Optimization of extraction process of Glycyrrhiza glabra polysaccharides by response surface methodology

Experimental design was used to investigate the effect of three parameters (extraction time, extraction number and ratio of water to raw material) on polysaccharides yields. The ranges of the factors investigated were 3.5–4.5 h for extraction time (X₁), 4–6 for extraction number (X₂), and 25–35 for ratio of water to raw material (X₃). The statistical analysis of the experiment indicated that extraction time and ratio of water to raw material had significant effect on Glycyrrhiza glabra polysaccharides yields. The central composite design showed that polynomial regression models were in good agreement with the experimental results with the coefficients of determination of 0.924 for Glycyrrhiza glabra polysaccharides yield. The optimal condition for Glycyrrhiza glabra polysaccharides yield within the experimental range of the variables studied was at 4.3 h, 6, and 35. At this condition, the predicted yield of polysaccharides extracted was 3.6%.     

Optimization of ultrasonic-assisted extraction process of Poria cocos polysaccharides by response surface methodology

Polysaccharides production from Poria cocos was carried out using aqueous NaOH with the assistance of ultrasonic. Experimental design was used to investigate the effect of three parameters (extraction time, extraction concentration of NaOH, and ratio of aqueous NaOH to raw material) on polysaccharides yields. The ranges of the factors investigated were 1–3 min for extraction time (X₁), 0.5–1.0 mol/L for extraction concentration of NaOH (X₂), and 30–50 for ratio of aqueous NaOH to raw material (X₃). The statistical analysis of the experiment indicated that extraction concentration of NaOH had significant effect on P. cocos polysaccharides yields. The central composite design showed that polynomial regression models were in good agreement with the experimental results with the coefficients of determination of 0.9935 for P. cocos polysaccharides yield. The optimal condition for P. cocos polysaccharides yield within the experimental range of the variables studied was at 2.44 min, 0.789 mol/L, and 53.0. At this condition, the predicted yield of polysaccharides extracted was 82.3%.     

A downstream process with microemulsion extraction for microbial transformation in cloud point system

A downstream process strategy for a whole microbial transformation to produce l-phenylacetylcarbinol (PAC) in a nonionic surfactant Triton X mediated cloud point system was developed. By application of a Winsor I microemulsion, the product and the nonionic surfactant in the microbial transformation broth was separated successfully. Then the nonionic surfactant was recovered with a Winsor II microemulsion. In a single stage Winsor I microemulsion extraction process, the product recovery ratio 76.9% and the nonionic surfactant recovery ratio 66.5% were achieved. A discrete countercurrent extraction operation was also carried out to improve the separation efficiency. Finally, character of the recovery nonionic surfactant was also examined.     

Optimization of β-galactosidase extraction from Kluyveromyces marxianus

The influence of several parameters, such as temperature, pH, and concentration of buffer and solvent, on the release of β-galactosidase from Kluyveromyces marxianus cells was studied. In optimal conditions (37°C, pH 9.5–10.5) greater than 90% of the intracellular β-galactosidase activity was released into 0.1-0.5 phosphate buffer after 1.5-2.0 h treatment with 1% chloroform. The described method is simple, effective, relatively fast, and selective.     

Tolerance and avoidance: Two contrasting physiological responses to salt stress in mature marsh halophytes Juncus roemerianus Scheele and Spartina alterniflora Loisel

For most plants, elevated salinities can promote both hyperionic and hyperosmotic stress, often resulting in decreased growth and increased mortality. In previous studies involving plant–water relations, two contrasting physiological mechanisms to water stress have emerged: (i) stress-tolerance, which can be achieved through osmotic adjustment and changes in tissue elasticity, and (ii) stress-avoidance, which restricts further water loss through decreased stomatal conductance and changes in leaf morphology and/or orientation. While these processes have been well characterized in angiosperms during drought, few studies have considered these responses in halophytes during salt-stress. In this study, experimental microcosms were used to evaluate salt-tolerance and salt-avoidance in two contrasting coastal-marsh halophytes, Juncus roemerianus and Spartina alterniflora. In mature S. alterniflora, preacclimated to freshwater, only salt-tolerance mechanisms (osmotic adjustment and increased tissue rigidity) were observed during high salinity conditions. In contrast, physiological modifications observed in mature J. roemerianus involved salt-avoidance through decreased stomatal conductance. These physiological responses are consistent with zonation patterns in these plants, wherein S. alterniflora resides in the lower marsh and must contend with long-term salt exposure and J. roemerianus inhabits the upper reaches of salt-marshes where salinities tend to be lower and where salt-stress often involves transient exposure to high salinities.     

