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The involvement of jasmonic acid (JA) in the rice's response to cadmium (Cd) stress is well recognized, though the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. In this study, exposure to Cd stress rapidly elevated endogenous JA concentrations in rice roots, meanwhile, a mutant coleoptile photomorphogenesis 2 (cpm2) which produces less JA, was more sensitive to Cd stress than its wild type (WT). JA mitigated Cd toxicity by decreasing Cd absorption in root cell wall and shoot, which was achieved by up-regulating the expression of the Cd-chelation and efflux-related genes such as OsHMA3, OsABCG36 and OsCAL1; down-regulating the transcript level of the Cd uptake and translocation-related genes, including OsHMA2, OsCCX2, OsNRAMP1/5, and OsZIP5/7. Additionally, a reduction in hemicellulose content was observed in the root cell wall. Further analysis indicated that the mitigation effect of JA on Cd accumulation was dependent on the inhibition of nitric oxide (NO) synthesis, as the NO donor SNP could diminish this effect. In summary, JA effectively reduced Cd content in rice by modulating the cell wall's capacity for Cd uptake, potentially through reducing the production of NO., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2025. Published by Elsevier Inc.)

The transcriptional regulation of aluminum (Al) tolerance in plants is largely unknown, although Al toxicity restricts agricultural yields in acidic soils. Here, we identified a NAM, ATAF1/2, and cup-shaped cotyledon 2 (NAC) transcription factor that participates in Al tolerance in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana). Al substantially induced the transcript and protein levels of ANAC070, and loss-of-function mutants showed remarkably increased Al sensitivity, implying a beneficial role of ANAC070 in plant tolerance to Al toxicity. Further investigation revealed that more Al accumulated in the roots of anac070 mutants, especially in root cell walls, accompanied by a higher hemicellulose and xyloglucan level, implying a possible interaction between ANAC070 and genes that encode proteins responsible for the modification of xyloglucan, including xyloglucan endo-transglycosylase/hydrolase (XTH) or ANAC017. Yeast 1-hybrid analysis revealed a potential interaction between ANAC070 and ANAC017, but not for other XTHs. Furthermore, dual-luciferase reporter assay, RT-qPCR, and GUS analysis revealed that ANAC070 could directly repress the transcript levels of ANAC017, and knockout of ANAC017 in the anac070 mutant partially restored its Al sensitivity phenotype, indicating that ANAC070 contributes to Al tolerance mechanisms other than suppression of ANAC017 expression. Further analysis revealed that the core transcription factor SENSITIVE TO PROTON RHIZOTOXICITY 1 (STOP1) and its target genes, which control Al tolerance in Arabidopsis, may also be involved in ANAC070-regulated Al tolerance. In summary, we identified a transcription factor, ANAC070, that represses the ANAC017-XTH31 module to regulate Al tolerance in Arabidopsis., Competing Interests: Conflict of interest statement. The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (© The Author(s) 2024. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of American Society of Plant Biologists. All rights reserved. For commercial re-use, please contact reprints@oup.com for reprints and translation rights for reprints. All other permissions can be obtained through our RightsLink service via the Permissions link on the article page on our site—for further information please contact journals.permissions@oup.com.)

Background: Carbapenem antibiotics are a pivotal solution for severe infections, particularly in hospital settings. The emergence of carbapenem-resistant bacteria owing to the irrational and extensive use of carbapenems underscores the need for meticulous management and rational use. Clinical pharmacists, with their specialized training and extensive knowledge, play a substantial role in ensuring the judicious use of carbapenem. This study aimed to elucidate the patterns of carbapenem use and shed light on the integral role played by clinical pharmacists in managing and promoting the rational use of carbapenem antibiotics at Wenzhou Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine Hospital., Aim: To analyze carbapenem use patterns in our hospital and role of clinical pharmacists in managing and promoting their rational use., Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis of carbapenem use at our hospital between January 2019 and December 2021. Several key indicators, including the drug utilization index, defined daily doses (DDDs), proportion of antimicrobial drug costs to total hospitalization expenses, antibiotic utilization density, and utilization rates in different clinical departments were comprehensively analyzed., Results: Between 2019 and 2021, there was a consistent decline in the consumption and sales of imipenem-cilastatin sodium, meropenem (0.3 g), and meropenem (0.5 g). Conversely, the DDDs of imipenem-cilastatin sodium for injection increased in 2020 and 2021 vs 2019, with a B/A value of 0.67, indicating a relatively higher drug cost. The DDDs of meropenem for injection (0.3 g) exhibited an overall upward trend, indicating an increasing clinical preference. However, the B/A values for 2020 and 2021 were both > 1, suggesting a relatively lower drug cost. The DDDs of meropenem for injection (0.5 g) demonstrated a progressive increase annually and consistently ranked first, indicating a high clinical preference with a B/A value of 1, signifying good alignment between economic and social benefits., Conclusion: Carbapenem use in our hospital was generally reasonable with a downward trend in consumption and sales over time. Clinical pharmacists play a pivotal role in promoting appropriate use of carbapenems., Competing Interests: Conflict-of-interest statement: We have no financial relationships to disclose., (©The Author(s) 2023. Published by Baishideng Publishing Group Inc. All rights reserved.)

Two-dimensional black phosphorus (BP) has unique layered structure, excellent photothermal properties, good biocompatibility and high biodegradability. In recent years, it has been found that BP has stable drug loading and light controlled sustained-release drug functions, excellent antibacterial properties and the ability to promote vascular and nerve regeneration in the medicine field, which has a broad application prospect in dentistry. This review elaborates the biological properties of two-dimensional BP and its application progress in dentistry, so as to provide new ideas for the further research and application of two-dimensional BP.

Post-traumatic osteomyelitis (PTO) is a worldwide problem in the field of orthopaedic trauma. So far, there is no ideal treatment or consensus-based gold standard for its management. This paper reviews the representative literature focusing on PTO, mainly from the following four aspects: (1) the pathophysiological mechanism of PTO and the interaction mechanism between bacteria and the body, including fracture stress, different components of internal fixation devices, immune response, occurrence and development mechanisms of inflammation in PTO, as well as the occurrence and development mechanisms of PTO in skeletal system; (2) clinical classification, mainly the etiological classification, histological classification, anatomical classification and the newly proposed new classifications (a brief analysis of their scope and limitations); (3) imaging diagnosis, including non-invasive examination and invasive examination (this paper discusses their advantages and disadvantages respectively, and briefly compares the sensitivity and effectiveness of the current examinations); and (4) strategies, including antibiotic administration, surgical choices and other treatment programs. Based on the above-mentioned four aspects, we try to put forward some noteworthy sections, in order to make the existing opinions more specific., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declared that no existing competing interests., (Copyright © 2021. Production and hosting by Elsevier B.V.)

