Diversity and N2O Production Potential of Fungi in an Oceanic Oxygen Minimum Zone

Fungi in terrestrial environments are known to play a key role in carbon and nitrogen biogeochemistry and exhibit high diversity. In contrast, the diversity and function of fungi in the ocean has remained underexplored and largely neglected. In the eastern tropical North Pacific oxygen minimum zone, we examined the fungal diversity by sequencing the internal transcribed spacer region 2 (ITS2) and mining a metagenome dataset collected from the same region. Additionally, we coupled 15N-tracer experiments with a selective inhibition method to determine the potential contribution of marine fungi to nitrous oxide (N2O) production. Fungal communities evaluated by ITS2 sequencing were dominated by the phyla Basidiomycota and Ascomycota at most depths. However, the metagenome dataset showed that about one third of the fungal community belong to early-diverging phyla. Fungal N2O production rates peaked at the oxic–anoxic interface of the water column, and when integrated from the oxycline to the top of the anoxic depths, fungi accounted for 18–22% of total N2O production. Our findings highlight the limitation of ITS-based methods typically used to investigate terrestrial fungal diversity and indicate that fungi may play an active role in marine nitrogen cycling

Evaluation of corrosion expansion of reinforced concrete specimen using fiber optical Brillouin sensing technique

This paper investigated the evaluation of the concrete damage degree due to steel bar corrosion for reinforced concrete structures. Brillouin optical fiber time domain analysis (BOTDA) sensors were developed to monitor the steel bar corrosion expansion strain. Electrochemical accelerating experimental results showed the sensors could be used for early detection and the lifelong monitoring. The damage factor was proposed to quantitatively evaluate the concrete damage degree before initial cracking and during the development of cracks. Finite element analysis was performed on concrete specimens to map the monitoring results with the damage factor, which supported the capability of the damage factor

Smartphone based public participant emergency rescue information platform for earthquake zone – “E-Explorer”

Devastating earthquake can often cause the disaster area communication interrupt, traffic paralysis, etc. It is difficult for the emergency rescue force to get the disaster area in time. Therefore, active local participation in the quake-hit areas to aid each other appeals extremely important. The paper is based on a self-developed smartphone software called “E-Explorer”, study its significance and its working methods to help the public participate in the earthquake rescue actively when external network are cut off. “E-Explorer” can help deliver important information for personal survival, let rescue workers locate the positions of survivors trapped, creating an efficient self-help and mutual rescue platform for the earthquake-stricken people

Lidocaine, an anesthetic drug, protects Neuro2A cells against cadmium toxicity

Purpose: To investigate the neuroprotective effect of lidocaine in Neuro2A cells Methods: Differentiated N2a cells were used in this study. Cell viability and neuroprotection were assessed using dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) and trypan blue assays, while Bax/Bcl-2 expression was assayed by western blotting. Mitochondrial membrane potential, reactive oxygen species and calcium levels were measured using flow cytometry. Results: Lidocaine protected differentiated N2a cells against cadmium-induced toxicity, and also attenuated cadmium toxicity-induced changes in mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), reactive oxygen species (ROS) and calcium (Ca2+) levels. Furthermore, Bax/Bcl-2 ratio, which was disrupted by cadmium, and cadmium-induced apoptosis, were reversed by lidocaine. Conclusion: Lidocaine protects differentiated N2a cells against cadmium-induced toxicity by reversing apoptosis. Thus, lidocaine is a potential neuroprotective agent

The future of Airbnb in China: industry perspective from hospitality leaders

This study aims to investigate the development of Airbnb in China from the perspective of hospitality leaders by identifying the positive and negative effects of Airbnb development in the country. A qualitative approach was adopted to explore the current development of theaccommodation sharing service in China. Focus group discussions were conducted with the managers and top executives of hotels in China. Most of the participants affirmed that the experience of local culture and authenticity are the advantages of staying in this type of informal accommodation. From the viewpoint of hoteliers, traditional accommodation types must rethink their strategies by providing desired authentic experiences. By contrast, Airbnb may not seamlessly fit into Chinese culture. The result urges the government to regulate the informal accommodation platforms. The study provides views on Airbnb from the traditional accommodation sector in Mainland China, which can contribute to the future regulation of informal accommodation services