Formation of hot spots in the plasma of a Z-pinch produced from low-density deuterated polyethylene

Results are presented from experimental studies of the plasma formation dynamics in a Z-pinch produced from a cylindrical microporous agar-agar load. The experiments were performed on the S-300 facility at a current of 2 MA and current rise time of 100 ns. To enhance the energy concentration, a deuterated polyethylene neck with a mass density of 50–75 μg/cm³ and diameter of 1–2 mm was made in the central part of the load. The spatiotemporal characteristics of the Z-pinch were studied using an optical streak camera and fast frame photography in the optical and soft X-ray spectral ranges. X-ray emission was detected using semiconductor and vacuum diodes, and neutron emission was studied by means of the time-of-flight method. It is found that, in the course of continuous plasma production, hot spots with a diameter of 100 μm form in the pinch plasma. The hot spots emit short soft X-ray pulses with a duration of 2–4 ns, as well as neutron pulses with an average neutron energy of about 2.45 MeV. The maximum neutron yield was found to be 4.5 × 10⁹ neutrons per shot. The scenario of hot spot formation is adequately described by two-dimensional MHD simulations.     

The BCL-xL and ACR-1 Genes Promote Differentiation and Reduce Apoptosis in Muscle Fibers of mdx Mice

The effects of the human BCL-xL and ACR-1genes on dystrophin expression in cross-striated muscle fibers (CSMF) and on CSMF viability were studied in mdx mice after ballistic cotransfection with the human dystrophin minigene. In control mice, the proportion of dystrophin-positive (D(+)) and dying CSMF were 2.1 ± 0.1 and 2.1 ± 0.3%, respectively. Introduction of the dystrophin minigene (20 g of the pSG5dys plasmid) increased the proportions of D(+) and dying CSMF to 5.6 ± 1.4% and 4.5 ± 0.9%, respectively. When pSG5dys was introduced along with the pSFFV-Neo plasmid carrying the BCL-xL gene (10 g of each plasmid per shot), the death of CSMF decreased to 3.7 ± 1% and the proportion of D(+) CSMF significantly (P < 0.05) increased to 12.2 ± 2.2%. Cotransfection with the dystrophin minigene and the BCL-xL gene at 20 g of each plasmid per shot did not stimulate generation of D(+) CSMF, but did reduce the CSMF death to 1.5 ± 0.3%. Introduction of pSG5dys along with the pRc-CMV-10.1 plasmid containing the ACR-1 gene (10 g of each plasmid per shot) reduced the proportion of D(+) CSMF to 1.1 ± 0.5% and significantly reduced the proportion of dying CSMF to 0.9 ± 0.3% as compared with the proportions observed in intact mice or in mice subjected to transfection with pSG5dys. Introduction of the pSG5dys plasmid substantially reduced the proportion of CSMF with peripheral nuclei, suggesting disturbed CSMF differentiation. After cotransfection with the human dystrophin minigene, the BCL-xL and ACR-1 genes did not affect the extent of CSMF differentiation as compared with that observed in the case of the dystrophin minigene alone. Thus, ballistic transfection of mdx mice with the human dystrophin gene used along with the BCL-xLor ACR-1 gene was shown to suppress the death of muscle fibers and to expedite dystrophin synthesis and cell differentiation.     

The Diversity of Karyotypes and Genomes within Section Syllinum of the Genus Linum (Linaceae) Revealed by Molecular Cytogenetic Markers and RAPD Analysis

The wide variation in chromosome number found in species of the genus Linum (2n = 16, 18, 20, 26, 28, 30, 32, 36, 42, 72, 84) indicates that chromosomal mutations have played an important role in the speciation of this taxon. To contribute to a better understanding of the genetic diversity and species relationships in this genus, comparative studies of karyotypes and genomes of species within section Syllinum Griseb. (2n = 26, 28) were carried out. Elongated with 9-aminoacridine chromosomes of 10 species of section Syllinum were investigated by C- and DAPI/С-banding, CMA and Ag-NOR-staining, FISH with probes of rDNA and of telomere repeats. RAPD analysis was also performed. All the chromosome pairs in karyotypes of the studied species were identified. Chromosome DAPI/C-banding patterns of 28-chromosomal species were highly similar. Two of the species differed from the others in chromosomal location of rDNA sites. B chromosomes were revealed in all the 28-chromosomal species. Chromosomes of Linum nodiflorum L. (2n = 26) and the 28-chromosomal species were similar in DAPI/C-banding pattern and localization of several rDNA sites, but they differed in chromosomal size and number. The karyotype of L. nodiflorum was characterized by an intercalary site of telomere repeat, one additional 26S rDNA site and also by the absence of B chromosomes. Structural similarities between different chromosome pairs in karyotypes of the studied species were found indicating their tetraploid origin. RAPD analysis did not distinguish the species except L. nodiflorum. The species of section Syllinum probably originated from a common tetraploid ancestor. The 28-chromosomal species were closely related, but L. nodiflorum diverged significantly from the rest of the species probably due to chromosomal rearrangements occurring during evolution.     

