Proximate Composition and Nutrient Elements in the “Unusual” Algal “Jellies” of Lake Oguta in Southern Nigeria

The proximate composition, nutrient and trace elements of the planktonic algal “jellies” of Lake Oguta in Southern Nigeria, are provided as guides to their utilization and control, using flood (rainy) and dry season samples. These “jellies” are an unusual, macroscopic planktonic algal community in the lake, made up mostly of blue-green algae (Microcystis, Anabaena, Chroococcus) with some green algae (e. g. Spirogyra) and pennate diatoms (e.g. Navicula) rather epiphytic on the mucous jellies of the blue-green algae. Water content was high (98.2% mean, range 97.5-99.5%). Ash, protein and fat had values of 41.7 (39.0-46.2%), 16.9 (15.6-19.4%), and 2.0 (1.7-2.1%) respectively. Crude fibre and carbohydrates were high (25.8% and 12.4%). The levels of phosphorus and nitrogen were rather high, so were the major cations whose order of dominance (Ca > K > Mg > Na) differed from that of the lake water. Macronutrients increased in their concentrations during the rainy flood season while the reverse was the case with the micronutrients. Diagenesis of the endogenic minerals rather than anthropogenic factors are thought to be the reason for the seasonal changes in the ionic concentrations. Possible uses of the algal jellies are discussed as well as their control options.     

Preliminary Observations on the Nature,Taxonomic Composition,Distribution, Behaviour and Nutrient Requirements of the “Unusual” Algal “Jellies” of Oguta Lake in Southeastern Nigeria

Preliminary observations were made between October 1982 and May 1983 on the nature, taxonomic composition, spatial distribution, buoyancy behaviour and nutrient requirements of some unusual planktonic algal “jellies” in Oguta Lake in Southeastern Nigeria. These “jellies” are macroscopic, blue-green algal masses whose excessive mucilage of high consistency acts as substrata for other epiphytic components viz. diatoms and green algae. They are more abundant in the lentic areas of the lake, undergo diurnal vertical movements and have their growth enhanced by spikes of nitrogen and phosphorus salts into their aquatic medium. The effects of these “jellies” on the ecology and general water use of the lake are discussed. Speculations on the reasons for their occurrence are given and possible control measures outlined.     

Rapid detection of “Candidatus Phytoplasma mali” by recombinase polymerase amplification assays

Isothermal recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA) assays for the specific detection of “Candidatus Phytoplasma mali (Ca. P. mali),” the causal agent of apple proliferation, were developed. The assays amplify a fragment of the imp gene and amplimers were detected either by fluorescence in real‐time mode (TwistAmp^®exo assay) using a fluorophore‐labelled probe or by direct visualization employing a lateral flow device (TwistAmp^®nfo assay/Milenia^®HybriDetect). The RPA assays specifically amplified DNA from “Ca. P. mali” strains, and cross‐reactivity with other phytoplasmas or plant DNA was not observed. The limit of detection was determined with a cloned imp standard, and positive results were obtained down to 10 copies with both RPA assay formats. In comparison with a TaqMan real‐time PCR assay based on the same target gene, the RPA assays were equally sensitive, but results were obtained faster. Simplified nucleic acid extraction procedures from plant tissue with Tris‐ and CTAB‐based buffers revealed that crude Tris–DNA extracts were a suitable source for RPA tests while larger concentrations of CTAB were inhibitory. This is the first report of RPA‐based assays for the detection of “Ca. P. mali”. The assays are suitable for high‐throughput screening of plant material and point‐of‐care diagnostic and can be potentially combined with a simplified DNA extraction procedure.     

Comparative study of the molecularly imprinted polymers prepared by reversible addition–fragmentation chain transfer “bulk” polymerization and traditional radical “bulk” polymerization

Bisphenol A (BPA) and propranolol‐imprinted polymers have been prepared via both reversible addition–fragmentation chain transfer “bulk” polymerization (RAFTBP) and traditional radical “bulk” polymerization (TRBP) under similar reaction conditions, and their equilibrium binding properties were compared in detail for the first time. The chemical compositions, specific surface areas, equilibrium bindings, and selectivity of the obtained molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) were systematically characterized. The experimental results showed that the MIPs with molecular imprinting effects and quite fast binding kinetics could be readily prepared via RAFTBP, but they did not show improved template binding properties in comparison with those prepared via TRBP, which is in sharp contrast to many previous reports. This could be attributed to the heavily interrupted equilibrium between the dormant species and active radicals in the RAFT mechanism because of the occurrence of fast gelation during RAFTBP. The findings presented here strongly demonstrates that the application of controlled radical polymerizations (CRPs) in molecular imprinting does not always benefit the binding properties of the resultant MIPs, which is of significant importance for the rational use of CRPs in generating MIPs with improved properties. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Biophysical Examinations of the Bending Stability of Various Stele Types and the Upright Axes of Early “Vascular” Land Plants

