Computational analysis and prediction for exons of PAC579 genomic sequence

To isolate the novel genes related to human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), we se-quenced P1-derived artificial chromosome PAC579 (D17S926 locus) mapped in the minimum LOH (loss of heterozygosity) deletion region of chromosome 17p13.3 in HCC. Four novel genes mapped in this genomic sequence area were isolated and cloned by wet-lab experiments, and the exons of these genes were located. 0-60 kb of this genomic sequence including the genes of interest was scanned with five different computational exon prediction programs as well as four splice site recognition programs. After analyzing and comparing the computationally predicted results with the wet-lab experiment results, some potential exons were predicted in the genomic sequence by using these programs.     

Current progress of China＇s free ART program

China＇s Free ART Program was initiated in 2002 as an emergency response to save and improve the lives of AIDS patients living mainly in impoverished rural regions of central China. With little experience in HIV/AIDS treatment and care and resource limitations, China＇s efforts to provide widespread access to free antiretroviral therapy has been a process fraught with difficulty. However, the Free ART Program is progressing from an emergency response to a standardized treatment and care system. The development of national guidelines, training programs, a laboratory support network, a national patient database, programs for special populations such as children and patients living with coinfections, and operational research has improved the scope and quality of the free treatment program. As of June 30, 2005, a total of 19,456 patients in 28 provinces, autonomous regions, and special municipalities had received free ART. Challenges stemming from the nature of China＇s health system and patient population persist, but with strong government support and a diverse set of resources, China has the capacity to overcome these challenges and to provide nationwide access to high quality treatment and care.     

The HIV epidemic in China： history, response, and challenge

The first case of AIDS was reported in 1985 in China, but by the early 21st century, the government estimated that there were 840,000 citizens living with HIV/AIDS. The number is increasing rapidly. The major risk groups are injection drug users （IDUSs; 43%） and former plasma donors （27%）, but rates among heterosexual groups are rising rapidly. Sentinel surveillance was initiated in 1986, and now includes IDUs, men-who-have-sex-with-men, sexually transmitted disease clinic attendees, antenatal women, long-distance truck drivers, and sex workers. Although the government was slow to respond to the epidemic in the late 20th century, it has made a vigorous response in the early 21st century. Components of that response include implementation and evaluation of harm reduction programs for IDUs, education to increase knowledge and reduce stigma, treatment and social support for rural and poor HIV/AIDS patients, widespread testing, and increased funding for HIV/AIDS programs. International agencies have been generous in their support of the government initiatives. To successfully combat the epidemic, China needs to develop and train the necessary infrastructure to implement its intervention programs, particularly in the rural areas, to vigorously combat stigma and discrimination, support research especially in the universities and research institutions other than the China Centers for Disease Control, develop a system for efficient exchange of research and program information, and update legislation to reflect the current situation.     

New ecological insights through the Global Lake Ecological Observatory Network (GLEON)

Sensor networks are playing an increasingly important role in ecology. Continual advances in affordable sensors and wireless communication are making the development of automated sensing systems with remote communication (i.e., sensor networks) affordable for many ecological research programs (Porter et al. 2005)[1].     

Conservation and behavior of Africa＇s ＂Big Five＂

We examine the conservation status of Africa＇s ＂Big Five＂： lion, leopard, buffalo, black and white rhinoceros and elephant, and the role of behavioral knowledge in their conservation. Efforts to conserve these flagship species consist of in situ conservation, captive breeding and reintroductions. With a few exceptions, we find limited evidence that knowledge of behavior informs conservation programs targeted at these species. For management in the wild, knowledge of infanticide and ranging can provide guidelines for realistic hunting quotas and corridors between protected areas, respectively. For ex situ and reintroduction programs, behavioral knowledge is chiefly focused on improved animal husbandry. Despite a formidable understanding of these species＇ behavior, the practicalities of using such knowledge may be diminished because exploitation of these species is so forceful and the bulk of efforts aimed at conserving these species （and indeed most other African species） are primarily in situ where behaviorally driven interventions are limited. Our comparative findings suggest that behavior has been of rather narrow use in the conservation of these flagship species [Current Zoology 60 （4）： 486--499, 2014].     

Academician of Academia Sinica:Biographical Sketch of Prof.C.L.Tsou(Chenglu Zou)

C.L.Tsou( Chenglu Zou) was born on May 1 7,1 92 3in Jiangsu,China.He received his B.Sc.in1 945from the chemistry department of The National Southwest Associated University in Kunming andwas awarded a Ph.D.( Biochemistry) from the University of Cambridge,England in 1 951 .He was aResearch Associate then Professor and Head of Enzyme Division of the Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry,Academia Sinica.He moved to Beijing in1 970 to the Institute of Biophysics and was its Deputy Direc…     

Genome size of 14 species of fireflies (Insecta,Coleoptera, Lampyridae)

