Functional roles of neuropeptides in the insect central nervous system

 With the completion of the Drosophila genome sequencing project we can begin to appreciate the extent of the complexity in the components involved in signal transfer and modulation in the nervous system of an animal with reasonably complex behavior. Of all the different classes of signaling substances utilized by the nervous system, the neuropeptides are the most diverse structurally and functionally. Thus peptidergic mechanisms of action in the central nervous system need to be analyzed in the context of the neuronal circuits in which they act and generalized traits cannot be established. By taking advantage of Drosophila molecular genetics and the presence of identifiable neurons, it has been possible to interfere with peptidergic signaling in small populations of central neurons and monitor the consequences on behavior. These studies and experiments on other insects with large identifiable neurons, permitting cellular analysis of signaling mechanisms, have outlined important principles for temporal and spatial action of neuropeptides in outputs of the circadian clock and in orchestrating molting behavior. Considering the large number of neuropeptides available in each insect species and their diverse distribution patterns, it is to be expected that different neuropeptides play roles in most aspects of insect physiology and behavior.     

Development of the vertebrate central nervous system: formation of the neural tube

The developmental process of neurulation involves a series of coordinated morphological events, which result in conversion of the flat neural plate into the neural tube, the primordium of the entire central nervous system (CNS). Failure of neurulation results in neural tube defects (NTDs), severe abnormalities of the CNS, which are among the commonest of congenital malformations in humans. In order to gain insight into the embryological basis of NTDs, such as spina bifida and anencephaly, it is necessary to understand the morphogenetic processes and molecular mechanisms underlying neural tube closure. The mouse is the most extensively studied mammalian experimental model for studies of neurulation, while considerable insight into underlying developmental mechanisms has also arisen from studies in other model systems, particularly birds and amphibians. We describe the process of neural tube formation, discuss the cellular mechanisms involved and highlight recent findings that provide links between molecular signaling pathways and morphogenetic tissue movements. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Sonographic detection of central nervous system defects in the first trimester of pregnancy

The fetal central nervous system can already be examined in the first trimester of pregnancy. Acrania, alobar holoprosencephaly, cephaloceles, and spina bifida can confidently be diagnosed at that stage and should actively be looked for in every fetus undergoing first-trimester ultrasound. For some other conditions, such as vermian anomalies and agenesis of the corpus callosum, markers have been identified, but the diagnosis can only be confirmed in the second trimester of gestation. For these conditions, data on sensitivity and more importantly specificity and false positives are lacking, and one should therefore be aware not to falsely reassure or scare expecting parents based on first-trimester findings. This review summarizes the current knowledge of first-trimester neurosonography in the normal and abnormal fetus and gives an overview of which diseases can be diagnosed. © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

膜生物反应器中膜污染研究进展

膜生物反应器是近年新发展起来的高效废水处理工艺。本文综述了国内外对膜污染机理研究的最新成果 ,介绍了相应的解决措施 ,展望了今后的发展前景。     

Is the architecture of astrocytic membrane crucial for axonal regeneration in the central nervous system?

The Science of Nature -     

不同物理清洗方式对一体式膜生物反应器过滤特性的影响

通过考察一体式膜生物反应器运行过程中的膜污染情况和不同物理清洗方式减缓膜污染的效果,研究造成膜污染的原因和控制膜污染的方法.结果表明:膜外表面沉积污泥是造成膜污染的主要因素.空曝气减轻膜污染的作用有限,只能将归一化膜比通量从0.26提高到0.39;在活性污泥混合液中搓洗膜丝可以清除膜外表面沉积污泥层,可将归一化膜比通量从0.29提高到0.64,是一种方便而有效的清洗方式,且可在实际生产中实现.间歇式运行方式的停抽期间,最低剩余抽吸压力可以用来表征运行过程中膜过滤性能的变化.      

动态膜生物反应器中动态膜的作用和结构研究

利用动态膜生物反应器处理生活污水,对反应器中动态膜的结构和作用进行了研究.结果表明,出水水头为8 cm的条件下,100　min以后出水水质趋于稳定,动态膜基本形成.稳定运行状态下,动态膜生物反应器对COD、氨氮和总氮的总平均去除率分别为78.4%、95.0%、40.0%,其中动态膜对COD、氨氮和总氮的平均去除率分别为19.0%、8.5%、6.0%.动态膜生物反应器对污染物质的去除主要依靠混合液活性污泥,而附着在膜基材上的动态膜的生物降解作用也能去除小部分污染物质.微生物活性分析表明,混合污泥的比耗氧速率约为动态膜比耗氧速率的5倍,混合污泥的生物活性远高于动态膜.扫描电镜分析表明,生物动态膜主要由丝状菌、杆菌、球菌及其分泌物组成.     

膜污染与清洗技术

目前膜分离已在分离过程中成为最新的技术之一,但膜的污染问题限制着膜的广泛应用.因此,对膜污染以及膜清洗技术的研究具有重要意义.本文概述了膜污染的机理、预防措施及其清洗方法.     

Prenatally diagnosed developmental abnormalities of the central nervous system and genetic syndromes: A practical review

Developmental brain abnormalities are complex and can be difficult to diagnose by prenatal imaging because of the ongoing growth and development of the brain throughout pregnancy and the limitations of ultrasound, often requiring fetal magnetic resonance imaging as an additional tool. As for all major structural congenital anomalies, amniocentesis with chromosomal microarray and a karyotype is the first-line recommended test for the genetic work-up of prenatally diagnosed central nervous system (CNS) abnormalities. Many CNS defects, especially neuronal migration defects affecting the cerebral and cerebellar cortex, are caused by single-gene mutations in a large number of different genes. Early data suggest that prenatal diagnostic exome sequencing for fetal CNS defects will have a high diagnostic yield, but interpretation of sequencing results can be complex. Yet a genetic diagnosis is important for prognosis prediction and recurrence risk counseling. The evaluation and management of such patients is best done in a multidisciplinary team approach. Here, we review general principles of the genetic work-up for fetuses with CNS defects and review categories of genetic causes of prenatally diagnosed CNS phenotypes.     

一体式膜生物反应器膜污染影响因素研究

试验采用聚丙烯中空纤维膜,通过正交试验考察了膜通量、抽停时间、曝气量对膜过滤压力的影响,得出适合的膜通量是减缓膜污染的决定性因素。并确定了适宜的运行条件：膜通量5L／（m2·h）,抽吸时间8min,停抽时间2min,曝气量0．6m3／h;同时考察了EPS中多糖和蛋白质对膜污染的影响,得出多糖是主要的污染物质。