Physio-Biochemical Changes in Jujube Fruits(Zizyphus jujuba Mill. cv. Lingwuchangzao) at Mature Stage

The changes of physiological and biochemical indices in jujube fruits during the late development were investigated from 6-year-old jujube trees （Zizyphus jujuba Mill. cv. Lingwuchangzao）. The results showed that the flesh firmness decreased slowly from white-green stage to full-red stage, being significantly related with the developmental maturity of jujube fruits negatively, the correlation coefficient reached -0.980 3^＊＊. The contents of ascorbic acid and titratable acid in jujube fruits were significantly related with the developmental process of jujube fruits negatively or positively, the correlation coef- ficients were -0. 973 1^＊＊and ＋ 0. 974 6^ ＊ ＊ , respectively. The contents of soluble solids, total sugar, and sucrose increased with jujube ripening, while the relative sweetness of jujube fruits showed the same variation pattern, the correlation coefficients were 0. 996 6 ^＊ ＊ , 0. 988 0^＊＊ , and 0. 982 8 ^＊ ＊ , respectively. Before white-green stage during fruit development, the accumulation of monosaccharide was predominant in jujube fruits, following a fast accumulation of sucrose, indicating that the main component of sugars is sucrose at the crisp-ripe stage. Furthermore, the starch content of the flesh reached the peak at about thirty percentage of jujube maturity, being 51,54 mg/100 g.FW. The respiratory rates varied between 10 mg/（ kg.h） and CO2 26 mg/（ kg.h） after fruit turning red and before softening, indicating a non-climacteric respiratory type.

咽后壁溃疡表现的恶性淋巴瘤1例

患者男，16岁。因间断性发热4年，于1991入院。缘于4年前出现发热，体温波动在37～39．5℃之间，先后在三家省级医院门诊及住院治疗．均按肺门淋巴结核抗痨治疗，效果欠佳。检查：体温39．6℃，消瘦，全身浅表淋巴结不肿大，气管居中、胸廊对称，心肺(-)，肝脾未触及。全消化道钡餐、胸片、腹部CT、B超检查示肝，

STUDY ON EMBRYONIC DEVELOPMENT AND EARLY GROWTH OF TRIPLOID AND GYNOGENETIC DIPLOID LEFT-EYED FLOUNDER, PARALICHTHYS OLIVACEUS (T. et S.)

The early effects of chromosomal manipulation of eggs and sperm on the yields of triploid and gynogenetic diploid larvae of Paralichthys olivaceus were investigated. Triploidy was achieved by cold shocking fertilized eggs at 0-2℃ for 45 minutes duration 5 minutes after fertilization, and the induced triploidy rates were 31.2%-50% and the relative hatching rates were 53.3%-99%. Gynogenetic diploids were obtained when eggs were inseminated with irradiated sperm and cold shocked at 0-2℃ for 45 minutes duration 5 minutes after fertilization. The induced gynogenetic diploid rates and the relative hatching rates were 94%-96% and 48.5%-68.5% respectively. The embryonic development of the triploid experimental group and of the gynogenetic diploid experimental group was delayed at first compared with the control group. But from the gastrula stage, it was not delayed anymore. There were no significant differences in the growth of the triploid experimental group larvae and the control group larvae, and in the growth of the gynogenetic diploid experimental group larvae and the control group larvae according to Student’s t test (α=0.05). The relationship between the early growth of the triploid experimental group larvae and that of gynogenetic diploid experimental group larvae was also studied.

Identification and expression of epidermal growth factor gene in mouse testis

Epidermal growth factor (EGF) is produced primarily by Leydig cells of human testis. Expression of the EGF gene was assessed in mouse testis during the course of sexual maturation by the application of the RT-PCR method and the use of specific oligonucleotide primers. Testis EGF mRNA content increased with the developmental age of the mice, i.e., day 15 < day 30 < day 45 postnatal. The expression of the EGF gene appears to correlate with maturation of the testis and proliferation of Leydig cells.

