Response of Fish Communities to Habitat Alteration in a Small Ozark Stream

From 1984 to 1986, the Arkansas Highway and Transportation Department reconstructed and upgraded a portion of St. Hwy. 123 west of St. Hwy.7 at Pelsor, Arkansas. As a result of the construction, portions of Haw Creek, Johnson County, Arkansas, a third order stream in the Boston Mountains Ecoregion, were straightened and channelized. In reconstructing specific stream reaches, stream banks were riprapped and vegetated, gabions constructed and positioned, stream substrates and pool-riffle ratios altered. Instream and riparian habitat and fish biomass and diversity in altered reaches were radically altered. Channelized reaches became wide and shallow, lacking overstory cover and pools. Substrate particle size changed from boulder/rubble to rubble/gravel/sand and velocity increased. Fish communities in channeled reaches simple; Campostoma anomalum, Notropis boops, and Etheostoma spectabile accounted for more than 80 percent of all fish captured. This represented a shift from piscivore and insectivorepiscivore to herbivore and insectivore dominated feeding guilds. Natural channel reaches had more complex fish communities and greater abundance of centrarchids and ictalurids, primarily deeper water groups. Immediately after channelization, altered reaches had a larger biomass than natural reaches (0.43-0.26 g/m^2 ). The summer following alteration, channeled segments were basically dewatered, and biomass decreased dramatically (0.06-0.1 1 g/m^2). One year post channelization, altered reaches had eroded, scoured and deepened at their headwaters, and embedded. Fish community composition in altered reaches s stabilizing to a riffle-type assemblage dominated by the herbivore Campostoma anomalum

Oleacein and foam cell formation in human monocyte-derived macrophages: a potential strategy against early and advanced atherosclerotic lesions

Background: Oleacein is a secoiridoid group polyphenol found mostly in Olea europea L. and Ligustrum vulgare L. (Oleaceae). The aim of the present study was to investigate a potential role of oleacein in prevention of the foam cell formation. Materials and Methods: Oleacein was isolated from Ligustrum vulgare leaves. Human monocyte-derived macrophages were obtained from monocytes cultured with Granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF)Then, cells were incubated with 20 M or 50 M of oleacein and with oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL) (50 g/mL). Visualization of lipid deposition within macrophages was carried out using Oil-Red-O. Expression of CD36, Scavenger receptor A1 (SRA1) and Lectin-like oxidized low-density lipoprotein receptor 1 (LOX-1) was determined by Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and by flow cytometry. Apoptosis was determined by flow cytometry using Annexin V assay. STAT3 and Acyl-coenzyme A:cholesterol acyltransferase type 1 (ACAT1)levels were determined by ELISA. P-STAT3, P-JAK1, P-JAK2 expressions were determined by Western blot (WB). Results: Oleacein in dose-dependent manner significantly reduced lipid deposits in macrophages as well as their expression of selected scavenger receptors. The highest decrease of expression was found for CD36 and SRA1 receptors, from above 20% to more than 75% compared to oxLDL and the lowest for LOX-1 receptor, from approx. 8% to approx. 25% compared to oxLDL-stimulated macrophages. Oleacein significantly reduced (2.5-fold) early apoptosis of oxLDL-stimulated macrophages. Moreover, oleacein significantly increased the protein expression of JAK/STAT3 pathway and had no effect on ACAT1 level. Conclusions: Our study demonstrates, for the first time, that oleacein inhibits foam cell formation in human monocyte-derived macrophages and thus can be a valuable tool in the prevention of early and advanced atherosclerotic lesions

British Association for Biological Anthropology and Osteoarchaeology: Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Race Equality Review

Racism continues to be widespread, subtle and often ignored or selectively attended to within organisations. This review sought to evaluate the British Association for Biological Anthropology and Osteoarchaeology (BABAO)’s existing race equality practices, to further support its movement towards becoming an antiracist organisation. The review arose from a commitment by BABAO to interrogate its current structures and redress problematic cultures within the organisation, following a member of colour expressing concerns. In itself, this provides an encouraging example both of the reflexivity of the organisation and the power of a single voice. Through focus groups and surveys, insights were gained with regards to the organisational culture and in response to issues concerning equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI), particularly regarding the need for BABAO to become a more racially literate organisation. The review attempted to glean members’ understanding of anti-racism and how some cultures within the organisation may be racially exclusive or marginalising. In addition to this, the reviewers engaged with stakeholders about where areas could be improved within BABAO in continuing their work towards becoming a racially cognizant organisation. Responses gleaned from the focus groups and survey questionnaire distributed to members revealed that BABAO as an organisation has made some tentative first steps towards race equality, but has some way to go. The paucity of Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic members made gaining perspectives a challenge in relation to experiences of racial discrimination. In itself, this is an indicator that inclusion is an area for growth and reflection. Other key findings included issues with reporting structures and governance processes, with a need for strong and courageous leadership to drive forward conversations around race and racism; a need for training and work to improve racial literacy of the organisation and its members; and a lack of engagement and participation from current members in EDI issues. Nevertheless, the review also indicated that the organisation has made significant strides towards establishing anti-racist practices and are working diligently to engage all members in this endeavour. To this end, the conclusions and recommendations provided aim to enhance current action and further enable BABAO to achieve an anti-racist, inclusive organisational culture.Based on the considerations outlined throughout the report, there were twenty-seven recommendations made. They reflect the need to build a foundation of awareness, understanding and safety upon which to develop a culture of learning, reflection and shared, collective action. High-level recommendations are synthesised below, with further detail in the body of the report

