Balloon-based exposed payload designed for astrobiological research in Earth’s near space

Earth’s near space,located in the region between 20 and 100 km above sea level,is characterized by extreme conditions,such as low temperature,low atmospheric pressure,harsh radiation,and extreme dryness.These conditions are analogous to those found on the surface of Mars and in the atmosphere of Venus,making Earth’s near space a unique natural laboratory for astrobiological research.To address essential astrobiological questions,teams from the Chinese Academy of Sciences(CAS)have developed a scientific balloon platform,the CAS Balloon-Borne Astrobiology Platform(CAS-BAP),to study the effects of near space environmental conditions on the biology and survival strategies of representative organisms in this terrestrial analog.Here,we describe the versatile Biological Samples Exposure Payload(BIOSEP)loaded on the CAS-BAP with respect to its structure and function.The primary function of BIOSEP is to expose appropriate biological specimens to the harsh conditions of near space and subsequently return the exposed samples to laboratories for further analysis.Four successful flight missions in near space from 2019 to 2021 have demonstrated the high reliability and efficiency of the payload in communicating between hardware and software units,recording environmental data,exposing sample containers,protecting samples from external contamination,and recovering samples.Understanding the effects of Earth’s near space conditions on biological specimens will provide valuable insights into the survival strategies of organisms in extreme environments and the search for life beyond Earth.The development of BIOSEP and associated biological exposure experiments will enhance our understanding of the potential for life on Mars and the habitability of the atmospheric regions of other planets in the solar system and beyond.

A Newly Designed Shock Tube for Biological Testing

A newly designed shock-tube for biological testing has been built in our labo-ratory.This tube is 39.34 m long.It consists of several sections:high pressure section,divergent section,transitional section,test section and wave-dissipated section.In theopen condition,the maximal overpressure is about 214,3 kPa,while in the closed condi-tion,the maximal overpressure may go up to 630.3 kPa.The energy source is compres-sed air.Using this equipment,we are able to inflict blast injuries with various degreesof severity in rabbits,dogs and sheep.

China,America Have Coo[erated in Micro Biological Production Test

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Pilot-test about Treatment of Low-concentration Organic Waste Gas Using a Fixed Biological Bed

[ Objective] The study aims to discuss the feasibility of using a fixed biological bed to treat low-concentration organic waste gas. [ Method] A fixed biological bed was used to treat low-concentration organic waste gas from a phosphate workshop, and then the waste gas treated was assessed by human sense of smell to determine the most economical empty bed contact time, thereby verifying the feasibility of using a fixed biolog- ical bed to treat low-concentration organic waste gas. [Result] When empty bed contact time was 60 s, the smell of the treated waste gas was acceptable, and COD value of recycled water in the fixed biological bed was essentially unchanged. It proved that organic load of the waste gas was consumed by microorganisms within 60 s. [ Conclusion] It is feasible to use a fixed biological bed to treat Iow-concantration organic waste gas from a phosphate workshop.

Investigation of Kiwifruit Bacterial Canker Disease(Pseudomonas syringae pv.Actinidiae Takikawa) in Guanzhong Area of Shanxi Province and Its Biological Control

[ Objective ] The paper was to grasp the incidence characteristic of kiwifruit bacterial canker disease （Pseudomonas syrirtgate pv. actinidiae Takikawa） in Guanzhong area of Shanxi province, and to screen the endophytic actinomycetes with control effect against kiwifruit bacterial canker. [ Method] The incidence characteristics of kiwifruit bacterial canker disease in 65 orchards of 13 villages in guanzhong area of Shanxi province （Yangling, Zhouzhi, Meixian） were investiga- ted and analyzed. The antagonistic strains against Pseudomonas syringae were simultaneously screened from 242 endophytic actinomycetes, and carried out field dis- ease control test. [ Result] The average incidence rate of kiwifruit bacterial canker disease in guan^ong area of Shanxi province was 7.95% ; the variety of kiwifruit had dose relationship with incidence rate. 76 strains bad inhibition activity agmnst P. syringae, while the inhibition zone diameters of fermentation broths of 35 strains against P. syr/ngae were greater than 20 nun. TIASA5 strain had inhibition activity against four target bacteria; gCLA4 strain not only had inhibition activity against four target bacteria, but also had strong inhibition activity against 10 species of plant pathogenic fungi. Field test showed that the fermentation broth of gCLA4 strain had obvious control effect against kiwifruit bacterial canker disease, and the relative control effect at 21 d could reach 66.7%. [ Conclusion] The an- tibacterial spectrum of fermentation broth of gCLA4 strain is broad, so gCLA4 strain has the potential to be developed into a broad-spectrum agricultural fungicide. Key words Kiwifruit bacterial canker disease; Endophytic actinomycetes; Biological control; Field test

