2018年中国科学家在植物科学若干领域取得的重要研究成果进行了概括性评述, 旨在全面追踪和报道当前中国植物科学领域的发展前沿和热点, 展示中国科学家所取得的杰出成就。     

SSTR5 ablation in islet results in alterations in glucose homeostasis in mice

Somatostatin (SST) peptide is a potent inhibitor of insulin secretion and its effect is mediated via somatostatin receptor 5 (SSTR5) in the endocrine pancreas. To investigate the consequences of gene ablation of SSTR5 in the mouse pancreas, we have generated a mouse model in which the SSTR5 gene was specifically knocked down in the pancreatic beta cells (betaSSTR5Kd) using the Cre-lox system. Immunohistochemistry analysis showed that SSTR5 gene expression was absent in beta cells at three months of age. At the time of gene ablation, betaSSTR5Kd mice demonstrated glucose intolerance with lack of insulin response and significantly reduced serum insulin levels. Insulin tolerance test demonstrated a significant increase of insulin clearance in vivo at the same age. In vitro studies demonstrated an absence of response to SST-28 stimulation in the betaSSTR5Kd mouse islet, which was associated with a significantly reduced SST expression level in betaSSTR5Kd mice pancreata. In addition, betaSSTR5Kd mice had significantly reduced serum glucose levels and increased serum insulin levels at 12 months of age. Glucose tolerance test at an older age also indicated a persistently higher insulin level in betaSSTR5Kd mice. Further studies of betaSSTR5Kd mice had revealed elevated serum C-peptide levels at both 3 and 12 months of age, suggesting that these mice are capable of producing and releasing insulin to the periphery. These results support the hypothesis that SSTR5 plays a pivotal role in the regulation of insulin secretion in the mouse pancreas.     

2018年中国植物科学若干领域重要研究进展

2018年中国植物科学继续呈现快速发展的态势, 我国科学家在国际植物科学主流学术刊物发表论文数量大幅增加, 取得了多项具有重要影响的成果。调控植物生长-代谢平衡实现可持续农业发展入选2018年度中国科学十大进展; 中国被子植物区系进化历史研究入选2018年度中国生命科学十大进展。以水稻为代表的农作物和果蔬等经济作物研究在国际上已呈现出明显的优势, 若干领域已从“追赶”状态跨越到“领跑”地位。该文对2018年中国科学家在植物科学若干领域取得的重要研究成果进行了概括性评述, 旨在全面追踪和报道当前中国植物科学领域的发展前沿和热点, 展示中国科学家所取得的杰出成就。     

Peroxisomes in Rice Coleoptiles Grown in Air and in Anoxia

Rice coleoptiles grow under anoxia. When the ultrastructure of anoxic coleoptile cells was examined, it was seen that most organelles maintain their integrity, with the exception of peroxisomes (unspecialized type). The lack of O₂ greatly reduced the number of these organelles and altered the ultrastructure of the remaining ones. To examine the effect of O₂ on peroxisome development in more detail, coleoptiles grown in air were transferred to N₂ and anoxic coleoptiles were transferred to oxygen. Marker enzyme activity was measured in entire coleoptiles as well as in the isolated organelles. As expected, anoxia greatly depressed enzyme activity when imposed from the beginning of the germination process, while it had a lesser effect when imposed for only two days on aerobic seedlings. When coleoptiles were grown constantly under N₂, the density of the organelles was 1.216 g/cm³, while the corresponding aerobic organelles showed a buoyant density of 1.241 g/cm³. When transferred to air the anoxic peroxisomes reached the intermediate density of 1.227 g/cm³. The results confirm the particular sensitivity of rice peroxisomes to O₂ availability.     

