Isolation and Refined Regional Mapping of Expressed Sequences from Human Chromosome 21

To increase candidate genes from human chromosome 21 for the analysis of Down syndrome and other genetic diseases localized on this chromosome, we have isolated and studied 9 cDNA clones encoded by chromosome 21. For isolating cDNAs, single-copy microclones from a chromosome 21 microdissection library were used in direct screening of various cDNA libraries. Seven of the cDNA clones have been regionally mapped on chromosome 21 using a comprehensive hybrid mapping panel comprising 24 cell hybrids that divide the chromosome into 33 subregions. These cDNA clones with refined mapping positions should be useful for identification and cloning of genes responsible for the specific component phenotypes of Down syndrome and other diseases on chromosome 21, including progressive myoclonus epilepsy in 21q22.3.     

Agrobacterium-mediated production of transgenic rice plants expressing a chimeric α-amylase promoter/β-glucuronidase gene

We have successfully transferred and expressed a reporter gene driven by an -amylase promoter in a japonica type of rice (Oryza sativa L. cv. Tainung 62) using the Agrobacterium-mediated gene transfer system. Immature rice embryos (10–12 days after anthesis) were infected with an Agrobacterium strain carrying a plasmid containing chimeric genes of -glucuronidase (uidA) and neomycin phosphotransferase (nptII). Co-incubation of potato suspension culture (PSC) with the Agrobacterium inoculum significantly improved the transformation efficiency of rice. The uidA and nptII genes, which are under the control of promoters of a rice -amylase gene (Amy8) and Agrobacterium nopaline synthase gene (nos), respectively, were both expressed in G418-resistant calli and transgenic plants. Integration of foreign genes into the genomes of transgenic plants was confirmed by Southern blot analysis. Histochemical localization of GUS activity in one transgenic plant (R0) revealed that the rice -amylase promoter functions in all cell types of the mature leaves, stems, sheaths and roots, but not in the very young leaves. This transgenic plant grew more slowly and produced less seeds than the wild-type plant, but its R1 and R2 progenies grew normally and produced as much seeds as the wild-type plant. Inheritance of foreign genes to the progenies was also confirmed by Southern blot analysis. These data demonstrate successful gene transfer and sexual inheritance of the chimeric genes.     

Three research priorities for just and sustainable urban systems: Now is the time to refocus

Now is the time to refocus efforts in urban research and design. A changing climate and extreme weather events are presenting unique challenges to urban systems around the world. These challenges illuminate the social barriers that accompany disruptive events such as resource inequities and injustices. In this perspective, we provide three research priorities for just and sustainable urban systems that help to address these matters. The three research priorities are: (1) social equity and justice, (2) circularity, and (3) digital twins. Conceptual context and future research directions are provided for each. For social equity and justice, the future directions are mandatory equity analysis and inclusionary practices, understanding and reconciling historical injustices, and intentional integration with diverse community stakeholders. For circularity applications, they are better metrics for integration, more robust evaluation frameworks, and dynamic modeling at multiple spatial and temporal scales. Future directions for digital twins include developing principles to reduce complexity, integrating model and system components, and reducing barriers to data access. These research priorities are core to meeting several of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (i.e., 1—No Poverty, 8—Decent Work and Economic Growth, 10—Reduced Inequalities, and 11—Sustainable Cities and Communities). Useful social and technical matters are discussed throughout, where we highlight the importance of prioritizing localized research efforts, provide guidance for community-engaged research and co-development practices, and explain how these priorities interact to align with the evolving field of industrial ecology.     

Stimulation of ethylene production by a cell wall component from mature green tomato fruit

Pectic (carbonate-soluble, covalently-bound pectin, CBP) material stimulated increased ethylene production when vacuum-infiltrated into whole, mature green tomato ( Lycopersicon esculentum Mill. cv. Rutgers) fruit. Activity was greatest if CBP was extracted from mature green tomatoes with jellied locules. CBP extracted from mature green tomatoes with immature seeds had no elicitor activity, while CBP from turning or red ripe tomatoes was only moderately active. Infiltration of CBP from normal mature green fruit into ripening inhibitor ( rin ) mutant tomato fruit stimulated ethylene production and attenuated red pigmentation in these fruits. Partial purification of the active material was accomplished using DEAE-Sephadex and BioGel P-100 chromatography. The most highly purified fraction is comprised of neutral carbohydrate (95%) with a relatively low content of amino acids (1%) and a uronic acid content of less than 5%. This material may be an endogenous trigger of ethylene production and ripening.     

FOUR NEW SPECIES OF COENOSIA MEIGEN (DIPTERA: MUSCIDAE) FROM YUNNAN, CHINA

Abstract  This paper describes four new species of Coenosia Meigen, 1826, namely C. angustifolia sp.nov., C. obscuriabdominis sp. nov., C. sparagmocerca sp. nov. and C. sponsa sp. nov. Type specimens are deposited in Institute of Entomology, Shenyang Normal University, Shenyang, China.     

湿度和温度对酰化紫膜LB膜M衰减的影响

用闪光动力学光谱仪测量了酰化紫膜ＬＢ膜中Ｍ衰减速率的变化。酰化紫膜ＬＢ膜的衰减无论是悬浮液状态,还是ＬＢ膜中,均比未修饰的要慢。在温度为２０℃时,酰化紫膜ＬＢ随着相对湿度的增加,Ｍ衰减加快。在相对湿度较低时（ＲＨ３４—７５％）,变化较平缓,即Ｍ的衰减加快不明显;在相对湿度较高时（ＲＨ８４—９５％）,Ｍ衰减明显加快。温度的变化则随相对湿度不同而不同。相对湿度较低时,随着温度的升高,Ｍ衰减加快;相对湿度较高时,Ｍ衰减反而减慢。酰化紫膜悬浮液的Ｍ衰减随着温度的升高而明显加快．这说明酰化紫膜ＬＢ膜中ＢＲ水合程度可能是直接影响Ｍ衰减的因素之一。     

四种水蛭抗凝血酶作用的研究

本文研究了水蛭的抗凝血酶作用,并比较了4种提取方法对抗凝作用的影响。冷浸和温浸,抗凝活性强度为菲牛蛭>日本医蛭》两种宽体金线蛭。煎煮后,前两种的活性锐碱,而两种宽体金线蛭的活性几乎不变。