1∶1 and 2∶1 phase entrainment in a system of two coupled limit cycle oscillators

A model of a pair of coupled limit cycle oscillators is presented in order to investigate the extent of, and the transition between, 11 and 21 phase entrainment, a phenomenon exhibited by numerous diverse biological systems. The mathematical form of the model involves a flow on a phase torus given by two coupled first order nonlinear ordinary differential equations which govern the oscillators' phase angles (i.e. their respective positions around their limit cycles). The regions corresponding to 11 and 21 phase entrainment in an appropriate parameter space are determined analytically and numerically. The bifurcations occurring during the transition from 11 to 21 phase entrainment are discussed.     

孟德尔分离比9∶3∶3∶1的4种演变

在孟德尔研究的豌豆7对等位基因与其控制的7对相对性状中,明显地表现出对应关系,在他所做的豌豆2对相对性状杂交实验中F2有4种表现型,分离比接近9:3:3:1.     

Characterization of a Na∶K∶2Cl cotransport system in the apical membrane of a renal epithelial cell line (LLC-PK1)

Summary ⁸⁶Rb uptake into LLC-PK₁ cells (an established renal epithelial cell line) was found to be comprised of an active ouabain-sensitive component, a loop diuretic-sensitive component which was passive and strictly dependent upon the presence of extracellular Na⁺ and Cl^– for activity, and a leak component. The diuretic-sensitive component of influx was investigated further in apical membrane vesicles derived from these cells. A large fraction of⁸⁶Rb,²²Na and³⁶Cl flux into these vesicles was sensitive to inhibition by furosemide and dependent upon the presence of the other two co-ions, in keeping with the presence of a loop diuretic-sensitive Na⁺K⁺Cl^– cotransport system. The kinetic parameters for Na⁺ and K⁺ interaction have been analyzed under initial linear zerotrans conditions. The following values were obtained:K _mNa+=0.42±0.05 mmol/liter,V _max=303±24 pmol/mg/6 sec;K _mK+=11.9±1.0 mmol/liter,V _maxK+=307±27 pmol/mg/6 sec. For Cl^– interaction evidence for two cooperative binding sites with different affinities and different specificities were obtained. Thus, a stoichiometry of 1Na⁺1K⁺2Cl^– can be calculated. It is concluded that the apical membrane of LLC-PK₁ cells contains a Na⁺K⁺2Cl^– cotransport system with properties similar to those described for the thick ascending limb of the loop of Henle.     

Measurement and stoichiometry of bumetanide-sensitive (2Na∶1K∶3Cl) cotransport in ferret red cells

Summary The bumetanide-sensitive uptake of Na⁺, K^–(Rb^–) and Cl^– has been measured at 21°C in ferrent red cells treated with (SITS+DIDS) to minimize anion flux via capnophorin (Band 3). During the time course of the influx experiments tracer uptake was a first-order rate process. At normal levels of external Na⁺ (150mm) the bumetanide-sensitive uptake of K⁺ was dependent on Cl^– and represented almost all of the K⁺ uptake, the residual flux demonstrating linear concentration dependence. The uptake of Na⁺ and Cl^– was only partially inhibited by bumetanide indicating that pathways other than (Na+K+Cl) cotransport participate in these fluxes. The diuretic-sensitive uptake of Na⁺ or Cl^– was, however, abolished by the removal of K⁺ or the complementary ion indicating that bumetanide-sensitive fluxes of Na⁺, K⁺ and Cl^– are closely coupled. At very low levels of [Na] _o (<5mm) K⁺ influx demonstrated complex kinetics, and there was evidence of the unmasking of a bumetanide-sensitive Na⁺-independent K⁺ transport pathway. The stoichiometry of bumetanide-sensitive tracer uptake was 2Na1K3Cl both in cells suspended in a low and a high K⁺-containing medium. The bumetanide-sensitive flux was markedly reduced by ATP depletion. We conclude that a bumetanide-sensitive cotransport of (2Na1K3Cl) occurs as an electroneutral complex across the ferret red cell membrane.     

