bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
LIN7 regulates the filopodia and neurite promoting activity of IRSp53
Authors: Crespi Arianna , Ferrari Ilaria , Lonati Paola , Disanza Andrea , Fornasari Diego , Scita Giorgio , Padovano Valeria , Pietrini Grazia
Published: July 2012

The insulin receptor substrate protein of 53 kDa (IRSp53) is critically involved in the formation of filopodia and neurites through mechanisms that have only in part been clarified. Here, we investigated the role of the small scaffold protein LIN7, an interactor of IRSp53. We found that formation of actin-filled protrusions in neuronal NSC34 cells and neurites in neuroblastoma N2A depends on motifs mediating the LIN7:IRSp53 association, as both the coexpression of LIN7 with IRSp53 or the expression of the L27-IRSp53 chimera (a fusion protein between IRSp53 and the LIN7L27 domain for plasma membrane protein complexes association) prevented actin-deficient protrusions induced by overexpressed IRSp53, and enhanced the formation of actin-filled protrusions. The regulatory role of LIN7 in IRSp53-mediated extension of filopodia was demonstrated by live-cell imaging experiments in neuronal N2A cells. Moreover, LIN7 silencing prevented the extension of filopodia and neurites, induced by ectopic expression of IRSp53 or serum starvation, respectively in undifferentiated and differentiated N2A cells. The expression of full length IRSp53 or the LIN7ΔPDZ mutant lacking the domain for association with IRSp53 was unable to restore neuritogenesis in LIN7 silenced cells. Conversely, defective neuritogenesis could be rescued by the expression of RNAi-resistant full length LIN7 or chimeric L27-IRSp53. Finally, LIN7 silencing prevented the recruitment of IRSp53 in Triton X-100 insoluble complexes, otherwise occurring in differentiated cells. Collectively these data indicate that LIN7 is a novel regulator of IRSp53, and that their association is required to promote the formation of actin-dependent filopodia and neurites.
Quantitative proteomics and dynamic imaging reveal that G3BP-mediated stress granule assembly is poly(ADP-ribose)-dependent following exposure to MNNG-induced DNA alkylation
Authors: Isabelle Maxim , Gagné Jean-Philippe , Gallouzi Imed-Eddine , Poirier Guy G.
Published: July 2012

Poly(ADP-ribose) (pADPr) is heterogenic molecule synthesized from NAD by poly(ADP-ribose) polymerases (PARPs). Multiple cellular functions are affected by pADPr through its network of associated proteins ranging from genome integrity surveillance, cell cycle progression, DNA repair to apoptosis. Using quantitative proteomics, we established a temporal map of pADPr-associated complexes upon genotoxic stress. Results suggested a strong pADPr-association of multiple proteins involved in stress granule formation, notably G3BP, in latter phases of alkylation-stress-induced cells. Further investigation with dynamic imaging clearly demonstrated a pADPr–dependent initiation of stress granule assembly originating from the nucleus. The co-transfection of G3BP with poly(ADP-ribose) glycohydrolase PARG indicates that pADPr is involved in modulating the nuclear shuttling of G3BP. Moreover, a peptide pADPr blot assay of G3BP revealed that pADPr binds to the glycine-arginine rich domain of G3BP. Thereafter, we established a comprehensive G3BP interactome in presence of pADPr. Our findings establish a novel function for pADPr in the formation of G3BP-induced stress granules upon genotoxic stress.
Super-resolution imaging reveals 3D folding dynamics of the β-globin locus upon gene activation
Authors: van de Corput Mariëtte P. C. , de Boer Ernie , Knoch Tobias A. , van Cappellen Wiggert A. , Quintanilla Adrian , Ferrand Leanna , Grosveld Frank G.
Published: July 2012

The chromatin architecture is constantly changing due to cellular processes such as cell proliferation, differentiation and changes in the expression profile such as gene activation or silencing. Unraveling the changes that occur in the chromatin structure during these processes has been a topic of interest for many years. It is known that gene activation of large gene loci is thought to occur by means of active looping mechanism. It was also shown for the β-globin locus that the gene's promotor interacts with an active chromatin hub by means of an active looping mechanism. This predicts that the locus changes in 3D nuclear volume occupation and chromatin shape. In search to visualize and measure these dynamic changes in chromatin structure of the β-globin locus, we used a 3D DNA-FISH method in combination with 3D image acquisition to volume render fluorescent signals into 3D objects. These 3D chromatin structures were geometrically analyzed and results prior to and after gene activation were quantitatively compared. Confocal and super-resolution imaging reveal that the inactive locus occurs in several different conformations. These conformations change in shape and surface structure upon cell differentiation into a more folded and rounded structure that has a substantially smaller size and volume. These physical measurements represent the first non-biochemical evidence that upon gene activation an actively transcribing chromatin hub is formed by means of additional chromatin looping.
A Sulfonated Polyaramide: Stir-induced Chirality in Its Aqueous Solution
Authors: Okano Kunihiko , Machida Kanami , Yamashita Takashi
Published: July 2012

We demonstrated that aqueous solutions containing a sulfonated polyaramide exhibited stir-induced chirality detected by circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy. This phenomenon can be visualized as dynamics of supramolecular structure comprising hydrogen-bonded polyaramides. We further show that the sign of the CD response can be tuned using vortex direction, stirring-rate, and concentration.
A Large US Retailer Selects Transportation Carriers Under Diesel Price Uncertainty
Authors: Turner John , Peterson Ben , Cho Soo-Haeng , Kekre Sunder , Scheller-Wolf Alan
Published: July 2012

