scholarly journals Thoughts on the “missing link” between saltworks biology and solat salt quality

2013 ◽  
Vol 12 (4) ◽  
pp. 417-425
Keyword(s):  
Sodium Chloride ◽  
Chemical Composition ◽  
Biological Processes ◽  
Solar Salt ◽  
Missing Link ◽  
Osmotic Solutes ◽  
Identical Chemical Composition

Although solar salterns worldwide use seawater of identical chemical composition as the raw material for salt production, the size and quality of the halite crystals that precipitate in the crystallizer ponds is highly variable. Biological processes have been implicated to be responsible for the differences observed, but the “missing link” between saltworks biology and solar salt quality has never unequivocally been identified. This paper presents an overview of the different organic chemicals that are formed by the members of the microbial communities in saltern evaporation and crystallizer ponds as osmotic stabilizers as well as different compounds formed during further microbial metabolism of those osmotic solutes. Examination of the in situ concentrations and the possible role of glycerol, glycine betaine, ectoine, dihydroxyacetone, acetate, lactate, and other organic compounds failed to identify one or more compounds that may accumulate at concentrations high enough to significantly modify the formation of sodium chloride crystals in the salterns and to negatively influence the quality of the salt produced.

Determination of Relationship between Chemical Composition of Electrolyte and Surface Sample Quality

2015 ◽  
Vol 669 ◽  
pp. 150-157
Author(s):  
Peter Michal ◽  
Alena Vagaská ◽  
Miroslav Gombár
Keyword(s):  
Sodium Chloride ◽  
Chemical Composition ◽  
Oxalic Acid ◽  
Boric Acid ◽  
Oxide Layer ◽  
Surface Finish ◽  
Chemical Factors ◽  
Substrate Sample

Paper tracks experimentally confirmed relationship between chemical composition of electrolyte and resulting surface finish quality of created oxide layer during the process of anodic oxidation of aluminium. Examined chemical factors were: concentrations of sulphuric acid, oxalic acid, boric acid and sodium chloride. Aggressive effects of electrolyte were chosen as indicator of resulting layer quality – presence and extent of etching of used substrate sample.

The role of ion-beam cleaning in the growth of strained-layer epitaxial thin transition metal films

1987 ◽  
Vol 2 (4) ◽  
pp. 446-455 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sung I. Park ◽  
A. Marshall ◽  
R. H. Hammond ◽  
T. H. Geballe ◽  
J. Talvacchio
Keyword(s):  
Tunnel Junctions ◽  
Ion Beam ◽  
Surface Damage ◽  
Metal Films ◽  
Strained Layer ◽  
Transmission Electron ◽  
Lattice Matched

Low-energy ion-beam cleaning of the substrates prior to a deposition greatly enhances the quality of ultrathin (< 100 Å) refractory superconducting (Nb, V) films. Using this technique Nb films as thin as 7 Å have been grown, from which good tunnel junctions have been fabricated. Both the native films and the tunnel junctions are sturdy and can be thermally recycled without any degradation. In-situ surface study along with transmission electron microscopy (TEM) results suggest the removal of the carbon atoms from the surface of the substrate without an apparent surface damage as the causes of the improvement. The TEM results indicate that the Nb films grow perfectly lattice matched to the sapphire substrate when the substrate is ion-beam cleaned. This strained-layer epitaxy is observed up to 40 Å, the maximum thickness investigated through TEM.

Using a biopsychosocial model of dementia as a tool to guide clinical practice

2010 ◽  
Vol 22 (6) ◽  
pp. 957-965 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aimee Spector ◽  
Martin Orrell
Keyword(s):  
Potential Benefit ◽  
Biopsychosocial Model ◽  
Social Processes ◽  
Complex Nature ◽  
Biological Processes ◽  
Severity Of Dementia ◽  
User Friendly ◽  
Negative Factors

ABSTRACTBackground: Over the years, a number of non-medical and psychosocial explanations and models of dementia have been proposed, due to the complex nature of the illness. However, there is a need for a more pragmatic, user-friendly model which takes into account the biological, psychological and social processes.Methods: Existing models of dementia were amalgamated into a revised, pragmatic model which aims to increase our understanding of the factors that may lead to improvement or deterioration in dementia and to illustrate the role of psychosocial factors in the context of biological processes. The model suggests that in both psychosocial and biological domains there are fixed factors (aspects which relate to history or risk factors and therefore not amenable to change), tractable factors (aspects which may be amenable to change), and interventions with potential benefit.Results: The trajectory of dementia is presented as a process, beginning with aging and ending in death. Both the fixed and the tractable factors may influence the severity of dementia, affecting function, the speed and nature of the deterioration, and the appropriateness and effectiveness of interventions. A working case example is provided, demonstrating how the model may be used by clinicians when assessing the difficulties of an individual with dementia and identifying ways to improve the quality of life and reduce excess disability for that person.Conclusions: This model provides a theoretical framework and an ambitious approach to care in dementia which takes into account positive as well as negative factors. We hope it may become a useful tool for researchers and clinicians to help understand what impacts on individuals with dementia and the most appropriate ways to intervene.