Modulation of Neutrophil Function by a Secreted Mucinase of Escherichia coli O157∶H7

Escherichia coli O157∶H7 is a human enteric pathogen that causes hemorrhagic colitis which can progress to hemolytic uremic syndrome, a severe kidney disease with immune involvement. During infection, E. coli O157∶H7 secretes StcE, a metalloprotease that promotes the formation of attaching and effacing lesions and inhibits the complement cascade via cleavage of mucin-type glycoproteins. We found that StcE cleaved the mucin-like, immune cell-restricted glycoproteins CD43 and CD45 on the neutrophil surface and altered neutrophil function. Treatment of human neutrophils with StcE led to increased respiratory burst production and increased cell adhesion. StcE-treated neutrophils exhibited an elongated morphology with defective rear detachment and impaired migration, suggesting that removal of the anti-adhesive capability of CD43 by StcE impairs rear release. Use of zebrafish embryos to model neutrophil migration revealed that StcE induced neutrophil retention in the fin after tissue wounding, suggesting that StcE modulates neutrophil-mediated inflammation in vivo. Neutrophils are crucial innate effectors of the antibacterial immune response and can contribute to severe complications caused by infection with E. coli O157∶H7. Our data suggest that the StcE mucinase can play an immunomodulatory role by directly altering neutrophil function during infection. StcE may contribute to inflammation and tissue destruction by mediating inappropriate neutrophil adhesion and activation.     

万“变”不离其宗——高考题中的9∶3∶3∶1及其变式

已有大量文献从不同角度对9∶3∶3∶1的一些特殊分离比进行了研究。本文以课程标准内容为导向,在分析了大量高考真题的基础上,更加全面地阐述了不同种类特殊分离比的产生原因,以及相关题目的解题方法,并且在一些基础问题上加入了新的理解,力求通过此文落实课程标准要求,提升学生的科学思维,构建对生命现象及规律更科学的理解脉络,给予学生学习以及教师教学更切实的指导。     

Comparative mapping in F2∶3 and F6∶7 generations of quantitative trait loci for grain yield and yield components in maize

This study was conducted to compare maize quantitative trait loci (QTL) detection for grain yield and yield components in F₂₃ and F₆₇ recombinant inbred (RI) lines from the same population. One hundred and eighty-six F₆₇ RIs from a Mo17×H99 population were grown in a replicated field experiment and analyzed at 101 loci detected by restriction fragment length polymorphisms (RFLPs). Single-factor analysis of variance was conducted for each locus-trait combination to identify QTL. For grain yield, 6 QTL were detected accounting for 22% of the phenotypic variation. A total of 63 QTL were identified for the seven grain yield components with alleles from both parents contributing to increased trait values. Several genetic regions were associated with more than one trait, indicating possible linked and/or pleiotropic effects. In a comparison with 150 F₂₃ lines from the same population, the same genetic regions and parental effects were detected across generations despite being evaluated under diverse environmental conditions. Some of the QTL detected in the F₂₃ seem to be dissected into multiple, linked QTL in the F₆₇ generation, indicating better genetic resolution for QTL detection with RIs. Also, genetic effects at QTL are smaller in the F₆₇ generation for all traits.Abbreviations RFLPs Restriction fragment length polymorphisms - QTL quantitative trait loci - RIs recombinant inbreds Journal Paper no. J-16261 of the Iowa Agric and Home Economics Exp Stn Project no. 3134     

Photosynthesis of salt-stressed maize as influenced by Ca∶Na ratios in the nutrient solution

The CO₂ fixation rate of salt-stressed maize leaves was influenced by the Ca∶Na ratio in the solution cultures. At an osmotic potential of −0.4 MPa in the root media, both the photosynthetic rate and the water-use efficiency declined as substrate Ca increased. Blade-Ca concentration also increased, while blade-Na and-Mg decreased. Apparently photosynthetic activity was inhibited in part by internal Mg deficiency rather than by Na toxicity or by Na-induced Ca deficiency. Reduction of the Ca∶Mg ratio in the culture stimulated the CO₂ fixation rate.     

