Equilibrative nucleoside transporter 3 deficiency perturbs lysosome function and macrophage homeostasis

Lysosomal storage diseases (LSDs) are a group of heterogeneous disorders caused by defects in lysosomal enzymes or transporters, resulting in accumulation of undegraded macromolecules or metabolites. Macrophage numbers are expanded in several LSDs, leading to histiocytosis of unknown pathophysiology. Here, we found that mice lacking the equilibrative nucleoside transporter 3 (ENT3) developed a spontaneous and progressive macrophage-dominated histiocytosis. In the absence of ENT3, defective apoptotic cell clearance led to lysosomal nucleoside buildup, elevated intralysosomal pH, and altered macrophage function. The macrophage accumulation was partly due to increased macrophage colony-stimulating factor and receptor expression and signaling secondary to the lysosomal defects. These studies suggest a cellular and molecular basis for the development of histiocytosis in several human syndromes associated with ENT3 mutations and potentially other LSDs.     

Influence of fertilizers applied to a paddy-upland rotation on characteristics of soil organic carbon and humic acids

The qualitative and quantitative characteristics of soil organic carbon (SOC) and related humic acids (HAs) extracted from the soils of field plots were investigated after 8 years of annual paddy (Oryza sativa L.) and upland maize (Zea mays L.) rotation with various fertilizations. Seven fertilization treatments were selected: Ck (no inputs); Chem (chemical fertilizer of NPK); Comp (swine compost); Comp + 33% of Chem N rate; Comp + 67% of Chem N rate; GM (legume green manure) + 33% of Chem N rate; and peat + 33% of Chem N rate. Organic and inorganic nitrogen inputs of six treatments were equivalent with respect of nitrogen content, but Comp, GM, and peat treatments were complemented with various amounts of inorganic N. After harvest of the eighth paddy crop, surface soil samples collected from the plots were subjected to soil characterizations and extraction of humic substances, which were used for chemical, spectroscopic (FTIR, 13C NMR, ESR, X-ray diffractometry), delta13C, and 14C dating analyses. The yields of HAs extracted from the seven treatments were significantly different. Treatment containing persistent organic compound such as the peat + 33% N treatment increased the humification process in topsoils and produced higher yield of HA. Spectroscopic analyses revealed that fertilization treatments changed the functional groups, alkyl C, crystalline characteristics, and delta13C ratios of HAs and turnover rate of SOC considerably. The SOC of the peat + 33% N treatment had the highest mean residence time of 3100 years. Various fertilizer treatments are correlated with turnover rate of SOC and related HAs, which are associated with concerned carbon sequestration as well as mitigation of CO2 emission in the soil environment.     

玉米田的群体结构与光能分布

玉米田的群体结构和光能分布随密度而异,与播方式的关系不大。就结构与光分布而论,以每亩3,000株的最为理想亦最有利于高产。玉米叶片的伸展方向,可以通过叶片的向光性来自动调节。     

Modeling risk analysis for rice production due to agro-climate change and uncertainty in irrigation water

Paddy and Water Environment - This study proposes a risk analysis model for quantifying the insufficient risk of rice production due to the climate change and variation in irrigation water and...     

Travel and Activity Choices for Transit Travelers at Terminals with Dynamic Information Provision

This study explores the impacts of providing dynamic information on travelers' behavior and the induced demand for terminal‐surrounding activities. A nested logit model was used to identify the important factors, and a questionnaire was designed to explore the preference of travelers regarding activities and travel choices. Adopting dynamic information was found to have a significant influence on travel decisions. The results show that an increased duration of activity participation may accompany an alteration of departure time or mode choice. The results also show that the use of dynamic information for travelers is related to induced activity participation and travelers' socioeconomic characteristics. The content of the dynamic information should be designed in accordance with the preference of travelers to encourage travelers participating in terminal‐surrounding activities.     

Avian assemblages in eucalypt forests,plantations and pastures in northern NSW,Australia

Eucalypt plantations are expanding rapidly in Australia, and their value for native fauna requires investigation. The relative conservation value of young eucalypt plantations was investigated through assessment of avifauna richness, abundance and composition using transect surveys incorporating point counts in five broad habitat types—dryland forests, riparian forests, dryland plantations, riparian plantations, and riparian pastures (strips of riparian vegetation surrounded by pastures). A total of 73 species were recorded during formal surveys. Species richness and abundance were comparable among all habitat types except dryland plantations, which supported fewer species and in lower numbers. The avifauna assemblage differed according to broad habitat types. Forest habitats (dryland and riparian) harboured more forest- and woodland-dependent species, and a greater abundance of nectarivores and insectivores. Riparian plantations supported a similar number of forest- and woodland-dependent species to forest habitats, but also retained some open-country species. Riparian pastures had the highest cumulative species richness, reflecting a diverse mix of forest- and woodland-dependent birds and open-country species. It was the preferred habitat type for granivores and vertebrate eaters. Dryland plantations were dominated by common species and omnivores, and supported fewer forest- and woodland-dependent birds, insectivores and frugivores compared with other habitat types. The presence of riparian strips increased avifauna diversity and abundance in plantations and pastures to a greater extent than predicted by the proportional area of riparian habitat. The importance of riparian habitats needs to be recognised and incorporated into management policies if biodiversity conservation is to be an objective of plantation establishment.     

Yohimbine increases plasma insulin concentrations and reverses xylazine-induced hypoinsulinemia in dogs

Xylazine (1.1 mg/kg of body weight, IV), an alpha 2-adrenoreceptor agonist, suppressed the increase in plasma insulin concentration induced by glucose (0.6 g/kg, IV) in dogs. Yohimbine (0.11 mg/kg, IV), an alpha 2-adrenoreceptor antagonist, given 5 minutes after xylazine, reversed effects of xylazine, whereas yohimbine alone increased plasma insulin and decreased plasma glucose concentrations. Seemingly, alpha 2-adrenoreceptors exert a negative control of insulin release.