Can the occurrence of rare insertion／deletion polymor—phisms in human mtDNA be verfied from phylogeny？

Due to its specific characteristics,such as ma-ternal inheritance and absence of recombination,each mtDNA belongs to certain monophyletic clade in the rooted mtDNA tree(haplogroup) according to the mutations it har-bors,Rare mutation(excluding parallel mutation) occurring at multiple times in different haplogroups could thus be a potential reading error according to the mtDNA phylogent.This experience has been widely used im double-checking the credibility of the rare mutations in human mtDNA sequences.However,no test has been performed so far for the feasibility of applying this strategy to the rare insertion/deletion(indel) events in mtDNA sequences.In this study,we attempted to relate the rare indels in mtDNAs to their haplogroup status in a total of 2352 individuals from 50 populations in China.Our results show that the insertion of A at position 16259 is restricted to a subclade of haplogroup Cand can be verified.The other indel polymorphisms,Which occur in the repeat of the deleted or inserted nucleotide(s),may not be distin-guished from phantom mutations from a phylogenetic point of view.Independently and multiply sequencing the frag-ment with the indel is the best and the most reliable way for confirmation.     

Pitfalls in the analysis of ancient human mtDNA

The retrieval of DNA from ancient human specimens is not always successful owing to DNA deterioration and contamination although it is vital to provide new insights into the genetic structure of ancient people and to reconstruct the past history. Normally, only short DNA fragments can be retrieved from the ancient specimens. How to identify the authenticity of DNA obtained and to uncover the information it contained are difficult. We employed the ancient mtDNAs reported from Central Asia (including Xinjiang, China) as an example to discern potentially extraneous DNA contamination based on the updated mtDNA phylogeny derived from mtDNA control region, coding region, as well as complete sequence information. Our results demonstrated that many mtDNAs reported are more or less problematic.Startim, from a reliable mtDNA phylogeney and combining the available modern data into analysis, one can ascertain the authenticity of the ancient DNA, distinguish the potential errors in a data set, and efficiently decipher the meager information it harbored. The reappraisal of the mtDNAs with the age of more than 2000 years from Central Asia gave support to the suggestion of extensively (pre)historical gene admixture in this region.     

Corrosion behavior of low alloy steels in a wet–dry acid humid environment

The corrosion behavior of corrosion resistant steel (CRS) in a simulated wet–dry acid humid environment was investigated and compared with carbon steel (CS) using corrosion loss, polarization curves, X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), electron probe micro-analysis (EPMA), N₂ adsorption, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The results show that the corrosion kinetics of both steels were closely related to the composition and compactness of the rust, and the electrochemical properties of rusted steel. Small amounts of Cu, Cr, and Ni in CRS increased the amount of amorphous phases and decreased the content of γ-FeOOH in the rust, resulting in higher compactness and electrochemical stability of the CRS rust. The elements Cu, Cr, and Ni were uniformly distributed in the CRS rust and formed CuFeO₂, Cu₂O, CrOOH, NiFe₂O₄, and Ni₂O₃, which enhanced the corrosion resistance of CRS in the wet–dry acid humid environment.     

MHC II DRB variation and trans-species polymorphism in the golden snub-nosed monkey (Rhinopithecus roxellana)

Genetic variation is generally believed to be important in studying endangered species’ adaptive potential.Early studies assessed genetic diversity using nearly neutral markers,such as microsatellite loci and mitochondrial DNA(mtDNA),which are very informative for phylogenetic and phylogeographic reconstructions.However,the variation at these loci cannot provide direct information on selective processes involving the interaction of individuals with their environment,or on the capability to resist continuously evolving pathogens and parasites.The importance of genetic diversity at informative adaptive markers,such as major histocompatibility complex(MHC) genes,is increasingly being realized,especially in endangered,isolated species.Small population size and isolation make the golden snub-nosed monkey(Rhinopithecus roxellana) particularly susceptible to genetic variation losses through inbreeding and restricted gene flow.In this study,we compared the genetic variation and population structure of microsatellites,mtDNA,and the most relevant adaptive region of the MHC II-DRB genes in the golden snub-nosed monkey.We examined three Chinese R.roxellana populations and found the same variation patterns in all gene regions,with the population from Shennongjia population,Hubei Province,showing the lowest polymorphism among three populations.Genetic drift that outweighed balancing selection and the founder effect in these populations may explain the similar genetic variation pattern found in these neutral and adaptive genes.     

