NILs of Cold Tolerant Japonica Cultivar Exhibited New QTLs for Mineral Elements in Rice.

Chilling stress at booting stage can cause floret deterioration and sterility by limiting the supply of food chain and the accumulation of essential mineral elements resulting in reduction of yield and grain quality attributes in rice. Genomic selection of chilling tolerant rice with reference to the accumulation of mineral elements will have great potential to cope with malnutrition and food security in times of climate change. Therefore, a study was conducted to explore the genomic determinants of cold tolerance and mineral elements content in near-isogenic lines (NILs) of japonica rice subjected to chilling stress at flowering stage. Detailed morphological analysis followed by quantitative analysis of 17 mineral elements revealed that the content of phosphorus (P, 3,253 mg/kg) and potassium (K, 2,485 mg/kg) were highest while strontium (Sr, 0.26 mg/kg) and boron (B, 0.34 mg/kg) were lowest among the mineral elements. The correlation analysis revealed extremely positive correlation of phosphorus (P) and copper (Cu) with most of the cold tolerance traits. Among all the effective ear and the second leaf length correlation was significant with half of the mineral elements. As a result of comparative analysis, some QTLs (qBRCC-1, qBRCIC-2, qBRZC-6, qBRCHC-6, qBRMC-6, qBRCIC-6a, qBRCIC-6b, qBRCHC-6, and qBRMC-6) identified for calcium (Ca), zinc (Zn), chromium (Cr) and magnesium (Mg) on chromosome number 1, 2, and 6 while, a novel QTL (qBCPC-1) was identified on chromosome number 1 for P element only. These findings provided bases for the identification of candidate genes involved in mineral accumulation and cold tolerance in rice at booting stage.

Study on physicochemical properties of ionic liquids based on alanine [Cnmim][Ala] (N=2,3,4,5,6).

According to Fukumoto's method, a new series of ionic liquids (ILs) based on alanine, [Cnmim][Ala] ( n=2,3,4,5,6), which comprise 1-alkyl-3-methylimidazolium cation ([Cnmim](+)) and alanine anions ([Ala] (-)), were prepared and characterized. In terms of standard addition method, the density and surface tension of amino acid ILs [Cnmim][Ala] (1-alkyl-3-methylimidazolium alpha-aminopropionic acid salt) were measured in the temperature range 293.15-343.15+/-0.05 K. The volume and surface properties of the ILs [Cnmim][Ala] were discussed. A new method of determining parachor of ionic compound was proposed and was applied to estimate the physicochemical properties of amino acid ionic liquids (AAILs): molecular volume, surface tension, molar enthalpy of vaporization, and thermal expansion coefficient. In comparison with Deetlefs's method of using neutral parachor contribution, the method proposed in this work makes smaller error in estimating properties of AAILs.

Estimation of physicochemical properties of ionic liquids 1-alkyl-3-methylimidazolium chloroaluminate.

The density and surface tension of ionic liquids [C(2)mim][AlCl(4)] (1-ethlyl-3-methyl imidazolium chloroaluminate) and [C(6)mim][AlCl(4)] (1-hexyl-3-methylimidazolium chloroaluminate) were measured in the temperature range from 283.15 to 338.15 +/- 0.05 K. In terms of these experimental results, the estimation of physicochemical properties of 1-alkyl-3-methylimidazolium chloroaluminate ([C(n)mim][AlCl(4)], n = 1-6) was carried out. With the use of the parachor, the values of surface tension of the ILs were predicted. In terms of Glasser's theory, the standard molar entropy, lattice energy, and surface properties of the ILs were estimated. With the use of Kabo's method and Rebelo's method, the molar enthalpy of vaporization of the ILs, Delta(l)(g)H(m)(0), was predicted. According to the interstice model, the values of the thermal expansion coefficient of the ILs were also estimated. Since the magnitude order of the thermal expansion coefficient estimated by the model is in good agreement with that measured experimentally, this result means that the interstice model is reasonable.

Estimation of physicochemical properties of ionic liquid C6MIGaCl4 using surface tension and density.

An ionic liquid (IL) C6MIGaCl4 (1-methyl-3-hexylimidazolium chlorogallate) was prepared by directly mixing GaCl3 and 1-methyl-3-hexylimidazolium chloride with molar ratio of 1/1 under dry argon. The density and surface tension of the IL were determined in the temperature range of 283.15-338.15 K. The ionic volume and surface entropy of the IL were estimated by extrapolation, respectively. In terms of Glasser's theory, the standard molar entropy and lattice energy of the IL were estimated, respectively. By use of Kabo's method, the molar enthalpy of vaporization of the IL, Delta lgHm0 (298 K), at 298 K was estimated. According to the interstice model, the thermal expansion coefficient of IL C6MIGaCl4, alpha, was calculated and in comparison with experimental value; their magnitude order is in good agreement.

Surface tension of pure and water-containing ionic liquid C5MIBF4 (1-methyl-3-pentylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate).