Cytogenetic analysis of hybrids resistant to yellow rust and powdery mildew obtained by crossing common wheat (Triticum aestivum L., AABBDD) with wheat of the Timopheevi group (AtAtGG)

The karyotypes of 47 hybrid lines obtained from crosses of common wheat Triticum aestivum L. (cv. Rodina and line 353) with Triticum timopheevii Zhuk, (AtAtGG) and related species T. militinae Zhuk. et Migusch. (AtAtGG) and T. kiharae Dorof. et Migusch. (AtAtGGDsqDsq) were analyzed by C-banding. Most lines were resistant to yellow rust and powdery mildew. The introgression of alien genetic material to the common wheat genome was realized via substitutions of complete At-, G-, and D-genome chromosomes, chromosome arms, or their fragments. The pattern of chromosome substitutions in resistant lines differed from that in introgressive hybrids selected for other traits. Substitutions of chromosomes 6G, 2At, 2G, and 5G were revealed in 31, 23, 18, and 13 lines, respectively. Substitutions of chromosomes 4G-, 4At, and 6At were not observed. In 15 lines, a 5BS. 5BL-5GL translocation was identified. High frequency of substitutions of chromosomes 2At, 2G, 5G, and 6G indicate that they may carry the resistance genes and that they are closely related to the respective homoeologous chromosomes of common wheat that determines their high compensation ability.     

Nucleotide sequence of rat liver tyrosine aminotransferase gene fragment

The sequence of a 3677 nucleotide EcoRI fragment was determined that codes for part of the rat liver tyrosine aminotransferase gene. The sequence was compared with the previously determined cDNA sequence and the intron and exon boundaries were deduced.     

Activation of the synthesis of RNA in lymphocytes following irradiation by a He-Ne-laser]

The rate of 14C-uridine incorporation during the first 12 hours after exposure of human peripheral blood lymphocytes to He-Ne laser radiation (lambda = 632.8 nm, D = 56 J/m2) has been determined. The stimulation of RNA synthesis is maximum 2 and 4 h following irradiation. The same regularity is noted after the addition of phytohemagglutinin (PHA). In 7 h the rate of RNA synthesis in irradiated cells is at the control level whereas in PHA stimulated cells the rate of 14C-uridine considerably increases.     

Chromosomal organization of the genomes of small-chromosome plants

An effective approach to study the chromosome organization in genomes of plants with small chromosomes and/or with low-informative C-banding patterns was developed in the course of investigation of the karyotypes of cotton plant, camomile, flax, and pea. To increase the resolving power of chromosome analysis, methods were worked out for revealing early replication patterns on chromosomes and for artificial impairment of mitotic chromosome condensation with the use of a DNA intercalator, 9-aminoacridine (9-AMA). To estimate polymorphism of the patterns of C-banding of small chromosomes on preparations obtained with the use of 9-AMA, it is necessary to choose a length interval that must not exceed three average sizes of metaphase chromosomes without the intercalator. The use of 9-AMA increases the resolution of differential C- and OR-banding and the precision of physical chromosome mapping by the FISH method. Of particular importance in studying small chromosomes is optimization of the computer-aided methods used to obtain and process chromosome images. The complex approach developed for analysis of the chromosome organization in plant genomes was used to study the karyotypes of 24 species of the genus Linum L. It permitted their chromosomes to be identified for the first time, and, in addition, B chromosomes were discovered and studied in the karyotypes of the species of the section Syllinum. By similarity of the karyotypes, the studied flax species were distributed in eight groups in agreement with the clusterization of these species according to the results of RAPD analysis performed in parallel. Systematic positions and phylogenetic relationships of the studied flax species were verified. Out results can serve as an important argument in favour of the proposal to develop a special program for sequencing the genome of cultivated flax (L. usitatissimum L.), which is a major representative of small-chromosome species.     

Synthesis, cloning and determination of the primary structure of DNA complementary to mRNA of prolactin from the human pituitary gland

The poly(A)-containing mRNA from human pituitary and prolactinoma have been purified and translated in the cell-free system from rabbit reticulocytes. mRNA from prolactinoma was shown to be enriched with specific prolactin mRNA. DNA complementary to the prolactin mRNA from human pituitary was obtained and cloned. Sequencing of the 900 bp insert by the Maxam-Gilbert technique suggested the cDNA cloned to cole for the previously published amino acid sequence, mismatches with mRNA from prolactinoma occurring at the third positions of codons and thus not causing amino acid substitutions.     

Study of the implosion of wire arrays at the PF-3 facility

Results of experiments on the compression of tungsten wire arrays by the plasma current sheath (PCS) of the PF-3 facility at currents of up to 2 MA are presented. The efficiency of current transportation to the wire array and switching-over of the discharge current to the array were studied. Information on the penetration of the magnetic field into the wire array obtained using microprobes made it possible to compare the obtained experimental data with the results of magnetic field measurements carried out at other high-power electrophysical devices. The intensity of plasma production from tungsten wires under the action of the plasma focus PCS is estimated. The experimental results are tested against the existing models of wire array implosion with prolonged plasma production.     

Fluorescence cytochemistry of nucleic acids. The current status and outlook: on the 35th anniversary of the method

Most important fields of the fluorescence cytochemistry of nucleic acids are reviewed, special attention being paid to the following aspects of the problem: physicochemical basis of different methods of staining; new methods of cell analysis, including flow cytometry; functional studies, i.e. the use of fluorescence approaches to obtain information about the functional state of individual cells and cell aggregates.