Association of Dyslipidemia with Renal Cell Carcinoma: A 1∶2 Matched Case-Control Study

Abnormal serum lipid profiles are associated with the risk of some cancers, but the direction and magnitude of the association with renal cell carcinoma is unclear. We explore the relationship between serum lipids and renal cell carcinoma via a matched case-control study. A 1∶2-matched case-control study design was applied, where one renal cell carcinoma patient was matched to two non-renal-cell-carcinoma residents with respect to age (±0 year) and gender. Cases (n = 248) were inpatients with a primary diagnosis of renal cell carcinoma, confirmed by pathology after operations. Controls were sampled from a community survey database matched on age and gender with cases, 2 controls for each case. Stratified Cox proportional hazard regression analysis was used to obtain hazard ratios and corresponding 95% confidence intervals of lipids level and dyslipidemia for the risk of renal cell carcinoma. Elevated serum cholesterol (p<0.001), LDL cholesterol (p<0.001), and HDL cholesterol (p = 0.003) are associated with decreased hazard of renal cell carcinoma, adjusting for obesity, smoke, hypertension and diabetes. However, risk caused by hTG showed no statistical significance (p = 0.263). This study indicates that abnormal lipid profile influences the risk of renal cell carcinoma.     

宁夏贺兰山青海云杉林藓类植物C∶N∶P化学计量特征

为探究山地森林生态系统藓类C、N、P化学计量学特征及适应机制,本研究沿海拔梯度在宁夏贺兰山青海云杉林设置15个样地,分析藓类地上组织C∶N∶P化学计量特征及其与环境因子的关系。结果表明：藓类植物地上组织C、N、P含量与海拔无关,且均值分别为336.67、20.31和0.66 mg·g^-1;地上组织N∶P均值为33.4,说明藓类植物生长受P限制。藓类植物地上组织中C含量与土壤全氮含量呈显著正相关,与土壤全磷含量呈显著负相关;藓类植物地上组织中N含量与土壤有机碳和土壤全氮含量均呈显著负相关。冗余分析表明,环境因子对藓类地上组织化学计量特征的解释率为48.5%,主要环境影响因子为郁闭度、土壤全氮、土壤全磷;高郁闭度对藓类植物的生长具有促进作用。     

Digit Ratio (2D∶4D) Differences between 20 Strains of Inbred Mice

The second to fourth digit ratio (2D∶4D) is sexually differentiated in a variety of species, including humans, rats, birds, and lizards. In humans, this ratio tends to be lower in males than in females. Lower digit ratios are believed to indicate increased prenatal testosterone exposure, and are associated with more masculinized behavior across a range of traits. The story seems more complicated in laboratory mice. We have previously shown that there is no sex difference in the digit ratios of inbred mice, but found behavioral evidence to suggest that higher 2D∶4D is associated with more masculinized behaviors. Work examining intrauterine position effects show that neighbouring males raise pup digit ratio, suggesting again that higher digit ratios are associated with increased developmental androgens. Other work has suggested that masculinization is associated with lower digit ratios in lab mice. Here, we examine the fore- and hindlimb digit ratios of 20 inbred mouse strains. We find large inter-strain differences, but no sexual dimorphism. Digit ratios also did not correlate with mice behavioral traits. This result calls into question the use of this trait as a broadly applicable indicator for prenatal androgen exposure. We suggest that the inbred mice model presents an opportunity for researchers to investigate the genetic, and gene-environmental influence on the development of digit ratios.     

Production of 6-pentyl-α-pyrone byTrichoderma harzianum from 18∶n fatty acid methyl esters

Biosynthesis of 6-pentyl--pyrone byTrichoderma harzianum in two different media was evaluated. Best yields were found in nitrogen deficient medium (C/N=60). Limited growth seems to favour the production of this lactone. When fungal cells, precultured in low nitrogen medium, were incubated on methyl ricinoleate (10 g/l, C/N=60) an increase in 6-pentyl--pyrone production was observed in comparison with the media containing methyl oleate or methyl linoleate.     

