New selenoproteins identified in silico from the genome of Anopheles gambiae

Selenoprotein is biosynthesized by the incorporation of selenocysteine into proteins,where the TGA codon in the open reading frame does not act as a stop signal but is translated into selenocysteine.The dual functions of TGA result in mis-annotation or lack of selenoproteins in the sequenced genomes of many species.Available computational tools fail to correctly predict selenoproteins.Thus,we devel-oped a new method to identify selenoproteins from the genome of Anopheles gambiae computationally.Based on released genomic information,several programs were edited with PERL language to identify selenocysteine insertion sequence(SECIS)element,the coding potential of TGA codons,and cys-teine-containing homologs of selenoprotein genes.Our results showed that 11365 genes were termi-nated with TGA codons,918 of which contained SECIS elements.Similarity search revealed that 58 genes contained Sec/Cys pairs and similar flanking regions around in-frame TGA codons.Finally,7 genes were found to fully meet requirements for selenoproteins,although they have not been anno-tated as selenoproteins in NCBI databases.Deduced from their basic properties,the newly found se-lenoproteins in the genome of Anopheles gambiae are possibly related to in vivo oxidation tolerance and protein regulation in order to interfere with anopheles' vectorial capacity of Plasmodium.This study may also provide theoretical bases for the prevention of malaria from anopheles transmission.     

Recognition of separate genera within Acropora based on new morphological, reproductive and genetic evidence from Acropora togianensis , and elevation of the subgenus Isopora Studer, 1878 to genus (Scleractinia: Astrocoeniidae; Acroporidae)

Many attempts have been made to recognise divisions within Acropora, the most diverse reef building coral genus on modern reefs, but only subgenera Acropora and Isopora are currently recognised. In this paper, morphological and genetic analyses, and study of reproductive mode and anatomy, demonstrate that an endemic Indonesian species A. (Acropora) togianensis, Wallace, 1997, belongs to Isopora. Despite the presence of a clear central axial corallite (indicating sub-genus Acropora), this species has supplementary axial corallites, broods planula larvae rather than broadcast-spawning for external fertilisation and develops stalked ova: all characters in common with the type species of subgenus Isopora A. (Isopora) palifera and the other species for which such data are available, A. (I.) cuneata and A. (I.) brueggemanni. Phylogenies are based on the protein-coding genes, mitochondrial cytochrome b (cytb) and nuclear histone 2a and 2b (h2ab) also group A. togianensis with these Isoporans. High bootstrapping and Bayesian support in the major lineages of the family Acroporidae demonstrate significant differences between Isopora (including A. togianensis) and Acropora. As the type species of both subgenera, A. (Acropora) muricata (Linneaus 1758) and A. (Isopora) palifera (Lamarck, 1816) are used in these analyses, elevation of Isopora Studer, 1878 to genus is formally proposed.     

Influence of different spacers on the biological profile of a DOTA-somatostatin analogue

