Developmental and reproductive toxicity(DART)endpoint entails a toxicological assessment of all developmental stages and reproductive cycles of an organism.In silico tools to predict DART will provide a method to asse...Developmental and reproductive toxicity(DART)endpoint entails a toxicological assessment of all developmental stages and reproductive cycles of an organism.In silico tools to predict DART will provide a method to assess this complex toxicity endpoint and will be valuable for screening emerging pollutants as well as for m anaging new chemicals in China.Currently,there are few published DART prediction models in China,but many related research and development projects are in progress.In 2013,WU et al.published an expert rule-based DART decision tree(DT).This DT relies on known chemical structures linked to DART to forecast DART potential of a given chemical.Within this procedure,an accurate DART data interpretation is the foundation of building and expanding the DT.This paper excerpted case studies demonstrating DART data curation and interpretation of four chemicals(including 8-hydroxyquinoline,3,5,6-trichloro-2-pyridinol,thiacloprid,and imidacloprid)to expand the existing DART DT.Chemicals were first selected from the database of Solid Waste and Chemicals Management Center,Ministry of Ecology and Environment(MEESCC)in China.The structures of these 4 chemicals were analyzed and preliminarily grouped by chemists based on core structural features,functional groups,receptor binding property,metabolism,and possible mode of actions.Then,the DART conclusion was derived by collecting chemical information,searching,integrating,and interpreting DART data by the toxicologists.Finally,these chemicals were classified into either an existing category or a new category via integrating their chemical features,DART conclusions,and biological properties.The results showed that 8-hydroxyquinoline impacted estrous cyclicity,s exual organ weights,and embryonal development,and 3,5,6-trichloro-2-pyridinol caused central nervous system(CNS)malformations,which were added to an existing subcategory 8e(aromatic compounds with multi-halogen and nitro groups)of the DT.Thiacloprid caused dystocia and fetal skeletal malformation,and imidacloprid disrupted the endocrine system and male fertility.They both contain 2-chloro-5-methylpyridine substituted imidazolidine c yclic ring,which were expected to create a new category of neonicotinoids.The current work delineates a t ransparent process of curating toxicological data for the purpose of DART data interpretation.In the presence of sufficient related structures and DART data,the DT can be expanded by iteratively adding chemicals within the a pplicable domain of each category or subcategory.This DT can potentially serve as a tool for screening emerging pollutants and assessing new chemicals in China.展开更多
Stegolophodon is an age-informative genus of mammals that had a widespread distribution during the Neogene.This paper reports the discovery of Stegolophodon fossils from the Middle Miocene lower Fotan Formation at the...Stegolophodon is an age-informative genus of mammals that had a widespread distribution during the Neogene.This paper reports the discovery of Stegolophodon fossils from the Middle Miocene lower Fotan Formation at the Zhangpu locality,Fujian Province,China.This discovery represents the first evidence of Neogene proboscidean fossils in southeastern China.The newly found molar materials have low tooth crowns,very straight lophs/lophids,and an indistinct median sulcus.The mesoconelets and posterior cingulum are well-developed,while the second posterior pretrite central conule is significantly reduced.These specimens closely resemble Stegolophodon pseudolatidens in cheek tooth morphology,and can thus be attributed to the same species.This discovery fills a gap in the fossil record of large mammals in this region during the Neogene and provides valuable insights into the evolution of proboscideans and paleoenvironments.展开更多
Boehmeria nivea var.strigosa Zeng Y.Wu&Y.Zhao,a new variety of B.nivea(Urticaceae)from Southwest China,is here described based on evidence from morphology and molecular phylogeny.This new variety is mainly charact...Boehmeria nivea var.strigosa Zeng Y.Wu&Y.Zhao,a new variety of B.nivea(Urticaceae)from Southwest China,is here described based on evidence from morphology and molecular phylogeny.This new variety is mainly characterized by its green abaxial leaf blade,partly connate stipules,and densely patent strigose hairs on stems and potioles.The phylogenetic analysis based on rbc L,nrDNA and rbc L+nrDNA datasets,revealed that all individuals of B.nivea var.strigosa formed a monophyletic group.The conservation status of B.nivea var.strigosa is assessed as“Near Threatened”(NT)according to IUCN evaluation criteria.The discovery of this new variety is not only crucial for the taxonomy of ramie,but also provides reference for the exploration and utilization of ramie.展开更多