Iridoid and caffeoyl phenylethanoid glycosides of the endangered carnivorous plant Pinguicula lusitanica L. (Lentibulariaceae)

This work reports for the first time the identification of the major compounds of Pinguicula lusitanica, an endangered carnivorous plant species, using minimal amounts of plant material. A methanol extract was prepared from in vitro cultured plantlets and analyzed by HPLC–SPE–NMR/HPLC–MS. Three iridoid and five caffeoyl phenylethanoid glycosides were identified. These groups of natural compounds were previously reported in the Lentibulariaceae family and have been used as chemotaxonomic markers in related families.     

超临界CO_2流体萃取苦丁茶多糖的工艺优化

为了探讨超临界CO_2萃取广西苦丁茶中多糖的工艺条件,该研究采用超临界CO_2流体萃取技术分离苦丁茶多糖,利用苯酚-硫酸法对苦丁茶多糖含量进行测定,并考察不同萃取温度(35、40、45、50、55、60℃)、萃取压力(20、25、30、35、40、45、50 MPa)、萃取时间(30、60、90、120、150 min)、夹带剂(甲醇、95%甲醇、50%甲醇、无水乙醇、95%乙醇、50%乙醇)以及夹带剂(95%乙醇)用量(2.0、2.5、3、3.5、4.0、4.5、5.0 mL·min~(-1))对多糖得率的影响,通过设计正交实验方案,对超临界CO_2萃取广西苦丁茶多糖的提取工艺进行优化。结果表明:通过单因素和正交实验考察了苦丁茶多糖提取的主要影响因素,得到的最佳萃取工艺条件为萃取温度50℃,萃取压力40 MPa,夹带剂流量3.5 mL·min~(-1),萃取时间150 min;采用苯酚-硫酸法对苦丁茶多糖含量进行测定。在最优萃取条件下得到的苦丁茶多糖的提取率为7.05%。由此可知,采用超临界CO_2流体萃取,具有提取温度低、萃取率高、萃取周期短、低耗以及污染小等优点,适用于苦丁茶多糖的提取。     

Growth and temperature relationships for juvenile fish species in seagrass beds: implications of climate change

The effect of water temperature on growth responses of three common seagrass fish species that co‐occur as juveniles in the estuaries in Sydney (34° S) but have differing latitudinal ranges was measured: Pelates sexlineatus (subtropical to warm temperate: 27–35° S), Centropogon australis (primarily subtropical to warm temperate: 24–37° S) and Acanthaluteres spilomelanurus (warm to cool temperate: below 32° S). Replicate individuals of each species were acclimated over a 7 day period in one of three temperature treatments (control: 22° C, low: 18° C and high: 26° C) and their somatic growth was assessed within treatments over 10 days. Growth of all three species was affected by water temperature, with the highest growth of both northern species (P. sexlineatus and C. australis) at 22 and 26° C, whereas growth of the southern ranging species (A. spilomelanurus) was reduced at temperatures higher than 18° C, suggesting that predicted increase in estuarine water temperatures through climate change may change relative performance of seagrass fish assemblages.     

Decomposing the process of species accumulation into area dependent and time dependent parts

In 1960, Preston predicted that the process of species accumulation in time (species–time relationship, STR) should be similar to the species–area relationship (SAR) and follow a power function with a slope of about 0.26. Here these two conjectures are tested using data of the spatiotemporal species accumulation in a local community of beech forest Hymenoptera. A power function species–area–time model of the form S = S₀ A^z t gave better fits to observed species numbers than a simple power function SAR model, and was able to predict similar species turnover rates (about 9% per year) to those inferred by other methods. The STR was well fitted by a power function, although due the limited time span (8 years) a logarithmic STR pattern cannot be ruled out. STR slopes ranged between 0.01 and 0.23 and were lower than predicted by Preston. Temporal species turnover appeared to be negatively correlated to species densities and positively correlated to species body weights. Ecological guild and taxon membership did not significantly influence temporal species turnover.     

Evaluation of rapid DNA extraction methods for the quantitative detection of fungi using real-time PCR analysis

Three comparatively rapid methods for the extraction of DNA from fungal conidia and yeast cells in environmental (air, water and dust) samples were evaluated for use in real-time PCR (TaqMan™) analyses. A simple bead milling method was developed to provide sensitive, accurate and precise quantification of target organisms in air and water (tap and surface) samples. However, quantitative analysis of dust samples required further purification of the extracted DNA by a streamlined silica adsorption procedure.     

