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 ofLolium 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.     

Application of petG-trnP sequence to systematic study of Chinese Cupressus species

Chinese Cupressus L. includes five species. The molecular phylogenetic relationship of the Cupressus species and Chamaecyparis L. were determined by comparing 417–479 bp of chloroplast petG-trnP intergenic spacer sequence. In PAUP^* analysis, Platycladus orientalis was used as the functional out group. By using the maximum likelihood method 1 077 trees were examined and the result showed that one tree had a best score of -Ln=2 232.47. The phylogenetic tree clearly showed that Chamaecyparis nootkatensis was diverged from other Chamaecyparis species. Based on the results, together with evidences from other aspects, we consider that Cupressus funebris and Chamaecyparis nootkatensis should be placed in the genus Cupressus. The use of cpDNA intergenic spacer petG-trnP in Cupressus was also discussed. __________ Translated from Journal of Sichuan University (Natural Science Edition), 2005, 42(5): 1033–1037 [译自: 四川大学学报 (自然科学版) 2005, 42(5): 1033–1037]     

Identification of sympatric bat species by the echolocation calls

One hundred and thirty-eight echolocation calls of 63 free-flying individuals of five bat species (Rhinolophus ferrumequinum, Myotis formosus, Myotis ikonnikovi, Myotis daubentoni and Murina leucogaster) were recorded (by ultrasonic bat detector (D980)) in Zhi’an village of Jilin Province, China. According to the frequency-time spectra, these calls were categorized into two types: FM/CF (constant frequency) / FM (R. ferrumequinum) and FM (frequency modulated) (M. formosus, M. ikonnikovi, M. daubentoni and M. leucogaster). Sonograms of the calls of R. ferrumequinum could easily be distinguished from those of the other four species. For the calls of the remaining four species, six echolocation call parameters, including starting frequency, ending frequency, peak frequency duration, longest inter-pulse interval and shortest inter-pulse interval, were examined by stepwise discriminant analysis. The results show that 84.1% of calls were correctly classified, which indicates that these parameters of echolocation calls play an important role in identifying bat species. These parameters can be used to test the accuracy of general predictions based on bats’ morphology in the same forest and can provide essential information for assessing patterns of bat habitat use. __________ Translated from Journal of Northeast Normal University (Natural Science Edition), 2006, 38 (3): 109–114 [译自: 东北师范大学学报(自然科学版)]     

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. __________ Translated from Journal of Beijing Normal University (Natural Science), 2006, 42(1): 74–77 [译自: 北京师范大学学报]     

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)]     

Breeding and application of Jiafuzhan, a new elite early indica rice cultivar in China

After 20 years of dedicated research, Jiafuzhan has been successfully developed under the new technologies in breeding high-quality early indica rice cultivars. Its rice quality has almost reached the A-level Editable Rice of Agriculture Department of China, and its average production reaches 400–500 kg/(666.7 m²). This new cultivar also has other characteristics such as enhanced resistance of blast and fallen, steady productivity, and strong adaptability. Jiafuzhan has been put into production of over 11.4 × 10⁴ hm² in Fujian Province and has been introduced and extended in other Provinces like Jiangxi, Guangdong, and Guangxi, China. The successes of breeding Jiafuzhan is a solution to the existing perennial problems in the rice industry, such as poor grain quality of big-grain rice and early indica rice, low productivity, and poor blast resistance of elite rice. __________ Translated from Journal of Xiamen University (Natural Science), 2006, 45(1): 114–119 [译自: 厦门大学学报 (自然科学版)]     

Correlation analysis of Normalized Different Vegetation Index (NDVI) difference series and climate variables in the Xilingole steppe, China from 1983 to 1999

There is a crucial need in the study of global change to understand how terrestrial ecosystems respond to the climate system. It has been demonstrated by many researches that Normalized Different Vegetation Index (NDVI) time series from remotely sensed data, which provide effective information of vegetation conditions on a large scale with highly temporal resolution, have a good relation with meteorological factors. However, few of these studies have taken the cumulative property of NDVI time series into account. In this study, NDVI difference series were proposed to replace the original NDVI time series with NDVI difference series to reappraise the relationship between NDVI and meteorological factors. As a proxy of the vegetation growing process, NDVI difference represents net primary productivity of vegetation at a certain time interval under an environment controlled by certain climatic conditions and other factors. This data replacement is helpful to eliminate the cumulative effect that exist in original NDVI time series, and thus is more appropriate to understand how climate system affects vegetation growth in a short time scale. By using the correlation analysis method, we studied the relationship between NOAA/AVHRR ten-day NDVI difference series and corresponding meteorological data from 1983 to 1999 from 11 meteorological stations located in the Xilingole steppe in Inner Mongolia. The results show that: (1) meteorological factors are found to be more significantly correlation with NDVI difference at the biomass-rising phase than that at the falling phase; (2) the relationship between NDVI difference and climate variables varies with vegetation types and vegetation communities. In a typical steppe dominated by Leymus chinensis, temperature has higher correlation with NDVI difference than precipitation does, and in a typical steppe dominated by Stipa krylovii, the correlation between temperature and NDVI difference is lower than that between precipitation and NDVI difference. In a typical steppe dominated by Stipa grandis, there is no significant difference between the two correlations. Precipitation is the key factor influencing vegetation growth in a desert steppe, and temperature has poor correlation with NDVI difference; (3) the response of NDVI difference to precipitation is fast and almost simultaneous both in a typical steppe and desert steppe, however, mean temperature exhibits a time-lag effect especially in the desert steppe and some typical steppe dominated by Stipa krylovii; (4) the relationship between NDVI difference and temperature is becoming stronger with global warming. __________ Translated from Acta Phytoecologica Sinica, 2005, 29(5): 753–765 [译自: 植物生态学报]     

