Pearl Oyster: From National Icon To Guardian of Qatar's Marine Environment

The NPRP9-394-1-090 project “Pearl Oyster: from national icon to guardian of Qatar's marine environment” had as main aim to develop and apply an integrated suite of chemical and biological methods as early warning tools to assess the “health” of Qatar’s marine environment. The central theme consisted in an investigative monitoring program around the use of the pearl oyster, Pictada imbricata radiata, as a sentinel or guardian species. We have characterized the main environmental contaminants of concern at a selected number of sites around the Qatari coast (UmmBab, Al Khor, Al Wakra and Simaisma), during 2 years, in summer and winter. Potential ecological effects of contaminants (targeted and untargeted) were investigated at different biological organization levels (gene, chromosome, cell, individual, population), through a multidisciplinary approach, using classical and genotoxicological endpoints, integrative histopathology and transcriptomic responses to the different environmental stresses. To our knowledge, this is the first time an integrated approach connecting all these disciplines has been applied in the Qatari marine environment. We present here the main results, of this 3 years project, obtained in all different disciplinary approaches. The results of this project will leave a legacy of resources for future Qatari researchers, including an open access transcriptome data base and the first description of common pathologies observed in the pearl oyster P. i. radiata. Moreover, they will also represent a sound science-based baseline data essential for conservation and management planning, by integration of the data from all the different disciplines applied in the project to assess the potential ecological effects of contaminants at different biological levels.

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Classic Prescription, Kai-Xin-San, Ameliorates Alzheimer’s Disease as an Effective Multitarget Treatment: From Neurotransmitter to Protein Signaling Pathway

Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity ◽

10.1155/2019/9096409 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 2019 ◽

pp. 1-14 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Sirui Guo ◽

Jiahong Wang ◽

Huarong Xu ◽

Weiwei Rong ◽

Cheng Gao ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Alzheimer’S Disease ◽

Alzheimer's Disease ◽

Pc12 Cells ◽

Protein Signaling ◽

Pi3k Inhibitor Ly294002 ◽

Single Target ◽

Biological Methods ◽

Cognition Impairment ◽

First Time

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a widespread neurodegenerative disease caused by complicated disease-causing factors. Unsatisfactorily, curative effects of approved anti-AD drugs were not good enough due to their actions on single-target, which led to desperate requirements for more effective drug therapies involved in multiple pathomechanisms of AD. The anti-AD effect with multiple action targets of Kai-Xin-San (KXS), a classic prescription initially recorded in Bei Ji Qian Jin Yao Fang and applied in the treatment of dementia for thousands of years, was deciphered with modern biological methods in our study. Aβ25-35 and D-gal-induced AD rats and Aβ25-35-induced PC12 cells were applied to establish AD models. KXS could significantly improve cognition impairment by decreasing neurotransmitter loss and enhancing the expression of PI3K/Akt. For the first time, KXS was confirmed to improve the expression of PI3K/Akt by neurotransmitter 5-HT. Thereinto, PI3K/Akt could further inhibit Tau hyperphosphorylation as well as the apoptosis induced by oxidative stress and neuroinflammation. Moreover, all above-mentioned effects were verified and blocked by PI3K inhibitor, LY294002, in Aβ25-35-induced PC12 cells, suggesting the precise regulative role of KXS in the PI3K/Akt pathway. The utilization and mechanism elaboration of KXS have been proposed and dissected in the combination of animal, molecular, and protein strategies. Our results demonstrated that KXS could ameliorate AD by regulating neurotransmitter and PI3K/Akt signal pathway as an effective multitarget treatment so that the potential value of this classic prescription could be explored from a novel perspective.

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Novel Integrated Approach for Complex Carbonate Reservoirs Testing with Wireline Formation Tester: Yurubcheno-Tokhomskoye Field Cases Study

10.2118/206486-ms ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Yakov Dzhalatyan ◽

Mikhail Charupa ◽

Aydar Galiev ◽

Yevgeniy Karpekin ◽

Sergey Egorov ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Carbonate Rocks ◽

