Alseodaphnopsismaguanensis is conspecific with A.hokouensis (Lauraceae) based on morphological and molecular evidence.

Based on both morphological and molecular evidence, it is confirmed that Alseodaphnopsismaguanensis is conspecific with A.hokouensis. Hence, Alseodaphnopsismaguanensis is treated as a synonym of A.hokouensis here. The conservation status of Alseodaphnopsishokouensis is also re-evaluated according to the IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria in this study.

Endiandramacrocarpa (Lauraceae), a new tree species from south-western China.

Endiandramacrocarpa, a new species of Endiandra (Lauraceae) from Yunnan Province of south-western China, is here described and illustrated, based on morphological evidence. Compared to other Endiandra species occurring in south China and the adjacent regions in Indochina, this species is mainly characterised by its much larger ellipsoidal fruits (up to 11 × 6 cm), as well as glabrous branchlets and puberulent inflorescences.

Differential Transcription and Alternative Splicing in Cotton Underly Specialized Defense Responses Against Pests.

The green mirid bug (Apolygus lucorum) and the cotton bollworm (Helicoverpa armigera) are both preferred to live on cotton but cause different symptoms, suggesting specialized responses of cotton to the two insects. In this study, we investigated differential molecular mechanisms underlying cotton plant defenses against A. lucorum and H. armigera via transcriptomic analyses. At the transcription level, jasmonate (JA) signaling was dominated in defense against H. armigera whereas salicylic acid (SA) signaling was more significant in defense against A. lucorum. A set of pathogenesis-related (PR) genes and protease inhibitor genes were differentially induced by the two insects. Insect infestations also had an impact on alternative splicing (AS), which was altered more significantly by the H. armigera than A. lucorum. Interestingly, most differential AS (DAS) genes had no obvious change at the transcription level. GO analysis revealed that biological process termed "RNA splicing" and "cellular response to abiotic stimulus" were enriched only in DAS genes from the H. armigera infested samples. Furthermore, insect infestations induced the retained intron of GhJAZs transcripts, which produced a truncated protein lacking the intact Jas motif. Taken together, our data demonstrate that the specialized cotton response to different insects is regulated by gene transcription and AS as well.

An effector from cotton bollworm oral secretion impairs host plant defense signaling.

Insects have evolved effectors to conquer plant defense. Most known insect effectors are isolated from sucking insects, and examples from chewing insects are limited. Moreover, the targets of insect effectors in host plants remain unknown. Here, we address a chewing insect effector and its working mechanism. Cotton bollworm (Helicoverpa armigera) is a lepidopteran insect widely existing in nature and severely affecting crop productivity. We isolated an effector named HARP1 from H. armigera oral secretion (OS). HARP1 was released from larvae to plant leaves during feeding and entered into the plant cells through wounding sites. Expression of HARP1 in Arabidopsis mitigated the global expression of wounding and jasmonate (JA) responsive genes and rendered the plants more susceptible to insect feeding. HARP1 directly interacted with JASMONATE-ZIM-domain (JAZ) repressors to prevent the COI1-mediated JAZ degradation, thus blocking JA signaling transduction. HARP1-like proteins have conserved function as effectors in noctuidae, and these types of effectors might contribute to insect adaptation to host plants during coevolution.

Arabidopsis Transcription Factors SPL1 and SPL12 Confer Plant Thermotolerance at Reproductive Stage.

