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.     

Properties of a class of groups on <Emphasis Type=Italic>Z</Emphasis><Subscript><Emphasis Type=Italic>m</Emphasis></Subscript>

In this paper, we obtain the factorization of direct production and order of group GL(n, Z _m ) in a simple method. Then we generalize some properties of GL(2, Z _p ) proposed by Huppert, and prove that the group (GLleft( {2,{Z_{{z^lambda }}}} right)) is solvable. We also prove that group GL(n, Z _p ) is solvable if and only if GL(n, Z _p ) is solvable, and list the generators of groups GL(n, Z _p ) and SL(n, Z _p ). At last, we prove that PSL(2, Z _p )(p > 3) and PSL(n, Z _p )(n > 3) are simple.     

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.     

High genetic diversity of Tibetan Mastiffs revealed by mtDNA sequences

Many studies have been reported the origin and evolution of domesticated animals, particularly dogs, however, few have system-atically examined the Tibetan Mastiff (TM), a dog that lives primarily in the Qing-Tibet Plateau. Here, we study the origin and evolution of TM based on the population comparison of mtDNA D-loop sequences from TM and other dogs across the world. Intriguingly, non-simultaneous arrivals of Tibetan Mastiffs ancestors to Tibet occurred, which may result from continuous Tibetans’ settlement on Qing-Tibet Plateau supported by archaeological and genetic evidence. High genetic and haplotype diversity and robust haplotypes sharing with other dogs unique to East Asia are observed in Tibetan Mastiff, supporting that it is a very archaic breed derived probably from East Asia.     

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.     

<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.     

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.     

Assessment of genetic diversity in the forest musk deer （Moschus berezovskii） using microsatellite and AFLP markers

Microsatellite genotyping and amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) techniques are often utilized in studies of conservation genetics of endangered animals. To select a more effective marker system for conserving the endangered forest musk deer, we used microsatellite and AFLP markers to estimate levels of genetic diversity of two populations, the pure mother Jinfengshan (JFS) group and the offspring Baisha (BS) group with introduction of new blood. It was expected that JFS would pos- sess significa...     

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.     

Genetic diversity in the Yangtze finless porpoise by RAPD analysis

To estimate the genetic diversity in the Yangtze finless porpoise ( Neophocaena phocaenoides asiaeorientalis), the randomly amplified polymorphie DNA technique was applied to examine ten animals captured from the Yangtze River. Out of 20 arbitrary primers used in the experiment, seventeen produced clearly reproducible bands. Calculated by Nei‘s formula d = 1-NAB/NT, the genetic distances ranged from O. 0986 to O. 5634. Compared with other cetacean populations, this genetic distance is quite low.Such a low genetic diversity suggests that this population may be suffering from reduced genetic variation,and be very fragile. More studies are needed for understanding the basis for this apparent low genetic diversity and to help protect this endangered, unique population.     

A novel <Emphasis Type=Italic>in vitro</Emphasis> angiogenesis model based on a microfluidic device

Angiogenesis is very important for many physiological and pathological processes. However, the molecular mechanisms of angiogenesis are unclear. To elucidate the molecular mechanisms of angiogenesis and to develop treatments for angiogenesis-dependent diseases, it is essential to establish a suitable in vitro angiogenesis model. In this study, we created a novel in vitro angiogenesis model based on a microfluidic device. Our model provides an in vivo-like microenvironment for endothelial cells (ECs) cultures and monitors the response of ECs to changes in their microenvironment in real time. To evaluate the potential of this microfluidic device for researching angiogenesis, the effects of pro-angiogenic factors on ECs proliferation, migration and tube-like structure formation were investigated. Our results showed the proliferation rate of ECs in 3D matrix was significantly promoted by the pro-angiogenic factors (with an increase of 59.12%). With the stimulation of pro-angiogenic factors gradients, ECs directionally migrated into the Matrigel from low concentrations to high concentrations and consequently formed multi-cell chords and tube-like structures. These results suggest that the device can provide a suitable platform for elucidating the mechanisms of angiogenesis and for screening pro-angiogenic or anti-angiogenic drugs for angiogenesis-dependent diseases.     

Hydrogen sulfide induced by nitric oxide mediates ethylene-induced stomatal closure of <Emphasis Type=Italic>Arabidopsis thaliana</Emphasis>

Pharmacological, laser scanning confocal microscopic (LSCM), real-time PCR and spectrophotographic approaches are used to study the roles of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) and nitric oxide (NO) in signaling transduction of stomatal movement response to ethylene in Arabidopsis thaliana. In the present study, inhibitors of H2S synthesis were found to block ethylene-induced stomatal closure of Arabidopsis. Treatment with ethylene induced H2S generation and increased L-/D-cysteine desulfhydrase (pyridoxal-phosphate-dep...     