Aquaporin–graphene interface: relevance to point-of-care device for renal cell carcinoma and desalination

© 2018 The Author(s) Published by the Royal Society. All rights reserved. The aquaporin superfamily of hydrophobic integral membrane proteins constitutes water channels essential to the movement of water across the cell membrane, maintaining homeostatic equilibrium. During the passage of water between the extracellular and intracellular sides of the cell, aquaporins act as ultra-sensitive filters. Owing to their hydrophobic nature, aquaporins self-assemble in phospholipids. If a proper choice of lipids is made then the aquaporin biomimetic membrane can be used in the design of an artificial kidney. In combination with graphene, the aquaporin biomimetic membrane finds practical application in desalination and water recycling using mostly Escherichia coli AqpZ. Recently, human aquaporin 1 has emerged as an important biomarker in renal cell carcinoma. At present, the ultra-sensitive sensing of renal cell carcinoma is cumbersome. Hence, we discuss the use of epitopes from monoclonal antibodies as a probe for a point-of-care device for sensing renal cell carcinoma. This device works by immobilizing the antibody on the surface of a single-layer graphene, that is, as a microfluidic device for sensing renal cell carcinoma

Preliminary evaluation of central nervous system activity of (E)-N-2-methyl-3-phenylprop-2-enyl ((E)-N- α-methylcinnamyl) derivatives of selected aminoalkanols

A series of (E)-α-methylcinnamyl derivatives of selected aminoalkanols was synthetized and evaluated for activity in central nervous system. All compounds were tested as anticonvulsants and one additionally in antidepressant- and anxiolytic-like assays. The compounds possessed pharmacophoric elements regarded as beneficial for anticonvulsant activity: hydrophobic unit and two hydrogen bonds donor/acceptor features. The compounds were verified in mice after intraperitoneal (i.p.) administration in maximal electroshock (MES) and subcutaneous pentetrazole (scPTZ) induced seizures as well as neurotoxicity assessments. Eight of the tested substances showed protection in MES test at the dose of 100 mg/kg. The derivative of 2 aminopropan-1-ol was also tested in 6-Hz test in mice i.p. and showed anticonvulsant activity but at the same time the neurotoxicity was noted. The derivative of 2-amino-1-phenylethanol which possessed additional hydrophobic unit in aminoalkanol moiety was tested in other in vivo assays to evaluate antidepressant- and anxiolytic-like activity. The compound proved beneficial properties especially as anxiolytic agent remaining active in four-plate test in mice at the dose of 2.5 mg/kg (i.p.). In vitro biotransformation studies of 2-amino-1-phenylethanol derivative carried out in mouse liver microsomal assay indicated two main metabolites as a result of aliphatic and aromatic hydroxylation or aliphatic carbonylation. To identify possible mechanism of action, we evaluated serotonin receptors (5-HT1A, 5-HT6 and 5-HT7) binding affinities of the compounds but none of them proved to bind to any of tested receptors

Computer simulations of electrodiffusion problems based on Nernst-Planck and Poisson equations

A numerical procedure based on the method of lines for time-dependent electrodiffusion transport has been developed. Two types of boundary conditions (Neumann and Dirichlet) are considered. Finite difference space discretization with suitably selected weights based on a non-uniform grid is applied. Consistency of this method and the method put forward by Brumleve and Buck are analysed and compared. The resulting stiff system of ordinary differential equations is effectively solved using the RADAU5, RODAS and SEULEX integrators. The applications to selected electrochemical systems: liquid junction, bi-ionic case, ion selective electrodes and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy have been demonstrated. In the paper we promote the use of the full form of the Nernst-Planck and Poisson (NPP) equations, that is including explicitly the electric field as an unknown variable with no simplifications like electroneutrality or constant field assumptions. An effective method of the numerical solution of the NPP problem for arbitrary number of ionic species and valence numbers either for a steady state or a transient state is shown. The presented formulae - numerical solutions to the NPP problem - are ready to be implemented by anyone. Moreover, we make the resulting software freely available to anybody interested in using it. (C) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved

