Comparative effects of posterior eye cup tissues from Myopic and Hyperopic chick eyes on cultured scleral fibroblasts

The role of individual ocular tissues in mediating changes to the sclera during myopia development is unclear. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of retina, RPE and choroidal tissues from myopic and hyperopic chick eyes on the DNA and glycosaminoglycan (GAG) content in cultures of chick scleral fibroblasts. Primary cultures of fibroblastic cells expressing vimentin and -smooth muscle actin were established in serum-supplemented growth medium from 8-day-old normal chick sclera. The fibroblasts were subsequently co-cultured with posterior eye cup tissue (full thickness containing retina, RPE and choroid) obtained from untreated eyes and eyes wearing translucent diffusers (form-deprivation myopia, FDM) or -15D lenses (lens-induced myopia, LIM) for 3 days (post hatch day 5 to 8) (n=6 per treatment group). The effect of tissues (full thickness and individual retina, RPE, and choroid layers) from -15D (LIM) versus +15D (lens-induced hyperopia, LIH) treated eyes was also determined. Refraction changes in the direction predicted by the visual treatments were confirmed by retinoscopy prior to tissue collection. Glycosaminoglycan (GAG) and DNA content of the scleral fibroblast cultures were measured using GAG and PicoGreen assays. There was no significant difference in the effect of full thickness tissue from either FDM or LIM treated eyes on DNA and GAG content of scleral fibroblasts (DNA 8.9±2.6 µg and 8.4±1.1 µg, p=0.12; GAG 11.2±0.6 µg and 10.1±1.0 µg, p=0.34). Retina from LIM eyes did not alter fibroblast DNA or GAG content compared to retina from LIH eyes (DNA 27.2±1.7 µg versus 23.2±1.5 µg, p=0.21; GAG 28.1±1.7 µg versus. 28.7±1.2 µg, p=0.46). Similarly, the choroid from LIH and LIM eyes did not produce a differential effect on DNA content (DNA, LIM 46.9±6.4 versus LIH 51.5±4.7 µg, p=0.31), whereas GAG content was higher for cells in co-culture with choroid from LIH eyes (GAG 32.5±0.7 µg versus 18.9±1.2 µg, F1,6=9.210, p=0.0002). In contrast, fibroblast DNA was greater in co-culture with RPE from LIM eyes than the empty basket and DNA content less for co-culture with RPE from LIH eyes (LIM: 72.4±6.3 µg versus Empty basket: 46.03±1.0 µg; F1,6=69.99, p=0.0005 and LIH: 27.9±2.3 µg versus empty basket: 46.03±1.0 µg; p=0.0004). GAG content was higher with RPE from LIH eyes (LIH: 33.7±1.9 µg versus empty basket: 29.5±0.8 µg, F1,6=13.99, p=0.010) and lower with RPE from LIM eyes (LIM: 27.7±0.9 µg versus empty basket: 29.5±0.8 µg, p=0.021). GAG content of cells in co-culture with choroid from LIH eyes was higher compared to co-culture with choroid from LIM eyes (32.5±0.7 µg versus 18.9±1.2 µg respectively, F1,6=9.210, p=0.0002). In conclusion, these experiments provide evidence for a directional growth signal that is present (and remains) in the ex-vivo RPE, but that does not remain in the ex-vivo retina. The identity of this factor(s) that can modify scleral cell DNA and GAG content requires further research.

Peptide mimics for structural features in proteins. Crystal structures of three heptapeptide helices with a C-terminal 6-->1 hydrogen bond.

The crystal structure determination of three heptapeptides containing alpha-aminoisobutyryl (Aib) residues as a means of helix stabilization provides a high-resolution characterization of 6-->1 hydrogen-bonded conformations, reminiscent of helix-terminating structural features in proteins. The crystal parameters for the three peptides, Boc-Val-Aib-X-Aib-Ala-Aib-Y-OMe, where X and Y are Phe, Leu (I), Leu, Phe (II) and Leu, Leu (III) are: (I) space group P1, Z = 1, a = 9.903 A, b = 10.709 A, c = 11.969 A, alpha = 102.94 degrees, beta = 103.41 degrees, gamma = 92.72 degrees, R = 4.55%; (II) space group P21, Z = 2, a = 10.052 A, b = 17.653 A, c = 13.510 A, beta = 108.45 degrees, R = 4.49%; (III) space group P1, Z = 2 (two independent molecules IIIa and IIIb in the asymmetric unit), a = 10.833 A, b = 13.850 A, c = 16.928 A, alpha = 99.77 degrees, beta = 105.90 degrees, gamma = 90.64 degrees, R = 8.54%. In all cases the helices form 3(10)/alpha-helical (or 3(10)helical) structures, with helical columns formed by head-to-tail hydrogen bonding. The helices assemble in an all-parallel motif in crystals I and III and in an antiparallel motif in II. In the four crystallographically characterized molecules, I, II, IIIa and IIIb, Aib(6) adopts a left-handed helical (hL) conformation with positive phi, psi values, resulting in 6-->1 hydrogen-bond formation between Aib(2) CO and Leu(7)/Phe(7) NH groups. In addition a 4-->1 hydrogen bond is seen between Aib(3) CO and Aib(6) NH groups. This pattern of hydrogen bonding is often observed at the C-terminus of helices proteins, with the terminal pi-type turn being formed by four residues adopting the hRhRhRhL conformation.