In situ U-Pb dating of xenotime by laser ablation （LA）-ICP-MS

Xenotime is an ideal mineral for U-Th-Pb isotopic dating because of its relatively high U and Th contents, but typically low concentration of common Pb. These characteristics, and the fact that it is widespread throughout various types of rocks, suggest that the U-Th-Pb dating of xenotime has broad applications. Studies of U-Pb dating on xenotime by ion microprobe (such as SHRIMP) have increased in recent years, whereas studies by laser ablation (LA)-ICP-MS are still rare. In this study, we developed a technique for U-Pb dating of xenotime using the 193 nm ArF laser-ablation system and Agilent 7500a Q-ICP-MS. To evaluate the reliability of our method, a xenotime standard, BS-1, was analyzed and calibrated against another xenotime standard, MG-1. The weighted mean 206 Pb/ 238 U ages of 510.1 ± 5.2 Ma (2 n = 21), 509.8 ± 4.3 Ma (2 n = 21) and 510.0 ± 4.6 Ma (2 n = 21) were obtained using beam diameters of 16, 24 and 32 m, respectively. These ages are identical to those determined by ID-TIMS method (weighted mean 206 Pb/ 238 U age of 508.8 ± 1.4 Ma), which supports the reliability of our LA-ICP-MS method. We also analyzed xenotimes in leucogranites from South Tibet and granites from Xihuashan in southern China, and obtained accurate and precise ages. Nevertheless, we observed systematic differences in Pb/U fractionation among xenotime, monazite and zircon. The matrix-effect resulted in either under-correction or over-correction of fractionation, and thus led to inaccurate ages. Thus, a matrix-matched material is required for U-Pb dating of xenotime by LA-ICP-MS.     

Knockdown of <Emphasis Type=Italic>MRP4</Emphasis> by lentivirus-mediated siRNA improves sensitivity to adriamycin in adriamycin-resistant acute myeloid leukemia cells

Chemotherapy remains the standard treatment for acute myeloid leukemia;however,the emergence of drug resistance is a major hurdle in the successful treatment of leukemia.The expression of multidrug resistance-associated protein 4(MRP4)induces re- sistance in the adriamycin-resistant acute myeloid leukemia cell line,K562/ADR.The aim of this study was to investigate whether knockdown of MRP4 by lentivirus-mediated siRNA could improve the sensitivity of K562/ADR cells to adriamycin.Five lenti- virus-mediated short hairpin RNAs(lv-shRNAs-MRP4)were designed to trigger the gene silencing RNA interference(RNAi) pathway.The efficiency of lentivirus-mediated siRNA infection into K562/ADR cells was determined using fluorescence mi- croscopy to observe lentivirus-mediated GFP expression.MRP4 expression in infected K562/ADR cells was evaluated by real- time PCR and Western blot analysis.The MTS assay was used to measure cell viability and flow cytometry was used to measure apoptosis.The transfection efficiency of K562/ADR cells was over 80 percent.The gene silencing efficacy of lv-shRNA1-MRP4 was superior to the other constructs.Infection of K562/ADR cells with lv-shRNA1-MRP4 led to strong inhibition of MRP4 mRNA and protein expression.Combined treatment with lv-shRNA1-MRP4 and adriamycin decreased cell growth and increased apoptosis compared to treatment with lv-shRNA1-MRP4 or adriamycin alone.These data indicate that in K562/ADR cells MRP4 is involved in drug resistance mechanisms and that lentivirus-mediated knockdown of MRP4 may enhance sensitivity to adriamycin.     

Phase transition and thermodynamic properties of BaS: An <Emphasis Type=Italic>Ab initio</Emphasis> study

The hydrostatic-pressure-induced transition phase of BaS from the NaCl-type structure (B1) to the CsCl-type structure (B2) is investigated by ab initio plane-wave pseudopotential den-sity functional theory method. It is found that the transition pres-sure from B1 to B2 phases is 8.2 GPa according to the usual con-dition of equal enthalpy. Through the quasi-harmonic Debye model,the dependences of the relative volume V/V0 on the pres-sure P,the thermal expansion parameter ratio on pressure P,and the Debye temperature Θ and heat capacity CV on pressure P and temperature T are estimated.     

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.     

Genetic Algorithm-Based Approaches for Optimizing S-Boxes

0 Introduction Being as unique nonlinear components of block ci- pher algorithms, S-boxes provide the most important confusion effect, and directly influence the security of the algorithms. There are many ways to construct S-boxes[1-5]. On one hand, diffe…