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High Concentrations (high + concentration)
Kinds of High Concentrations Selected AbstractsMorphology- and Color-Tunable Bright Fibers with High Concentration of CdTe Nanocrystals Assembled through Sol,Gel ReactionADVANCED MATERIALS, Issue 40 2009Ping Yang Intensely luminescent fibers are prepared by the self-assembly of hybrid SiO2 -coated CdTe nanocrystals (NCs), SiO2 monomers, and a complex of Cd2+ and thioglycolic acid. These fibers exhibit tunable photoluminescent colors (yellow to red) and morphologies (tubal, solid, and belt-like) with an extremely high concentration of CdTe NCs by controlling the preparation parameters. [source] Rhodium(II)-Catalyzed One-Pot Four-Component Synthesis of Functionalized Polyether Macrocycles at High Concentration,ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE, Issue 40 2010Dr. Walid Zeghida Vollkommen unerwartet wurde die Rhodium(II)-katalysierte templatfreie Makrocyclisierung von vier Einzelkomponenten in einem Reaktionsgefäß effizienter, wenn die Konzentration erhöht wurde. Daher kondensierten ,-Diazo-,-ketoester mit 1,4-Dioxan, THF oder Tetrahydropyran als Lösungsmittel zu 16- bis 18-gliedrigen Polyethermakrocyclen in bis zu 75,% Ausbeute (siehe Schema; R=Me, Et, PhCH2CH2, Allyl, PhCHCH2). [source] Effects of peripheral benzodiazepine receptor ligands on proliferation and differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cellsJOURNAL OF CELLULAR PHYSIOLOGY, Issue 1 2004D.H. Lee The peripheral benzodiazepine receptor (PBR) has been known to have many functions such as a role in cell proliferation, cell differentiation, steroidogenesis, calcium flow, cellular respiration, cellular immunity, malignancy, and apoptosis. However, the presence of PBR has not been examined in mesenchymal stem cells. In this study, we demonstrated the expression of PBR in human bone marrow stromal cells (hBMSCs) and human adipose stromal cells (hATSCs) by RT-PCR and immunocytochemistry. To determine the roles of PBR in cellular functions of human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs), effects of diazepam, PK11195, and Ro5-4864 were examined. Adipose differentiation of hMSCs was decreased by high concentration of PBR ligands (50 ,M), whereas it was increased by low concentrations of PBR ligands (<10 ,M). PBR ligands showed a biphasic effect on glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GPDH) activity. High concentration of PBR ligands (from 25 to 75 ,M) inhibited proliferation of hMSCs. However, clonazepam, which does not have an affinity to PBR, did not affect adipose differentiation and proliferation of hMSCs. The PBR ligands did not induce cell death in hMSCs. PK11195 (50 ,M) and Ro5-5864 (50 ,M) induced cell cycle arrest in the G2/M phase. These results indicate that PBR ligands play roles in adipose differentiation and proliferation of hMSCs. J. Cell. Physiol. 198: 91,99, 2004. © 2003 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Salinity-related desertification and management strategies: Indian experienceLAND DEGRADATION AND DEVELOPMENT, Issue 4 2009G. Singh Abstract High concentration of salts in the rootzone soil limits the productivity of nearly 953 million ha of productive land in the world. Australia, followed by Asia, has the largest area under salinity and sodicity. Most of the salt-affected soils and brackish ground water resources are confined to arid and semiarid regions and are the causative factors for triggering the process of desertification. The problem of salinity and sodicity has degraded about 6·73 million ha area in India. Secondary salinization associated with introduction of irrigation in dry areas like Thar desert in the western part of the country and Sharda Sahayak in Central India have caused desertification due to rise of salts with the rise in ground water level. Large scale cultivation of prawns using sea water in coastal Andhra Pradesh and elsewhere rendered about 2.1 million ha area unfit for agriculture. Similarly, 30,84 per cent ground water in north-western states of the country is either saline and /or brackish and is unfit for irrigation. Use of marginal quality water for irrigation has rendered several thousand ha of productive land unfit for cultivation. The Central Soil Salinity Research Institute was established in 1969 at Karnal to develop sustainable and eco-friendly technologies for reclamation and management of salt-affected soils and judicious use of marginal quality waters. The institute has developed location-specific techniques for reversion of salinity related desertification in India. Salient findings of research during the last three decades and more are presented in this review. This paper deals with (a) classification, nature and extent of salt-affected soils and poor quality water in India, (b) case studies/socio-economic concerns of salinity related desertification, (c) chemical, hydrological and biological approaches in use for rehabilitation of salt-affected soils, (d) guidelines for safe and productive use of marginal quality ground water through cyclic and mixed mode and precision irrigation techniques, (e) successful rehabilitation case studies, (f) alternate land use practices such as raising forest plantations, horticulture, agroforestry, high value medicinal, aromatic and flowering crops, etc., (g) technological, social, economic and environmental impacts and (h) future line of research. Issues requiring policy initiatives to halt salinity-related desertification are also discussed in this review paper. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Zinc, a regulator of islet function and glucose homeostasisDIABETES OBESITY & METABOLISM, Issue 2009N. Wijesekara It is well known that zinc is required in pancreatic ,-cells in the process of insulin biosynthesis and the maturation of insulin secretory granules. In fact, the zinc level in pancreatic islets is amongst the highest in the body and reduction in its levels in the pancreas has been associated with diabetes. High concentrations of zinc can also be toxic because of enhanced oxidative damage. The link between zinc, diabetes and islet dysfunction has recently been reiterated by genomewide association studies that identified an islet cell membrane zinc transporter, SLC30A8 (ZnT8), as one of the risk loci for type 2 diabetes. Here we explore the importance of both zinc and ZnT8 to islet biology and whole body glucose homeostasis. [source] Post-ingestive effects of nectar alkaloids depend on dominance status of bumblebeesECOLOGICAL ENTOMOLOGY, Issue 4 2009JESSAMYN S. MANSON Abstract 1.,Secondary metabolites have acute or chronic post-ingestive effects on animals, ranging from death to growth inhibition to reduced nutrient assimilation. 