Natural variation in the cytochrome c oxidase subunit 5B OsCOX5B regulates seed vigor by altering energy production in rice

Seed vigor is a crucial trait for the direct seeding of rice.Here we examined the genetic regulation of seed vigor traits in rice,including germination index(GI)and germination potential(GP),using a genome-wide association study approach.One major quantitative trait locus,qGI6/qGP6,was identified simultaneously for both GI and GP.The candidate gene encoding the cytochrome c oxidase subunit 5B(OsCOX5B)was validated for qGI6/qGP6.The disruption of OsCOX5B caused the vigor traits to be significantly lower in Oscox5b mutants than in the japonica Nipponbare wild type(WT).Gene co-expression analysis revealed that OsCOX5B influences seed vigor mainly by modulating the tricarboxylic acid cycle process.The glucose levels were significantly higher while the pyruvic acid and adenosine triphosphate levels were significantly lower in Oscox5b mutants than in WT during seed germination.The elite haplotype of OsCOX5B facilitates seed vigor by increasing its expression during seed germination.Thus,we propose that OsCOX5B is a potential target for the breeding of rice varieties with enhanced seed vigor for direct seeding.

Comparative Study of Genetic Structure and Genetic Diversity betweenWild and Cultivated Populations of Taxus cuspidata,Northeast China

Taxus cuspidata is a rare plant with important medicinal and ornamental value.Aiming at the obvious differences between wild and cultivated populations of T.cuspidata from Northeast China,a total of 61 samples,that is,33 wild yews and 28 cultivated yews were used to analyze the differences and correlations of the kinship,genetic diversity,and genetic structure between them by specific length amplified fragment sequencing(SLAF-seq).Finally,470725 polymorphic SLAF tags and 58622 valid SNP markers were obtained.Phylogenetic analysis showed that 61 samples were classified into 2 clusters:wild populations and cultivated populations,and some wild yews were categorized into the cultivated populations;the genetic diversity analysis showed that the Nei diversity index of wild populations(0.4068)was smaller than that of cultivated populations(0.4414),and the polymorphic information content(PIC)of wild populations(0.2861)was smaller than that of cultivated populations(0.3309).The genetic differentiation analysis showed that the total populations of gene diversity(H_(t))of cultivated and wild populations were respectively 0.8159 and 0.5685,the coefficient of gene differentiation(G_(st))of cultivated and wild populations was respectively 0.3021 and 0.1068,and the gene flow(N_(m))(2.4967)of wild populations was larger than cultivated populations(0.8199).The molecular variance(AMOVA)revealed that inter-population variation accounted for 29.57%of the total genetic variation,while intra-population variation accounted for 70.42% of the total genetic variation(p<0.001),this suggested that the genetic variation in the T.cuspidata is mainly attributed to within-population factors.In conclusion,the genetic distance between geographical ecological groups of wild populations was generally smaller than that of cultivated populations,and the degree of genetic diversity and genetic differentiation was smaller than that of cultivated populations.As evident,the utilization of SLAF-seq technology enables efficient and accurate development of SNP markers suitable for genetic analysis of T.cuspidata species.These developed SNP markers can provide a molecular foundation for T.cuspidata breeding,construction of genetic maps,variety identification,and association analysis of agronomic traits.

Cell membrane vesicles derived from hBMSCs and hUVECs enhance bone regeneration

Bone tissue renewal can be enhanced through co-transplantation of bone mesenchymal stem cells(BMSCs)and vascular endothelial cells(ECs).However,there are apparent limitations in stem cell-based therapy which hinder its clinic translation.Hence,we investigated the potential of alternative stem cell substitutes for facilitating bone regeneration.In this study,we successfully prepared cell membrane vesicles(CMVs)from BMSCs and ECs.The results showed that BMSC-derived cell membrane vesicles(BMSC-CMVs)possessed membrane receptors involved in juxtacrine signaling and growth factors derived from their parental cells.EC-derived cell membrane vesicles(EC-CMVs)also contained BMP2 and VEGF derived from their parental cells.BMSC-CMVs enhanced tube formation and migration ability of hUVECs,while EC-CMVs promoted the osteogenic differentiation of hBMSCs in vitro.Using a rat skull defect model,we found that co-transplantation of BMSC-CMVs and EC-CMVs could stimulate angiogenesis and bone formation in vivo.Therefore,our research might provide an innovative and feasible approach for cell-free therapy in bone tissue regeneration.