scholarly journals Peran Beberapa Galur Rhizopus microsporus yang Berasal dari “laru tradisional” dalam Menentukan Kualitas Tempe

2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Tati Barus ◽  
Fransiska Maya ◽  
Anastasia Tatik Hartanti
Keyword(s):  
Antioxidant Activity ◽  
Chemical Composition ◽  
Moisture Content ◽  
Protein Content ◽  
Rhizopus Microsporus ◽  
Quality Requirements ◽  
Crude Fiber Content ◽  
Tb 32

Kualitas tempe ditentukan oleh mikroorganisme yang berperan selama proses fermentasi berlangsung. Mikroorganisme utama dalam fermentasi tempe adalah Rhizopus spp. yang sekarang umumnya berasal dari salah satu jenis laru komersial. Akibatnya, keragaman Rhizopus spp. yang digunakan pada fermentasi tempe mengalami penurunan. Oleh karena itu, penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mendapatkan informasi tentang peran beberapa galur R. microsporus yang berasal dari “laru tradisional” dalam menentukan kualitas tempe. Tempe diproduksi menggunakan R. microsporus TB 23 (Tempe TB 23), R. microsporus TB 32 (Tempe TB 32), R. microsporus TB 51 (Tempe TB 51), R. microsporus TB 55 (Tempe TB 55) dan tempe menggunakan laru komersial (Tempe K). Kualitas tempe ditentukan melalui pengukuran tekstur, warna, cita rasa, aktivitas antioksidan, dan komposisi kimia (kadar air, kadar lemak, kadar protein, dan kadar serat kasar). Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa tekstur, warna, dan cita rasa dari Tempe TB 23, Tempe TB 32, dan Tempe TB 55 sama dengan Tempe K. Demikian juga komposisi kimia Tempe TB 23, Tempe TB 32, dan Tempe TB 55 hampir sama dengan Tempe K.  Namun aktivitas antioksidan ketiga jenis tempe tersebut lebih tinggi dibandingkan dengan Tempe K. Tekstur, warna, dan komposisi kimia Tempe TB 23, Tempe TB 32, dan Tempe TB 55 bersama dengan Tempe K memenuhi syarat mutu tempe yang ditetapkan di Indonesia, yaitu yang tertera pada SNI 3144:2015. Oleh karena itu kesimpulannya adalah R. microsporus TB 23, R. microsporus TB 32, dan R. microsporus TB 55 memiliki potensi untuk dikembangkan sebagai laru komersial untuk fermentasi tempe.The Role of Some Strains of Rhizopus microsporus Originating from “laru tradisional” in Determining Tempe Quality AbstractThe quality of tempe was determined by involved microorganisms. The main microorganism in tempe fermentation is Rhizopus spp. which now generally comes from one type of commercial laru. As a result, the diversity of Rhizopus spp. in tempe has decreased. Therefore, this study aims to obtain information about the role of several strains of R. microsporus originating from "laru tradisional" in determining the quality of tempe. Tempe was produced using R. microsporus TB 23 (Tempe TB 23), R. microsporus TB 32 (Tempe TB 32), R. microsporus TB 51 (Tempe TB 51), R. microsporus TB 55 (Tempe TB 55), and tempe using commercial laru (Tempe K). The quality of tempeh was determined through measurements of texture, color, taste, antioxidant activity, and chemical composition (moisture content, fat content, protein content, and crude fiber content). The results showed that texture, color and taste of Tempe TB 23, Tempe TB 32, Tempe TB 55 were similar as compared to Tempe K. The antioxidant activity of the three types of tempe was higher than Tempe K. The chemical composition of the three types of tempeh was almost similar compared to Tempe K. Texture, color and chemical composition of Tempe TB 23, Tempe TB 32, Tempe TB 55 and Tempe K has fulfilled the quality requirements of tempe in Indonesia, which were listed in SNI 3144: 2015. Therefore, R. microsporus TB 23, R. microsporus TB 32 and R. microsporus TB 55 may be developed as commercial inoculums for tempe fermentation.

scholarly journals Physiological Effects of Manganese Gluconate and Calcium Combination from Saint-Gervais Mont Blanc Spring Water for Human Keratinocytes Differentiation

