Airborne heavy metal pollution in the environment of a danish steel plant

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Vestergaard, N. K.; Stephansen, U.; Rasmussen, L.

1986-01-01

A survey of heavy metal deposition was carried out in the vicinity of a Danish steel plant. Bulk precipitation and transplanted lichen (Hypogymnia physodes (L.) Nyl.) were sampled at 12 stations in the environment before and after the production had been converted from open-hearth furnaces...

The spatial and temporal characterisation of flooding within the ...

African Journals Online (AJOL)

The inundated area of a wetland is characterised by annual and interannual variability. This paper presents remotely-sensed imagery in order to better understand the spatial and temporal patterns of flooding within the floodplain wetland of the Nyl River, Limpopo Province. A detailed understanding of the hydrological ...

Moisture Effects and Peel Testing of Polymethacrylimide and Honeycomb Core in Sandwich/Skin Structures

Science.gov (United States)

1987-11-01

cure. Nyl o"’ Yttuu" iUg\\ .. ttPI gltnds wpre then hut \\ultd 1rouM tltl’l hyu :». l nd ¥1tUPS I POlttd. Sine.~~’ 1\\otl’l h 1~~t •11 P1Uhts UUII \\hl

75 FR 68390 - Self-Regulatory Organizations; The Options Clearing Corporation; Notice of Filing and Immediate...

Science.gov (United States)

2010-11-05

.... currency. NYSE Liffe US, LLC (``NYL'') is proposing to introduce for trading futures contracts on certain... established on the prior business day. However, because of time zone differences and the planned use of... of European banks and time zone differences. \\3\\ 15 U.S.C. 78q-1. (B) Self-Regulatory Organization's...

Den vitalistiske strømning i dansk litteratur omkring år 1900

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Dam, Anders Ehlers

nylæsninger deres værker i spil med århundredskiftets billedkunst og musik, repræsenteret af J.F. Willumsen og Carl Nielsen. Den livsdyrkende kunst i Danmark sættes desuden ind i sin internationale idéhistoriske sammenhæng. Her er de tyske filosoffer Arthur Schopenhauer og Friedrich Nietzsche i fokus....

2333-IJBCS-Article-Ulrich Maloueki

African Journals Online (AJOL)

hp

Activité antioxydante par le radical 1,1- diphényl-2-picrylhydrazyle (DPPH). Un composé à activité antioxydante mis en présence du radical libre DPPH. (couleur violet), vire en jaune en donnant un proton au radical. Evaluation qualitative par chromatographie sur couche mince (CCM). La réalisation de la CCM a été.

Additions To The Lichen Biota Of SE Siberia: Records From The Stanovoye Nagor’e Highlands (Trans-Baikal Region, Russia

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Chesnokov Sergey

2015-12-01

Full Text Available This paper reports 120 species of lichens and one lichenicolous fungus from the Stanovoye Nagor’e Highlands in southeastern Siberia, including 64 species new for the area. Some of the newly recorded species are extremely rare in Russia [e.g., Bryonora curvescens (Mudd Poelt, Gyalideopsis alnicola Noble & Vězda and Pilophorus strumaticus Nyl. ex Cromb.]. The distribution and habitat preferences of several rare species are briefly discussed.

Author Details

African Journals Online (AJOL)

Cherrah, Y. Vol 3, No 4 (2009) - Articles Évaluation de l'activité anxiolytique de la 4-phenyl-1,5-benzodiazepin-2-one. Abstract PDF · Vol 4, No 1 (2010) - Articles Synthèse et évaluation de l'activité pharmacologique de la 4-phényl-1,5- benzodiazépin-2-one et ses dérivés. Abstract PDF. ISSN: 1997-342X. AJOL African ...

Synthesis of [3]DIPPA: a potent irreversible antagonist selective for the κ opioid receptor

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Chang, Anchih; Portoghese, P.S.

1995-01-01

2-(3,4-Dichlorophenyl)-N-methyl-N-[(1S)-1-(3-isothiocyanatophe nyl)-2-(1-pyrrolidinyl)ethyl]acetamide (1,DIPPA) has been previously reported to be an opioid receptor affinity label that produces selective and long-lasting κ opioid receptor antagonism in mice. High specific activity [ 3 H]DIPPA (39.7 Ci/mmol) was prepared by bromination and catalytic tritiation of the amino precursor of DIPPA followed by conversion to the isothiocyanate with thiophosgene. (Author)

Intoxication par la paraphényléne-diamine

African Journals Online (AJOL)

raoul

9 mars 2011 ... remède contre la douleur par Averbukh [8], ou contre la constipation par Schemesh [9], mais l´utilisation à des fins autolytique reste toujours prédominante. Le tableau clinique de l´intoxication à ... une anurie ayant nécessité le recours à l´hémodialyse. Ce taux de survenue d´IRA anurique est relativement ...

Fungal farmers or algal escorts: lichen adaptation from the algal perspective.

Science.gov (United States)

Piercey-Normore, Michele D; Deduke, Christopher

2011-09-01

Domestication of algae by lichen-forming fungi describes the symbiotic relationship between the photosynthetic (green alga or cyanobacterium; photobiont) and fungal (mycobiont) partnership in lichen associations (Goward 1992). The algal domestication implies that the mycobiont cultivates the alga as a monoculture within its thallus, analogous to a farmer cultivating a food crop. However, the initial photobiont 'selection' by the mycobiont may be predetermined by the habitat rather than by the farmer. When the mycobiont selects a photobiont from the available photobionts within a habitat, the mycobiont may influence photobiont growth and reproduction (Ahmadjian & Jacobs 1981) only after the interaction has been initiated. The theory of ecological guilds (Rikkinen et al. 2002) proposes that habitat limits the variety of photobionts available to the fungal partner. While some studies provide evidence to support the theory of ecological guilds in cyanobacterial lichens (Rikkinen et al. 2002), other studies propose models to explain variation in symbiont combinations in green algal lichens (Ohmura et al. 2006; Piercey-Normore 2006; Yahr et al. 2006) hypothesizing the existence of such guilds. In this issue of Molecular Ecology, Peksa & Škaloud (2011) test the theory of ecological guilds and suggest a relationship between algal habitat requirements and lichen adaptation in green algal lichens of the genus Lepraria. The environmental parameters examined in this study, exposure to rainfall, altitude and substratum type, are integral to lichen biology. Lichens have a poikilohydric nature, relying on the availability of atmospheric moisture for metabolic processes. Having no known active mechanism to preserve metabolic thallus moisture in times of drought, one would expect a strong influence of the environment on symbiont adaptation to specific habitats. Adaptation to changes in substrata and its properties would be expected with the intimate contact between crustose

Photocatalytic degradation of paracetamol on TiO2 nanoparticles and TiO2/cellulosic fiber under UV and sunlight irradiation

OpenAIRE

Jallouli, Nabil; Elghniji, Kais; Trabelsi, Hassen; Ksibi, Mohamed

2014-01-01

In the present study, photocatalytic degradation of acetaminophen ((N-(4-hydroxyphe-nyl)acetamide)), an analgesic drug has been investigated in a batch reactor using TiO2 P25 as a photocatalyst in slurry and under UV light. Using TiO2 P25 nanoparticles, much faster photodegradation of paracetamol and effective mineralization occurred, more than 90% of 2.65 × 10−4 M paracetamol was degraded under UV irradiation. Changes in pH values affected the adsorption and the photodegradation of paracetam...