Mitochondrial DNA analysis of Bronze Age horses recovered from Chifeng region, Inner Mongolia, China

In this study, mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) analysis was carried out on 9 Bronze Age horses recovered from Dashanqian and Jinggouzi archaeological sites in Chifeng region, Inner Mongolia. China to explore the origin of Chinese domestic horses. Both mtDNA 16S rRNA gene and control region (D-loop) fragments of ancient horses were amplified and sequenced. The analysis of the highly conservative 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that the burial environment of Chifeng region is suitable for the preservation of ancient DNA (aDNA). Combing 465 mtDNA D-loop sequences representing different breeds from East Asia, Central Asia, Near East and Europe, we constructed a phylogenetic network to investigate the relationship between ancient and modern horses. The phylogenetic network showed that the 9 horses were distributed into different modern horse clusters which were closely related to them representing a certain geographical distribution. Our results showed that the maternal genetic line of the ancient horses in Chifeng region was highly diversified, which contributed to the gene pool of modern domestic horses and suggested a complex origin of domestic horses in China.     

Mitochondrial DNA analysis of Bronze Age horses recovered from Chifeng region, Inner Mongolia, China

In this study, mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) analysis was carried out on 9 Bronze Age horses recovered from Dashanqian and Jinggouzi archaeological sites in Chifeng region, Inner Mongolia. China to explore the origin of Chinese domestic horses. Both mtDNA 16S rRNA gene and control region (D-loop) fragments of ancient horses were amplified and sequenced. The analysis of the highly conservative 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that the burial environment of Chifeng region is suitable for the preservation of ancient DNA (aDNA). Combing 465 mtDNA D-loop sequences representing different breeds from East Asia, Central Asia, Near East and Europe, we constructed a phylogenetic network to investigate the relationship between ancient and modern horses. The phylogenetic network showed that the 9 horses were distributed into different modern horse clusters which were closely related to them representing a certain geographical distribution. Our results showed that the maternal genetic line of the ancient horses in Chifeng region was highly diversified, which contributed to the gene pool of modern domestic horses and suggested a complex origin of domestic horses in China.     

Enhancing the power conversion efficiency of PCDTBT:PC71BM polymer solar cells using a mixture of solvents

Organic polymer solar materials are shown to exhibit better solubility in mixed solvents than in pure ones,which affects the performance of their solar cells.In this article,poly[N-9-hepta-decanyl-2,7-carbazole-alt-5,5-(4.7-di-2-thienyI-2,l,3-benzothiadiazole)(PCDTBT0)and[6,6]-phenyl-C71-butyric acid methyl ester(PC_(71)BM)are used as active layer materials in solar cells.To optimize the performance of these active materials,the ratio of chloroform(CF)to chlorobenzene used as solvents to dissolve PCDTBT,and PC_(71)BM is varied,which is shown to affect power conversion efficiency(PCE).The solar cell that shows the best performance with a PCE as high as 6.82%is produced using a volume ratio of CF to chlorobenzene of1:1.     

Alternative Models of Iron and Cobalt Catalysts for Ethylene Oligomerization and Polymerization

1 Results Great progresses have been made in the field of transition metal-based complexes as catalytic precursors for olefin oligomerization and polymerization,in which the core subjects will remain as “know and how“ to develop novel catalysts both in academic and industrial consideration.The key advantage of iron and cobalt catalyst for ethylene polymerization is to produce vinyl-type polyethylenes.Therefore following the pioneering works of bis(imino) pyridyl iron and cobalt catalyst by Brookhart[1] ...     

CHARACTERISTICS OF AKD EMULSION PREPARED BY CATIONIC STARCH WITH WELL-DEFINED STRUCTURES

INTRODUCTIONS:Alkyl Ketene Dimer (AKD) has been used as a sizing agent for more than 50 years in papermaking process. Sauer [1] synthesised the first AKD in 1947 before Downey [2] developed and patented it in 1953. Since then, many modifications have been made to the AKD emulsion with introduction of starches and polymers to optimise the sizing efficiency, stability of the emulsion and also to reduce the AKD hydrolysis rate [3, 4]. Cationic starches were developed in the 1960s to ov…     