Study on Synthesis and Biological Activities of Novel Water-Soluble Metalloporphyrins

The synthesis and characterization of a series of metal porphyrins, MII(Por), {Por=dianionic of 5, 10, 15, 20-tetrakis [4-(4′-bromobutyloxy) phenyl]porphyrinato and 5, 10, 15, 20-tetrakis [4-(4′-butyloxypyridine bromide)phenyl]porphyrinato, M=Zn, Cu, Mn, Co, Ni, Ru-CO} were described. The complexes 3a-3e were prepared from the reactions of compound 2 with metal acetates in chloroform, and the treatment of 3a-3f with excess of pyridine gave corresponding complexes 4a-4f. These new compounds were identified by absorption spectroscopies,1H-NMR and elemental analyses. The results of biological activity testing for 4a-4f revealed that 4a and 4c had stronger inhibiting action on the growth metabolism ofEsche richia coli.

Short-Term Test for the Induction of Lung Tumor in Mouse by Chloroprene

In a previous study by the authors,positive results from both a case-control study and a cohort study were reported.In the present study a short-term test for the induction of mouse lung tumor by chloroprene was conducted to confirm whether chloroprene monomer itself can induce tumors.Kunming albino mice weaned at 2 weeks were subjected to inhaling 0,2.9±0.3, 19.2±1.9,and 189.0±13.3 mg/m^3 chloroprene(GC purity,99.8%)4 h daily(except Sunday) for 7 months.All survivors were killed at the end of the 8th month or when moribund.No lung tumors were found before the 6th month.Thus,survivors at the 6th month were counted as effective animals.Most lung tumors observed were papilloadenomas(50/57),and a few were adenomas(7/57).The tumor incidence in the 2.9 mg/m^3 group was 8.1% in comparison to 1.3% in the control group,with the significance level at P<0.05.The higher the concentration,the higher the incidence.Examination of the multiplicity of tumor induction also demonstrated a dose-response relationship,and the number of tumors per mouse in the 189 mg/m^3 group was significant at P<0.01.1989 Academic Press,Inc.

Synthesis, Characterization and Biological Activities of Novel Water-soluble Metalloporphyrins

The synthesis, characterization, and biological activities of a series of metal porphyrins were described. The complexes 3a similar to 3e were prepared from the reaction of compound 2 with M(OAc)(2) in CHCl3, and the treatment of 3a similar to 3f with pyridine gave corresponding complexes 4a similar to 4f. These new compounds were identified by absorption spectroscopies, H-1 NMR and elemental analysis. The results of biological activity,testing revealed that 4a and 4c had stronger inhibiting action for Escherichia coli (CCTCC AB91115).

ADPRT-MEDIATED DECREASE OF CELLULAR NAD CONTENT AND THE DETECTION OF CHEMICALLY INDUCED DNA DAMAGE DEVELOPMENT OF A NEW SHORT-TERM SCREENING TEST FOR MUTAGENS

It was found that the DNA-damaging agents N-methyl-N’-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine（MNNG）,methyl-methanesulphonate（MMS）and 4-nitroquinoline-N-oxide（4NQO）could stimulate ADP-ribosyl transferase（ADPRT）activity and reduce the cellular NAD content in a dose-dependent way.The reduction of NAD after DNA damage could be partially or completelyprevented by ADPRT inhibitors,3-aminobenzamide or nicotinamide,which showed noinfluence on reduction of NAD induced by metabolic blocking agents.Therefore,a simpleand specific method to detect DNA-damaging mutagens by measuring ADPRT-mediateddecrease of cellular NAD content was explored.Using β-naphthofiavone,a mixed functionoxygenase inducer,together with induced or uninduced human amnion FL cells,it was foundthat aflatoxin B1,benzo（a）pyrene,2-acetylaminofluorene,9,10-dimethylanthracene andethylcarbamate could induce the ADPRT-mediated decrease of cellular NAD content,while4-acetylaminofluorene,anthracene,isopropyl-N-（3-chlorophenyl）-carbamate,β-propiolactone,γ-butyrolactone,cyclophosphamide and safrol could not.The results indicate that this isa cheap and specific method to detect DNA damage caused by chemical carcinogens/mutagenswith a spccificity approaching that of the unscheduled DNA synthesis assay.

