Cause of Senescence of Nine Sorts of Flowers

The levels of endogenous phytohormones and respiratory rate in nine sorts of flowers such as Cymbidium faberi Rolfe, Nopalxochia ackermannii Kunth and others were investigated both at full bloom and senescence and meanwhile the effect of exogenous phytohormones on prolonging the blossoms and promoting ethylene production were tested. There is a high content of endogenous ethylene in all the long-lived flowere, about 3–16 folds higer than the short-lived ones. There is a high level of ABA at full blooming flowers of short-lived flowers, in which there is no or only some cytokinins in it, but the ratio of CTK (6BA+zeatin)/ABA is smaller(l.7). The endogenous ABA reached a much higher level at senescence in all nine sorts of flowers, so it is reasonable to consider that it is ABA which plays an important role of regulation in controlling flower's senescence. There is a much higher level of GA3 and zeatin in the long-lived flowers which is not demonstrated in the shortlived ones. The respiratory rate is one of the factors controtling the longevity of flowers, but it does not play a decided role. Application of 6BA and zeatin prolongs distinctly orchid’s longevity, however exogenous IAA through the promotive action on ethylene production, evidently extends the longevity of the flowers of the Nopalxochia ackermannii Kunth.     

Scales of spatial patterns of distribution of intertidal invertebrates

Few comparative studies of spatial patterns at different scales have examined several species in the same habitat or the same species over a range of habitats. Therefore, variability in patterns among species or among habitats has seldom been documented. This study quantifies spatial patterns of a suite of intertidal snails and a species of barnacle using a range of statistical techniques. Variability in densities was quantified from the scale of adjacent quadrats (over a distance of centimeters) to tens of kilometers. Significant differences in abundances occurred primarily at two spatial scales. Small-scale differences were found at the scales of centimeters or 1–2 m and, for many species on many shores, these accounted for most of the variability in abundances from place to place. These are likely to be determined by behavioural responses to small-scale patches of microhabitat. Large-scale differences in abundance were also found in most species at the scale of hundreds of meters alongshore. These are likely to be due to variation in recruitment (and/or mortality) because of limited dispersal by adults of these species. There was little or no additional variation among shores, separated by tens of kilometers, than was shown among patches of shore separated by hundreds of meters. Identification of the scale(s) at which significant differences in abundance are found focus attention on the processes (and the scales at which these processes operate) that influence patterns of distribution and abundance. Some of the advantages and disadvantages of various procedures are discussed.     

湖南省实验动物中几种常见的人兽共患病监测

目的对2003年至2007年湖南省实验动物中沙门氏菌、汉坦病毒、仙台病毒、淋巴细胞脉络丛脑膜炎病毒、弓形虫病等几种常见的人兽共患病的流行病学进行调查。方法按《GB14922．2-2001》和《GB14922．1-2001》抽检动物。结果实验大、小鼠汉坦病毒（HV）和仙台病毒（Sendai）出现抗体阳性,实验小鼠淋巴细胞脉络丛脑膜炎病毒（LCM）出现抗体阳性,实验鼠沙门氏菌（Salmonella）检测结果阳性,实验大鼠和普通级兔弓形体（Toxoplasma）检测结果阳性。结论应加强对实验动物流行病学的监测。     

Study of the Mode of Action of Some Nitrodiphenyl Ethers

Nitrosoderivatives of the nitrodiphenyl ether herbicides (nitrofen, bifenox) have been studied. UV irradiation in different organic solvents gives degradation products. In buffered aqueous media, in the presence of chloroplasts and spin traps such as DMPO, hydroxy and peroxy radicals have been characterized.

In organic media and in the presence of spin traps such as DMPO, PBN, 4-POBN, solvent radicals (CHCIl₂, CCI₃, CH₂O) have been formed.