A large US retailer that procures transportation services from third-party carriers experienced an unexpected jump in fuel surcharges as the price of diesel fuel skyrocketed in the summer of 2008. As a result, it sought to limit its future exposure to diesel price risk. We collaborated with this retailer to create a lane assignment optimizer (LAO) that incorporates diesel price risk when selecting carriers for its transportation lanes. The LAO tool has significantly improved the retailer's capability to evaluate the trade-off between the two crucial components of a lane's per-shipment cost: base price and risk-adjusted fuel surcharge. The retailer can now take diesel price risk into account when selecting cost-effective carriers for its lanes, negotiating fuel surcharge limits to share diesel price risk with its carriers, and better aligning the fuel surcharges it pays with the true cost of diesel. We estimate that the more favorable contract terms the retailer negotiated for 2009–2011 translate to nearly $5 million in potential savings during years with unexpected diesel price hikes, such as 2008.
Starting at the end: telomeres and telomerase in arthropods
Authors: Mandrioli Mauro , Monti Valentina , Manicardi Gian Carlo
Published: July 2012

Telomere composition and structure have been studied in several arthropods allowing us to better understand the evolution of such an important portion of the eukaryotic chromosomes. Genes coding for telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) have been sequenced and studied in few arthropod species only, where they resulted highly transcribed also in somatic tissues suggesting a different TERT regulation in respect to vertebrates. Contrary to the strict conservation of telomeres, subtelomeric regions were more polymorphic and heterogeneous in composition and frequently contained retrotransposable elements that strongly influenced subtelomere evolution.
Effect of grain angle on shear strength of Douglas-fir wood
Authors: Gupta Rakesh , Sinha Arijit
Published: July 2012

The effect of grain angle (GA) on shear strength of Douglas-fir has been evaluated. Shear block specimens with a GA varying from 0 to 90° was loaded in the shear plane, resulting in failure mode transitioning from parallel to grain shear to rolling shear. As expected, shear strength decreased as the GA increased from 0° to 90°. A root-mean-square equation was found to be suitable to predict the relationship between GA and shear strength. Traditional Hankinson formula and the Tsai-Wu criteria were less effective with this regard.
Antioxidant activity of fractions from Quercus sideroxyla bark and identification of proanthocyanidins by HPLC-DAD and HPLC-MS
Authors: Rosales-Castro Martha , González-Laredo Rubén Francisco , Rocha-Guzmán Nuria Elizabeth , Gallegos-Infante José Alberto , Rivas-Arreola María José , Karchesy Joseph J.
Published: July 2012

The most active phenolics in Quercus sideroxyla Humb. & Bonpl. residual bark were identified and evaluated following a chromatographic fractionation. Bark powder was defatted with hexane and crude extract (CE) was obtained by extraction with aqueous acetone (70%). A liquid partition with ethyl acetate was performed to produce an organic extract (OE), which was subsequently purified by column chromatography (Toyopearl HW-40F, methanol), and resulted in six methanolic fractions (MF1 to MF6) and an oligomeric fraction (OLF) eluted with acetone 67%. Extraction yields, total phenolic and flavanol contents were determined. The antioxidant activity of bark extracts was measured by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), Trolox (6-hydroxy-2,5,7,8-tetramethyl-chroman-2-carboxylic-acid)-equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC), and ferric ion reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assays. Their median effective concentration (EC50) data and rate constants for DPPH radical scavenging were also estimated. Identification of major phenolics was carried out by high performance liquid chromatography with diode array detection (HPLC-DAD) and high performance liquid chromatography with electrospray ionization coupled to mass spectrometry (HPLC-ESI-MS) instruments. Bioactive gallic acid, catechin, epicatechin, gallocatechin, catechin gallate, dimeric procyanidins, galloylated dimeric proanthocyanidins, trimeric procyanidins, and tetrameric proanthocyanidins were detected and identified in Q. sideroxyla bark extracts. MF2 was the most active fraction containing gallocatechin as its major compound; MF5 and OLF contain galloylated procyanidins, which may explain their higher antiradical activity. OLF besides galloylated procyanidins has gallocatechin, which presumably contributes to its higher antiradical activity. Consequently, Q. sideroxyla bark could be a good source of therapeutic health products or nutraceutical ingredients that may exert a potential prevention or treatment action against diseases in biological systems.
Internal stress measurement during drying of rubberwood lumber: effects of wet-bulb temperature in various drying strategies
Authors: Tomad Suchat , Matan Nirundorn , Diawanich Prawate , Kyokong Buhnnum
Published: July 2012