Radiolabeled somatostatin analogues have been successfully used for targeted radiotherapy and for imaging of somatostatin receptor (sst1-5)-positive tumors. Nevertheless, these analogues are subject to improving their tumor-to-nontarget ratio to enhance their diagnostic or therapeutic properties, preventing nephrotoxicity. In order to understand the influence of lipophilicity and charge on the pharmacokinetic profile of [1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane-1,4,7,10-tetraacetic acid (DOTA)]-somatostatin-based radioligands such as [DOTA,1-Nal3]-octreotide (DOTA-NOC), different spacers (X) based on 8-amino-3,6-dioxaoctanoic acid (PEG2), 15-amino-4,7,10,13-tetraoxapentadecanoic acid (PEG4), N-acetyl glucosamine (GlcNAc), triglycine, beta-alanine, aspartic acid, and lysine were introduced between the chelator DOTA and the peptide NOC. All DOTA-X-NOC conjugates were synthesized by Fmoc solid-phase synthesis. The partition coefficient (log D) at pH = 7.4 indicated that higher hydrophilicity than [111In-DOTA]-NOC was achieved with the introduction of the mentioned spacers, except with triglycine and beta-alanine. The high affinity of [InIII-DOTA]-NOC for human sst2 (hsst2) was preserved with the structural modifications, while an overall drop for hsst3 affinity was observed, except in the case of [InIII-DOTA]-beta-Ala-NOC. The new conjugates preserved the good affinity for hsst5, except for [InIII-DOTA]-Asn(GlcNAc)-NOC, which showed decreased affinity. A significant 1.2-fold improvement in the specific internalization rate in AR4-2J rat pancreatic tumor cells (sst2 receptor expression) at 4 h was achieved with the introduction of Asp as a spacer in the parent compound. In sst3-expressing HEK cells, the specific internalization rate at 4 h for [111In-DOTA]-NOC (13.1% +/- 0.3%) was maintained with [111In-DOTA]-beta-Ala-NOC (14.0% +/- 1.8%), but the remaining derivatives showed <2% specific internalization. Biodistribution studies were performed with Lewis rats bearing the AR4-2J rat pancreatic tumor. In comparison to [111In-DOTA]-NOC (2.96% +/- 0.48% IA/g), the specific uptake in the tumor at 4 h p.i. was significantly improved for the 111In-labeled sugar analogue (4.17% +/- 0.46% IA/g), which among all the new derivatives presented the best tumor-to-kidney ratio (1.9).     

A new model of phycobilisome inSpirulina platensis

Phycobilisomes (PBS) were isolated from blue-green algaSpirulina platensis. Scanning tunneling microscope was used to investigate the three-dimensional structure of PBS deposited on freshly cleaved highly oriented pyrolytic graphite (HOPG) in ambient condition at room temperature. The results showed that the rods of PBS radiated from the core to different directions in the space other than arrayed in one plane, which was different from the typical hemi-discoidal model structure. The diameter of PBS was up to 70 nm, and the rod was approximately 50 nm in length. Similar results were observed in Langmuir-Blodgett (LB) film of PBS. The dissociated PBS could reaggregate into rod-like structures and easily form two-dimensional membrane while being absorbed on HOPG, however, no intact PBS was observed. The filling-space model structure of PBS inSpirulina platensis with STM from three-dimensional real space at nanometer scale was found, which showed that this new structural model of PBS surely exists in blue-green algae and red algae. The function of this structural model of PBS was also discussed.     

基于FPGA的随机字符发生器在ERP中的应用

脑电领域的众多探索一直以来都是各国科学家研究的热点。刺激源是脑电实验中不可或缺的一部分。刺激序列正确编排和稳定发生是诱发脑电信号被正确提取的先决条件。利用可编程逻辑器件作为随机字符信号发生器,使之同时具有计数和VGA显示功能,由此产生的视觉ERP刺激序列,可以作为脑区功能存在病变的病人的理想刺激源。     

Factor IXPortland: a nonsense mutation (CGA to TGA) resulting in hemophilia B

Male siblings with severe hemophilia b were studied for the molecular defect responsible for their disorder. To define the precise DNA alteration, a 362-bp fragment in the first part of exon VIII of the factor IX gene was amplified and sequenced. A single-base-pair substitution of C----T at the nucleotide sequence 30875 was found which resulted in a nonsense mutation (TGA) and terminated the protein synthesis of factor IX at amino acid residue 252. The single-base change occurred as a classic CG dinucleotide alteration to TG (or CA), a common mechanism for point mutations in mammals.     

广西本簕木属一新种

灌木,雌雄异株,高1-2米。小枝圆柱形,灰白色,被褐色短柔毛,后变无毛。     

Review of the planthopper genus Neodurium Fennah, 1956 (Hemiptera,Fulgoromorpha, Issidae)

The planthopper genus Neodurium Fennah is reviewed and Neodurium fennahi Chang & Chen, sp. n. (Hemiptera: Fulgoromorpha: Issidae) from China (Yunnan), is described and illustrated. A checklist of the species of Neodurium is given and a key provided for their separation. The female genitalia of Neodurium species are described for the first time.