Metathesis reactions for the synthesis of ring-fused carbazoles

CSIR Research Space (South Africa)

Pelly, SC

2005-12-09

Full Text Available stream_source_info pelly_2005.pdf.txt stream_content_type text/plain stream_size 48007 Content-Encoding ISO-8859-1 stream_name pelly_2005.pdf.txt Content-Type text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1 Metathesis Reactions... (99). N,Nminute-Di-tert-butyldicarboxylate-2,2minute-biindolyl-3,3minute-divi- nyl 12. Into a 50-mL two-necked oven-dried flask, fitted with a dropping funnel, was placed MePPh3Br (533 mg, 1.49 mmol), and the contents of the flask were blanketed...

Bacterial levels in the Nyl River system, Limpopo province, South ...

African Journals Online (AJOL)

Heterotrophic plate counts, faecal coliform counts and total coliform counts indicated that the system was stressed. The Modimolle sewage treatment works and local agricultural activities were found to be the point and diffuse sources of bacterial contamination, respectively. African Journal of Aquatic Science 2010, 35(1): ...

Hydrological and hydraulic modelling of the Nyl River floodplain Part ...

African Journals Online (AJOL)

... floodplain is a seasonal wetland of great conservation importance in Limpopo Province, South Africa. Water resource developments in the upstream catchments are changing the quantity and timing of water delivery to the floodplain, and this ...

Antifungal activity of Parmotrema tinctorum (Delise ex Nyl.) hale and ...

African Journals Online (AJOL)

Lichens are composite organisms comprising of a photobiont and a mycobiont. Studies have shown that extracts and secondary metabolites from lichens exhibit various bioactivities. The present study evaluates antifungal potential of crude methanolic extract of two corticolous Parmotrema species viz. Parmotrema tinctorum ...

Assessment of trace metals using lichen transplant from automobile mechanic workshop in Ile-Ife metropolis, Nigeria.

Science.gov (United States)

Odiwe, Anthony I; Adesanwo, Adeyemi T J; Olowoyo, Joshua O; Raimi, Idris O

2014-04-01

The level of air pollution around the automobile mechanic workshops has been generally overlooked. This study, examined the level of trace metals in automobile mechanic workshops and the suitability of using transplanted lichen thalli of Lepraria incana for measuring air pollution in such areas. Samples of the lichen thalli were transplanted into seven different sites and were attached to the bark of trees at each site. The samples were harvested from the sites after 3-month exposure. Concentrations of Pb, Cu, Cd, Fe, Zn, and S content were determined using an atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Results showed that there was a significant difference in the trace metals concentrations across the sites (p trend in the concentration of these heavy metals suggests that activities in these workshops might become a major source of certain heavy metals in the environment and if the pollution activities persist, it might become worrisome over time.

A Contribution to the Lichen Family Graphidaceae (Ostropales, Ascomycota of Bolivia. 2

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Schiefelbein Ulf

2014-07-01

Full Text Available Microlichens of the family Graphidaceae are important components of the lowland and montane tropical forests in Bolivia. In this paper we present new records for 51 taxa of the family in Bolivia. Leiorreuma lyellii (Sm. Staiger is reported as new for the Southern Hemisphere, while Diploschistes caesioplumbeus (Nyl. Vain., Graphis daintreensis (A. W. Archer A. W. Archer, G. duplicatoinspersa Lücking, G. emersa Müll. Arg., G. hossei Vain., G. immersella Müll. Arg. and G. subchrysocarpa Lücking are new for South America. Thirty taxa are reported for the first time from Bolivia. Notes on distribution are provided for most species.

Les adhésifs à photopolymérisation radicalaire employés pour le collage structural du verre en conservation-restauration.

OpenAIRE

Gillioz, Sandra

2016-01-01

Nous avons étudié la compatibilité des adhésifs photopolymérisables avec le collage du verre en conservation-restauration en nous focalisant sur leur résistance mécanique. Quatre adhésifs photopolymérisables à voie radicalaire ont été sélectionnés – Conloc® 665 (EGO®), Loctite® 350 (Henkel®), NOA® 61 (Norland Optical Adhesives®) et Verifix® LV740 (Bohle®) – en employant à titre de comparaison la résine époxyde de référence pour le collage structural du verre – Hxtal® Nyl-1 (Hxtal Adhesive®). ...

Resistência de genótipos de batata a Phthorimaea operculella (Zeller

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Lopes Maria Teresa do Rêgo

2001-01-01

Full Text Available A traça Phthorimaea operculella (Zeller é considerada atualmente uma das principais pragas da batata. O uso de resistência varietal para controle desse inseto é uma alternativa promissora, mas que ainda precisa ser melhor pesquisada. A resistência de genótipos de batata à traça foi avaliada, em condições de laboratório, analisando-se o efeito de folhas e tubérculos sobre a biologia do inseto. Comparou-se também o desenvolvimento da traça em folhas de batata e tomate. Os experimentos foram conduzidos com os clones de batata NYL 235-4 e N 140-201 (ambos com tricomas glandulares tipo A nas folhas, as cultivares Aracy, Apuã e Itararé e a cultivar de tomate Santa Clara. Os insetos foram criados em folíolos e tubérculos dos genótipos, avaliando-se a duração e a viabilidade das fases larval e pupal e o peso de pupas. O desenvolvimento do inseto não foi afetado nas folhas dos genótipos de batata, mesmo nos materiais com tricomas glandulares. Entretanto, em folhas de tomate houve aumento do período larval e diminuição do peso de pupas, sendo este substrato menos favorável ao desenvolvimento da traça quando comparado às folhas de batata. Em testes com tubérculos, o clone NYL 235-4 apresentou resistência a P. operculella, provocando redução significativa na viabilidade larval e alongamento desta fase. O clone N 140-201 afetou o desenvolvimento do inseto de forma menos pronunciada, alongando a fase larval.

Epiphytic lichens as quantitative biomonitors for atmospheric element deposition

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Jeran, Z.; Jacimovic, J.; Smodis, B.; Batic, F.

2000-01-01

Epiphytic lichens are being used as passive and active biomonitors of trace elements in Slovenia. The lichen Hypogymnia physodes (L.) Nyl. was exposed at three locations (two in the vicinity of a coal fired-power plant, and one at a reference location) for 8 months. At the same locations air particulate matter and total deposition were collected on a monthly basis. The k 0 -method of neutron activation analysis, using the TRIGA Mark II reactor at the 'Jozef Stefan' Institute, was employed for multielemental nondestructive analysis of all samples. The influence of the power plant on the concentration levels of some elements in the transplanted lichens, air particulates and total deposition is discussed and their correlation presented. (author)

Management of Cosmetic Embarrassment Caused by Malassezia spp. with Fruticose Lichen Cladia Using Phylogenetic Approach

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Anand Pandey

2013-01-01

Full Text Available During anti-Malassezia screening of plants by CLSI broth microdilution method, Cladia aggregata (Swartz Nyl. (family Cladoniaceae, a fruticose lichen from Sikkim (northeast Himalayan region, has been found effective at minimum inhibitory concentrations (mg/mL of 2.72, 0.63, and 1.28 against yeast-like fungi namely, M. furfur, M. globosa and M. sympodialis, respectively. These test pathogens are responsible for pityriasis versicolor (PV and seborrheic dermatitis (SD in humans. We tried to establish the reason for variable MICs against various Malassezia spp. using bioinformatical tools, thereby reducing the cost of the experimentation. This is the first report on anti-Malassezia activity of C. aggregata and thus can serve as a potential source for the development of cosmaceuticals.

Phosphorus organic extragents and sorbents of radioactive a heavy metals

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Trofimov, B.A.; Gusarova, N.K.; Malysheva, S.F.; Sukhov, B.G.