Plant reproductive organs are vulnerable to heat, but regulation of heat-shock responses in inflorescence is largely uncharacterized. Here, we report that two of the SQUAMOSA PROMOTER BINDING PROTEIN-LIKE (SPL) transcriptional factors in Arabidopsis, SPL1 and SPL12, act redundantly in thermotolerance at the reproductive stage. The spl1-1 spl12-1 inflorescences displayed hypersensitivity to heat stress, whereas overexpression of SPL1 or SPL12 enhanced the thermotolerance in both Arabidopsis and tobacco. RNA sequencing revealed 1939 upregulated and 1479 downregulated genes in wild-type inflorescence upon heat stress, among which one-quarter (1,040) was misregulated in spl1-1 spl12-1, indicating that SPL1 and SPL12 contribute greatly to the heat-triggered transcriptional reprogramming in inflorescence. Notably, heat stress induced a large number of abscisic acid (ABA) responsive genes, of which ∼39% were disturbed in heat induction in spl1-1 spl12-1 inflorescence. Preapplication of ABA and overexpression of SPL1 restored the inflorescence thermotolerance in spl1-1 spl12-1 and in the ABA biosynthesis mutant aba2-1, but not in the pyl sextuple mutant defective in ABA receptors PYR1/PYL1/PYL2/PYL4/PYL5/PYL8. Thus, inflorescence thermotolerance conferred by SPL1 and SPL2 involves PYL-mediated ABA signaling. The molecular network consisting of SPL1 and SPL12 illustrated here shed new light on the mechanisms of plant thermotolerance at the reproductive stage.

Jasmonate response decay and defense metabolite accumulation contributes to age-regulated dynamics of plant insect resistance.

Immunity deteriorates with age in animals but comparatively little is known about the temporal regulation of plant resistance to herbivores. The phytohormone jasmonate (JA) is a key regulator of plant insect defense. Here, we show that the JA response decays progressively in Arabidopsis. We show that this decay is regulated by the miR156-targeted SQUAMOSA PROMOTER BINDING PROTEIN-LIKE9 (SPL9) group of proteins, which can interact with JA ZIM-domain (JAZ) proteins, including JAZ3. As SPL9 levels gradually increase, JAZ3 accumulates and the JA response is attenuated. We provide evidence that this pathway contributes to insect resistance in young plants. Interestingly however, despite the decay in JA response, older plants are still comparatively more resistant to both the lepidopteran generalist Helicoverpa armigera and the specialist Plutella xylostella, along with increased accumulation of glucosinolates. We propose a model whereby constitutive accumulation of defense compounds plays a role in compensating for age-related JA-response attenuation during plant maturation.

[Study on Detection of Prohibited Pigments in Drinks Using Paper-Based SERS Substrates].

In this paper, a novel paper-based Surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) substrate with high sensitivity, good uniformity and popular price is developed via liquid/liquid interface self-assembly technique. Three pigment, rhodamine B, sunset yellow and chrysoidine were detected through paper-based SERS substrates using a portable Raman spectrometer. The structures of the three pigments were investigated and vibrational modes of characteristic peaks of three pigments were assigned. SERS spectra of rhodamine B, sunset yellow and chrysoidine in aqueous solution with different concentrations were detected respectively. Rhodamine B, sunset yellow and chrysoidine in drinks were also detected in drinks without any pretreatment. Within a certain range of concentrations, it meets certain function. For rhodamine B and sunset yellow, the relationship between concentration and Raman peak intensity is on an index curve, while for chrysoidine, the relationship is linear. In addition, high recoveries are achieved for detecting rhodamine B, sunset yellow and chrysoidine in drinks, which indicated our method is suited for semi-quantitative analysis for the concentration of rhodamine B, sunset yellow and chrysoidine in drinks. Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy provides an easy approach to fast and efficient detection for multiple pigments in drinks and can be used for quality control and market monitoring of drinks.

Fabrication of transparent SERS platform via interface self-assembly of gold nanorods and gel trapping technique for on-site real time detection.

A transparent SERS platform was fabricated via the gel-trapping method coupled with a liquid/liquid interface self-assembly technique. We employed gold nanorods as the building blocks for interface self-assembly because of their strong localized surface plasmons upon excitation by infrared radiation. Based on a "top cover" configuration, this transparent SERS platform endows high signal reproducibility for directly detecting liquid samples by confining the sample droplet into a regular shape. The Au NR PDMS platform was able to directly detect crystal violet in aqueous solutions down to 10 ppb level with high enhancement factor (0.87 × 10(5)) and signal uniformity (RSD = 3.9%). Furthermore, SERS-based anti-fungal agent detection on a fish scale was demonstrated by simply covering the fish scale with a tailored GNRs PDMS film. The experimental results clearly show that the Au NR PDMS SERS platform has great potential for on-site real time detection of contaminants in water as well as on curved surfaces.