Objective Detection and quantification of RNA synthesis in cells is a widely used technique for monitoring cell viability,health,and metabolic rate.After exposure to environmental stimuli,both the internal reference g...Objective Detection and quantification of RNA synthesis in cells is a widely used technique for monitoring cell viability,health,and metabolic rate.After exposure to environmental stimuli,both the internal reference gene and target gene would be degraded.As a result,it is imperative to consider the accurate capture of nascent RNA and the detection of transcriptional levels of RNA following environmental stimulation.This study aims to create a Click Chemistry method that utilizes its property to capture nascent RNA from total RNA that was stimulated by the environment.Methods The new RNA was labeled with 5-ethyluridine(5-EU)instead of uracil,and the azido-biotin medium ligand was connected to the magnetic sphere using a combination of“Click Chemistry”and magnetic bead screening.Then the new RNA was captured and the transcription rate of 16S rRNA was detected by fluorescence molecular beacon(M.B.)and quantitative reverse transcription PCR(qRT-PCR).Results The bacterial nascent RNA captured by“Click Chemistry”screening can be used as a reverse transcription template to form cDNA.Combined with the fluorescent molecular beacon M.B.1,the synthesis rate of rRNA at 37℃is 1.2 times higher than that at 15℃.The 16S rRNA gene and cspI gene can be detected by fluorescent quantitative PCR,it was found that the measured relative gene expression changes were significantly enhanced at 25℃and 16℃when analyzed with nascent RNA rather than total RNA,enabling accurate detection of RNA transcription rates.Conclusion Compared to other article reported experimental methods that utilize screening magnetic columns,the technical scheme employed in this study is more suitable for bacteria,and the operation steps are simple and easy to implement,making it an effective RNA capture method for researchers.展开更多
Partition of unity based numerical manifold method can solve continuous and discontinuous problems in a unified framework with a two-cover system,i.e.,the mathematical cover and physical cover.However,renewal of the t...Partition of unity based numerical manifold method can solve continuous and discontinuous problems in a unified framework with a two-cover system,i.e.,the mathematical cover and physical cover.However,renewal of the topology of the two-cover system poses a challenge for multiple crack propagation problems and there are few references.In this study,a robust and efficient strategy is proposed to update the cover system of the numerical manifold method in simulation of multiple crack propagation problems.The proposed algorithm updates the cover system with a bottom-up process:1)identification of fractured manifold elements according to the previous and latest crack tip position;and 2)local topological update of the manifold elements,physical patches,block boundary loops,and non-persistent joint loops according to the scenario classification of the propagating crack.The proposed crack tracking strategy and classification of the renewal cases promote a robust and efficient cover renewal algorithm for multiple crack propagation analysis.Three crack propagation examples show that the proposed algorithm performs well in updating the cover system.This cover renewal methodology can be extended for numerical manifold method with polygonal mathematical covers.展开更多
In order to research the mechanical characteristics of intact Middle Pleistocene Epoch loess, triaxial shear tests and isotonic compression test of intact Middle Pleistocene Epoch loess were conducted by improved SJ-I...In order to research the mechanical characteristics of intact Middle Pleistocene Epoch loess, triaxial shear tests and isotonic compression test of intact Middle Pleistocene Epoch loess were conducted by improved SJ-IA triaxial shear equipment. According to test results, it can be found that the intact Middle Pleistocene Epoch loess has the properties of shear dilatancy and shear shrinkage. With the increase of confining pressure, stress-strain curve develops from softening to hardening. The failure mode of intact Middle Pleistocene Epoch loess is shear failure with the rupture angle between 55° and 61°. And it is better to determine the yield stress （py, qy） of the intact loess under different confining pressures by using the εv-q/p curve. Along with the increase of confining pressure, yield deviatoric stress qy and yield spherical stress py present logarithmic relationship. Besides, the strength parameters, elastic modulus K and G of intact loess, are obtained, which are benefit for loess projects design.展开更多
