Analysis of sequence patterns proximal to the stop codons in Oryza sativa

Abstract

A comprehensive analysis of sequence patterns around the stop codons was performed, by using more than 26,000 rice full-length cDNA sequences. Here it is shown that the bias was most outstanding at the position immediately before the stop codons (?1 codon), where the AAC codon was strongly preferred among ANC codons. Compared with other positions, the codon immediately after the stop codons (+1 codon) also displayed an apparent difference, and had a strong consensus for base A at the first, C at the second, and A at the third letters, respectively. Notably, the base biases at the positions directly downstream of the stop codons, such as the +4, +5 and +6 positions, were much stronger than other positions in the 3′-UTR region, suggesting that those base positions might act as an extended stop signal in the process of protein synthesis. Examination of the relationship between sequence pattern and gene expression level, assessed by CAI values and EST counting, revealed a tendency towards bigger base biases for highly expressed genes. It could be inferred that the translation stop signal is possibly involved in many sequence recognition elements other than the stop codons; highly expressed genes should hold strong sequence consensus around the stop codons for efficient translation termination.     

Field Evaluation of Willow Under Short Rotation Coppice for Phytomanagement of Metal-Polluted Agricultural Soils

Short rotation coppice (SRC) of willow and poplar might be a promising phytoremediation option since it uses fast growing, high biomass producing tree species with often a sufficient metal uptake. This study evaluates growth, metal uptake and extraction potentials of eight willow clones (Belders, Belgisch Rood, Christina, Inger, Jorr, Loden, Tora and Zwarte Driebast) on a metal-contaminated agricultural soil, with total cadmium (Cd) and zinc (Zn) concentrations of 6.5 ± 0.8 and 377 ± 69 mg kg^?1 soil, respectively. Although, during the first cycle, on average generally low productivity levels (3.7 ton DM (dry matter) ha^?1 y^?1) were obtained on this sandy soil, certain clones exhibited quite acceptable productivity levels (e.g. Zwarte Driebast 12.5 ton DM ha^?1 y^?1). Even at low biomass productivity levels, SRC of willow showed promising removal potentials of 72 g Cd and 2.0 kg Zn ha^?1 y^?1, which is much higher than e.g. energy maize or rapeseed grown on the same soil. Cd and Zn removal can be increased by 40% if leaves are harvested as well. Nevertheless, nowadays the wood price remains the most critical factor in order to implement SRC as an acceptable, economically feasible alternative crop on metal-contaminated agricultural soils.     

Seasonal plasticity of Ludwigia grandiflora under light and water depth gradients: An outdoor mesocosm experiment

Abiotic factors in the introduced area can limit the establishment of exotic species. Adaptation to new abiotic parameters through plastic responses is important for their establishment and distribution pattern. Survival and growth of exotic hydrophytes are related to their plasticity and their ability to adapt to local conditions. Light and water depth are two of the predominant factors determining survival, growth, distribution and abundance of aquatic plants. Although many studies have been carried out on the effect of water level and light on plant performance, their potential interactions are poorly understood. Here, we carried out an outdoor mesocosm experiment, in order to test the role of water depth, light intensity and their potential interactions on the growth and vigour of the invasive macrophyte species Ludwigia grandiflora. Three light intensities (100%, 70% and 50% of sunlight) and three water depths (30, 50 and 80 cm) were tested over a 6-week period, in spring, summer and autumn 2011. We showed that the mortality, biomass, apical and lateral growth of L. grandiflora, as well as its biomass allocation, varied according to the season and responded to both light intensity and water depth. Interactions between water depth and light intensity can have an amplifying effect on the growth of L. grandiflora. Similarities between shade and deep water adaptation responses were observed. A higher biomass and a high morphological plasticity in response to these factors were found particularly at the beginning of the life cycle. Although the invasive amphibious L. grandiflora shows a high tolerance to different water levels and light intensities, the optimal growth conditions for L. grandiflora in our experiment seem to be under full sunlight and in 30 cm of water. Colonization of light or low shade aquatic habitats, as well as shallow environments, can occur due to the high plasticity of L. grandiflora. These results may be important relative to increasing level of water bodies under climatic changes.     

Where the Wild Things Are Now: Domestication Reconsidered

ABSTRACT

Although the occurrence of cat-caretaking of free-roaming cats is widespread, particularly so in countries with a climate suitable for cats to reproduce year-round, our knowledge of this relationship is still incomplete. People who engage in daily activities of feeding and caring for groups of free-roaming cats (cat caretakers) are known to be devoted to their cats and invest considerable resources in their care, including neutering and veterinary care. These caretakers often encounter difficulties, such as resentment by neighbors and lack of cooperation or financing by the municipal veterinary services. Despite the fundamental understanding of these caretakers' high daily commitment, and sometimes strong bond with the cats, detailed knowledge is still lacking regarding the nature of this bond, the difficulties that ensue from this daily occupation, and the relationship between the two. The purpose of this study was thus to acquire a deeper understanding, by means of an in-depth interview with cat caretakers. The study has identified, for the first time, two distinct emotional approaches that accompany extensive caretaking for free-roaming cats: emotional attachment and emotional detachment. We show how these two different responses affect both social and financial aspects in the caretakers' lives, and report on the ways in which these individuals experience cat caretaking. Our findings provide a first systematic understanding of the relationship between the level of technical caretaking (feeding, medical care, etc.) and the level of emotional involvement, and reveal the ambivalence often inherent in human–animal relations in general and the caretaker–cat bond in particular. The understanding acquired here can be put into practice to reduce the emotional and technical difficulties experienced by cat caretakers, as well as to improve free-roaming cat management efforts and cat welfare. By increasing public and municipal awareness of the possible contribution of cat caretakers to cat management, and of the emotional and technical difficulties they experience, both the caretakers and other community members can benefit.     