New spirohydantoin derivatives : synthesis, pharmacological evaluation and molecular modeling study

A series of new arylpiperazinylpropyl derivatives of 8/6-phenyl-1,3-diazaspiro[4.5]decan-2,4-dione and spiro[imidazolidine-4,1í-indene/naphthalene]-2,5-dione was synthesized and their affinity was evaluated toward serotonin 5-HT1A, 5-HT2A, 5-HT7 receptors, dopaminergic D2, D3 receptors, adrenergic α1 receptors, and serotonin transporter (SERT). The highest affinity for serotonin 5-HT1A/2A/7 receptors was found for compounds containing a tetralin or indane moiety in the imide part. Among these, two compounds (19, 20) were selected for further pharmacological in vivo studies. A binding mode of representative molecule 19, which behaved as a 5-HT1A agonist and weak 5-HT7 antagonist in the site of 5-HT1A/7, was also analyzed in computationa studies. Moreover, two highly selective (9 and 11) 5-HT2A receptor antagonists were obtained

Regression, developmental trajectory and associated problems in disorders in the autism spectrum: the SNAP study

We report rates of regression and associated findings in a population derived group of 255 children aged 9-14 years, participating in a prevalence study of autism spectrum disorders (ASD); 53 with narrowly defined autism, 105 with broader ASD and 97 with non-ASD neurodevelopmental problems, drawn from those with special educational needs within a population of 56,946 children. Language regression was reported in 30% with narrowly defined autism, 8% with broader ASD and less than 3% with developmental problems without ASD. A smaller group of children were identified who underwent a less clear setback. Regression was associated with higher rates of autistic symptoms and a deviation in developmental trajectory. Regression was not associated with epilepsy or gastrointestinal problems

Modeling Non Equilibrium Potentiometry to Understand and Control Selectivity and Detection Limit

The majority of present theoretical interpretations of ion-sensor response focus on phase boundary potentials. They assume electroneutrality and equilibrium or steady-state, thus ignoring electrochemical migration and time-dependent effects, respectively. These theoretical approaches, owing to their idealizations, make theorizing on ion distributions and electrical potentials in space and time domains impossible. Moreover, they are in conflict with recent experimental reports on ion-sensors, in which both kinetic (time-dependent) discrimination of ions to improve selectivity, and non-equilibrium transmembrane ion-transport for lowering detection limits, are deliberately used.For the above reasons, the Nernst-Planck-Poisson (NPP) equations are employed here to model the non-equilibrium response in a mathematically congruent manner. In the NPP model, electroneutrality and steady-state/equilibrium assumptions are abandoned. Consequently, directly predicting and visualizing the selectivity and the low detection limit variability over time, as well as the influence of other parameters, i.e. ion diffusibility, membrane thickness and permittivity, and primary to interfering ion concentration ratios on ion-sensor responses, are possible. Additionally, the NPP allows for solving the inverse problem i.e. searching for optimal sensor properties and measurement conditions via target functions and hierarchical modeling. The conditions under which experimentally measured selectivity coefficients are true (unbiased) and detection limits are optimized are demonstrated, and practical conclusions relevant to clinical measurements and bioassays are derived

Breakthrough in Modeling of Electrodiffusion Processes; Continuation and Extensions of the Classical Work of Richard Buck

In 1978 Brumleve and Buck published an important paper [1] pertaining to numerical modeling of electrodiffusion. At the time their approach was not immediately recognized and followed. However, it has changed since the beginning of 21st century. The approach of Brumleve and Buck based on Nernst-Planck-Poisson (NPP) equations is utilized to model transient behavior of various electrochemical processes. Multi-layers and reactions allow extending applications to selectivity and low detection limit with time variability, influence of parameters (ion diffusivities, membrane thickness, permittivity, rate constants), and ion interference on ion-sensor responses. Solution of NPP inverse problem allows for optimizing sensor properties and measurement environment. Conditions under which experimentally measured selectivity coefficients are true (unbiased) and detection limit is optimized are demonstrated. Impedance spectra obtained directly from NPPs are presented. Modeling durability and diagnosis of reinforced concrete is presented. Chlorides transport in concrete is modeled using NPPs and compared to other solutions