海带、裙带菜和羊栖菜的遗传分析

利用AFLP标记对海带在太平洋西北沿岸的6个主要栽培品系和6个野生地理隔离种群进行遗传多样性和亲缘关系分析。通过10对选择性引物总共检测到547个位点。在品系和种群水平，多态性位点比例（P），基因多样性（H）和香农指数（I）在大连野生种群中最高（P: 59.05%; H: 0.2057; I: 0.3062），而在连江栽培品系中最低（P: 9.87%; H: 0.0331; I: 0.0497）。在物种水平（即对所有品系和种群来说），P, H 和I 的值分别是85.01%，0.1948和0.3096。以个体间的相似系数（Dice）和种群间的遗传距离为基础，用非加权类平均法（UPGMA）分别构建个体和种群间的系统树图。AMOVA分析显示，大部分的遗传变异（60.21%）存在于品系和种群间，少部分（39.79%）存在于品系或种群内。遗传分化系数GST的值是0.6226，与FST的值（0.6021）非常接近，基因流（Nm）的值是0.1515，这三个值表明种群（品系）间存在高度的遗传分化。Mantel检验发现6个野生种群的遗传距离或遗传分化与地理距离呈正相关性（相关系数分别是r=0.8870, P=0.007 和 r=0.7962, P=0.011），符合“距离隔离（isolation by distance, IBD）”模型。总体来说，种群（品系）内的遗传多样性处于低到中等水平（大连种群除外），而它们之间的遗传分化程度非常高。 用AFLP和微卫星标记对裙带菜配子体克隆单一交配组合的孢子体后代的遗传一致性进行分析。在这项研究中，建立了2个配子体克隆单一交配系（M1和M2），2个自交系（S1和S2）并采集1个野生种群（W）。11组AFLP引物总共检测到318个位点。M1, M2, S1, S2 和W的多态性位点比例分别是4.7%，0.3%，17.9%，16.4%和36.5%。M1和M2个体间的遗传相似度（95.6-100%）要高于S1和S2（87.7-98.4%）以及W（81.5-92.1%）。在微卫星分析中，用了6个位点。M1在其中的5个位点基因型一致，而在Up-AC-2B2位点显示出不同的基因型。M2在所有6个微卫星位点的基因型都一致。而S1, S2和W都在2个以上的位点检测到不同的基因型。总之，AFLP与微卫星的分析结果一致，即配子体克隆单一交配组合的孢子体后代呈现高度遗传相似性，但也存在细微的差异。 对中国羊栖菜主产区浙江省洞头县的12个羊栖菜养殖品系的重要形态特征进行了比较研究，并利用AFLP技术对一个典型养殖种群的遗传多样性进行了分析。结果显示，这12个品系在全长、全湿质量、侧枝长、侧枝湿质量、侧枝密度等方面存在显著或极显著差异（P<0.05或P<0.01）。8组AFLP引物在这个典型养殖种群中扩增出198个片段，其中多态性片段为166个，多态性位点比例为83.8%。根据个体间的遗传距离，以UPGMA法构建了个体间的系统树图，27个羊栖菜个体聚为一枝，作为对照的铜藻为另一枝。本研究从形态和DNA分子水平说明了浙江洞头羊栖菜养殖种群具有高度遗传多样性。

海绵钛生产中铜丝除钒废弃物的物质组成研究

矿产资源是不可再生资源,它在社会经济发展中起着重要作用.我国矿产资源利用水平不是很高,提高矿产资源利用率是目前亟待解决的问题,而工业废弃物的资源化是解决问题的重要途径之一.近些年来,不少学者,如查峰等(2007)、金建英(2004)、肖金凯(2001)、孙可伟(2000)都对我国的工业生产产生的废弃物的现状、对策与综合利用技术等从不同角度进行了探讨.本文仅对海绵钛生产中铜丝除钒工艺产生的废弃物进行分析与讨论

云南大红山层状铜矿床成矿流体研究

云南大红山层状铜矿是大红山铁铜矿床的一部分。其成矿主要分为两个阶段：早期火山喷流作用形成了层状铜矿矿胚。而后期热液对原先的矿胚进行了改造和富集。本文选取大红山层状铜矿中石英脉型铜矿石石英样品系统地进行了流体包裹体的研究，主要发现了富液相（L＋V）、舍子晶多相（L＋S±V）和纯CO2三类主要包裹体。显微测温结果表明，其均一温度在103-456℃之间；盐度范围为0．53％～59．76％NaCl equiv．，密度为0．80～1．45g/cm^3；纯CO2包裹体均一温度为-34．3-20．8℃，对应密度为0．77-1．09g／cm^3。稳定同位素测定结果表明，硫化物δ^34S分布范围为-0．6‰～＋10．9‰，表明岩浆硫和海水硫酸盐还原成因硫参与了早期成矿过程。方解石δ^13 CPDB值范围为-5．6‰～-3．1‰，与地幔碳同位素值（-5．0±2‰）完全吻合，暗示了热液中碳质有地幔来源。根据氧同位素方解石-水及石英-水之间的分馏方程，计算得到成矿流体中水的δ^18 OSMOW值在-1．9‰-13．7‰之间，与火成岩δ^18O范围（5‰～15‰）基本一致。根据矿体地质特征、岩相学、流体包裹体以及稳定同位素等方面的综合研究，本文认为在喷流沉积之后的挤压环境下，从地幔分异出来的高温、中-高盐度并富含CO2的流体和海水一起改造了原岩，形成了变质火山-沉积岩，并使原先的铜矿矿胚活化富集.

