Divergence of tRNA genes in chloroplast DNA of higher plants

The saturation hybridization between spinach chloroplast (ct) DNA and spinach ¹²⁵I-labelled chloroplast tRNA has shown that about 1.1% of the spinach ctDNA codes for tRNAs. The observed hybridization is a result of specific base-pairing as shown by competition hybridization experiments and thermal stability of the ctDNA-tRNA hybrids. The amount of hybridization shows that spinach ctDNA contains about 40 tRNA genes. Similar hybridization studies have shown that corn ctDNA contains about 28 tRNA genes. The cross-hybridizations between ctDNA and tRNAs of corn, spinach and pea have shown that tRNAs in chloroplasts of higher plants have undergone significant divergence. The pea and spinach tRNAs have been found to have 50% of the base sequences in common. The corn tRNAs have been found to have only about 30% of the base sequences in common with pea and spinach. These data have been confirmed by extensive heterologous competition experiments and thermal stability of the heterologous DNA-tRNA hybrids. The experiments have also shown that the base sequences of tRNAs common in all three plants are the same.     

A kinetic model of peroxidation in a lipid bilayer

The structure, thermodynamic, and kinetic features of polyunsaturated fatty acids derivatives as the main substratum of lipid peroxidation (POL) have been considered. The heats of key POL reactions have been estimated. Kinetic consequences of these estimations have been analyzed. The dependence of POL rate on O2 concentration have been considered in detail both in the absence and in the presence of antioxidants. The essential features of POL processes in lipid bilayers resulting from the specific structure and molecular dynamics have been discussed.     

Test structure and evolution in the Foraminifera

For about a decade shell structures have formed the basis of the main taxonomic subdivision of the Foraminifera. Recent investigations have shown that within the monolamellar nodosariaceans no evolution with respect to wall structure has taken place since the Permian. The bilamellar aragonitic forms have remained stable at least since the Jurassic (Triassic?). The bilamellar calcitic forms have remained stable since the Jurassic (Triassic?). The wall structure of the non-lamellar porcellaneous forms has shown no change since the Carboniferous. The non-lamellar monocrystalline forms first occurred in the Upper Carboniferous and appear to have remained stable ever since. The microgranular Foraminifera, first appearing in the Cambrian, disappeared in the Triassic. Their primary structure is not known. The agglutinated forms seem to have started in the Cambrian, if not before. Evolutionary development leading to a higher degree of complexity of shell structure seems to be present (agglutinated—porcellaneous—monocrystalline—monolamellar and bilamellar), and may culminate in a more phylogeny-oriented systematic subdivision than the one we have today.     

湖南山茶属植物种质资源调查、收集和利用的研究

调查研究表明:湖南山茶属植物种质资源极为丰富,种类由原来的29种,增加到现在的52种,特有种由原来的4种,增加到12种,发现了湖南白山茶、小红花茶和假长果连芯茶3新种和变色小红花茶1变种。山茶属植物较为集中地分布于湖南南部和西南部,向东西扩散而逐渐减少;我们对41种进行了果实性状、种子含油率、油脂理化性质、油脂脂肪酸组成及其规律等分析,其结果表明:山茶属植物油脂含量丰富、质好,无污染,耐贮藏,是理想的食用和工业用油,具有较高经济利用价值。首次发现山茶属植物油脂中含有廿二碳烯酸。     

Measurement and study of the nose and face and their correlations in the young adult of Han nationality

The measurement of 13 items in the face and nose of 220 young adults (110 males and 110 females) of the Han nationality between the ages of 18 and 21 years has been done in the Henan Province of China. The means and standard deviations have been obtained, and the significant differences in many items between males and females have been proved. Some items influencing outer nasal shape have been analyzed. The correlations between nose height, nose length, and morphologic facial height and physiognomic facial height have been discussed. The ratio and amount of nasal breadth to facial breadth and nasal breadth to interocular breadth have been compared and analyzed, and the differences among the different races and between the sexes have been explained.     