2.,Although characterised as toxic, the nectar of Gelsemium sempervirens is not lethal to pollinators, even when the concentration of the nectar alkaloid gelsemine is very high. However, little is known about the sublethal costs of nectar alkaloids. 3.,Using a microcolony assay and paired worker bumblebees, the present study measured the effects of artificial nectar containing gelsemine on oocyte development. Oocytes are a sensitive indicator of protein utilisation and general metabolic processes. We also calculated carbohydrate concentrations in the haemolymph to examine energetic costs of gelsemine consumption. 4.,High concentrations of gelsemine significantly reduced mean oocyte width in subordinate bees, while dominant bees showed only a trend towards oocyte inhibition. Gelsemine consumption did not reduce carbohydrate concentrations in haemolymph. 5.,The cost of ingesting gelsemine may be due to direct toxicity of alkaloids or may be an expense associated with detoxifying gelsemine. Detoxification of alkaloids can require reallocation of resources away from essential metabolic functions like reproduction. The risks associated with nectar alkaloid consumption are tied to both the social and nutritional status of the bee. [source] Novel Thorium Membrane Sensors with Anionic Response Based on Trioctylphosphine Oxide and Toluate IonophoresELECTROANALYSIS, Issue 19 2008Abstract Two novel potentiometric polymeric membrane sensors for rapid and accurate determination of thorium are described. These are based on the use of trioctylphosphine oxide (TOPO) and thorium toluate (Th-TA) as ionophores dispersed in poly(vinyl chloride) matrix membranes plasticized with nitrophenyloctyl ether. In strong nitric acid medium, Th(IV) nitrate is converted into [Th(NO3)6]2, complex and sensed as anionic divalent ion which exclude most cationic effect. Validation of the assay methods using the quality assurance standards (linearity range, accuracy, precision, within-day variability, between-day-repeatability, lower detection limit and sensitivity) reveals excellent performance characteristics of both sensors. The sensors exhibit near-Nernstian response for 1.0×10,6,1.0×10,1 M Th over the pH range 2.5,4.5. Calibration slopes of ,32.3±0.3 and ,27.2±0.2,mV/decade, precision of ±0.5 and ±0.8% and accuracy of 98.8±0.9 and 97.9±0.7% are obtained with TOPO and Th-TA based sensors, respectively. Negligible interferences are caused by most interfering mono-, di-, tri-, tetra-, penta-, and hexa-valent elements commonly associated with thorium in naturally occurring minerals and ores. High concentrations of Cl,, F,, SO42,, and NO3, ions have no diverse effect. Complete removal of the effect of the interferents in complex matrices is achieved by retention of [Th(NO3)6]2, complex from 5,M nitric acid/methanol mixture (1,:,9,v/v) on a strong anion exchanger, washing out the cationic interferents followed by stripping off thorium anion complex and measurements. Both sensors are used for determining thorium in certified thorium ore samples (20,120,mg Th/kg) and some naturally occurring ores (200,600,mg Th/kg). The results obtained agree fairly well with the certified labeled values or the data obtained using X-ray fluorescence spectrometry [source] Separation of amino alcohols using divalent dipeptides as counter ions in aqueous CEELECTROPHORESIS, Issue 10 2010Jakob Haglöf Abstract Divalent dipeptides have been introduced as counter ions in aqueous CZE. The dipeptides form ion pairs with amino alcohols in the BGE and facilitate the separation of amino alcohols. High concentrations of dipeptide caused reversed effective mobility for the analytes. The net charge of the dipeptide can be controlled using a buffer or a strong base, and regulates the interaction between the dipeptide and the amino alcohol. A stronger interaction and higher selectivity of amino alcohols was observed when the dipeptides were used as divalent counter ions, than in monovalent or uncharged form. Association constants for ion pairs between divalent dipeptides and amino alcohols can be used to enhance selectivity for amino alcohols in CZE. No chiral separation of amino alcohols was observed when using the dipeptides as ion-pairing chiral selectors in aqueous BGE, but addition of methanol to the BGE promoted enantioselectivity. [source] Variations of chemical compositions in coarse aerosols and fine aerosols in two successive episodesENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY & CHEMISTRY, Issue 8 2006Chung-Yih Kuo Abstract Particulate matter with diameters less than 2.5 ,m (PM2.5) and ranging between 10 to 2.5 ,m (PM10-2.5) were simultaneously collected at four air-quality monitoring stations in the Taichung area of central Taiwan during the period of February 12 to 22, 2004. Two different types of PM10 episodes, a nonlocal dust-storm episode and a local episode, were observed in the present study. High concentrations of coarse aerosols occurred during the dust-storm episode, whereas high concentrations of fine aerosols were present during the local episode. Relatively high levels of Na+, Mg2+, Ca2+, and Cl, in coarse aerosols were observed during the dust-storm episode. Very high concentrations of secondary aerosols (NH+4, SO2,4, and NO,3) in fine aerosols were observed during the local episode. The nitrate ion demonstrated the greatest increase in the ratios of ionic species to PM2.5 and ionic species to PM10-2.5 during the local episode. Significantly high ratios (0.444) of NO,3 to NO2 in fine aerosols were present during the local episode, indicating that the relatively high formation rate of NO,3 was one of the important factors leading to the increase of the NO,3 to PM2.5 ratio during the local episode. Results also showed that an abundant quantity of fine ammonium nitrate was formed during the local episode, and chloride depletion probably was the major pathway to form coarse NaNO3 during this episode. [source] The antiapoptotic effects of blood constituents