2002-01-01

A fundamentally new method for activation of phosphorus in heterogenous super-base media including the conditions of mechanical, ultrasonic and X-ray activation, opening up a new way to C-P bond formation is developed. The method is opens principally new possibilities for direct atom-economic synthesis of previously unknown or difficult to obtain organophosphorus compounds (primary, secondary, tertiary phosphines and phosphine oxides) from elemental phosphorus and orga-nyl halides, electrophilic alkenes, acetylenes and oxiranes. Thus, the phosphothion and phosphorylation of organic compounds with elemental phosphorus, phosphines and phosphine oxides opens the principal new approach to the synthesis of specific and selective extra-gents, sorbents and complex-forming agents which can be used in the processes of purification and disinfecting of soil and water from radioactive and heavy metals

Ramalina capitata (Ach.) Nyl. acetone extract: HPLC analysis, genotoxicity, cholinesterase, antioxidant and antibacterial activity.

Science.gov (United States)

Zrnzevic, Ivana; Stankovic, Miroslava; Stankov Jovanovic, Vesna; Mitic, Violeta; Dordevic, Aleksandra; Zlatanovic, Ivana; Stojanovic, Gordana

2017-01-01

In the present investigation, effects of Ramalina capitata acetone extract on micronucleus distribution on human lymphocytes, on cholinesterase activity and antioxidant activity (by the CUPRAC method) were examined, for the first time as well as its HPLC profile. Additionally, total phenolic compounds (TPC), antioxidant properties (estimated via DPPH, ABTS and TRP assays) and antibacterial activity were determined. The predominant phenolic compounds in this extract were evernic, everninic and obtusatic acids. Acetone extract of R. capitata at concentration of 2 μg mL -1 decreased a frequency of micronuclei (MN) for 14.8 %. The extract reduces the concentration of DPPH and ABTS radicals for 21.2 and 36.1 % (respectively). Values for total reducing power (TRP) and cupric reducing capacity (CUPRAC) were 0.4624 ± 0.1064 μg ascorbic acid equivalents (AAE) per mg of dry extract, and 6.1176 ± 0.2964 μg Trolox equivalents (TE) per mg of dry extract, respectively. The total phenol content was 670.6376 ± 66.554 μg galic acid equivalents (GAE) per mg of dry extract. Tested extract at concentration of 2 mg mL -1 exhibited inhibition effect (5.2 %) on pooled human serum cholinesterase. The antimicrobial assay showed that acetone extract had inhibition effect towards Gram-positive strains. The results of manifested antioxidant activity, reducing the number of micronuclei in human lymphocytes, and antibacterial activity recommends R. capitata extract for further in vivo studies.

Effect of air pollution on the epiphytic flora of conifers in the Stockholm region

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Lundstroem, H

1968-01-01

Epiphytic flora (especially lichens) have been investigated in order to see how they respond to air pollution. The study was restricted to those occurring up to a height of 2.3 m from the ground, on trunks of the conifers Picea abies and Pinus silvestries. The area of investigation lies north of Stockholm. Wind diagrams show a slight predominance of winds from Stockholm. This means that polluted air is spread out over the area of investigation. All epiphytic vegetation on the station-trees for which the species were determined are listed. The distribution of lichen species is discussed, especially how air pollution has affected the distributions of the three lichens, Hypogymnia physodes (L.) Zopf (syn. Parmelia physodes (L.) Ach.) Parmeliopsis ambigua (Wulf) Nyl. Pseudevernia furfuraceae (L.) Zopf (syn. Parmelia furfuraceae (L.) Ach.). Maps of distributions have been made for the most common epiphytes.

Plant reactions as indicators of air pollution in the vicinity of a copper smelter

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Jerzy Fabiszewski

2014-01-01

Full Text Available Several higher plant species and epiphytic lichen Hypogymnia physodes (L. Nyl. were examined in the vicinity of a copper smelter. The investigations included field experiments. Ecological surveys of some biotests and bioreactions using exposure of higher plants and transplanted lichens were critically appraised. Such basic processes of plants as photosynthesis and respiration, as well as the quantitative composition of chlorophyll pigments were used as biotests. The results indicate that the photosynthesis intensity is the most useful measure for the estimation of the effect of both heavy metal and SO2 pollutants. The degrees of chlorophyll degradation were in keeping with visual symptoms of injuries. For the ecological monitoring the measurement of respiration intensity, especially in lichens is not recommended. All applied biotests are presented in maps illustrating the degree of degradation of the area examined.

Lichens and air pollution: effect of SO'' on the growth of Hypogymnia physodes (L. ) Nyl. Lichens et pollution atmospherique: l'effet du SO/sub 2/ sur les soredies k Hypogymnia physodes (l. ) Nyl

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Margot, J

1972-01-01

Experiments were performed to determine the relative susceptibility of lichens to the effect of sulfur dioxide. Attention was focused on Hypogymnia physodes, with brief studies on several other species. Evernia prunastri and Parmeliopsis ambigua were more sensitive to sulfur dioxide than Hypogymnia physodes. 145 references, 33 figures, 43 tables.

Review of Positional Nystagmus

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

José Ignacio BENITO-OREJAS

2018-01-01

Full Text Available Introduction and objective: Any change of position of the head (dynamic or static can trigger a nystagmus or increase the spontaneous. This nystagmus we call it positional. We intend to review in this chapter its definition, clinical features, etiology and the way of exploring it. Method: narrative review. Results: Positional vertigo is the most frequent vestibular disorder, and most of the times of peripheral cause. Characteristics of nystagmus or its association with other neurological symptoms are sufficient grounds to request a magnetic resonance, which will provide additional information on very few occasions. Discussion: The study of the positional nystagmus as a procedure to rule out central pathology has lost much of its relevance. Signs that Nylén defined mixed findings peripheral and central, making complex classification. Conclusion: Regardless of how to bring the patient change position (very slow or fast, if it appears an atypical nystagmus should rule out a central origin.

Do photobionts influence the ecology of lichens? A case study of environmental preferences in symbiotic green alga Asterochloris (Trebouxiophyceae).

Science.gov (United States)

Peksa, Ondřej; Skaloud, Pavel

2011-09-01

The distribution patterns of symbiotic algae are thought to be conferred mainly by their hosts, however, they may originate in algal environmental requirements as well. In lichens, predominantly terrestrial associations of fungi with algae or cyanobacteria, the ecological preferences of photobionts have not been directly studied so far. Here, we examine the putative environmental requirements in lichenized alga Asterochloris, and search for the existence of ecological guilds in Asterochloris-associating lichens. Therefore, the presence of phylogenetic signal in several environmental traits was tested. Phylogenetic analysis based on the concatenated set of internal transcribed spacer rDNA and actin type I intron sequences from photobionts associated with lichens of the genera Lepraria and Stereocaulon (Stereocaulaceae, Ascomycota) revealed 13 moderately to well-resolved clades. Photobionts from particular algal clades were found to be associated with taxonomically different, but ecologically similar lichens. The rain and sun exposure were the most significant environmental factor, clearly distinguishing the Asterochloris lineages. The photobionts from ombrophobic and ombrophilic lichens were clustered in completely distinct clades. Moreover, two photobiont taxa were obviously differentiated based on their substrate and climatic preferences. Our study, thus reveals that the photobiont, generally the subsidiary member of the symbiotic lichen association, could exhibit clear preferences for environmental factors. These algal preferences may limit the ecological niches available to lichens and lead to the existence of specific lichen guilds. © 2011 Blackwell Publishing Ltd.