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]     

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)]     

Apoptosis induced by 3,7-dinitrodibenzobromonium salts in K562 cells

Abstract We evaluated the inhibitory effect of 3,7-dinitrodibenzobromonium salts (cBr) on the proliferation of human chronic myelogenous leukemia K₅₆₂ cell by trypan blue exclusion test and MTT colorimetric assay. The degree of DNA damage in K₅₆₂ cells treated with cBr, was detected by isotopic tracer method (³H-TdR). The morphological changes of these K₅₆₂ cells were examined by fluorescence and electron microscopy. Biochemical characteristics of K₅₆₂ cells were detected by flow cytometry and ³H-thymidine incorporation assay. Findings indicated that cBr could significantly inhibit cell proliferation and result in DNA damage of K₅₆₂ cells. cBr is a new type of immunostimulant and can induce cell apoptosis. __________ Translated from Journal of Lanzhou University (Natural Sciences), 2006, 42(6): 49–61 [译自: 兰州大学学报(自然科学版)]     

Recent approach to Buchia biostratigraphy from the Tethyan Himalaya area, China

Recent collections from six sections in Lanongla area, Tethyan Himalaya allow the establishment of four buchia assemblages. In ascending order, they are Buchia-Buchia spitiensis, Buchia masquensis-Buchia rugasa, Buchia blanfordiana, Buchia piochii and Buchia subokensis assemblages. These Buchia assemblages first demonstrate that not only the Upper Jurassic strata but also the highest Buchia assemblage-Buchia subokensis, which appeared in Lower Cretaceous strata all over the world are present in Lanongla area. This first records the highest Buchia assemblage in Lanongla area. __________ Translated from Acta Scientiarum Naturalium Universitatis Pekinensis, 2005, 41 (4) [译自: 北京大学学报( 自然科学版), 2005,41(4)]     

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)]     

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]     

Intra-specific relationships among Tibetan Eared-pheasants based on randomly amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) analysis

The Tibetan Eared-pheasant Crossoptilon harmani is a rare species native to China. A captive population has been established in the Beijing Zoo since 1999. In order to determine the kinship of the offsprings in 2001, randomly amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) was used to examine the parenthood of seven Tibetan Eared-pheasants in the Beijing Zoo. To amplify the genomic DNA of each individual, 53 arbitrary primers were selected. The results of amplifications showed that 14 primers had clear and distinct RAPD patterns. Totally, 226 amplified fragments were generated by RAPD in this study. Cluster analysis of the seven Tibetan Eared-pheasants indicated that all the four young birds had the same father (No.5 male). This study provides a practical method to determine the relationship of offsprings whose parents are unknown in birds. __________ Translated from Journal of Beijing Normal University (Natural Science), 2005, 41(5): 507–509 [译自: 北京师范大学学报 (自然科学版), 2005, 41(5): 507–509]     

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]     

Role of magpie in bird community formation in secondary forest

We analyzed a bird community in a secondary forest and the results show that the magpie was one of the key groups in the secondary forest. The key group is identified based on the nests used by other birds at a rate of 25%–40.17%. The size of the community is different and the number of these key groups is not certain. __________ Translated from Journal of Northeast Normal University (Natural Science Edition), 2006, 38 (3): 644-651 [译自: 东北师大学报(自然科 学版)]     

Chemical composition and antimicrobial activity of the essential oil of Cacalia tangutica (Maxim.) Hand.-Mazz

Essential oil of the subterranean part of Cacalia tangutica (Maxim.) Hand.-Mazz was analyzed by gas chromatography (GC)-mass spectrum (MS) technique in two different capillary columns of different polarities. Thirty-one components were identified in the oil and the main compounds were α-zingiberene (13.49%), germacrene D (10.76%), α-pinene (8.54%), caryophyllene(Z-) (6.36%), linalool (6.16%), β-myrcene (4.89%), β-ocimene (Z-) (4.40%)and ocimenone(Z-) (3.58%). The antimicrobial activity of the oil was evaluated against 2 fungi and 12 bacteria including 6 clinically isolated strains using the agar disc diffusion and broth microdilution methods. The results show that the oil presented a broad antimicrobial spectrum and had better antimicrobial activity against yeast and gram-positive bacteria. The minimum inhibitory concentration values were 0.16–5.00 g/L and minimum bactericidal concentration values were 0.16–5.00 g/L. __________ Translated from Journal of Wuhan University (Science Edition), 2007, 53 (2): 198–203 [译自: 武汉大学学报(理学版)]     

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]     

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]