Anti-complementary activity-guided fractionation led to the isolation of a new abietane diterpene ( 1 ) and twenty-five known compounds ( 2-26 ) from the twigs and leaves of Juniperus tibetica . All the compounds were isolated from J. tibetica for the first time. The structure of 1 was assigned by spectroscopic data and X-ray crystallography analysis. Five lignans ( 2 , 3 , 7 , 9 and 10 ), two flavones ( 19 and 22 ), and one coumarin ( 23 ) exhibited anti-complementary activity with CH 50 values ranging from 0.3 to 3.69 mM.

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the effect of gamma globulin (IVIG) and creatine phosphate (CP) on viral myocarditis (VMC)., Methods: We enrolled 121 young patients with VMC who were admitted in our hospital from February 2017 to September 2018, and divided them into two groups as follows: study group (62 patients, IVIG + CP + routine treatment), and control group (59 patients, conventional treatment). Patient's baseline data, including gender, age, disease course, etiology, cardiac function classification, and severity, were collected. Ejection fraction (EF), fractional shortening (FS), and mitral ratio of peak early to late diastolic filling velocity (E/A ratio) before and after treatment were recorded. These changes include the lactate dehydrogenase, creatine kinase (CK), aspartate aminotransferase, creatine kinase isoenzyme (CK-MB), and cardiac troponin I (CTnI). Furthermore, the changes in immune factors such as CD3 + , CD4 + , and CD8 + before and after the treatment were determined., Results: The study group had a significantly higher response rate than the control group (P < 0.05). After treatment, the ejection fraction, fractional shortening, and mitral ratio of peak early-to-late diastolic filling velocity were more significantly improved in the study group than in the control group (P < 0.05). The electrocardiogram (ECG) results of the study group were also significantly better than those of the control group (P < 0.05). The levels of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), creatine kinase (CK), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), creatine kinase isoenzyme (CK-MB), and cardiac troponin I (CTnI) in the study group were all significantly better than those in the control group (P < 0.05). Symptom recuperation, cardiac function recovery, and ECG and myocardial enzyme normalization were significantly faster in the study group than those in the control group (P < 0.05). The immune factor levels in the study group also significantly improved compared with those before the treatment (P < 0.05). Meanwhile, the adverse reactions in both groups showed no differences (P < 0.05)., Conclusion: IVIG combined with CP exhibited better clinical effects and effectively boosted the immune system of patients with VMC., Competing Interests: None., (AJTR Copyright © 2021.)

Objective: To evaluate the meaning of arthrography with cone-beam CT（CBCT） imaging in the diagnosis of temporomandibular disorders(TMD). Methods: Four hundred and forty-eight cases of temporomandibular upper joint cavity arthrography with CBCT imaging were retrospectively analyzed. The distribution of disc displacement with reduction or without reduction, disc perforation, enlargement or tearing of joint capsule were analyzed. The characteristics of arthrography with CBCT imaging were also described. Results: There were 384 female and 64 male among the 448 cases of TMD with CBCT arthrographic images. The median age was 31.5 years， range from 14 to 81 years old. As about the age distribution, there were 63 cases in the group of ≤20 years old, 150 cases in the group of >20 and ≤30 years old, 86 cases in the group of >30 and ≤40 years old, 59 cases in the group of >40 and ≤50 years old, 58 cases in the group of>50 and ≤60 years old, and 32 cases in the group of >60 years old. There were 356 cases with disc displacement, in which there were 328 cases of disc displacement without reduction, and 28 cases of disc displacement with reduction. There were 152 cases with disc perforation, and 12 cases with articular capsule tearing or laxation. Conclusions: Arthrography with CBCT imaging was a meaningful approach to diagnose the TMD with structure disorders.

Background: Lidocaine has cardiovascular and neurologic toxicity, which is dose-dependent. Due to CYP3A4-involved metabolism, lidocaine may be prone to drug-drug interactions., Materials and Methods: Given statins have the possibility of combination with lidocaine in the clinic, we established in vitro models to assess the effect of statins on the metabolism of lidocaine. Further pharmacokinetic alterations of lidocaine and its main metabolite, monoethylglycinexylidide in rats influenced by simvastatin, were investigated., Results: In vitro study revealed that simvastatin, among the statins, had the most significant inhibitory effect on lidocaine metabolism with IC 50 of 39.31 µM, 50 µM and 15.77 µM for RLM, HLM and CYP3A4.1, respectively. Consistent with in vitro results, lidocaine concomitantly used with simvastatin in rats was associated with 1.2-fold AUC (0-t) , 1.2-fold AUC (0-∞) , and 20%-decreased clearance for lidocaine, and 1.4-fold C max for MEGX compared with lidocaine alone., Conclusion: Collectively, these results implied that simvastatin could evidently inhibit the metabolism of lidocaine both in vivo and in vitro. Accordingly, more attention and necessary therapeutic drug monitoring should be paid to patients with the concomitant coadministration of lidocaine and simvastatin so as to avoid unexpected toxicity., Competing Interests: The authors report no conflicts of interest in this work., (© 2020 Wang et al.)

Our previous study had demonstrated that oral administration of Houttuynia cordata polysaccharides (HCP) without in vitro antiviral activity ameliorated gut and lung injuries induced by influenza A virus (IAV) in mice. However, as macromolecules, HCP was hard to be absorbed in gastrointestinal tract and had no effect on lung injury when administrated intravenously. The action mechanism of HCP was thus proposed as regulating the gut mucosal-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT). Actually, HCP treatment restored the balance of Th17/Treg cells firstly in GALT and finally in the lung. HCP reduced the expression of chemokine CCL20 in the lung and regulated the balance of Th17/Treg carrying CCR6 + (the CCL20 receptor), which was associated with specific migration of Th17/Treg cells from GALT to lung. In vitro, HCP inhibited Th17 cell differentiation through the downregulation of phospho-STAT3, whereas it promoted Treg cell differentiation by upregulating phospho-STAT5. Furthermore, its therapeutic effect was abolished in RORγt -/- or Foxp3 -/- mice. These findings indicated that oral administration of macromolecular polysaccharides like HCP might ameliorate lung injury in IAV infected mice via directly regulating the balance of Th17/Treg cells in gut-lung axis. Our results provided a potential mechanism underlying the therapeutic effect of polysaccharides on pulmonary infection., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors have declared that there were no financial or commercial relationships that could be construed as a conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2020. Published by Elsevier B.V.)

