A comparative analysis of clinging ability among pad-bearing lizards

We examined clinging ability, subdigital pad area and body mass in 14 pad-bearing lizard species from three families to test three predictions: (1) clinging ability and pad area should be tightly correlated among species; (2) pad area and clinging ability should scale similarly to body mass among 14 species; and (3) functional similarity in clinging capabilities should exist among species despite differences in body mass. Our results confirm two predictions; clinging ability is tightly correlated with pad area, even when the effects of body size are removed, and the lizards examined are approximately functionally similar in their clinging capabilities. Nevertheless, despite the tight correlation between pad area and clinging ability, pad area scales with body mass by a lower slope than clinging ability. Overall, these results indicate that although pad area is a strong determinant of clinging ability, other factors enable these lizards to maintain functional similarity.     

Intra-specific variation in relative growth rate: impact on competitive ability and performance of Lychnis flos-cuculi in habitats differing in soil fertility

Plant species from unproductive or adverse habitats are often characterized by a low potential relative growth rate (RGR). Although it is generally assumed that this is the result of selection for specific trait combinations that are associated with a low rate of net biomass accumulation, few studies have directly investigated the selective (dis-)advantage of specific growth parameters under a set of different environmental conditions. Aim of the present study was to quantify the impact of inherent differences in growth parameters among phenotypes of a single plant species, Lychnis flos-cuculi, on their performance under different soil nutrient conditions. Growth analysis revealed significant variation in RGR among progeny families from a diallel cross between eight genotypes originating from a single population. Differences in RGR were due to variation in both leaf area ratio (LAR) and in net assimilation rate (NAR). A genetic trade-off was observed between these two components of growth, i.e. progeny families with high investment in leaf area had a lower rate of net biomass accumulation per unit leaf area. The degree of plasticity in RGR to nutrient conditions did not differ among progeny families. Inherent differences in growth parameters among progeny families had a significant impact on their yield in competition with Anthoxanthum odoratum and Taraxacum hollandicum. In nutrient-rich conditions, progeny families with an inherently high leaf weight ratio (LWR) achieved higher yield in competition, but variation in this trait could not explain differences in competitive yield under nutrient-poor conditions. Inherent differences in growth parameters among progeny families were poorly correlated with differences in survival and average rosette biomass (a good predictor of fecundity) among these progeny families sown in four field sites along a natural gradient of soil fertility. In the more productive sites none of the growth parameters was significantly correlated with rosette biomass, but in the least productive site progeny families with an inherently high specific leaf area (SLA) tended to produce smaller rosettes than low-SLA families. These results are consistent with the view that a selective advantage may accrue from either high or low values of individual RGR components, depending on habitat conditions, and that the selective advantage of low trait values in nutrient-poor environments may results in indirect selection for low RGR in these habitats.     

Genetic analysis of anther culture response in wheat carrying alien translocations

A bread wheat cultivar, Saratovskaya 29, (S29), its nearly isogenic lines carrying alien translocations [Lr9 from Aegilops umbellulata (Eg29) and (Lr19) from Agropyron elongatum (Ps29)] and two F₁ hybrids between three nearly isogenic lines of S29 that differed by the Lr19+Rht1,Pro1+Pro2 and Ppd1+Ppd2 gene complexes, namely the S29 (Lr19+Rht1)/S29 (Ppd1+Ppd2) F₁ and the S29 (Pro1+Pro2)/S29 (Lr19+Rht1) F₁ were studied for their culture response with the following results. (1) Translocations with Lr9 and Lr19 decreased embryo frequency and green plant regeneration. (2) Both F₁ hybrids showed a decrease in embryo frequency. One of the F₁ hybrids, S29 (Lr19+Rht1)/S29 (Ppd1+Ppd2) showed a decrease, with respect to S29 for green plant regeneration; the other F₁ S29 (Pro1+Pro2)/S29 (Lr19+Rht1), equalled S29 for green plant regeneration. (3) The gene complex of the F₁ hybrid S29 (Pro1+Pro2)/S29 (Lr19+Rht1) was better than that of the F₁ hybrid S29 (Lr19+Rht1)/S29 (Ppd1+Ppd2) for embryo induction and green plant regeneration. This effect was possibly induced by interactions between the Pro1+Pro2 and Lr19+Rht1 genes or was the result of direct actions of the Pro1+Pro2 genes.     