Nitro-derivatives have been studied under UV irradiation and in the presence of tetramethylethylene (TME), alkenylhydroxylamines are formed which autoxidize in nitroxide radicals. The formation of the stable nitroxide radical occurs in the dark process after continuous irradiation. The intensity of the signal decreases strongly when a new irradiation is applied. Radical species, with analogous ESR spectral characteristics are formed on reaction with nitrodiphenyl ethers and fatty acids.

The reactivity of these herbicides in micellar media (SDS, Brij 35, and CTAB) has been investigated. The kinetics of formation of the ESR signal corresponding to the photoreduction of the nitrodiphenyl ether in the presence of TME behave differently in a micellar environment as compared to solution. The intensity of the formation of the nitroxide increases under irradiation and decreases in the dark; the rotational correlation time t_c has been determined for each type of micelle.

Synthetic nitrosodiphenyl ether made by the reduction of nitrodiphenyl ether using hydrogen gas and PtO₂ as a catalyst gives the corresponding amine, which is oxidized with rneta-chloroperbenzoic acid (m.CPBA). The nitrosodiphenyl ether in the presence of soja azolectin liposorne containing a fluorescent probe has been analysed. When this synthetic nitrosodiphenyl ether is added to a medium containing soja azolectin liposomes and a carboxyfluorescein, fluorescent probe placed inside the liposornes, a rapid increase in the fluorescence of the medium is observed. The nitrosodiphenyl ether induce a break in the liposorne membrane.     

Catecholamines in Regulation of Development of GnRH Neurons of Rat Fetuses

The contents of dopamine, serotonin, and noradrenaline in rat fetuses developing under the conditions of their deficiency induced by administration of α-methyl-para-tyrosine to females during 11th to 16th or 20th day of pregnancy and in fetuses, whose mothers were given saline at the same time, were determined using HPLC with subsequent electrochemical detection. Administration of α-methyl-para-tyrosine led to decreased levels of dopamine and noradrenaline in the areas of migration of GnRH-neurons in fetuses on days 17 and 21 of prenatal development. The concentration of serotonin remained unchanged, except in the head nasal area in males on day 21. The areas of interaction between the brain catecholaminergic systems and migrating and differentiating GnRH-neurons were determined by double immunohistochemical labeling. Close topographical location of GnRH-immunoreactive neurons and tyrosine hydroxylase-immunoreactive in the area of nucleus accumbens on days 17 and 20, as well as in the median eminence on day 20. The GnRH concentration in the caudal areas of migration of GnRH-neurons under the normal conditions and in the case of catecholamine deficiency was determined using radioimmunoassay. After administration of α-methyl-para-tyrosine the GnRH concentration in the anterior hypothalamus decreased in females. The data obtained suggest the involvement of catecholamines in the regulation of development of GnRH-Neurons during prenatal development. In addition, the adequacy and efficiency of the used model of catecholamine deficiency for studying the development of such neurons was confirmed.     

青蒿素生物合成机理研究现状

本文总结了目前有关青蒿素生物合成机理方面的研究,主要包括青蒿素生物合成中生理因子的影响,青蒿素生物合成中间体及前体,青蒿素生物合成细胞定位等。指出了存在的一些问题及今后的研究发展前景。     

Adaptation of siblings of female rats given ethanol effect of N-acetyl-L-cysteine

Summary Ethanol administration to female rats before and during pregnancy resulted in decreased number of litters and increased activities of serum GOT, GPT and ALP. The hepatotoxicity of ethanol was indicated by the histological alterations both in the mother and siblings. There was increased levels of tissue lipids in mother and litters born to alcoholic rats. The concentration of TBARS in the liver and kidney were significantly increased in alcohol treated rats and their litters. The activities of the anti-peroxidative enzymes SOD and CAT were decreased on alcohol treatment in female rats. The glutathione content in liver and kidney decreased significantly in litters born to alcoholic rats.We have observed that the treatment with N-acetylcysteine offers protection against the toxic effect of alcohol in female rats during pregnancy and litters born to them. In N-acetylcysteine treated rats the number of litters as well as the average birth weight were close to that of control animals. Nacetylcysteine decreases the activities of serum GOT, GPT and ALP in female rats. We have also observed decreased levels of tissue lipids in mother and litters born to alcoholic rats given N-acetylcysteine when compared to alcoholic rats. The levels of TBARS in liver, kidney were also decreased both in mother and litter born to alcohol + N-acetylcysteine, while the activities of SOD and CAT were increased in liver of alcoholic rats given N-acetylcysteine when compared to alcoholic rats. Histopathological studies also showed the protective effect of N-acetylcysteine in both mother and litter in liver and kidney against alcoholic induced toxicity.     

