bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Assessing the impact of two conventional wastewater treatment plants on small streams with effect-based methods
Authors: Trejos Delgado Catalina , Dombrowski Andrea , Oehlmann Jörg 
Published: April 2024

Sixty percent of discrete surface water bodies in Europe do not meet the requirements for good ecological and chemical status and in Germany, the situation is even worse with over 90% of surface water bodies failing to meet the threshold. In addition to hydromorphological degradation, intensive land use and invasive species, chemical pollution is primarily considered to be responsible for the inadequate ecological status of the water bodies. As a quantitatively important source of micropollutants, wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) represent an important entry path for chemical stressors. It is therefore important to analyze the effectiveness of the WWTPs in eliminating micropollutants and other chemical stressors to mitigate the negative impacts of the treated wastewater (WW) in aquatic ecosystems. Accordingly, in this study, we evaluated the impacts of two conventional, medium-sized WWTPs on their small receiving water systems in the southwestern region of Hessen in Germany during two sampling campaigns (spring and fall) using effect-based methods (EBM). We hypothesized that due to the insufficient elimination of micropollutants, a broad spectrum of toxic effects would be detected in conventionally treated WW and also in the receiving surface waters downstream the WWTPs. As EBMs a battery of in vitro assays and active biomonitoring using two in vivo assays were applied. The results supported our hypothesis and showed that the untreated WW had a very high baseline toxicity and also high endocrine and mutagenic activities. Conventional WW treatment, consisting of mechanical and biological treatment with nitrification, denitrification and phosphate precipitation, reduced baseline toxicity by more than 90% and endocrine activities by more than 80% in both WWTPs. Despite these high elimination rates, the remaining baseline toxicity, the endocrine, dioxin-like and mutagenic activities of the conventionally treated WW were so high that negative effects on the two receiving waters were to be expected. This was confirmed in the active monitoring with the amphipod Gammarus fossarum and the mudsnail Potamopyrgus antipodarum, as mortality of both species increased downstream of the WWTPs and reproduction in P. antipodarum was also affected. These results indicate that advanced WW treatment is needed to more effectively eliminate chemical stressors to prevent negative impacts of treated WW particularly in small receiving waters.
Genome-wide analysis of bZIP transcription factors and their expression patterns in response to methyl jasmonate and low-temperature stresses in Platycodon grandiflorus
Authors: Fan Jizhou , Chen Na , Rao Weiyi , Ding Wanyue , Wang Yuqing , Duan Yingying , Wu Jing , Xing Shihai 
Published: April 2024

Background
Platycodon grandiflorus belongs to the genus Platycodon and has many pharmacological effects, such as expectorant, antitussive, and anti-tumor properties. Among transcription factor families peculiar to eukaryotes, the basic leucine zipper (bZIP) family is one of the most important, which exists widely in plants and participates in many biological processes, such as plant growth, development, and stress responses. However, genomic analysis of the bZIP gene family and related stress response genes has not yet been reported in P. grandiflorus.

Methods
P. grandiflorus bZIP (PgbZIP) genes were first identified here, and the phylogenetic relationships and conserved motifs in the PgbZIPs were also performed. Meanwhile, gene structures, conserved domains, and the possible protein subcellular localizations of these PgbZIPs were characterized. Most importantly, the cis-regulatory elements and expression patterns of selected genes exposed to two different stresses were analyzed to provide further information on PgbZIPs potential biological roles in P. grandiflorus upon exposure to environmental stresses.

Conclusions
Forty-six PgbZIPs were identified in P. grandiflorus and divided into nine groups, as displayed in the phylogenetic tree. The results of the chromosomal location and the collinearity analysis showed that forty-six PgbZIP genes were distributed on eight chromosomes, with one tandem duplication event and eleven segmental duplication events identified. Most PgbZIPs in the same phylogenetic group have similar conserved motifs, domains, and gene structures. There are cis-regulatory elements related to the methyl jasmonate (MeJA) response, low-temperature response, abscisic acid response, auxin response, and gibberellin response. Ten PgbZIP genes were selected to study their expression patterns upon exposure to low-temperature and MeJA treatments, and all ten genes responded to these stresses. The real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) results suggest that the expression levels of most PgbZIPs decreased significantly within 6 h and then gradually increased to normal or above normal levels over the 90 h following MeJA treatment. The expression levels of all PgbZIPs were significantly reduced after 3 h of the low-temperature treatment. These results reveal the characteristics of the PgbZIP family genes and provide valuable information for improving P. grandiflorus’s ability to cope with environmental stresses during growth and development.
Bioremedial Capacity of Indigenous Hydrophytes and Microalgae of Bangladesh: A Comparative Study on their Potential in Tannery Effluent Treatment
Authors: Haque Natasha Nafisa , Alam Md. Ashraful , Baidya Anthony Samit , Zenat Elina Akther , Rahman Md. Zamilur , Roy Chapol Kumar , Munshi John Liton 
Published: April 2024

