Controls on development and diversity of Early Archean stromatolites

The ≈3,450-million-year-old Strelley Pool Formation in Western Australia contains a reef-like assembly of laminated sedimentary accretion structures (stromatolites) that have macroscale characteristics suggestive of biological influence. However, direct microscale evidence of biology—namely, organic microbial remains or biosedimentary fabrics—has to date eluded discovery in the extensively-recrystallized rocks. Recently-identified outcrops with relatively good textural preservation record microscale evidence of primary sedimentary processes, including some that indicate probable microbial mat formation. Furthermore, we find relict fabrics and organic layers that covary with stromatolite morphology, linking morphologic diversity to changes in sedimentation, seafloor mineral precipitation, and inferred microbial mat development. Thus, the most direct and compelling signatures of life in the Strelley Pool Formation are those observed at the microscopic scale. By examining spatiotemporal changes in microscale characteristics it is possible not only to recognize the presence of probable microbial mats during stromatolite development, but also to infer aspects of the biological inputs to stromatolite morphogenesis. The persistence of an inferred biological signal through changing environmental circumstances and stromatolite types indicates that benthic microbial populations adapted to shifting environmental conditions in early oceans

Thermally induced gluten modification observed with rheology and spectroscopies

The protein vital gluten is mainly used for food while interest for non-food applications, like biodegradable materials, increases. In general, the structure and functionality of proteins is highly dependent on thermal treatments during production or modification. This study presents conformational changes and corresponding rheological effects of vital wheat gluten depending on temperature. Dry samples analyzed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and thermalgravimetric analysis coupled with mass spectrometry (TGA-MS) show surface compositions and conformational changes from 25 to 250 °C. Above 170 °C, XPS reveals a decreased N content at the surface while FTIR band characteristics for β-sheets prove structural changes. At 250 °C, protein denaturation accompanied by a significant mass loss due to dehydration and decarbonylation reactions is observed. Oscillatory measurements of optimally hydrated vital gluten describing network properties of the material show two structural changes along a temperature ramp from 25 to 90 °C: at 56–64 °C, the temperature necessary to trigger structural changes increases with the ratio of gliadin to total protein mass, determined by reversed-phase high performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC). At a temperature of 79–81 °C, complete protein denaturation occurs. FTIR confirms the denaturation process by showing band shifts with both temperature steps

Report of the Terrestrial Bodies Science Working Group. Volume 5: Mars

Present knowledge of the global properties and surface characteraretics of Mars and the composition and dynamics of its atmosphere are reviewed. The objectives of proposed missions, the exploration strategy, and supporting research and technology required are delineated

Advantages of doubly polished thin sections for the study of microfossils in volcanic rock

Doubly polished thin sections, originally prepared for fluid inclusion studies, present great advantages in the study of microfossils in volcanic rocks. Better visibility and light conditions, variation in thickness of the thin sections and the possibility to combine fluid inclusion studies with microfossil studies lead to a wide range of advantages over ordinary thin sections. This includes the study of morphology, internal microstructures, colonies, association with the substrate that microfossils are attached to and geological and environmental context in which the microfossil once lived. When meeting the criteria of microfossil recognition the advantages of doubly polished thin sections are substantial and can be crucial in distinguishing between biogenic microfossils and abiotically formed abiomorphs

An interleukin-1 polymorphism additionally intensified by atopy as prognostic factor for aseptic non-mechanical complications in metal knee and hip arthroplasty

Background: In contrast to infection or mechanical issues joint replacement failure following inflammatory adverse reactions is poorly understood. Objective: To assess the association of IL-1β polymorphisms and history of allergy with aseptic non-mechanical complications following arthroplasty. Methods: In 102 patients with aseptic non-mechanically caused symptomatic knee or hip arthroplasty (SA) and 93 patients with asymptomatic arthroplasty (AA) questionnaire-based history, patch test with at least standard series, lymphocyte transformation test (LTT) with nickel, cobalt and chromium and interleukin-1 polymorphism analysis were done. Three polymorphisms of the IL1B gene [IL-1b -3954 (rs1143634), IL-1b -511 (rs16944) and IL-1b -31 (rs1143627)] and one polymorphism of the IL1RN gene [IL1RN intron 2, variable number of tandem repeats, VNTR (rs2234663)] were assessed by PCR and gel electrophoresis. Results: We found no significant difference in smoking history and atopy but 25% versus 10% of self-reported metal allergy in SA versus AA; the patch test (respective, LTT) for metal sensitivity was more often positive in SA patients. The allele 498 bp of the IL1RN polymorphism occurred significantly more often in the SA group (37% versus 11%; p < 0.0001). Upon additional presence of atopy, the difference was even greater (60% vs 10%) (p < 0.000001). There was no association of IL-1 polymorphisms with metal allergy. Conclusion: The IL1RN VNTR allele 498 bp was strongly associated with SA. In patients with a history of atopy, presence of the IL1RN VNTR allele 498 bp led to a four-fold higher SA prevalence compared to patients without this allele