Regulative Actions of the Chinese Drugs for Tonifying the Kidney on Gene Expression of the Hypothalamic GnRH,Pituitary FSH,LH and Osteoblastic BGP

It is found that the drugs for nourishing yin to reduce pathogenic fire can significantly down-regulate,and the drugs for tonifying the kidney to replenish essence can up-regulate mRNA expression of the hypothalamic GnRH,pituitary FSH,LH and osteoblastic BGP,indicating that the Chinese drugs for tonifying the kidney can regulate gene expression of the hypothalamic GnRH,pituitary FSH,LH,and osteoblastic BGP,which is possibly one of the main mechanisms of the Chinese drug for tonifying the kidney,regulating ephebic development process and improving skeletal development in sexual precocity children.

Reproductive Strategies of a Terrestrial Snail along an Altitudinal Gradient on an Oceanic Island

This study reports how the reproductive cycle of a land snail endemic from an oceanic island is shaped by abiotic factors over an altitudinal gradient of 800 m. In addition, the validity of two morphometric shell parameters （maximum diameter and total height） was assessed, as maturation diagnostic characteristics. The authors＇ findings suggest that, at Piedade （200 m）, individuals are active and mature from October/November to March, and they exhibit dormancy in the remaining months, as a consequence of soil dryness. Thus, at low altitude, gonadal maturation was considered to be primarily influenced by photoperiod, rainfall and temperature At Cabeqo da Bola （1000 m）, in turn, individuals are mature from March to July/August and they seem to have minimal gametogenic conditions throughout the remaining months of the year to reproduce. As soil moisture is never a limiting factor, gonadal maturation is mainly shaped by photoperiod and temperature at high altitude. The morphometric shell parameters under analysis were unable to diagnose gonadal maturation, as recently described for related Azorean species.

Static aerobic composting of municipal sewage sludge with forced ventilation:Using matured compost as bulking conditioner

Static aerobic composting of municipal sewage sludge with forced ventilation or air ventilation using matured compost as bulking conditioner was investigated. Physical and chemical parame ,eters, e.g., temperature, moisture content, VSS, CODcr, pH, and germination index （GI）, were analyzed to characterize the composting process. Fermentation starts quickly in both forced and air ventilation compost heaps and reaches high-temperature stage after 2 d, owing to the bulking function of matured compost. Compared to air ventilation, however, forced ventilation enables the high-temperature stage to last longer for approximately 7 d. The moisture content of both compost bodies decreases from 62% to about 50% as a result of evaporation, and it decreases slightly faster in forced ventilation compost heap after 13 d due to the higher temperature and better ventilation condition. Although no obvious differences of VSS and pH are observed between both compost heaps, the soluble CODcr and GI show differences during the second half period of fermentation. In forced ventilation compost, the soluble CODcr has a small rebound after 13 d, and GI decreases from 46% to 35% but then increases. These results show that in general, the matured compost is a good conditioner and force ventilation with a proper air supply strategy can be more efficient than air ventilation.

Morphogenesis of Oil Palm （Elaeis guineensis Jacq.） Fruit in Seed Development

The place of the oil palm, Elaeis guineensis Jacq., in the market for fats of vegetable commodities makes it a strategic plant which requires continuous improvement. In this context, it seems appropriate to better describe the effects of the Sh gene in the developing fruit. This study aims to set a benchmark for the development of the seed in the natural palm （Elaeis guineensis var. dura） Thus the growth and development of the two major seed tissues were monitored every two weeks from pollination to maturity of the fruit. The results show that the endosperm is still liquid six weeks after pollination. It then begins an accelerated development which leads it, 11 weeks later, to completely fill the seed cavity, with an average mass of 0.81 g. This mass remains stable until the maturity of the fruit. The embryo is only visible when the endosperm is gelatinous, around 70 DPP （days post-pollination）. It then has an average length of 1.00 mm. At 126 DPP, the embryo has finished growing and measures 2.82 mm on average. This length also remains stable until 168 DPP （3.04 mm）. In perspective, a detailed follow-up of the development of the zygote from the pollination to 100 DPP is proposed. In parallel, the analysis of the chemical composition of the endosperm between 100 DPP and 168 DPP is necessary. These two complementary studies will allow to better specifying the benchmark of seed development in Elaeis guineensis var. dura.