文摘Developmental and reproductive toxicity(DART)endpoint entails a toxicological assessment of all developmental stages and reproductive cycles of an organism.In silico tools to predict DART will provide a method to assess this complex toxicity endpoint and will be valuable for screening emerging pollutants as well as for m anaging new chemicals in China.Currently,there are few published DART prediction models in China,but many related research and development projects are in progress.In 2013,WU et al.published an expert rule-based DART decision tree(DT).This DT relies on known chemical structures linked to DART to forecast DART potential of a given chemical.Within this procedure,an accurate DART data interpretation is the foundation of building and expanding the DT.This paper excerpted case studies demonstrating DART data curation and interpretation of four chemicals(including 8-hydroxyquinoline,3,5,6-trichloro-2-pyridinol,thiacloprid,and imidacloprid)to expand the existing DART DT.Chemicals were first selected from the database of Solid Waste and Chemicals Management Center,Ministry of Ecology and Environment(MEESCC)in China.The structures of these 4 chemicals were analyzed and preliminarily grouped by chemists based on core structural features,functional groups,receptor binding property,metabolism,and possible mode of actions.Then,the DART conclusion was derived by collecting chemical information,searching,integrating,and interpreting DART data by the toxicologists.Finally,these chemicals were classified into either an existing category or a new category via integrating their chemical features,DART conclusions,and biological properties.The results showed that 8-hydroxyquinoline impacted estrous cyclicity,s exual organ weights,and embryonal development,and 3,5,6-trichloro-2-pyridinol caused central nervous system(CNS)malformations,which were added to an existing subcategory 8e(aromatic compounds with multi-halogen and nitro groups)of the DT.Thiacloprid caused dystocia and fetal skeletal malformation,and imidacloprid disrupted the endocrine system and male fertility.They both contain 2-chloro-5-methylpyridine substituted imidazolidine c yclic ring,which were expected to create a new category of neonicotinoids.The current work delineates a t ransparent process of curating toxicological data for the purpose of DART data interpretation.In the presence of sufficient related structures and DART data,the DT can be expanded by iteratively adding chemicals within the a pplicable domain of each category or subcategory.This DT can potentially serve as a tool for screening emerging pollutants and assessing new chemicals in China.
文摘Stegolophodon is an age-informative genus of mammals that had a widespread distribution during the Neogene.This paper reports the discovery of Stegolophodon fossils from the Middle Miocene lower Fotan Formation at the Zhangpu locality,Fujian Province,China.This discovery represents the first evidence of Neogene proboscidean fossils in southeastern China.The newly found molar materials have low tooth crowns,very straight lophs/lophids,and an indistinct median sulcus.The mesoconelets and posterior cingulum are well-developed,while the second posterior pretrite central conule is significantly reduced.These specimens closely resemble Stegolophodon pseudolatidens in cheek tooth morphology,and can thus be attributed to the same species.This discovery fills a gap in the fossil record of large mammals in this region during the Neogene and provides valuable insights into the evolution of proboscideans and paleoenvironments.
文摘Boehmeria nivea var.strigosa Zeng Y.Wu&Y.Zhao,a new variety of B.nivea(Urticaceae)from Southwest China,is here described based on evidence from morphology and molecular phylogeny.This new variety is mainly characterized by its green abaxial leaf blade,partly connate stipules,and densely patent strigose hairs on stems and potioles.The phylogenetic analysis based on rbc L,nrDNA and rbc L+nrDNA datasets,revealed that all individuals of B.nivea var.strigosa formed a monophyletic group.The conservation status of B.nivea var.strigosa is assessed as“Near Threatened”(NT)according to IUCN evaluation criteria.The discovery of this new variety is not only crucial for the taxonomy of ramie,but also provides reference for the exploration and utilization of ramie.