Characterization and immune response of a protein produced by a cDNA clone of foot and mouth disease virus, type Asia 1 63/72

A 0.9 kb double stranded cDNA of foot and mouth disease virus (FMDV) Type Asia 1, 63/72 was cloned in an expression vector, pUR222. A protein of 38 kd was produced by the clone which reacted with the antibodies raised against the virus. A 20 kd protein which may be derived from the 38 kd protein contained the antigenic epitopes of the protein VP1 of the virus. Injection of 10-20 micrograms of the partially purified 38 and 20 kd proteins or a lysate of cells containing 240 micrograms of the proteins elicited high titers of FMDV specific antibodies in guinea pigs and cattle respectively. Also, at these concentrations, the proteins protected 5 of 8 guinea pigs and 3 of 8 cattle when challenged with a virulent virus.

The fatigue crack growth rate in L-72 Al-alloy plate specimens with cold worked holes

A fatigue crack growth rate study has been carried out on L-72 aluminium alloy plate specimens with and without cold worked holes. The cold worked specimens showed significantly increased fatigue life compared to unworked specimens. Computer software is developed to evaluate the stress intensity factor for non-uniform stress distributions using Green's function approach. The exponents for the Paris equation in the stable crack growth region for cold worked and unworked specimens are 1.26 and 3.15 respectively. The reduction in exponent value indicates the retardation in crack growth rate. An SEM study indicates more plastic deformation at the edge of the hole for unworked samples as compared to the worked samples during the crack initiation period.

[n]peristylanes and [n]oxa[n]peristylanes (n = 3-6): A theoretical study

Theoretical studies at the HF and Becke3LYP levels using 6-31G* basis sets were carried out on a series of [n]peristylanes and [n]oxa[n]peristylanes (n = 3-6) to understand their structure and energetics. The structures of the [3]- and [4]peristylanes (1, 2) and their era-derivatives (5, 6) were calculated to have the anticipated high symmetry, C-nv. In contrast, a C-s structure (9) at HF/6-31G* and another (25) at the Becke3LYP/6-31G* level were calculated for the [5]oxa[5]peristylane. The energy difference between them is extremely small even though there are major differences in the structures indicating every soft potential energy surface: On the other hand, the potential energy surface of [6]oxa[6]peristylane is not as soft. Similar structures were also calculated for the top rings. Calculations on the seco-compounds 11-14 and 15-19 (Table 4) indicate that there is no unusual strain involved in the formation of 27 from 19. The Li+ interaction energies of the [n]oxa[n]peristylanes are 61.7 (n = 3), 72.8 (n = 4), 84.2 (n = 5) and 91.7 (n = 6) kcal mol(-1) at the Becke3LYP/6-3IG* level. Dramatic differences between the C-C bond lengths obtained from the solid state X-ray diffraction studies and those from the calculations for the [n]oxa[n]peristylanes were also observed.

Tidal oscillations at the head of Monterey Submarine Canyon and their relation to oceanographic sampling and the circulation of water in Monterey Bay. Annual report, Part 6, September 1972

During a 25-hour hydrographic times series at two stations near the head of Monterey Submarine Canyon, an internal tide was observed with an amplitude of 80 to 115 m in water depths of 120 and 220 m respectively. These large oscillations produced daily variations in hydrographic and chemical parameters that were of the same magnitude as seasonal variations in Monterey Bay. Computed velocities associated with the internal tide were on the order of 10 em/sec, and this tidally induced circulation may have a significant role in the exchange of deep water between Monterey Submarine Canyon and the open ocean. (PDF contains 49 pages)

Nineteenth-century Ship-based Catches of Gray Whales, Eschrichtius robustus, in the Eastern North Pacific