Gossypium barbadense genome sequence provides insight into the evolution of extra-long staple fiber and specialized metabolites.

Of the two cultivated species of allopolyploid cotton, Gossypium barbadense produces extra-long fibers for the production of superior textiles. We sequenced its genome (AD)2 and performed a comparative analysis. We identified three bursts of retrotransposons from 20 million years ago (Mya) and a genome-wide uneven pseudogenization peak at 11-20 Mya, which likely contributed to genomic divergences. Among the 2,483 genes preferentially expressed in fiber, a cell elongation regulator, PRE1, is strikingly At biased and fiber specific, echoing the A-genome origin of spinnable fiber. The expansion of the PRE members implies a genetic factor that underlies fiber elongation. Mature cotton fiber consists of nearly pure cellulose. G. barbadense and G. hirsutum contain 29 and 30 cellulose synthase (CesA) genes, respectively; whereas most of these genes (>25) are expressed in fiber, genes for secondary cell wall biosynthesis exhibited a delayed and higher degree of up-regulation in G. barbadense compared with G. hirsutum, conferring an extended elongation stage and highly active secondary wall deposition during extra-long fiber development. The rapid diversification of sesquiterpene synthase genes in the gossypol pathway exemplifies the chemical diversity of lineage-specific secondary metabolites. The G. barbadense genome advances our understanding of allopolyploidy, which will help improve cotton fiber quality.

Interaction between two timing microRNAs controls trichome distribution in Arabidopsis.

The miR156-targeted squamosa promoter binding protein like (SPL) transcription factors function as an endogenous age cue in regulating plant phase transition and phase-dependent morphogenesis, but the control of SPL output remains poorly understood. In Arabidopsis thaliana the spatial pattern of trichome is a hallmark of phase transition and governed by SPLs. Here, by dissecting the regulatory network controlling trichome formation on stem, we show that the miR171-targeted lost meristems 1 (LOM1), LOM2 and LOM3, encoding GRAS family members previously known to maintain meristem cell polarity, are involved in regulating the SPL activity. Reduced LOM abundance by overexpression of miR171 led to decreased trichome density on stems and floral organs, and conversely, constitutive expression of the miR171-resistant LOM (rLOM) genes promoted trichome production, indicating that LOMs enhance trichome initiation at reproductive stage. Genetic analysis demonstrated LOMs shaping trichome distribution is dependent on SPLs, which positively regulate trichome repressor genes TRICHOMELESS 1 (TCL1) and TRIPTYCHON (TRY). Physical interaction between the N-terminus of LOMs and SPLs underpins the repression of SPL activity. Importantly, other growth and developmental events, such as flowering, are also modulated by LOM-SPL interaction, indicating a broad effect of the LOM-SPL interplay. Furthermore, we provide evidence that MIR171 gene expression is regulated by its targeted LOMs, forming a homeostatic feedback loop. Our data uncover an antagonistic interplay between the two timing miRNAs in controlling plant growth, phase transition and morphogenesis through direct interaction of their targets.

DNA extraction from decomposed tissue by double-digest and magnetic beads methods / 法医学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To study the effect of the double-digest and magnetic beads method for DNA extraction from 3 types of decomposed tissues.@*METHODS@#DNA of cartilages, nails and joint capsule in 91 highly decomposed corpses which had not been extracted by common magnetic beads method, were prepared with the double-digest and magnetic beads methods, and quantified with Quantifiler kit, followed by amplification with Sinofiler kit or Minifiler kit.@*RESULTS@#DNA concentration extracted from the 91 highly decomposed cartilages, nails and joint capsule samples was 0-0.225 ng/microL. Sixty-two samples whose DNA concentration were more than 0.020 ng/microL had obtained 9 or more STR loci successfully. The detection rate was 68.13%.@*CONCLUSION@#The successful rate of STR genotyping for the 3 types of decomposed tissues can be significantly improved by the double-digest and magnetic beads methods.

