Search

• KAR 1 improved the production of Ca2+–CaM, BL, JA and SAB in S. miltiorrhiza hairy roots. • Ca2+ and BL seem to have a parallel relationship and acts as upstream signaling molecule to medicate the production of JA. • Ca2+–CaM, BL mediated the KAR 1 -induced increase of SAB dependent on the generation of JA in S. miltiorrhiza hairy roots. The effects of smoke-derived karrikins (KAR 1) on the contents of endogenous signal molecules including (Ca2+)–calmodulin (CaM), brassinolide (BL) and Jasmonic acid (JA) and secondary metabolite Salvianolic acid B (SAB) in Salvia miltiorrhiza hairy roots have been investigated. The results showed that the burst of Ca2+–CaM, BL and JA were early responses of S. miltiorrhiza responding to KAR 1. Treatments with exogenous CaCl 2 and BL dramatically improved the level of JA, while JA inhibitor salicylhydroxamic acid/n-propylgallate (SHAM/PrGall) did not influence levels of Ca2+ and BL in S. miltiorrhiza hairy roots. Furthermore, pretreatments with the Ca2+ channel blockers LaCl 3 (La3+) and Verapamil (VERA), and CaM antagonists [N-(6-amin-ohexyl)-5-chloro-1-naphthalene sulfonamide hydrochloride] (W 7) and trifluoperazine (TFP) substantially reduced KAR 1 -induced BL accumulation, while the Ca2+ production induced by KAR 1 was reduced by BL inhibitor Brassinazole (BRz). It suggested that Ca2+ and BL seem to have a parallel relationship and act as upstream signaling molecules to medicate the production of JA. The inhibitory effects of VERA, W 7 , BRz and SHAM toward SAB production induced by the KAR 1 could be reversed by exogenous jasmonate methyl (JAMe), while the exogenous CaCl 2 and BL had no similar effects. It proved that Ca2+–CaM, BL mediated the KAR 1 -induced increase of SAB dependent on the generation of JA in S. miltiorrhiza hairy roots. This study help us understand the regulatory mechanism of Ca2+–CaM, BL, JA on KAR 1 -induced accumulation of SAB in S. miltiorrhiza hairy roots. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The dwarf musk deer, or Chinese forest musk deer (Moschus berezovskii) is an endangered artiodactyl species native to a narrow region in southern and central China as well as northernmost Vietnam. This species is well known for the habit of male musk deer to secrete musk from the musk gland. Unmated male forest musk deer secrete a greater amount of musk than mated males, which probably allows them to attract a greater number of females. However, transcriptome data for this species are deficient, and the potential transcriptional pathways of musk production remain unknown. In this study, we used RNA-sequencing (RNA-Seq) to perform an in-depth survey of transcriptome data from musk gland and to compare the transcriptome differences between mated- and unmated sexually mature Chinese forest musk deer. There were 13,009 and 12,995 genes were expressed in unmated and mated musk glands tissue. In addition to analyzing these genes, we analyzed the differentially expressed genes in musk gland tissue between mated and unmated Chinese forest musk deer males. One hundred and thirty seven genes were found differentially expressed. We found that some genes in "PPAR signaling pathway", "PI3K-Akt signaling pathway" and "Thyroid hormone synthesis" pathways may be associated with musk production and the secretion of the musk deer. The annotated genes and differentially expressed genes in this study can be applied in conservation or utilization study of musk deer in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present a systematic configuration-interaction shell-model calculation on the structure of light tin isotopes with a global optimized effective interaction. The starting point of the calculation is the realistic CD-Bonn nucleon-nucleon potential. The unknown single-particle energies of the 1d3/2, 2s1/2, and Oh 11/2 orbitals and the T = 1 monopole interactions are determined by fitting to the binding energies of 157 low-lying yrast states in 102-132gn apply the Hamiltonian to analyze the origin of the spin inversion between 101 Sn and 103Sn that was observed recently and to explore the possible contribution from interaction terms beyond the normal pairing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Immunoassay, based on a selective affinity of the biological antibody for its antigen, is one of the most usual analytical methods in food safety and environmental chemistry. However, it presents several drawbacks because of the nature of the antibody. Molecular imprinting technique, due to its high selectivity and stability, ease of preparation and low cost, has shown great potential in producing artificial antibodies in biomimetic immunoassays. This article focuses on the recent states, advantages, current problems and outlooks of molecularly imprinted radio, fluoro, enzyme-linked and chemiluminescent immunoassays, and biomimetic immunosensor, with special emphasis on the challenges in developing biomimetic enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (BELISAs). The biomimetic immunoassay method will provide an important new analysis platform in food safety, although the sensitivity and specificity is relatively low. As a new simple analysis method, the biomimetic immunoassay has attractive prospect, although some limitations were existed in real-sample assay. In this critical review, some promising solutions for overcoming its drawbacks were put forward, which may promote the more quick development and extensive application of this method in food safety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on a study conducted on the rearing of Nile tilapia fishes in saline water at the East China Normal University, Shanghai, China. It mentions that study showed higher weight of controlled fishes in saline water, antioxidant enzymes indicate physiological disorders in fishes, Nile tilapia has a potential to tolerate salinity, and by increasing salinity whole body lipid decreases in tilapa and focus on the strain of tilapia.