The 19th century commercial ship-based fishery for gray whales, Eschrichtius robustus, in the eastern North Pacific began in 1846 and continued until the mid 1870’s in southern areas and the 1880’s in the north. Henderson identified three periods in the southern part of the fishery: Initial, 1846–1854; Bonanza, 1855–1865; and Declining, 1866–1874. The largest catches were made by “lagoon whaling” in or immediately outside the whale population’s main wintering areas in Mexico—Magdalena Bay, Scammon’s Lagoon, and San Ignacio Lagoon. Large catches were also made by “coastal” or “alongshore” whaling where the whalers attacked animals as they migrated along the coast. Gray whales were also hunted to a limited extent on their feeding grounds in the Bering and Chukchi Seas in summer. Using all available sources, we identified 657 visits by whaling vessels to the Mexican whaling grounds during the gray whale breeding and calving seasons between 1846 and 1874. We then estimated the total number of such visits in which the whalers engaged in gray whaling. We also read logbooks from a sample of known visits to estimate catch per visit and the rate at which struck animals were lost. This resulted in an overall estimate of 5,269 gray whales (SE = 223.4) landed by the ship-based fleet (including both American and foreign vessels) in the Mexican whaling grounds from 1846 to 1874. Our “best” estimate of the number of gray whales removed from the eastern North Pacific (i.e. catch plus hunting loss) lies somewhere between 6,124 and 8,021, depending on assumptions about survival of struck-but-lost whales. Our estimates can be compared to those by Henderson (1984), who estimated that 5,542–5,507 gray whales were secured and processed by ship-based whalers between 1846 and 1874; Scammon (1874), who believed the total kill over the same period (of eastern gray whales by all whalers in all areas) did not exceed 10,800; and Best (1987), who estimated the total landed catch of gray whales (eastern and western) by American ship-based whalers at 2,665 or 3,013 (method-dependent) from 1850 to 1879. Our new estimates are not high enough to resolve apparent inconsistencies between the catch history and estimates of historical abundance based on genetic variability. We suggest several lines of further research that may help resolve these inconsistencies.

紫茎泽兰种子库及幼苗动态特征

紫茎泽兰（Eupatorium adenophorum）是臭名昭著的世界性恶草之一，目前已对全世界30多个国家和地区造成入侵危害，大约在20世纪30年代入侵我国，在我国西南地区造成了严重的危害。本文以四川省攀枝花市遭受紫茎泽兰入侵危害严重的生态系统为研究对象，分别对不同生境下的紫茎泽兰土壤种子库进行调查，以探究紫茎泽兰土壤种子库的结构，并分析人类干扰对土壤种子库结构的影响。并在种子库调查的基础上设计了两项盆栽实验，研究紫茎泽兰土壤种子库的结构的改变导致的紫茎泽兰种子环境因子的改变，从而影响紫茎泽兰种子的萌发、幼苗的命运，以期阐明人类干扰对紫茎泽兰入侵的影响。另外连续测定紫茎泽兰早期生长的生物量，研究紫茎泽兰生物量增长、分配规律，并与其它几种本地种相比较，说明紫茎泽兰能够入侵成功的原因。 在攀枝花紫茎泽兰入侵严重的地区，通过取样研究果园、放牧灌丛以及禁牧灌丛3种不同生境紫茎泽兰土壤种子库特征，发现这3种生境的土壤种子库大小分别为10422粒m-2，3522粒m-2和2889粒m-2 。果园、放牧灌丛和禁牧灌丛等3种干扰程度不同生境的深层种子量占总种子量的比例分别为56.44%，46.96%，24.86%（p=0.006）。从干扰程度上来说，由于果园>放牧灌丛>禁牧灌丛，这一结果表明土壤深层种子量大小与干扰成正比，干扰越大，深层次紫茎泽兰种子量占总种子量的比重越大。由此可以推测，人类的干扰使得紫茎泽兰土壤种子库结构发生了改变，一方面人类干扰导致生境植被覆盖不同，干扰越大，植被覆盖度越小，土壤种子库越大，另一方面人类活动对土壤的直接扰动，使土壤种子库结构发生变化，在放牧灌丛和果园2种生境中，由于人类活动的影响，促使了紫茎泽兰土壤种子库表层种子向下层转移，而且转移量与干扰程度成正相关。由于一定深度埋藏的紫茎泽兰种子萌发的幼苗具有较低的死亡率，进入土壤深层的紫茎泽兰种子越多，紫茎泽兰的长久性土壤种子库就越大，对紫茎泽兰幼苗的补充和定居越有利，入侵也就越难以治理。 初步研究了光照、水分和种子在土壤中的埋藏深度等对紫茎泽兰幼苗的影响，结果发现，1) 播种在0cm、2cm、5cm深度的种子萌发率分别为64.67%、22.67%、13.33%，即种子埋藏越深，萌发率越低，不同层次种子萌发率差异极显著(p=0.00)；幼苗死亡率分别为27.95%、0、0，表层种子萌发的幼苗有较高的死亡率，而由埋藏在深层种子萌发的幼苗没有死亡，土壤表层发芽的幼苗与不同埋藏深度种子萌发的幼苗之间死亡率差异极显著(p=0.00)；2) 在无遮蔽、半遮蔽、全遮蔽3种不同情况下，紫茎泽兰幼苗的死亡率分别为72.15%、30.38%、4.87%，定居率分别为6.66%、33.99%、46.67%，即遮蔽程度越高，死亡率越低，定居率越高，不同处理之间死亡率和定居率差异均极显著（p=0.00）；3) 在浇水、不浇水这2种水分条件下紫茎泽兰的萌发率分别为41.56%、32% (p=0.021)；死亡率分别为35.8%、35.23% (p=0.934)；定居率分别为29.11%、22.66% (p=0.083)，说明水分因子对萌发率的影响显著，对死亡率、定居率的影响不显著。上述结果表明，土壤埋藏深度、光照和水分都是影响紫茎泽兰幼苗萌发的重要因素：一定深度的土壤埋藏能够有效降低紫茎泽兰幼苗的死亡率；光照强度与紫茎泽兰幼苗死亡率成正相关；而水分对紫茎泽兰幼苗的存活影响不显著。 通过跟踪调查紫茎泽兰的早期生长的生物量，发现紫茎泽兰生物量和高度增加迅速,且生物量的增加主要来自地上部分量的增加，而本地灌木却生长缓慢。与本地种相比，紫茎泽兰的根冠比很小，在生殖分配上，紫茎泽兰与本地灌木相比又比较大。另一方面，在生长季到来的时候，紫茎泽兰能够迅速生长，并将大部分生物量分配到地上部分；而在旱季，当许多本地本植物由于枯死、休眠进入休眠状态时，紫茎泽兰却能继续生长，从而确保其在竞争中的空间优势。 综上所述，人类活动的干扰可能导致更多的紫茎泽兰种子进入土壤深层，从而改变了紫茎泽兰土壤种子库的结构；种子萌发后强光直射可能是导致紫茎泽兰幼苗死亡的重要原因；由于土壤深层种子比表层种子具有更强的抵抗强光照射等不良环境因子影响的能力，所萌发的幼苗成活率高，表明其具有更高的繁殖效率。因此可以说是人类活动的干扰不但加剧了紫茎泽兰的入侵，也使得紫茎泽兰入侵后难以根除。