Use of micro-PIXE in the study of arsenate uptake in lichens and its influence on element distribution and concentrations

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Mrak, T. [Department of Environmental Sciences, Jozef Stefan Institute, Jamova 39, P.O.B. 3000, SI-1001 Ljubljana (Slovenia); Simcic, J. [Department of Low and Medium Energy Physics, Jozef Stefan Institute, Jamova 39, P.O.B. 3000, SI-1001 Ljubljana (Slovenia); Pelicon, P. [Department of Low and Medium Energy Physics, Jozef Stefan Institute, Jamova 39, P.O.B. 3000, SI-1001 Ljubljana (Slovenia)]. E-mail: primoz.pelicon@ijs.si; Jeran, Z. [Department of Environmental Sciences, Jozef Stefan Institute, Jamova 39, P.O.B. 3000, SI-1001 Ljubljana (Slovenia); Reis, M.A. [ITN - Nuclear and Technology Institute, EN 10 Sacavem, Apartado 21, 2686-953 Sacavem (Portugal); Pinheiro, T. [ITN - Nuclear and Technology Institute, EN 10 Sacavem, Apartado 21, 2686-953 Sacavem (Portugal); Nuclear Physics Centre, Lisbon University, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto 2, 1649-003 Lisbon (Portugal)

2007-07-15

Micro-PIXE was applied in the study of arsenic metabolism in the lichen Hypogymnia physodes (L.) Nyl. Lichen thalli were laboratory exposed to a solution of an inorganic arsenic compound arsenate and to a control solution. Perpendicular sections that reveal the morphological properties of the lichen thallus were subjected to microbeam measurements to obtain data on the localization of arsenic and its influence on the distribution and concentrations of the selected macro- and microelements P, S, K, Ca, Cl, Mn, Fe and Zn. Five groups of elements were distinguished regarding losses and redistribution due to arsenic exposure: (1) K and Ca were depleted from all lichen layers; (2) Mn was depleted from the algal layer and lower cortex, (3) Fe was decreased in the algal layer and increased in the lower cortex, (4) Zn was decreased both in the algal layer and the medulla, but increased in the lower cortex, and (5) P and S were decreased in the medulla, but increased in the algal layer and the lower cortex.

The use of the barbell cluster ANOVA design for the assessment of Environmental Pollution (1987): a case study, Wigierski National Park, NE Poland

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Migaszewski, Zdzislaw M. [Pedagogical University, Institute of Chemistry, Geochemistry and the Environment Div., ul. Checinska 5, 25-020 Kielce (Poland)]. E-mail: zmig@pu.kielce.pl; Galuszka, Agnieszka [Pedagogical University, Institute of Chemistry, Geochemistry and the Environment Div., ul. Checinska 5, 25-020 Kielce (Poland); Paslaski, Piotr [Central Chemical Laboratory of the Polish Geological Institute, ul. Rakowiecka 4, 00-975 Warsaw (Poland)

2005-01-01

This report presents an assessment of chemical variability in natural ecosystems of Wigierski National Park (NE Poland) derived from the calculation of geochemical baselines using a barbell cluster ANOVA design. This method enabled us to obtain statistically valid information with a minimum number of samples collected. Results of summary statistics are presented for elemental concentrations in the soil horizons-O (Ol + Ofh), -A and -B, 1- and 2-year old Pinus sylvestris L. (Scots pine) needles, pine bark and Hypogymnia physodes (L.) Nyl. (lichen) thalli, as well as pH and TOC. The scope of this study also encompassed S and C stable isotope determinations and SEM examinations on Scots pine needles. The variability for S and trace metals in soils and plant bioindicators is primarily governed by parent material lithology and to a lesser extent by anthropogenic factors. This fact enabled us to study concentrations that are close to regional background levels. - The barbell cluster ANOVA design allowed the number of samples collected to be reduced to a minimum.

Level of zinc in the Belgian calamine-bearing lichens: Stereocaulon nanodes Tuck f tyroliense (nyl. ) M. Lamb

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Maquinay, A; Lamb, I M; Lambinon, J; Ramaut, J L

1961-01-01

It has been shown that Stereocaulon nanodes, a lichen species native to Belgian calamine-bearing soils takes up zinc and in some cases accumulates it in the thallus. This lichen, growing on a substrate slag with 700 p.p.m. of zinc may contain up to 3300 p.p.m. This abnormally high content as compared with the usual plant tolerance for this element does not seem to disturb its metabolism. 3 references, 4 tables.

Influence of a chinese traditional medicine recipes for replenishing kidney function and activating blood circulation on levels of serum with interleukin-6 and other hormones affecting calcium metabolism in female rats after ovariectomy

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Chen Zhixi; Liu Qingsi; Wei Hewei; Zhuang Hong; Chen Jinyan; Li Zhiqiang

2001-01-01

Objective: To investigate the influence of a Chinese traditional medicine recipe for replenishing kidney function and activating blood circulation (CRRK) in female rats on serum levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and other hormones affecting calcium metabolism after ovariectomy. Methods: Ninety female SD rats were divided into 6 groups: control, model (ovariectomy only) treated with nyl-estriol, treated with CRRK (high, moderate and low doses). CRRK (Gu Kang) was administered at the three dose levels for 90 days. Radioimmunoassay was used to determine the serum levels of estradiol (E 2 ), IL-6, calcitonin (CT) and BGP. The weight and histo-morphology of the uterus of the rats sacrificed after 90 days of treatment was also studied. Results: Compared with the control group, the levels of IL-6 in the model group were significantly higher (P 2 and CT, BGP were significantly lower (P 2 and BGP were significantly higher (P < 0.05-0.001). The weight of uterus was also increased (P < 0.05). The composite recipe proved to have definite effects on normalizing the uterine histomorphology. Conclusion: The results had showed that the composite recipe had good effects on prevention and therapy of osteoporosis after ovariectomy in rats

Raman spectroscopy detection of biomolecules in biocrusts from differing environmental conditions

Science.gov (United States)

Miralles, I.; Jorge-Villar, S. E.; van Wesemael, B.; Lázaro, R.

2017-01-01

Lichens and cyanobacteria colonize inhospitable places covering a wide climate range due to their different survival strategies, such as the synthesis of protective biomolecules. The effect of ecological factors on the synthesis of biomolecules has not been widely analysed. This study aimed to assess the effects of four factors (species, microclimate, seasonality and hydration state) and their interactions on the biomolecule frequency detected by Raman Spectroscopy. We included cyanobacterial biocrusts, and the lichens Diploschistes diacapsis, Squamarina lentigera, and Lepraria isidiata; two contrasted microclimates (typical and marginal), two contrasted seasons (hot and dry vs cool and wet) and two hydration states (dry and wet). ;Species; was the most influential factor in the identity and frequency of the main biomolecules. Microclimatic differences in the range of the local specific habitats only influenced the biomolecules in cyanobacteria. There was a quadruple interaction among the factors, the effects being different mainly depending on the species. At D. diacapsis, the production of their main biomolecules depended on microclimate, although it also depended on seasonality. Nevertheless, in L. isidiata and S. lentigera microclimatic differences did not significantly affect the production of biomolecules. In the lichen species, the microhabitats exposed to relatively larger incident radiation did not show significantly larger relative frequency of photoprotective biomolecules. No clear connection between higher production of oxalates and drier microhabitats was found, suggesting that the synthesis of oxalates is not related to water reserve strategy. The pros and cons of monitor biomolecules in biocrust by Raman spectrometry were also discussed.

Raman spectroscopy detection of biomolecules in biocrusts from differing environmental conditions.

