NLRX1 is a regulator of mitochondrial antiviral immunity

The RIG-like helicase (RLH) family of intracellular receptors detect viral nucleic acid and signal through the mitochondrial antiviral signalling adaptor MAVS (also known as Cardif, VISA and IPS-1) during a viral infection. MAVS activation leads to the rapid production of antiviral cytokines, including type 1 interferons. Although MAVS is vital to antiviral immunity, its regulation from within the mitochondria remains unknown. Here we describe human NLRX1, a highly conserved nucleotide-binding domain (NBD)- and leucine-rich-repeat (LRR)-containing family member (known as NLR) that localizes to the mitochondrial outer membrane and interacts with MAVS. Expression of NLRX1 results in the potent inhibition of RLH- and MAVS-mediated interferon-beta promoter activity and in the disruption of virus-induced RLH-MAVS interactions. Depletion of NLRX1 with small interference RNA promotes virus-induced type I interferon production and decreases viral replication. This work identifies NLRX1 as a check against mitochondrial antiviral responses and represents an intersection of three ancient cellular processes: NLR signalling, intracellular virus detection and the use of mitochondria as a platform for anti-pathogen signalling. This represents a conceptual advance, in that NLRX1 is a modulator of pathogen-associated molecular pattern receptors rather than a receptor, and identifies a key therapeutic target for enhancing antiviral responses.     

Determinants of establishment success in introduced birds.

A major component of human-induced global change is the deliberate or accidental translocation of species from their native ranges to alien environments, where they may cause substantial environmental and economic damage. Thus we need to understand why some introductions succeed while others fail. Successful introductions tend to be concentrated in certain regions, especially islands and the temperate zone, suggesting that species-rich mainland and tropical locations are harder to invade because of greater biotic resistance. However, this pattern could also reflect variation in the suitability of the abiotic environment at introduction locations for the species introduced, coupled with known confounding effects of nonrandom selection of species and locations for introduction. Here, we test these alternative hypotheses using a global data set of historical bird introductions, employing a statistical framework that accounts for differences among species and regions in terms of introduction success. By removing these confounding effects, we show that the pattern of avian introduction success is not consistent with the biotic resistance hypothesis. Instead, success depends on the suitability of the abiotic environment for the exotic species at the introduction site.     

多梯度复杂图像的分割

图像分割是一种重要的图像分析技术,它不仅得到人们广泛的重视和研究,也在实际中得到大量的应用。本文针对一些经典分割算法对多梯度复杂图像分割边缘定位不准确,易受噪声干扰的特点,提出了一种利用图像边缘区域对多梯度复杂图像进行自适应阈值分割的算法。通过对各种算法的比较,本算法抗干扰能力较强,稳定性好,而且完全自动,不需预先设定任何参数。对多种图像的实验表明本文方法十分有效。     

以专业实验室评估为契机积极推进学生素质教育

教育的目的就是为了全面提高人的素质，为适应素质教育的需要，积极推进专业实验室评估势在必行。本文就我院当前形势，结合专业实验室评估的实际工作，对以专业实验室评估为契机积极推进学生素质教育进行了深入的剖析。     

Localization of the binding site for the human high-affinity Fc receptor on IgG

A major pathway in the clearance of pathogens involves the coating of the pathogen with specific antibodies, and the binding of the antibody Fc region to cell receptors. This can trigger engulfment of the pathogen by phagocytes or lysis by killer cells. By oligonucleotide site-directed mutagenesis we have engineered a single amino acid change in a mouse IgG2b antibody (Glu 235----Leu) which now enables the antibody to bind to the FcRI (high affinity) receptor on human monocytes with a 100-fold improvement in affinity. This indicates that Leu 235 is a major determinant in the binding of antibody to FcRI and that the receptor may interact directly with the region linking the CH2 domain to the hinge. Tailoring the affinity of antibodies for cell receptors could help dissect their role in clearing pathogen.     

Dantrolene and the effect of temperature on the spontaneous release of transmitter at the frog neuromuscular junction

The characteristic effect of temperature on m.e.p.p. frequency at the amphibian neuromuscular junction is unaltered by the presence of Dantrolene (an agent that is believed to reduce the efflux of Ca2+ from intracellular stores) or by changes in [Ca2+)o. It is concluded that temperature affects the release system directly, with a transition temperature at about 16 degrees C.