Effective depolymerization of alkali lignin using an attapulgite-Ce_(0.75)Zr_(0.25)O_(2)(ATP-CZO)-supported cobalt catalyst in ethanol/isopropanol media

Lignin is the world's greatest renewable aromatic biofeedstock,and it has promising applications in high value-added chemical products.Herein,N-Co/ATP-CZO was used as a catalyst for the depolymerization of alkali lignin in ethanol and isopropanol systems,and explored the effects of formic acid(FA)amount,reaction time,reaction temperature and other factors on the depolymerization of alkali lignin.Among them,formic acid serves as both catalytic and in situ-hydrogen donor.Ultimately,the highest yield of bio-oil(59.28%(mass)),including 30.05%(mass)of monomer,was obtained after a reaction of FA to alkali lignin mass ratio of 4 and 240°C for 8 h.Among the monomers,the yield of Guaiacol was the highest(5.94%(mass)),followed by 2-methoxy-4-methylphenol(5.74%(mass)).This study,the modification of attapulgite was carried out to reduce the acidity while enhancing the catalytic activity for depolymerization,and the selection of hydrogen donor was investigated.A feasible pathway for lignin depolymerization research was opened.

Enhancing reversibility of LiNi_(0.5)Mn_(1.5)O_(4)by regulating surface oxygen deficiency

Oxygen deficiency has crucial effects on the crystal structure and electrochemical performance of spinel oxide lithium electrode materials such as LiNi_(0.5)Mn_(1.5)O_(4)(LNMO)cathode.In particular,the oxygen stoichiometry on the crystal surface differs from that on the crystal interior in LNMO.The detection of local oxygen loss in LNMO and its correlation with the crystal structure and the cycling stability of LNMO remain challenging.In this study,the effect of oxygen deficiency in LNMO controlled by sintering temperature on the surface crystal structure and electrochemical performance of LNMO is comprehensively investigated.The high concentration of oxygen vacancies segregates at the surface regions of LNMO forming a thin rock‐salt and/or deficient spinel surface layer.The atomic‐level surface structure reconstruction was demonstrated by annular dark‐field and annular brightfield techniques.For the synthesis of LNMO,the higher sintering temperature results in higher crystallinity but the higher oxygen deficiency in LNMO.The high crystallinity of LNMO would increase the thermal stability of LNMO cathodes while the high content of oxygen deficiency would decrease the surface structural stability of LNMO.Therefore,the LNMO sintered at a medium temperature of 850°C achieved the best capacity retention.The results suggest a competitive function mechanism between oxygen stoichiometry and the crystallinity of LNMO on the cycling performance of LNMO.

2008北京奥运会柔道、跆拳道比赛馆(北京科技大学体育馆),北京,中国

2008奥运会北京柔道、跆拳道比赛馆（北京科技大学体育馆）作为北京2008年奥运会的主要比赛场馆之一。在奥运期间,承担奥运会柔道、跆拳道比赛。在残奥会期间作为轮椅篮球、轮椅橄榄球比赛场地。工程由主体育馆和一个50m×25m标准游泳池构成。总建筑面积24,662.32m^2。该项目不仅是为奥运柔道跆拳道比赛所设计。而且将建设在大学校园里。如何应对奥运和校园的功能转换、特殊的地理人文环境、校园的场所特点、管理和运营的校园化特征是我们面对的挑战。因此,这是一个特殊的项目,建筑师在前期进行了充分的策划调研。