Science.gov (United States)

Miralles, I; Jorge-Villar, S E; van Wesemael, B; Lázaro, R

2017-01-15

Lichens and cyanobacteria colonize inhospitable places covering a wide climate range due to their different survival strategies, such as the synthesis of protective biomolecules. The effect of ecological factors on the synthesis of biomolecules has not been widely analysed. This study aimed to assess the effects of four factors (species, microclimate, seasonality and hydration state) and their interactions on the biomolecule frequency detected by Raman Spectroscopy. We included cyanobacterial biocrusts, and the lichens Diploschistes diacapsis, Squamarina lentigera, and Lepraria isidiata; two contrasted microclimates (typical and marginal), two contrasted seasons (hot and dry vs cool and wet) and two hydration states (dry and wet). "Species" was the most influential factor in the identity and frequency of the main biomolecules. Microclimatic differences in the range of the local specific habitats only influenced the biomolecules in cyanobacteria. There was a quadruple interaction among the factors, the effects being different mainly depending on the species. At D. diacapsis, the production of their main biomolecules depended on microclimate, although it also depended on seasonality. Nevertheless, in L. isidiata and S. lentigera microclimatic differences did not significantly affect the production of biomolecules. In the lichen species, the microhabitats exposed to relatively larger incident radiation did not show significantly larger relative frequency of photoprotective biomolecules. No clear connection between higher production of oxalates and drier microhabitats was found, suggesting that the synthesis of oxalates is not related to water reserve strategy. The pros and cons of monitor biomolecules in biocrust by Raman spectrometry were also discussed. Copyright © 2016. Published by Elsevier B.V.

The spatial and temporal characterisation of flooding within the floodplain wetland of the Nyl River, Limpopo Province, South Africa

Czech Academy of Sciences Publication Activity Database

Rowberry, Matthew David; McCarthy, T.S.; Thompson, M.; Nomnganga, A.; Moyo, L.

2011-01-01

Roč. 37, č. 4 (2011), s. 445-451 ISSN 0378-4738 Institutional research plan: CEZ:AV0Z30460519 Keywords : landsat * remote sensing * flood dynamics Subject RIV: DA - Hydrology ; Limnology Impact factor: 0.853, year: 2011 http://www.ajol.info/index.php/wsa/article/view/71421

Líquens da área de reserva do Parque Estadual das Fontes do Ipiranga

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Lúcia Yoko Nagaoka

1989-01-01

Full Text Available O objetivo deste trabalho é verificar a alteração da flora liquenica do parque neste século através da comparação de material de herbário com aquele encontrado atualmente na área de reserva do parque. Apenas 9 das 38 espécies levantadas em herbário puderam ser encontradas atualmente, sendo que a maioria apresenta sinais evidentes de perda de vigor e poderão desaparecer em pouco tempo. Pseudoparmelia texana (Tuck.Hale aparece nas coletas posteriores a 1973 sendo agora abundante sobre troncos nas áreas mais expostas.The Parque Estadual das Fontes do Ipiranga is within the urban area of the São Paulo city (São Paulo state, Brazil and through the years has received air effluents from a smelter of the vicinity. The aim of this work is to verify the change of the park's lichen flora by comparison of the extant flora with that held at the SP herbarium. Only 9 species can be found nowadays. 7 of them are very rare and from youngless populations. Parmotrema tinctorum (Nyl. Hale is rare. Pseudoparmelia texana (Tuck.Hale appears in the collections after 1973 and is now abundant, covering great trunk extensions at exposed places.

Airborne trace elements near a petrochemical industrial complex in Thailand assessed by the lichen Parmotrema tinctorum (Despr. ex Nyl.) Hale.

Science.gov (United States)

Boonpeng, Chaiwat; Polyiam, Wetchasart; Sriviboon, Chutima; Sangiamdee, Duangkamon; Watthana, Santi; Nimis, Pier Luigi; Boonpragob, Kansri

2017-05-01

Several trace elements discharged by the petrochemical industry are toxic to humans and the ecosystem. In this study, we assessed airborne trace elements in the vicinity of the Map Ta Phut petrochemical industrial complex in Thailand by transplanting the lichen Parmotrema tinctorum to eight industrial, two rural, and one clean air sites between October 2013 and June 2014. After 242 days, the concentrations of As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Hg, Mo, Ni, Pb, Sb, Ti, V, and Zn in lichens at most industrial sites were higher than those at the rural and the control sites; in particular, As, Cu, Mo, Sb, V, and Zn were significantly higher than at the control site (p industrial sites. Principal component analysis (PCA) showed that most elements were associated with industry, with lesser contributions from traffic and agriculture. Based on the pollution load indexes (PLIs), two industrial sites were highly polluted, five were moderately polluted, and one had a low pollution level, whereas the pollution load at the rural sites was comparable to background levels. This study reinforces the utility of lichens as cost-effective biomonitors of airborne elements, suitable for use in developing countries, where adequate numbers of air monitoring instruments are unavailable due to financial, technical, and policy constraints.

Effect of air pollution on epiphytic lichen vegetation and element contents of a lichen and pine needles at Valkeakoski, South Finland

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Laaksovirta, K; Olkkonen, H

1979-01-01

The macrolichen vegetation on Pinus sylvestris L. and the contents of S, K, Ca, Ti, V, Fe and Zn in the lichen Hypogymnia physodes (L.) Nyl. and needles of Pinus sylvestris were investigated in relation to air pollution at 55 study stations in and around the industrial town of Valkeakoski, southern Finland. The air pollutants are emitted mainly by the wood pulp industry. The parameters of the lichen vegetation (occurrence of species, number of species, cover of the vegetation and the damage index) did not give a good picture of the distribution of air pollutants, because the environmental conditions were not exactly the same at the different study stations. The accumulation of the elements was more effective in the lichen than in pine needles and the lichen element contents agreed better with the pattern of the prevailing winds. The correlations between the contents of the different pollutant elements were also stronger in the lichen than in pine needles. The most reliable indices of pollutant substances originating from combustion of fuel oil and the wood pulp industry were the sulfur and vanadium contents of the lichen, while the calcium, titanium and iron concentrations of the lichen gave a good idea of the distribution of dust raised from the roads by traffic. 11 references, 10 figures, 4 tables.

Evaluation of urban environment pollution based on the accumulation of macro- and trace elements in epiphytic lichens.

Science.gov (United States)

Parzych, Agnieszka; Astel, Aleksander; Zduńczyk, Anna; Surowiec, Tomasz

2016-01-01

Nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, zinc, nickel, copper, manganese, iron and lead accumulation properties of three epiphytic lichen species (Hypogymnia physodes (L.) Nyl., Parmelia sulcata Taylor and Xanthoria parietina (L.) Th. Fr.) were compared. An assessment of pollution of the municipal environment in Słupsk (Poland) according to macro- and trace elements was also done. Lichen samples were taken in Autumn 2013 from Betula pendula, Fraxinus excelsior, Acer platanoides, A. pseudoplatanus and Populus sp. trees. Sampling stations comprised of house development areas, green urban parks, vicinity of streets with heavy traffic and industrial enterprises. It was found that lichens represent diverse accumulation properties to pollutants according to the species. X. parietina indicated the highest bioaccumulation in relation to N, K, Mg, Zn and Fe, the thalli of H. physodes accumulated the largest amounts of Ni and Pb, while P. sulcata P and Cu. Manganese was accumulated in similar quantities by all species. Evidences acquired by the use of factor analysis proved that pollution in Słupsk municipal environment is a serious issue with three major sources domination: street dust, marine factor and residual oil combustion. The high-risk areas were detected and visualized using surface maps based on Kriging algorithm. It was seen that the highest pollution occurs in the town centre, while the smallest happened on its outskirts and in urban parks.