Origin of Life

The evolution of life has been a big enigma despite rapid advancements in the fields of biochemistry, astrobiology, and astrophysics in recent years. The answer to this puzzle has been as mind-boggling as the riddle relating to evolution of Universe itself. Despite the fact that panspermia has gained considerable support as a viable explanation for origin of life on the Earth and elsewhere in the Universe, the issue remains far from a tangible solution. This paper examines the various prevailing hypotheses regarding origin of life like abiogenesis, RNA World, Iron-sulphur World, and panspermia; and concludes that delivery of life-bearing organic molecules by the comets in the early epoch of the Earth alone possibly was not responsible for kick-starting the process of evolution of life on our planet.Comment: 32 pages, 8 figures,invited review article, minor additio

Evolución de la proteólisis durante la maduración de quesos Danbo elaborados con distintos cultivos iniciadores

La determinación de nitrógeno soluble a pH 4,6 (NNC), nitrógeno soluble en ácido tricloroacético (12 %) (NTCA) y nitrógeno soluble en ácido fosfotúngstico (5 %) (NPTA) se utiliza como índice de maduración de quesos, ya que proporciona información adecuada de la extensión global de la proteólisis. La formación de péptidos y aminoácidos durante la maduración del queso contribuye directamente al desarrollo del sabor y textura del queso, de allí la importancia de conocer si el uso de distintos cultivos iniciadores genera diferencias en el desarrollo de la proteólisis. En este trabajo se estudiaron los cambios proteolíticos durante la maduración de quesos Danbo elaborados con cultivos iniciadores que difieren en la proporción de sus microorganismos componentes: Lote A con: 60 % Streptococcus thermophilus subsp. thermophilus – 40 % (Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis + Lactococcus lactis subsp. cremoris) y Lote B con: 50 % Streptococcus thermophilus subsp. thermophilus – 50 % (Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis y Lactococcus lactis subsp. cremoris). Se analizaron quesos con 0, 15, 30 y 45 días de maduración y se determinó contenido de humedad, pH, contenido de nitrógeno en queso y contenido de nitrógeno de las distintas fracciones nitrogenadas. El lote elaborado con un mayor porcentaje de cultivo mesófilo (Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis y Lactococcus lactis subsp. cremoris), lote B, fue el que presentó mayor proteólisis primaria y mayor formación de oligopéptidos y aminoácidos libres

Human helminth therapy to treat inflammatory disorders - where do we stand?

Parasitic helminths have evolved together with the mammalian immune system over many millennia and as such they have become remarkably efficient modulators in order to promote their own survival. Their ability to alter and/or suppress immune responses could be beneficial to the host by helping control excessive inflammatory responses and animal models and pre-clinical trials have all suggested a beneficial effect of helminth infections on inflammatory bowel conditions, MS, asthma and atopy. Thus, helminth therapy has been suggested as a possible treatment method for autoimmune and other inflammatory disorders in humans

Épocas de dessecação nos atributos pós-colheita de grãos de soja.

Resumo: Visando aumentar a janela de plantio da segunda safra, a aplicação de herbicida dessecante na lavoura de soja antes da maturação fisiológica dos grãos tem sido prática comum no médio norte de Mato Grosso, por parte dos produtores. Assim, objetivou-se, por meio deste trabalho, avaliar o efeito da aplicação de dessecante em diferentes estádios fenológicos da lavoura de soja nos aspectos físicos e químicos dos grãos, em Sinop-MT, durante a safra da soja 2018/19. As cultivares BRS 7980 e M 8372 IPRO foram dessecadas em cinco estádios fenológicos distintos (R5.5, R6, R7.1, R7.3, R8.1). Após a colheita, os grãos foram secos, limpos e classificados. Em seguida, determinou-se a massa específica aparente, a massa de mil grãos e os componentes de composição centesimal (fibra bruta, extrato etéreo, proteína, cinzas, carboidrato e água). A antecipação da dessecação reduziu a massa de mil grãos, aumentou a massa específica aparente e diminuiu a quantidade de óleo nos grãos. A aplicação do herbicida dessecante no estádio recomendado reduziu as injúrias causadas por patógenos nos grãos de soja das duas cultivares. | Abstract: In order to increase the planting window of the second crop, some producers have used an application of desiccant herbicide before physiological maturation of soybeans in the middle northern of Mato Grosso. The objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of desiccant application at different stages of maturation of soybean crops, and to evaluate the influence of this operation on physical and chemical aspects of the grains. We used grains from cultivars BRS 7980 and M 8372 IPRO. For each cultivar evaluated, desiccation occurred in five phenological stages (R5.5, R6, R7.1, R7.3, R8.1). After harvesting, the beans were dried, cleaned and classified. The anticipation of desiccation reduced the mass of a thousand grains, increased the apparent specific mass and decreased the amount of oil in the grains. The application of the desiccant herbicide at the recommended stage reduced the deterioration of the grains in the field, caused by pathogens