Phase change heat transfer (e.g., boiling of water) on surfaces can be enhanced by tuning the surface wettability, which is often quantified by the contact angle and is expected to be influenced by temperature and pressure. However, the temperature (and pressure) dependence of contact angles of water on metallic surfaces remain unclear. In this study, an in situ characterization of the contact angles of water on 304 stainless steel surfaces at temperatures from room temperature to 250 °C and at pressures up to 15 MPa was performed using the sessile drop method. It was shown that three distinct regimes can be identified on the contact angle-temperature curves. A slightly-decreasing trend of the contact angles with temperature was observed below 120 °C, followed by a steeper linear decrease at higher temperatures. A further rise of the decreasing rate with temperature was observed above 210 °C. In contrast to temperature, the pressure was shown to have little effects on the contact angles. Based on the theory of surface thermodynamics, the effects of temperature (and pressure) on the contact angles were analyzed in terms of the interfacial tensions. An empirical correlation was developed to predict the contact angles as a function of temperature., (Copyright © 2019 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Rice is a major source of cadmium (Cd) intake for Asian people. Indica rice usually accumulates more Cd in shoots and grains than Japonica rice. However, underlying genetic bases for differential Cd accumulation between Indica and Japonica rice are still unknown. In this study, we cloned a quantitative trait locus (QTL) grain Cd concentration on chromosome 7 (GCC7) responsible for differential grain Cd accumulation between two rice varieties by performing QTL analysis and map-based cloning. We found that the two GCC7 alleles, GCC7 PA64s and GCC7 93-11 , had different promoter activity of OsHMA3, leading to different OsHMA3 expression and different shoot and grain Cd concentrations. By analyzing the distribution of different haplotypes of GCC7 among diverse rice accessions, we discovered that the high and low Cd accumulation alleles, namely GCC7 93-11 and GCC7 PA64s , were preferentially distributed in Indica and Japonica rice, respectively. We further showed that the GCC7 PA64s allele can be used to replace the GCC7 93-11 allele in the super cultivar 93-11 to reduce grain Cd concentration without adverse effect on agronomic traits. Our results thus reveal that the QTL GCC7 with sequence variation in the OsHMA3 promoter is an important determinant controlling differential grain Cd accumulation between Indica and Japonica rice., (© 2019 Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences.)

We review the representatives literatures on chronic osteomyelitis, sum up the new insights in recent years into diagnostic options and treatment regimens, analyze the advantages and disadvantages of various diagnostic approaches and treatment strategies, and propose areas of interest to make current diagnostic and treatment strategies more specific.

Atherosclerosis is the major cause of cardiovascular diseases. Current evidences indicate that inflammation is involved in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. Human gingiva-derived mesenchymal stem cells (GMSC) have shown anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects on autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. However, the function of GMSC in controlling atherosclerosis is far from clear. The present study is aimed to elucidate the role of GMSC in atherosclerosis, examining the inhibition of GMSC on macrophage foam cell formation, and further determining whether GMSC could affect the polarization and activation of macrophages under different conditions. The results show that infusion of GMSC to AopE -/- mice significantly reduced the frequency of inflammatory monocytes/macrophages and decreased the plaque size and lipid deposition. Additionally, GMSC treatment markedly inhibited macrophage foam cell formation and reduced inflammatory macrophage activation, converting inflammatory macrophages to anti-inflammatory macrophages in vitro . Thus, our study has revealed a significant role of GMSC on modulating inflammatory monocytes/macrophages and alleviating atherosclerosis.

Pollution by heavy metals limits the area of land available for cultivation of food crops. A potential solution to this problem might lie in the molecular breeding of food crops for phytoremediation that accumulate toxic metals in straw while producing safe and nutritious grains. Here, we identify a rice quantitative trait locus we name cadmium (Cd) accumulation in leaf 1 (CAL1), which encodes a defensin-like protein. CAL1 is expressed preferentially in root exodermis and xylem parenchyma cells. We provide evidence that CAL1 acts by chelating Cd in the cytosol and facilitating Cd secretion to extracellular spaces, hence lowering cytosolic Cd concentration while driving long-distance Cd transport via xylem vessels. CAL1 does not appear to affect Cd accumulation in rice grains or the accumulation of other essential metals, thus providing an efficient molecular tool to breed dual-function rice varieties that produce safe grains while remediating paddy soils.

An extended atomic data base with sufficiently high precision is required in astrophysics studies and the energy researches. For example, there are "infinite" energy levels in discrete energy region as well as overlapping resonances in autoionization region. We show in this paper the merits of our relativistic eigenchannel R-matrix method R-R-Eigen based on the analytical continuation properties of scattering matrices for the calculations of the energy levels, overlapping resonances and the related transitions. Using Ne + as an illustration example, the scattering matrices of Ne + in both discrete and continuum energy regions are calculated by our R-R-Eigen method directly. Based on our proposed projected high dimensional quantum-defect graph (symmetrized), one can readily determine the accuracies of the calculated scattering matrices using the experimental energy levels in a systematical way. The calculated resonant photoionization cross sections in the autoionization region are in excellent agreement with the benchmark high resolution experiments. With the scattering matrices checked/calibrated against spectroscopy data in both discrete and continuum energy regions, the relevant dynamical processes should be calculated with adequate accuracies. It should then satisfy the needs of the astrophysical and energy researches.