Luminescence of Rubrene and DCJTB molecules in organic light-emitting devices

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Moon, Chang-Bum, E-mail: cbmoon@hoseo.edu [Department of Display Engineering, Hoseo University, Sechul-Ri 160, Baebang, Asan, Chung-Nam 336-795 (Korea, Republic of); Department of Engineering Physics, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada L8S4L7 (Canada); Song, Wook; Meng, Mei; Kim, Nam Ho; Yoon, Ju-An [Department of Display Engineering, Hoseo University, Sechul-Ri 160, Baebang, Asan, Chung-Nam 336-795 (Korea, Republic of); Kim, Woo Young, E-mail: wykim@hoseo.edu [Department of Display Engineering, Hoseo University, Sechul-Ri 160, Baebang, Asan, Chung-Nam 336-795 (Korea, Republic of); Wood, Richard; Mascher, Peter [Department of Engineering Physics, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada L8S4L7 (Canada)

2014-02-15

We investigated the optical properties of light emission based on the resonance energy transfer mechanism between two molecules in the host–dopant systems. For this purpose, we fabricated the organic light-emitting devices with the different doped emissive layers. The host matrices were made of 4,4′,4″-tris(carbasol-l-nyl)triphenylamine (TCTA) and 2-methyl-9,10-di(2-naphthyl)anthracene (MADN) molecules and the doped molecules were 5,6,11,12-tetraphenylnaphtacene (Rubrene) and 4-(Dicyanomethylene)-2-tert-butyl-6- (1,1,7,7-tetramethyljulolidin-4-yl-vinyl)-4H-pyran (DCJTB). The concentrations of the doped molecules were 0.1%, 0.3%, 0.5%, and 0.8%. Through spectroscopic analysis using multi-peak fits with a Gaussian function to the emission spectra, we obtained the relative light intensity of the two dopants according to the doping concentrations and examined the relations between the molecular excited energy states and the nature of energy transfer in the host and dopant systems. We show that the luminous efficiency of the devices has a strong correlation between the energy transfer owing to the individual molecular intrinsic properties and the electrical characteristics associated with the bulky properties in the devices. -- Highlights: • Fabrication and characterization of the OLEDs with a host–dopant system in the emissive layer. • Investigation of the optical properties of light emission based on the resonance energy transfer mechanism between the dopant molecules. • EL and PL spectroscopic study for the structure of the molecular energy levels in the dopant molecules.

Role of lichens in weathering of granodiorite in the Sila uplands (Calabria, southern Italy)

Science.gov (United States)

Scarciglia, Fabio; Saporito, Natalina; La Russa, Mauro F.; Le Pera, Emilia; Macchione, Maria; Puntillo, Domenico; Crisci, Gino M.; Pezzino, Antonino

2012-12-01

This paper explores the role of five recurrent epilithic lichen species (Aspicilia intermutans (Nyl.) Arnold, Xanthoparmelia pulla (Ach.) O. Blanco, A. Crespo, Elix, D. Hawksw. & Lumbsch, Rhizocarpon lecanorinum Anders, Tephromela atra (Huds.) Hafellner and Lecanora bolcana (Pollini) Poelt), which encrust granodiorite spheroidal boulders exposed in the Sila uplands (Calabria, southern Italy), in weathering of plutonic rocks in a typical mountainous Mediterranean environment. A detailed investigation was carried out on the lichen-rock interface of each species, by comparing them mutually and with lichen-free granodiorite samples. For this purpose, the lichen species were sampled together with the encrusted rock surface for detailed mineral-petrographic analyses performed in thin and ultra-thin sections. Optical and scanning electron microscopy of these sections and of bulk samples permitted us to highlight the peculiar modes of physical and chemical attacks of lichen thalli and hyphae on and into the substratum for each species. Crack systems often parallel to the outer rock surface appear often intruded by hyphae, which cause rupture of primary minerals, with detachment and progressive incorporation of their fragments into the thallus. In particular, the species L. bolcana and T. atra revealed an unexpected, partly endolithic behavior, presumably enhanced by the presence of rock fractures earlier generated by other physical breakage processes already affecting the spheroidal boulders in the Sila mountains. Dissolution features often affect primary minerals (even quartz), that may show very peculiar patterns which are suggestive of a biologically-induced control. Various phyllosilicate clay minerals were identified using SEM-EDS microprobe analyses and FT-IR spectroscopy, which also enabled the identification of possible amorphous silica (or quartz micrograins), rhizocarpic acid and carotenoid at the encrusted granodiorite interface. In contrast, neither oxalic

Les polymères auto-renforcés à cristaux liquides Self-Reinforcing Liquid-Crystal Polymers

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Dorbon M.

2006-11-01

Full Text Available Les polymères auto-renforcés à cristaux liquides (PARCL sont des matériaux dont les molécules, des polymères organiques, sont susceptibles de s'auto-orienter les unes par rapport aux autres. Cette propriété leur confère des caractéristiques mécaniques proches de celles des acier: pour des poids plus faibles sans qu'il soit nécessaire d'avoir recours à des fibres renforçantes. Il existe deux types de PARCL: ceux pouvant s'orienter en solution, qualifiés de lyotropiques, et ceux pouvant s'orienter à l'état fondu, appelés thermotropiques. Des fibres en poly (p-phénylène térephtalamide PPT, PARCL de type lyotropique, sont disponibles commercialement et connaissent déjà de nombreuses applications. Les PARCL thermotropiques n'existent pas encore sur le marché mais sont porteurs de nombreux espoirs car ils sont susceptibles d'être moulés et donc de prendre les formes les plus diverses, ce qui n'est pas le cas de ceux de type lyotropique. Self-reinforcing liquid-crystal polymers are materials in which the molecules, i. e. organic polymers, are capable of orienting themselves in relation to one another. This property gives them mechanical characteristics close to those of steels yet of much less weight without having to use reinforcing fibers. There are two types of self-reinforcing liquid-crystal polymers: (i those capable of orienting themselves in solution, called Iyotropic, and (ii those capable of orienting themselves in a molten state, called thermotropic. Poly (p-phenylene terephthalamide fibers, self-reinforcing liquid-crystal polymers of the Iyotropic type, are commercially available and have already found numerous applications. Thermotropic self-reinforcing liquid-crystal polymers are not yet on the market but seem to be very promising because they are capable of being molded and hence of taking on a wide variety of shapes, which is not the case of those of the lyotropic type.

Environmental lichenology: Biomonitoring trace-element air pollution

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Sloof, J.E.

1993-01-01

Chapter 1 describes the possibilities to study trace-element air pollution in order to get insight in the character and element levels of such pollution. Chapter 2 describes two monitoring surveys using Parmelia sulcata Taylor on a national scale, in which spatial and temporal patterns of heavy metals were investigated. The surveys were carried out in 1982-1983 at 110 sampling sites and in 1986-1987 at 210 sampling sites. From these studies it was concluded that lichens are at least good qualitative biomonitors for atmospheric trace-element levels. Chapter 3 describes the response of lichens to the cesium-137 activity as a result of the Chernobyl accident, deposited by rainfall in the Netherlands. From this study it was concluded that lichens are good biomonitors for atmospheric cesium-137 activity too. Chapter 4 describes the application of factor analysis to a lichen data set from a monitoring survey on a national scale (1986-1987), for source apportionment. In Chapter 5 a field study is described on the contribution of a possible influence from the soil to element concentrations in Parmelia sulcata Taylor growing on trees in a an area with polluted soil. Chapter 6 describes a field study on the interchangeability of two tolerant lichen species (Parmelia sulcata Taylor and Lecanora conizaeoides Nyl.) in a polluted area. In Chapter 7 a field study is described in which the quantitative relationships between concentrations of cobalt, scandium and zinc in lichens and concentrations in air particulate matter and total deposition (wet and dry) were investigated. Chapter 8 describes a laboratory study on the kinetics of the uptake-and release of cadmium in a green algae species (Selenastrum capricornutum Printz), which is regarded to be representative for the algal symboint in the lichens used in this thesis. Chapter 9 presents the central conclusions of this thesis for the lichen species, elements and conditions under study. (orig./MG)

