42 research outputs found

    Anaerobic removal of 1-methoxy-2-propanol under ambient temperature in an EGSB reactor

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    Two laboratory-scale expanded granular sludge bed (EGSB) reactors were operated at 18 and 25 C, respectively, for the treatment of synthetic wastewater composed of ethanol and 1-methoxy-2-propanol (M2P) in a mass ratio of 4:1. Reactors were operated first with continuous wastewater supply and after with discontinuous substrate supply (5 days a week, 16 h a day) to simulate shift working conditions. Under continuous wastewater supply chemical oxygen demand (COD), removal efficiency higher than 95 % was achieved at the end of the trial applying organic loading rates (OLR) of 29 and 43 kg COD m-3 day-1 at 18 and 25 C; thus, corresponding to M2P OLR of 6.4 and 9.3 kg COD m-3 day-1, respectively. During intermittent supply of substrate, good performance was recorded at both temperatures with an OLR of 30 kg COD m-3 day-1 (M2P OLR of 6.6 kg COD m-3 day-1). After 56 h without substrate supply, a decline in methane yield of 15¿30 % was observed due to the deactivation of the biomass. Specific methanogenic activity (SMA) assays were carried out at the end of the experiments. SMA values using 1-methoxy-2-propanol as substrate were 24.3 and 7.8 ml CH4 gVSS-1 day-1 at 25 C and at 18 C, respectively. This is the first attempt to investigate the removal of 1-methoxy-2-propanol by EGSB reactors

    Towards Establishment of a Rice Stress Response Interactome

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    Rice (Oryza sativa) is a staple food for more than half the world and a model for studies of monocotyledonous species, which include cereal crops and candidate bioenergy grasses. A major limitation of crop production is imposed by a suite of abiotic and biotic stresses resulting in 30%–60% yield losses globally each year. To elucidate stress response signaling networks, we constructed an interactome of 100 proteins by yeast two-hybrid (Y2H) assays around key regulators of the rice biotic and abiotic stress responses. We validated the interactome using protein–protein interaction (PPI) assays, co-expression of transcripts, and phenotypic analyses. Using this interactome-guided prediction and phenotype validation, we identified ten novel regulators of stress tolerance, including two from protein classes not previously known to function in stress responses. Several lines of evidence support cross-talk between biotic and abiotic stress responses. The combination of focused interactome and systems analyses described here represents significant progress toward elucidating the molecular basis of traits of agronomic importance

    Comparative genomics reveals diversity among xanthomonads infecting tomato and pepper

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    <p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Bacterial spot of tomato and pepper is caused by four <it>Xanthomonas </it>species and is a major plant disease in warm humid climates. The four species are distinct from each other based on physiological and molecular characteristics. The genome sequence of strain 85-10, a member of one of the species, <it>Xanthomonas euvesicatoria </it>(<it>Xcv</it>) has been previously reported. To determine the relationship of the four species at the genome level and to investigate the molecular basis of their virulence and differing host ranges, draft genomic sequences of members of the other three species were determined and compared to strain 85-10.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>We sequenced the genomes of <it>X. vesicatoria </it>(<it>Xv</it>) strain 1111 (ATCC 35937), <it>X. perforans </it>(<it>Xp</it>) strain 91-118 and <it>X. gardneri </it>(<it>Xg</it>) strain 101 (ATCC 19865). The genomes were compared with each other and with the previously sequenced <it>Xcv </it>strain 85-10. In addition, the molecular features were predicted that may be required for pathogenicity including the type III secretion apparatus, type III effectors, other secretion systems, quorum sensing systems, adhesins, extracellular polysaccharide, and lipopolysaccharide determinants. Several novel type III effectors from <it>Xg </it>strain 101 and <it>Xv </it>strain 1111 genomes were computationally identified and their translocation was validated using a reporter gene assay. A homolog to Ax21, the elicitor of XA21-mediated resistance in rice, and a functional Ax21 sulfation system were identified in <it>Xcv</it>. Genes encoding proteins with functions mediated by type II and type IV secretion systems have also been compared, including enzymes involved in cell wall deconstruction, as contributors to pathogenicity.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>Comparative genomic analyses revealed considerable diversity among bacterial spot pathogens, providing new insights into differences and similarities that may explain the diverse nature of these strains. Genes specific to pepper pathogens, such as the O-antigen of the lipopolysaccharide cluster, and genes unique to individual strains, such as novel type III effectors and bacteriocin genes, have been identified providing new clues for our understanding of pathogen virulence, aggressiveness, and host preference. These analyses will aid in efforts towards breeding for broad and durable resistance in economically important tomato and pepper cultivars.</p