We prepared and characterised thermo-responsive magnetic liposomes, which were designed to combine features of magnetic targeting and thermo-responsive control release for hyperthermia-triggered local drug delivery. The particle size and zeta-potential of the thermo-responsive magnetic ammonium bicarbonate (MagABC) liposomes were about 210 nm and -14 mV, respectively. The MagABC liposomes showed encapsulation efficiencies of about 15% and 82% for magnetic nanoparticles (mean crystallite size 12 nm) and doxorubicin (DOX), respectively. The morphology of the MagABC liposomes was visualised using transmission electron microscope (TEM). The MagABC liposomes showed desired thermo-responsive release. The MagABC liposomes, when physically targeted to tumour cells in culture by a permanent magnetic field yielded a substantial increase in intracellular accumulation of DOX as compared to non-magnetic ammonium bicarbonate (ABC) liposomes. This resulted in a parallel increase in cytotoxicity for DOX loaded MagABC liposomes over DOX loaded ABC liposomes in tumour cells.

Background: CYP2C9 is one of the most important phase I drug-metabolizing enzymes in liver. The objective of this work was to investigate the effects of apigenin on the metabolism of losartan and human CYP2C9 and rat CYP2C11 activity in vitro., Methods: Different concentrations of apigenin were added to a 100 mmol/l Tris-HCl reaction mixture containing 2 pmol/ml recombinant human CYP2C9.1, 0.25 mg/ml human liver microsomes or 0.5 mg/ml rat liver microsomes to determine the half maximal inhibition or a half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) on the metabolism of losartan. In addition, diclofenac used as CYP2C9 substrate was performed to determine the effects of apigenin on CYP2C9., Results: The results showed that apigenin has the inhibitory effect on the metabolism of losartan in vitro, the IC50 was 7.61, 4.10 and 11.07 μmol/l on recombinant CYP2C9 microsomes, human liver microsomes and rat liver microsomes, respectively. Meanwhile, apigenin's mode of action on human CYP2C9 activity was competitive for the substrate diclofenac. In contrast to its potent inhibition of CYP2C9 in humans (9.51 μmol/l), apigenin had lesser effects on CYP2C11 in rat (IC50 = 15.51 μmol/l)., Conclusion: The observations imply that apigenin has the inhibitory effect on the metabolism of losartan and CYP2C9 activity in vitro. More attention should be paid as to when losartan should be administrated combined with apigenin., (© 2016 S. Karger AG, Basel.)

Improving the load adjustment rate of coal-fired power plants in China is very important because of grid load fluctuations and the construction of new large-scale power plants connected to the country's power grid. In this paper, a new application of condensate throttling system for rapid load adjustment is proposed on the basis of the characteristics of turbine-stored energy. To ensure effective and safe operation of the condensate throttling system, a non-linear control model is derived through reasonable simplifications of fundamental physical laws, and the model parameters are identified using experimental data from a 660 MW supercritical coal-fired power plant. The model outputs are compared with actual measured data for different unit loads. Results show that the established model's responses strongly correlate with the actual unit's responses and can be used for controller design., (Copyright © 2015 ISA. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

The complete sequence mitochondrial genome of Takydromus sexlineatus was determined using long PCR and conserved primers walking approaches. The genome was 18,943 bp in length and contained 13 protein-coding genes, 2 rRNA genes, 22 tRNA genes and 1 control region (CR). The gene composition and order of T. sexlineatus were similar to most other squamate reptiles. All protein-coding genes begin with ATG as initiation codon except COI using GTG. Seven genes (ATP8. ND4L. ND5. Cytb. ND1. COI and ND6) ended with TAA, TAG, AGGA and AGA stop codon, the remaining 6 genes had incomplete stop codons T/TA. The overall base composition of the genome in descending order was 31.48% A, 24.67% C, 30.79% T and 13.05% G, with a slight A + T bias of 62.27%. CR is located between the tRNA-Pro and tRNA-Phe genes and is 3562 bp in length, some tandem repeat sequences, conserved elements (CSB1-3) and termination associated sequences (TAS1-3) were found in the control region.

The complete mitochondrial genome sequence of Lacerta agilis was determined in the present paper. The genome was 17,090 bp in length and contained 13 protein-coding genes, 2 rRNA genes, 22 tRNA genes and 1 control region (CR). The gene composition and order of which was similar to most other Squamate reptiles. The overall base composition of the genome in descending order was 31.29% A, 26. 39% C, 29.01% T and 13.29% G, with a slight AT bias of 60.30%. CR is located between the tRNA-Pro and tRNA-Phe genes and is 1688 bp in length, some tandem repeat sequences and conserved elements (CSB1-3) were found in the control region.

The basic premise of high yield in rice is to improve leaf photosynthetic efficiency and coordinate the source-sink relationship in rice plants. Quantitative trait loci (QTLs) related to morphological traits and chlorophyll content of rice leaves were detected at the stages of heading to maturity, and a major QTL (qLSCHL4) related to flag leaf shape and chlorophyll content was detected at both stages in recombinant inbred lines constructed using the indica rice cultivar 93-11 and the japonica rice cultivar Nipponbare. Map-based cloning and expression analysis showed that LSCHL4 is allelic to NAL1, a gene previously reported in narrow leaf mutant of rice. Overexpression lines transformed with vector carrying LSCHL4 from Nipponbare and a near-isogenic line of 93-11 (NIL-9311) had significantly increased leaf chlorophyll content, enlarged flag leaf size, and improved panicle type. The average yield of NIL-9311 was 18.70% higher than that of 93-11. These results indicate that LSCHL4 had a pleiotropic function. Exploring and pyramiding more high-yield alleles resembling LSCHL4 for super rice breeding provides an effective way to achieve new breakthroughs in raising rice yield and generate new ideas for solving the problem of global food safety., (© The Author 2014. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of CSPB and IPPE, SIBS, CAS.)

The growing world population and shrinkage of arable land demand yield improvement of rice, one of the most important staple crops. To elucidate the genetic basis of yield and uncover its associated loci in rice, we resequenced the core recombinant inbred lines of Liang-You-Pei-Jiu, the widely cultivated super hybrid rice, and constructed a high-resolution linkage map. We detected 43 yield-associated quantitative trait loci, of which 20 are unique. Based on the high-density physical map, the genome sequences of paternal variety 93-11 and maternal cultivar PA64s of Liang-You-Pei-Jiu were significantly improved. The large recombinant inbred line population combined with plentiful high-quality single nucleotide polymorphisms and insertions/deletions between parental genomes allowed us to fine-map two quantitative trait loci, qSN8 and qSPB1, and to identify days to heading8 and lax panicle1 as candidate genes, respectively. The quantitative trait locus qSN8 was further confirmed to be days to heading8 by a complementation test. Our study provided an ideal platform for molecular breeding by targeting and dissecting yield-associated loci in rice.