in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemiaEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF HAEMATOLOGY, Issue 5 2003Yonit Bomstein Abstract: Objective: Clonal B-lymphocytes of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (B-CLL) are characterized by decreased sensitivity to programmed cell death and, therefore, they accumulate in vivo. However, these malignant cells die rapidly in vitro. In the current study we concentrated on the contribution of autologous serum (AS) and lymphocyte subsets to the survival of the malignant cells in vitro. Methods: Mononuclear cells from the peripheral blood of 26 CLL patients and 24 controls were incubated overnight in the presence or absence of AS and heat-inactivated AS (HI-AS) or fetal calf serum (FCS). Also, isolated B cells were incubated at different concentrations in the presence of AS and/or isolated T cells. The level of apoptosis of CD19+ cells was measured by flow cytometry. Results: Spontaneous apoptosis of unfractionated B-CLL cells incubated with AS, FCS or without serum was significantly lower than the rate of B-cell death in the control group, in similar culture conditions. AS had an antiapoptotic effect on unfractionated B-CLL cells when compared with FCS. The rate of apoptosis of B-CLL cells was directly associated with stage. HI of AS had a variable effect, which was related to the stage of the disease. High concentrations of B cells and the addition of autologous T cells reduced the rate of apoptosis when incubated without serum. The antiapoptotic effect of T cells was most prominent in progressive stages. Conclusions: B-CLL cells exhibit decreased spontaneous apoptosis, which is partially prevented by humoral (AS) and cellular (T cells and B-CLL cells) factors. The equilibrium between apoptotic and antiapoptotic factors changes with disease progression. [source] Kinetic analysis of effector modulation of butyrylcholinesterase-catalysed hydrolysis of acetanilides and homologous estersFEBS JOURNAL, Issue 10 2008Patrick Masson The effects of tyramine, serotonin and benzalkonium on the esterase and aryl acylamidase activities of wild-type human butyrylcholinesterase and its peripheral anionic site mutant, D70G, were investigated. The kinetic study was carried out under steady-state conditions with neutral and positively charged aryl acylamides [o -nitrophenylacetanilide, o -nitrotrifluorophenylacetanilide and m -(acetamido) N,N,N -trimethylanilinium] and homologous esters (o -nitrophenyl acetate and acetylthiocholine). Tyramine was an activator of hydrolysis for neutral substrates and an inhibitor of hydrolysis for positively charged substrates. The affinity of D70G for tyramine was lower than that of the wild-type enzyme. Tyramine activation of hydrolysis for neutral substrates by D70G was linear. Tyramine was found to be a pure competitive inhibitor of hydrolysis for positively charged substrates with both wild-type butyrylcholinesterase and D70G. Serotonin inhibited both esterase and aryl acylamidase activities for both positively charged and neutral substrates. Inhibition of wild-type butyrylcholinesterase was hyperbolic (i.e. partial) with neutral substrates and linear with positively charged substrates. Inhibition of D70G was linear with all substrates. A comparison of the effects of tyramine and serotonin on D70G versus the wild-type enzyme indicated that: (a) the peripheral anionic site is involved in the nonlinear activation and inhibition of the wild-type enzyme; and (b) in the presence of charged substrates, the ligand does not bind to the peripheral anionic site, so that ligand effects are linear, reflecting their sole interaction with the active site binding locus. Benzalkonium acted as an activator at low concentrations with neutral substrates. High concentrations of benzalkonium caused parabolic inhibition of the activity with neutral substrates for both wild-type butyrylcholinesterase and D70G, suggesting multiple binding sites. Benzalkonium caused linear, noncompetitive inhibition of the positively charged aryl acetanilide m -(acetamido) N,N,N -trimethylanilinium for D70G, and an unusual mixed-type inhibition/activation (, > , > 1) for wild-type butyrylcholinesterase with this substrate. No fundamental difference was observed between the effects of ligands on the butyrylcholinesterase-catalysed hydrolysis of esters and amides. Thus, butyrylcholinesterase uses the same machinery, i.e. the catalytic triad S198/H448/E325, for the hydrolysis of both types of substrate. The differences in response to ligand binding depend on whether the substrates are neutral or positively charged, i.e. the differences depend on the function of the peripheral site in wild-type butyrylcholinesterase, or the absence of its function in the D70G mutant. The complex inhibition/activation effects of effectors, depending on the integrity of the peripheral anionic site, reflect the allosteric ,cross-talk' between the peripheral anionic site and the catalytic centre. [source] Kinetics of tryptophan oxidation in plasma lipoproteins by myeloperoxidase-generated HOClFEBS JOURNAL, Issue 13 2000Andreas Jerlich The relative susceptibility of the apoprotein components of human lipoproteins [high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL)] and their subclasses to oxidation by the myeloperoxidase/H2O2/Cl, system in vitro was studied by measuring the decrease in rate of tryptophan fluorescence. Whereas the lipoprotein-modification rate showed a saturation type of dependence on the concentration of myeloperoxidase, a biphasic dependence on the concentration of the lipoproteins was found. High concentrations of H2O2 were also found to inhibit tryptophan oxidation in LDL but to a lesser extent in HDL. The optimal rate of LDL and HDL modification was observed at pH 6.0. HDL was modified much more rapidly than LDL, which may be due to differences in size and different relative contents of protein and lipids per particle. No differences in rates of modification of LDL subclasses were observed, when the assays were standardized to equal LDL protein concentrations, but, when standardized to equal particle mass, an optimum at subclass 8 was found, which is probably due to differences in apolipoprotein B-100 conformation. It was concluded that HDL may have a beneficial effect in retarding LDL modification in inflammatory processes. [source] Limitation of oxygenic