Antioxidant flavanes from Livistona chinensis

Three new flavanes and eight known flavonoids were isolated from the fruits of Livistona chinensis. The structure of the new flavanes were established as 2S,3S-3,5,7,3′,5′-pentahydroxyflavane (1), 2R,3R-3,5,6,7,8,4′-hexahydroxyflavane (2) and 2R,3R-3,5,6,7,8,3′,5′-heptahydroxyflavane (3), respectively, on the basis of chemical and spectroscopic data. The antiproliferative activity against four human tumor cell lines (HL-60, Mata, HepG2 and CNE-1) was evaluated. 1 had significantly antiproliferative effects against HL-60 and CNE-1 with the IC₅₀ of 0.2 ± 0.01 and 1.0 ± 0.1 μM, respectively, overpowering the reference compound in the assay (cisplatin). Most compounds also exhibited potent antioxidant activity.     

Localisation of the benzimidazole fungicide binding site of Gibberella zeae β2-tubulin studied by site-directed mutagenesis

BACKGROUND: The efficacy of benzimidazole fungicides is often limited by resistance, and this is the case with the use of carbendazim for controlling Fusarium head blight caused by Gibberella zeae (Schwein.) Petch (anamorph Fusarium graminearum). Recent studies have shown that carbendazim resistance in field strains of G. zeae is associated with mutations in the β ₂‐tubulin gene. The aims of the present study were to validate this mechanism and research the binding sites of carbendazim on β ₂‐tubulin. RESULTS: This work used site‐directed mutagenesis followed by gene replacement to change the β ₂‐tubulin gene of a carbendazim‐sensitive field strain of G. zeae at residues 50, 167, 198 or 200. The transformants were confirmed and tested for their sensitivity to carbendazim. All the mutants were resistant to carbendazim, but the level of resistance differed depending on the mutation. Biological characteristics did not differ between the field strain and the site‐directed mutants. A three‐dimensional model of β ₂‐tubulin was constructed, and the possible carbendazim binding site was analysed. CONCLUSION: Mutations at codons 50, 167, 198 and 200 of G. zeae β ₂tub could cause resistance to carbendazim, and these codons may form a binding pocket. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry     

Genetic identity of the Bemisia tabaci species complex and association with high cotton leaf curl disease (CLCuD) incidence in Pakistan

BACKGROUND: The cotton whitefly, Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius), is a cryptic species complex, and members of the complex have become serious pests in Pakistan because of their feeding and their ability to transmit cotton leaf curl virus (CLCuV). Here, an analysis was made of the identity of B. tabaci collected from cotton and a range of non‐cotton hosts in the cotton‐growing zones in Punjab and Sindh, the main cotton‐producing provinces of Pakistan, using a portion of the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase 1 gene. The geographic distribution of the different members of the complex was then compared with the incidence of CLCuD. RESULTS: Using the Dinsdale nomenclature, the results revealed three putative species, Asia 1, Asia II 1 and Middle East‐Asia Minor 1. Asia II 1 (also referred to in the literature as biotypes K, P, PCG‐1, PK1, SY and ZHJ2) was only recorded from Punjab cotton plants, whereas Asia 1 (also referred to in the literature as biotypes H, M, NA and PCG‐2) was found in both Sindh and Punjab. Middle East‐Asia Minor 1 (commonly known as biotype B and B2) was found only in Sindh. Moreover, Asia II 1 was associated with high incidences of CLCuD, whereas regions where Middle East‐Asia Minor 1 was present had a lower incidence. Phylogenetic analysis showed that the Middle East‐Asia Minor 1 population in Sindh formed a distinct genetic subgroup within the putative species, suggesting that the Sindh province of Pakistan may form part of its home range. So far, no individuals from the putative species Mediterranean (commonly known as biotypes Q, J and L) have been found in Pakistan. CONCLUSIONS: The capacity to manage pests and disease effectively relies on knowledge of the identity of the agents causing the damage. In the case of CLCuD in Pakistan, this knowledge has been obscured to some extent because of the inconsistent approach to identifying and distinguishing the different B. tabaci associated with CLCuD. The situation has now been clarified, and a strong association between disease incidence and vector identity and abundance has been shown. Given this advance, future research can now focus on factors that influence the capacity of different vector species to transmit the viruses that cause CLCuD, the reason for differences in vector abundance and the lack of geographic overlap between the cryptic vector species. This knowledge will contribute to the development of improved methods with which to manage the disease in Pakistan. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry     

Allelic diversity of a beer haze active protein gene in cultivated and Tibetan wild barley and development of allelic specific markers