Shining light on nanotechnology to help repair and regeneration

Phototherapy can be used in two completely different but complementary therapeutic applications. While low level laser (or light) therapy (LLLT) uses red or near-infrared light alone to reduce inflammation, pain and stimulate tissue repair and regeneration, photodynamic therapy (PDT) uses the combination of light plus non-toxic dyes (called photosensitizers) to produce reactive oxygen species that can kill infectious microorganisms and cancer cells or destroy unwanted tissue (neo-vascularization in the choroid, atherosclerotic plaques in the arteries). The recent development of nanotechnology applied to medicine (nanomedicine) has opened a new front of advancement in the field of phototherapy and has provided hope for the development of nanoscale drug delivery platforms for effective killing of pathological cells and to promote repair and regeneration. Despite the well-known beneficial effects of phototherapy and nanomaterials in producing the killing of unwanted cells and promoting repair and regeneration, there are few reports that combine all three elements i.e. phototherapy, nanotechnology and, tissue repair and regeneration. However, these areas in all possible binary combinations have been addressed by many workers. The present review aims at highlighting the combined multi-model applications of phototherapy, nanotechnology and, reparative and regeneration medicine and outlines current strategies, future applications and limitations of nanoscale-assisted phototherapy for the management of cancers, microbial infections and other diseases, and to promote tissue repair and regeneration.     

Pollen morphology in the genus Veronica L. (Plantaginaceae) and its systematic significance

Pollen grains of 30, mainly annual, species from 134 populations of the genus Veronica (Plantaginaceae, formerly Scrophulariaceae) from the Mediterranean Region, have been studied with light and scanning electron microscopy. Three pollen types are defined based on pollen size and exine surface sculpture. In some cases within the study group pollen size can be useful in species determination. Hypothetical relationships of pollen grain size and aperture number with ploidy level, style length and corolla diameter are discussed. The ornamentation of the exine in Veronica, although generally a conservative character within the genus, gives some additional support to the most recent infrageneric classification of Veronica.     

湖北省县级公立医院改革试点医院人力资源配置分析

??????? 目的 了解县级公立医院改革试点医院人力资源配置现状,为合理配置县级公立医院人力资源提供依据。方法 采用现场问卷调查的方法对湖北省12家县级公立医院的960名医护人员进行调查,并对结果进行描述性统计和Spearman秩相关分析 。结果 (1)县级公立医院人力资源数量低于全国平均水平; (2)县级公立医院规模扩张,但是人力资源补给不足;(3)医务人员素质偏低。结论 宏观调控县级公立医院人力资源、促进县级医院的人才引进和培养、增强人力资源质量建设,以提高县级公立医院医疗服务水平。     

Streptomyces Pepsin Inhibitor-Insensitive Carboxyl Proteinase from Lentinus edodes

A Streptomyces-pepsin inhibitor (S-PI or Pepstatin Ac), and DAN-insensitive carboxyl proteinase was found in a still culture filtrate of Lentinus edodes. The new carboxyl proteinase was purified, and about 9 mg purified enzyme was obtained from 19 liters of culture filtrate, with 11% recovery. The enzyme showed a single band on polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The molecular weight and isoelectric point were 40,000 and pH 4.2, respectively. The enzyme did not contain histidine and was composed of 387 amino acid residues. The enzyme was most active between pH 2.7 ~ 2.9, and stable over a pH of 3.2 ~ 5.2 for 3 hr at 37°C. The enzyme was not inhibited by S-PI or synthetic pepsin inhibitors such as DAN and EPNP. The physicochemical and enzymological properties were very similar to those of Scytalidium lignicolum carboxyl proteinase A, which was reported to be an S-PI-, and DAN-insensitive carboxyl proteinase.     

Isolation of Triterpenoid Glycosides (Saikosaponins) from Bupleurum polyclonum Y. Li et S. L. Pan and Their Chemical Structures

Sixteen triterpenoid glycosides, named S13 to S25, S37, S38 and S40, were isolated from the root of Bupleurum polyclonum Y. Li et S. L. Pan, and their structures were determined from NMR spectral analyses. Among them, S24, S37 and S38 were found to be new substances, their structures being established as 30-β-d-glucopyranosyl 30-hydroxysaikosaponin-b₂, 2″-O-acetylsaikosaponin-b₂ and 3″-O>-acetylsaikosaponin-b₂, respectively.