砧用南瓜幼苗对镉的耐性和积累能力研究

采用营养液栽培的方法,研究了不同浓度（0、5和10 mg·L^-1）镉（Cd）对10种砧用南瓜幼苗生长状况、丙二醛（MDA）、地上部Cd含量及转移系数（TF）的影响,利用隶属函数法综合评价其耐Cd能力与Cd吸收积累能力,以期筛选到优良的砧用南瓜。结果表明：（1）‘多美109’、‘鑫力3号’、‘强力1号’、‘黑籽南瓜’和‘云南黑籽南瓜’在2种浓度Cd处理下全株生物量均显著低于对照,并以‘黑籽南瓜’和‘云南黑籽南瓜’下降幅度最大、耐性最差,而‘野木一雄’、‘青佳砧甲’、‘津油108’和‘抗线1号’在 Cd处理下均与对照差异不显著,生长势良好,耐性强。（2）在2种浓度Cd处理下,‘津油108’幼苗体内各抗氧化酶活性较高,根系和叶片的 MDA含量与对照无显著差异,未受到膜脂过氧化伤害;‘野木一雄’ 幼苗各抗氧化酶活性较高,MDA含量升高幅度较小,为对照的1.01~1.56倍,受到膜脂过氧化伤害相对较小;而‘多美109’、‘强力1号’和‘云南黑籽南瓜’ 幼苗在2种浓度Cd处理下,各抗氧化酶活性显著下降,体内MDA含量升高幅度大,分别为对照的1.30~2.46、1.33~3.11、1.45~3.24倍,受伤害程度最大。（3）‘津油108’与‘青佳砧甲’在2种浓度Cd处理下地上部Cd含量和TF均较小,Cd吸收能力最弱,其次是‘野木一雄’,而‘亮丽佳’、‘黑籽南瓜’和‘云南黑籽南瓜’地上部Cd含量和TF最大,Cd吸收能力最强。（4）隶属函数值综合评价结果显示,10种砧用南瓜幼苗对Cd的耐性大小依次为：‘津油108’＞‘野木一雄’＞‘鑫力3号’＞‘青佳砧甲’＞‘抗线1号’＞‘多美109’＞‘黑籽南瓜’＞‘亮丽佳’＞‘强力1号’＞‘云南黑籽南瓜’。研究认为,砧用南瓜品种对镉胁迫的耐受性存在明显差异,并以‘津油108’最佳,其在镉胁迫下生长势良好,耐性强,且镉吸收和转运能力最弱。     

Functional characterization of a Niemann–Pick type C2 protein in the parasitoid wasp Microplitis mediator

Niemann–Pick type C2 (NPC2) is a type of small soluble protein involved in lipid metabolism and triglyceride accumulation in vertebrates and arthropods. Recent studies have determined that NPC2 also participates in chemical communication of arthropods. In this work, two novel NPC2 proteins (MmedNPC2a and MmedNPC2b) in Microplitis mediator were identified. Real‐time quantitative PCR (qPCR) analysis revealed that MmedNPC2a was expressed higher in the antennae than in other tissues of adult wasps compared with MmedNPC2b. Subsequent immunolocalization results demonstrated that NPC2a was located in the lymph cavities of sensilla placodea. To further explore the binding characterization of recombinant MmedNPC2a to 54 candidate odor molecules, a fluorescence binding assay was performed. It was found MmedNPC2a could not bind with selected fatty acids, such as linoleic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid and octadecenoic acid. However, seven cotton volatiles, 4‐ethylbenzaldehyde, 3,4‐dimethylbenzaldehyde, β‐ionone, linalool, m‐xylene, benzaldehyde and trans‐2‐hexen‐1‐al showed certain binding abilities with MmedNPC2a. Moreover, the predicted 3D model of MmedNPC2a was composed of seven β‐sheets and three pairs of disulfide bridges. In this model, the key binding residues for oleic acid in CjapNPC2 of Camponotus japonicus, Lue68, Lys69, Lys70, Phe97, Thr103 and Phe127, are replaced with Phe85, Ser86, His87, Leu113, Tyr119 and Ile143 in MmedNPC2a, respectively. We proposed that MmedNPC2a in M. mediator may play roles in perception of plant volatiles.     

Impairment of T-cell functions with the progressive ascitic growth of a transplantable T-cell lymphoma of spontaneous origin

It has been observed that the progressive ascitic growth of a transplantable T-cell lymphoma of spontaneous origin, designated Dalton's lymphoma (DL), in a murine host induces inhibition of various immune responses and is associated with an involution of thymus accompanied by a massive depletion of the cortical region and alteration in the distribution of thymocytes caused by tumour serum-dependent induction of apoptosis with a decrease of CD4(+)CD8(+), CD4(+)CD8(-) and CD4(-)CD8(+) thymocytes. Here, we report that thymocytes of DL-bearing mice are defective in their proliferative ability and in their response to non-specific mitogenic stimulus in vitro. Also, antigen-specific T-cell proliferative ability representing the fundamental T(H) function declines under DL-bearing conditions and upon treatment with serum of DL-bearing mice. Moreover, a significant inhibition of T-cell cytolytic activity with a decreased ability to produce interferon gamma is shown by the T cells of DL-bearing mice and by the T cells treated with DL-ascitic fluid, DL-conditioned medium or serum of DL-bearing mice. Further, addition of interleukin-2 and anti-interleukin-10 to the cultures of thymocytes treated with serum of DL-bearing mice is found to inhibit the induction of apoptosis in thymocytes, a phenomenon associated with the progression of DL growth. Analysis of the results indicates an immune deviation with the predominance of a T(H2)-type response with the progression of tumour. We further discuss the possible mechanisms that may explain the observed tumour-induced diminution of T-cell immunity.     