Aims: This study aimed to identify the bio-remedial potential of indigenous hydrophytes (Salvinia cucullata and Lemna minor) and microalgae (Spirulina platensis) of Bangladesh for treatment of tannery wastewater disposed in the open environment.
Study Design: The capacity of improving the water quality of the tannery effluent by bioremediation was assessed. The quantitative determination included the comparison of physical characters (pH, TDS, EC, DO, COD) and heavy metal profile (Pb, Cr, Cu, Zn) of the tannery effluent before and after treatment. Effluent treatment was carried out by individual species separately and in combination with all for a total of 25 days.
Place and Duration of Study: Major experiments were carried out at the Applied Botany Laboratory, Dhaka Laboratory, BCSIR, Dhaka, Bangladesh from January 2022 to February 2024. Quantitative estimations were carried out at Soil & Water Laboratory, Dhaka Laboratory, BCSIR, Dhaka, Bangladesh.
Methodology: The tannery effluent was characterized by means of physiochemical parameters and heavy metal concentration prior to the experimental procedure. Four treatment plans were designed, three treatments (TSC, TLM, TSP) using individual species separately and one treatment (TC) using all three species in combination. The treatment continued for 25.0 days. The physiochemical parameters of the treated effluent were measured at 5.0-day intervals and heavy metal conc. Were measured on the 0th, 10th, and 25th days of the experiment. Comparative analysis of the data was utilized to determine useful species for further applied studies in future.
Results: After treatments, a reduction at TDS level down to 3230 from 5150 mg/L, and an EC dropdown to 3290 from 10340 μS/cm was observed. Heavy metals removal capacity of the tested species was found as follows, S. cucullata: Zn > Cr >Pb> Cu, L. minor: Pb> Cr > Cu > Zn, S. platensis: Cu > Zn >Pb> Cr, and the combination treatment: Pb> Cu > Zn > Cr. The observation showed high efficiency of S. platensis in TDS reduction and Zn absorption, L. minor in COD reduction and Pb absorption, and S.cucullata in Zn absorption.
Conclusion: The comparative data suggested the overall improvement of the effluent quality can be achieved by a combined treatment of L. minor and S. platensis, quickly and cost-efficiently. Further investigation is required for an in-depth understanding of their combined potential. Additionally, investigation will be carried out on their potential in Arsenic (As) removal and nano-particle production from post-treatment biomass.
Subacute Use of Aqueous Extract of Water Melon (Citrullus lanatus) Seeds Mitigates against Pyramidal Neuronal Toxicity of Lead Acetate in Adult Wistar Rats
Authors: Fakunle P. B , Abijo A.Z , Ehiremen S. E , Akanji O D , Odubela O.K , Olamoyero B. , Oladejo M K , Uwagbai I. , Dawodu A.J 
Published: April 2024