    Examining the generalizability of research findings from archival data

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    This initiative examined systematically the extent to which a large set of archival research findings generalizes across contexts. We repeated the key analyses for 29 original strategic management effects in the same context (direct reproduction) as well as in 52 novel time periods and geographies; 45% of the reproductions returned results matching the original reports together with 55% of tests in different spans of years and 40% of tests in novel geographies. Some original findings were associated with multiple new tests. Reproducibility was the best predictor of generalizability-for the findings that proved directly reproducible, 84% emerged in other available time periods and 57% emerged in other geographies. Overall, only limited empirical evidence emerged for context sensitivity. In a forecasting survey, independent scientists were able to anticipate which effects would find support in tests in new samples

    Examining the generalizability of research findings from archival data

    Get PDF
    This initiative examined systematically the extent to which a large set of archival research findings generalizes across contexts. We repeated the key analyses for 29 original strategic management effects in the same context (direct reproduction) as well as in 52 novel time periods and geographies; 45% of the reproductions returned results matching the original reports together with 55% of tests in different spans of years and 40% of tests in novel geographies. Some original findings were associated with multiple new tests. Reproducibility was the best predictor of generalizability—for the findings that proved directly reproducible, 84% emerged in other available time periods and 57% emerged in other geographies. Overall, only limited empirical evidence emerged for context sensitivity. In a forecasting survey, independent scientists were able to anticipate which effects would find support in tests in new samples

    Oxidative stress in NIDDM patients: influence of coriander (Coriandrum sativum) seeds.

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    ABSTRACT Oxidative stress is increased in diabetic patients since persistent hyperglycemia causes an increased production of oxygen free radicals through autoxidation of glucose and non-enzymatic glycation of proteins. Increased levels of the products of oxidative damage to lipids and proteins have been detected in the serum of diabetic patients. Administration of coriander seeds (5g/day) to NIDDM patients for 60 days countered oxidative stress as evidenced by significantly decreased lipid peroxidation, protein oxidation and decreased activity of erythrocyte catalase (CAT), increased serum carotene, vitamin A, E and C in diabetics treated with coriander seeds. Besides, the treatment increased the activity of erythrocyte antioxidant enzyme i.e. glutathione-Stransferase (GST) and reduced glutathione content (GSH) in the treated diabetics. In conclusion, the treatment with coriander seeds ameliorated oxidative stress in diabetics due to the synergistic action of antioxidant phytochemicals, carotenoids, flavonoids etc. present in the seeds. From the findings of the study, the seeds are identified to possess antioxidant potential and hence, may be prescribed as adjunct to dietary therapy to combat oxidative stress in NIDDM patients

    Bioactive phytoconstituents in methanolic extract and ethyl acetate fraction of methanolic extract of coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.) seeds

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    Abstract Identifying bioactive compounds and establishing their health effects are active areas of scientific inquiry. The discovery of novel health effects of bioactive compounds will provide the scientific basis for future efforts to use biotechnology to modify/fortify foods and food components as a means to improve pu blic health. Coriander is one of the oldest spices, possessing multiple traditional health benefits. The present investigation was aimed to identify some of the phenolic compounds present in the methanolic extract of coriander seeds using various analytical techniques. The RP-HPLC analysis revealed chlorogenic acid to be predominant in the extract, followed by rutin, caffeic acid and quercetin. High performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC) of ethyl acetate fraction revealed the presence of many phenolic compounds, out of which quercetin and rutin could be identified and quantified; rutin being predominant in the fraction, followed by quercetin. Analysis using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy through 1 H, 13 C, and IR spectra indicated the E2 compound (obtained from ethyl acetate fraction) to be hydrocarbon in nature. Thus, coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.) seeds are a promising source of phytochemicals with wide applications in the prevention and treatment of diseases induced by free radicals
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