In vitro Oocyte Maturation in the Zebrafish Brachydanio rerio and Fertilization and Development of the Mature Egg

Maturation process of zebrafish oocyte was investigated using in vitro incubation.In medium EM-199 containing 0.5 μg/ml of 17α-hydroxyprogesterone incubated under 80％ O_2 and at 25°C,germinal vesicles(GV)of oocytes in stage Ⅳ migrated from midway between the center and theperiphery ofoocytes to the periphery in 40 minutes and the oocytes went into stage V.Half an hourlater,the oocytes underwent germinel vesicle breakdown(GVBD)with a breakdown rate of 59％.Two more hours were needed for such oocytes to complete their final maturation.The mature eggscould not come off from the follicle layer surrounding them by themselves(ovulation).By removingthe follicle and adding active sperms for insemination,we could make the mature eggs fertilized.Thechorion was elevated and blastoderm formed on the animal pole.The cleavage and development ofthese fertilized eggs followed the same course as the naturally matured and fertilized eggs.Usingblastula formation as a marker of successful fertilization of the in vitro matured egg,the fertilizationrate was 78％.This is the first report on the successful in vitro incubation of mature oocytes inzebrafish.The establishment of this in vitro oocyte maturation technology has laid the foundationfor further investigation of the transfer of foreign genes in the germinal vesicles of oocytes.

＂Everything About You Is Vampiric＂： Vampirism as a Metaphor for Adolescent Maturation in M. T. Anderson＇s Thirsty

Over the past few years, vampire genre has populated young adult （YA） literature. YA literature can be defined as narratives about the individual growth and maturation of adolescent protagonist. Adolescence is the bridging process of growing from childhood to adulthood. Furthermore, it is a turbulent time of rapid physical growth and sexual development. It also creates a critical phase in the formation of identity. In this paper, the author shall identify the ways in which representation of adolescence in an American contemporary young adult novel, Anderson＇s Thirsty （2008）, reflects and shapes the maturation of its young protagonist. The author argues that the transformation of vampire in the novel works as a metaphor for the various changes and maturation process experienced by the protagonist in the novel. Furthermore, the author＇s discussion will be preceded by a short history of vampire narrative. The author＇s analysis is supported by psychological theories of adolescence and socio-cultural approach which focuses on the ambiguities of adolescents＇ identity. Moreover, this paper alludes a psychoanalytic reading of the symbolism of the vampire which refers to Freud＇s notions of libido and death drive The conclusion of this paper is that Anderson＇s Thirsty is a paranormal novel which positions the implied readers to understand the trials of an adolescent protagonist during his difficult time of transition from childhood to adulthood.

Influence of the Number of Reserved Fruit on Fruit-bearing Branch of Early-maturing Citrus unshiu Marc. on Fruit Growth and Development

In order to provide theoretical references for early-maturing Citrus unshiu Marc. in terms of fruit thinning, timely fertilization and harvesting, as wel as for for-mulation of of Early-maturing Citrus unshiu Marc. Cultivation Technique Standards in Guizhou Province, the dynamic changes of fruit longitudinal diameter and trans-verse diameter of 11-year-old and 12-year-old early maturing Citrus unshiu Marc. were tested in two consecutive years and the effects of single-fruit bearing branch on fruit growth and development were compared. The results showed annual varia-tion of longitudinal and transverse diameter of the fruit in Guizhou grew faster at the beginning and then slowed down gradual y, maintaining a slow-growth period after October; the growth curve final y was flat in mature stage. General y, the growth and development stage of fruit showed four growth peaks, showing an in-creasing S-shape curve and fruit net increase also had four growth peaks with a double S-shape curve. Specifical y, longitudinal diameters growth alternated with transverse diameter growth and the former proved much stronger. In terms of ef-fects of single-fruit bearing branch on longitudinal and transverse diameter growth, the number of reserved fruits had direct effects on the growth, net increase of weight, time of growth peak, fluctuation and the number of growth peak. The growth and development, and quality of fruits in the treatments with two or three fruits re-served on single fruit-bearing branch proved better compared with the control with four left fruits. It suggested that early June and early July are the best time for fer-tilization of early-maturing Citrus unshiu Marc. in Guizhou Pprovince and would have better effect if combined with foliage spraying. The suitable harvest time is in the end of October. The preferred number of reserved fruit on single fruit-bearing branch is 2-3. In actual production, the implementation of flower and fruit thinning should also takes tree age, balance of tree vigor, strength of fruit bearing branch, alternate bearing phenomenon and other factors into consideration.