Biophysical methods allow quantitative deductions as to the “bending effectivity” of various stele types and the contribution of different tissues to the stability of upright plant axes. Considering the first occurrence of the different stele types in geological history, a strong tendency towards a higher “bending effectivity” can be observed. It can be shown that Rhynia gwynne-vaughanii, Aglaophyton major (Rhynia major) and Asteroxylon mackiei as well as probably the vast majority of early “vascular” land plants were turgor systems, i.e. that the parenchyma (when fully turgescent) is by far the most important contributory factor towards the bending stability of the upright axes.     

THE EVOLUTION OF COSTLY MATE PREFERENCES II. THE “HANDICAP” PRINCIPLE

We use a general additive quantitative genetic model to study the evolution of costly female mate choice by the “handicap” principle. Two necessary conditions must be satisfied for costly preference to evolve. The conditions are (i) biased mutation pressure on viability and (ii) a direct relationship between the degree of expression of the male mating character and viability. These two conditions explain the success and failure of previous models of the “handicap” principle. Our model also applies to other sources of fitness variation like migration and host-parasite coevolution, which cause effects equivalent to biased mutation.     

Antagonistic effect of enterocin CCM 4231 from Enterococcus faecium on “bryndza”, a traditional Slovak dairy product from sheep milk

“Bryndza” is a traditional Slovak dairy product (type of soft cheese) made from sheep cheese which was ripened for 14 days. Because its manufacture, transporting and/or storing represent conditions which facilitate contamination, the effect of enterocin CCM4231 in “bryndza” was investigated with the aim to reduce the contaminant agents. “Bryndza” was divided into equal portions (50 g). The experimental sample (ES) as well as the control sample one (C1) were inoculated with Listeria innocua Li1 strain. The other control samples C2 and C3 were without Li1 strain. C3 control was selected as a reference control. ES and C2 portions were treated with purified enterocin CCM4231 in a concentration of 6400 AU/ml. Before the experimental inoculation, “bryndza” was checked for the presence of contaminant agents. The experiment lasted 1 week and the samples were stored in the refrigerator at 4 °C. Sampling was performed on day 1, on day 4 and on day 7. The control samples C2 and C3 were checked only on day 1 and then after 1 week. The following contaminant agents were detected in “bryndza” before its experimental inoculation with L. innocua Li1 strain: Escherichia coli in the amount 10³ cfu/ml/g, Staphylococcus aureus (10² cfu/ml/g) and enterococci (10⁴ cfu/ml/g). In the control sample C2, the number of E. coli was reduced to 10² cfu/ml/g. Enterococci and staphylococci were totally eliminated there. Concerning C3 control, natural decrease of bacteria was found and/or their unchanged counts. The value of pH (5) was stable during the whole experiment. In the experimental sample inoculated with Li1 strain, its counts were decreased immediately after enterocin CCM4231 addition approximately by one order of magnitude. This inhibitory effect was also detectable on day 4 by the difference of one order of magnitude between ES and C1. On day 7, 10³ cfu/ml/g of Li1 strain were detected in both samples (ES, C1). The difference by one order of magnitude indicated, an inhibitory effect of enterocin CCM4231 in “bryndza”. However, bacteriocin activity was not determined by laboratory analyses.     

REPORT OF A NEW INVASIVE ALGA IN THE ATLANTIC UNITED STATES: “HETEROSIPHONIA” JAPONICA IN RHODE ISLAND1

Recent collections of tetrasporangiate “Heterosiphonia” japonica Yendo from Watch Hill to Point Judith, Rhode Island, represent the first report of this nonnative alga in the western Atlantic. Native to the Pacific Ocean, this species was unintentionally introduced into European waters by 1984 and has subsequently invaded the eastern Atlantic Ocean widely from France to Norway and south into the Mediterranean Sea. Thus far, all western Atlantic collections of this species are confined to the outer coast of Rhode Island, and at present are not found in Narragansett Bay or in Long Island Sound along the Connecticut coast. Molecular and morphological studies confirm the identity of this newly introduced invasive species.     