We investigated rice husk as the sole carbon source as well as biofilm carrier in the biological denitrification of wastewater in up-flow laboratory reactors. Fast startup of the reactor and high nitrate removal efficiency was observed. The highest denitrification rate (about 0.096kg/m3·d) was achieved when flow rate and nitrate concentration were 41.4L/d and 25.0mg/L, respectively. Flow rate and nitrate concentration of the influent were observed to have a significant effect on nitrate removal efficiency. The reactor had the ability to accommodate a wide range of pH (6.5-8.5) and DO (1.5-4mg/L). A time-dependent decrease in nitrate removal efficiency was observed after 72 days of operation. And the addition of new rice husk brought about a rapid increase of nitrate removal efficiency. Results showed that rice husks can be an economical and effective carbon source for the nitrate removal process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Avicins, a family of plant triterpene electrophiles, can trigger apoptosis-associated tumor cell death, and suppress chemical-induced carcinogenesis by its anti-inflammatory, anti-mutagenic, and antioxidant properties. Here, we show that tumor cells treated with benzyloxycarbonylvalyl-alanyl–aspartic acid (O-methyl)–fluoro-methylketone, an apoptosis inhibitor, and Bax−/−Bak−/− apoptosis-resistant cells can still undergo cell death in response to avicin D treatment. We demonstrate that this non-apoptotic cell death is mediated by autophagy, which can be suppressed by chloroquine, an autophagy inhibitor, and by specific knockdown of autophagy-related gene-5 (Atg5) and Atg7. Avicin D decreases cellular ATP levels, stimulates the activation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), and inhibits mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) and S6 kinase activity. Suppression of AMPK by compound C and dominant-negative AMPK decreases avicin D-induced autophagic cell death. Furthermore, avicin D-induced autophagic cell death can be abrogated by knockdown of tuberous sclerosis complex 2 (TSC2), a key mediator linking AMPK to mTOR inhibition, suggesting that AMPK activation is a crucial event targeted by avicin D. These findings indicate the therapeutic potential of avicins by triggering autophagic cell death.Cell Death and Differentiation (2007) 14, 1948–1957; doi:10.1038/sj.cdd.4402207; published online 10 August 2007 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents information on a study which examined the composition and magnetic properties of amorphous nanocrystalline alloy based on iron compounds. Background of the study; Methodology of the study; Results and discussion.

Presents a study which examined by the positron annihilation technique the nanocrystalline iron[sub73.5]copper[sub1]niobium[sub3]silicon[sub13.5]boron[sub9] alloy prepared by the crystallization of amorphous alloy. Experimental details; Results and discussion; Conclusion.

We present a basis selection method for truncated shell-model calculations. In this method, the correlated basis is constructed with the eigenvectors of the Hamiltonian that is diagonalized in each partition of the shell model. A truncation scheme is established by naturally taking the low-lying correlated-basis vectors in different partitions, which is equivalent to the j j -coupling scheme of the shell model when all the correlated-basis vectors are considered. The results are compared with standard shell-model calculations. The convergence properties of the correlated-basis method are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The author discusses a basis selection method for the truncated shell-model calculations. Topics discussed include construction of correlated basis with eigenvectors of the Hamiltonian, establishment of truncation scheme by taking the low-lying correlated-basis vectors, and analysis of the convergence of wave functions. It adds that the correlated-basis scheme is equivalent to J J-coupling scheme.

The article discusses a study to determine a basis selection method for truncated nuclear shell-model calculations which is constructed using the eigenvectors of the Hamiltonian system. Topics discussed include application of interacting shell model in other quantum many-body systems such as quantum chemistry and atomic and molecular physics, calculation of wave function amplitudes, and determination of excitation energies for the study.

The article offers information on a study related to the use of correlated-basis selection method (CBSM) for calculation of truncated shell-model. Topics discussed include diagonal matrix elements of Hamiltonian matrix, convergence properties of CBSM and challenges of developing practical computational approaches. The study highlights the role of SBSM approach for description of other quantum body systems including quantum chemistry and molecular physics.

The article discusses the Correlated method for shell-model calculations. Topics discussed include constructing the wave function as a linear superposition of all possible antisymmetric Slater determinants , presenting a basis selection method for the nuclear shell model, and diagonalizing the Hamiltonian in each partition.