The swimming abilities of recently settled post-larvae of Sillaginodes punctata

Sixty-four post-larvae of the King George whiting Sillaginodes punctata were tested in swimming chambers, against one of five flow-through velocities (2, 4, 6, 8 or 10 cm s ⁻¹) for up to a maximum of 120 min. Fish were determined by regression to have an FV₅₀ (50% fatigue velocity) of 6.0 cm s⁻¹. No fish survived the full 120 min at 10 cm s⁻¹. Sixteen individuals were tested in a swimming chamber against a flow-through velocity of 6 cm s ⁻¹ and allowed to swim to exhaustion. Fish swam between 25 and 538 min with a peak at c . 6–8 h. Total swimming time was not correlated with standard length of fish although the size range examined was narrow. Relative to recent studies on the swimming abilities of late-stage larvae of reef fishes, this study indicates that post-larval King George whiting are weak swimmers. The weak swimming ability of post-larval King George whiting is consistent with studies showing passive dispersal and recruitment of this species.     

Highly Flexible,Freestanding Supercapacitor Electrode with Enhanced Performance Obtained by Hybridizing Polypyrrole Chains with MXene

Though polypyrrole (PPy) is widely used in flexible supercapacitors owing to its high electrochemical activity and intrinsic flexibility, limited capacitance and cycling stability of freestanding PPy films greatly reduce their practicality in real‐world applications. Herein, we report a new approach to enhance PPy's capacitance and cycling stability by forming a freestanding and conductive hybrid film through intercalating PPy into layered Ti₃C₂ (l‐Ti₃C₂, a MXene material). The capacitance increases from 150 (300) to 203 mF cm^?2 (406 F cm^?3). Moreover, almost 100% capacitance retention is achieved, even after 20 000 charging/discharging cycles. The analyses reveal that l‐Ti₃C₂ effectively prevents dense PPy stacking, benefiting the electrolyte infiltration. Furthermore, strong bonds, formed between the PPy backbones and surfaces of l‐Ti₃C₂, not only ensure good conductivity and provide precise pathways for charge‐carrier transport but also improve the structural stability of PPy backbones. The freestanding PPy/l‐Ti₃C₂ film is further used to fabricate an ultra‐thin all‐solid‐state supercapacitor, which shows an excellent capacitance (35 mF cm^?2), stable performance at any bending state and during 10 000 charging/discharging cycles. This novel strategy provides a new way to design conductive polymer‐based freestanding flexible electrodes with greatly improved electrochemical performances.     

孤独症谱系障碍儿童情绪表达能力干预系统研制

大量研究表明,通过干预孤独症谱系障碍(Autism Spectrum Disorder,ASD)儿童情绪能力,可以提高其移情能力从而改善核心症状--社交交往障碍。随着ASD儿童人数逐年上升,对干预的需求日益增大。目前国内外对于ASD儿童情绪能力的系统干预研究较少,主要研究均集中在表情识别这一层面。本文结合视频分析,自动表情识别算法,Flash技术,设计交互式虚拟场景游戏,研发一个面向ASD儿童的情绪能力干预的系统。该系统可以训练儿童的表情识别能力,还可以训练儿童对表情的模仿和表达,具有实用性,方便推广。     

早期理性情绪疗法对脊髓损伤患者心肺功能和日常生活能力的干预效果

目的:探讨早期理性情绪疗法对脊髓损伤患者心肺功能和日常生活能力的干预效果。方法:选择2013年1月到2015年1月我院132例脊髓损伤患者作为研究对象,根据康复治疗过程中有无介入早期理性情绪疗法,将患者分为治疗组(早期理性情绪疗法组)和常规组,5个月后观察两组患者的情绪状态、心肺功能、日常生活能力。结果:治疗5个月后,两组患者的汉密尔顿焦虑量表(HAMA)和贝克抑郁量表(BDI)评分均低于治疗前,且治疗组的HAMA和BDI评分低于常规组,差异有统计学意义(P0.05)。两组患者的血压和心率较治疗前升高,且治疗组的血压和心率高于常规组,差异有统计学意义(P0.05)。两组患者的肺活量(VC)、最大自主分钟通气量(MVV)和一秒用力呼气容积(FEV1)较治疗前增加,且治疗组的VC、MVV和FEV1高于常规组,差异有统计学意义(P0.05)。两组患者的巴塞尔指数(Barthel)评分较治疗前增加,且治疗组高于常规组,差异有统计学意义(P0.05)。结论:早期理性情绪疗法可以改善脊髓损伤患者的抑郁和焦虑状态,改善患者的心脏功能指标和肺功能指标,促进心肺功能康复,提高患者日常生活活动能力。