华山游客中心,华阴,陕西,中国

华山风景名胜区自然景色雄奇瑰伟,风姿独具,大气磅礴。考虑到华山的这种磅礴气势以及它丰富的人文景观与历史传承,我们采用了尊重自然、尊重华山的设计理念。设计首先严格遵循了华山风景名胜区总体规划的要求。其次也充分考虑了华山未来申报世界自然遗产的可能性。考虑到大量游客来此旅游都是为了观仰华山。而游客中心仅仅是为其观山提供必要的服务,因此在设计立意上。整个建筑体现了＂宜小不宜大、宜藏不宜露＂的原则。建筑匍匐在华山脚下,融入用地的自然环境之中。

北川抗震纪念园幸福园展览馆,四川,中国

北川羌族自治县抗震纪念园选址于北川新县城中部。东临羌族风情商业街,西端为民俗博物馆。纪念园自东向西分为三部分,依次为静思园、英雄园和幸福园。展览馆位于幸福园西北侧,建筑占地约2000m^2,是幸福园的主题建筑,是陈列展览、纪录传播北川人民抗震救灾、重建家园乐观精神的重要载体,同时也是市民交流、沟通、休闲的场所。建筑以富有雕塑感的＂白石＂造型设计呼应并共同形成抗震纪念园的主题。

渭南市文化艺术中心,陕西,中国

渭南地处关中平原东部。以在渭水之南得名。渭南人文气息深厚。是《诗经》开篇之作《关雎》的诞生地。也是太史公司马迁的故乡。为实现建设秦晋豫黄河三角区区域中心城市的城市总体规划目标,作为提升城市活力和完善城市功能的重大举措之一。市政府做出在规划中的行政文化区新建文化艺术中心的决定。渭南市文化艺术中心包括大剧院（1200座）、一个多功能厅（非物质文化遗产展示传习中心）、影城和培训楼等内容。总建筑面积约3.4万m^2。作为在地性创作系列研究之一。

2008北京奥运会射击馆,北京,中国

射击运动是一项历史悠久的传统奥运项目,是化干戈为玉帛的奥林匹克精神的产物,有着不同于其他运动项目的独特文化。射击运动又是一项以静制动、以巧搏力的项目。射击运动源于森林狩猎,是一项非常贴近自然的运动项目。运动员在草地、蓝天和阳光下,追求精准,以静制动,进行耐力和心理素质的较量,使这项运动展现出入与自然的相融和谐,建筑与环境密不可分的相互依存关系。抛弃追求彰显＂国家象征＂的宏大叙事式的立面追求,强调建筑空间与自然的对话,体现回归自然、回归人性、回归建筑的本原,应该是本设计最本质的追求。

玉树州行政中心,青海,中国

青海玉树位于青藏高原腹地,玉树地震灾后重建活动是迄今人类在高海拔的生命禁区开展的最大规模灾后重建。该项目是玉树地震灾后重建的十大重点项目之一。在前期对藏区院子的调研中。建筑师发现藏式建筑院落空间组合多样、变化无穷,往往有较为明显的高差变化,追求纵向延伸、依托于整体山势益显气势磅礴。形成院中有院、步行景异、高低变幻、错落有致的空间序列。

钓鱼台国宾馆3号楼和网球馆,北京,中国

钓鱼台国宾馆坐落于北京三里河路西侧的古钓鱼台风景区,始建于1958年。是国家领导人外事接待的重要场所。国宾馆全园占地42hm^2（湖水面积约7hm^2）。初期建成15栋别墅式接待楼,总建筑而积16.5万m^2。原3号楼即为其中之一,后又就近增建了网球馆。随着国宾馆使用需求的不断发展。原3号楼和网球馆功能、规模及服务标准也迫切需要改善。原址重建的新3号楼和网球馆建筑地上3层,地下一层。3号楼主要功能包含首层独立使用的大会客厅。