Apoptosis in experimental myocardial infarction in situ and in the perfused heart in vitro

We report the appearance of apoptotic cells in experimental myocardial infarction (rabbit heart) in in situ and in vitro preparations. Apoptosis was recognized by intravital staining with Hoechst 33342 (Ho342), by nick-end labeling (TUNEL) and by DNA laddering. A steady rise in the relative number of apoptotic cardiomyocytes (apoptotic index) was noted in in situ preparations. Apoptosis was first noted 6 h after the onset of ischemia with its highest value occurring after 72 h. Apoptotic nuclei were absent in remote areas of the left and right ventricles. Apoptotic nuclei within the infarcted area showed diminished intensity of Ho342 fluorescence. Three days after ischemia, a border zone adjacent to the infarcted area consisting of apoptotic macrophages was recognized. A novel finding was the appearance of apoptotic cardiomyocytes in the isolated perfused ischemic heart. Occurring as early as 50 min after the onset of ischemia, a high apoptotic index was present adjacent to the ligature placed around the coronary artery. This observation provides the opportunity to selectively examine factors leading to apoptosis in the ischemic heart under controlled experimental conditions.     

Enzymes and inhibitors in leu-enkephalin in metabolism in human plasma

The enzymes degrading leucine enkephalin in human plasma and the inhibitors active on these enzymes were studied by kinetic and chromatographic techniques. Data obtained evidence the existence of complex kinetics of leu-enkephalin hydrolysis and of formation of its hydrolysis byproducts. These appear to originate from the combined effect of further hydrolysis of the enkephalin's fragments after their release and of competition between the different enzymes present in plasma. Chromatographic separation of plasma proteolysis inhibitors indicates the existence of several pools of substances acting on all three enzyme groups that degrade leu-enkephalin. The partial specificity of these substances induces competition effects: consequently, the actual protection over leu-enkephalin is considerably lower that the total inhibitory activity. That notwithstanding, plasma inhibitors control enkephalin hydrolysis to a relevant extent, while they modify only slightly the ratio of hydrolysis between the different enzymes. This latter parameter—and specifically the large prevalence of aminopeptidases over dipeptidylaminopeptidases and dipeptidylcarboxypeptidases—appears controlled mainly by kinetic factors.     

Changes in aquatic vegetation in Rhine floodplain streams in Alsace in relation to disturbance

Abstract. Changes are described in aquatic vegetation in oligotrophic, groundwater-fed Rhine floodplain streams in Alsace (eastern France), resulting from disturbance. Disturbance factors include changes in nutrients, either permanent ones - effluent from a waste water treatment plant or trout hatcheries - or periodic ones: flooding. Regular inputs of high levels of phosphate and ammonia modified the macrophyte vegetation in these streams. The floristic composition, which was characteristic of oligotrophic waters upstream of the eutrophicated sector, changed to that of a eutrophic situation as originally found downstream. Periodic disturbance by floods which normally occur once a year, irregularly eutrophicates the small streams, causing the development of a mixture of eutrophic and oligotrophic species. Six macrophyte communities are distinguished, indicating different trophic levels. The aquatic vegetation is adapted to the variations of phosphate and ammonia levels. Hence, aquatic macrophytes can be used as bio-indicators of fluctuations in water nutrient levels in relation to the type of disturbance.     

Scurvy in capybaras bred in captivity in Argentine

In order to determine if the absence of vitamin C in the diet of capybaras (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris) causes scurvy, a group of seven young individuals were fed food pellets without ascorbic acid, while another group of eight individuals received the same food with 1 g of ascorbic acid per animal per day. Animals in the first group developed signs of scurvy-like gingivitis, breaking of the incisors and death of one animal. Clinical signs appeared between 25 and 104 days from the beginning of the trial in all individuals. Growth rates of individuals deprived of vitamin C was considerably less than those observed in the control group. Deficiency of ascorbic acid had a severe effect on reproduction of another population of captive capybaras. We found that the decrease in ascorbic acid content in the diet affected pregnancy, especially during the first stages. The results obtained suggest that it is necessary to supply a suitable quantity of vitamin C in the diet of this species in captivity.