Solid State Polymer Electrolytes for Dye-sensitized Solar Cell

1 Introduction Over the past decade,Dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) have been intensively investigated as potential alternatives to conventional inorganic photovoltaic devices due to their low production cost and high energy conversion[1-4]. This type of solar cell has achieved an impressive energy conversion efficiency of over 10%,whose electrolyte is a voltaic organic liquid solvent containing iodide/triiodide as redox couple.However,the use of a liquid electrolyte brings difficulties in the practical application of DSSCs because of leakage and evaporation.It is well-known that ionic liquids having unique properties,such as nonvolatility,chemical and electrochemical stabilities,high ionic conductivity and gel-forming properties with polymer.Therefore,ionic liquids have attracted great attention in DSSCs due to their remarkable properties.The poly(theylene oxide) (PEO) is classical polymer matrix for solid polymer electrolyte.Based on this knowledge,our group introduced PEO-imidazole ionic liquid oligomer to electrolyte in DSSCs[2]. The gel electrolytes are also used to replace the liquid electrolytes.The gel electrolytes made from physically cross-linked gelators are unstable and have trouble in permeating into the pores of TiO2 electrodes.Our group introduced the quaternization reaction of two constituents of latent chemically cross-linked gel electrolyte precursors to overcome the permeating problem[3]. Pyridine group in organic molecules or poly(vinylpyridine) contained in the electrolyte not only can improve the open-circuit photovoltage,but also can be the reaction sites of quaternization reaction.The poly (4-vinylpyridine-co-acrylonitrile) has been synthesized and applied in the chemical gel electrolyte[4]. In this study,the copolymer of 4-vinylpyridine and oligo ethylene glycol methyl ether methacrylate was synthesized and used to form all solid state electrolyte or quasi solid state electrolyte with multifunctional halogen derivatives in DSSCs.     

The Microstructure of Graphite Spherulites in Cast Iron

The microstructure of graphite spherulites (G.S.) in Ce addition ductile cast iron was carried out using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) techniques. The structral characterization of the graphites is as following: there are platelets growing along the periphery as well as fan-like structure formed from platelet aggregates in the diameter section of spherulite, in which most of the platelets are with sizes ranging from several to tens nm in radial; the [001] direction of the platelets would have a tend to parallel to radial of the G. S. and meanwhile, they also a small misorientation deviated from the radial among the platelets each other. It shows that the anisotropy of graphites has been restrained by adding Ce element in cast iron and the structural characterization of the G. S. is consistent with the Double' s model of the conical helixes formed in helical growing and branching.     

Formation of Ferric Porphyrinoids with Unusual Electronic and Magnetic Properties

1 Results Energy levels of the metal 3d orbitals in iron(Ⅲ) porphyrinoids are controlled by various factors such as the nature and number of axial ligands, electronic and steric effects of peripheral substituents, deformation and core modification of porphyrin ring, hydrogen bonding to the axial ligand, etc. By manipulating these factors, we are now able to prepare various iron(Ⅲ) porphyrinoids withunusual electronic and magnetic properties[1]. Here, we report the formation of such complexes as ⅰ) low-s...     

Applications of Transition Metals in Organic Synthesis and Polymerization

1 Results Classic oxidants require rigorous control of the experimental conditions added with the problem of lack of selectivity. Catalysis by transition metals with environmentally safe oxidants provides synthetic routes to minimize pollution by giving environmental benign by-products. Fe (Ⅵ) is a powerful and a selective oxidant with Fe(Ⅲ) as a by-product, while hydrogen peroxide is clean with water as the only by-product. Separation of sodium or potassium ferrates requires tedious processes. Association of a ferric salt with a clay support had been reported previously also[1-2],which prompted us to find out a way in which sodium ferrate could be used in solution itself. Presence of copper nano-particles adsorbed on solid support, accelerate the process. Present study[3] describes the oxidation of organic substrates with in-situ prepared Fe(Ⅵ)in combination of montmorillonite K10 and metallic copper nano-particles without following the tedious and lengthy process of separation of Fe(Ⅵ). Apart from it the catalytic activities of three transition metals palladium(Ⅱ), iridium(Ⅲ) and rhodium(Ⅲ) in solution phase and under solvent less conditions were studied in the oxidation of various organic compounds by hydrogen peroxide[4] and cerium(Ⅳ) sulphate. In the oxidation by hydrogen peroxide (with substrate: catalyst ratio 1∶62 500 to 1∶1 961) palladium(Ⅱ) was found to be the most efficient catalyst, while iridium(Ⅲ) (catalyst: substrate ratio 1∶57 to 151) was so much efficient with cerium(Ⅳ) that it oxidizes even cyclohexane and benzene giving rise to 44% and 51.8% yields of carbonyl compounds.     