photosynthesis and oxygen consumption by phosphate and organic nitrogen in a hypersaline microbial mat: a microsensor studyFEMS MICROBIOLOGY ECOLOGY, Issue 1 2006Rebecca Ludwig Abstract Microbial mats are characterized by high primary production but low growth rates, pointing to a limitation of growth by the lack of nutrients or substrates. We identified compounds that instantaneously stimulated photosynthesis rates and oxygen consumption rates in a hypersaline microbial mat by following the short-term response (c. 6 h) of these processes to addition of nutrients, organic and inorganic carbon compounds, using microsensors. Net photosynthesis rates were not stimulated by compound additions. However, both gross photosynthesis and oxygen consumption were substantially stimulated (by a minimum of 25%) by alanine (1 mM) and glutamate (3.5 mM) as well as by phosphate (0.1 mM). A low concentration of ammonium (0.1 mM) did not affect photosynthesis and oxygen consumption, whereas a higher concentration (3.5 mM) decreased both process rates. High concentrations of glycolate (5 mM) and phosphate (1 mM) inhibited gross photosynthesis but not oxygen consumption, leading to a decrease of net photosynthesis. Photosynthesis was not stimulated by addition of inorganic carbon, nor was oxygen consumption stimulated by organic compounds like glycolate (5 mM) or glucose (5 mM), indicating that carbon was efficiently cycled within the mat. Photosynthesis and oxygen consumption were apparently tightly coupled, because stimulations always affected both processes to the same extent, which resulted in unchanged net photosynthesis rates. These findings illustrate that microsensor techniques, due to their ability to quantify all three processes, can clarify community responses to nutrient enrichment studies much better than techniques that solely monitor net fluxes. [source] Lactate has the potential to promote hydrogen sulphide formation in the human colonFEMS MICROBIOLOGY LETTERS, Issue 2 2009Perrine Marquet Abstract High concentrations of sulphide are toxic for the gut epithelium and may contribute to bowel disease. Lactate is a favoured cosubstrate for the sulphate-reducing colonic bacterium Desulfovibrio piger, as shown here by the stimulation of sulphide formation by D. piger DSM749 by lactate in the presence of sulphate. Sulphide formation by D. piger was also stimulated in cocultures with the lactate-producing bacterium Bifidobacterium adolescentis L2-32. Other lactate-utilizing bacteria such as the butyrate-producing species Eubacterium hallii and Anaerostipes caccae are, however, expected to be in competition with the sulphate-reducing bacteria (SRB) for the lactate formed in the human colon. Strains of E. hallii and A. caccae produced 65% and 96% less butyrate from lactate, respectively, in a coculture with D. piger DSM749 than in a pure culture. In triculture experiments involving B. adolescentis L2-32, up to 50% inhibition of butyrate formation by E. hallii and A. caccae was observed in the presence of D. piger DSM749. On the other hand, sulphide formation by D. piger was unaffected by E. hallii or A. caccae in these cocultures and tricultures. These experiments strongly suggest that lactate can stimulate sulphide formation by SRB present in the colon, with possible consequences for conditions such as colitis. [source] A synthesis of biological and physical processes affecting the feeding environment of larval walleye pollock (Theragra chalcogramma) in the eastern Bering SeaFISHERIES OCEANOGRAPHY, Issue 2 2000Napp Biological and physical phenomena that affect conditions for larval survival and eventual recruitment differ in the oceanic and shelf regions. In the oceanic region, eddies are a common feature. While their genesis is not well known, eddies have unique biophysical characteristics and occur with such regularity that they likely affect larval survival. High concentrations of larval pollock often are associated with eddies. Some eddies are transported onto the shelf, thereby providing larvae to the Outer Shelf Domain. Advection, rather than local production, dominated the observed springtime increase in chlorophyll (often a correlate of larval food) in the oceanic region. Over two-thirds of the south-eastern shelf, eddies are absent and other phenomena are important. Sea ice is a feature of the shelf region: its interannual variability (time of arrival, persistence, and areal extent) affects developmental rate of larvae, timing of the phytoplankton bloom (and potentially the match/mismatch of larvae and prey), and abundance and distribution of juvenile pollock. In the oceanic region, interannual variation in food for first-feeding pollock larvae is determined by advection; in the shelf region, it is the coupled dynamics of the atmosphere,ice,ocean system. [source] Blue Luminescence of ZnO Nanoparticles Based on Non-Equilibrium Processes: Defect Origins and Emission ControlsADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS, Issue 4 2010Haibo Zeng Abstract High concentrations of defects are introduced into nanoscale ZnO through non-equilibrium processes and resultant blue emissions are comprehensively analyzed, focusing on defect origins and broad controls. Some ZnO nanoparticles exhibit very strong blue emissions, the intensity of which first increase and then decrease with annealing. These visible emissions exhibit strong and interesting excitation dependences: 1) the optimal excitation energy for blue emissions is near the bandgap energy, but the effective excitation can obviously be lower, even 420,nm (2.95,eV,<,Eg,=,3.26,eV); in contrast, green emissions can be excited only by energies larger than the bandgap energy; and, 2) there are several fixed emitting wavelengths at 415, 440, 455 and 488,nm in the blue wave band, which exhibit considerable stability in different excitation and annealing conditions. Mechanisms for blue emissions from ZnO are proposed with interstitial-zinc-related defect levels as initial states. EPR spectra reveal the predominance of interstitial zinc in as-prepared samples, and the evolutions of coexisting interstitial zinc and oxygen vacancies with annealing. Furthermore, good controllability of visible emissions is achieved, including the co-emission of blue and green emissions and peak adjustment from blue to yellow. [source] Differences in temperature, organic carbon and oxygen consumption among lowland streamsFRESHWATER BIOLOGY, Issue 12 2005KAJ SAND-JENSEN Summary 1. Temperature, organic carbon and oxygen consumption were measured over a year at 13 sites in four lowlands streams within the same region in North Zealand, Denmark with the objectives of determining: (i) spatial and seasonal differences between open streams, forest streams and streams with or without lakes, (ii) factors influencing the temperature dependence of oxygen consumption rate, (iii) consequences of higher temperature and organic content in lake outlets on oxygen consumption rate, and (iv) possible consequences of forecasted global warming on degradation of organic matter. 