To understand internal stress (IS) development within lumber during drying of rubberwood, restoring force measurements on half-sawn specimens has been performed at drying temperature of 90°C under various patterns of wet-bulb (WB) temperature: (1) single-step drying, (2) two-step drying, (3) oscillation drying, and (4) stress control drying. Two extreme single-step drying conditions designated as “severe” and “conservative” at WB temperatures of 40°C and 80°C, respectively, were applied as control drying. It was shown that the measured force, which strongly correlates with the released strain data obtained by the McMillen slice test, indicates the level of IS developed within the lumber. In two-step drying, when the time of abrupt WB temperature change from conservative to severe drying conditions is extended up to the time of stress reversal, the force detected after stress reversal decreases from the level of severe drying to that of conservative drying. Once the time of stress reversal is exceeded, the force profile is largely unaffected by the parameters of the severe drying condition. Gradual reduction in WB temperature beyond the time of peak stress also reduces the force detected later after stress reversal under severe drying conditions. Oscillation of the WB temperature between conservative and severe conditions periodically changes the magnitude of the measured force. After stress reversal, the force amplitude monotonically decreases after each drying cycle. In addition, longer oscillation cycles seem to produce larger initial force amplitudes, which decline quicker than those created under the shorter ones. The possible application of the measured force as a controlling parameter of rubberwood drying has also been demonstrated.
Tensile behaviour of radiata pine with different moisture contents at elevated temperatures
Authors: Pearson Hamish , Gabbitas Brian , Ormarsson Sigurdur
Published: July 2012

The aim of this study was to obtain tensile elastic modulus (EM) information for radiata pine (Pinus radiata D. Don) sapwood in tangential grain direction, over a temperature range of 70°C to 150°C for a wide range of moisture contents. Such information is scarce, probably because of difficulties with research equipment design and process control strategies to perform accurate tests. As expected, EM dramatically decreased with increasing temperature and moisture content. The results were modelled to yield a relationship between stress and strain. The results were also successfully transposed into a mastercurve based on temperature-moisture equivalence through a modified form of the Williams, Landel, and Ferry equation for amorphous polymers. This result is consistent with the view that wood is visco-plastic around the glass transition zone of the ligno-hemicellulosic matrix. It is demonstrated that moisture and temperature can play a significant role in reducing stress during drying, regardless of the drying time. Properties of wood, such as tensile elastic information at elevated temperatures, are important for mechanical design, distortion modelling and understanding the fundamental behaviour of wood in general.
Extracting value-added products before pulping: Hemicellulosic ethanol from Eucalyptus globulus wood
Authors: Rodríguez-López Julio , Romaní Aloia , González-Muñoz María J. , Garrote Gil , Parajó Juan C.
Published: July 2012

Xylose solutions have been produced from Eucalyptus globulus wood by autohydrolysis (with hot, compressed water) and post-hydrolysis (in presence of sulfuric acid). This two-stage process led to solids enriched in cellulose and lignin (suitable as a substrate for pulping) and liquors containing xylose as the major component. The liquid phase from post-hydrolysis also contained other sugars (glucose, arabinose) and acetic acid. Neutralized liquors (as obtained, or after membrane concentration), were employed (directly or after detoxification by ion exchange) as fermentation media for the production of hemicelluosic bioethanol with the yeast Pichia stipitis CECT 1922T. Under the best conditions assayed (fermentation of neutralized, concentrated and detoxified two-stage hydrolysis liquors), bioconversion took place at nearly stoichiometric yield, with a volumetric productivity of 0.37 g l-1·h-1.
Identification of new lignans in Norway spruce knotwood extracts
Authors: Smeds Annika I. , Češková Iveta , Eklund Patrik C. , Willför Stefan M.
Published: July 2012

In a hydrophilic extract of Norway spruce knotwood, the dominating lignan, 7-hydroxymatairesinol, was partially removed by precipitation, and the resulting mixture was fractionated by flash chromatography and preparative high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). In the HPLC fractions, 7S- and 7R-todolactol A, 7′-hydroxylariciresinol, and two stereoisomers of 9′-hydroxylariciresinol were identified by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analyses, and their structures were confirmed by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. The 9′-hydroxylariciresinols were suggested to have the 7S,8R,8′R,9′Rand 7R,8R,8′R,9′Rconfigurations, and (-)-7′-hydroxylariciresinol 7S*,7′R*,8R*,8′S*, which indicates a configuration of this structure that has not been reported previously. 7S- and 7R-isoliovil were identified by comparison with previously published GC-MS data, and 7′-oxolariciresinol was tentatively identified on the basis of its mass spectrum. Of these lignans, only 7′-hydroxylariciresinol has been identified previously in Norway spruce. Several other lignans with similar mass spectra as the todolactols, isoliovils, and 7′-hydroxylariciresinol were detected, indicating that they are different stereoisomers of these lignans and/or of liovils. In addition to these lignans, the mass spectra of several other unidentified minor lignans indicated the presence of several tens of previously unidentified minor lignans in Norway spruce knotwood, accounting altogether for approximately 6% of the dry weight of the ethanol extract. 7S-Todolactol A, which was dominating among the new lignans, was found to be very unstable in aqueous solutions. Identification of more of these unidentified lignans may be possible only by access to pure reference compounds.
Effect of various pulp properties on the solubility of cellulose in sodium hydroxide solutions
Authors: Kihlman Martin , Aldaeus Fredrik , Chedid Fadia , Germgård Ulf
Published: July 2012