Eukaryotic genome size data are important both as the basis for comparative research into genome evolution and as estimators of the cost and difficulty of genome sequencing programs for non-model organisms.In this study,the genome size of 14 species of fireflies (Lampyridae) (two genera in Lampyrinae,three genera in Luciolinae,and one genus in subfamily incertae sedis) were estimated by propidium iodide (PI)-based flow cytometry.The haploid genome sizes of Lampyridae ranged from 0.42 to 1.31 pg,a 3.1-fold span.Genome sizes of the fireflies varied within the tested subfamilies and genera.Lamprigera and Pyrocoelia species had large and small genome sizes,respectively.No correlation was found between genome size and morphological traits such as body length,body width,eye width,and antennal length.Our data provide additional information on genome size estimation of the firefly family Lampyridae.Furthermore,this study will help clarify the cost and difficulty of genome sequencing programs for non-model organisms and will help promote studies on firefly genome evolution.     

国家自然科学基金动物学科资助昆虫生理学项目综述

昆虫生理学是昆虫学分支学科中发展最快的学科之一。本文对国家自然科学基金委员会生命科学部动物学科成立20多年以来昆虫生理学项目的资助情况进行了分析, 截止2009年, 昆虫生理学面上项目共资助92项, 占总资助项目1 208项的7.62%; 青年基金共资助16项, 占总资助项目132项的12.12%; 资助重点项目10项。目前, 我国昆虫生理学基础研究的发展已经从组织、 细胞水平深入到分子和基因水平。昆虫的基因组学, 昆虫发育的功能基因及激素调控, 寄主植物、 昆虫、 天敌三者之间的协同进化, 昆虫免疫及其机制等将是昆虫生理学的发展趋势。未来我国昆虫生理学研究应在研究方向、 人才队伍建设、 国际合作以及发挥基金的引领作用等几个方面有所加强。     

Changes in the Regional Prevalence of Child Obesity in 4th, 8th,and 11th Grade Students in Texas From 2000–2002 to 2004–2005

Although national and state estimates of child obesity are available, data at these levels are insufficient to monitor effects of local obesity prevention initiatives. The purpose of this study was to examine regional changes in the prevalence of obesity due to statewide policies and programs among children in grades 4, 8, and 11 in Texas Health Services Regions (HSRs) between 2000–2002 and 2004–2005, and nine selected counties in 2004–2005. A cross‐sectional, probability‐based sample of 23,190 Texas students in grades 4, 8, and 11 were weighed and measured to obtain BMI. Obesity was >95th percentile for BMI by age/sex using Centers for Disease Control and Prevention growth charts. Child obesity prevalence significantly decreased between 2000–2002 and 2004–2005 for 4th grade students in the El Paso HSR (?7.0%, P = 0.005). A leveling off in the prevalence of obesity was noted for all other regions for grades 4, 8, and 11. County‐level data supported the statistically significant decreases noted in the El Paso region. The reduction of child obesity levels observed in the El Paso area is one of the few examples of effective programs and policies based on a population‐wide survey: in this region, a local foundation funded extensive regional implementation of community programs for obesity prevention, including an evidence‐based elementary school‐based health promotion program, adult nutrition and physical activity programs, and a radio and television advertising campaign. Results emphasize the need for sustained school, community, and policy efforts, and that these efforts can result in decreases in child obesity at the population level.     

Assessing precollege science education outreach initiatives: a funder's perspective

We describe an assessment of the collective impact of 35 grants that the Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) made to biomedical research institutions in 1999 to support precollege science education outreach programs. Data collected from funded institutions were compared with data from a control group of institutions that had advanced to the last stage of review but had not been funded. The survey instrument and the results reveal outcomes and impacts that HHMI considers relevant for these programs. The following attributes are considered: ability to secure additional, non-HHMI funding; institution buy-in as measured by gains in dedicated space and staff; enhancement of the program director's career; number and adoption of educational products developed; number of related publications and awards; percentage of programs for which teachers received course credit; increase in science content knowledge; and increase in student motivation to study science.     

1988～2011年国家自然科学基金真菌病学资助项目分析及文献复习

目的通过分析1988～2011年国家自然科学基金对真菌病学的资助情况和复习相关文献总结国内真菌病学领域1988～2011年的热点问题及研究现状。方法访问国家自然科学基金ISIS系统C0107、H1104、H1903,检索1988～2011年真菌病学获得国家自然基金资助的项目总数,并对其进行统计分析。结果 1988～2011年真菌病学获得国家自然科学基金资助项目共计95项,每年的资助项目数逐步上升,面上项目和青年基金项目为资助主体。1988～2011年国家自然科学基金对真菌病学的各个研究方向都有项目资助。排在前3位的分别是:隐球菌、念珠菌、曲霉,发表了很多有价值的文章。结论 1988～2011年真菌病学在国家自然科学基金的引领下取得了长足的进步与发展。     