The formation of haze is a serious quality problem in beer production. It has been shown that the use of silica elute (SE)-ve malt (absence of molecular weight (MW) ～14000 Da) for brewing can improve haze stability in the resultant beer, and the protein was identified as a barley trypsin inhibitor of the chloroform/methanol type (BTI-CMe). The objectives of this study were to determine (1) the allelic diversity of the gene controlling BTI-CMe in cultivated and Tibetan wild barley and (2) allele-specific (AS) markers for screening SE protein type. A survey of 172 Tibetan annual wild barley accessions and 71 cultivated barley genotypes was conducted, and 104 wild accessions and 35 cultivated genotypes were identified as SE+ve and 68 wild accessions and 36 cultivated genotypes as SE-ve. The allelic diversity of the gene controlling BTI-CMe was investigated by cloning, alignment, and association analysis. It was found that there were significant differences between the SE+ve and SE-ve types in single-nucleotide polymorphisms at 234 (SNP(234)), SNP(313), and SNP(385.) Furthermore, two sets of AS markers were developed to screen SE protein type based on SNP(313). AS-PCR had results very similar to those obtained by immunoblot method. Mapping analysis showed that the gene controlling the MW～14 kDa band was located on the short arm of chromosome 3H, at the position of marker BPB-0527 (33.302 cM) in the Franklin/Yerong DH population.     

山西省草莓栽培历史、现状及发展建议浅析

1　山西省草莓栽培的历史、现状山西于 2 0世纪 5 0年代引入草莓 ,在山西农业大学植物园种植。 60年代山西省农业科学院果树研究所从北京植物园引进四季草莓等品种 ,随后永济伍姓湖农场从山西果树所引进试栽 ,直到 1 982年前 ,全省除永济伍姓湖农场小面积零星栽植外 ,其他各地均无栽植。1 982年临汾果树场从河北保定地区引进鸡心品种栽培 ,太原北郊、南郊也从天津等地引种试栽。 1 983年山西省农业科学院果树研究所引入绿色种子、紫晶、达娜、宝交早生、盛冈 1 6等十几个品种 ,并播种从美国农业部贝兹尔农业研究中心引进的 9个杂交组合种子 …     

Genetic effects on acute phase protein response to the stresses of weaning and transportation in beef calves

The objective herein was to estimate heterosis and breed effects in purebred and crossbred Romosinuano, Brahman, and Angus calves on acute phase protein response to weaning and transportation. Calves (n = 1,032) were weaned in September of 2002, 2003, and 2004 at approximately 7 mo of age. Approximately 28 d after weaning, steer calves (n = 482) were transported 1,800 km (20 h) to Oklahoma. Concentrations of 3 acute phase proteins (ceruloplasmin, fibrinogen, and haptoglobin) were measured in blood samples. Calves (steers and heifers) were sampled at weaning, and 24 and 72 h postweaning. For separate analyses, steers sent to Oklahoma were sampled before shipment, upon arrival, and 24 and 72 h after arrival. Combinations of the following fixed effects were investigated: sire breed, dam breed, sampling time, birth location, calf sex (weaning only), year, cow age, and interactions. Effects of special interest were sire breed x dam breed as an indication of breed group of calf, and the interaction of sire and dam breeds with sampling time. Weaning age and BW were investigated as linear and quadratic covariates. Sire of calf within sire breed was a random term. The correlation structure of repeated measures was determined by comparison of information criterion values for different structures within each analysis. In general, plasma acute phase protein concentrations in weaned calves increased with sampling time. Concentrations in the transported steers increased through sampling at 24 h after arrival, and were lower at 72 h. Significant estimates of heterosis were detected for Brahman-Angus haptoglobin concentrations at weaning (0.38 +/- 0.14 mg/dL x 100; 44%), and for Romosinuano-Angus fibrinogen concentrations at weaning (11.4 +/- 5.5 mg/dL; 10%) and in transported steers (22.5 +/- 8.4 mg/dL; 20%). The direct effect of Romosinuano was to increase (P <0.004) ceruloplasmin concentrations of weaned calves (4.1 +/- 0.9 mg/dL) and of transported steers (3.9 +/- 1.3 mg/dL). The direct effect of Angus was to lower ceruloplasmin concentrations in weaned calves (-3.9 +/- 1.2; P = 0.001). Significant maternal effects were detected at weaning for ceruloplasmin concentrations in Romosinuano (-1.4 +/- 0.5 mg/ dL) and Angus (1.6 +/- 0.7 mg/dL) and fibrinogen concentrations in Brahman calves (-17.7 +/- 8.8 mg/dL). These data imply that acute phase protein concentrations in response to weaning and transportation are impacted by cattle breed.     

DISTRIBUTION OF BACTERIA IN SHELLFISH CULTURE AREA AROUND QINGDAO

1　ＩｎｔｒｏｄｕｃｔｉｏｎＢａｃｔｅｒｉｕｍｎｏｔｏｎｌｙｐｌａｙｓｉｍｐｏｒｔａｎｔｒｏｌｅｉｎｍａｔｅｒｉａｌｃｉｒｃｕｌａｔｉｏｎａｎｄｅｎｅｒｇｙｆｌｏｗ ,ｂｕｔａｌｓｏｉｓｏｎｅｏｆｔｈｅｋｅｙｂｉｏ ｉｎｄｉｃｅｓｏｆｗａｔｅｒｓａｎｉｔａｒｙｑｕａｌｉｔｙ .Ｉｔｉｓｉｍｐｏｒｔａｎｔｔｏｄｅｔｅｒｍｉｎｅｔｈｅｎｕｍｂｅｒｓａｎｄｄｉｓｔｒｉｂｕｔｉｏｎｏｆｔｈｅｈｅｔｅｒｏｔｒｏｐｈｉｃａｎｄｃｏｌｉｆｏｒｍｂａｃｔｅｒｉａｆｏｒａｓｓｅｓｓｍｅｎｔｏｆｅｎｖｉｒｏｎｍｅｎｔａｌ…     