Effect of photoperiod on the size–temperature relationship in a pentatomid bug, Dolycoris baccarum

(1) The effects of photoperiod and temperature on nymphal growth, development and adult size in a pentatomid bug, Dolycoris baccarum, were examined. (2) The temperature–size relationship was not stable but was highly affected by the photoperiod, and showed a geographical variation. (3) There were variations also in the developmental period and the growth rate. (4) The responses to temperature and photoperiod can explain the seasonal and geographical adaptations of the insect, and thus are considered to be important seasonal adaptations in D. baccarum.     

响应面法优化当归中阿魏酸和藁本内酯提取工艺研究

为优化中药材当归中主要活性成分阿魏酸和藁本内酯同时提取的最佳工艺条件,该文以超声波辅助响应面优化当归中阿魏酸和藁本内酯提取工艺,采用氢核磁共振定量方法同时测定当归中阿魏酸和藁本内酯的含量.优化工艺以阿魏酸和藁本内酯含量的综合评分为考察指标,选取乙醇浓度、提取时间、液料比三个主要因素,采用单因素筛选结合Box-Behnk...     

Orthogonal test design for optimization of the extraction of polysaccharides from Phascolosoma esulenta and evaluation of its immunity activity

Yield of polysaccharides from Phascolosoma esulenta obtained by phosphate buffer extraction through an orthogonal experiment (L₉(3)⁴) were investigated to get the best extraction conditions. The results showed that extraction temperature, ratio of phosphate buffer to raw material, extraction time, and ratio of trypsinase to raw material were the main four variables that influenced the yields of extracts. The highest yield was obtained when extraction temperature, ratio of phosphate buffer to raw material, extraction time and ratio of trypsinase to raw material were 40 °C, 2, 5.5 h and 1.6, respectively. The immunity-stimulating method showed that polysaccharides from P. esulenta could significantly raise liver, spleen and thymus index of mice and enhance Con A-stimulated mouse spleen cells proliferation. These results indicate that polysaccharides from P. esulenta had significantly higher immunity-stimulating activities.     

Evidence for numerous analogs of yessotoxin in Protoceratium reticulatum

A solid-phase extract from Protoceratium reticulatum was partitioned between water and butanol and the two fractions purified on an alumina column. Fractionation was monitored by ELISA and LC–MS. Results indicate that while almost all yessotoxin (1) was extracted into butanol, large amounts of yessotoxin analogs remained in the aqueous extract along with lesser amounts in the butanolic extract. NMR analysis of selected fractions from reverse-phase chromatography of the extracts confirmed the presence of yessotoxin analogs, although structure determinations were not possible due to the complexity of the mixtures. Analysis of fractions with LC–MS³ and neutral-loss LC–MS/MS indicated the presence of more than 90 yessotoxin analogs, although structures for most of these have not yet been determined. These analogs provide a mechanism to rationalise the discrepancy between ELISA and LC–MS analyses of algae and shellfish.     

Volatile secretions and epicuticular hydrocarbons of the beetle Ulomoides dermestoides

Many species of tenebrionids produce and secrete a defensive volatile blend containing mainly benzoquinones and alkenes. In this study we characterized the volatile organic compounds (VOC) of the beetle Ulomoides dermestoides (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae). Solid phase microextraction (SPME) coupled to capillary gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (CGC–MS) analysis was used to identify methyl-1,4-benzoquinone (MBQ), ethyl-1,4-benzoquinone (EBQ), 1-tridecene (C_13:1), and 1-pentadecene (C_15:1), representing more than 90% of the volatile blend. We also used CGC–MS to analyze the epicuticular hydrocarbons of U. dermestoides. Saturated, unsaturated, and branched structures with chain lengths ranging from 13 to 43 carbons were detected. n-pentacosane (C_25:0) and 9,11-pentacosadiene (9,11-C_25:2) were the most abundant components, representing more than 40% of the cuticular hydrocarbons.     

Host specificity of a Brazilian mistletoe, Struthanthus aff. polyanthus (Loranthaceae), in cerrado tropical savanna

The aim of this study was to determine if the mistletoe Struthanthus aff. polyanthus shows host specificity, and if host abundance and twig architecture influence this specificity in Cerrado (senso strictu). An area of 1.3 ha of natural savanna was sampled for the occurrence of the mistletoe. The twigs of the hosts were classified as vertical or horizontal, and the bark as smooth or rough. We sampled a total of 666 trees in the study site and 118 individuals (17.7%) hosted S. aff. polyanthus. The abundance of mistletoe was significantly affected by the bark type, but not by the twigs inclination. In the cerrado, S. aff. polyanthus seems to be a generalist, with a tendency to be more common on some hosts (Kielmeyera coriacea, Pouteria ramiflora and Styrax ferrugineus), prefering that with rough bark type.     