Introduction: Lead exposure remains a significant public health burden across the globe, impacting millions of individuals and posing a major threat to nervous system development and function As a reported bio-toxic environmental and industrial pollutant, Lead (Pb) do accumulates in almost all body tissues to cause health complications with the cerebellar region of the central nervous system reported to be more susceptible to cellular distortions. As a flowering plant species of the Cucurbitaceae family, watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) is associated with numerous medicinal properties.
Aim: This study aim to investigate the possible neuroprotective potential of aqueous extract of citrulus lanatus seed on lead acetates-induced neurotoxicity in the Cerebral cortex of adult Wistar rats.
Place of Study: Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ogun State, Nigeria.
Methods: Twenty (20) healthy adult female wistar rats weighing 150±50g were randomly assigned into 4 groups (n=5). The Control group received 2mls/kg of distilled water, Treatment group (T1) was administered 7.5 mg/kg of lead acetate, Treatment group (T2) was administered 200 mg/kg of aqueous extract of citrullus lanatus and Treatment group (T3) was administered 7.5 mg/kg of lead acetate and 200 mg/kg of aqueous extract of citrullus lanatus concomitantly orally for fourteen (14) days. H&E and Cresyl violet histological stains and Biochemical assays for SOD, CAT activities and MDA concentration was determined. Data obtained from the study were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and subjected to Turkeys post hoc test from the multiple comparison.
Results: Revealed no statistically significant differences (p>0.05) in body weight and brain weight changes across groups relatives to the control group while SOD and Catalase activities were increased significantly in the Treatment groups compared to control group. Histological findings in control group and T2 showed normal histoarchitectural appearance of cerebral cortex Pyramidal neurons while the lead exposed group (T1) revealed features of neurodegenerative changes evident by nuclear shrinkage with pyknosis and karryorrhexis. while T3 revealed near normal presentations.
Conclusion: In summary, Citrullus lanatus mitigates against pyramidal neuronal cells distortions following lead acetate induced toxicity in Wistar Rats and also further affirms its antioxidative potential.
Evaluation of Physicochemical and Microbiological Standards for Quality Packaged Drinking Water in Plastic Bags Produced by Three Companies in Korhogo in Northern Ivory Coast
Authors: Liliane Kouamé Maïmouna , Fabrice Zoro Armel , Souleymane Soumahoro , Constant Acho Florentin , Appoline N’guessan Amandine , Réné Soro Yadé , Abdoulaye Touré 
Published: April 2024

Drinking water packaged in sachets is popular with the population of Korhogo in northern of Ivory Coast. The objective of this study is to evaluate the physicochemical and microbiological parameters of this water produced by three companies. Three packets of 40 sachets of water each were taken from each company and ten sachets of water were mixed to constitute the sample from each company. Physicochemical and microbiological analyzes were carried out according to ISO. Physicochemical parameters of water investigated were as follow: temperature (25.30±0.40 – 25.53±0.25), pH (7.37±0.06 – 7.67±0.23), bicarbonate (41±0.50 – 48.53±0.85 mg/L), chloride (4.34±0.03 - 8±0.43 mg/L), calcium (5.60±0.40 – 8.23±0.15 mg/L), magnesium (4.08±0.51 – 6.62±0.05 mg/L) and nitrates (0.59±0.02 – 0.83±0.03 mg/L). The results revealed that the physicochemical parameters of the water analyzed complied with WHO regulations. Concerning the microbiological parameters, results of the study are as follows: GAMs (22 °C) (6 – 113 CFU/mL), GAMs (37 °C) (6 – 89 CFU/mL), total coliforms (0 – 1100 CFU/100 mL), fecal coliforms (0 – 1100 CFU/mL), ASR (0 CFU/100 mL), S. aureus (190 – 310 CFU/100 mL) and streptococci fecal (0 – 3100 CFU/100 mL). These waters do not comply with the regulations and sample B is more loaded with microorganisms followed by sample C and finally A. However, no salmonella was identified in the samples analyzed. Consumption of this water exposes populations to health risks. It would be desirable to raise awareness among companies about hygiene conditions and employee training in order to reduce these risks.
Physical and Engineering Parameter of Garlic
Authors: Dikkar Prashant M. , Dsouza Prashant M. , Moses Sheen C. , Aalam Rana N. 
Published: April 2024

Garlic is nature's most versatile medicinal plant and it is primarily used as a flavoring agent in cooking. It is the second most important spice after the onion. The physical parameter of garlic performs a crucial role in context designing of conveying systems and metering units. This research was carried out in the department of Farm Machinery and Power Engineering, SHUATS, Prayagraj, U.P. The prime aim of study was to evaluate the physical and engineering parameters of garlic cloves. The physical parameters garlic cloves found in terms of average length, width, thickness, Geometric mean diameter, sphericity and bulk density were 27.78 mm, 11.60 mm, 9.26 mm, 14.23 mm, 0.52 and 554 to 592 kg/m3. The weight of thousand garlic clove was found as 1540.5g. The Angle of repose for garlic clove was found as 45.6 and 36.8o for wood and G.I. sheet.
Fertigation-Driven Optimization of Growth Characters in Banana (Musa acuminate AAA) cv. Red Banana
Authors: Hari Divya , S. Simi , P. R. Manju , S. J. Anaswara 
Published: April 2024