The article presents brief information on correlated-basis method for shell-model calculations. It discussed that the correlated basis is constructed with the eigenvectors of the Hamiltonian that is diagonalized in each part of the nuclear shell model. Information on amplitude distributions of the ground-state wave function of Silicon isotopes is also offered.

The interaction between the supersonic molecular beam (SMB) and electron beam is a key issue in the design of electron ionization mass spectrometry with SMB (EI-MS with SMB). In this paper, one EI ion source prototype was designed based on an electron gun, whose filament was far away from the interaction range and the influence of the filament field could be neglected. The interaction was studied by one high-speed camera and one Faraday cup. The ion flux as well as the variation with stagnation pressure and axial distance was studied. The experimental results were consistent with the simple simulated results about the ionization and photon emission process in the interaction. It was found that higher stagnation pressure was necessary for higher electron energy to acquire the maximum ion flux. The optimized parameters for the EI ion source including the axial position, stagnation pressure, and electron energy were reported. These results were meaningful for the design and optimization of the ion source. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although smoke-water (SW) and butenolide (KAR 1) isolated from smoke show stimulating effects on the production of secondary metabolites in medicinal plants, the underlying mechanisms are not well understood. This study was initiated to investigate the signal molecule in the KAR 1 -induced tanshinones biosynthesis in Salvia miltiorrhiza hairy root. KAR 1 treatment resulted in substantial improvement in the accumulation of jasmonic acid (JA), followed by an increase in lipophilic tanshinones production in S. miltiorrhiza hairy root. Treatment of external JA stimulated the biosynthesis of tanshinones without KAR 1 treatment. KAR 1 -stimulated tanshinones biosynthesis was inhibited with the treatment of SHAM and PrGall, which are JA synthesis inhibitors. This study indicated that JA serves as a role in the signal transduction involved in KAR 1 -stimulated tanshinones biosynthesis in the S. miltiorrhiza. • JA serves as a role in the signal transduction involved in KAR 1 -stimulated tanshinones biosynthesis in the S. miltiorrhiza. • KAR 1 could induce the germination of JA and accumulation of tanshinones in S. miltiorrhiza. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Liver kinase B1 (LKB1, also known as serine/threonine kinase 11, STK11) is a tumor suppressor mutated in Peutz-Jeghers syndrome and in a variety of sporadic cancers. Herein, we demonstrate that LKB1 controls the levels of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and protects the genome from oxidative damage. Cells lacking LKB1 exhibit markedly increased intracellular ROS levels, excessive oxidation of DNA, increased mutation rates and accumulation of DNA damage, which are effectively prevented by ectopic expression of LKB1 and by incubation with antioxidant N-acetylcysteine. The role of LKB1 in suppressing ROS is independent of AMP-activated protein kinase, a canonical substrate of LKB1. Instead, under the elevated ROS, LKB1 binds to and maintains the activity of the cdc42-PAK1 (p21-activated kinase 1) complex, which triggers the activation of p38 and its downstream signaling targets, such as ATF-2, thereby enhancing the activity of superoxide dismutase-2 and catalase, two antioxidant enzymes that protect the cells from ROS accumulation, DNA damage and loss of viability. Our results provide a new paradigm for a non-canonical tumor suppressor function of LKB1 and highlight the importance of targeting ROS signaling as a potential therapeutic strategy for cancer cells lacking LKB1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article the authors assess the potential impacts of projected climate change on water, livelihoods and food security in the Basin Focal Projet basins. The authors consider expected change within the context of recently observed climate variability in the basins to better understand the potential impact of expected change and the options available for adaptation. They use multi-global circulation model climate projections for the AR4 SRES A2a scenario, downscaled and extracted for each basin. They find significant differences in the impacts (both positive and negative impacts) of climate change, between and within basins, but also find large-scale uncertainty between climate models in the impact that is projected. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bi3.15Nd0.85Ti3O12 (BNdT) thin films were deposited on Pt/Ti/SiO2/Si substrates using a sol-gel process. The film annealed at 750°C is composed of grains of 50–100 nm in diameter. The fine grains show nearly random orientations. “Micropores” were frequently observed at the junctions of the grains and they are mostly amorphous, while sometimes containing very fine crystalline particles with sizes of only a few nanometers. The BNdT film capacitors with a Pt top electrode showed excellent ferroelectric properties. The remanent polarization and the coercive field were in the range of 41–43 μC/cm2 and 70–84 kV/cm, respectively. The BNdT capacitors did not show any significant fatigue up to 5×109 switching cycles at a frequency of 1 MHz. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

HLA-B*35:226 differs from HLA-B*35:28, and HLAB*40:233 differs from HLA-B*40:01:01, both by a nonsynonymous mutation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]