NFL-225 Test to Predict 1RM Bench Press in NCAA Division I Football Players

ABSTRACT: Mann, JB, Stoner, JD, and Mayhew, JL. NFL-225 test to predict 1RM bench press in NCAA Division I football players. J Strength Cond Res 26(10): 2623-2631, 2012-The National Football League (NFL)-225 test has gained popularity for assessing muscular performance among college football programs. Although the test is a measure of absolute muscular endurance, it was reputed to be highly correlated with maximum muscular strength. The purposes of this study were to assess the predictive potential of the NFL-225 test for estimating 1 repetition maximum (1RM) bench press performance in National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I college football players and to evaluate the accuracy of previous NFL-225 prediction equations. Players (n = 289) in a successful Division I program were assessed over a period of 5 years for 1RM bench press and repetitions completed with 102.3 kg (225 lb). Test sessions occurred within 1 week of each other during the off-season training period. In a validation group (n = 202), repetitions were significantly correlated with 1RM (r = 0.95), producing a prediction equation (1RM [kg] = 103.5 + 3.08 Reps) with a standard error of estimate = 6.4 kg (coefficient of variation = 4.3%). In a randomly selected cross-validation group (n = 87), the new equation nonsignificantly underpredicted by 0.9 ± 7.2 kg produced a high correlation with actual 1RM (intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC] = 0.967), had a limit of agreement of -15.0 to 13.2 kg, and predicted 69% of the group within ±4.5 kg of their actual 1RM. The best previous equation was that of Slovak et al., which was nonsignificantly underpredicted by -0.5 ± 6.7 kg, produced a high correlation with actual 1RM (ICC = 0.975), and predicted 68% of the group within ±4.5 kg of their actual 1RM. The new NFL-225 test seems to be a reasonable predictor of 1RM bench press in Division I players but should be further assessed on players from other high-level programs.     

Electron paramagnetic resonance in biochemistry. Computer simulation of spectra from frozen aqueous samples.

Two computer programs are described; they can be used to simulate e.p.r. spectra of effective spin-1/2 systems in frozen aqueous samples. One program is written in BASIC and the other in FORTRAN IV. Both programs are deposited as a Supplementary Publication (SUP 50082; 27 pages) at the British Library Lending Division, Boston Spa, Wetherby, West Yorkshire LS23 7QB, U.K. References are given to the applications of these programs in biochemical work.     

国家自然科学基金资助20年皮肤性病学基础研究发展概况

概述了近20年来国家自然科学基金在皮肤性病学领域的资助情况和布局,对资助项目的重要研究成果进行了总结和分析,反映了国内皮肤性病学的研究现状和存在的问题,展示了国家自然科学基金在学科发展上的重要引领作用。     

2006~2010年度国家自然科学基金微生物学科项目资助情况分析与展望

本文介绍了2006-2010年国家自然科学基金委员会生命科学部微生物学学科面上类、重点和国家杰出青年科学基金项目的资助概况,分析了三类科学基金资助的分支学科分布、依托单位和研究领域状况,对"十二·五"期间国家自然科学基金资助微生物学学科的重点资助方向进行了展望,以期为从事微生物学研究的科技工作者提供参考。     

An examination of preactivity and postactivity flexibility practices of National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I tennis coaches

The purpose of this study was to determine if National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I men's tennis programs are in compliance with suggested current preactivity and postactivity stretching protocols. Questionnaires were sent to NCAA Division I men's tennis programs in the USA. Seventy-six coaches (73 men and 3 women) participated in the study. The results of the Chi-Square analysis suggest that the number of years of head coaching experience had a significant relationship with the preactivity stretching routines employed by coaches (p = 0.029). A significant difference was found between preactivity stretching routines and the key sources of influence for the foundation of knowledge regarding preactivity stretching (p = 0.012). Some results indicate that many tennis coaches do not use current suggested practices for preactivity stretching. The results of this study indicate that certification may influence how well research guidelines are followed. Further research is needed to delineate how these factors affect coaching decisions.     

Effectiveness of best management practices in improving stream ecosystem quality

Implementation of best management practices (BMPs), such as improved manure storage, buffer strips, and grassed waterways, through government funded conservation programs is a common approach for mitigation of the impacts agricultural activities have on the surrounding environment. In this study, we tested the ability of these practices to meet the environmental goal of improved stream quality at a “micro-basin” scale in the Upper Thames River Watershed, southern Ontario, Canada. Micro-basins were first and second order basins, averaging 400 ha in area, representing gradients of land cover, geomorphology, and participation in conservation programs. At the outflow of each micro-basin the benthic macro-invertebrate community was sampled, water chemistry measurements completed, and habitat quality assessed. Results showed micro-basins with relatively high levels of BMP implementation consistently demonstrated improved stream ecosystem quality over the majority of micro-basins with low or no implementation. Streams in the Upper Thames River basin appeared to exhibit a threshold effect, where with several BMPs in the same basin an improvement in stream ecosystem quality is visible. In addition to the BMPs implemented through government funded conservation programs, the observed ecosystem improvements are probably due to increased environmental awareness and improved management by farmers. Handling editor: K. Martens