An efficient way of finding good indel seeds for local homology search

Designing good or optimal seeds is a key factor for local homology search in bioinformatics. Continuous seeds have existed for nearly 20 years used by BLAST series programs. Recently, spaced seeds, which were introduced by PattenHunter program, were shown to be more sensitive and faster than continuous seeds under the same similarity level. However, there are 2 main disadvantages for space seeds： （i） It assumes that only matches and mismatches occur within seed alignments, but not insertions and deletions （indels）; （ii） calculating optimal spaced seeds is an NP-hard problem. Introduction for indel seeds solved the first problem, but the second is getting much harder because of its higher exponential level. In this paper, we introduce an efficient way of designing good （even optimal） indel seeds under ＂indel overlap complexity＂ model, and it can be calculated in polynomial time. We calculate indel seeds from weight of 11 to 15. The result shows that indel seeds have higher sensitivities than spaced ones and our algorithm finds good indel seeds very quickly.     

Probabilistic transitions for P systems

In this paper we use the abstract syntax and the structural operational semantics of the P systems given in [ 1 ], and add probabilities to the rules and to the communication targets. We take into account the number of possible combinations of rules which can be applied in a computation step, as well as the consumption degree of the current resources.     

Alternative Models of Iron and Cobalt Catalysts for Ethylene Oligomerization and Polymerization

1 Results Great progresses have been made in the field of transition metal-based complexes as catalytic precursors for olefin oligomerization and polymerization,in which the core subjects will remain as "know and how" to develop novel catalysts both in academic and industrial consideration.The key advantage of iron and cobalt catalyst for ethylene polymerization is to produce vinyl-type polyethylenes.Therefore following the pioneering works of bis(imino) pyridyl iron and cobalt catalyst by Brookhart[1] and Gibson[2] in 1998,there have been many contributions toward their derivatives' complexes for the investigation of their catalytic behaviors.However,there are few examples successful good activity catalysts based upon new designed ligands such as monoiminopyridines[3],2-imino-1,10-phenanthrolines[4],2-benzimidazolylpyridines[5],2-quinoxalinyl-6-imino pyridines[6] and bimetallic complex[7].Those catalysts performed good to high catalytic activities towards ethylene oligomerization and polymerization,meanwhile most of them were first contributed with our efforts inspired by bis(imino)pyridyl metal catalyst.Herein we will present our results with designing pathways,and academic and industrial considerations.     

The Effect of Chelating Copolymer Additive on the Yttrium Iron Garnet Nanoparticle Formation

1 Results Yttrium iron garnet (YIG) is a well-known ferromagnetic garnet material and has widely used in electronic devices[1].A new acrylic chelating polymer was developed to act as the additive of the preparation of YIG precursor in our previous study[2].The sintering temperature of YIG nanocrystal obtained by this YIG precursor (ACP) was magnificently descended from 1 000 to 600 ℃.In this study,we were further to study the effect of amount of chelating polymer and the compositions of chelating polyme...     

Molecular mechanisms of serpin deficiencies

The study of serpin deficiency is currently one of the most active areas in basic medical research. Recently, three hypotheses concerning serpin deficiency have been proposed, which are referred to as the conformational disturbance hypothesis (CDH) , loop-sheet polymerisation hypothesis (LSPH) and multiple binding site hypothesis (MB-SH) . CDH was put forward to explicit serpin deficiency due to conformational change of reactive loop of serpins as a result of mutations occurring away from the reactive site residues and LSPH was to explain deficient serpins due to the formation of polymers. MBSH was proposed to explain the mechanism of the formation of stable enzyme-serpin complex via more than one binding site and blockage or mutation in any of the sites resulting in serpin deficiency. A combination of these mechanisms may be critical in understanding the roles of the many documented mutations and autoimmunities which result in qualitative and quantitative serpin deficiency.     

Co-oxidation of arsenic(Ⅲ) and iron(Ⅱ) ions by pressurized oxygen in acidic solutions

The co-oxidation of As(Ⅲ) and Fe(Ⅱ) in acidic solutions by pressured oxygen was studied under an oxygen pressure between 0.5 and2.0 MPa at a temperature of 150℃. It was confirmed that without Fe(Ⅱ) ions, As(Ⅲ) ions in the solutions are virtually non-oxidizable by pressured oxygen even at a temperature as high as 200℃ and an oxygen pressure up to 2.0 MPa. Fe(Ⅱ) ions in the solutions did have a catalysis effect on the oxidation of As(Ⅲ), possibly attributable to the production of such strong oxidants as hydroxyl free radicals(OH·) and Fe(IV) in the oxidation process of Fe(Ⅱ). The effects of such factors as the initial molar ratio of Fe(Ⅱ)/As(Ⅲ), initial pH value of the solution, oxygen pressure, and the addition of radical scavengers on the oxidation efficiencies of As(Ⅲ) and Fe(Ⅱ) were studied. It was found that the oxidation of As(Ⅲ) was limited in the co-oxidation process due to the accumulation of the As(Ⅲ) oxidation product, As(V), in the solutions.