Selection and Molecular Biological Identification of a Strain of Bacillus sp. Inhibiting the Growth of Saprolegnia ferax

Based on the theory of biological control of Saprolegnia ferax,antagonism test of nine strains of Bacillus sp. to S. ferax JL was carried out. Bacillus sp.BA1 was screened to have significantly inhibitory effects on the growth of S. ferax JL( P 【 0. 05). Then,the effects of Bacillus sp. BA1 on different sources of S. ferax were carried out. Results showed that BA1 also had significantly inhibitory effects on S. ferax 6#,10# and S2( P 【 0. 05). Sequence of 16 S r DNA of BA1 was analyzed; and homologous alignment analysis showed that BA1 had more than 99% similarity with Bacillus cereus. Therefore,it could be concluded that strain BA1 was B. cereus,which significantly inhibited the growth of S. ferax and could be used as the biological control agent for S. ferax diseases in aquaculture.

Assessment of Domestic Water Sources Safety: Application of the Micro Biological Survey Method and Microbiological Profile of the Contaminating Bacteria

Water is essential for human life and it’s expected to be clean and safe. In Cameroon, government efforts to improve access to drinking water are mitigated. Many households are suffering from chronic water shortages leading to the majority of people using doubtful water sources. This study was carried out in accordance with guidelines produced by the STARBIOS2-EU funded project on Responsible Research and Innovation and aimed to assess the microbiological quality of water samples collected from domestic water sources in 3 divisions of the West region of Cameroon. 22 water samples from well water, stream, water pump and river were aseptically collected. At each sampling point, 50 mL of sample was taken aseptically and immediately transported to the laboratory for analysis. The detection of Coliforms bacteria was done using Micro Biological Survey (MBS) method. 1 mL of each sample was inoculated in the Coliforms MBS (Coli MBS) vial initially rehydrated with 10 mL of sterile distilled water. The Coli MBS vials were closed, shaken for homogenization, and then incubated at 37°C. From the initial red color of the Coli MBS vials, changes in color to yellow of the reaction vials were monitored at three different time intervals (12 h, 19 h and 24 h), corresponding to three levels of bacterial concentration. All positives samples on MBS method were selected to determine the presence of E. coli Loop full broths of Coli MBS vials were taken;streaked into the eosin methylene blue (EMB) agar plate and incubated at 37°C for 24 hours. E. coli was confirmed by observing green metallic sheen on EMB agar plate. The biochemical indole, methyl red, Voges-Proskauer and citrate (IMViC) test was performed to determine the complete microbiological profile of the water samples. Almost all the water samples were contaminated with Total Coliforms (TC). A high concentration of TC (>103 CFU/mL) was found in 8 samples (36.4%), a medium concentration (10 < x < 103 CFU/mL) was observed in 10 samples (45.5%) and 2 samples (9.1%) were low concentrated (1 < x < 10 CFU/mL). 8 samples were positive for the presence of E. coli by observing the green metallic sheen on EMB agar plates. The IMViC test confirmed the presences of 5 bacteria species: Enterobacter spp., Klebsiella spp., E. coli spp., Salmonella spp. and Shigella spp. We recommend integrating sanitary assessment in the design and implementation of water supply projects. Regular water purification using proper methods and maintenances of the water point. Regular microbiological quality assessment of water intended for human consumption should be planned and carried out.

A STUDY ON THE RELIABILITY OF SHORT-TERM AFB_(1)-INDUCED HEPATOCARCINOGENESIS TEST MODEL

In order to test the reliability of γ-GT foci(γ-glutamyltranspeptidase positive hepatocyticfoci) as a preneoplastic marker in AFB-inducedhepatocarcinogenesis, this experiment was car-ried out for a long period after a short-term invivo test model of AFB-induced hepatocarcino-

Biological Analysis and Response to Low Phosphate Stress of Phosphate Transporter Family 1 (PHT1) Genes in Solanum tuberosum L.