Vector Associative Maps: Unsupervised Real-time Error-based Learning and Control of Movement Trajectories

This article describes neural network models for adaptive control of arm movement trajectories during visually guided reaching and, more generally, a framework for unsupervised real-time error-based learning. The models clarify how a child, or untrained robot, can learn to reach for objects that it sees. Piaget has provided basic insights with his concept of a circular reaction: As an infant makes internally generated movements of its hand, the eyes automatically follow this motion. A transformation is learned between the visual representation of hand position and the motor representation of hand position. Learning of this transformation eventually enables the child to accurately reach for visually detected targets. Grossberg and Kuperstein have shown how the eye movement system can use visual error signals to correct movement parameters via cerebellar learning. Here it is shown how endogenously generated arm movements lead to adaptive tuning of arm control parameters. These movements also activate the target position representations that are used to learn the visuo-motor transformation that controls visually guided reaching. The AVITE model presented here is an adaptive neural circuit based on the Vector Integration to Endpoint (VITE) model for arm and speech trajectory generation of Bullock and Grossberg. In the VITE model, a Target Position Command (TPC) represents the location of the desired target. The Present Position Command (PPC) encodes the present hand-arm configuration. The Difference Vector (DV) population continuously.computes the difference between the PPC and the TPC. A speed-controlling GO signal multiplies DV output. The PPC integrates the (DV)·(GO) product and generates an outflow command to the arm. Integration at the PPC continues at a rate dependent on GO signal size until the DV reaches zero, at which time the PPC equals the TPC. The AVITE model explains how self-consistent TPC and PPC coordinates are autonomously generated and learned. Learning of AVITE parameters is regulated by activation of a self-regulating Endogenous Random Generator (ERG) of training vectors. Each vector is integrated at the PPC, giving rise to a movement command. The generation of each vector induces a complementary postural phase during which ERG output stops and learning occurs. Then a new vector is generated and the cycle is repeated. This cyclic, biphasic behavior is controlled by a specialized gated dipole circuit. ERG output autonomously stops in such a way that, across trials, a broad sample of workspace target positions is generated. When the ERG shuts off, a modulator gate opens, copying the PPC into the TPC. Learning of a transformation from TPC to PPC occurs using the DV as an error signal that is zeroed due to learning. This learning scheme is called a Vector Associative Map, or VAM. The VAM model is a general-purpose device for autonomous real-time error-based learning and performance of associative maps. The DV stage serves the dual function of reading out new TPCs during performance and reading in new adaptive weights during learning, without a disruption of real-time operation. YAMs thus provide an on-line unsupervised alternative to the off-line properties of supervised error-correction learning algorithms. YAMs and VAM cascades for learning motor-to-motor and spatial-to-motor maps are described. YAM models and Adaptive Resonance Theory (ART) models exhibit complementary matching, learning, and performance properties that together provide a foundation for designing a total sensory-cognitive and cognitive-motor autonomous system.

Highly sensitive surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) detection platforms formed by large area self-assembled Au nanorod arrays

This thesis explores a new method to fabricate SERS detection platforms formed by large area self-assembled Au nanorod arrays. For the fabrication of these new SERS platforms a new droplet deposition method for the self-assembly of Au nanorods was developed. The method, based in the controlled evaporation of organic suspensions of Au nanorods, was used for the fabrication of horizontal and vertical arrays of Au nanorods over large areas (100μm2). The fabricated nanorods arrays showed a high degree of order measured by SEM and optical microscopy over mm2 areas, but unfortunately they detached from the support when immersed in any analyte solutions. In order to improve adhesion of arrays to the support and clean off residual organic matter, we introduced an additional stamping process. The stamping process allows the immobilization of the arrays on different flexible and rigid substrates, whose feasibility as SERS platforms were tested satisfactory with the model molecule 4ABT. Following the feasibility study, the substrates were used for the detection of the food contaminant Crystal Violet and the drug analogue Benzocaine as examples of recognition of health menaces in real field applications.

Inhibition of pulmonary fibrosis in mice by CXCL10 requires glycosaminoglycan binding and syndecan-4.