The dissolution of pulps with varying characteristic properties, for example cellulose chain length or content of hemicellulose, has been investigated in two alkaline solvent systems [sodium hydroxide (NaOH)/urea/thiourea (8:8:6.5 by wt.) and NaOH/zince oxide (ZnO) (9:0.5 by wt.)]. One standard paper pulp, two dissolving pulps and three pretreated pulps were selected for this study. The dissolution parameters in focus were the fiber dimensions, average degree of polymerization (DP), polydispersity, water retention value and content of hemicelluloses. The solubility was not influenced by the fiber dimensions. The only significant properties, according to variable importance plot, were DP and composition of the hemicelluloses. It was also established that mass transfer effects during the dissolution stage plays an important role in the dissolution of cellulose derived from pulp fibers.
Within-process and seasonal changes during industrial production of high-density fibreboard. Part 1: Influence of wood species composition on polyoses in the products
Authors: Weigl Martin , Wimmer Rupert , Ters Thomas , Mitter Roland , Kuncinger Thomas
Published: July 2012

Industrially produced high-density fibreboard fibres are inhomogeneous in structure and chemical composition. Changes in polysaccharide chemistry during processing have an impact on strength loss, fibre separation and structural alterations. In the present study, carbohydrate composition of extracted wood chips and refiner fibres was monitored for a year at an industrial HDF plant. The polysaccharides were analysed via methanolysis and quantification of the monomeric sugars released. Significant reductions of arabinose, xylose, rhamnose and galacturonic acid were observed. The amount of glucose and extractable substances increased. The depletion of galacturonic acid and rhamnose indicates a degradation of pectin located in the compound middle lamella. The diminishing amounts of the other sugars and elevated extractive contents are a result of hemicellulose degradation. A pronounced seasonal variability of the data was observed depending on the processed wood species and degree of chemical degradation.
Dissolution and acetylation of ball-milled birch (Betula platyphylla) and bamboo (Phyllostachys nigra) in the ionic liquid [Bmim]Cl for HSQC NMR analysis
Authors: Qu Chen , Kishimoto Takao , Ogita Shinjiro , Hamada Masahiro , Nakajima Noriyuki
Published: July 2012

A method for nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) characterization of whole cell wall components, including lignin, cellulose and hemicelluloses, was recently developed in our laboratory. The method described for fir (Abies sachalinensis) as a softwood consists of ball-milling of cell wall, dissolution in an ionic liquid 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride ([Bmim]Cl), in situ acetylation, recovery of the material from the solution, and characterization of the product by 1H-13C correlation heteronuclear single quantum coherence (HSQC) NMR spectroscopy in dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO)-d6. In the present paper, the performance of the method should be tested for a hardwood and a bamboo. Thus, Japanese white birch (Betula platyphylla) and hachiku bamboo (Phyllostachys nigra) have been investigated. Finely ball-milled birch and bamboo materials were completely dissolved in [Bmim]Cl at 100°C without severe chemical modification of the cell wall components. The dissolved cell walls were then subjected to in situ acetylation, and the ball-milled and fully acetylated cell walls were recovered from [Bmim]Cl. Longer ball-milling time was required for birch and bamboo cell walls, because of the lower solubility of acetylated birch and bamboo materials in DMSO-d6compared to the acetylated fir material. However, HSQC NMR experiments were successfully conducted, and the acetylated whole cell wall components in the birch and bamboo could be fully characterized. This method is applicable for the analysis of cell wall components of various plant biomasses without previous isolation. Further studies are necessary to improve the method.
Viscosity and domain morphology in binary immiscible blends of poly(trimethylene terephthalate) and polyamide6,10
Authors: Giancola Giorgiana , Lehman Richard L.
Published: July 2012

Poly(trimethylene terephthalate) (PTT) and polyamide6,10 (PA6,10) are polymers with significant bio-based content that forms an immiscible blend system of high-value engineering materials with enhanced sustainability. Knowledge of the melt viscosity of these thermoplastic materials is critical, when processing blends to achieve optimum morphologies. We measured the viscosities of five extruded blends near the phase inversion composition, over a range of shear rates using both parallel plate and capillary methods. Based on the viscosities of the end-members, Jordhamo co-continuity should be observed in the 21–44 volume percent PTT range, depending on the processing shear rate. Extruded blend viscosities were lower than the linear rule of mixtures and the phase inversion composition was identified near 55 volume percent PTT. SEM images showed clear indications of developing co-continuity in the 55 volume percent PTT. We conclude that the viscosities of immiscible polymer blends in this system do not follow the rule of mixtures, due to slip between immiscible domain interfaces, but that the viscosity and the power law index are useful in locating the phase inversion composition. The empirical Jordhamo relationship, although generally useful in immiscible polymer systems, is not as valuable in this system.
Methods to Increase the Fatigue Life of Friction Stir Lap Welds in No-load Transfer Coupons Using a Retractable Pin Tool
Authors: Baratzadeh Farzad , Widener Christian A. , Lankarani Hamid M. , Burford Dwight A.
Published: July 2012

The purpose of this study was to obtain a better understanding of crack initiation at friction stir weld exit holes in no-load transfer coupons as a first-order approximation of the potential performance of friction stir welding (FSW) joints employed for aircraft fuselage applications. In order to meet this goal, the effects of weld exit location on fatigue life in discontinuous friction stir lap-welded panels were documented. Sheets of aluminum alloys 7075-T6 and 2024-T3 were chosen for the FSW lap welds. Constant amplitude fatigue tests were carried out in order to determine the effect of various welding scenarios on fatigue crack initiation. A number of weld exit strategies were investigated, as well as another FSW tool design called a retractable pin tool (RPT). This tool was shown to eliminate the exit hole and reduce the stress concentration around the weld exit location. Prior to this work, none of the attempted exit strategies was found to delay or eliminate the initiation of fatigue cracks at the exit holes of discontinuous FSW lap welds. Only by using the RPT, which is able to eliminate the exit hole completely, was it possible to produce fatigue life results in coupons with a tool extraction zone that were comparable to those in baseline coupons containing no extraction zone.
Thermal Conductivity and Rheological Behaviour of Al-alloy Dispersed Ethylene Glycol Based Nanofluids
Authors: Paul Gayatri , Philip John , Raj Baldev , Das Prasanta Kumar , Manna Indranil
Published: July 2012