The main aim of the study was to standardize the fertigation schedule and nutrient levels for growth enhancement in red banana. The study was conducted at the Department of Fruit Science College of Agriculture, Vellayani, Thiruvananthapuram during 2021-2023. The statistical design used was factorial Randomized Block Design replicated thrice with 12 plants per plot at a spacing of 2.1m x 2.1 m laid out with 12 treatment combinations of 4 different nutrient levels (60%, 80%, 100%and 120% RD of N and K) and 3 fertigation schedule (equal splits at weekly interval, at fortnightly interval, and according to the growth stage of the crop) and a control (KAU POP recommendation). Soil test based on fertilizer recommendation was derived based on KAU POP (200:200:400 g plant-1 year-1). Farm yard manure was applied as organic source at 10 kg plant-1) and P (200 g plant-1) to all treatments as basal. Water soluble fertilizers used included Urea as nitrogen source and Muriate of Potash as potassium source;. Data was collected from pseudo stem height, girth, number of leaves, leaf index, leaf area, days to shooting, time taken from shooting to harvest and crop duration. Data was analyzed using analysis of variance. The highest pseudostem height (310.53 cm) and girth (89.30 cm) was observed with the interactive effect of 120% of the recommended dose of N and K applied according to the crop growth stage) which was on par with F2S3(80% of the recommended dose of N and K applied according to the crop growth stage) at flowering stage. The total functional leaf area was maximum on F3S3 at the flowering (23.86 m2) and harvest stage (21.50 m2). Data on days to shooting (363 days), shoot to harvest (89 days) and total crop duration (452 days) in red banana showed that the interaction effect F2S3 has taken the least number of days. In conclusion the growth characters were observed to be better at 80% recommended dose of N and K with split application according to the growth stage of the crop .
Accuracy and perspective in involuntary autobiographical memory
Authors: Mace John H. , Atkinson Elizabeth , Moeckel Christopher H. , Torres Varinia 
Published: October 2009

AbstractThis study investigated accuracy (veridicality) and perspective (point of view) in everyday involuntary memories (i.e. spontaneous recollections of the past). Using the naturalistic diary method, subjects were asked to give confidence ratings on the accuracy of their involuntary memories as well as contact others who were present in them, having them also give confidence ratings. Memory perspective was assessed by asking subjects to indicate whether their memories had a field (original) or observer (the perspective of another) point of view. The results showed subjects assigning high confidence ratings to involuntary memories, which did not differ from the confidence ratings given by others, or from the confidence ratings that they had assigned to their voluntary memories. The perspective query showed that involuntary memories come with both field and observer perspectives, and that their relative proportions did not differ from those reported for their voluntary memories. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Controlled Synthesis of CdSe Nanowires by Solution–Liquid–Solid Method
Authors: Li Zhen , Kurtulus Özgül , Fu Nan , Wang Zhe , Kornowski Andreas , Pietsch Ullrich , Mews Alf 
Published: October 2009

AbstractSemiconductor nanowires prepared by wet chemical methods are a relatively new field of 1D electronic systems, where the dimensions can be controlled by changing the reaction parameters using solution chemistry. Here, the solution–liquid–solid approach where the nanowire growth is governed by low‐melting‐point catalyst particles, such as Bi nanocrystals, is presented. In particular, the focus is on the preparation and characterization of CdSe nanowires, a material which serves a prototype structure for many kinds of low dimensional semiconductor systems. To investigate the influence of different reaction parameters on the structural and optical properties of the nanowires, a comprehensive synthetic study is presented, and the results are compared with those reported in literature. How the interplay between different reaction parameters affects the diameter, length, crystal structure, and the optical properties of the resultant nanowires are demonstrated. The structural properties are mainly determined by competing reaction pathways, such as the growth of Bi nanocatalysts, the formation and catalytic growth of nanowires, and the formation and uncatalytic growth of quantum dots. Systematic variation of the reaction parameters (e.g., molecular precursors, concentration and concentration ratios, organic ligands, or reaction time, and temperature) enables control of the nanowire diameter from 6 to 33 nm, while their length can be adjusted between several tens of nanometers and tens of micrometers. The obtained CdSe nanowires exhibit an admixture of wurtzite (W) and zinc blende (ZB) structure, which is investigated by X‐ray diffraction. The diameter‐dependent band gaps of these nanowires can be varied between 650 and 700 nm while their fluorescence intensities are mainly governed by the Cd/Se precursor ratio and the ligands used.
Synthetic Protocells to Mimic and Test Cell Function
Authors: Xu Jian , Sigworth Fred J. , LaVan David A. 
Published: October 2009