The complete mitochondrial genome sequence of Gekko swinhonis was determined in this paper. The genome was 16,818 bp in length and contained 13 protein-coding genes, 2 rRNA genes, 22 tRNA genes, and 1 control region (CR). The gene composition and order of G. swinhonis were similar to most other squamate reptiles. The overall base composition of the genome in descending order was 31.35% A, 27. 71% C, 26.28% T, and 14.67% G, with a slight AT bias of 57.62%. CR is located between the tRNA-Pro and tRNA-Phe genes and is 1456 bp in length; some tandem repeat sequences and conserved elements (TAS, CSB1-3) were found in the CR.

Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is associated with a series of bone complications, which are still a great challenge in the clinic. Bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) are crucial to bone remodeling and are attractive candidates for tissue engineering. Hence, we aimed to investigate whether impaired functions of BMSCs play a role in the pathogenesis of bone complications associated with T1DM. BMSCs were isolated from normal and streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats, and their proliferation and osteogenic differentiation ability were analyzed. Diabetic BMSCs demonstrated reduced proliferation ability, osteoblast gene expression, alkaline phosphatase activity and mineralization. Nude mice transplanted with diabetic BMSCs in a calcium phosphate cement scaffold exhibited reduced new bone formation, as detected by hematoxylin and eosin staining and immunohistochemistry. These changes may be partially related to impaired insulin and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) signaling. Weak gene expression of insulin receptor (IR), IGF-1, insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor (IGF-1R), and insulin receptor substrate-1 (IRS-1) was observed in the diabetic BMSCs compared with normal BMSCs, together with decreased protein level of IGF-1, IGF-1R, IRS-1 and phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated kinase. Therefore, impaired proliferation and osteogenic potential of BMSCs may be responsible for bone complications related to T1DM, mediated partially by impaired insulin and IGF-1 signaling. These findings may provide a new target with which to devise strategies for therapy.

Binding of a surfactant to proteins can affect their physicochemical stability and solubility in a formulation. The extent of the effect depends on the binding stoichiometry. In this study, we have utilized the technique of maximum bubble pressure surface tensiometry to characterize the binding between human serum albumin (HSA) and surfactants (sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) and polysorbate 80) by dynamic surface tension measurements. Results show that two classes of binding sites are present in HSA for SDS, 5 primary binding sites with high binding affinity (K(a)=5.38×10(5) M(-1)) and 12 secondary binding sites with low affinity (K(a)=6.7×10(4) M(-1)). The binding is high affinity and limited capacity due to both, ionic and hydrophobic interactions between HSA and SDS. For polysorbate 80, the binding does not follow the Scatchard plot, and is low affinity and high capacity, indicating that polysorbate 80 interacts with HSA through hydrophobic interactions. The results show that maximal bubble pressure surface tensiometry is a fast and convenient technique to determine the concentration of free and bound surfactants in the presence of proteins., (Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Global warming, which is caused by greenhouse gas emissions, makes food crops more vulnerable to heat stress. Understanding the heat stress-related mechanisms in crops and classifying heat stress-related genes can increase our knowledge in heat-resistant molecular biology and propel developments in molecular design breeding, which can help rice cope with unfavorable temperatures. In this study, we carried out a physiological analysis of rice plants after heat stress. The results show a dramatic increase in malondialdehyde contents and SOD activities. We successfully isolated 11 heat-related rice genes with known function annotation through DNSH, which is an improved SSH method for screening long cDNA fragments. The reanalysis of microarray data from public database revealed that all these genes displayed various expression patterns after heat stress, drought, cold and salt. Quantitative real-time reverse transcription PCR was also performed to validate the expression of these genes after heat stress. The expressions in 10 genes were all significantly changed except for contig 77, which is a CBL-interacting protein kinase. Several reports have been published about the members of the same gene family., (Copyright © 2012. Published by Elsevier Masson SAS.)

Sequence variability in three mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) regions, namely cytochrome c oxidase subunit 3 (cox3), NADH dehydrogenase subunits 1 and 4 (nad1 and nad4) in Spirometra erinaceieuropaei spargana from different geographical regions in China was examined. A portion of each of the cox3 (pcox3), nad1 (pnad1) and nad4 genes (pnad4) were amplified separately from individual S. erinaceieuropaei spargana by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Representative amplicons were subjected to sequencing in order to estimate sequence variability. The sequences of pcox3, pnad1 and pnad4 were 541, 607 and 847 bp in length, respectively. The A+T contents of the sequences were 68.39-68.76% (pcox3), 63.76-64.91% (pnad1) and 67.18-67.77% (pnad4), respectively, while the intra-specific sequence variations within each of the S. erinaceieuropaei spargana were 0-1.5% for pcox3, 0-2.8% for pnad1 and 0-2.7% for pnad4. Phylogenetic analysis using neighbour joining (NJ), maximum likelihood (ML) and maximum parsimony (MP) methods, indicated that all the spargana isolates in Hunan Province represented S. erinaceieuropaei. These findings demonstrated clearly the usefulness of the three mtDNA sequences for population genetics studies of S. erinaceieuropaei spargana of human and animal health significance.

The 16,585 base pairs mitochondrial genome of Shinisaurus crocodilurus was determined by using PCR amplification and DNA sequencing. To determine the phylogenetic position of S. crocodilurus with related species within Squamata, the phylogenetic tree was reconstructed with the concatenated nucleotide sequences of the 12 heavy-strand-encoded protein genes. Phylogenetic analyses based on maximum parsimony and Bayesian inference methods consistently support that the S. crocodilurus was closely related to the Helodermatidae within a monophyletic Anguimorpha group. And the result here contradicted the monophyly of Varanoidea (Varanidae + Helodermatidae). In addition, the Gekkonidae was found to possess a basal phylogenetic position within squamata and the traditional hypothesis of monophyletic lineages of Iguania and Scleroglossa was not supported in this study.

In this paper, we sequenced the complete mitochondrial genome of Kallima inachus (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae: Nymphalinae), which is considered a rare species in China. The genome is 15,183 bp in size. Its gene arrangement pattern was identical with those of Argynnis hyperbius. We compared the mitochondrial genome of K. inachus with that of A. hyperbius. Nucleotide sequence similarity between the two whole mitochondrial genomes was 85.92%, and the relatively low similarity seems to indicate that the two species are distinctly separated on the species level. The information on the mitochondrial genome comparison of the two species is discussed in detail in this paper.