A meta-analysis of Chinese herbal medicines for vascular dementia

OBJECTIVE： To investigate the efficacy and safety of Chinese herbal medicines in the treatment of patients with vascular dementia. DATA RETRIEVAL： We retrieved publications from Cochrane Library （2004 to July 2011）, PubMed （1966 to July 2011）, the Chinese Science and Technique Journals Database （1977 to July 2011）, the China National Knowledge Infrastructure （1979 to July 2011）, Google Scholar （July 2011）, and the Chinese Biomedical Database （1977 to July 2011） using the key words ＂Chinese medicine OR Chinese herbal medicine＂ and ＂vascular dementia OR mild cognition impair OR multi-infarct dementia OR small-vessel dementia OR strategic infarct dementia OR hypoperfusion dementia OR hemorrhagic dementia OR hereditary vascular dementia＂. SELECTION CRITERIA： Randomized controlled trials comparing Chinese herbal medicines with placebo/western medicine in the treatment of patients with vascular dementia were included. Diagnostic standards included Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-IV, and National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke and Association Internationale pour la Recherche et I＇Enseignement en Neurosciences. Two participants independently conducted literature screening, quality evaluation and data extraction. The quality of each trial was assessed according to the Cochrane Reviewers＇ Handbook 5.0. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES： Effective rate, Mini-Mental State Examination scores, Hasegawa Dementia Scale scores, and incidence of adverse reactions. RESULTS： We identified 1 143 articles discussing the effects of Chinese medicine on vascular dementia. Thirty-one of these were included in the analysis. These studies involved a total of 2 868 participants （1 605 patients took Chinese medicine decoctions （treatment group）; 1 263 patients took western medicine or placebo）. The results of our meta-analysis revealed that Chinese herbal remedies in the treatment group were more efficacious than the control intervention （relative risk （RR） = 1.27; 95% confidence interval （C/）： 1.18-1.38, P 〈 0.01）. Mini-Mental State Examination scores were higher in patients taking Chinese herbal medicines than in those in the control group （weighted mean difference （WMD） = 2.83; 95%CI： 2.55-3.12, P 〈 0.01）. Patients in the treatment group showed better disease amelioration than those in the control group （Hasegawa Dementia Scale scores; WMD = 2.41, 95%CI： 1.48-3.34, P 〈 0.01）. There were also considerably fewer adverse reactions among those in the treatment group compared with those in the control group （RR = 0.20, 95%CI： 0.08-0.47, P 〈 0.01）. CONCLUSION： Chinese herbal medicine appears to be safer and more effective than control measures in the treatment of vascular dementia. However, the included trials were generally low in quality. More well-designed, high-quality trials are needed to provide better evidence for the assessment of the efficacy and safety of Chinese medicines for vascular dementia.

Variation in water supply leads to different responses of tree growth to warming

Background:Global climate change,characterized by changes in precipitation,prolonged growing seasons,and warming-induced water deficits,is putting increased pressure on forest ecosystems globally.Understanding the impact of climate change on drought-prone forests is a key objective in assessing forest responses to climate change.Methods:In this study,we assessed tree growth trends and changes in physiological activity under climate change based on measurements of tree ring and stable isotopes.Additionally,structural equation models were used to identify the climate drivers influencing tree growth for the period 1957–2016.Results:We found that the mean basal area increment decreased first and then increased,while the water use efficiency showed a steady increase.The effects of climate warming on tree growth switched from negative to positive in the period 1957–2016.Adequate water supply,especially snowmelt water available in the early critical period,combined with an earlier arrival of the growing season,allowed to be the key to the reversal of the effects of warming on temperature forests.The analysis of structural equation models(SEM)also demonstrated that the growth response of Pinus tabuliformis to the observed temperature increase was closely related to the increase in water availability.Conclusions:Our study indicates that warming is not the direct cause of forest decline,but does indeed exacerbate droughts,which generally cause forest declines.Water availability at the beginning of the growing season might be critical in the adaptation to rising temperatures in Asia.Temperate forests may be better able to withstand rising temperatures if they have sufficient water,with boosted growth even possible during periods of rising temperatures,thus forming stronger carbon sinks.