Al-alloy (Al-5 wt. %Zn and Al-5 wt. %Si) nanoparticle dispersed (0.01 − 2.00 vol. %) ethylene glycol based nanofluids are prepared by a two-step process. Prior to dispersing in ethylene glycol by magnetic stirring and ultrasonication the Al-alloy nanoparticles synthesized by mechanical alloying are characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), selected area diffraction (SAD), and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) to analyze the identity, size, shape, and purity of the powder. A maximum thermal conductivity enhancement of 16 % for Al-5 wt. %Zn and 13 % for Al-5 wt. %Si dispersed nanofluids are observed at 0.1 vol. % of nanoparticle concentrations. Rheological studies of nanofluids show interesting findings as the viscosity of both types of nanofluids are observed to exhibit values lower than that of base fluid at lower concentrations and higher at higher concentrations. Maximum enhancement of viscosity up to 180 % for Al-5 wt. %Si and 120 % for Al-5 wt. %Zn dispersed nanofluids are observed at 2.0 vol. % concentration.
Tumor Necrosis Factor‐α and Porphyromonas gingivalis Lipopolysaccharides Decrease Periostin in Human Periodontal Ligament Fibroblasts
Authors: Padial‐Molina Miguel , Volk Sarah L. , Rodriguez Juan C. , Marchesan Julie T. , Galindo‐Moreno Pablo , Rios Hector F.
Published: July 2012

Background: Periostin is a matricellular protein essential for tissue integrity and maturation and is believed to have a key function as a modulator of periodontal ligament (PDL) homeostasis. The aim of this study is to evaluate whether periodontal disease‐associated pathogen‐related virulence factors (endotoxins/lipopolysaccharides [LPS]) and proinflammatory cytokines alter the expression of periostin in PDL cells.

Methods: Human PDL cultures were exposed to inflammatory mediators (tumor necrosis factor‐α [TNF‐α]), bacterial virulence factors (Porphyromonas gingivalis LPS) or a combination in a biomechanically challenged environment. Culture conditions were applied for 24 hours, 4 days, and 7 days. Periostin and TGF‐β inducible gene clone H3 (βIGH3) mRNA expression from cell lysates were analyzed. Periostin and βIGH3 proteins were also detected and semiquantified in both cell lysates and cell culture supernatants by Western blot. In addition, periostin localization by immunofluorescence was performed. Analysis of variance and Fisher tests were used to define the statistical differences among groups (P <0.05).

Results: In a mechanically challenged environment, periostin protein was more efficiently incorporated into the matrix compared to the non‐loaded controls (higher levels of periostin in the supernatant in the non‐loaded group). Interestingly, chronic exposure to proinflammatory cytokines and/or microbial virulence factors significantly decreased periostin protein levels in the loaded cultures. There was greater variability on βIGH3 levels, and no particular pattern was clearly evident.

Conclusions: Inflammatory mediators (TNF‐α) and bacterial virulence factors (P. gingivalis LPS) decrease periostin expression in human PDL fibroblasts. These results support a potential mechanism by which periostin alterations could act as a contributing factor during periodontal disease progression.
Kaempferol Inhibits P. intermedia Lipopolysaccharide‐Induced Production of Nitric Oxide Through Translational Regulation in Murine Macrophages: Critical Role of Heme Oxygenase‐1‐Mediated ROS Reduction
Authors: Choi In Soon , Choi Eun‐Young , Jin Ji‐Young , Park Hae Ryoun , Choi Jeom‐Il , Kim Sung‐Jo
Published: July 2012

Background: Nitric oxide (NO) could be a potential target for the development of new therapeutic approaches to the treatment of periodontal disease because this molecule plays a significant role in the tissue destruction observed in periodontitis. In this study, the authors investigate the effect of kaempferol on the production of NO by murine macrophage‐like RAW264.7 cells stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) from Prevotella intermedia, a pathogen implicated in periodontal disease, and try to determine the underlying mechanisms of action.

Methods: NO production was assayed by measuring the accumulation of nitrite in culture supernatants. Real‐time polymerase chain reaction was performed to quantify inducible NO synthase (iNOS) and heme oxygenase‐1 (HO‐1) mRNA expression. iNOS and HO‐1 protein expression and phosphorylation of c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase and p38 were characterized via immunoblot analysis. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) production was measured using the redox‐sensitive fluorescent probe 2′,7′‐dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate.

Results: Kaempferol significantly inhibited NO production and expression of iNOS protein in P. intermedia LPS‐stimulated RAW246.7 cells without affecting iNOS mRNA expression. Kaempferol upregulated HO‐1 expression in LPS‐activated cells. Inhibition of HO‐1 activity by tin protoporphyrin IX (SnPP) abolished the suppressive effect of kaempferol on NO production. In addition, kaempferol significantly attenuated P. intermedia LPS‐induced increase of intracellular ROS, and SnPP blocked this reduction. Treatment with antioxidants downregulated the production of LPS‐induced NO.