Environmental lichenology: Biomonitoring trace-element air pollution

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Sloof, J E

1993-09-27

Chapter 1 describes the possibilities to study trace-element air pollution in order to get insight in the character and element levels of such pollution. Chapter 2 describes two monitoring surveys using Parmelia sulcata Taylor on a national scale, in which spatial and temporal patterns of heavy metals were investigated. The surveys were carried out in 1982-1983 at 110 sampling sites and in 1986-1987 at 210 sampling sites. From these studies it was concluded that lichens are at least good qualitative biomonitors for atmospheric trace-element levels. Chapter 3 describes the response of lichens to the cesium-137 activity as a result of the Chernobyl accident, deposited by rainfall in the Netherlands. From this study it was concluded that lichens are good biomonitors for atmospheric cesium-137 activity too. Chapter 4 describes the application of factor analysis to a lichen data set from a monitoring survey on a national scale (1986-1987), for source apportionment. In Chapter 5 a field study is described on the contribution of a possible influence from the soil to element concentrations in Parmelia sulcata Taylor growing on trees in a an area with polluted soil. Chapter 6 describes a field study on the interchangeability of two tolerant lichen species (Parmelia sulcata Taylor and Lecanora conizaeoides Nyl.) in a polluted area. In Chapter 7 a field study is described in which the quantitative relationships between concentrations of cobalt, scandium and zinc in lichens and concentrations in air particulate matter and total deposition (wet and dry) were investigated. Chapter 8 describes a laboratory study on the kinetics of the uptake-and release of cadmium in a green algae species (Selenastrum capricornutum Printz), which is regarded to be representative for the algal symboint in the lichens used in this thesis. Chapter 9 presents the central conclusions of this thesis for the lichen species, elements and conditions under study. (orig./MG).

Role of estrogen and levodopa in 1-methyl-4-pheny-l-1, 2, 3, 6-tetrahydropyridine (mptp)-induced cognitive deficit in Parkinsonian ovariectomized mice model: A comparative study.

Science.gov (United States)

Yadav, Satyndra Kumar; Pandey, Shivani; Singh, Babita

2017-11-01

Parkinson's disease (PD) is one of the most common neurodegenerative disease found in the aging population. Currently, many studies are being conducted to find a suitable and effective cure for PD, with an emphasis on the use of herbal plants. In this study, the neuroprotective effects of estrogen was evaluated in the 1-methyl-4-phe-nyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) model of PD with cognitive deficit and compared to Levodopa (LD), a well reported neuroprotective agent used for treating PD. Twenty-four Swiss albino mice were randomly divided into four groups: Control, MPTP, MPTP+LD and MPTP+estrogen. The behavioral recovery in both LD and estrogen treated mice were investigated using the rotarod, foot printing, narrow beam walking test and hanging tests. Non-motor behavioral recovery in both LD and estrogen treated were investigated using the Y-maze and Morris water maze. Furthermore, we performed the biochemical test i.e. catalase, lipid and nitrite in prefrontal cortex as well as nigrostriatal region of mouse brain. We also performed the acetylcholine esterase activity in prefrontal cortex and nigrostriatal region of mice brain. The recovery of dopamine neurons in the substantia nigra (SN) region was estimated by immunostaining of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH). Estrogen treatment restored all the deficits induced by MPTP more effectively than levodopa. Estrogen treatment recovered the number of TH-positive cells in both the SN region. Treatment with Estrogen significantly increased the levels of catalase, decreased the level of lipid and nitite in both region SN as well as prefrontal cortex region. Notably, the effect of estrogen was greater than that elicited by levodopa. Acetylcholine esterase activity was significantly increased in MPTP and it was found to be decreased by the treatment of estrogen as well as levodopa, although decrease in the activity was highly significant in estrogen treated group. Our result suggested that estrogen treatment significantly

Radical scavenging, prolyl endopeptidase inhibitory, and antimicrobial potential of a cultured Himalayan lichen Cetrelia olivetorum.

Science.gov (United States)

Savale, Swapnil Anil; Pol, Chaitrali Satish; Khare, Roshni; Verma, Neeraj; Gaikwad, Subhash; Mandal, Bapi; Behera, Bhaskar C

2016-01-01

Lichens are source of natural bioactive compounds which are traditionally used to cure a variety of ailments. The objective of this study is to assess free radical scavenging, prolyl endopeptidase inhibitory (PEPI), and antimicrobial potential of a high altitude lichen species Cetrelia olivetorum (Nyl.) W. L. Culb. & C. F. Culb (Parmeliaceae). Lichen C. olivetorum has been cultured in vitro, and optimized culture conditions were implemented in bioreactor to obtain high quantity of biomass for the study of radical scavenging, PEPI, and antimicrobial activities. Radical scavenging activity of methanol extract of Cetrelia olivetorum (MECO) was tested at 100 µg/mL, PEPI activity at 25 and 50 µg/mL, and antimicrobial activity at 5, 25, 50, and 100 µg/mL conc. All the biological activities of natural thallus extract and its derived culture extract were evaluated spectrophotometrically. Murashige and Skoog medium supplemented with 3% glucose and 100 ppb indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) supported biomass growth at flask level and yielded 5.095 g biomass in bioreactor. MECO of both the cultured and the natural lichen exhibited half inhibiting concentration (IC50) for radical scavenging activities in the range of 50-60 µg/mL, whereas the IC50 value of standard antioxidants was found to be in the range of 12-29 µg/mL. The IC50 value of lichen extract for PEPI activity was 144-288 µg/mL, whereas the IC50 value of standard prolyl endopeptidase inhibitor, Z-pro-prolinal, was 57.73 µg/mL. As far as the antimicrobial activity of MECO is concerned, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) value of lichen extracts against tested microorganisms was obtained in the range of 50-104 µg/mL and found to be more effective than commercially available standard erythromycin. Murashige and Skoog medium containing IBA was found to be suitable for maximum biomass production of C. olivetorum under bioreactor conditions. The cultured lichen biomass extract also showed

”Hvad angår det mig som jurist?” - refleksion over jurastuderendes møde med nye fagligheder

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Louise Victoria Johansen

2016-10-01

Full Text Available Jurastuderende på danske universiteter bliver i stigende grad introduceret for tværfaglig undervisning, som giver dem mulighed for at kunne reflektere over deres fag udefra. Mange jurastuderende møder dog disse kurser med en stærk monofaglig forståelse opnået gennem deres hidtidige jurastudium. Deres læreproces i løbet af kurserne er derfor afhængig af undervisers håndtering af denne allerede etablerede jurafaglige identitet. Med udgangspunkt i Steen Becks sammentænkning af læringsteoretikerne Jean Piaget og Lev Vygotsky argumenterer denne artikel for, at tværfaglig undervisning på jurastudiet indebærer mere end blot at lære ny teori og nye metoder; den forudsætter også aflæring af de faglige forståelser, som særligt skygger for at kunne inddrage andre discipliner end den juridiske. Artiklen beskriver denne balance mellem aflæring og nylæring gennem en refleksion over min undervisning på et obligatorisk bachelorfag samt et kursusfag på kandidatuddannelsen ved Det Juridiske Fakultet, Københavns Universitet. Disse kurser har forskellige betingelser i forhold til den undervisningstid, der kan allokeres til de studerendes arbejde med nye metodiske tilgange. Ud over disse organisatoriske forskelle har det dog også vist sig, at undervisers anvendelse af de første undervisningsgange kan være afgørende for de studerendes læreproces, samt at metakommunikation om aktiviteterne bør være meget tydelig. Law students at Danish universities are increasingly being introduced to interdisciplinary teaching that allows them to reflect on their subjects from an outside perspective. Many law students, however, approach these courses with a strong mono professional understanding obtained through their law studies. Consequently, their learning process during these courses is dependent on the teacher's handling of this already established legal professional identity. Based on Steen Beck's fusion of educational theorists Jean Piaget and

Influence of biocrusts coverage on microbial communities from underlying arid lands soils

Science.gov (United States)

