Cloning of cDNA for the glutamate-binding subunit of an NMDA receptor complex.

The amino acids L-glutamic and L-aspartic acids form the most widespread excitatory transmitter network in mammalian brain. The excitation produced by L-glutamic acid is important in the early development of the nervous system, synaptic plasticity and memory formation, seizures and neuronal degeneration. The receptors activated by L-glutamic acid are a target for therapeutic intervention in neurodegenerative diseases, brain ischaemia and epilepsy. There are two types of receptors for the excitatory amino acids, those that lead to the opening of cation-selective channels and those that activate phospholipase C (ref. 11). The receptors activating ion channels are NMDA (N-methyl-D-aspartate) and kainate/AMPA (alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazole propionate)-sensitive receptors. The complementary DNAs for the kainate/AMPA receptor and for the metabotropic receptor have been cloned. We report here on the isolation and characterization of a protein complex of four major proteins that represents an intact complex of the NMDA receptor ion channel and on the cloning of the cDNA for one of the subunits of this receptor complex, the glutamate-binding protein.     

Evidence of widespread selection on standing variation in Europe at height-associated SNPs

Strong signatures of positive selection at newly arising genetic variants are well documented in humans, but this form of selection may not be widespread in recent human evolution. Because many human traits are highly polygenic and partly determined by common, ancient genetic variation, an alternative model for rapid genetic adaptation has been proposed: weak selection acting on many pre-existing (standing) genetic variants, or polygenic adaptation. By studying height, a classic polygenic trait, we demonstrate the first human signature of widespread selection on standing variation. We show that frequencies of alleles associated with increased height, both at known loci and genome wide, are systematically elevated in Northern Europeans compared with Southern Europeans (P < 4.3 × 10(-4)). This pattern mirrors intra-European height differences and is not confounded by ancestry or other ascertainment biases. The systematic frequency differences are consistent with the presence of widespread weak selection (selection coefficients ～10(-3)-10(-5) per allele) rather than genetic drift alone (P < 10(-15)).     

Effects of polysorbates and Cremophor EL on vascular responses in rat aorta

The effects of Tween 20, Tween 80, and Cremophor EL, surface active agents which are used for dispersion of water-insoluble substances, on vascular responsiveness were investigated using rat aortic rings. In high concentrations all these agents produced persistent contractions in aortic rings independent of the presence of endothelium. These contractions were not influenced by inhibitors of known endogenous contractile mediators. Incubation with these agents caused a concentration-dependent inhibition of the endothelium-dependent relaxant responses to acetylcholine in intact precontracted aortic rings. Endothelium-independent relaxations produced by sodium nitroprusside were not inhibited, but rather potentiated in the presence of Tween 80 (10^–1 ml/l). On the other hand, Tween 80 inhibited the contractile effects of 5-hydroxytryptamine, phenylephrine, and bradykinin significantly. The data suggests that these substances affect both endothelial cells and vascular smooth muscle.     

火灾报警系统的研究

介绍了火灾报警系统的硬件设置与软件设计原理，讨论了该系统安装调试过程中的有关技术问题，阐述了对该系统进行的模拟联动试验，证明该系统的技术是先进的，工作是可靠的，每个工作环节都准确无误。     

图书馆的人力资源建设

分析了人才资源与图书馆生存和发展的关系，指出：应从发现人才、重用人才和培养人才3个方面建立人才培养机制；同时强调只有加强领导班子建设才能充分发挥人才的作用。     

河扫公路2#隧道出口段破碎带支护方案

基于引黄连接段河口至扫石公路的控制性工程——2#隧道破碎段的工程概况与工程地质条件，着重介绍了其支护方案的比选。     

浅析城市水资源管理及利用

针对城市水环境污染严重、城市水利设施不完善、水资源管理缺乏经济学观念的状况，提出一系列强化城市水资源管理及利用的措施。     

PAX6 haploinsufficiency causes cerebral malformation and olfactory dysfunction in humans.

PAX6 is widely expressed in the central nervous system. Heterozygous PAX6 mutations in human aniridia cause defects that would seem to be confined to the eye. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and smell testing reveal the absence or hypoplasia of the anterior commissure and reduced olfaction in a large proportion of aniridia cases, which shows that PAX6 haploinsuffiency causes more widespread human neuro developmental anomalies.     

春天湖船闸输水系统的设计

介绍了春天湖船闸的概况，阐述了船闸输水系统的布置及特点，指出了船闸的水力特性与停泊条件，对今后船闸输水系统的设计具有借鉴意义。