The surface tension of ionic liquid (IL) C(5)MIBF(4) (1-methyl-3-pentylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate) with various amount of water was measured by the forced bubble method at 278.15 to 338.15+/-0.05 K. In terms of standard addition method, the surface tension of pure IL C(5)MIBF(4) was obtained. The properties of surface for pure C(5)MIBF(4) were discussed in terms of the principle of independent surface action and Glasser's theory of lattice energy. Using the surface tension data, the interstice model was examined.

Study on the properties of amino acid ionic liquid EMIGly.

In terms of standard addition method, the density and surface tension of an amino acid ionic liquid EMIGly(1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium aminoacetate) were measured under dry argon atmosphere in the temperature range of 288.15-343.15 K. The properties of volume and surface for pure EMIGly were discussed in terms of the interstice model and Glasser's theory. The thermal expansion coefficient alpha = 5.03 x 10(-4) K(-1) calculated using interstice model is in good agreement with alpha (experimental) = 5.20 x 10(-4) K(-1).

[Effect of puerarin on the expression of Hsp70 in the rats with cerebral injury induced by acute local ischemia].

OBJECTIVE: To study the effect of puerarin on the expression of Hsp (heat shock protein) 70 in the rats with cerebral injury induced by acute local ischemia. METHOD: Rat model of acute local cerebral ischemia was made by ligating middle cerebral artery. The Hsp70 expression in brain tissue was detected by SP method of immunohistochemistry. RESULT: The expression of Hsp70 was significantly higher in puerarintreated rats than those in the rats with cerebral ischemia. CONCLUSION: Puerarin can enhance the level of Hsp70 expression in the rats with cerebral injury induced by acute local ischemia.

[Protection of puerarin on the cerebral injury in the rats with acute local ischemia].

OBJECTIVE: To study the protection of puerarin on the cerebral injury in the rats with acute local ischemia. METHOD: Rat was evaluated model of acute local cerebral ischemia was made by ligating middle cerebral artery. The cerebral damage toxylin and eosin((HE). RESULT: The number of died neurons were significantly less in puerarin-treated rats than in the rats with cerebral ischemia (P < 0. 05). Similarly, the cerebral edema were significantly attenuated in the puerarin-treated rats as compared with cerebrally ischemic rats. CONCLUSION: Puerarin can prevent the neuron from damage induced by acute cerebral ischemia.

Coevolution between human's anticancer activities and functional foods from crop origin center in the world.

Cancer is the leading cause of death around the world. Anticancer activities from many functional food sources have been reported in years, but correlation between cancer prevalence and types of food with anticancer activities from crop origin center in the world as well as food source with human migration are unclear. Hunger from food shortage is the cause of early human evolution from Africa to Asia and later into Eurasia. The richest functional foods are found in crop origin centers, housing about 70% in the world populations. Crop origin centers have lower cancer incidence and mortality in the world, especially Central Asia, Middle East, Southwest China, India and Ethiopia. Asia and Africa with the richest anticancer crops is not only the most important evolution base of humans and origin center of anticancer functional crop, but also is the lowest mortality and incidence of cancers in the world. Cancer prevention of early human migrations was associated with functional foods from crop origin centers, especially Asia with four centers and one subcenter of crop origin, accounting for 58% of the world population. These results reveal that coevolution between human's anticancer activities associated with functional foods for crop origin centers, especially in Asia and Africa.

[Experimental study of puerarin injection on the hemorheology in acute blood-stasis model rats].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of Puerarin Injection on the hemorheology in acute blood-stasis model rats. METHOD: The acute blood-stasis model rats were made by being soaked in ice water afer being injected adrenaline hydrochloride injection in a major dose. The changes of viscosity of whole blood and plasma, blood yield stress, erythrocyte aggregation and the maximum rate of platelet aggregation in the acute blood-stasis model rats were measured with Auto-Viscometer, and then the influence of Puerarin Injection on the hemorheology in the model rats was investigated. RESULT: The viscosity of whole blood and plasma, and blood yield stress in the acute blood-stasis model rats were significantly higher than those in the normal control group (P < 0.01, P < 0.05). Both the high dose and the low dose of Puerarin Injection could reduce the viscosity of whole blood and plasma, blood yield stress and the maximum rate of platelet aggregation in the acute blood-stasis model rats (P < 0.01, P < 0.05). The high dose could also reduce the erythrocyte aggregation and the deformed Index of red blood cell (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Puerarin Injection can ameliorate the hemorheology in acute blood-stasis model rats, and it has a dose-response relationship.

Determination of the enthalpy of vaporization and prediction of surface tension for ionic liquid 1-alkyl-3-methylimidazolium propionate [C(n)mim][Pro](n = 4, 5, 6).