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 1-6
Author(s):  
Franck Juchaux ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Barrier Function ◽  
Skin Barrier ◽  
Human Keratinocytes ◽  
Spring Water ◽  
Keratinocyte Differentiation ◽  
Skin Barrier Function ◽  
Transglutaminase 1

Alterations of skin barrier function affect quality of life and there is a need to develop dermatological/cosmetic treatments to reinforce or restore it. Inspiring of Hailey-Hailey disease, in which barrier alteration is due to a mutation of a Calcium-transporting protein (ATP2C1), we focused on the role of minerals and more especially those contained in Saint-Gervais Mont Blanc (SGMB) spring water to reinforce barrier function. Objectives: Demonstrate the interest to enrich SGMB spring water with manganese to improve both keratinocytes differentiation and barrier function. Methods: Effects of treatments on the expression of ATP2C1 and on the expression of key markers in keratinocyte differentiation and barrier function were studied by gene expression analysis on keratinocytes monolayers and also by measuring the protein expression of transglutaminase 1 using in situ immunofluorescence and image analysis in keratinocytes monolayers. Results: SGMB spring water stimulates transcriptomic expression of key markers involved in keratinocytes differentiation and barrier function while manganese gluconate has no effect. Combination of both dramatically enhances keratinocytes differentiation, in a synergistic way, at both transcriptomic and protein level. None of treatments modulated ATP2C1 expression. Conclusion: These results highlight the interest to enrich SGMB spring water with manganese to boost keratinocytes differentiation and barrier function.

Biological applications of the electrochemical sensing of nitric oxide: fundamentals and recent developments

2013 ◽  
Vol 394 (1) ◽  
pp. 17-33 ◽  
Author(s):  
Raphaël Trouillon
Keyword(s):  
Nitric Oxide ◽  
Tissue Growth ◽  
Electrochemical Sensing ◽  
Biological Processes ◽  
Biological Applications ◽  
Recent Developments ◽  
Vascular Physiology ◽  
And Oxidative Stress

Abstract Nitric oxide (NO) is a unique cellular messenger linked to a number of important biological processes. Its free radical nature, small size and fast diffusivity make it highly reactive and membrane permeable. Unfortunately, its reactivity, coupled with the inherent complexity of in situ biological measurements, makes it a challenge to detect. For the past 20 years, electrochemical methods have been used to investigate the role of NO in a number of biological processes, including vascular physiology, immune response, neuronal mediation, tissue growth and oxidative stress. This review examines the biological applications of electrochemical NO sensors and the technologies used to elucidate different physiological phenomena associated with this unique biomolecule with a specific focus on the developments and innovations reported in the last 3 years.

scholarly journals MicroRNA-202 (miR-202) controls female fecundity by regulating medaka oogenesis

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stéphanie Gay ◽  
Jérôme Bugeon ◽  
Amine Bouchareb ◽  
Laure Henry ◽  
Jérôme Montfort ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Reproductive Success ◽  
Egg Production ◽  
Biological Processes ◽  
Female Reproduction ◽  
Female Fecundity ◽  
Animal Reproduction ◽  
Non Coding Rnas

ABSTRACTFemale gamete production relies on coordinated molecular and cellular processes that occur in the ovary throughout oogenesis. In fish, as in other vertebrates, these processes have been extensively studied both in terms of endocrine/paracrine regulation and protein expression and activity. The role of small non-coding RNAs in the regulation of animal reproduction remains however largely unknown and poorly investigated, despite a growing interest for the importance of miRNAs in a wide variety of biological processes. Here, we analyzed the role of miR-202, a miRNA predominantly expressed in male and female gonads in several vertebrate species. We studied its expression in the medaka ovary and generated a mutant line (using CRISPR/Cas9 genome engineering) to determine its importance for reproductive success with special interest for egg production. Our results show that miR-202-5p is the biologically active form of the miRNA and that it is expressed in granulosa cells and in the unfertilized egg. The knock out (KO) of miR-202 resulted in a strong phenotype both in terms of number and quality of eggs produced. Mutant females exhibited either no egg production or produced a drastically reduced number of eggs that could not be fertilized, ultimately leading to no reproductive success. We quantified the size distribution of the oocytes in the ovary of KO females and performed a genome-wide transcriptomic analysis approach to identified dysregulated molecular pathways. Together, cellular and molecular analyses indicate that lack of miR-202 impairs the early steps of oogenesis/folliculogenesis and decreases the number of large (i.e. vitellogenic) follicles, ultimately leading to dramatically reduced female fecundity. This study sheds new light on the regulatory mechanisms that control the early steps of follicular development and provides the first in vivo functional evidence that an ovarian-predominant microRNA may have a major role in female reproduction.Author summaryThe role of small non-coding RNAs in the regulation of animal reproduction remains poorly investigated, despite a growing interest for the importance of miRNAs in a wide variety of biological processes. Here, we analyzed the role of miR-202, a miRNA predominantly expressed in gonads in vertebrate. We studied its expression in the medaka ovary and knocked out the miR-202 genes to study its importance for reproductive success. We showed that the lack of miR-202 results in the sterility of both females and males. In particular, it lead to a drastic reduction of both the number and the quality of eggs produced by females. Mutant females exhibited either no egg production or produced a drastically reduced number of eggs that could not be fertilized, ultimately leading to no reproductive success. Quantitative histological and molecular analyses indicated that miR-202 KO impairs oocyte development and is also associated with the dysregulation of many genes that are critical for reproduction. This study sheds new light on the regulatory mechanisms that control oogenesis and provides the first in vivo functional evidence that an ovarian-predominant microRNA may have a major role in female reproduction.