Black-spotted and red-spotted tokay geckos are distributed in different regions and have significant differences in morphological appearance, but have been regarded as the same species, Gekko gecko, in taxonomy. To determine whether black-spotted and red-spotted tokay geckos are genetically differentiated, we sequenced the entire mitochondrial cytochrome b gene (1147 bp) from 110 individuals of Gekko gecko collected in 11 areas including Guangxi China, Yunnan China, Vietnam, and Laos. In addition, we performed karyotypic analyses of black-spotted tokay geckos from Guangxi China and red-spotted tokay geckos from Laos. These phylogenetic analyses showed that black-spotted and red-spotted tokay geckos are divided into two branches in molecular phylogenetic trees. The average genetic distances are as follows: 0.12-0.47% among six haplotypes in the black-spotted tokay gecko group, 0.12-1.66% among five haplotypes in the red-spotted tokay gecko group, and 8.76-9.18% between the black-spotted and red-spotted tokay geckos, respectively. The karyotypic analyses showed that the karyotype formula is 2n = 38 = 8m + 2sm + 2st + 26t in red-spotted tokay geckos from Laos compared with 2n = 38 = 8m + 2sm + 28t in black-spotted tokay geckos from Guangxi China. The differences in these two kinds of karyotypes were detected on the 15th chromosome. The clear differences in genetic levels between black-spotted and red-spotted tokay geckos suggest a significant level of genetic differentiation between the two.

Here, we sequenced the complete mitochondrial genome of the red-spotted tokay gecko (Squamata: Gekkonidae). The genome is 16,590 bp in size. Its gene arrangement pattern was identical with that of black-spotted tokay gecko. We compared the mitochondrial genome of red-spotted tokay gecko with that of the black-spotted tokay gecko. Nucleotide sequence of the two whole mitochondrial genomes was 97.99% similar, and the relatively high similarity seems to indicate that they may be separated at the subspecies level. The information of mitochondrial genome comparison of the two morphological types of tokay gecko is discussed in detail.

The 16,678 bp mitochondrial genome of the Chrysolophus pictus has been sequenced in this paper. To determine the phylogentic position of C. pictus with related species within Phasianidae, the phylogenetic tree was reconstructed with the concatenated nucleotide dataset of the 12 heavy-strand-encoded protein genes. The phylogenetic analysis was carried out using maximum parsimony (MP) and Bayesian inference (BI) methods. MP and BI phylogenetic trees here showed similar topology and consistently suggested that C. pictus shared a close relationship with Phasianus versicolor. The results also showed that the Meleagris gallopavo possessed a basal phylogenetic position within Phasianidae, which may imply that it should be classified into the Phasianidae.

Objective: To determine changes on craniofacial growth morphometrically in newborn mice with cleft palate induced by retinoic acid. DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS, INTERVENTIONS: Gestation day 10 or 12 pregnant female C57BL/6N mice were given a single dose of all-trans retinoic acid (atRA) by gastric intubations via oral gavage. Sixty newborn mice with cleft palate (CP), 52 without CP from the experimental group, and 30 without CP from the control group were collected, and lateral cephalograms were taken of all of the mice., Main Outcome Measures: Cephalometric analysis of the craniofacial skeleton was performed by means of a personal computer., Results: Inhibition of craniofacial growth was found in the experimental groups but not in the control groups. In the maxillary bone and mandible, the amount of growth was significantly reduced., Conclusions: These results suggest that craniofacial growth is inhibited in newborn mice with cleft palate induced by retinoic acid.

The prevalence of spargana infection in frogs (Rana nigromaculata) was investigated in China's central Hunan Province, from March 2007 to October 2009. 59 of 292 (20.2%) wild-caught frogs were found to be infected with plerocercoids (spargana) of the genus Spirometra. Spargana were recovered from the skeletal muscle of the hind limb. The infection rate ranged from 4.5% to 27.4%, and the infection intensity was 1-15 spargana per frog. To identify the species identity of the collected spargana, a portion of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (cox1) gene was amplified, sequenced, and analyzed. Sequence variations for cox1 among all the examined spargana were 0.0-3.1%, with 14 variable sites being identified in sequences obtained (3.1%, 14/446), representing 6 different cox1 sequences. Phylogenetic analysis showed that all the spargana isolates in Hunan province represented Spirometra erinaceieuropaei. This is the first report of S. erinaceieuropaei infection in frogs in Hunan province, China., (Copyright 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Objective: To explore the invasiveness of xenografts on chicken embryo chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) after tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-2 (TIMP-2) gene transfection., Methods: Fresh ameloblastoma tissues were minced into 1-2 mm3 and transplanted on the CAM. There were three groups named as control group (Empt), plasma transfection group (Lipo), and TIMP-2 gene transfection group (P). The specimens were respectively investigated by microscope indifferent spots after implanting. The volume of the xenografts and the weight of xenografts in the termination time of the experiment were recorded. The invasiveness of xenografts was divided into four grades by pathological examination. Western blot analysis was performed to investigate matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MIMP-2) and TIMP-2 protein in xenografts., Results: Ameloblastoma tissues can survive on CAM and the tumor cells may invade it on 5-7 days after implanting. At 9 d after implanting, the invasiveness grades in P group were 7 in grade 0, 1 in grade 2, 0 in grade 3. The expression of TIMP-2 protein in P group was significantly higher than that in Empt group (P < 0.05). The expression of MMP-2 protein in P group was lower than that in Empt group (P < 0.05)., Conclusion: The xenotransplanted tumor model of human ameloblastoma on CAM was successfully established. The invasiveness of ameloblastoma xenografts was suppressed might be due to TIMP-2 gene transfection.