New Software for the Identification and Characterization of Peptides Generated during Fontina Cheese Ripening Using Mass Spectrometry Data

The aim of this work was to design and implement a new bioinformatics software which is able to identify the protein peptides from the peaks which arise from in-source or MS/MS fragmentation. The oligopeptide fraction was extracted from Fontina cheese at different ages of ripening and subsequently analyzed by LC/MS/MS. On the resulting total ion chromatograms, the peptides were identified by a method based both on the in-source fragmentation detectable with a single-quadrupole mass analyzer and by a new software which was developed. This software performs an in-silieo digestion of the major milk proteins, it calculates all the possible peptide fragments which are generated by the loss of the first N- or C-terminal amino acids, and finally, it matches the experimental ion chromatogram with the in-silico which generated theoretical spectrum to identify the exact amino-acid protein sequence of the unknown oligopeptide. With this tool, the useful insights into the proteolytic processes which occur during Fontina cheese aging are obtained, which leads to a better knowledge about the functional features of the proteolysis end product.

The Effect of Utilisation on the Floristic Composition of Meadow Communities

This study presents research results which comprise the following selected communities： Phalaridetum arundinaceae, Alopecuretum pratensis, community with Deschampsia caespitosa, Holcetum lanati, Lolio-Cynosuretum, community Poa pratensis-Festuca rubra. The investigated phytocenoses developed in conditions of lack of utilisation, occasional cutting, occasional alternating meadow-pasture utilisation, pastures with uncut left-overs, 2 cuts and light grazing of the sward by cattle and 2-3 cuts. For the above-mentioned communities the following parameters were assessed： total species number and mean number of species in a phytosociological rel6ves besides Shannon-Wiener diversity index （H＇）, proportion of synanthropic species, natural valorisation number according to Ogwit and fodder value score （FVS）. Regular sward utilisation of plant communities exerts a positive impact not only on the natural values as evidenced by the total and mean number of species in a phytosociological survey and higher biodiversity index （H＇） but it also impacts the sward fodder value scores of meadows and pastures. The strongest negative influence on the floristic composition of meadow communities and their stability is exerted by sporadic, incorrect utilization as it favours taking over of green areas by grass expansive species and development of communities of low natural and use values （community with Deschampsia caespitosa, Ass. Holcetum lanati and community with Agropyron repens）. The strongest impact on the maintenance of meadow and pasture biological stability in the examined region is exerted by their regular, moderate cutting or grazing.

Monteggia fracture dislocation equivalents analysis of eighteen cases treated by open reduction and internal fixation

Objective： Monteggia fracture disloca- tion equivalent, though already described by Bado, is still an unclassified entity. We aimed to retrospectively analyze 18 cases of Monteggia variants and discuss the injury mechanisms, management, and outcome along with a re- view of the literature. Methods： A retrospective record of Monteggia frac- ture dislocation （2003-2008） was reviewed from medical record department of our institute. Classic Monteggia frac- ture dislocation, children below 12 years or adults over 50 years, as well as open grade iI ＆ Ill cases were excluded from this study. Monteggia variant inclusion criteria in- cluded fracture of the proximal ulna together with a fracture of the radial head or neck and skeletal maturity. Totally 26 patients were identified with Monteggia variants and 18 were available for follow-up, including 11 males and 7 fe- males with the mean age of 35 years. The ulna fracture was treated by compression plating along with tension band wiring. Radial head/neck was reconstructed in 12 patients while excised in 6 patients. Results： Follow-up ranged from 1-4 years, mean 2.6 years. Patients were assessed clinicoradiologically. MayoElbow Performance Score outcomes. At final follow-up, was employed to assess the the results were excellent in 10 patients, good in 4, fair in 2 and poor in 2. Mean range of motion of the elbow was 20°, 116°, 50° and 55° for extension, flexion, pronation and supination, respectively. Two patients had complications in the form of heterotopic ossification and stiffness of the elbow. One nonunion ulna, primarily treated by tension band wiring, was managed by refixation with locking reconstruction plate and bone grafting. Bone grafting was only required in this patient for nonunion. Another patient had implants removed on his request. The results in our series closely correlated with extent of intraarticular damage, coronoid fracture and comminuted fractures. Conclusions： Monteggia fracture dislocation equiva- lents are rare injuries and pre-surgery recognition by radio- graphs and 3-D CT helps make optimal plan. The poor results usually relate to intraarticular damage, coronoid fractures and comminution of the ulna and radial head fractures.