Conclusions: Kaempferol inhibits NO production and iNOS protein expression in P. intermedia LPS‐stimulated RAW264.7 cells at the translational level via HO‐1‐mediated ROS reduction and could be an efficient modulator of host response in the treatment of periodontal disease.
Characterization and variations of dissolved organic matter in the Lake Taihu area of China
Authors: Qiu Yong , Shi Hanchang , Jing He , Liu Rui , Cai Qiang , Takemura Minoru , Haraguchi Satoshi
Published: July 2012

Lake Taihu in China is a eutrophicated lake surrounded by industrial and urbanized zones, thus its water quality often suffers from organic and nutrient contaminants. In this paper, a 1 year water quality survey was conducted around the lake and statistical analysis tools were used to characterize the variations of organic pollutants. Analysis of variance (ANOVA), cluster analysis and principal component analysis (PCA) confirm the seasonal and spatial variations of surface water quality in Lake Taihu. Surface water quality is better during the wet season and worse downstream during the dry season. The dissolved organic matter was further analyzed using a parallel factor analysis (PARAFAC) model with three-dimensional excitation-emission fluorescence matrices. Four components were extracted from the fluorescence data, namely, two autochthonous biodegradation products (C1: amino acids, C4: protein-like materials) and two humic-like substances (C2: from microbial processing, C3: terrestrial). C1 and C4 were dominant in the chromophoric dissolved organic matter (CDOM) fluorophores; this result is similar to those of other inland water bodies in China. The CDOM fluorophores showed similar seasonal and spatial variations with common water quality indices, with the exception of the seasonal responses of C2 in winter. Bivariance correlations between the organic and nutrient concentrations and the fluorescence intensities of the CDOM fluorophores imply possible common sources of the different contaminants. This paper exemplifies advanced statistical methods as a useful tool in understanding the behavior of contaminants in inland fresh water systems.
Diversity and characteristics of yeasts from water sources in the North West Province, South Africa
Authors: Van Wyk D. A. B. , Bezuidenhout C. C. , Rhode O. H. J.
Published: July 2012

Yeasts form an important part of ecosystems. Yeast biodiversity in the North West Province, South Africa, remains largely unexplored. The purpose of this study was to determine the diversity and characteristics of yeasts from water sources in the North West Province. Yeasts were isolated from four rivers and an inland lake. Various parameters were measured to determine the physico-chemical quality of the water. Isolation was done on yeast-malt-extract (YM) agar and identified using biological methods. Physico-chemical parameters were within a target water quality range for various water uses. Yeasts were detected at 22 of the 23 sampling sites. Levels ranged from 3 to 8,680 cfu/L and were broadly divided into pigmented and non-pigmented yeasts. Pigmented yeasts could potentially be an indication of pollution, while non-pigmented yeasts could potentially be pathogenic species. Levels of yeasts could be statistically associated with some physico-chemical parameters. A large percentage of isolated yeasts could grow at temperatures ranging from 4 to 40 °C. Candida spp., Cryptococcus spp., Rhodotorula spp. and Zygosaccharomyces spp. were identified. Our results provide preliminary information on the distribution and diversity of yeasts in water sources in the North West Province.
Stakeholder participation and capacity development during the implementation of rainwater harvesting pilot plants in central northern Namibia
Authors: Zimmermann M. , Jokisch A. , Deffner J. , Brenda M. , Urban W.
Published: July 2012

This paper summarises the lessons learned during the planning and construction of four rainwater harvesting (RWH) pilot plants in the village of Epyeshona (400 inhabitants) in central northern Namibia. The main problem of the region is that the water demand of its population exceeds the local natural resources. The rainfall in the project region is extremely variable (50–990 mm per year), evaporation rates are high, perennial rivers do not exist, and groundwater aquifers are saline due to low soil permeability and high evaporation. The project's activities were prepared and accompanied by stakeholder participation and capacity development. The village community chose the techniques and pilot sites in several participatory workshops. Three roof catchment systems with differing tank designs (polyethylene, ferrocement, and concrete bricks) for individual households and a concrete-lined ground catchment facility for six households were built. The collected water is supposed to be used for horticulture. Hence, gardening plots and drip irrigation systems were created. Selected trainees were trained to build, operate and maintain the RWH systems and gardens. Finally, the pilot plants were monitored and evaluated to examine their social and technological feasibility.
A study on the effects of intermittent water supply on the vulnerability of urban water distribution networks
Authors: Christodoulou S. , Agathokleous A.
Published: July 2012

Faced with extended periods of drought and short supply of water, arid-weather countries have turned to intermittent water supply (IWS) as a means to reduce water consumption and to prolong their national water reserves. Unfortunately, such drastic measures usually fail to consider the effects of intermittent supply on the condition of piping networks and the resulting water losses, inefficiencies and overall maintenance cost on these networks. Presented herein is research work on the effects of IWS on the vulnerability of urban water distribution networks (UWDN) based on a 3-year dataset from major urban centres in Cyprus. The dataset includes information on breakage incidents, operating network parameters, external factors and vulnerability assessment and by use of data-mining and survival analysis techniques evaluates the effects of such intermittent supply strategies on the vulnerability of the water pipes and on the sustainability of the strategy.
Integrated solutions for urban runoff pollution control in Brazilian metropolitan regions
Authors: Morihama A. C. D. , Amaro C. , Tominaga E. N. S. , Yazaki L. F. O. L. , Pereira M. C. S. , Porto M. F. A. , Mukai P. , Lucci R. M.
Published: July 2012