With the use of isothermogravimetrical analysis, the enthalpies of vaporization, Δ(g)lH(o)m(T(av)), at the average temperature, T(av) = 445.65 K, for the ionic liquids (ILs) 1-alkyl-3-methylimidazolium propionate [C(n)mim][Pro](n = 4, 5, 6) were determined. Using Verevkin's method, the difference of heat capacities between the vapor phase and the liquid phase, Δ(g)lC(p)(o)m, for [C(n)mim][Pro](n = 2, 3, 4, 5, 6), were calculated based on the statistical thermodynamics. Therefore, with the use of Δ(g)lC(p)(o)m, the values of Δ(g)lH(o)m(T(av)) were transformed into Δ(g)lH(o)m(298), 126.8, 130.3, and 136.5 for [C(n)mim][Pro](n = 4, 5, 6), respectively. In terms of the new scale of polarity for ILs, the order of the polarity of [C(n)mim][Pro](n = 2, 3, 4, 5, 6) was predicted, that is, the polarity decreases with increasing methylene. A new model of the relationship between the surface tension and the enthalpy of vaporization for aprotic ILs was put forward and used to predict the surface tension for [C(n)mim][Pro](n = 2, 3, 4, 5, 6) and others. The predicted surface tension for the ILs is in good agreement with the experimental one.

Ionic parachor and its application II. Ionic liquid homologues of 1-alkyl-3-methylimidazolium propionate {[C(n)mim][Pro] (n = 2-6)}.

Five propionic acid ionic liquids (PrAILs) [C(n)mim][Pro] (n = 2-6) (1-alkyl-3-methylimidazolium propionate) have been prepared by the neutralization method and characterized by (1)H NMR spectroscopy and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Their density, ρ, surface tension, γ, and refractive index, n(D), were measured at (298.15 ± 0.05) K, and the experimental values of parachor for the PrAILs were calculated. Using the parachor values of [C(n)mim](+) obtained by Guan et al., the anionic parachor values of [C(n)mim][Pro] (n = 2-6), [C(2)mim][RBF(3)] (R = N-C(n)H(2n+1) (n = 1-5)), [C(n)mim][Gly] (n = 2-6), and [C(n)mim][PF(3)(CF(2)CF(3))(3)] (n = 1-6) were determined. Then, the parachor, surface tension, and refractive index of the ILs investigated in this work were estimated. The estimated values correlate quite well with the corresponding experimental values.

Physicochemical properties of air and water stable rhenium ionic liquids.

Air and water stable ionic liquids (ILs) based on catalytic functional metal rhenium, [C(n)mim][ReO(4)](n = 2,4,5,6)(1-alkyl-3-methylimidazolium perrhenate), are designed and synthesized. Their density and surface tension are measured in the temperature range of 293.15-343.15 ± 0.05 K. Some physical-chemical properties of the ILs have been calculated or estimated by the empirical methods. The ion parachor is put forward and calculated by two extrathermodynamic assumptions. According to the interstice model, the thermal expansion coefficient of ILs [C(n)mim][ReO(4)], α, are calculated and in comparison with experimental values, their magnitude order is in good agreement.

Ionic parachor and its application in acetic acid ionic liquid homologue 1-alkyl-3-methylimidazolium acetate {[C(n)mim][OAc](n = 2,3,4,5,6)}.

Five acetic acid ionic liquids (AcAILs) [C(n)mim][OAc](n = 2,3,4,5,6) (1-alkyl-3-methylimidazolium acetate) were prepared by the neutralization method and characterized by (1)HNMR spectroscopy and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The values of their density and surface tension were measured at 298.15 ± 0.05 K. Since the AcAILs can strongly form hydrogen bonds with water, the small amounts of water are difficult to remove from the AcAILs by common methods. In order to eliminate the effect of the trace water, the standard addition method (SAM) was applied to these measurements. As a new concept, ionic parachor was put forward. [OAc](-) was seen as a reference ion, and its individual value of ionic parachor was determined in terms of two extrathermodynamic assumptions. Then, the values of ionic parachors of a number of anions, [NTf(2)](-), [Ala](-), [AlCl(4)](-), and [GaCl(4)](-), were obtained by using the value of the ionic parachor of the reference ion; the parachor and surface tension of the investigated ionic liquids in literature were estimated. In comparison, the estimated values correlate quite well with their matching experimental values.

Predicting properties of amino acid ionic liquid homologue of 1-alkyl-3-methylimidazolium glycine.

Amino acid ionic liquids (AAILs) [C(5)mim][Gly] (1-pentyl-3-methylimidazolium glycine) and [C(6)mim][Gly] (1-hexyl-3-methylimidazolium glycine) were prepared by the neutralization method and characterized by (1)H NMR spectroscopy and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The values of their density, surface tension, and refractive index were measured in the temperature range of 293.15-343.15 (±0.05) K. Since the AAILs can strongly form hydrogen bonds with water, the small amounts of water are difficult to remove from the AAILs by common methods. In order to eliminate the effect of the impurity water, the standard addition method (SAM) was applied to these measurements. In terms of semiempirical method, physicochemical properties molecular volume V(m), standard molar entropy S(0), parachor P, surface tension γ, thermal expansion coefficients α, molar refraction R(m), and refractive index n(D) of the homologue of [C(n)mim][Gly] (n = 2-6) were predicted. In comparison with the values of [C(2)mim][Gly] in literature, the predicted results were in good agreement within an order of magnitude.