Zinc bioleaching from an iron concentrate using Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans strain from Hercules Mine of Coahuila,Mexico

The iron concentrate from Hercules Mine of Coahuila,Mexico,which mainly contained pyrite and pyrrhotite,was treated by the bioleaching process using native strain Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans (A.ferrooxidans) to determine the ability of these bacteria on the leaching of zinc.The native bacteria were isolated from the iron concentrate of the mine.The bioleaching experiments were carried out in shake flasks to analyze the effects of pH values,pulp density,and the ferrous sulfate concentration on the bioleaching process.The results obtained by microbial kinetic analyses for the evaluation of some aspects of zinc leaching show that the native bacteria A.ferrooxidans,which is enriched with a 9K Silverman medium under the optimum conditions of pH 2.0,20 g/L pulp density,and 40 g/L FeSO4,increases the zinc extraction considerably observed by monitoring during15 d,i.e.,the zinc concentration has a decrease of about 95% in the iron concentrate.     

Bio-oxidation of pyrite, chalcopyrite and pyrrhotite by Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans

This paper deals with the bio-oxidation processes by Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans of pyrite, chalcopyrite and pyrrhotite. Our experimental results show distinctive bio-oxidation characteristics for the three sulfide minerals. In the presence of A. ferrooxidans, the sulfide oxidation rates generally decrease in the order of pyrrhotite, chalcopyrite and pyrite. The pH during bio-oxidation of pyrite tends to decrease as a whole, whereas a rise-fall pattern was recorded for both chalcopyrite and pyrrhotite in their pH variations. No deposition was observed during the bio-oxidation of pyrite, suggesting a possible link to lower pH value in the process. However, large amounts of jarosite and element sulfur were determined in the bio-oxidation processes of chalcopyrite and pyrrhotite. A. ferrooxidans individuals were found directly as attachments to erosion pits on the smooth surface of pyrite. The erosion pits are similar to the bacterium in shape and length, and thus are probably products of dissolution of organic acid secreted by the cells on the mineral surface. More complicatedly, biofilm exists on the surfaces of chalcopyrite and pyrrhotite. This type of structured community of A. ferrooxidans is enclosed in the extracellular polymeric substances (EPS), and covered with the deposition generated in the bio-oxidation processes of chalcopyrite and pyrrhotite. Different bio-oxidation processes of pyrite, chalcopyrite and pyrrhotite may be linked mainly to characteristics of individual minerals and the pH in the reaction solution of the bio-oxidation system.     

The permeability effect of microcystin-RR on <Emphasis Type=Italic>Escherichia coli</Emphasis> and <Emphasis Type=Italic>Bacillus subtilis</Emphasis>

Microcystins are a kind of cyclic hepatoxins produced by many species of cyanobacteria. Most previous work have been done on the toxic effects of microcystins on animals and plants. However, the reports about the effect of microcystins on microbial cells are very limited. In this work, the permeability of MC-RR on the cell outer membrane of Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Bacillus subtilis (B. subtilis) was discussed. The permeability effect of MC-RR on the cell outer membrane of E. coli and B. subtilis under different concentrations was demonstrated by a rapid and sustained reduction in the A₆₇₅ values of lysozyme-treated cells. The decrease of the absorbance values showed a time- and dose-effect. The extravasations of protein and carbonhydrate increased with the increment of the treated-concentration of MC-RR. The results showed that MC-RR could increase the permeability of cell outer membranes of E. coli and B. subtilis. The synergistic effects of MC-RR and lysozyme on bacteria indicated that MC-RR might play an ecological role in bacteria in combination with other substances in some aquatic environments.     

