The end of the beginning for pluripotent stem cells.

Pluripotent stem cells can be expanded seemingly indefinitely in culture, maintain a normal karyotype and have the potential to generate any cell type in the body. As such they represent an incredible resource for the repair of diseased or damaged tissues in our bodies. These cells also promise to open a new window into the embryonic development of our species.     

The C. elegans genome sequencing project: a beginning.

The long-term goal of this project is the elucidation of the complete sequence of the Caenorhabditis elegans genome. During the first year methods have been developed and a strategy implemented that is amenable to large-scale sequencing. The three cosmids sequenced in this initial phase are surprisingly rich in genes, many of which have mammalian homologues.     

Human genome analysis system

An automated DNA sequencing system, the collaborative effort of Japanese scientists and engineers, which has a potential output of up to 108,000 bases per day is described.     

Human CtIP promotes DNA end resection

In the S and G2 phases of the cell cycle, DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) are processed into single-stranded DNA, triggering ATR-dependent checkpoint signalling and DSB repair by homologous recombination. Previous work has implicated the MRE11 complex in such DSB-processing events. Here, we show that the human CtIP (RBBP8) protein confers resistance to DSB-inducing agents and is recruited to DSBs exclusively in the S and G2 cell-cycle phases. Moreover, we reveal that CtIP is required for DSB resection, and thereby for recruitment of replication protein A (RPA) and the protein kinase ATR to DSBs, and for the ensuing ATR activation. Furthermore, we establish that CtIP physically and functionally interacts with the MRE11 complex, and that both CtIP and MRE11 are required for efficient homologous recombination. Finally, we reveal that CtIP has sequence homology with Sae2, which is involved in MRE11-dependent DSB processing in yeast. These findings establish evolutionarily conserved roles for CtIP-like proteins in controlling DSB resection, checkpoint signalling and homologous recombination.     

Prospects for the Chinese Human Genome Project (HGP)at the beginning of next century

Chinese Human Genome Project (CHGP) as part of the international human genome research has achieved significant progress and created a solid foundation for further development. While participating in the human genome sequencing and gene discovery, the emphasis of CHGP in the next century will be laid on functional genomics. The strategy, resources and some policy issues will be addressed.     

晚唐前、后期艳情诗艺术表现差异探析——以李商隐、韩偓为中心

晚唐诗坛上艳情诗创作颇为兴盛,不仅诗人众多,而且诗作繁富。不过,晚唐前、后不同时期的艳情诗,内容虽大同小异,而艺术表现却颇有不同。这一点在前期代表诗人李商隐和后期代表诗人韩偓诗中体现得尤为突出,其主要表现在：诗歌意旨的表达上,前期具有朦胧性,后期具有显明性;表现手法的运用上,前期多为象征性,后期多为直陈性;艺术效果的显现上,前期具有感染性,后期具有感官性。因此,只有辨其差异,明其特征,方能更客观、全面、准确地把握晚唐诗坛的艳情诗人及其艳情诗篇。     

十九世纪末二十世纪初越南北部三角洲村社组织管理中的乡约

越南北部三角洲的乡约来源于乡民俗例。越南的乡约理论在结合儒家理论的基础上,由越南村社的儒教队伍创造出来。乡约被看为儒教教化的管理工具,但不完全是行政组织和法制工具,而偏重于道德、人文教育意义。乡约规定各个行政社会组织的全面活动,包括设置行政机构及基层社会组织、征收税课、兵额、杂役、均分公土、使用寺庙田土、保持村社安宁秩序、安排亭中的位次、村社乡饮和犒望、施行乡约的赏罚等。其目的在于使村社里的每个组织成员劝善惩恶,维护共同利益,保持村社在社会变动之前仍然保持安宁。