Crystal structure of the ligand-free G-protein-coupled receptor opsin

In the G-protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) rhodopsin, the inactivating ligand 11-cis-retinal is bound in the seven-transmembrane helix (TM) bundle and is cis/trans isomerized by light to form active metarhodopsin II. With metarhodopsin II decay, all-trans-retinal is released, and opsin is reloaded with new 11-cis-retinal. Here we present the crystal structure of ligand-free native opsin from bovine retinal rod cells at 2.9 ?ngstr?m (A) resolution. Compared to rhodopsin, opsin shows prominent structural changes in the conserved E(D)RY and NPxxY(x)(5,6)F regions and in TM5-TM7. At the cytoplasmic side, TM6 is tilted outwards by 6-7 A, whereas the helix structure of TM5 is more elongated and close to TM6. These structural changes, some of which were attributed to an active GPCR state, reorganize the empty retinal-binding pocket to disclose two openings that may serve the entry and exit of retinal. The opsin structure sheds new light on ligand binding to GPCRs and on GPCR activation.     

Regulatory networks define phenotypic classes of human stem cell lines

Stem cells are defined as self-renewing cell populations that can differentiate into multiple distinct cell types. However, hundreds of different human cell lines from embryonic, fetal and adult sources have been called stem cells, even though they range from pluripotent cells-typified by embryonic stem cells, which are capable of virtually unlimited proliferation and differentiation-to adult stem cell lines, which can generate a far more limited repertoire of differentiated cell types. The rapid increase in reports of new sources of stem cells and their anticipated value to regenerative medicine has highlighted the need for a general, reproducible method for classification of these cells. We report here the creation and analysis of a database of global gene expression profiles (which we call the 'stem cell matrix') that enables the classification of cultured human stem cells in the context of a wide variety of pluripotent, multipotent and differentiated cell types. Using an unsupervised clustering method to categorize a collection of approximately 150 cell samples, we discovered that pluripotent stem cell lines group together, whereas other cell types, including brain-derived neural stem cell lines, are very diverse. Using further bioinformatic analysis we uncovered a protein-protein network (PluriNet) that is shared by the pluripotent cells (embryonic stem cells, embryonal carcinomas and induced pluripotent cells). Analysis of published data showed that the PluriNet seems to be a common characteristic of pluripotent cells, including mouse embryonic stem and induced pluripotent cells and human oocytes. Our results offer a new strategy for classifying stem cells and support the idea that pluripotency and self-renewal are under tight control by specific molecular networks.     

Mimicking unfolding motion of a beetle hind wing

This paper presents an experimental research aiming to realize an artificial hind wing that can mimic the wing unfolding motion of AIIomyrina dichotoma, an insect in coleopteran order. Based on the understanding of working principles of beetle wing folding/unfolding mechanisms, the hind wing unfolding motion is mimicked by a combination of creative ideas and state-of-art artificial muscle actuator. In this work, we devise two types of artificial wings and the successfully demonstrate that they can be unfolded by actuation of shape memory alloy wires to provide actuation force at the wing base and along the leading edge vein. The folding/unfolding mechanisms may provide an insight for portable nano/micro air vehicles with morphing wings.     

Vegetation and climate changes during the last 8660 cal. a BP in central Mongolia, based on a high-resolution pollen record from Lake Ugii Nuur

Based on modern pollen studies and reliable chronology of nine AMS 14C dates, a detailed history of vegetation and climate changes during the past 8660 cal. a BP was reconstructed by a high-resolution pollen record from Ugii Nuur in central Mongolia. Poaceae-steppe dominated the study area and the climate was mild and semi-humid before 7800 cal. a BP with a noticeable cool and humid interval at 8350―8250 cal. a BP. Xerophytic plant increased and the climate became warm and dry gradually since 7800 cal. a BP...     

Sojucktang induces apoptosis via loss of mitochondrial membrane potential and caspase-3 activation in KLE human endometrial cancer cells

Sojucktang （SJT） has long been used for the treatment of endometrial diseases in Korea. However, the mechanisms responsible for the SJT-induced apoptosis in endometrial cancer cells remain unclear. In the present study, SJT was demonstrated to show cytotoxic effect and induce apoptotic cell death via mitochondrial regulation in KLE endometrial cancer cells. Linderae Radix, Glycyrrhizae Radix, Zedoariae Rhizoma, Trogopterorum Faeces and Agelicae Gigantis Radix were found to be the potent constituent herbs of SJT to significantly decrease the viability of KLE cells by a tetra zolium salt （XTT） assay. Apoptotic bodies were observed in SJT-treated KLE cells by 4′-6-diamidino-2-phenylindole （DAPI） and TdT-mediated-dUTP nick-end labeling （TUNEL） assay. SJT also increased sub-G1 DNA contents of the cell cycle undergoing apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, it was observed that SJT activated caspase-3 and cleaved poly （ADP-ribose） polymerase （PARP）, and decreased mitochondrial membrane potential in a dose-dependent manner. Taken together, this study shows that SJT exerts anti-tumor activity against KLE endometrial cancer cells via mitochondrial dependent apoptosis induction.     

华夏植物区系的地理联系及其作用与地位

在简述华夏植物区系特征之后, 根据最新资料补充论述了华夏植物区系与澳洲、非洲、南美大陆和北美大陆区系之间联系的一些例证,并结合有花植物起源及植物区系区划研究的最新动态对华夏植物区系在世界区系中的作用与地位作了进一步探讨与明确.     

歧义的元功能分析

本文指出了从形式角度研究歧义的局限性,提出从语言元功能的角度进行研究的必要性。首次把歧义明确划分为表意功能歧义、人际功能歧义和语篇功能歧义,并把研究推向话语层,以进一步考察语言功能和歧义之间更为广泛的歧义。     

一种适合硬件实现的多值图像连通域标记算法

提出了一种合适硬件实现的多值图像连通域标记算法.算法以有效的方式识别、保存并整理区域之间复杂的连通关系.首先,通过对图像执行一遍逐像素扫描,得到图像的初步标记结果以及初步标记之间的连通关系;然后,通过等价表整理以及图像代换,输出图像标记的最终结果,并且连通域按照扫描顺序被赋予唯一的连续自然数.仿真结果表明,该算法能够识别图像中复杂的连通关系,产生正确的标记结果,在用于大幅图像的分块标记时,能够实现全局标记一致.在以硬件方式实现该算法时,在50 MHz工作时钟下,处理320×256像素图像能够达到100帧/s的标记速度,满足大部分实时目标识别系统的要求.