scholarly journals The Sapotaceae of Indonesia and the Potential Role of Botanic Gardens in their Conservation

2018 ◽  
pp. 141-154
Author(s):  
Prima W.K. Hutabarat ◽  
Peter Wilkie
Keyword(s):  
Native Species ◽  
Potential Role ◽  
Threat Assessment ◽  
Ex Situ ◽  
Botanic Gardens ◽  
Global Threat ◽  
Major Impediment

Indonesia holds a large percentage of Malesian Sapotaceae taxa with an estimated 15 genera and 158 species. Bogor Botanic Gardens currently hold 12 genera and 41 species of which 29 are native to Indonesia. This represents just under 20% of Sapotaceae species currently recorded from Indonesia. The utility of these collections is dependent on the type of data associated with them and on the quality of identification of the material. Of the 29 native species only three have had a global threat assessment made and, of these, one, Madhuca boerlageana (Burck) Baehni, is considered Critically Endangered. The regional botanic gardens initiative of the Indonesian government is establishing botanic gardens in each of the 47 ecoregions of Indonesia. This new initiative is potentially very important for in situ and ex situ conservation of the Indonesian flora. So far it has brought into cultivation 39 threatened species, however none of these are Sapotaceae. The lack of global IUCN threat data is a major impediment to the prioritisation of collection, cultivation and conservation of Sapotaceae species.

scholarly journals Conservation of Waterlogged Wood—Past, Present and Future Perspectives

Forests ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (9) ◽  
pp. 1193
Author(s):  
Magdalena Broda ◽  
Callum Hill
Keyword(s):  
Polyethylene Glycol ◽  
Chemical Composition ◽  
Soft Rot ◽  
Future Perspectives ◽  
Wood Degradation ◽  
Archaeological Wood ◽  
Waterlogged Archaeological Wood ◽  
In Situ Preservation

This paper reviews the degradation, preservation and conservation of waterlogged archaeological wood. Degradation due to bacteria in anoxic and soft-rot fungi and bacteria in oxic waterlogged conditions is discussed with consideration of the effect on the chemical composition of wood, as well as the deposition of sulphur and iron within the structure. The effects on physical properties are also considered. The paper then discusses the role of consolidants in preserving waterlogged archaeological wood after it is excavated as well as issues to be considered when reburial is used as a means of preservation. The use of alum and polyethylene glycol (PEG) as consolidants is presented along with various case studies with particular emphasis on marine artefacts. The properties of consolidated wood are examined, especially with respect to the degradation of the wood post-conservation. Different consolidants are reviewed along with their use and properties. The merits and risks of reburial and in situ preservation are considered as an alternative to conservation.

Structural Studies on Mitotic Spindle Fibres

1978 ◽  
Vol 36 (3) ◽  
pp. 615-626
Author(s):  
J.R. Mcintosh
Keyword(s):  
Chemical Composition ◽  
Mitotic Spindle ◽  
Structural Studies ◽  
Mitotic Apparatus ◽  
Chemical Studies ◽  
Medical Interest ◽  
Spindle Fibres

The mitotic apparatus is a structure of obvious biological and medical interest, but it has proved to be a difficult cellular machine to understand. The chemical composition of the spindle is only slightly elucidated, largely because of the difficulties in preparing useful isolates of the structure. Chemical studies of the mitotic spindle have been reviewed elsewhere (Mcintosh, 1977), and will not be discussed further here. One would think that structural studies on the mitotic apparatus (MA) in situ would be straightforward, but even with this approach there is some disagreement in the results obtained with various methods and by different investigators. In this paper I will review briefly the approaches which have been used in structural studies of the MA, pointing out the strengths and problems of each approach. I will summarize the principal findings of the different methods, and identify what seem to be fruitful avenues for further work.

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