Pulmonary fibrosis is a progressive, dysregulated response to injury culminating in compromised lung function due to excess extracellular matrix production. The heparan sulfate proteoglycan syndecan-4 is important in mediating fibroblast-matrix interactions, but its role in pulmonary fibrosis has not been explored. To investigate this issue, we used intratracheal instillation of bleomycin as a model of acute lung injury and fibrosis. We found that bleomycin treatment increased syndecan-4 expression. Moreover, we observed a marked decrease in neutrophil recruitment and an increase in both myofibroblast recruitment and interstitial fibrosis in bleomycin-treated syndecan-4-null (Sdc4-/-) mice. Subsequently, we identified a direct interaction between CXCL10, an antifibrotic chemokine, and syndecan-4 that inhibited primary lung fibroblast migration during fibrosis; mutation of the heparin-binding domain, but not the CXCR3 domain, of CXCL10 diminished this effect. Similarly, migration of fibroblasts from patients with pulmonary fibrosis was inhibited in the presence of CXCL10 protein defective in CXCR3 binding. Furthermore, administration of recombinant CXCL10 protein inhibited fibrosis in WT mice, but not in Sdc4-/- mice. Collectively, these data suggest that the direct interaction of syndecan-4 and CXCL10 in the lung interstitial compartment serves to inhibit fibroblast recruitment and subsequent fibrosis. Thus, administration of CXCL10 protein defective in CXCR3 binding may represent a novel therapy for pulmonary fibrosis.

Comparative antioxidant, prooxidant and cytotoxic activity of sigmoidin A and eriodictyol

Sigmoidin A (SGN) is a prenylated flavanone derivative of eriodictyol (ERD) with reported moderate antioxidant, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activity. Since ERD and other structurally similar antioxidant phenolic compounds have been shown to induce prooxidative macromolecular damage and cytotoxicity in cancer cells, the comparative in vitro effects of these structural analogues on cancer cell viability and Cu(II)-dependent DNA damage were studied. In the presence of Cu(II) ions, both SGN and ERD (7.4-236 µM) caused comparable concentration-dependent pBR322 plasmid DNA strand scission. The DNA damage induced by SGN and ERD could be abolished by ROS scavengers, glutathione (GSH) and catalase as well as EDTA and a specific Cu(I) chelator neocuproine. Both ERD and SGN readily reduce Cu(II) to Cu(I) suggesting a prooxidative mechanism of DNA damage. In a cell free system, ERD and SGN did also show comparable radical scavenging activity. SGN was, however, by an order of magnitude more cytotoxic to cancer cells than ERD and this effect was significantly attenuated by GSH suggesting a prooxidative mechanism of cell death. A depletion of intracellular GSH level by SGN in cancer cells is also demonstrated.

Experimental Investigation into the Free-Air Cooling of Air-Cooled Cylinders

This paper describes an experimental investigation into the surface heat transfer coefficient of finned metal cylinders in a free air stream. Eight cast aluminium alloy cylinders were tested with four different fin pitches and five different fin lengths. The cylinders and their fins were designed to be representative of those found on a motorcycle engine. Each electrically heated cylinder was mounted in a wind tunnel and subjected to a range of air speeds between 2 and 20 m/s. The surface heat transfer coefficient, h, was found primarily to be a function of the air speed and the fin separation, with fin length having a lesser effect. The coefficient increases with airspeed and as the fins are separated or shortened. It was also noted that a limiting value of coefficient exists, influenced only by airspeed. Above the limiting value the surface heat transfer could not be increased by further separation of the fins or reduction in their length.

Green synthesis of ZnO nanoparticles in a room-temperature ionic liquid 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide

Nanoparticles of ZnO with the wurtzite structure have been successfully synthesized via a microwave through the decomposition of zinc acetate dihydrate in an ionic liquid, 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide, as a solvent. Fundamental characterizations including X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were conducted for the ZnO nanostructures.

Pattern Switching Compact Patch Antenna for On-body and Off-body Communications at 2.45 GHz

The ability to switch between propagating modes is important for body-centric applications such as medical body area networks where a single node may need to be able to optimise communications for either on-body sensor links or off-body links to the wider network. Therefore, we present a compact 2.45 GHz active mode-switching wearable antenna for both on-body and off-body wireless communications. The single-layer patch antenna was pattern-switched using shorting pins and had an impedance bandwidth of 253 MHz and 217 MHz for the on-body and off-body radiating modes, respectively. An efficiency of 57 % and 56.8 % was obtained for on-body and off-body mode respectively when placed in close proximity to a phantom that represents a muscle issue at 2.45 GHz.

Green synthesis of biodiesel using ionic liquids

This paper is a hybrid starting with an overview and history of biodiesel synthesis and finishing with a description with some of our latest unpublished data. Initially, we examine "green" ways of obtaining biodiesel using ionic liquids, which can have an acidic or basic functionality, and can function both as a solvent and catalyst for the (trans)esterification reaction to obtain biodiesel. Both animal and vegetable resources can be utilized as a resource for (trans)esterification reactions depending on the geographical area. Biodiesel is of great interest because it enables motor vehicle transport using a renewable resource, while reducing the amount of carbon dioxide from fossil fuels being released into the environment.