Anguita-Maeso, Manuel; Miralles*, Isabel; van Wesemael, Bas; Lázaro, Roberto; Ortega, Raúl; García-Salcedo, José Antonio; Soriano**, Miguel

2017-04-01

In regions where the water availability limits the plant cover, biological soil crusts are especially essential in the development of an almost continuous living skin mediating the inputs and outputs across the soil surface boundary. However, the entire area is not covered equally and microbial communities from underlying soils might be influenced by biocrust type and the percentage of biocrust coverage. To clarify this question, we have collected underlying soils from biocrusts samples dominated by i) incipient colonization by cyanobacteria, ii) cyanobacteria, biocrusts formed by the lichens: iii) Diploschistes diacapsis and Squamarina lentigera and iv) Lepraria issidiata from Tabernas desert (southeast of Spain) so as to determine the differences in the microbial communities from these underlying soils at two extremes of its spatial distribution range: one with a high percentage of biocrust coverage and fewer degradation and other with a huge degradation and less percentage of biocrust coverage. DNA from these samples was isolated by using a commercial kit and it was taken as template for metagenomic analysis. We conducted a sequencing of the amplicons V4-V5 of the 16S rRNA gene with Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) Illumina MiSeq platform and a relative quantity of bacteria and fungi were accomplished by quantitative qPCR of rRNA 16S and ITS1-5.8S, respectively. The high biocrust coverage position revealed the highest number of bacteria per gram of soil (1.64E+09 in L. issidiata, in 1.89E+09 D. diacapsis and S. lentigera, 1.63E+09 in cyanobacteria and 2.08E+09 in incipient colonization by cyanobacteria) whereas the less favourable position according to the percentage of biocrust coverage showed fewer amount (1.16E+09 in L. issidiata, 6.98E+08 in D. diacapsis and S. lentigera, 1.46E+09 in cyanobacteria and 7.92E+08 in incipient cyanobacteria biocrust). Similarly, the amount of fungi per gram of soil presented identical correlation ranging from the favourable

Methodological study of air quality using lichens as ecological bio-indicators, chemical element bio-accumulators and oxidative stress bio-markers; Etude methodologique de la qualite de l'air en Lorraine-Nord par les lichens: contribution en tant que bioindicateurs ecologiques, bioaccumulateurs d'elements chimiques et biomarqueurs du stress oxydant

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Signoret, J.

2002-11-15

The objective of this thesis was to contribute to a better understanding of the impact of the atmospheric pollutions on lichens in experimental conditions of field (Lorraine region, France). Techniques of sampling areas analysis for epiphytic lichens were little developed in bio-indication. Without a precise method and a solid validation of the choices of the surface of sampling, survey analysis continue to be subjective and comparative studies and hypotheses testing are rough. To examine this problem, we tested an operational technique of sampling and spatial analysis, based on digitized and geo-referenced data, which makes more objective the lichen covering and frequency assessment. We present a simple example to demonstrate how our investigations will allow to do the link between survey and air quality diagnosis, with perspectives on i) stratified random sampling techniques of lichen communities based on the image interpretation, ii) multi-scale sampling techniques to estimate the efficiency of the sampling grid classically used in bio-monitoring and iii) GIS (Geographical Information Systems) and geostatistical techniques to study floristic and ecological variations at every sampling point. The transplantation is a field technique used for the study air pollution effects and chemical elements accumulation on the lichen symbiosis. Precipitation is known to play an important role in the uptake and release of chemical elements by lichen thalli, but few information was available on their roles in the lichen resistance exposed to photo-oxidizing pollutants. We used this technique to study the effects of gas pollutants and airborne chemical elements on the lichen physiology exposed or not at precipitation. To analyze these interactions, the lichen Hypogymnia physodes (L.) Nyl. was transplanted to 5 locations of the Moselle valley with different levels of air pollution for 14, 34 and 68 days (summer 2001). In each of these sites, 6 transplantation designs, covered or

Biotechnologie : marchés et engagement des sociétés pétrolières Biotechnology: Markets and Commitments of Oil Companies

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Torck B.

2006-11-01

Full Text Available L'intérêt pour les biotechnologies s'est accru à la suite du développement, après 1975, de techniques basées sur le génie génétique (rDNA, fusion. Bien que les prévisions soient difficiles dans ce domaine nouveau et en pleine expansion, le marché mondial des biotechnologies pourrait atteindre en l'an 2000, 150 milliards de dollars, dont 40 à 60 % pour les secteurs de la santé, de l'agriculture et de l'alimentation. D'autres secteurs sont également concernés, tels que l'environnement, l'énergie, la bioingénierie (bioréacteurs, enzymes immobilisées, membranes, chromatographie. . . et la chimie. D'un point de vue économique, les biotechnologies sont mieux adaptées à la production de substances à haute valeur ajoutée qu'à celle de produits de gros tonnage. Les produits qui connaissent un développement important sont les enzymes, les amino-acides, les biopolymères. . . Pour les produits de plus gros tonnage, les voies biotechnologiques se heurtent aux réalités économiques, en particulier aux prix comparatifs du pétrole et des céréales ou du sucre. Des procédés, non rentables pour l'instant, ont récemment été mis au point pour des produits tels que l'acrylamide, l'oxyde de propylène, l'hydroquinone, le nylon, le polyphénylène, les diacides. Les Etats-Unis conservent le leadership. Le Japon est sur le point de les rejoindre, tandis que le modèle européen se caractérise par les difficultés de transfert vers l'industrie. Les grandes firmes chimiques, telles que Rhône Poulenc et Impérial Chemical Industries (ICI ont déjà un long passé dans les biotechnologies mais d'autres telles que Monsanto, Du Pont, Mitsubishi. . . , s'y sont engagées récemment. Une analyse de brevets fait apparaître que les sociétés pétrolières s'y intéressent également, pour l'instant de manière moins importante. Leurs préoccupations restent traditionnelles : les polysaccharides, les enzymes immobilisées pour l

Présentation générale

Science.gov (United States)

Volino, F.

'une approximation valide aux temps suffisamment courts, et aux temps suffisamment longs. Enfin, dans l'article (VI) intitulé "Application à un liquide formant une phase vitreuse, l'orthoterphényl (OTP)", la plupart des résultats théoriques obtenus dans les articles précédents est appliqué à la description d'un grand nombre de données expérimentales variées de la littérature, obtenues avec ce système exemplaire. On montre qu'il est ainsi possible de rationaliser l'ensemble de ces données. En particulier, la température de transition vitreuse apparaît comme la limite basse température d'une transition de phase très étalée depuis la température de fusion du cristal, analogue à la transition nématique-isotrope, mais de nature à la fois translationnelle et rotationnelle. Il faut admettre que les conséquences du modèle fabriqué à l'origine pour interpréter des expériences RMN, et surtout celles de son extension en dehors du domaine des seuls cristaux liquides a de quoi surprendre au premier abord. C'est seulement après une revue très complète d'un grand nombre de résultats expérimentaux, revue qui a pris beaucoup de temps et n'a jamais révélé de contradiction, qu'il a été décidé de soumettre ce modèle à l'attention de la communauté. Ce travail ne peut être considéré comme un aboutissement. Un certain nombre d'aspects n'ont pas été abordés. Par exemple, pour les substances nématogènes, le test de la description unifiée des résultats de diffusion de la lumière, qui a été la motivation historique du développement de la théorie standard des modes élastiques pour décrire ces résultats en phase nématique, n'a pas été traité. Autre exemple : pour les liquides usuels, on s'est limité à des situations loin du point critique, c'est-à-dire quand la présence de la phase gazeuse au-dessus du liquide peut être ignorée. Il convient donc de généraliser la théorie au problème des liquides peu denses, ainsi que d'explorer sa