Identification of <Emphasis Type=Italic>Fallopia</Emphasis> species based on the chloroplast <Emphasis Type=Italic>mat</Emphasis>K gene sequences

In order to develop an efficient identification method for Fallopia plants and drugs, molecular analysis of the partial matK gene sequences was performed on 6 Fallopia species. Based on the matK sequences, a phylogenetic tree was constructed, which showed that different populations of inter- and intra-species could be specified and distinguished. The matK gene sequences of the 6 Fallopia species were all found to be of 1 271 bp in length, with some nucleotide variations throughout the entire sequences. The nucleotide difference at position 1 041 could distinguish F. denticulata from others, while specific nucleotide at position 1 154 became identification markers for F. aubertii. Moreover, four specific marker sites for F. multiflora var. ciliinerve at positions 216, 224, 1 060 and 1 179, seven for F. convolvulus at 318, 765, 772, 874, 936, 952 and 1 036, and seven for F. dentate alata at 111, 192, 366, 450, 457, 1 032 and 1 074 were also observed. By detecting the marker nucleotides and analyzing the phylogenetic relationship, the botanical origins of five inspected drugs were determined, suggesting that matK sequences can be used for authenticating Fallopia plants and drugs.     

A novel gene <Emphasis Type=Italic>R049</Emphasis> identified in uropathogenic <Emphasis Type=Italic>Escherichia coli</Emphasis> provides partial protection in mice from colonization

Uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) is the most common causative organism of human urinary tract infection (UTI). Several UPEC virulence factors have been identified, but more are yet to be found. We previously identified a novel 789-bp-long DNA fragment (named R049) in UPEC strain 132 using a suppressive subtractive hybridization technique. In the present study, we used genome walking to elongate the sequence of this fragment to obtain the whole gene sequence and examined the role of this gene product in generating protective immunity. Through bioinformatic analysis, we predicted that this gene is a 1311-bp open reading frame (ORF), which we designated ORF_R049 (GenBank accession No.: EF488001). We further constructed a prokaryotic expression system to express full recombinant R049 protein and isolated and purified the protein through IPTG induction and nickel affinity chromatography. Using mouse immunosera generated by the purified protein, we confirmed the natural expression and outer membrane localization of the protein in wild-type strain UPEC132 by Western blotting. To test the potential of this protein as a vaccine candidate, we immunized mice with the recombinant protein before challenging them with UPEC132 through the urinary tract. The results showed significantly reduced bacterial colonization in the urine and kidneys of the immunization group compared with the control group. However, the degree of renal pathological damage was not significantly improved in the immunized mice. Our study has identified a novel gene of UPEC which can generate protective immunity against UTI. This novel gene provides a promising new vaccine candidate.     

Accurate localization and excision of genomic islands in four strains of <Emphasis Type=Italic>Pseudomonas aeruginosa</Emphasis> and <Emphasis Type=Italic>Pseudomonas fluorescens</Emphasis>

Mobile genomic islands (GIs) can be excised from the chromosome, then form a circular intermediate and be reintegrated into the chromosome by the GI internal integrase. Some mobile GIs can also be transferred into a new receptor cell by transformation, conjugation, or transduction. The action sites of the integrase are usually flanked direct repeats (DRs) of the GIs. Accurate localization of the flanking sequences is a precondition for determining the mobility of the GI. Mobile GIs are generally associated with transfer RNAs (tRNAs). Based on the correlation between flanking sequences and tRNA sequences, the flanking sequences of 11 putative mobile GIs in Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1, P. aeruginosa PA14, P. fluorescens Pf-5 and P. fluorescens Pf0-1 were identified. Among the 11 GIs, Pf0-1GI-1 is responsible for benzoate degradation. PAO1GI-1, Pf5GI-2, Pf5GI-3, and Pf5GI-4 were confirmed experimentally to be excised from a chromosome to form a circular intermediate. The action sites of the integrases are these GIs direct repeats. Due to distinct DRs, cutting sites for the internal integrase of PAO1GI-1, Pf5GI-2, Pf5GI-3 and Pf5GI-4 were determined outside the T-loop of the tRNA^Gly gene, outside the anticodon loop of the tRNA^Ser gene and tRNA^Lys gene, and at the asymmetric 3′-end of the tRNA^Leu gene, respectively. PAO1GI-1 and other mobile GIs may be transferred into many different strains that belong to different phyla because of the clear flanking sequences. This study describes basic information about the action sites of the integrases, assesses the mobility of GIs, and can help design and transfer mobile GIs to candidate strains.     