PHYLOGENETIC AFFINITIES OF “CHANTRANSIA” STAGES IN MEMBERS OF THE BATRACHOSPERMALES AND THOREALES (RHODOPHYTA)1

This study evaluated the phylogenetic relationship among samples of “Chantransia” stage of the Batrachospermales and Thoreales from several regions of the world based on sequences of two genes—the plastid‐encoded RUBISCO LSU gene (rbcL) and the nuclear SSU ribosomal DNA gene (SSU rDNA). All sequences of “Chantransia macrospora” were shown to belong to Batrachospermum macrosporum based on both molecular markers, confirming evidence from previous studies. In contrast, nine species are now associated with “Chantransia pygmaea,” including seven species of the Batrachospermales and two of the Thoreales. Therefore, the presence of “C. macrospora” in a stream can be considered reliable evidence that it belongs to B. macrosporum, whereas the occurrence of “C. pygmaea” does not allow the recognition of any particular species, since it is associated with at least nine species. Affinities of “Chantransia” stages to particular taxa were congruent for 70.5% of the samples comparing the rbcL and SSU analyses, which were associated with the same or closely related species for both markers. Sequence divergences have been reported in the “Chantransia” stage in comparison to the respective gametophyte, and this matter deserves further attention.     

An Ultrastable Presodiated Titanium Disulfide Anode for Aqueous “Rocking‐Chair” Zinc Ion Battery

Rechargeable aqueous Zn‐based batteries are attractive candidates as energy storage technology, but the uncontrollable Zn dendrites, low stripping/plating coulombic efficiency, and inefficient utilization of Zn metal limit the battery reliability and energy density. Herein, for the first time, a novel presodiated TiS₂ (Na_0.14TiS₂) is proposed and investigated as an intercalated anode for aqueous Zn‐ion batteries, showing a capacity of 140 mAh g^?1 with a suitable potential of 0.3 V (vs Zn²⁺/Zn) at 0.05 A g^?1 and superior cyclability of 77% retention over 5000 cycles at 0.5 A g^?1. The remarkable performance originates from the buffer phase formation of Na_0.14TiS₂ after chemically presodiating TiS₂, which not only improves the structural reversibility and stability but also enhances the diffusion coefficient and electronic conductivity, and lowers cation migration barrier, as evidenced by a series of experimental and theoretical studies. Moreover, an aqueous “rocking‐chair” Zn‐ion full battery is successfully demonstrated by this Na_0.14TiS₂ anode and ZnMn₂O₄ cathode, which delivers a capacity of 105 mAh g^?1 (for anode) with an average voltage of 0.95 V at 0.05 A g^?1 and preserves 74% retention after 100 cycles at 0.2 A g^?1, demonstrating the feasibility of Zn‐ion full batteries for energy storage applications.     

Glucose biosensor based on nano-SiO2 and “unprotected” Pt nanoclusters

The “unprotected” Pt nanoclusters (average size 2 nm) mixed with the nanoscale SiO₂ particles (average size 13 nm) were used as a glucose oxidase immobilization carrier to fabricate the amperometric glucose biosensor. The bioactivity of glucose oxidase (GOx) immobilized on the composite was maintained and the as-prepared biosensor demonstrated high sensitivity (3.85 μA mM⁻¹) and good stability in glucose solution. The Pt–SiO₂ biosensor showed a detection limit of 1.5 μM with a linear range from 0.27 to 4.08 mM. In addition, the biosensor can be operated under wide pH range (pH 4.9–7.5) without great changes in its sensitivity. Cyclic voltammetry measurements showed a mixed controlled electrode reaction.     

Nonparametric estimation in an “illness‐death” model when all transition times are interval censored

We develop nonparametric maximum likelihood estimation for the parameters of an irreversible Markov chain on states from the observations with interval censored times of 0 → 1, 0 → 2 and 1 → 2 transitions. The distinguishing aspect of the data is that, in addition to all transition times being interval censored, the times of two events (0 → 1 and 1 → 2 transitions) can be censored into the same interval. This development was motivated by a common data structure in oral health research, here specifically illustrated by the data from a prospective cohort study on the longevity of dental veneers. Using the self‐consistency algorithm we obtain the maximum likelihood estimators of the cumulative incidences of the times to events 1 and 2 and of the intensity of the 1 → 2 transition. This work generalizes previous results on the estimation in an “illness‐death” model from interval censored observations.     