Characterization of the guanosine 3′∶5′-monophosphate-dependent protein kinase from silkworm eggs and analysis of the endogenous protein substrates

Summary In a previous paper, two types of cyclic nucleotide-dependent protein kinases, namely cGMP dependent G-kinase and cAMP dependent A-kinase, in silkworm eggs has been reported (Takahashi et al. 1975; Takahashi 1976). One of these, G-kinase, has now been purified 2400-fold by means of ammonium sulfate fractionation, chromatography on hydroxylapatite, DEAE cellulose, and gel filtration.Some of the properties of the enzyme are described. The enzyme is highly dependent on cGMP; it is strongly inhibited by GTP in a noncompetitive manner not only for ATP but also for cGMP. GTP was found to be highly inhibitory on G-kinases from various tissues of the silkworm, but did not inhibit the A-kinase.Incubation of the egg extract with [-³²P]ATP and Mg²⁺ led to the formation of three major³²P-labelled proteins, with molecular weights of 42.000, 70.000 and 180.000 as analyzed by SDS polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Two of them corresponded to the subunits of vitellin.The silkworm vitellin was effectively phosphorylated both by the highly purified G-kinase and by the A-kinase. It is concluded that the G-kinase is involved in the phosphorylation of vitellin in developing silkworm eggs.Abbreviations cAMP adenosine 35-monophosphate - cGMP guanosine 35-monophosphate - A-kinase adenosine 35-monophosphate-dependent protein kinase - G-kinase guanosine 35-monophosphate-dependent protein kinase - MIX 1-methyl-3-isobutylxanthine     

不同生长阶段杉木人工林土壤C∶N∶P化学计量特征与养分动态

在福建省白砂国有林场选取幼龄林(5年)、中幼龄林(8年)、近熟林(21年)、成熟林(27年)和过熟林(40年)5个生长阶段的杉木人工林,测定不同土层(0～10、10～20、20～40 cm)土壤总碳(TC)、全氮(TN)、全磷(TP)、全钾(TK)、全钙(Ca)、全镁(Mg)含量以及C∶N∶P化学计量比,探究杉木人工林土壤碳氮磷(C∶N∶P)化学计量特征与养分随林龄的变化规律。结果表明: 随着林分发育,TC、TN未发生显著变化,土壤C∶N保持不变。随着林分发育,0～20 cm土层土壤TP含量呈增加-降低-增加的变化趋势,其中在杉木成熟林达到最低,C∶P和N∶P最大,而20～40 cm土层土壤TP在各个林龄之间无显著变化。Ca、Mg含量在所有土层均在杉木成熟林达到最低。土壤TC与C∶P、N∶P、C∶N均呈显著正相关,TP与C∶P、N∶P呈显著负相关,土壤TP含量是调控土壤C∶P和N∶P的关键因子。杉木人工林发育到成熟期受到P的限制,为保证人工林正常发育,可在杉木速生阶段施加P肥,促进养分良性循环。适当提高杉木林的轮伐期可能会有利于土壤养分的恢复与保持。     

辽西两种油松混交林土壤及油松叶片C∶N∶P化学计量特征

为研究混交林对油松生长养分限制因子的影响,选择油松-蒙古栎和油松-侧柏两种辽西地区典型混交林,以油松纯林为对照,测定油松叶片及土壤C、N、P含量并分析化学计量特征。结果表明:油松-蒙古栎混交林改良土壤能力更强,油松-蒙古栎混交林较纯林可显著提高土壤C、N、P含量,同时降低土壤C∶N和C∶P,提高N和P的有效性;油松-侧柏混交林对土壤化学计量特征的影响与油松-蒙古栎混交林相似,但未达到显著水平;油松纯林叶片N∶P大于16,表明油松生长受到P限制,油松-蒙古栎和油松-侧柏混交林中油松叶片N∶P分别比降到14.88和14.02,混交改善了P对油松生长的限制;混交并未显著改变油松叶片P浓度,但显著降低了叶片N浓度,且叶片C∶N及N∶P与叶片N浓度间显著相关,表明混交林对油松叶片化学计量改变的原因不仅在于混交改变了土壤P供应,而且在于改变了油松对N的利用效率。     