2. High concentrations of easily degradable dissolved (DOC) and particulate organic carbon (POC) were found in open streams downstream of plankton-rich lakes, while high concentrations of recalcitrant DOC were found in a forest brook draining a forest swamp. Concentrations of predominantly recalcitrant POC and DOC were low in a groundwater-fed forest spring. Overall, DOC concentration was two to 18 times higher than POC concentrations. 3. Oxygen consumption rate at 20 °C was higher during summer than winter, higher in open than shaded streams and higher in lake outlets than inlets. Rate was closely related to concentrations of chlorophyll and POC but not to DOC. The ratio of oxygen consumption rate to total organic concentrations (DOC + POC), serving as a measure of organic degradability, was highest downstream of lakes, intermediate in open streams and lowest in forest streams. 4. Temperature coefficients describing the exponential increase of oxygen consumption rate between 4 and 20 °C averaged 0.121 °C,1 (Q10 of 3.35) in 70 measurements and showed no significant variations between seasons and stream sites or correlations with ambient temperature and organic content. 5. Oxygen consumption rate was enhanced downstream of lakes during summer because of higher temperature and, more significantly, greater concentrations of degradable organic carbon. Oxygen consumption rates were up to seven times higher in the stream with three impoundments than in a neighbouring unshaded stream and 21 times higher than in the groundwater-fed forest spring. 6. A regional climate model has calculated a dramatic 4,5 °C rise in air temperature over Denmark by 2070,2100. If this is realised, unshaded streams are estimated to become 2,3 °C warmer in summer and winter and 5,7 °C warmer in spring and, thereby, increase oxygen consumption rates at ambient temperature by 30,40% and 80,130%, respectively. Faster consumption of organic matter and dissolved oxygen downstream of point sources should increase the likelihood of oxygen stress of the stream biota and lead to the export of less organic matter but more mineralised nutrients to the coastal waters. [source] Thrombin potently enhances swelling-sensitive glutamate efflux from cultured astrocytesGLIA, Issue 9 2007Gerardo Ramos-Mandujano Abstract High concentrations of thrombin (Thr) have been linked to neuronal damage in cerebral ischemia and traumatic brain injury. In the present study we found that Thr markedly enhanced swelling-activated efflux of 3H -glutamate from cultured astrocytes exposed to hyposmotic medium. Thr (0.5,5 U/mL) elicited small 3H -glutamate efflux under isosmotic conditions and increased the hyposmotic glutamate efflux by 5- to 10-fold, the maximum effect being observed at 15% osmolarity reduction. These Thr effects involve its protease activity and are fully mimicked by SFFLRN, the synthetic peptide activating protease-activated receptor-1. Thr potentiation of 3H -glutamate efflux was largely dependent on a Thr-elicited increases in cytosolic Ca2+ (Ca2+i) concentration ([Ca2+]i). Preventing Ca2+i rise by treatment with EGTA-AM or with the phospholipase C blocker U73122 reduced the Thr-increased glutamate efflux by 68%. The protein kinase C blockers Go6976 or chelerythrine reduced the Thr effect by 19%,22%, while Ca/calmodulin blocker W7 caused a 63% inhibition. In addition to this Ca2+ -sensitive pathway, Thr effect on glutamate efflux also involved activation of phosphoinositide-3 kinase (PI3K), since it was reduced by the PI3K inhibitor wortmannin (51% inhibition). Treating cells with EGTA-AM plus wortmannin essentially abolished Thr-dependent glutamate efflux. Thr-activated glutamate release was potently inhibited by the blockers of the volume-sensitive anion permeability pathway, NPPB (IC50 15.8 ,M), DCPIB (IC50 4.2 ,M). These results suggest that Thr may contribute to the excitotoxic neuronal injury by elevating extracellular glutamate release from glial cells. Therefore, this work may aid in search of neuroprotective strategies for treating cerebral ischemia and brain trauma. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Arsenic in Glacial Aquifers: Sources and Geochemical ControlsGROUND WATER, Issue 4 2005Walton R. Kelly A total of 176 wells in sand-and-gravel glacial aquifers in central Illinois were sampled for arsenic (As) and other chemical parameters. The results were combined with archived and published data from several hundred well samples to determine potential sources of As and the potential geochemical controls on its solubility and mobility. There was considerable spatial variability in the As concentrations. High concentrations were confined to areas smaller than 1 km in diameter. Arsenic and well depth were uncorrelated. Arsenic solubility appeared to be controlled by oxidation-reduction (redox) conditions, especially the presence of organic matter. Geochemical conditions in the aquifers are typically reducing, but only in the most reducing water does As accumulate in solution. In wells in which total organic carbon (TOC) was below 2 mg/L and sulfate (SO42,) was present, As concentrations were low or below the detection limit (0.5 ,g/L). Arsenic concentrations >10 ,g/L were almost always found in wells where TOC was >2 mg/L and SO42, was absent or at low concentrations, indicating post,SO42,reducing conditions. Iron (Fe) is common in the aquifer sediments, and Fe oxide reduction appears to be occurring throughout the aquifers. Arsenic is likely released from the solid phase as Fe oxide is reduced. [source] Generation, Spectroscopic Characterization by EPR, and Decay of a Pyranine-Derived RadicalHELVETICA CHIMICA ACTA, Issue 10 2007Carolina Aliaga Abstract