Hong Kong’s worst “red tide”—causative factors reflected in a phytoplankton study at Port Shelter station in 1998

From March through April 1998, a massive “red tide” occurred in coastal waters of south China, including Hong Kong. The “red tide” rapidly killed various species of caged fish and affected coral fishes, killing a few of them, and caused great economic loss and ecological damage. Samples collected from a permanent station located in Port Shelter revealed a new dinoflagellate species, Karenia digitata which was suspected to be the causative species of this “red tide”. Species composition and abundance analysis revealed that an algal bloom persisted in Port Shelter during this entire period. Diatoms and dinoflagellates were the two main groups which dominated the phytoplankton and, in general, when there was an increase in the density of diatoms there was a decline in the density of dinoflagellates, and vice versa. The suspected “red tide” causative species together with other dinoflagellate species started to bloom in late February and reached their highest density on 18 March, when fish kills were first reported at Crooked Island, a semi-enclosed bay to the northeast of Hong Kong. During a 16-week period, dinoflagellate species dominated three times, and coincided with low wind speeds. Constant salinity and a continuing increase in sea surface water temperature suggested warm water intrusion into Hong Kong’s coastal waters during this “red tide” bloom period. Various nutrient elements, e.g. NH₄-N, total Kjeldahl nitrogen (TKN), and PO₄-P were high at the beginning of the bloom but experienced a sharp decrease thereafter. It is suggested that this early 1998 massive “red tide” in Hong Kong waters might have been triggered by a synchronous appearance of optimal climatic, nutritional and hydrographic conditions.     

Growth and fecundity of fertile Miscanthus × giganteus (“PowerCane”) compared to feral and ornamental Miscanthus sinensis in a common garden experiment: Implications for invasion

Perennial grasses are promising candidates for bioenergy crops, but species that can escape cultivation and establish self‐sustaining naturalized populations (feral) may have the potential to become invasive. Fertile Miscanthus × giganteus, known as “PowerCane,” is a new potential biofuel crop. Its parent species are ornamental, non‐native Miscanthus species that establish feral populations and are sometimes invasive in the USA. As a first step toward assessing the potential for “PowerCane” to become invasive, we documented its growth and fecundity relative to one of its parent species (Miscanthus sinensis) in competition with native and invasive grasses in common garden experiments located in Columbus, Ohio and Ames, Iowa, within the targeted range of biofuel cultivation. We conducted a 2‐year experiment to compare growth and reproduction among three Miscanthus biotypes—”PowerCane,” ornamental M. sinensis, and feral M. sinensis—at two locations. Single Miscanthus plants were subjected to competition with a native grass (Panicum virgatum), a weedy grass (Bromus inermis), or no competition. Response variables were aboveground biomass, number of shoots, basal area, and seed set. In Iowa, all Miscanthus plants died after the first winter, which was unusually cold, so no further results are reported from the Iowa site. In Ohio, we found significant differences among biotypes in growth and fecundity, as well as significant effects of competition. Interactions between these treatments were not significant. “PowerCane” performed as well or better than ornamental or feral M. sinensis in vegetative traits, but had much lower seed production, perhaps due to pollen limitation. In general, ornamental M. sinensis performed somewhat better than feral M. sinensis. Our findings suggest that feral populations of “PowerCane” could become established adjacent to biofuel production areas. Fertile Miscanthus × giganteus should be studied further to assess its potential to spread via seed production in large, sexually compatible populations.     

Multi‐cycle recovery of lactoferrin and lactoperoxidase from crude whey using fimbriated high‐capacity magnetic cation exchangers and a novel “rotor–stator” high‐gradient magnetic separator

Cerium (IV) initiated “graft‐from” polymerization reactions were employed to convert M‐PVA magnetic particles into polyacrylic acid‐fimbriated magnetic cation exchange supports displaying ultra‐high binding capacity for basic target proteins. The modifications, which were performed at 25 mg and 2.5 g scales, delivered maximum binding capacities (Q_max) for hen egg white lysozyme in excess of 320 mg g^?1, combined with sub‐micromolar dissociation constants (0.45–0.69 µm) and “tightness of binding” values greater than 49 L g^?1. Two batches of polyacrylic acid‐fimbriated magnetic cation exchangers were combined to form a 5 g pooled batch exhibiting Q_max values for lysozyme, lactoferrin, and lactoperoxidase of 404, 585, and 685 mg g^?1, respectively. These magnetic cation exchangers were subsequently employed together with a newly designed “rotor–stator” type HGMF rig, in five sequential cycles of recovery of lactoferrin and lactoperoxidase from 2 L batches of a crude sweet bovine whey feedstock. Lactoferrin purification performance was observed to remain relatively constant from one HGMF cycle to the next over the five operating cycles, with yields between 40% and 49% combined with purification and concentration factors of 37‐ to 46‐fold and 1.3‐ to 1.6‐fold, respectively. The far superior multi‐cycle HGMF performance seen here compared to that observed in our earlier studies can be directly attributed to the combined use of improved high capacity adsorbents and superior particle resuspension afforded by the new “rotor–stator” HGMS design. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2013; 110: 1714–1725. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.