文摘Objective Detection and quantification of RNA synthesis in cells is a widely used technique for monitoring cell viability,health,and metabolic rate.After exposure to environmental stimuli,both the internal reference gene and target gene would be degraded.As a result,it is imperative to consider the accurate capture of nascent RNA and the detection of transcriptional levels of RNA following environmental stimulation.This study aims to create a Click Chemistry method that utilizes its property to capture nascent RNA from total RNA that was stimulated by the environment.Methods The new RNA was labeled with 5-ethyluridine(5-EU)instead of uracil,and the azido-biotin medium ligand was connected to the magnetic sphere using a combination of“Click Chemistry”and magnetic bead screening.Then the new RNA was captured and the transcription rate of 16S rRNA was detected by fluorescence molecular beacon(M.B.)and quantitative reverse transcription PCR(qRT-PCR).Results The bacterial nascent RNA captured by“Click Chemistry”screening can be used as a reverse transcription template to form cDNA.Combined with the fluorescent molecular beacon M.B.1,the synthesis rate of rRNA at 37℃is 1.2 times higher than that at 15℃.The 16S rRNA gene and cspI gene can be detected by fluorescent quantitative PCR,it was found that the measured relative gene expression changes were significantly enhanced at 25℃and 16℃when analyzed with nascent RNA rather than total RNA,enabling accurate detection of RNA transcription rates.Conclusion Compared to other article reported experimental methods that utilize screening magnetic columns,the technical scheme employed in this study is more suitable for bacteria,and the operation steps are simple and easy to implement,making it an effective RNA capture method for researchers.
基金Project(51321065,51479191,11672360)supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China。
文摘Partition of unity based numerical manifold method can solve continuous and discontinuous problems in a unified framework with a two-cover system,i.e.,the mathematical cover and physical cover.However,renewal of the topology of the two-cover system poses a challenge for multiple crack propagation problems and there are few references.In this study,a robust and efficient strategy is proposed to update the cover system of the numerical manifold method in simulation of multiple crack propagation problems.The proposed algorithm updates the cover system with a bottom-up process:1)identification of fractured manifold elements according to the previous and latest crack tip position;and 2)local topological update of the manifold elements,physical patches,block boundary loops,and non-persistent joint loops according to the scenario classification of the propagating crack.The proposed crack tracking strategy and classification of the renewal cases promote a robust and efficient cover renewal algorithm for multiple crack propagation analysis.Three crack propagation examples show that the proposed algorithm performs well in updating the cover system.This cover renewal methodology can be extended for numerical manifold method with polygonal mathematical covers.
基金Project(2009BB6350) supported by the Chongqing Municipal Natural Science Foundation,ChinaProject(50921063) supported by the National Natural Science Foundation for Innovative Research Team of ChinaProject(51108485) supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China
文摘In order to research the mechanical characteristics of intact Middle Pleistocene Epoch loess, triaxial shear tests and isotonic compression test of intact Middle Pleistocene Epoch loess were conducted by improved SJ-IA triaxial shear equipment. According to test results, it can be found that the intact Middle Pleistocene Epoch loess has the properties of shear dilatancy and shear shrinkage. With the increase of confining pressure, stress-strain curve develops from softening to hardening. The failure mode of intact Middle Pleistocene Epoch loess is shear failure with the rupture angle between 55° and 61°. And it is better to determine the yield stress （py, qy） of the intact loess under different confining pressures by using the εv-q/p curve. Along with the increase of confining pressure, yield deviatoric stress qy and yield spherical stress py present logarithmic relationship. Besides, the strength parameters, elastic modulus K and G of intact loess, are obtained, which are benefit for loess projects design.