One of the most important causes for poor water quality in urban rivers in Brazil is the low collection efficiency of the sewer system due to unforeseen interconnections with the stormwater drainage system. Since the beginning of the 20th century, Brazilian cities have adopted separate systems for sanitary sewers and stormwater runoff. Gradually these two systems became interconnected. A major challenge faced today by water managers in Brazil is to find efficient and low cost solutions to deal with this mixed system. The current situation poses an important threat to the improvement of the water quality in urban rivers and lakes. This article presents an evaluation of the water quality parameters and the diffuse pollution loads during rain events in the Pinheiros River, a tributary of the Tietê River in São Paulo. It also presents different types of integrated solutions for reducing the pollution impact of combined systems, based on the European experience in urban water management. An evaluation of their performance and a comparison with the separate system used in most Brazilian cities is also presented. The study is based on an extensive water quality monitoring program that was developed for a special investigation in the Pinheiros River and lasted 2.5 years. Samples were collected on a daily basis and water quality variables were analyzed on a daily, weekly or monthly basis. Two hundred water quality variables were monitored at 53 sampling points. During rain events, additional monitoring was carried out using an automated sampler. Pinheiros River is one of the most important rivers in the São Paulo Metropolitan Region and it is also a heavily polluted one.
Performance of enviss™ stormwater filters: results of a laboratory trial
Authors: Bratières K. , Schang C. , Deletić A. , McCarthy D. T.
Published: July 2012

An experimental study was undertaken by Monash University to develop and test enviss™ stormwater treatment and harvesting technologies – non-vegetated filtration systems with an extremely low footprint. This paper focuses on the water quality and hydraulic performance of two systems tested over a ‘year’ of operation in a Melbourne climate: (1) REUSE enviss™ filters, designed for stormwater harvesting systems for non-potable supply substitution, and (2) WSUD enviss™ filters, developed to treat urban stormwater prior to discharge to downstream systems. The presence of chlorine as a disinfection agent proved to be very efficient for the removal of microorganisms in REUSE enviss™ filters. WSUD enviss™ filters had the benefit of providing an elevated nutrient treatment performance, due to an extended depth of filter media. However, nutrient outflow concentrations (total nitrogen (TN) in particular) were found to increase during the testing period. Also, extended dry weather periods were found to have a detrimental effect on the treatment performance of almost all pollutants for both filters (nutrients, Escherichia coli and heavy metals). Although hydraulic conductivity results indicated two or three sediment trap replacements per year are required to maintain filtration rates, it is expected that the compressed loading rate schedule overestimated this maintenance frequency.
Phosphorus mass balance in a surface flow constructed wetland receiving piggery wastewater effluent
Authors: Lee S. Y. , Maniquiz M. C. , Choi J. Y. , Kang J.-H. , Kim L.-H.
Published: July 2012

This research was conducted to investigate the phosphorus forms present in water, soil and sediment and to estimate the phosphorus mass balance in a surface flow constructed wetland (CW). Water quality and sediment samples were collected from each cell along the hydrologic path in the CW from October 2008 to December 2010. At the same time, three dominant plant species (e.g. common reed and cattails) were observed through the measurement of the weight, height and phosphorus content. Based on the results, the orthophosphate constituted 24–34% of total phosphorus in water for each cell. The overall average phosphorus removal efficiency of the CW was approximately 38%. The average inflow and outflow phosphorus loads during the monitoring period were 1,167 kg/yr and 408 kg/yr, respectively. The average phosphorus retention rate was 65%, was mainly contributed by the settling of TP into the bottom sediments (30%). The phosphorus uptake of plants was less than 1%. The estimated phosphorus mass balance was effective in predicting the phosphorus retention and release in the CW treating wastewater. Continuous monitoring is underway to support further assessment of the CW system and design.
Improvement of urban water environment of Kaohsiung City, Taiwan, by ecotechnology
Authors: Yang Lei
Published: July 2012

Kaohsiung City is the second largest city in Taiwan and suffers from serious floods during the wet season, but it also badly needs water during the dry season. As economic development advances and pollutants increase, water pollution and shortage of water resources become issues of concern for local people in Kaohsiung. A project has been proposed by the city government and executed by the authors to establish a system of sustainable water management in urban areas. In this system, the Caogong Canals, irrigation channels which were established 170 years ago during the Ching Dynasty of China and are still used today for irrigation, were renovated to bring stable and clean water to the urban areas. It is planned to pump clean water into the canal from a river near the city. In this project, 12 constructed wetland systems, functioning as wetland parks, stormwater storage tanks or eco-detention ponds, were built in the city, and the Caogong Canals are planned to connect all these urban constructed wetlands in the second stage of the project.
Occurrence and reduction of pharmaceuticals in the water phase at Swedish wastewater treatment plants
Authors: Falås P. , Andersen H. R. , Ledin A. , Jansen J. la Cour
Published: July 2012