Throughfall Nitrogen Deposition Has Different Impacts on Soil Solution Nitrate Concentration in European Coniferous and Deciduous Forests

Increases in the deposition of atmospheric nitrogen (N) influence N cycling in forest ecosystems and can result in negative consequences due to the leaching of nitrate into groundwaters. From December 1995 to February 1998, the Pan-European Programme for the Intensive and Continuous Monitoring of Forest Ecosystems measured forest conditions at a plot scale for conifer and broadleaf forests, including the performance of time series of soil solution chemistry. The influence of various ecosystem conditions on soil solution nitrate concentrations at these forest plots (n = 104) was then analyzed with a statistical model. Soil solution nitrate concentrations varied by season, and summer concentrations were approximately 25% higher than winter ones. Soil solution nitrate concentrations increased dramatically with throughfall (and bulk precipitation) N input for both broadleaf and conifer forests. However, at elevated levels of throughfall N input (more than 10 kg N ha^–1 y^–1), nitrate concentrations were higher in broadleaf than coniferous stands. This tree-specific difference was not observed in response to increased bulk precipitation N input. In coniferous stands, throughfall N input, foliage N concentration, organic layer carbon–nitrogen (C:N) ratio, and nitrate concentrations covaried. Soil solution nitrate concentrations in conifer plots were best explained by a model with throughfall N and organic layer C:N as main factors, where C:N ratio could be replaced by foliage N. The organic layer C:N ratio classes of more than 30, 25–30, and less than 25, as well as the foliage N (mg N g^–1) classes of less than 13, 13–17, and more than 17, indicated low, intermediate, and high risks of nitrate leaching, respectively. In broadleaf forests, correlations between N characteristics were less pronounced, and soil solution nitrate concentrations were best explained by throughfall N and soil pH (0–10-cm depth). These results indicate that the responses of soil solution nitrate concentration to changes in N input are more pronounced in broadleaf than in coniferous forests, because in European forests broadleaf species grow on the more fertile soils.     

Gene expression of jojoba (Simmondsia chinensis) leaves exposed to drying

Jojoba (Simmondsia chinensis (Link) Schnieder) was used to identify genes regulated by wound–water stress. Suppression subtractive hybridization (SSH) was performed using cDNAs prepared from wounded parts of leaves under drying stress as a tester and cDNAs from unstressed parts of leaves as a driver. A forward-subtracted cDNA library was constructed and positive clones were confirmed by differential screening, resulting in 1344 clones as wound–water stress induced. After sequencing and trimming, 838 sequences were further analyzed. Sequence assembly analysis generated 385 unique ESTs. By referring to NCBI database and the functional categories of Arabidopsis thaliana proteins, 139 ESTs in 13 main categories were annotated. The Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) database was used to evaluate the functions of the ESTs and the pathways in which they are involved. Ninety-six genes were identified by KEGG Orthology (KO) identifier. These genes are involved in 63 pathways. Some pathways, such as energy metabolism, lipid metabolism, amino acid metabolism, translation, and MAPK signaling pathway, are associated with wound–water stress. The results from this study are useful in understanding the genetic regulation process under wound–water stress in jojoba.     

Development of an efficient process for the treatment of residual sludge discharged from an anaerobic digester in a sewage treatment plant

In order to reduce the discharge of residual sludge from an anaerobic digester, pre-treatment methods including low-pressure wet-oxidation, Fenton oxidation, alkali treatment, ozone oxidation, mechanical destruction and enzymatic treatment were evaluated and compared. VSS removal efficiencies of greater than 50% were achieved in cases of low-pressure wet-oxidation, Fenton oxidation and alkali treatment. Residual sludge from an anaerobic digester was pre-treated and subjected to thermophilic anaerobic digestion. As a result, the process of low-pressure wet-oxidation followed by anaerobic digestion achieved the highest VSS removal efficiency of 83%. The total efficiency of VSS removal of sewage sludge consisting of primary and surplus sludge would be approximately 92%, assuming that the VSS removal efficiency of sewage sludge is 50% in the anaerobic digester of the sewage treatment plant.