The integration of transcriptomic and transgenic analyses reveals the involvement of the SA response pathway in the defense of chrysanthemum against the necrotrophic fungus Alternaria sp.

Chrysanthemum morifolium cv.‘Huaihuang’has ornamental,edible,medicinal,and tea product uses.However,its field growth,yield,and quality are negatively affected by black spot disease caused by Alternaria sp.(Strain:HQJH10092301;GenBank accession number:KF688111).In this study,we transcriptionally and transgenically characterized a new cultivar,‘Huaiju 2#’(Henan Traditional Chinese Medicine Plant Cultivar identification number:2016002),which was bred from‘Huaihuang’and shows resistance to Alternaria sp.Numerous‘Huaiju 2#’plants were inoculated with Alternaria sp.for three or five days.Metabolic analysis showed increases in both salicylic acid(SA)and jasmonic acid(JA)in infected plants compared to the control.Protein activity analysis also revealed a significant increase in defense enzyme activities in infected plants.RNA-Seq of plants infected for 3 or 5 days produced a total of 58.6 GB of clean reads.Among these reads,16,550 and 13,559 differentially expressed genes(DEGs)were identified in Cm_3 dpi(sample from 3 days post-inoculation labeled as Cm_3 dpi)and Cm_5 dpi(sample from 5 days post-inoculation labeled as Cm_5 dpi),respectively,compared with their controls(Cm_0 d:a mixture samples from 0 d(before inoculation)and those treated with sterile distilled water at 3 dpi and 5 dpi).Gene annotation and cluster analysis of the DEGs revealed a variety of defense responses to Alternaria sp.infection,which were characterized by increases in resistance(R)proteins and the reactive oxygen species(ROS),Ca2+,mitogen-activated protein kinase(MAPK),and JA signaling pathways.In particular,SA signaling was highly responsive to Alternaria sp.infection.The qPCR analysis of 12 DEG candidates supported their differential expression characterized by using the RNA-Seq data.One candidate was CmNPR1(nonexpressor of pathogenesis-related gene 1),an important positive regulator of SA in systemic acquired resistance(SAR).Overexpression of CmNPR1 in‘Huaiju 2#’increased the resistance of transgenic plants to black spot.These findings indicate that the SA response pathway is likely involved in the defense of‘Huaiju 2#’against Alternaria sp.pathogens.

Insights into depolymerization pathways and mechanism of alkali lignin over a Ni_(1.2)-ZrO_(2)/WO_(3)/γ-Al_(2)O_(3)catalyst

This study performed catalytic depolymerization of alkali lignin over Ni-based catalysts.Effects of different promoters(Zr and W),Ni loadings,reaction temperatures,and the addition of formic acid and catalyst on lignin conversion and products distribution were all investigated.The result showed that the highest oil yield(40.1%(mass))was obtained at 240℃over Ni_(1.2)/γ-Al_(2)O_(3) promoted by Zr and W species.Quantitative analysis indicates that Zr and W species prefer to lignin depolymerization while Ni active phase prefer to hydrodeoxygenation and hydrogenation.The interconversion of products derived from lignin depolymerization was determined by gas chromatography-mass spectrometer,which demonstrated that phenolic compounds were dominant products in all lignin derived bio-oils,wherein the proportion of vanillin was highest(65.7%)at 180℃,while that of alkyl guaiacols increased with the increase of temperature(from 12.45%at 180℃ to 66.67%at 240℃).Residual lignin obtained after lignin depolymerization was also investigated for detecting differences on functional groups,wherein the disappearing peaks at 1511 cm^(-1)(stretching of aromatic rings),1267,1215 and 1035 cm^(-1)(vibrations of guaiacyl and syringyl units)were detected by Fourier transform infrared spectrometry.Additionally,the higher O/C ratio measured by elemental analysis also confirmed that alkali lignin was depolymerized effectively under mild conditions.