Fractured Reservoirs ◽

Integrated Approach ◽

Carbonate Sediments ◽

Drilling Mud ◽

Acoustic Reflection ◽

Resistivity Logging ◽

First Time ◽

Fluid Inflow ◽

Low Porosity

Abstract In the presented paper, the object of the study are carbonate rocks of the Riphean and clastic-carbonate rocks of Vendian-Cambrian ages, uncovered by the well drilled at Yurubcheno-Tokhomskoye field. These reservoirs are characterized by extremely low porosity (1-4%) and determining saturation nature and fluid contacts cannot be reliably solved by conventional wireline petrophysical logging. Solutions to these problems are provided by interval testing using wireline formation evaluation testing tool (WFT). However, to obtain quality results from WFT testing it is important to identify porous intervals first by using advanced wireline logging services which are sensitive to porosity and fractures. In order to select the optimal WFT toolstring combination and to prospective testing intervals, advanced petrophysical wireline logging suit ran first. Porous reservoirs were identified from density, neutron and nuclear magnetic resonance evaluation. Saturation evaluated through dielectric and induction-based resistivity logging. In fracture-vug type reservoir, the main inflow of formation fluid into the well is provided from fractures, so it was very important to allocate conductive fractures to plan test intervals for WFT accordingly. based on imagers evaluation, fractures and faults were visualized; using Stoneley's wave conductive fractures, not clogged with drilling mud solids were identified; borehole acoustic reflection survey was used to segregate large fractures that propagated in the reservoir; During WFT logging, a total of 23 intervals were tested, for 8 of which reservoir fluid inflow was achieved, in all others, mainly with low porosity or single non-conductive fracture, the inflow was not achieved or was insignificant. According to the results of WFT testing, the nature of saturation for clastic-carbonate sediments of Vendian age was determined. Inflow of formation fluid (oil and water) from Riphean fractured reservoirs was achieved from 6 intervals, with identified fractures according to described above advanced logging suit. In addition, pressure transient analysis was performed, to measure the formation pressure, define pressure gradient curves and assess the fluids contact level with high confidence, for the first time for this field.

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Properties of nickel-based superalloys of equiaxial crystallization

Innovative Materials and Technologies in Metallurgy and Mechanical Engineering ◽

10.15588/1607-6885-2021-2-3 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 19-23

Author(s):

O. Glotka ◽

V. Olshanetskii

Keyword(s):

Mechanical Properties ◽

Chemical Composition ◽

Regression Models ◽

Computational Prediction ◽

Integrated Approach ◽

Experimental Data Processing ◽

Predictive Regression ◽

Heat Resistant ◽

First Time ◽

Thermodynamic Processes

Purpose. The aim of the work is to obtain predictive regression models, with the help of which, it is possible to adequately calculate the mechanical properties of nickel-based superalloys of equiaxial crystallization, without carrying out preliminary experiments. Research methods. To find regularities and calculate the latest CALPHAD method was chosen, and modeling of thermodynamic processes of phase crystallization was performed. Results. As a result of experimental data processing, the ratio of alloying elements Kg¢ was proposed for the first time, which can be used to assess the mechanical properties, taking into account the complex effect of the main alloy components. The regularities of the influence of the composition on the properties of heat-resistant nickel alloys of equiaxial crystallization are established. The analysis of the received dependences in comparison with practical results is carried out. The relations well correlated with heat resistance, mismatch and strength of alloys are obtained. Scientific novelty. It is shown that for multicomponent nickel systems it is possible with a high probability to predict a mismatch, which significantly affects the strength characteristics of alloys of this class. The regularities of the influence of the chemical composition on the structure and properties of alloys are established. A promising and effective direction in solving the problem of predicting the main characteristics of heat-resistant materials based on nickel is shown Practical value. On the basis of an integrated approach for multicomponent heat-resistant nickel-based alloys, new regression models have been obtained that make it possible to adequately predict the properties of the chemical composition of the alloy, which made it possible to solve the problem of computational prediction of properties from the chemical composition of the alloy. This allows not only to design new nickel-based alloys, but also to optimize the composition of existing brands.

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Algae and Cyanobacteria Diversity and Bioindication of Long-Term Changes in the Hula Nature Reserve, Israel

Diversity ◽

10.3390/d13110583 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 13 (11) ◽

pp. 583

Author(s):

Sophia Barinova ◽

Alla Alster

Keyword(s):