AbstractSynthetic protocells provide a new means to probe, mimic and deconstruct cell behavior; they are a powerful tool to quantify cell behavior and a useful platform to explore nanomedicine. Protocells are not simple particles; they mimic cell design and typically consist of a stabilized lipid bilayer with membrane proteins. With a finite number of well characterized components, protocells can be designed to maximize useful outputs. Energy conversion in cells is an intriguing output; many natural cells convert transmembrane ion gradients into electricity by membrane‐protein regulated ion transport. Here, a synthetic cell system comprising two droplets separated by a lipid bilayer is described that functions as a biological battery. The factors that affect its electrogenic performance are explained and predicted by coupling equations of the electrodes, transport proteins and membrane behavior. We show that the output of such biological batteries can reach an energy density of 6.9 × 106 J · m−3, which is ∼5% of the volumetric energy density of a lead‐acid battery. The configuration with maximum power density has an energy conversion efficiency of 10%.
Aluminium Powder‐Catalyzed Regio‐ and Stereoselective Aminobromination of α,β‐Unsaturated Carbonyl Compounds and Simple Olefins with the p‐Toluenesulfonamide/ N‐Bromosuccinimide (TsNH2‐NBS) System
Authors: Chen Zhan‐Guo , Wei Jun‐Fa , Wang Ming‐Zhen , Zhou Li‐Yan , Zhang Cong‐Jie , Shi Xian‐Ying 
Published: October 2009

AbstractThe regio‐ and stereoselective aminobromination of α,β‐unsaturated carbonyl compounds and simple olefins catalyzed by elementary aluminium powder has been established by using p‐toluenesulfonamide (TsNH2) and N‐bromosuccinimide (NBS) as the nitrogen/bromine sources. The reaction was convenient to carry out with a loading of 1 mol% catalyst at room temperature without inert gas protection. This method provides an easy approach to trans vicinal haloamino derivatives of α,β‐unsaturated carbonyl compounds and simple olefins in high yields (up to 99.8%) and in excellent regio‐ and stereoselectivities. The electron‐rich and electron‐deficient olefins show significant differences in activity to the aminobromination reaction and give the opposite regioselectivities. Two possible pathways involving separately a bromonium or an aziridinium intermediate have been proposed.
Highly Efficient Asymmetric Michael Reaction of Aldehydes to Nitroalkenes with Diphenylperhydroindolinol Silyl Ethers as Organocatalysts
Authors: Luo Ren‐Shi , Weng Jiang , Ai Hui‐Bing , Lu Gui , Chan Albert S. C. 
Published: October 2009

AbstractNew dihydroindole and perhydroindole derivatives were synthesized in good yields and evaluated as chiral catalysts in the asymmetric Michael reaction of aldehydes to nitroalkenes. (2S,3aS,7aS)‐Diphenylperhydroindolinol silyl ether 10 facilitated the reaction of a wide range of aldehyde and nitroalkene substrates, providing Michael adducts in nearly optically pure form (99% ee), good yields and high diastereoselectivities (syn/anti up to 99:1). These results show for the first time that perhydroindole derivatives can also be highly efficient organocatalysts for the asymmetric Michael reaction, exhibiting comparable or even better enantioselectivities than proline derivatives.
Metal‐Organic Frameworks (MOFs) as Heterogeneous Catalysts for the Chemoselective Reduction of Carbon‐Carbon Multiple Bonds with Hydrazine
Authors: Dhakshinamoorthy Amarajothi , Alvaro Mercedes , Garcia Hermenegildo 
Published: October 2009

AbstractThe as‐synthesized metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs), particularly that based on aluminium coordinated with benzenedicarboxylic acid, constitute selective catalysts for the reduction of carbon‐carbon multiple bonds in alkenes, alkynes and α,β‐unsaturated esters with hydrazine hydrate in acetonitrile under mild conditions. The present protocol enjoys advantages such as convenient reaction conditions and benign, reusable and cost effective catalyst.
Effects of Methyl Substituents on the Activity and Enantioselectivity of Homobenzotetramisole‐Based Catalysts in the Kinetic Resolution of Alcohols
Authors: Zhang Yuhua , Birman Vladimir B. 
Published: October 2009

AbstractSubstitution of the tetrahydropyrimidine ring in the enantioselective acyl transfer catalyst homobenzotetramisole (HBTM) 6 with methyl groups exerts a dramatic influence on its performance in the kinetic resolution of secondary alcohols. The syn‐3‐methyl analogue of HBTM (9a) has proved to be superior to the parent compound in terms of catalytic activity, enantioselectivity, and synthetic accessibility.