Inorganic phosphate(Pi)is one of the main nutrients necessary for plant growth.Phosphate transporters mediate the acquisition,transport and recycling of phosphate,which is essential for plant growth and development.Although PHT1 has been reported in many plants at home and abroad,it is rarely studied in potato.Therefore,it is of great significance to study the PHT1 family members in order to understand the molecular response mechanism of potato in low phosphate state.In this study,a total of 6 potato PHT1 genes were identified and isolated.It was found that after the expression of different members of potato PHT1 gene,there were certain differences in amino acids and proteins,and the transmembrane domains ranged from 6 to 12.The difference in the secondary and tertiary protein structure of potato PHT1 also led to a difference in protein morphology.In addition,the expression of the PHT1 gene in potato increased obviously during 3~9 h of Pi deficiency stress.Overall,the expression levels of different genes in roots,stems and leaves are distinctly different,but the expression levels of the StPHT1;6 and StPHT1;10 genes are very high in roots,stems and leaves,indicating that these two genes may participate in the absorption of Pi in potato and play a role in Pi translocation.These two genes play a major role in the regulation of expression under short-term Pi deficiency stress.Our results provide an important reference for further understanding the evolution and function of potato phosphate transporters,and have important significance for improving the ability of potato to tolerate low Pi.

Biological liquefaction characteristics of Jurassic weak & non-stick coal in Hengshan,North Shaanxi Province

Jurassic weak & non-stick coal in Hengshan of North Shaanxi Province was pretreated by the nitric acid.Then,it was biodegraded by Phanerochaete chrysosporium. The biodegradation role of the white-rot fungus for coal is extremely significant.Orthogo- nal test demonstrate that liquefied time,liquefaction temperature and the amount of fun- gus liquids etc.are the main factors affecting the coal biodegradation rate.The best tech- nical condition of the coal biological liquefaction was got.Comparing the coal sample be- fore biodegradation with that after biodegradation,it is found that the ash of the coal resi- due after biodegradation reduces significantly,H and O contents increase,C and N con- tents decrease.The biodegradation change the coal macromolecular structure.

Study of Biological Activity and Toxicity of Thiosemicarbazides Carbohydrate Derivatives by in Silico, in Vitro and in Vivo Methods

Computer analysis of N-(β-D-galactopyranosyl)-thiosemicarbazide compounds by in silico method revealed high probability of antibacterial (antimycobacterial), anti-tuberculosis (antituberculosic), antiviral (Influenza), antitumor (antineoplastic) 9 > Pa > 0.5 and with a low probability of cytotoxic/cytostatic (cytostatic/cytotoxic) activities. An experimental study by in vitro and in vivo methods allowed us to conclude that studied new synthetic compound N-(β-D-galactopyranosyl)-thiosemicarbazide in the studied concentrations has a pronounced bactericidal and bacteriostatic effects.

Process for the Biological Removal of Fe (II) from Reconstituted Waters on a Support of Filter Material with Coated Jujube Seeds

Three beakers for removing Fe (II) in reconstituted water (doped with FeSO4) were built and tested. Given the set operating conditions ([O2] > 4 mg·L-1, Patm = 1.013 bar, T = 25°C ± 1°C and [Fe2+]0 = 0.5 to 2 mg·L-1), removal of iron was caused by biological and possibly physical and chemical oxidation because there is a quantity of free oxygen in the medium. The extent of each type of oxidation has not been evaluated as it specifically studies the biological degradation of iron in these beaker tests by setting the operating conditions (pH > 6.5, dissolved oxygen from 0 to 8 mg·L-1, Redox Potential from 100 to 400 mV). The experimental studies focused particularly on the measurements of maximum wavelength, conversion efficiencies from Fe (II) to Fe (III), the effect of the Fe (II) concentration, the influence of pH, the action of the temperature of the prepared solutions and the effect of O2 concentration under specified operating conditions. It noticed precipitated amounts of iron deposited at the bottom of the beakers. Thus, the low concentrations of Fe (II) detected in the influent after the biological oxidation operation could be attributed to microorganisms that consume iron as a substrate.

Significance of oxidative stress and antioxidant capacity tests as biomarkers of premature ovarian insufficiency: A case control study