典型喀斯特峰丛洼地植被群落凋落物C∶N∶P生态化学计量特征

为了解典型喀斯特峰丛洼地植被群落凋落物养分空间分异以及其生态化学计量特征,分析了4个不同演替阶段植被凋落物现存量、C、N、P含量及C、N、P元素比值关系在不同坡位间的差异。结果表明:(1)不同演替阶段群落凋落物现存量和C、N、P含量、N ∶ P值随植被正向演替而升高;C ∶ N值和C ∶ P值随植被正向演替而下降。(2)凋落物C含量、C ∶ N值、C ∶ P值和N ∶ P值在不同坡位表现为上坡位较高、下坡位较低;P含量的变化规律与之相反,N含量则没呈现很明显的规律性(P<0.05)。典范对应分析(CCA)结果表明演替阶段和坡位对凋落物积累、养分分布和存储影响最大,坡度、坡向和裸岩率也有较大影响。(3)N ∶ P值是制约凋落物分解和养分循环的重要因素。凋落物在P素较低的情况下具有较高的N及木质素含量(即较高的N ∶ P值),分解速率较低,较低的N ∶ P值使凋落物更易分解。N素在3个坡位的不显著差异以及P素的显著差异反映了P含量波动对喀斯特峰丛洼地植被凋落物N ∶ P值和分解速率变化的影响。推测下坡位及幼龄林群落由于具有较低的N ∶ P值,其凋落物分解速率相对较快,养分的存储量较少。因此,上坡位、成熟林群落的凋落物有利于积累养分。     

氮磷供给对荒漠草原土壤和白草C∶N∶P化学计量特征的影响

大气氮(N)沉降增加是全球变化的一个重要方面。长期N沉降增加会提高生态系统N:磷(P)比,导致系统P限制增加以及植物P需求增强。该试验通过对白草(Pennisetum centrasiaticum)设立的N∶P供给(在统一施用N10.0g·m~(-2)·a~(-1)的基础上,通过改变P施用量,形成6个N∶P处理水平)盆栽控制试验,研究了连续2年(2013~2014年)N∶P供给处理对土壤和白草碳(C)∶N∶P化学计量特征的影响,并分析了C∶N∶P化学计量特征对白草生长和养分利用的指示意义。结果显示:(1)降低N∶P供给(提高P施用量)能够显著降低土壤和白草的C∶P和N∶P,缓解白草生长的P受限性,从而促进白草的生物量积累。(2)随着N∶P供给进一步降低,土壤N受限性增加。(3)白草通过提高其枯叶N回收能力,减少对土壤N库的依赖,反映了白草对N受限环境的弹性适应。研究表明,人为适当的添加P能够通过调节土壤和植物C、N、P计量平衡关系,减轻土壤和植物间P的供需压力,从而缓解N添加引起的荒漠草原P受限性增强。该研究结果可为N沉降增加背景下脆弱生态系统的适应性管理提供科学指导。     