Water Quality ◽

Species Richness ◽

Nature Reserve ◽

Eastern Mediterranean ◽

Monitoring Program ◽

Organic Pollution ◽

Ecological Groups ◽

International Importance ◽

First Time ◽

Lake Hula

Lake Hula, the core of one of the most extensive wetland complexes in the Eastern Mediterranean, was drained in 1951–1958. However, about 350 hectares of papyrus marshes were allocated in the southwestern part of the previous lake and became the Hula Nature Reserve status, the first of two wetlands in Israel included in the Ramsar List of Wetlands of International Importance. The list of algae and cyanobacteria species of Lake Hula was compiled by us for the first time based on data from publications of 1938–1958, as well as our research in the Hula Nature Reserve, obtained within the framework of the monitoring program for 2007–2013. The list includes 225 species and intraspecies of algae and cyanobacteria belonging to eight phyla. The dynamics of the species richness of algae and cyanobacteria flora for 1938–2013 are shown. Species-bioindicators of water quality have been identified, and the change in their composition by ecological groups for a period of about a hundred years has been shown. Based on the species richness of algae communities, water quality indices were calculated with particular attention to changes in trophic status during the study period. The algae flora of Lake Hula and Hula Nature Reserve was found to be similar, but bioindication has revealed an increase in salinity and organic pollution in recent years.

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An Integrated Approach for Evaluating Water Quality between 2007–2015 in Santa Cruz Island in the Galapagos Archipelago

Water ◽

10.3390/w11050937 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 11 (5) ◽

pp. 937 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Cristina Mateus ◽

Christian A. Guerrero ◽

Galo Quezada ◽

Daniel Lara ◽

Valeria Ochoa-Herrera

Keyword(s):

Water Quality ◽

Population Change ◽

Human Impacts ◽

Saline Water ◽

Monitoring Program ◽

Integrated Approach ◽

Santa Cruz Island ◽

Santa Cruz ◽

Background Levels ◽

The Impact

Water quality in Galápagos has been deteriorating by increased human impacts over the past few decades. Water quality is a key environmental component and issue in need to be evaluated in the Pelican Bay Watershed, the biggest urban and economic development of Santa Cruz Island, for better management and regulation of water resources. This study assesses coastal and ground water bodies of Pelican Bay by employing a 9-year dataset obtained during a local water quality monitoring program conducted by the Galápagos National Park. Physical-chemical and microbial parameters were evaluated with respect to national and international water quality standards. A statistical integrated approach was performed to calculate environmental background levels of water quality parameters and to explore their seasonal and spatial variation. In addition, a sensitivity analysis was conducted to evaluate the impact of changes in tourism and residents in San Cruz Island in the degradation of water sources. Results highlighted are: (a) water is not suitable for drinking and domestic use at some inland sites; (b) saline water is used for irrigation in the highlands; (c) the presence of parameters of concern at coastal sites represent a risk for human and ecosystem health; (d) background levels may serve for defining site-specific limits to control water quality, and; (e) the influence of population change on water quality conditions varied at each site with a higher effect at coastal sites relatively to inland sites. This study provided valuable information of the water quality status in Santa Cruz Island and can serve as a baseline for effective water management and control of pollution.

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The culturable mycobiota associated with the Mediterranean sponges Aplysina cavernicola, Crambe crambe and Phorbas tenacior

FEMS Microbiology Letters ◽

10.1093/femsle/fnaa014 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 366 (24) ◽

Author(s):

Elena Bovio ◽

Estelle Sfecci ◽

Anna Poli ◽

Giorgio Gnavi ◽

Valeria Prigione ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Microbial Community ◽

Mediterranean Sea ◽

Marine Environment ◽

Marine Fungi ◽

Species Level ◽

Fungal Communities ◽

The Mediterranean ◽

Satellite Analysis ◽

First Time

ABSTRACT Marine fungi are part of the huge and understudied biodiversity hosted in the sea. To broaden the knowledge on fungi inhabiting the Mediterranean Sea and their role in sponge holobiont, three sponges namely Aplysina cavernicola, Crambe crambe and Phorbas tenacior were collected in Villefranche sur Mer, (France) at about 25 m depth. The fungal communities associated with the sponges were isolated using different techniques to increase the numbers of fungi isolated. All fungi were identified to species level giving rise to 19, 13 and 3 species for P. tenacior, A. cavernicola and C. crambe, respectively. Of note, 35.7% and 50.0% of the species detected were either reported for the first time in the marine environment or in association with sponges. The mini-satellite analysis confirmed the uniqueness of the mycobiota of each sponge, leading to think that the sponge, with its metabolome, may shape the microbial community.