Soil respiration dynamics in <Emphasis Type=Italic>Cinnamomum camphora</Emphasis> forest and a nearby <Emphasis Type=Italic>Liquidambar formosana</Emphasis> forest in Subtropical China

Climate change can significantly affect carbon cycling of forest ecosystems.The diurnal and seasonal dynamics of soil respiration (Rs) in Cinnamomum camphora and Liquidambar formosana forests were investigated by using infrared gas exchange analyzer of Li-Cor 6400-09 each month in 2006.Soil temperature and moisture were also measured.Diurnal variations in Rs varied with daily soil temperature in the two forests.Across the growing season,soil respiration peaked on July 28 due to higher soil temperature and m...     

Generation algorithm of a sort of <Emphasis Type=Italic>P</Emphasis>-permutations

This paper design the P-permutation with cryptologic properties beyond certain bound based on BCH code and Goppa code, which is the generalization of the design method utilizing the maximum distance separable (MDS) code, and presents the novel algorithms to generate the P-permutations with the branch number no less than a preset low bound. The new generation algorithms provide a theoretical basis for automation design of the cryptosystem.     

Physicochemical characterization of <Emphasis Type=Italic>Baizhi</Emphasis> particles by ultrafine pulverization

Baizhi, as a medicinal plant, has been demonstrated to be useful for the treatment of aches and pains in China. The physicochemical characterization of Baizhi particles is greatly influenced by ultrafine pulverization. To study the physicochemical characterization of Baizhi, the raw plant material of Baizhi was ground to 6 μm particles by a high speed centrifugal sheering (HSCS) pulverizer. The micron particles were characterized by optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Imperatorin is one of the active ingredients of Baizhi, and its extraction yield is determined to evaluate the chemical characterization of Baizhi powder. Imperatorin was analyzed by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The results show that after ultrafine pulverization, the plant cell walls are broken into pieces and the extraction yield of imperatorin is increased by 11.93% compared with the normal particles.     

Construction of <Emphasis Type=Italic>k</Emphasis>-ary pseudorandom elliptic curve sequences

We present a method for constructing k-ary sequences over elliptic curves.Using the multiplicative character of order k of finite fields,we construct a family of k-ary pseudorandom elliptic curve sequences.The pseudorandom measures,such as the well-distribution measure,the correlation measure of order ■,and the linear complexity are estimated by using certain character sums.Such sequences share the same order of magnitude on the well-distribution measure,the correlation measure of order ■ as the ’truly’ random sequences.The method indicates that it is possible to construct ’good’ pseudorandom sequences over elliptic curves widely used in public key cryptography.     

Identification of Zhoukoudian <Emphasis Type=Italic>Homo erectus</Emphasis> brain asymmetry using 3D laser scanning

Endocasts are important materials used for the study of human brain evolution, and allow examination of the external features of brain anatomy from the inside the cranium. Studies examining brain asymmetries in fossil hominids are usually limited to scoring of differences in hemisphere protrusion rostrally and caudally, or to comparing the width of the hemispheres. In the present study, using 3D laser scanning, we examined asymmetries of the hemisphere volumes and surface areas in the Zhoukoudain (ZKD) Homo erectus, dated to 0.4–0.8 Ma. Compared with modern endocasts, we found that the absolute hemisphere volumes and surface areas exhibited no significant asymmetries in the ZKD or in modern specimens. However, the relative hemisphere volumes against surface areas differed between the two groups. When comparing the relative sizes between the left and right hemispheres, the ZKD specimens exhibited a greater variation than in the modern humans; there were no differences in the two hemispheres in the ZKD specimens, while in the modern endocasts the left hemisphere was significantly greater than the right hemisphere. These data suggest that brain asymmetries originated from relative brain sizes rather than absolute brain volumes during human evolution. These anatomical changes are likely related to the origin of human brain lateralization.     

Enantioselective benzoin condensation catalyzed by bifunctional <Emphasis Type=Italic>N</Emphasis>-heterocyclic carbenes

Benzoin condensation is an important carbon-carbon bond-forming reaction. The benzoin reaction with good yield, high enanti-oselectivity and broad substrate scope is highly desired in organic synthesis. The intermolecular benzoin condensation catalyzed by bifunctional N-heterocyclic carbenes has been investigated, and the corresponding α-hydroxyketones were obtained with yields up to 76% and enantioselectivities up to 99% ee.     