Application of a new magnetic beads made in China in DNA extraction of forensic biological samples with automation workstation / 中国法医学杂志

Objective To study the application of a new magnetic beads made in China in DNA extraction of forensic biological samples with automation workstation.Methods DNA was extracted from common forensic biological samples by QIAGEN Bio-Robert Universal System and a new magnetic beads made in China,and then typed with Identifiler system in ABI3130XL Genetic Analyzer.210 of these samples were also quantitated by ABI7500 Real Time System.Results Total of 9100 genomic DNA was extracted from various forensic biological samples by the new magnetic beads made in China and automation workstation methods,and most of them were successfully typed for STR analysis.In these biological samples,oral swabs and muscles were of the highest Success rate of STR typing(100%),and the lowest was touched cell samples (50.0%).Conclusion The new magnetic beads made in China with automation workstation methods can be applied to DNA extraction of most forensic biological samples.

DNA typing of minimal oral epithelial cell samples / 法医学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To seek simple and cost-effective extraction technique to improve multiplex STR amplification from minimal oral epithelial cell samples.@*METHODS@#One hundred DNA samples of oral epithelial cells extracted by mini system Chelex-100 method were quantitated by ABI 7500 Real Time System and were then typed with Identifiler system in ABI 3130 Genetic Analyzer.@*RESULTS@#The DNA contents of different categories of samples were as followings: suck pipes (0.72-116.78 ng), cup edges (2.15-142.5 ng), mouths of drink bottle (1-34.65 ng), chopsticks (3.35-26.6 ng), fruit cores (0.294-21.4 ng), and poultry bones (0.88-5.88 ng). The mean successful typing rate for gender and more than 9 STR loci was about 59.38%. Except the addition or no addition of proteinase K to the samples, all other factors-C users' variation, sample extraction methods, and qualities and properties of the samples had considerable effects on the contents of extracted DNA.@*CONCLUSION@#Successful STR typing can be achieved in about 60% minimal oral epithelial cell DNA samples extracted by mini Chelex system.

Genetic studies of 15 STR loci in Guangxi Miao population / 法医学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#The study was carried out to investigate genetic polymorphism of 15 STR loci in Guangxi Miao population. METHORDS: DNA samples from southern China 274 Miao unrelated individuals were screened by using AmpFlSTR Identifiler PCR Amplification Kit and 3100 Genetic Analyzer.@*RESULTS@#These 15 loci meet the Hardy-Weinberg expectations. The matching probability of the 15 STR loci was 5.04 x 10(-17), and combined paternity of exclution was 0.9999993 in Guangxi Miao population.@*CONCLUSION@#Our results showed Identifiler PCR Amplification systems of 15 STR loci were useful enough to forensic case work in Guangxi Miao population.

Genetic polymorphic studies on 15 loci of 3 populations in Guangxi province / 中国法医学杂志

Objective To study the genetic polymorphism of 15 STR loci of 3 populations in Guangxi province. Methords DNA samples of unrelated individuals from 314 Gelao population,332 Mulao population,238 Yao population were analyzed using AmpFlSTR IdentifilerTM PCR Amplification Kit and 3100 Genetic Analyzer. Results The matching probability of the 15 STR loci was 1.839 ?10-16 ~ 5.073 ? 10 -17 and combined paternity of exclusion was 0.9999983 ~ 0.9999991 in the 3 populations. Conclusion The results showed that the 15 STR loci in Identifiler?PCR Amplification systems were useful for forensic case works in Gelao population, Mulao population and Yao population .

Real time PCR quantificational study of DNA extracted by Chelex-100 method / 中国法医学杂志

Objective To study the relation between the quantity of DNA extracted by Chelex-100 method and multiplex STRs analysis.Methods DNA extracted from a variety of common forensic casework specimens were quantified by using Real-time PCR,and then amplified with AmpFLSTR IdentifilerTM PCR Amplification kit.ResultsAccording to the results of quantification,the quantities of DNA extracted from 113 samples by Chelex-100 method were adjusted to 0.5~3ng for establishing 8?l amplification system,and in this condition,most of 113 forensic casework specimens could be successfully genotyped.Conclusion When the quantity of DNA extracted by Chelex-100 method ranged from 0.5ng to 3ng,most results of multiplex STRs analysis were satisfying.Moreover,the amplification effect of 1?l DNA template was better than 3?l DNA template when the concentrations of extracted DNA were more than 0.5ng/?l.