In order to study the chronology of age of third molar mineralization of Han in southern China, Demirjian staging method was used to determine the stage of four third molars (18, 28, 38, 48) mineralization in 3,100 Han in southern China aged 4.1-26.9 years based on radiological evidence from digital orthopantomograms. The mean age of the 3,100 patients was 15.96 +/- 4.73 years, including 1,200 male (mean age, 15.32 +/- 4.62) and 1,900 female (mean age, 16.35 +/- 4.76). Results show that there was no significant difference in mineralization between 18 and 28 and 38 and 48 of male or female. However, significant difference was observed between 28 and 38 of female at stage C; 28 was 0.25 years earlier than 38. In male, at stage G, 38 was 0.61 years earlier than 28, and 48 was 0.62 years earlier than 18. At stages D, E, F, G, and H, male 48 was 0.34, 0.66, 0.72, 1.34, and 0.76 years earlier than that of female, respectively. At stages A, D, E, F, G, and H, male 38 was 0.73, 0.26, 0.56, 0.91, 1.29, and 0.70 years earlier than that of female, respectively. At stages B, E, F, G, and H, the mineralization mean age of male 18 was 0.54, 0.50, 0.76, 0.92, and 0.58 years earlier than that of female, respectively. At stages E, F, G, and H, the mineralization mean age of male 28 was 0.51, 0.76, 0.92, and 0.49 years earlier than that of female, respectively. After reviewing the literature, the chronological mineralization age of 48, at stages D to G, of Han in southern China was 1 to 4.6 years earlier than that of Japanese and 1 to 3 years earlier than that of German. The mean age at stage H of 48 of Han in southern China was similar to Turkish, Black African, Japanese, and German, but was later than Spanish. Finally, the conclusions are: (1) in the same gender group of Han in southern China, the mineralization ages between two sides in upper or lower jaw are very similar, and (2) the chronology mean age and complete time of third molar mineralization of male were earlier than that of female.

Background: Ameloblastoma is an odontogenic benign tumor characterized by local invasiveness and most of its local recurrences clinically result from local invasion. This study used matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) inhibitor I (MMP-2I) to investigate the role played by MMP-2 activity in the local invasiveness of ameloblastoma., Methods: The cells and xenografts of ameloblastoma were treated with MMP-2I and treatment group were compared with the control group. In vitro, the invasive activity of tumor cells was assayed in transwell cell culture chamber. Gelatinolytic activity of gelatinases and MMP-2/tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase (TIMP-2) protein expression was detected using gelatin zymography and flow cytometry. The cell viability and adhesion were evaluated using methyl thiazol tetrazolium. In vivo, bilateral subrenal capsule xenograft transplantation of ameloblastoma was performed in 10 nude mice and the invasion of ameloblastoma into the renal parenchyma was observed., Results: Active-MMP-2 of conditioned media was significantly lower in treatment group than in the control group. Accordingly, potential of in vitro cell invasion, adhesion and in vivo tumor invasion were also significantly lower in the treatment group than in the control group., Conclusions: Inhibitor of MMP-2 activity suppressed the local invasive capability of ameloblastoma by decreasing MMP-2 activity. MMP-2 activity is in relation with invasive capacity of ameloblastoma.

The quantitative trait loci (QTLs) associated with arsenic (As) accumulation in rice were mapped using a doubled haploid population established by anther culture of F1 plants from a cross between a Japonica cultivar CJ06 and an Indica cultivar TN1 (Oryza sativa). Four QTLs for arsenic (As) concentrations were detected in the map. At the seedling stage, one QTL was mapped on chromosome 2 for As concentrations in shoots with 24.4% phenotypic variance and one QTL for As concentrations in roots was detected on chromosome 3. At maturity, two QTLs for As concentrations in grains were found on chromosomes 6 and 8, with 26.3 and 35.2% phenotypic variance, respectively. No common loci were detected among these three traits. Interestingly, the QTL on chromosome 8 was found to be colocated for As concentrations in grain at maturity and shoot phosphorus (P) concentrations at seedling stage. These results provide an insight into the genetic basis of As uptake and accumulation in rice, and will be useful in identifying genes associated with As accumulation.

The purpose of this work was to investigate if physical stability of a model monoclonal antibody (IgG(2)), as determined by extent of aggregation, was related to rheology of its solutions. Storage stability of the model protein was assessed at 25 degrees C and 37 degrees C for three months in solutions ranging from pH 4.0 to 9.0 and ionic strengths of 4 mM and 300 mM. The rheology of IgG(2) solutions has been characterized at 25 degrees C in our previous work and correlation of solution storage modulus (G') with protein-protein interactions established. The extent of aggregation was consistent with solution rheology as understood in terms of changes in G' with protein concentration. Thermodynamic stability of native IgG(2) conformation increased with increasing pH. The correlation between rheology and aggregation was also assessed at increased ionic strengths. The decrease in aggregation was consistent with change in solution rheology profile at pH 7.4 and 9.0. The results provide evidence of a relationship between solution rheology and extent of aggregation for the model protein studied. The implications of this relationship for formulation and physical stability assessment in high concentration protein solutions are discussed., ((c) 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc.)

Objective: To establish an subcutaneous xenotransplanted tumor model of human ameloblastoma in nude mice., Methods: Ameloblastoma cells were absorbed by primary culture, repeat attachment and pancreas proteolytic enzyme were both used to purify them. Then, the purified cells were implanted subcutaneously into the nude mice. The specimens were respectively investigated by microscope in different spots after implanting., Results: Ameloblastoma cells can survive in all of the 8 nude mice. The xenograft can be found on 23 days after implanting. The rate of successful inocutation is 25%. The subcutaneously xenotransplanted tumor cells can be found with microscope in the inter-muscle tissues of nude mice., Conclusion: The subcutaneously xenotransplanted tumor model of human ameloblastoma in nude mice was successfully established and it may benefit to further studies on this tumor.

The number of therapeutic monoclonal antibody in development has increased tremendously over the last several years and this trend continues. At present there are more than 23 approved antibodies on the US market and an estimated 200 or more are in development. Although antibodies share certain structural similarities, development of commercially viable antibody pharmaceuticals has not been straightforward because of their unique and somewhat unpredictable solution behavior. This article reviews the structure and function of antibodies and the mechanisms of physical and chemical instabilities. Various aspects of formulation development have been examined to identify the critical attributes for the stabilization of antibodies., ((c) 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc. and the American Pharmacists Association.)