During the last decade, several screening programs for pharmaceuticals at Swedish wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) have been conducted by research institutes, county councils, and wastewater treatment companies. In this study, influent and effluent concentrations compiled from these screening programs were used to assess the occurrence and reduction of non-antibiotic pharmaceuticals for human usage. The study is limited to full-scale WWTPs with biological treatment. Based on the data compiled, a total of 70 non-antibiotic pharmaceuticals have been detected, at concentrations ranging from a few ng/L to several μg/L, in the influent water. The influent concentrations were compared with the sale volumes and for many pharmaceuticals it was shown that only a small fraction of the amount sold reaches WWTPs as dissolved parent compounds. Pharmaceuticals with low reduction degrees at traditional WWTPs were identified. Further comparison based on the biological treatment showed lower reduction degrees for several pharmaceuticals in trickling filter plants compared with activated sludge plants with nitrogen removal.
Adsorption of phenanthrene by quaternary ammonium surfactant modified peat and the mechanism involved
Authors: Zhou Y. B. , Chen L. , Wang X. Q. , Xu Y. X. , Lu J.
Published: July 2012

Removal of phenanthrene (PHE) from aqueous solution by adsorption onto quaternary ammonium surfactant modified peat was studied. The results show that surfactant modification enhanced the PHE adsorption capacity of peat. Low temperature and neutral pH favored PHE adsorption. Peat modified with long carbon chain surfactant performed better than peat modified with short carbon chain surfactant. The magnitude of PHE adsorption capacity followed the order of MP-HPB>MP-HTAB>MP-TBAB>RP, ranged from 924 to 1,228 μg g−1. A negative trend between adsorption capacity (y) and (O+N)/C ratio of biosorbent (x) was observed (y = −1,369.6x + 2,176), which confirmed the negative effect of polarity on polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) removal. The study provides a guide to modify raw materials to enhance adsorption of hydrophobic organics.
Development and testing of bioelectrochemical reactors converting wastewater organics into hydrogen peroxide
Authors: Modin Oskar , Fukushi Kensuke
Published: July 2012

In a bioelectrochemical system, the energy content in dissolved organic matter can be used to power the production of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), which is a potentially useful chemical at wastewater treatment plants. H2O2 can be produced by the cathodic reduction of oxygen. We investigated four types of gas-diffusion electrodes (GDEs) for this purpose. A GDE made of carbon nanoparticles bound with 30% polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) (wt./wt.C) to a carbon fiber paper performed best and catalyzed H2O2 production from oxygen in air with a coulombic efficiency of 95.1%. We coupled the GDE to biological anodes in two bioelectrochemical reactors. When the anodes were fed with synthetic wastewater containing acetate they generated a current of up to ∼0.4 mA/mL total anode compartment volume. H2O2 concentrations of ∼0.2 and ∼0.5% could be produced in 5 mL catholyte in 9 and 21 h, respectively. When the anodes were fed with real wastewater, the generated current was ∼0.1 mA/mL and only 84 mg/L of H2O2 was produced.
Enhanced removal of chemical oxygen demand, nitrogen and phosphorus using the ameliorative anoxic/anaerobic/oxic process and micro-electrolysis
Authors: Bao K. Q. , Gao J. Q. , Wang Z. B. , Zhang R. Q. , Zhang Z. Y. , Sugiura N.
Published: July 2012

Synthetic wastewater was treated using a novel system integrating the reversed anoxic/anaerobic/oxic (RAAO) process, a micro-electrolysis (ME) bed and complex biological media. The system showed superior chemical oxygen demand (COD), total nitrogen (TN) and total phosphorus (TP) removal rates. Performance of the system was optimised by considering the influences of three major controlling factors, namely, hydraulic retention time (HRT), organic loading rate (OLR) and mixed liquor recirculation (MLR). TP removal efficiencies were 69, 87, 87 and 83% under the HRTs of 4, 8, 12 and 16 h. In contrast, HRT had negligible effects on the COD and TN removal efficiencies. COD, TN and TP removal efficiencies from synthetic wastewater were 95, 63 and 87%, respectively, at an OLR of 1.9 g/(L·d). The concentrations of COD, TN and TP in the effluent were less than 50, 15 and 1 mg/L, respectively, at the controlled MLR range of 75–100%. In this system, organics, TN and TP were primarily removed from anoxic tank regardless of the operational conditions.
Pollution from animal husbandry in China: a case study of the Han River Basin
Authors: Sun Chen , Wu Hongjuan
Published: July 2012

Animal husbandry is one of the major agricultural pollution sources in China. The Xiangyang Reach of the Han River Basin was used as a case study to identify pollutants from animal rearing. The gross amount of pollutants from livestock and poultry rearing in the Xiangyang Reach was estimated using two empirical models with different data sets. The pig, cattle, sheep, and poultry population in 2009 amounted to 2.6, 0.6, 0.5, and 39.2 million head, respectively. The total annual pollutant loads generated from the feces and urine of livestock and poultry were 270,400 t of chemical oxygen demand; 228,900 t of biochemical oxygen demand; 26,500 t of ammonia nitrogen; 16,500 t of total phosphorus; and 63,900 t of total nitrogen. Approximately 12% of these pollutant loads were estimated to enter the Han River through the watershed outlet. Animal breeding has been one of the main pollution sources in this area, followed by domestic sewage and industrial wastewater. Cattle produced the most pollution, with the heaviest pollution load in downtown Xiangyang City. Several recommendations are presented to control the pollution caused by livestock and poultry breeding.