人类活动影响下新疆生态环境的一些变化

人类活动引起的新疆生态环境变化主要有以下几方面:1.河流流程缩短,河水矿化度和泥沙含量增加;2.湖泊水位下降,湖面缩小或变干,湖水矿化度升高;3.森林破坏,面积缩小;4.草场的产草量降低,牧草质量下降; 5.土壤次生盐渍化、沼泽化和肥力下降;6.土地沙漠化不断扩大。     

Results of cytogenetic examinations in 255 married couples with a history of infertility]

The results of cytogenetic examination carried out in 255 couples with a history of infertility have been analysed. Chromosomal aberrations have been detected in 15 examinations (6.7%) with predominance of translocations (mutual - 3.6%; Robertson' - 1.3%). Identified aberrations have been noted in 9 women and 6 men. The obtained results have been analysed in relation to the number of abortions, dead and live newborn babies with inherited abnormalities. It was found that the incidence of chromosomal aberrations increases with the number of the spontaneous abortions in anamnesis. Such aberrations have also been more frequent in the families in which spontaneous abortions have been accompanied by other fertility disorders.     

THE MOLECULAR EVOLUTION OF PITUITARY HORMONES

1. The pituitary hormones can be divided into 4 families; within each the members are structurally related and have probably evolved from a common ancestor by a process of gene duplication and divergence. 2. Recent structural studies have revealed much about the evolution of proteins. The roles of point mutation, gene duplication and partial gene duplication in molecular evolution have been highlighted, and the nature of the evolutionary forces involved has been extensively debated. The information available about the evolution of proteins in general provides a background for consideration of pituitary hormone evolution. 3. The structure and function of the mammalian neurohypophysial hormones (oxytocin and vasopressin) has been studied in detail. Related (structurally similar) peptides have been found in the neurohypophyses of lower vertebrates and have been Characterized in many instances. Several schemes have been proposed for the evolution of these hormones. 4. The vasopressins of the pig and its relatives show a genetic polymorphism. The roles of neurohypophysial hormones in lower vertebrates are very varied and not fully understood. 5. The ACTHs and MSHs are members of a second family of pituitary hormones. They are polypeptides of moderate size. Studies on amino-acid sequences have been carried out for ACTHs and MSHs from several mammals. α-MSH is identical in all cases studied in detail, but β-MSH and ACTH vary to some extent. There is considerable sequence homology between the hormones in this family - indicating a common phylogenetic origin and several gene duplications. 6. Dogfish MSH is the only non-mammalian hormone of the ACTH-MSH family to have been studied in detail. Two MSHs have been isolated from this species; both resemble the a-MSH of mammals in amino-acid sequence. ACTH-like and MSH-like hormones exist in many other vertebrate groups, but have not been characterized fully. 7. Structure-function relationships have been widely studied in the ACTH-MSH family, and have some interesting evolutionary implications. Polymorphism of P-MSHs is found in some mammals. 8. A third family of protein hormones includes pituitary prolactin and growth hormone, and placental lactogen. These are proteins of moderate size which have been shown to be widely distributed among the vertebrates. Species specificity can be recognized with regard to biological, immunological and structural properties. 9. Amino-acid sequences have been determined for growth hormones and prolactins from several mammals. There is sequence homology between growth hormone and prolactin. Human placental lactogen closely resembles human growth hormone. A phylogenetic tree has been constructed for this protein family. Rates of evolution within the group are rather variable. 10. The fourth family of pituitary hormones (FSH, LH, TSH and some related placental hormones) are all glycoproteins and have a subunit structure. Extensive sequence studies have been carried out on the hormones from some mammals, and show that there is considerable homology between the various subunits. The α-subunits of human TSH, LH and HCG (and probably FSH) are very similar. The β-subunits are different, but homologous. Evolution of this family clearly took place by a series of gene duplications followed by gene divergence. Schemes whereby this could have occurred have been discussed. Related hormones occur in lower vertebrates, but have not been fully characterized. Some lower vertebrates may possess only one gonado-trophin. 11. The pituitary hormones provide an interesting range of evolutionary problems, and are useful models for the study of molecular evolution. The evolutionary processes involved in their diversification have been discussed, with particular reference to the co-evolution of hormones and their receptors. Neutral mutations and gene duplications may have played a role in providing co-existing variation of hormones and receptors. 12. A speculative model for the evolution of neurohypophysial hormones is proposed, as an example of how molecular evolution may have operated in this and other hormone groups. 13. Homologies have been proposed between the various families of pituitary hormones, and between pituitary proteins and other entero-secretory proteins. The pituitary protein hormones were probably elaborated from smaller molecules by a process of partial gene duplication.     