Morphogenesis of T-tubules in heart cells: the role of junctophilin-2

The T-tubule (TT) system forms the structural basis for excitation-contraction coupling in heart and muscle cells. The morphogenesis of the TT system is a key step in the maturation of heart cells because it does not exist in neonatal cardiomyocytes. In the present study, we quantified the morphological changes in TTs during heart cell maturation and investigated the role of junctophilin-2 (JP2), a protein known to anchor the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) to TT, in changes to TT morphological parameters. Analysis of confocal images showed that the transverse elements of TTs increased, while longitudinal elements decreased during the maturation of TTs. Fourier transform analysis showed that the power of ~2 m spatial components increased with cardiomyocytes maturation. These changes were preceded by increased expression of JP2, and were reversed by JP2 knockdown. These findings indicate that JP2 is required for the morphogenesis of TTs during heart development.

T-condylar fracture delayed for 10 days in a 5-year-old boy： a case report and review of the literature

T-condylar fracture is rare in paediatric age group, especially in skeletally immature children less than 9 years old. with very few cases reported in available literature. We present such a case in a 5 year old child that was initially managed as a supracondylar fracture at another centre before referral to us, 10 days after the injury. The child was diagnosed as having a displaced T-condylar fracture on plain radiograph. Open reduction and internal fixation with K-wires was performed. At 2 years follow-up, the child had good range of motion at elbow with 5°of cubitus varus. With this background we discuss the pertinent principles of management ofT-condylar fractures in skeletally immature children.

Expression of hunchback during oogenesis and embryogenesis in Locusta migratoria manilensis(Meyen)

hb(hunchback) is a contributing factor in anteroposterior axial patterning of insects.Although the hb function in Locusta migratoria manilensis has been investigated,its expression pattern remains unknown.Here,the mouse polyclonal antibody was produced against Hb fusion protein,and then its expression pattern during oogenesis and embryogenesis of L.migratoria manilensis was examined by immunohistochemical staining.Hb protein was detected in the oocyte nucleus which was positioned centrally within the developing oocyte.The oocyte nucleus gradually moved to the posterior end of the egg along with the oocyte maturing.In freshly laid eggs,Hb formed gradient at the posterior end of the egg,and then hb was expressed as a band in the middle of the blastodisc.As the blastodisc differentiated into the head and trunk,the expression region became wide,which would develop into spatial gnathal and thoracic segments.With abdominal segmentation,the expression domain in the gnathal and thoracic region became faint and eventually faded out,while the Hb expression domain appeared at the posterior growth zone in a discontinuous expression manner.The hb expression pattern of L.migratoria manilensis is greatly similar to that of other locusts,such as Schistocerca americana and another L.migratoria.Compared with other insects,hb expression is conserved in the gnathal and thoracic domains,while divergent in oogenesis and abdomen.

Proteolytic cleavage is required for functional neuroligin 2 maturation and trafficking in Drosophila

Neuroligins （Nlgs） are transmembrane cell adhesion molecules playing essential roles in synapse development and function. Genetic mutations in neuroUgin genes have been linked with some neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism. These mutated Nlgs are mostly retained in the endoplasmic reticulum （ER）. However, the mechanisms underlying normal Nlg maturation and trafficking have remained largely unknown. Here, we found that Drosophila neuroligin 2 （DNlg2） undergoes proteolytic cleavage in the ER in a variety of Drosophila tissues throughout developmental stages. A region encompassing Y642-T698 is required for this process. The immature non-cleavable DNtg2 is retained in the ER and non-functionaL The C-terminal fragment of DNlg2 instead of the full-length or non-cleavable DNIg2 is able to rescue neuromuscular junction defects and GluRIIB reduction induced by dnlg2 deletion. Intriguingly, the autism-associated R598C mutation in DNIg2 leads to similar marked defects in DNIg2 proteo- lytic process and ER export, revealing a potential role of the improper Nlg cleavage in autism pathogenesis. Collectively, our find- ings uncover a specific mechanism that controls DNIg2 maturation and trafficking via proteolytic cleavage in the ER, suggesting that the perturbed proteolytic cleavage of Nlgs likely contributes to autism disorder.