Determination of Cd-MT in <Emphasis Type=Italic>Pteria penguin</Emphasis> with indirect non-competitive ELISA

Cadmium-metallothionein (Cd-MT) of Pteria penguin was used to immunize domestic rabbit in order to obtain polyclonal antibody against Cd-MT. Using the anti-Cd-MT antibody, a method of indirect non-competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (non-competitive ELISA) was established to detect shellfish Cd-MT. In this case, the minimum detectable concentration of P. penguin Cd-MT was (4.563±0.051) ng/mL. The linear range of detection was 9.75-2.0×104 ng/mL. Intra-assay relative standard deviation (RSD) was less than 11.6%, and inter-assay RSD less than 6.7%. The recovery rates ranged from 83.7% to 119.0%. The polyclonal antibody against Cd-MT of P. penguin can also be used to detect MT of other four types of shellfish. In the crude extracts from different organs of P. penguin, the MT concentrations determined by this method matched well with the concentrations of cadmium detected by the atomic absorption spectroscopy.     

Increased sensitivity to drought stress in <Emphasis Type=Italic>atlon4 Arabidopsis</Emphasis> mutant

The ATP-dependent serine protease Lon belongs to the AAA+ superfamily, which is widely distributed in bacteria, archaea, and eukaryotic cells. Lon participates in the regulation of numerous physiological processes and gene expression via degrading various unstable and non-native regulators. In this study, we showed that the Arabidopsis atlon4 mutant is more sensitive to drought stress than wild-type plants. Compared with wild-type plants, atlon4 mutant plants showed increased water loss, decreased water use efficiency, and impaired stomatal closure in drought stress conditions.     

Nonextensivity and the <Emphasis Type=Italic>q</Emphasis>-distribution of a relativistic gas under an external electromagnetic field

We investigate the nonextensivity and the q-distribution of a relativistic gas under an external electromagnetic field. We derive an expression for the nonextensive parameter q based on the relativistic generalized Boltzmann equation, the relativistic q-H theorem and the relativistic version of the q-power-law distribution function in the nonextensive q-kinetic theory. We thus provide the connection between the parameter q≠1 and the spatial-temporal derivatives of the temperature field of the gas as well as the four-potential, and thereby present a clearly physical meaning for the nonextensivity for the relativistic gas.     

Direct coordination of metal ions to cucurbit[<Emphasis Type=Italic>n</Emphasis>]urils

Cucurbit[n]urils (Q[n]) are promising ligands for the coordination of metal ions, metal complexes or clusters, and form various Q[n]-based complexes. Among the Q[n] complexes, those formed by direct coordination between Q[n]s and metal ions are partic- ularly important. The direct coordination of metal ions to cucurbit[n]urils leads to the formation of Q[n]-based molecular capsules, tubular polymers and molecular bracelets, which could have nanoscale applications in drug delivery, molecular devices and new materials.     

<Emphasis Type=Italic>In vitro</Emphasis> induction of mouse meningeal-derived ips cells into neural-like cells

Previous research has shown that mouse embryonic stem (ES) cells can be induced to form neural cells in adherent monocultures. In this study, pluripotent stem (iPS) C5 cells derived from meningeal membranes were converted successfully into neural-like cells using the same protocol generally used for ES cells. Meningeal-iPS C5 cells were induced to express neural markers Sox1, Sox3, Pax6, Nestin and Tuj1 and to reduce the expression of ES markers Oct4 and Nanog during neural differentiation, and can be differentiated into Pax6 and Nestin positive neural progenitors, and further into neuronal, astrocytic, and oligodendrocytic cells. In vitro differentiation of iPS cells into patient-specific neural cells could serve as a model to study mechanisms of genetic diseases and develop promising candidates for therapeutic applications in dysfunctional or aging neural tissues. Meningeal cells express a high level of the embryonic master regulator Sox2, allowing them to be reprogrammed into iPS cells more easily than other somatic cells.