Oxovanadium(IV) and dioxouranium(VI) complexes with thiocarbohydrazones

Oxovanadium(IV) and dioxouranium(VI) complexes with thiocarbohydrazones have been prepared in an ethanolic medium and characterised by elemental analysis and molecular weight determination. They have 1:1 stoichiometry. The IR observations suggest that the ligands have coordinated through azomethine nitrogen atoms and reacted through hydroxy groups. The v(MN) and v(MO) vibrations have been assigned. The PMR spectral information supports the IR inference. The oxovanadium(IV) complexes show magnetic moments in the range of 1.74–1.94 B.M. The electronic spectra have been interpreted in the light of the BG model. Various NSH parameters have been calculated. The ESR spectra also render support for the spectral information. On the basis of this information it is suggested that oxovanadium(IV) complexes exhibit coordination number five and dioxouranium coordination number six.     

Duration of Survival of Children with Acute Leukaemia: REPORT TO THE MEDICAL RESEARCH COUNCIL FROM THE COMMITTEE ON LEUKAEMIA AND THE WORKING PARTY ON LEUKAEMIA IN CHILDHOOD

The survival times of children with acute leukaemia diagnosed in the years 1963-7 in England and Wales have been studied. The children known to have been treated by physicians specializing in the treatment of leukaemia in childhood have survived considerably longer than the others.     

黑龙江省蹄盖蕨科三属(蹄盖蕨属、羽节蕨属及冷蕨属)的遗传多样性分析

利用7种随机引物对分布于黑龙江省不同区域蹄盖蕨科中的蹄盖蕨属,羽节蕨属及冷蕨属三属的遗传多样性进行了初步分析,对蹄盖蕨科各种基因组的DNA进行了PCR扩增,并对其RAPD谱带进行了统计处理,得出不同区域种类的多态位点百分率,结果表明蹄盖蕨科植物具有较高水平的遗传变异,其种类的分布对周围环境变化有着较强的适应能力。利用Shannon指数和Nei指数对其分析,确定了三属之间的属内种间的亲缘关系:蹄盖蕨属的大部分变异仍存在于种源内;冷蕨属中的冷蕨和山冷蕨种类之间具有一定的遗传变异;羽节蕨属中,欧洲羽节蕨和羽节蕨种间有较大的遗传变异。     

Synthesis and partial characterization of hydrogels obtained via glutaraldehyde crosslinking of acetylated chitosan and of hyaluronan derivatives

Hydrophilic networks based on functionalized hyaluronic acid and on partially acetylated chitosan, respectively, have been obtained. In the case of hyaluronic acid (HA), primary amino functionalities have been introduced along the polysaccharide chains. The ensuing derivatives, i.e., HA-lysine (HA-K), HA-diamino pentane (HA-DAP), and HA-glycine-lysine (HA-GK), have been characterized by high field NMR spectroscopy. NMR 2D-DOSY experiments have allowed us to optimize the purification procedure. Chitosan was made soluble in water by partial acetylation. Cross-linking reactions have been performed using glutaraldehyde. The obtained networks have been qualitatively characterized by means of (13)C CP-MAS NMR technique. The hydrogels have been characterized also in terms of water uptake.     

《西北植物学报》2004～2006年载文来源基本信息分析

对《西北植物学报》2004~2006年载文来源基本信息进行统计分析,表明《西北植物学报》自2004年以来,投稿量逐年增加,稿源的地区分布范围进一步扩大,所载论文第一作者具有硕士以上学位的达55%,具有副高以上职称的占30.8%,40岁以下作者占76.4%,刊发论文的作者合作率达97%,论文项目的机构协作率达57%,基金论文达91%,学报影响因子逐年提高,2006年达到0.863.说明《西北植物学报》影响范围不断扩大,载文的作者具有较深厚的学术研究底蕴和较高的研究水平,论文能及时而真实地反映我国植物学领域的研究前沿动态和研究水平,载文的学术水平和影响力得到进一步提升.     