Studies of the release of small molecules during pressure germination of spores of Bacillus subtilis

AIMS: To measure rates of release of small molecules during pressure germination of Bacillus subtilis spores, and the role of SpoVA proteins in dipicolinic acid (DPA) release. METHODS AND RESULTS: Rates of DPA release during B. subtilis spore germination with pressures of 150 or 500 megaPascals were much higher in spores with elevated levels of SpoVA proteins, and spores with a temperature-sensitive mutation in the spoVA operon were temperature-sensitive in DPA release during pressure germination. Spores also released arginine and glutamic acid, but not AMP, during pressure germination. CONCLUSIONS: Pressure germination of B. subtilis spores causes release of many small molecules including DPA. SpoVA proteins are involved in the release of DPA, perhaps because SpoVA proteins are a component of a DPA channel in the spore's inner membrane. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: This work provides new insight into the mechanism of pressure germination of spores of Bacillus species, a process that has significant potential for usage in the food industry.     

不同种源山桐子果实脂肪酸组成变异分析

以采自11个种源的山桐子为材料,测定其果实脂肪酸的组成及其变异情况,结果表明：山桐子果实中不饱和脂肪酸含量较高,尤以亚油酸含量最高,11个种源的平均值为63．58％,且种源间差异显著,分宜、宜昌种源亚油酸相对含量明显高于其他9个种源;饱和脂肪酸以棕榈酸为主,11个种源山桐子果实棕榈酸差异显著,且以平武种源最高;其余脂肪酸含量均较低,变异幅度较大;种子中棕榈酸和棕榈烯酸含量明显高于果肉,而亚油酸、亚麻酸及硬脂酸含量明显低于果肉,油酸含量相近：果实不饱和脂肪酸含量依次为果肉〉全果〉种子,且变异系数及相对极差均较小,尤以果肉中最小;除硬脂酸外,山桐子果实中其他4种主要脂肪酸组分受海拔等地理环境的影响均较小。     

History of the discovery of the mode of transmission of yellow fever virus

This essay documents and examines the historical circumstances and events surrounding the discovery of the mode of transmission of yellow fever virus in Cuba. Close scrutiny of the articles published by Walter Reed and his colleagues in 1900, 1901 and 1902 reveals their limitations as historic documents. Fortunately, other sources of information from that period survive in letters and documents written by individuals involved in the quest for the mode of transmission. Examination and comparison of those sources of information unveiled a fascinating story which reveals that misunderstandings engendered by published articles accorded merit where it was not fully due.     

History of the Study of Biodiversity of Photosynthetic Bacteria

The tendencies in the study of anoxygenic photosynthetic bacteria (APB) are considered in the review in the historical aspect, from the discovery of APB till the present day. The contribution made by the researchers of the Institute of Microbiology, Russian Academy of Sciences, to the study of the phylogeny, ecology, and morphophysiological diversity of APB is noted. At present, molecular biological approaches play a decisive role in ecology and taxonomy. The most important task at the modern stage of the development of microbiology is to maintain the continuity of the historically formed classical approaches in the study of APB diversity.     