RNAi suppression of zebrafish peptidoglycan recognition protein 6 (zfPGRP6) mediated differentially expressed genes involved in Toll-like receptor signaling pathway and caused increased susceptibility to Flavobacterium columnare

In Drosophila, Toll signaling cascade, which resembles the mammalian Toll-like receptor (TLR)/IL-1R signaling pathways and regulates the expression of anti-microbial peptide genes, mainly relies on peptidoglycan recognition proteins (PGRPs) for the detection of bacterial pathogens. To explore the effect of zebrafish peptidoglycan recognition protein 6 (zfPGRP6) on Toll-like receptor signaling pathway, RNA interference (siRNA) and real time quantitative PCR (RQ-PCR) methods were used to identify differentially expressed genes regulated by zfPGRP6. The target genes included TLR2, TLR3, TLR5, TLR7, TLR8, IL1R, Sterile-alpha and Armadillo motif containing protein (SARM), myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88) and nuclear factor (NF)-kappa B2 (p100/p52). The results of RQ-PCR showed that RNAi-mediated Suppression of zfPGRP6 significantly down-regulated the expression of TLR2, TLR5, IL1R, SARM, MyD88 and p100/p52. The expression of beta-defensin-1 was also down-regulated in those embryos silenced by zfPGRP6. In challenge experiments to determine the anti-bacterial response to Gram-negative bacteria, RNAi knock-down of zfPGRP6 markedly increased susceptibility to Flavobacterium columnare. (C) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Zero biased Ge-on-Si photodetector with a bandwidth of 4.72 GHz at 1550 nm

High quality Ge was epitaxially grown on Si using ultrahigh vacuum/chemical vapor deposition (UHV/CVD). This paper demonstrates efficient germanium-on-silicon p-i-n photodetectors with 0.8 mu m Ge, with responsivities as high as 0.38 and 0.21 A/W at 1.31 and 1.55 mu m, respectively. The dark current density is 0.37 mA/cm(2) and 29.4 mA/cm(2) at 0 V and a reverse bias of 0.5 V. The detector with a diameter of 30 mu m, a 3 dB-bandwidth of 4.72 GHz at an incident wavelength of 1550 nm and zero external bias has been measured. At a reverse bias of 3 V, the bandwidth is 6.28 GHz.

利用贺兰山北部树轮资料重建过去270年以来6-8月平均干燥指数

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