Distribution Characteristics and Prediction of Equilibrium Moisture of Non saturated Clay Subgrade

The space distribution characteristics of equilibrium moisture of non saturated clay subgrade were surveyed along the road cross section by the in situ and laboratory tests. Based on the basic theory of unsaturated soil mechanics, matric suctions of soil samples with different kinds of moisture condition were determined and the soil water characteristic curve model was calibrated to reflect a single valued function relationship between water content and matric suction of clay soils. Combining the above results, an estimation method of the equilibrium moisture of the unsaturated clay subgrade outside the affected zone of atmospheric precipitation/evaporation was established. The results show that the atmospheric precipitation/evaporation has significant effect on moisture condition of the subgrade soil located in the upper part of the subgrade near the central reserve and hard shoulders. However, equilibrium moisture of subgrade soil outside the affected zone of atmospheric precipitation/evaporation is mainly controlled by the impact of the groundwater table. Fredlund & Xing model can be used to characterize the relationship between the unsaturated clay soil moisture and matric suction, and the fitting results of model parameters have high reliability. A consistency between the predictive results and the experimental data shows the presented model is accurate and credible.     

Synergistic anti-inflammatory effects of nobiletin and sulforaphane in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells

Inflammation plays important roles in the initiation and progress of many diseases including cancers in multiple organ sites. Herein, we investigated the anti-inflammatory effects of two dietary compounds, nobiletin (NBN) and sulforaphane (SFN), in combination. Noncytotoxic concentrations of NBN, SFN, and their combinations were studied in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophage cells. The results showed that combined NBN and SFN treatments produced much stronger inhibitory effects on the production of nitric oxide (NO) than NBN or SFN alone at higher concentrations. These enhanced inhibitory effects were synergistic based on the isobologram analysis. Western blot analysis showed that combined NBN and SFN treatments synergistically decreased iNOS and COX-2 protein expression levels and induced heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) protein expression. Real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis indicated that low doses of NBN and SFN in combination significantly suppressed LPS-induced upregulation of IL-1 mRNA levels and synergistically increased HO-1 mRNA levels. Overall, our results demonstrated that NBN and SFN in combination produced synergistic effects in inhibiting LPS-induced inflammation in RAW 264.7 cells.     

基于熵权TOPSIS模型的区域土地利用绩效评价及障碍因子诊断

定量评估土地利用绩效并诊断其障碍因子,是提高区域土地利用绩效水平的有效途径。该文综合考虑土地利用经济绩效、社会绩效、生态绩效和管理绩效4个子系统,建立区域土地利用绩效评价指标体系,结合熵权TOPSIS模型和障碍度模型,对安徽省近15 a(2000—2014年)的土地利用情况进行绩效评价和障碍因子诊断,并基于评价结果,运用GM(1,1)模型对安徽省未来5 a(2015—2019年)土地利用子系统绩效变化态势进行预测和分析。结果表明:安徽省土地利用综合绩效经历了较差—中级—良好—优质的发展过程,结合土地利用绩效的年均增长速度,可以分为绩效较差但高速增长(2000—2004年)、绩效中级但较快增长(2005—2009年)、绩效良好但低速增长(2010—2011年)和绩效优质且快速增长(2008—2014年)4个发展阶段。4个子系统绩效水平基本逐年提升,但变化趋势存在差异,经济绩效和管理绩效呈线性增长态势,社会绩效和生态绩效呈波动起伏变化的上升趋势;未来5 a,经济绩效子系统年均增长速度最快,社会绩效和管理绩效子系统次之,生态绩效子系统增速最慢。经济绩效子系统障碍度最大,其后依次是社会、生态和管理绩效子系统;2000—2008年,建成区工业增加值等3个指标一直稳居前3位,人民生活水平和地均就业人数轮流出现在第4或第5位;2009—2012年,前3位障碍因子发生较大变化,地均财政收入和人民生活水平成为阻碍土地利用绩效的主要因子;2013—2014年,前5位障碍因子变化较大,社会绩效成为制约土地利用绩效的主要子系统,改善人民生活水平、加强公共基础设施建设,探索节约化、集约化、高效化的土地利用方式和模式是提升安徽省土地利用绩效的重要出路;根据GM(1,1)模型预测结果,社会绩效、生态绩效和管理绩效在未来具有广阔的提升空间,安徽省在提高土地利用经济绩效的同时,应关注经济—社会—生态环境友好和谐发展,更加注重土地利用社会绩效、管理绩效特别是生态绩效的提升。该文的研究思路与方法可以为促进区域土地利用绩效提升提供现实依据。