A genetic model for the evolution of the glycosphingolipids

The glycosphingolipids have been found in many animal tissues, but the complexity of their molecular structure varies considerably among the different phyla. Relatively simple structures have been found in invertebrate species, while the most complex have been demonstrated in brain tissue of modern fishes and amphibians. The data on the phylogenetic distribution of the glycosphingolipids has been interpreted to indicate that a significant number of gene duplications, involving many different structural genes, may have occurred during a few specific periods of vertebrate evolution. The transition from invertebrate to jawless vertebrate, the divergence of rays and skates from true sharks, the advent of modern bony fishes and the transition from aquatic to terrestrial vertebrates, each could have veen accompained by duplications of genes involved in the synthesis and degradation of glycosphingolipids. The evolutionary study of such a multi-enzyme system may be one means to detect alterations in the genome as a whole. The apparent correspondence in time of these gene duplications involved in glycosphingolipid metabolism and periods of rapid vertebrate evolution which may have been accompanied by significant increases in the amount of cellular DNA suggests that such changes may have occurred via the mechanism of tetraploidization.     

Sedimentation equilibrium of proteins in density gradients.

The technique of sedimentation equilibrium in density gradients in the analytical ultracentrifuge has been applied to the study of proteins. A variety of effects and procedures including the use of density marker beads, the effects of pressure on buoyant density and pH, and the calculation of compositional density gradient proportionality constants and density--refractive index relations have been developed. The buoyant densities of twenty-four proteins have been measured and hydration values computed. The buoyant titrations of six proteins have been measured. These data have been interpreted in terms of the buoyant titrations which have been obtained for six ionizable homopolypeptides, five copolypeptides, two non-ionizable homopolypeptides and three chemically modified proteins. Spectropolarimetry and potentiometric titrations were employed to further interpret these data. Approximate values for dissociation constants, numbers of ionizable residues, and the nature of ions bound or dissociated upon ionization have been obtained. The relation between potentiometric and buoyant titrations and the use of density gradient centrifugation as a probe for protein structure have been explored.     

Studies on the proteins of Poecilocera picta. I-changes taking place in the haemolymph protein during moulting

The haemolymph proteins of the 6th nymph of P. picta were fractioned by the polyacrylamide gel disc electrophoresis. A total of seven proteins fractions have been detected from the haemolymph. The chemical nature of different protein fractions have been examined by histochemical methods. The changes taking place in the cuticle and epidermal cells have been examined during the transformation of 6th nymph into adult. The fat body proteins have been electrophoretically fractioned and the changes in the concentration of different protein fractions have been examined. It is suggested that the protein fraction 3 of the haemolymph is utilized in the formation of new cuticle. It is concluded by the histochemical observations that proteins of the band 3 are synthesized in the fat body.     

Mutation rates of bacteria in steady state populations

The breeder and the chemostat have been used to measure mutation rates for two mutations under a variety of steady state growth conditions. These rates have been found to be higher in complex medium than in minimal (F) medium. The effects of changes in nutritional conditions on these high rates have been described. In addition, the mutation rates at short generation times, in complex medium, have been shown to decrease with increasing generation time.     

溢油对南海海洋生态系统的影响及珠江口溢油现状

详细介绍了溢油的化学组成及其进入水体后的变化过程,在此基础上简述了溢油对海洋中的初级生产力、鸟类、贝类和鱼类等生物的影响,以及对红树林和珊瑚礁等重要生态系统的破坏,并说明了溢油对生物和生态系统的破坏机制.统计了近年来在珠江口及其附近海域发生的溢油事件,综述了国内外有关的研究成果并科学阐明了溢油对南海海洋生态系统可能产生的影响,为相关部门研究相应的溢油应急对策及控制方法提供参考.     

陕西药用植物区系的研究

本文论述了陕西药用植物的种类组成,区系特征,并分析了它们的分布特点。1.陕西药用植物资源丰富,共有241科989属2278种(含种下等级,下同)。2.陕西药用植物具有相对的古老性,与华中亚热带区系有着千丝万缕的联系, 同时也有较多的年青成分,表现出明显的温带性特点。3.由于南北地质。地貌、土壤及气候等条件的差异, 决定了陕西药用植物分布上具有极不均匀的特点。4.陕西药用植物具有多种区系成分,它与川东一鄂西及华北地区联系最为密切。