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Blood Residues on Fluted Points from Eastern Beringia

American Antiquity ◽

10.2307/2694774 ◽

1998 ◽

Vol 63 (1) ◽

pp. 21-46 ◽

Cited By ~ 63

Author(s):

Thomas H. Loy ◽

E. James Dixon

Keyword(s):

North America ◽

Mammal Species ◽

Projectile Points ◽

Human Predation ◽

Pleistocene Mammals ◽

Game Hunting ◽

Biological Methods ◽

Fluted Points ◽

First Time ◽

Big Game Hunting

Blood residues have been microscopically and chemically detected on fluted projectile points from eastern Beringia. From these residues a variety of large mammal species, including mammoth (Mammuthus primigenius), have been identified using biochemical and molecular-biological methods. This is the first time a direct association has been made between the use of fluted projectile points and human predation of extinct fauna and other large Pleistocene mammals in arctic and subarctic North America. This suggests the northern fluted-point assemblages are part of the Paleoindian big-game hunting tradition that was widespread in North America at the close of the Pleistocene.

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Who’s devising your theatre experience? A director’s approach to inclusive theatre for blind and low vision theatregoers

Visual Communication ◽

10.1177/1470357217727678 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 17 (1) ◽

pp. 113-133 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Mala D Naraine ◽

Margot R Whitfield ◽

Deborah I Fels

Keyword(s):

Development Process ◽

Low Vision ◽

Integrated Approach ◽

Structured Interviews ◽

Audio Description ◽

Entertainment Value ◽

First Time ◽

Delivery Style ◽

Insight Into

In this article, the authors present the first documented implementation of a director-produced and delivered audio description (AD) for devising theatre. In a single live, audio-described performance of Highway 63: The Fort Mac Show at Theatre Passe Muraille in Toronto, Canada, the director/describer’s artistically informed approach focuses on entertainment value for blind and low vision (B/LV) theatregoers. In-depth, semi-structured interviews with the director/screenwriter/describer garnered insight into a director’s unique perspective on the development process for the integrated approach to AD, including her artistic choices, expectations and delivery style as a first-time amateur director/describer. The process of developing and delivering integrated AD had a transformative effect on her as a director.

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Foraminifera and Ostracods from the Dinantian Woodbine Shale and Urswick Limestone, South Cumbria, U.K.

Journal of Micropalaeontology ◽

10.1144/jm.8.1.9 ◽

1989 ◽

Vol 8 (1) ◽

pp. 9-21 ◽

Cited By ~ 6

Author(s):

J. Athersuch ◽

A. R. E. Strank

Keyword(s):

Marine Environment ◽

Stratotype Section ◽

First Time

Abstract. Macrofaunal and foraminiferal analyses have shown the Woodbine Shale in South Cumbria to be of latest early Asbian age. Ostracods and solid foraminifera from the Woodbine Shale are described and illustrated for the first time. Several ostracods including Rectobairdia cf. dorssenata, Healdia ‘penchfordensis’, Bairdia cf. leguminoides, Pustulobairdia cf. confragosa and Microcheilinella subcorbulinoides, previously only known from late Asbian or younger strata, have now been shown to range into the early Asbian. The numerous bairdiids, heavily ornamented ostracods, trilobites, brachiopods and abundant foraminifera suggest a deep, subtidal, marine environment of deposition for the Woodbine Shale. Foraminifera from the underlying Lower Urswick Limestone suggest an early Asbian age for this formation whilst the overlying Upper Urswick Limestone is shown to be of late Asbian age. The foraminiferal assemblages from these beds can be correlated directly with those in the early Asbian Upper Potts Beck Limestone and the late Asbian Knipe Scar Limestone in the Asbian stratotype section at Little Asby Scar, Cumbria.

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Tephra-fall deposits in the Sleat Group (Torridonian), Isle of Skye, Scotland

Geological Magazine ◽

10.1017/s0016756805000427 ◽

2005 ◽

Vol 142 (2) ◽

pp. 209-215 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

R. A. BATCHELOR

Keyword(s):

Marine Environment ◽

Tephra Fall ◽

Shallow Marine ◽

Shallow Marine Environment ◽

First Time ◽

Isle Of Skye ◽

Southern Highland ◽

Fall Deposits

Tephra-fall deposits in the Late Mesoproterozoic Sleat Group (Torridonian) from Skye, Scotland, are described for the first time. Two individual beds occur within the Loch na Dal Formation which represents sedimentation in a shallow marine environment. Each bed has a distinctive brown, crumbly, amorphous appearance in the field and has sharp contacts with its host metasediment. This unique lithology is identical to that of albitic schists described recently from the Southern Highland Group, Dalradian Supergroup, which were identified as air-fall tuffs.

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