Comparative Study of Chlorophyll-Protein Complexes of Thylakoids of Bryopsis and Spinacia

properties, pigment compositions, Chl a/b ratios and apparent molecular weights of chlorophyll-protein complexes were compared between spinach and a marine green alga, Bryopsis corticulans. The results are as follows: 1. Ten chlorophyll-protein complexes were resolved from spinach thylakoid membranes solubilized by SDS in a final SDS/Chl weight ratio of 10:1, and subjected to SDS-PAGE with 11% resolution gel. CPIa 1–3 and CPI belonged to photosystem Ⅰ, and the rest to phorosystem Ⅱ. The maximum absorption of CPIa2, CPIas and CPI were all at 674nm, but that of CPIa1 at 670nm, and those of LHCII and D2 at 670 and 673nm, respectively. Chlorophyll ia PSⅡ was 63% of the total. In PSⅡ, most of chlorophyll was in LHCII which contained 86% of the chlorophyll in PSⅡ. In PSⅠ, chlorophyll in CPla was 72% of the total. Chlorophyll a was the main pigment in PSⅠ components which have Chl a/b ratio over 15. 2. Eight chlorophyll-protein complexes were isolated from B. corticulans with a SDS/Chi weight ratio of 8:1 and 8% resolution gel. The maximum absorption of CPIa, CPI, LHCII and D2 were respectively at 671nm, 673nm, 669nm and 664nm. PSⅡ contained 77% of the total chlorophyll. LHCII chlorophyll was 95% of the PSⅡ chlorophyll. CPI held 77% of PSⅠ chloro~ phyll. There was more chlorophyll b in Bryopsis complexes, especially in LHCI1 (Chl a/b< 0.8). The molecular weights of Bryopsis complexes were higher than those of the spinach complexes. Bryopsis LHCII contained siphoxanthin and siphothin, the marked pigments of Siphohales, as functional pigments. The above results revealed three points of difference between these two plants. Firstly, Chl a is the main pigment in spinach, whereas in Bryopsis the main pigments are Chl b and siphoxanthin. This is in accordance with the suggestion that plants may change their pigment composition to adapt light regime in the environment during evolution. Secondly, in Bryopsis, chlorophyll is concentrated in photosystem Ⅱ, but in spinach chlorophyll is shared evenly by two photosystems. Finally, CPI in Bryopsis contained the major part of chlorophyll in PSⅠ, yet in spinach CPIa is the superior.     

Ecology of hoolock gibbon of Bangladesh

Of the nine known species of gibbon,Hylobates hoolock is found in the evergreen and semi-evergreen forests of Bangladesh. It is monogamous, living in groups of 2–5, each group maintaining its territory, in a home range of 30–35 ha. The day range varies from 600m to 1600m. Detailed study on this gibbon has not been conducted. Therefore, a study on the ecology and behaviour of this species was made between February 1990 and January 1991. The gibbon spends 39% of the daytime in feeding, 25% in moving, 26% in resting, 4% in calling, and 6% in other social activities. They are completely arboreal and are mainly frugivorous. The total number of this species is unlikely to exceed 200. They are in danger due to their habitat destruction.     

Interconnection of parameters of regulation system of lipid peroxidation and of morphophysiological parameters of mouse liver

A complex analysis of seasonal fluctuations of the mean group parameters of the system of regulation of lipid peroxidation has been performed in liver of Balb/c mice. Association of lipid characteristics and morphophysiological parameters is studied in the Balb/c mouse liver. An inter-connection is revealed between the liver index and the amount of lysoforms of phospholipids, the scale and character of the interconnection differing essentially depending on proportion of phos-phatidylcholine in mouse liver phospholipids.     

我国植物模式标本的馆藏量

植物标本是物种存在的永久凭证,模式标本在保障命名体系稳定中有不可替代的作用。标本馆藏量和模式标本数量反映一个国家或地区的历史积累。作者通过对比分析,发现我国的标本馆藏量远低于国际平均水平,模式标本馆藏量也相对较少,历史积累不足。在数字化本土馆藏模式标本基础上,标本数字化平台项目应将国外馆藏的中国植物种类的模式标本"引渡"回国。今后我国植物分类学研究者的重要工作之一是加强空白地区和国外标本采集,提高馆藏标本的代表性。     

A test of the influence of continental axes of orientation on patterns of human gene flow