The pyraninoxyl radical is readily formed from the MnO2 -promoted oxidation of pyranine. The free radical can be formed in high concentrations (mM), and presents a characteristic EPR spectrum that indicates a high spin-density delocalization. It is relatively stable under nitrogen (half-life ca. 50,min) but readily decays in presence of O2. In spite of its high stability, the radical readily reacts with antioxidants (phenols and ascorbic acid) with a partial recovery of the parent pyranine. High concentrations of the pyraninoxyl radical (ca. 9,,M) are present when pyranine is exposed to a free radical source (10,mM 2,2,-azobis[2-amidinopropane], 37°). The fact that these radicals readily react with antioxidants (ascorbic acid and caffeic acid) supports the proposal that protection by antioxidants of peroxyl radical-promoted pyranine bleaching is mainly due to the occurrence of a repair mechanism. [source] Use of Lysozyme, Nisin, and EDTA Combined Treatments for Maintaining Quality of Packed Ostrich PattiesJOURNAL OF FOOD SCIENCE, Issue 3 2010Marianna Mastromatteo ABSTRACT:, The antimicrobial effectiveness of lysozyme, nisin, and ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA) combination treatments (Mix1: 250 ppm lysozyme, 250 ppm nisin, 5 mM EDTA; Mix2: 500 ppm lysozyme, 500 ppm nisin, 5 mM EDTA) on bacterial growth of ostrich patties packaged in air, vacuum, and 2 different modified atmospheres (MAP1: 80% O2, 20% CO2; MAP2: 5% O2, 30% CO2, 65% N2) was evaluated. Moreover, the lipid oxidation was evaluated as well as color and sensory characteristics. The growth of total viable counts and lactic acid bacteria were strongly inhibited by the antimicrobial treatments in all the running time (Inhibition Index >97%) whereas for Enterobacteriaceae,and Pseudomonas,spp. lower inhibition indices from 12% to about 28% were observed. The lipid oxidation was more pronounced in the control respect to the treated meat patties. Moreover, the mixture at low concentration of lysozyme and nisin showed the best antioxidative effect. High concentrations of lysozyme and nisin showed the greatest color loss. Also, off-odors for the untreated patties developed faster than the treated samples. Practical Application: Great interest is developing in food bio-preservation, because of the ever-increasing needs to protect consumers' health and to valorize the naturalness and safety of food products. [source] 17,-estradiol prevents cytotoxicity from hydrophobic bile acids in HepG2 and WRL-68 cell culturesJOURNAL OF GASTROENTEROLOGY AND HEPATOLOGY, Issue 5 2006Matteo Ricchi Abstract Background:, Epidemiological and clinical studies suggest the possibility that estrogens might have a cytoprotective effect on the liver. The aim of the present study was to test the hypothesis that 17,-estradiol (E2) prevents hepatocellular damage induced by deoxycholic acid (DCA), a hydrophobic bile acid. Methods:, HepG2 cells were exposed for 24 h to DCA (350 µmol/L). Cell viability, aspartate aminotransferase and lactate dehydrogenase activity and apoptosis were measured as indices of cell toxicity. The effect of DCA was compared to that observed using either a hydrophilic bile acid, ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA; 100 µmol/L), or E2 at different concentrations (1 nmol/L, 10 nmol/L, 50 nmol/L and 50 µmol/L) or mixtures of E2/DCA or UDCA/DCA. The same experiments were performed using WRL-68 cells that, at variance with HepG2, express a higher level of nuclear estrogen receptor. Results:, High concentrations of E2 and UDCA prevented DCA-induced decrease in cell viability, increase in enzyme activity and apoptosis evaluated both by 4,,6-diamidino-2-phenylindole dihydrochloride (DAPI) and TdT-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) assays. In addition, DCA-related apoptosis, assessed by caspase activity, was also prevented by E2 (P < 0.01) in physiological (1,10 nmol/L) doses. The cytoprotective effects of E2 and UDCA was also observed in the WRL-68 cell line. Conclusions:, 17,-Estradiol prevents DCA-induced cell damage in HepG2 and WRL-68 cell lines to an extent comparable to UDCA. The hypothesis that the protective effect of E2 may be mediated by a mechanism that is nuclear estrogen receptor independent, deserves further verification. [source] Applications of time-resolved resonance energy transfer measurements in studies of the molecular crowding effect,JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR RECOGNITION, Issue 5 2004Varda Ittah Abstract The native structures of many globular proteins are only weakly stabilized and form in solution ensembles of multiple conformers. The energy differences between the conformers are assumed to be small. This is the case of flexible multidomain proteins where domain motions were observed. High concentrations of inert macrosolute, which create a crowded or confined environment, can cause shifts of the distribution of the conformers of such proteins towards the more compact structures. This effect may also promote compact structures in partially folded proteins. Time-resolved dynamic non-radiative excitation energy transfer (tr-RET) is suitable for detection of either subtle or major changes in distributions of intramolecular distances in protein molecules in solutions. Two experiments were performed which demonstrated the applicability of tr-RET for detection of the effect of macrosolutes on the conformational ensembles of flexible states of protein molecules. The distribution of distances between residues 203 and 169 in the CORE domain of E. coli adenylate kinase (AK) in the denatured state was determined in the presence of high concentrations of dextran 40. A significant shift of the mean of the distribution was observed without reduction of its width. This was interpreted as a shift to compact structure without change of the degree of disorder of the chain. In a second experiment the distribution of the distance between residues 55 and 169 in AK, which spans the cleft between the CORE and the AMPbind domains, was monitored. No clear effect of high concentrations of dextran 40 was found. These experiments show the strength of the application of tr-RET in investigation of changes in the sub-states of flexible conformations of globular protein. Networks of pairs of labeled sites can be prepared and tr-RET experiments can be performed in order to search for the segments of the protein molecules, which respond to the presence of inert macromolecules in their environment. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Mature pig oligodendrocytes rapidly process human recombinant pro-nerve growth factor and do not undergo cell deathJOURNAL OF NEUROCHEMISTRY, Issue 2 2006Hans H. Althaus Abstract The neurotrophin family with its first member, nerve growth factor (NGF), binds two classes of receptors, more specifically to Trk receptors and to a shared p75NTR receptor. It has been shown that proNGF rather than NGF is predominant in the mature central nervous system. A recent finding indicated that a furin-resistant proNGF preferentially binds to p75NTR, initiating a pro-apoptotic cascade even in the presence of TrkA. In this context, rodent oligodendrocytes were reported to undergo cell death when exposed to proNGF. We have investigated the effect of a non-mutated 32 kDa human recombinant proNGF (rhproNGF) on cultured pig oligodendrocytes which express TrkA, p75NTR and sortilin. Pig oligodendrocytes respond to rhproNGF (50 ng/mL) with an enhanced regeneration of their processes as already observed for NGF. Activity of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), which plays an important role in oligodendroglial process formation, was increased even when rhproNGF processing was inhibited by the furin inhibitor Decanoyl-RVKR-CMK. Similarly, a cleavage-resistant proNGF (R-1G) activated MAPK and promoted oligodendroglial process regeneration. High concentrations of rhproNGF (300 ng/mL) did not induce cell death. Sodium dodecyl sulfate , polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and Western blotting revealed that oligodendrocytes process rhproNGF to NGF. NGF was detected in Western blots of oligodendroglial lysates already 10 min after rhproNGF exposure, followed by a release of NGF into the culture medium. Indirect evidence indicates that rhproNGF processing occurs via an endocytotic route. [source] Poster Sessions CP10: Blood,Brain BarrierJOURNAL OF NEUROCHEMISTRY, Issue 2002M. A. García Kinetic analysis of vitamin C uptake has demonstrated that specialized cells take up ascorbic acid (AA), the reduced form of vitamin C, through sodium-AA cotransporters. Recently, two different isoforms of sodium-vitamin C cotransporters (SVCT 1, 2) that mediate high affinity Na+ -dependent l -ascorbic acid have been cloned. SVCT2 was detected mainly in choroid plexus cells and neurons, however, there are no evidences of SVCT2 expression in glial cells. High concentrations of vitamin C has been demonstrated in brain hypothalamic area. The hypothalamic glial cells, known as alpha and beta tanycytes, are specialized ependymal cells that bridge the cerebrospinal fluid and the portal blood of the median eminence. Our hypothesis postulates that tanycytes take up reduced vitamin C from the portal blood and cerebrospinal fluid generating an high concentration of this vitamin in brain hypothalamic area. In situ immunohistochemical analyses demonstrated that SVCT2 transporter is selectively expressed in apical region of tanycytes. A newly developed primary culture of mouse hypothalamic tanycytes was used to confirm the expression and function of SVCT2 isoform in these cells. Reduced vitamin C uptake was temperature and sodium dependent. Kinetic analysis showed an apparent Km of 20 ,m and a Vmax of 45 pmol/min per million cells for the transport of ascorbic acid. The expression of SVCT2 was confirmed by immunoblots and RT,PCR. Tanycytes may perform a neuroprotective role concentrating the vitamin C in the hypothalamic area. Acknowledgements:, Supported by Grands FONDECYT 1010843 and DIUC-GIA 201.034.006-1.4 from Concepción University. [source] Dual effect of DL -homocysteine and S -adenosylhomocysteine on brain synthesis of the glutamate receptor antagonist, kynurenic acidJOURNAL OF NEUROSCIENCE RESEARCH, Issue 3 2005E. Luchowska Abstract Increased serum level of homocysteine, a sulfur-containing amino acid, is considered a risk factor in vascular disorders and in dementias. The effect of homocysteine and metabolically related compounds on brain production of kynurenic acid (KYNA), an endogenous antagonist of glutamate ionotropic receptors, was studied. In rat cortical slices, DL -homocysteine enhanced (0.1,0.5 mM) or inhibited (concentration inducing 50% inhibition [IC50] = 6.4 [5.5,7.5] mM) KYNA production. In vivo peripheral application of DL -homocysteine (1.3 mmol/kg intraperitoneally) increased KYNA content (pmol/g tissue) from 8.47 ± 1.57 to 13.04 ± 2.86 (P < 0.01; 15 min) and 11.4 ± 1.72 (P < 0.01; 60 min) in cortex, and from 4.11 ± 1.54 to 10.02 ± 3.08 (P < 0.01; 15 min) in rat hippocampus. High concentrations of DL -homocysteine (20 mM) applied via microdialysis probe decreased KYNA levels in rabbit hippocampus; this effect was antagonized partially by an antagonist of group I metabotropic glutamate receptors, LY367385. In vitro, S -adenosylhomocysteine acted similar to but more potently than DL -homocysteine, augmenting KYNA production at 0.03,0.08 mM and reducing it at ,0.5 mM. The stimulatory effect of S -adenosylhomocysteine was abolished in the presence of the L -kynurenine uptake inhibitors L -leucine and L -phenyloalanine. Neither the N -methyl- D -aspartate (NMDA) antagonist CGS 19755 nor L -glycine influenced DL -homocysteine- and S -adenosylhomocysteine-induced changes of KYNA synthesis in vitro. DL -Homocysteine inhibited the activity of both KYNA biosynthetic enzymes, kynurenine aminotransferases (KATs) I and II, whereas S -adenosylhomocysteine reduced only the activity of KAT II. L -Methionine and L -cysteine, thiol-containing compounds metabolically related to homocysteine, acted only as weak inhibitors, reducing KYNA production in vitro and inhibiting the activity of KAT II (L -cysteine) or KAT I (L -methionine). The present data suggest that DL -homocysteine biphasically modulates KYNA synthesis. This seems to result from conversion of compound to S -adenosylhomocysteine, also acting dually on KYNA formation, and in part from the direct interaction of homocysteine with metabotropic glutamate receptors and KYNA biosynthetic enzymes. It seems probable that hyperhomocystemia-associated brain dysfunction is mediated partially by changes in brain KYNA level. © 2004 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] MMP-mediated collagen