Rapid bioluminescence assay for monitoring rat CES1 activity and its alteration by traditional Chinese medicines

In traditional Chinese medicine herbs(TCM),including Radix Salviae Miltiorrhizae(Danshen),Radix Puerariae Lobatae(Gegen),Radix Angelicae Sinensis(Danggui),and Rhizoma Chuanxiong(Chuanxiong)are widely used for the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases and also often co-administered with Western drugs as a part of integrative medicine practice.Carboxylesterase 1(CES1)plays a pivotal role in the metabolisms of pro-drugs,Since(S)-2-(2-(6-dimethylamino)-benzothiazole)-4,5-dihydrothiazole-4-carboxylate(NLMe)has recently been identified by us as a selective CES1 bioluminescent sensor,we developed a rapid method using this substrate for the direct measurement of CES1 activity in rats.This bioluminescence assay was applied to determine CES1 activity in rat tissues after a two-week oral administration of each of the four herbs noted above.The results demonstrated the presence of CES1 enzyme in rat blood and all tested tissues with much higher enzyme activity in the blood,liver,kidney and heart than that in the small intestine,spleen,lung,pancreas,brain and stomach.In addition,the four herbs showed tissue-specific effects on rat CES1 expression.Based on the CES1 biodistribution and its changes after treatment in rats,the possibility that Danshen,Gegen and Danggui might alter CES1 activities in human blood and kidney should be considered.In summary,a selective and sensitive bioluminescence assay was developed to rapidly evaluate CES1 activity and the effects of orally administered TCMs in rats.

Exogenous Spermidine Promotes Somatic Embryogenesis of Cunninghamia lanceolata by Altering the Endogenous Phytohormone Content

In order to study how exogenous hormones in C.lanceolata(gymnosperm)regulate somatic embryogenesis,we measured the endogenous phytohormones of two genotypes with different somatic embryogenesis efficiency and found that an increase in endogenous concentrations of IAA and ABA may be correlated to more efficient somatic embryogenesis.By applying exogenous spermidine,we found that exogenous hormones may affect somatic embryogenesis efficiency through affecting the endogenous phytohormone content.Based on these results,further studies can be conducted whereby the concentration of exogenous hormones or the levels of endogenous phytohormones by molecular methods are regulated to promote somatic embryogenesis.Our research may benefit the long-term economic output of the forestry industry and lays the foundation to studying the molecular mechanism that controls somatic embryogenesis efficiency.

欧洲地区后矿业空间转型的设计方法

后矿业转型是欧洲空间发展的一个长期的、多层次的、空间差异化的主题。然而,对于空间实践和研究来说,了解这些转变过程并寻找有前景的方法来构想、设计和建立可持续的后矿业地区仍然是一项重大挑战。本文论述了从欧洲这一领域吸取的经验教训。其中,区域和策略规划方法是仅次于其他方法的一种重要干预方式:国际建筑展(IBA)就被视为在后矿业地区提高宜居性和重建社会经济的一种宝贵途径。

吉首美术馆,湖南,中国

廊回吉首,龙伏万溶＂人事中杂糅着神性与魔性＂,沈从文笔下的＂湘西的神秘＂,从旧时的楚巫之术延至今日的旅游噱头,正如新酒入旧瓶,换着法子也能醇香,神性魔性顷刻调转。若言人如其名,沈从文以文字温抚故土,其侄黄永玉则深谙永恒之道包括艺术收藏——于是沈的小说、黄的藏品均以现代身份代言了湘西。