BACKGROUND Premature ovarian insufficiency(POI)is a condition that causes secondary amenorrhea owing to ovarian hypofunction at an early stage.Early follicular depletion results in intractable infertility,thereby considerably reducing the quality of life of females.Given the continuum in weakened ovarian function,progressing from incipient ovarian failure(IOF)to transitional ovarian failure and further to POI,it is necessary to develop biomarkers for predicting POI.The oxidative stress states in IOF and POI were comprehensively evaluated via oxidative stress[diacron-reactive oxygen metabolites(d-ROMs)]test and anti-oxidant capacity[biological antioxidant potential(BAP)].METHODS Females presenting with secondary amenorrhea over 4 mo and a follicle stimulating hormone level of>40 mIU/mL were categorized into the POI group.Females presenting with a normal menstrual cycle and a follicle stimulating hormone level of>10.2 mIU/mL were categorized into the IOF group.Healthy females without ovarian hypofunction were categorized into the control group.Among females aged<40 years who visited our hospital from January 2021 to June 2022,we recruited 11 patients into both POI and IOF groups.For the potential antioxidant capacity,the relative oxidative stress index(BAP/d-ROMs×100)was calculated,and the oxidative stress defense system was comprehensively evaluated.RESULTS d-ROMs were significantly higher in the POI and IOF groups than in the control group,(478.2±58.7 U.CARR,434.5±60.6 U.CARR,and 341.1±35.1 U.CARR,respectively)(U.CARR is equivalent to 0.08 mg/dL of hydrogen peroxide).However,no significant difference was found between the POI and IOF groups.Regarding BAP,no significant difference was found between the control,IOF,and POI groups(2078.5±157.4μmol/L,2116.2±240.2μmol/L,and 2029.0±186.4μmol/L,respectively).The oxidative stress index was significantly higher in the POI and IOF groups than in the control group(23.7±3.3,20.7±3.6,and 16.5±2.1,respectively).However,no significant difference was found between the POI and IOF groups.CONCLUSION High levels of oxidative stress suggest that evaluating the oxidative stress state may be a useful indicator for the early detection of POI.

Quantitative evaluation of DNA damage caused by atmospheric and room-temperature plasma (ARTP) and other mutagenesis methods using a rapid umu-microplate test protocol for microbial mutation breeding

Mutagenesis is an important technique for microbial mutation breeding.As the source of mutations,DNA damage extent is a key indicator for the effectiveness of mutagenesis.Therefore,a rapid and easy DNA damage quantification method is required for the comparison of mutagenesis effects and development of mutagenesis tools.Here,we used the umu-microplate test system to quantitatively compare the DNA damage strength caused by atmospheric and room-temperature plasma(ARTP)and other traditional mutagenesis methods including:ultraviolet radiation(UV),diethyl sulfate(DES)and 4-nitroquinoline-1-oxide(4-NQO).The test strain of Salmonella typhimurium TA1535/pSK1002 was used to monitor the time-course profile of b-galactosidase activity induced by DNA damage caused by different mutagenesis methods using a microplate reader.The umu-microplate test results showed that ARTP caused higher extent of DNA damage than UV and chemical mutagens,which agrees well with the result obtained by SOS-FACS-based quantification method as reported previously.This umu-microplate test is accessible for broad researchers who are lack of the expensive FACS instruments and allows the quick quantitative evaluation of DNA damage among living cells for different mutagenesis methods in the study of the microbial mutation breeding.

Short-Term Precipitation Forecasting Rolling Update Correction Technology Based on Optimal Fusion Correction

In order to improve the availability of regional model precipitation forecast, this project intends to use the measured heavy rainfall data of dense automatic stations to carry out historical precipitation in the high resolution: the Severe Weather Automatic Nowcast System (SWAN) quantitative precipitation forecast and the High-Resolution Rapid Refresh (HRRR) regional numerical model precipitation forecast in short-term nowcasting aging. Based on the error analysis, the grid fusion technology is used to establish the measured rainfall, HRRR regional model precipitation forecast, and optical flow radar quantitative precipitation forecast (QPF) three-source fusion correction scheme, comprehensively integrate the revised forecasting effect, adjust the fusion correction parameters, establish an optimal correction plan, generate a frozen rolling update revised product based on measured dense data and short-term forecast, and put it into business operation, and perform real-time effect rolling test evaluation on the forecast product.

某难处理金矿生物预氧化

某金矿石中黄铁矿含量5.31%、氧化率6.02%,直接氰化金浸出率仅27.78%,属典型的低品位硫化物包裹型难处理金矿。为评估生物堆浸预氧化工艺对该矿石的工业化应用前景,开展了直接氰化试验、生物搅拌预氧化-氰化试验和生物柱浸预氧化-氰化试验,考察了黄铁矿氧化率和金浸出率的关系以及温度对黄铁矿氧化率和金浸出率的影响。生物柱浸试验获得良好指标:原生矿破碎至D80=5.5 mm,在室温条件下(8~30℃)预氧化221 d后,黄铁矿氧化率52.30%,金的浸出率为62.70%,氰化渣金品位为0.47 g/t,较直接氰化浸出金浸出率(27.78%)提高34.92个百分点。