The geographic distribution of genetic variation reflects trends in past population migrations and can be used to make inferences about these migrations. It has been proposed that the east-west orientation of the Eurasian landmass facilitated the rapid spread of ancient technological innovations across Eurasia, while the north-south orientation of the Americas led to a slower diffusion of technology there. If the diffusion of technology was accompanied by gene flow, then this hypothesis predicts that genetic differentiation in the Americas along lines of longitude will be greater than that in Eurasia along lines of latitude. We use 678 microsatellite loci from 68 indigenous populations in Eurasia and the Americas to investigate the spatial axes that underlie population-genetic variation. We find that genetic differentiation increases more rapidly along lines of longitude in the Americas than along lines of latitude in Eurasia. Distance along lines of latitude explains a sizeable portion of genetic distance in Eurasia, whereas distance along lines of longitude does not explain a large proportion of Eurasian genetic variation. Genetic differentiation in the Americas occurs along both latitudinal and longitudinal axes and has a greater magnitude than corresponding differentiation in Eurasia, even when adjusting for the lower level of genetic variation in the American populations. These results support the view that continental orientation has influenced migration patterns and has played an important role in determining both the structure of human genetic variation and the distribution and spread of cultural traits.     

Mechanisms of Initiation of Membrane Fusion: Role of Lipids

Main emphasis in studies on the mechanisms of fusion of cellular membranes has been in the roles of various proteins, with far less interest in the properties of lipids. Yet, on a molecular level fusion involves the merging of lipid bilayers. Studies so far have revealed lipids forming inverted non-lamellar phases to be important in controlling membrane fusion. However, the underlying molecular level mechanisms have remained controversial. While this review is focused on presenting one possible mechanism, involving so-called extended lipid conformation, we are also advocating the view, that in order to obtain a more complete understanding of this process it is necessary to merge the relevant physicochemical properties of lipids with the models describing the specific functions of proteins. To this end, taking into account the central importance of fusion in a wide range of cellular processes, we may anticipate its control to open novel possibilities also for therapeutic intervention.     

Comparison of Physiology and Anatomy of Seedlings and Regenerants of Sugar Beet

Whole sugar beet (Beta vulgaris L. cv. Ras poly) plants were grown in the greenhouse from the same seed stock used for an in vitro shoot tip culture. In vitro produced sugar beet plants exhibited a high content of chlorophylls a and b, carotene, and total and soluble sugars. On the other hand, total protein content of in vivo plants was higher than that of in vitro plants. No differences were found by SDS-PAGE analysis in the nature and contents of soluble proteins of in vitro propagated plants and greenhouse-grown plants. Surfaces of epidermal cells were larger and palisade and spongy paranchyma tissues were thicker in leaves of regenerants than in leaves of seedlings. Vascular tissues in leaf petioles in regenerants were flat and more differentiated than in seedlings. Closed and undeveloped stomata were found on the abaxial leaf surface of regenerants, whereas in seedlings the stomata were open. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

基于GIS的稻田蜘蛛混合种群发生分析

在地理信息系统的支持下 ,对中国稻区 117个样点蜘蛛物种数与个体数进行空间插值 ,获得稻田蜘蛛混合种群数量专题地图和个体数量发生专题地图 .根据所得专题地图 ,分析了不同水稻种植区蜘蛛种群发生以及不同稻区的生态特征 .研究结果如下 :在北纬 35 .5°以南的水稻种植区域 ,蜘蛛种群与个体发生量较高 ,种群一般在 13种以上 ,个体数一般在每 10 0丛禾 10 0头以上 ;在北纬 35 .5°以北的水稻种植区域种群一般在 11种以下 ,个体数一般在每 10 0丛禾 47头以下 ;在北纬 35 .5°以南的水稻种植区域的年降雨量、年无霜期和 7月平均温度要高于在北纬 35 .5°以北的水稻种植区域 .在北纬 35 .5°以南的水稻种植区域的年日照时数要低于在北纬 35 .5°以北的水稻种植区域 .