The purpose of this work was to establish ultrasonic storage modulus (G') as a novel parameter for characterizing protein-protein interactions (PPI) in high concentration protein solutions. Using an indigenously developed ultrasonic shear rheometer, G' for 20-120 mg/ml solutions of a monoclonal antibody (IgG(2)), between pH 3.0 and 9.0 at 4 mM ionic strength, was measured at frequency of 10 MHz. Our understanding of ultrasonic rheology indicated decrease in repulsive and increase in attractive PPI with increasing solution pH. To confirm this behavior, dynamic (DLS) and static (SLS) light scattering measurements were conducted in dilute solutions. Due to technical limitations, light scattering measurements could not be conducted in concentrated solutions. Mutual-diffusion coefficient, measured by DLS, increased with IgG(2) concentration at pH 4.0 and this trend reversed as pH was increased to 9.0. Second virial coefficient, measured by SLS, decreased with increasing pH. These observations were consistent with the nature of PPI understood from G' measurements. Ultrasonic rheology, DLS, and SLS measurements were also conducted under conditions of increased ionic strength. The consistency between rheology and light scattering analysis under various solution conditions established the utility of ultrasonic G' measurements as a novel tool for analyzing PPI in high protein concentration systems.

Objective: To construct the eukaryotic expression vector of TIMP-2 gene and to explore its expression in human ameloblastoma cell in vitro., Methods: The aimed gene fragment was obtained by RT-PCR. And then, molecmicrolar cloning technology and enzyme digestion were used to connect the gene with the plasmid PcDNA3.1(+), which can be expressed in eukaryotic cells and a report gene: green fluorescent protein gene (GFP) was already existed in the plasmid. We named the eukaryotic expression vector, which contended our aimed gene TIMP-2 as well as report gene GFP, PcDNA3.1(+)/GFP-TIMP-2. The vector was identified by PCR analysis, EcoR I and Xho I restriction analysis and Sequence analysis. After the PcDNA3.1(+)/GFP-TIMP-2 was transfected into cultured human ameloblastoma cell, RT-PCR and Flow Cytometry (FCM) and Microscope wre respectively performed to evaluate the effect of transfection and expression., Results: The constructed vector PcDNA3.1(+)/GFP-TIMP-2 was proved correct by enzyme digestion and sequencing analysis. After PcDNA3.1(+)/GFP-TIMP-2 was trasnfected into cultured human ameloblastoma cell, the rate of transfection is 47.6% (Analysis report of FCM), the green fluorescence was found in plasm (observed with fluo-microwave), the expression of TIMP-2 mRNA was elevated 2.4 times compared with the control group., Conclusions: PcDNA3.1(+)/GFP-TIMP-2 was successfully constructed and it could be transfected into cultured human ameloblastoma cell. It may be benefit to further study of the relationship between the TIMP-2 gene and the behaviour of ameloblastoma.

The introgression of transgenes into wild relatives or weeds through pollen-mediated gene flow is a major concern in environmental risk assessment of transgenic crops. A large-scale (1.3-1.8 ha) rice gene flow study was conducted using transgenic rice containing the bar gene as a pollen donor and Oryza rufipogon as a recipient. There was a high frequency of transgene flow (11%-18%) at 0-1 m, with a steep decline with increasing distance to a detection limit of 0.01% by 250 m. To our knowledge, this is the highest frequency and longest distance of gene flow from transgenic rice to O. rufipogon reported so far. On the basis of these data, an adequate isolation distance from both conventional and transgenic rice should be taken for in situ conservation of common wild rice. Meanwhile, there is no evidence of transgene introgression into barnyard grass, even when it has coexisted with transgenic rice containing the bar gene for five successive years. Thus, the environmental risk of gene flow to this weedy species is of little concern.

Segregation distortion is a quite common phenomenon in living species and thought to be a potent evolutional force. The main reasons of distorted segregation ratios are responsible for the selection of gametes or sporophytes. In this study, two extreme segregation distortions from the progenies of lmi x 02428 and d6 x 93-11 were identified. The segregation ratio of molecular markers tightly linked with LMI and D6 genes were analyzed and skew segregation were found in the markers tested which were indicated by significant deviation from the expected Mendelian segregation ratio(1:2:1). The segregation distorted regions were detected between molecular markers ST8 and ST8-2 near the centromere of chromosome 8, and ST7-1 and ST7-3 near telomere of chromosome 7, respectively. Meanwhile, the results indicated that segregation distortion had related with the different crossed combinations.

The purpose of this work was to explore the utilization of high-frequency rheology analysis for assessing protein-protein interactions in high protein concentration solutions. Rheology analysis of a model monoclonal immunoglobulin G2 solutions was conducted on indigenously developed ultrasonic shear rheometer at frequency of 10 MHz. Solutions at pH 9.0 behaved as most viscous and viscoelastic whereas those at pH 4.0 and 5.4 exhibited lower viscosity and viscoelasticity, respectively. Intrinsic viscosity, hydrophobicity, and conformational analysis could not account for the rheological behavior of IgG2 solutions. Zeta potential and light scattering measurements showed the significance of electroviscous and specific protein-protein interactions in governing rheology of IgG2 solutions. Specific protein-protein interactions resulted in formation of reversible higher order species of monomer. Solution storage modulus (G'), and not loss modulus or complex viscosity, was the more reliable parameter for predicting protein-protein interactions. Predictions about the nature of protein-protein interactions made on the basis of solution G' were found to be consistent with observed effect of pH and ionic strength on zeta potential and scattered intensity of IgG2 solutions. Results demonstrated the potential of high-frequency storage modulus measurements for understanding behavior of proteins in solutions and predicting the nature of protein-protein interactions., ((c) 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc. and the American Pharmacists Association.)

QTLs for milled rice length (MRL), cooked rice length (CRL) and cooked rice elongation (CRE) were identified by using a population of 127 DH lines derived from a cross between ZYQ8 and JX17. Totally, 14 QTLs for rice elongation traits were detected on chromosomes 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 10, 11 and 12. Two putative QTLs for MRL were mapped on chromosomes 2. Seven putative QTLs for CRL were mapped on chromosomes 1, 6, 7, 10, 11 and 12. Five putative QTLs for CRE were mapped on chromosomes 5, 6, and 10. The regions of G249-G164 on chromosome 3, G30-RZ516 on chromosome 6 and G1082-GA223 on chromosome 10 were detected simultaneously for affecting cooked rice length and cooke rice elongation. LODs of the QTLs related to rice elongation varied from 2.26 to 9.25, and their explained variations from 5.31% to 17.21% . It is indicated that cooked rice elongation was controlled by polygene and Wx-gene located on the same region with qCRE-6 was important to cooked rice elongation.