中国四种森林类型主要优势植物的C∶N∶P化学计量学特征

为了评价不同森林类型的生态化学计量特征的差异,以吉林长白山温带针阔混交林、广东鼎湖山亚热带常绿阔叶林、云南西双版纳热带季雨林和江西千烟洲亚热带人工针叶林为研究对象,通过对2007年4月-2008年5月4种典型区域森林植物叶片和凋落物的碳(C)氮(N)磷(P)元素质量比与N、P再吸收率的分析,探讨了4种森林类型N、P养分限制和N、P养分再吸收的内在联系.结果表明:1)从森林类型上看,温带针阔混交林叶片的C∶N∶P为321∶13∶1,亚热带常绿阔叶林叶片的C∶N∶P为561∶22∶1,热带季雨林叶片的C∶N∶P为442∶19∶1,亚热带人工针叶林叶片的C∶N∶P为728∶18∶1;凋落物的C∶N∶P也是亚热带人工林最高,达1950∶27∶1,温带针阔混交林的最低,为552∶14∶1,热带季雨林的为723∶24∶1,亚热带常绿阔叶林的为1305∶35∶1,不同森林类型凋落物的C∶N∶P的计量大小关系与叶片的结果一致;2)从植物生活型上看,常绿针叶林叶片的C∶N均显著高于常绿阔叶林及落叶阔叶林;叶片C∶P与森林类型的关系并不十分密切;常绿阔叶林叶片的N∶P最高,常绿针叶林次之,落叶阔叶林最低;3)植物叶片的N∶P与月平均气温有显著的负相关关系,但叶片的C∶P基本不受月平均气温影响,叶片的C、N、P计量比与降水的线性关系不显著;4)高纬度地区的植物更易受N元素限制,而低纬度地区植物更易受P元素的限制;但受N或P限制的植物并不一定具有高的N或P再吸收率.研究结果表明,不同类型森林的叶片与凋落物的化学计量特征具有一致性,但是环境因子对不同类型植物化学计量比的影响并不相同.     

Rate of activation and deactivation of K∶Cl cotransport by changes in cell volume in hemoglobin SS,CC and AA red cells

Red blood cells (RBC) of subjects homozygous for hemoglobin A (AA), C (CC) and S (SS) exhibit different cell volumes which might be related to differences in cell volume regulation. We have investigated how rapidly K:Cl cotransport is activated and deactivated to regulate the cell volume in these cells. We measured the time course of net K⁺ efflux after step changes in cell volume and determined two delay times: one for activation by cell swelling and a second for deactivation by cell shrinkage. Cell swelling induced by 220 mOsm media activated K⁺ efflux to high values (10–20 mmol/ liter cell x hr) in CC and SS; normal AA had a threefold lower activity. The delay time for activation was very short in blood with a high percentage of reticulocytes (retics): (SS, 10% retics, 1.7±0.3 min delay, n=8; AA, 10% retics, 4±1.5 min, n=3; CC, 11.6% retics, 4±0.3, n=3) and long in cells with a smaller percentage of reticulocytes: (AA, 1.5% retics, 10±1.4 min, n=8; CC whole blood 6% retics, 10±2.0 min, n=10, P<0.02 vs. SS). The delay times for deactivation by cell shrinking were very short in SS (3.6±0.4 min, n=8, P<0.02) and AA cells with high retics (2.7±1 min, n=3) and normal retics (2.8±1 min, n=3), but 8–15-fold longer in CC cells (29±2.8 min, n=9).Density fractionation of CC cells (n=3) resulted in coenrichment of the top fraction in reticulocytes and in swelling-activated cotransport (fourfold) with short delay time for activation (4±0.3 min) and long delay for deactivation (14±4 min). The delay time for activation, but not for deactivation, increased markedly with increasing cell density. These findings indicate that all CC cells do not promptly shut off cotransport with cell shrinkage and high rates of cellular K⁺ loss persist after return to isotonic conditions.In summary, (i) K:Cl cotransport is not only very active in young cells but it is also very rapidly activated and deactivated in young AA and SS cells by changes in cell volume. (ii) Delay times for cotransport activation markedly increased with RBC age and in mature cells with low cotransport rates, long delay times for activation were observed. (iii) The long delay time for deactivation exhibited even by young CC cells induces a persistent loss of K⁺ after cell shrinkage which may contribute in vivo to the uniformly low cell volume, low K⁺ and water content of CC cells.This research was supported by National Institutes of Health grants Shannon Award HL-35664, HL-42120, Sickle Cell Center grant HL-38655, and a Grant-in-Aid of the New York Branch of the American Heart Association. The technical help of Sandra M. Suzuka, M.S. is gratefully acknowledged.