breakdown induced by activated protein C in equine cartilage is reduced by corticosteroidsJOURNAL OF ORTHOPAEDIC RESEARCH, Issue 3 2010Elaine R. Garvican Abstract The plasma serine protease activated protein C (APC) is synthesized by human chondrocytes at sites of pathological cartilage fibrillation. APC levels are increased in osteoarthritis (OA) synovial fluid, and in vitro APC has been shown to synergize with interleukin-1, (IL-1) to promote degradation from ovine cartilage. A model of equine cartilage degradation was established and used to explore corticosteroid activities. Intraarticular corticosteroids are a commonly prescribed treatment for joint disease, however their role in disease modification remains unclear. APC synergized with IL-1 or tumor necrosis factor-, (TNF,), promoting significant collagen degradation from equine cartilage explants within 4 days, but did not augment glycoaminoglycan (GAG) release. APC activated pro-matrix metalloproteinases (MMP)-2 but not pro-MMP-9, as assessed by gelatin zymography. APC did not directly activate pro-MMP-13. Dexamethasone, triamcinolone, and methylprednisolone acetate (MPA) were evaluated at concentrations between 10, 5M and 10,10M. High concentrations significantly increased GAG release from IL-1+APC,treated explants. With the exception of MPA at 10,10M, all concentrations of corticosteroids caused significant decreases in IL-1+APC-driven hydroxyproline loss. Treatment with corticosteroids suppressed expression of MMP-1, -3, and -13 mRNA. The collagenolysis associated with IL-1+APC synergy, and the inhibition of this effect by corticosteroids may involve gelatinase activation and downregulation of MMP expression, respectively. © 2009 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 28:370,378, 2010 [source] High concentrations of the melatonin metabolite, N1 -acetyl- N,2 -formyl-5-methoxykynuramine, in cerebrospinal fluid of patients with meningitis: a possible immunomodulatory mechanismJOURNAL OF PINEAL RESEARCH, Issue 3 2005Sueli De Oliveira Silva Abstract:, We evaluated the presence of the melatonin metabolite N1 -acetyl- N2 -formyl-5-methoxykynuramine (AFMK), in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of patients with viral meningitis (n = 20) and control samples (n = 8) and correlate AFMK levels with inflammatory markers such as cellularity, protein, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)- ,, interleukin (IL)-8 and IL-1, levels. A portion of the CSF was extracted with dichloromethane (1:5) and analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) under standardized conditions for AFMK. AFMK was detected in 16 of 20 CSF samples of patients with viral meningitis; the concentration of AFMK was found to be above the quantification limit (50 nmol/L) in six of these samples. AFMK was not detected in any of the eight control samples. The samples were classified into groups according to AFMK levels: undetectable (<10 nmol/L, group I), detectable but below the quantification limit (< 50 nmol/L, group II), and quantified (>50 nmol/L, group III). Group II presented the highest levels of proteins and IL-8, whereas group III showed the lowest levels of the inflammatory parameters. This study supports our hypothesis that inflammation favors the formation of AFMK and that this compound has immunomodulatory activity in vivo. [source] INPUTS OF COPPER-BASED CROP PROTECTANTS TO COASTAL CREEKS FROM PASTICULTURE RUNOFF,JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN WATER RESOURCES ASSOCIATION, Issue 2 2001Andrea M. Dietrich ABSTRACT: Inputs of copper-based crop protectants from tomato fields grown under plastic mulch agriculture (plasticulture) to an estuarine creek were investigated. Copper was measured in runoff from diverse land-uses including conventional agriculture, plasticulture, residences, and natural areas. Water column and sediment copper concentrations were measured in plasticulture and control (nonagriculture) watersheds. Copper concentrations in plasticulture-impacted creeks exceeded background levels episodically. High concentrations occurred during or immediately after runoff-producing rains. Concentrations of 263 ,g/L total copper and 126 ,g/L dissolved copper were measured in a tidal creek affected by plasticulture; concentrations exceeded the shellfish LC50 values and the water quality criteria of 2.9 ,g/L dissolved copper. Control watersheds indicated background water column levels of , 4 ,g/L dissolved copper with similar copper levels during periods with and without rain. The copper concentrations in tomato plasticulture field runoff itself contained up to 238 ,g/L dissolved copper. Copper concentrations in runoff from other land-uses were less than 5 ,g/L dissolved copper. Creek sediment samples adjacent to a plasticulture field contained significantly higher copper concentrations than sediments taken from nonplasticulture watersheds. [source] Growth and pectate-lyase activity of the ruminal bacterium Lachnospira multiparus in the presence of short-chain organic acidsLETTERS IN APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY, Issue 5 2005R.A. Paggi Abstract Aims:, Acetic, propionic, butyric and lactic acids are end products of feed fermentation by rumen microbes. The effects of these short chain acids on growth and pectate-lyase (PL) activity of Lachnospira multiparus were studied. Methods and Results:, The bacterial strain used was L. multiparus D32. Acids were tested between 50 and 300 mmol l,1. Growth and PL activity were measured by the increase in total protein content and by the increase in absorbance at 235 nm in the reaction medium respectively. With the exception of lactic acid, all acids decreased bacterial growth rates; generally, these effects were more pronounced at higher concentrations and with acids of longer chains. PL activity was inhibited by all the acids except by butyric acid at 50 and 100 mmol l,1. Enzyme inhibition increased with the concentrations of the acids and lactic acid was the most inhibitory. Conclusions:, High concentrations of short chain acids can differentially inhibit the growth rate and the PL activity of L. multiparus. Significance and Impact of the Study:, Products of fermentation generated by the ruminal microbiota could modify the degradation of pectic substances by this bacterium. [source] | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||