This paper provides an updated classification of the Kingdom Fungi (including fossil fungi) and fungus-like taxa. Five-hundred and twenty-three (535) notes are provided for newly introduced taxa and ...for changes that have been made since the previous outline. In the discussion, the latest taxonomic changes in Basidiomycota are provided and the classification of Mycosphaerellales are broadly discussed. Genera listed in Mycosphaerellaceae have been confirmed by DNA sequence analyses, while doubtful genera (DNA sequences being unavailable but traditionally accommodated in Mycosphaerellaceae) are listed in the discussion. Problematic genera in Glomeromycota are also discussed based on phylogenetic results.
Seasonal progression of dissolved iron (DFe) concentrations in the upper water column was examined during four occupations in the Atlantic sector of the Southern Ocean. DFe inventories from euphotic ...and aphotic reservoirs decreased progressively from July to February, while dissolved inorganic nitrogen decreased from July to January with no significant change between January and February. Results suggest that between July and January, DFe loss from both euphotic and aphotic reservoirs was predominantly in support of phytoplankton growth (iron‐to‐carbon uptake ratio of 16 ± 3 μmol/mol), highlighting the importance of the “winter DFe reservoir” for biological uptake. During January to February, excess loss of DFe relative to dissolved inorganic nitrogen (iron‐to‐carbon uptake ratio of 44 ± 8 μmol/mol and aphotic DFe loss rate of 0.34 ± 0.06 μmol·m−2·day−1) suggests that scavenging is the dominant removal mechanism of DFe from the aphotic, while continued production is likely supported by recycled nutrients.
Plain Language Summary
Trace metal iron is one of the limiting nutrients for primary productivity in the Southern Ocean; however, the relative importance of seasonal iron supply and sinks remains poorly understood, due to sparse data coverage across the seasonal cycle and lack of high‐resolution dissolved iron (DFe) measurements. Here we present four “snapshots” of DFe measurements at a single station in the southeast Southern Atlantic Ocean (one in winter and three in late spring‐summer), to address the seasonal evolution of DFe and dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN) concentrations within the biologically active sunlit and subsurface reservoirs. We observed a seasonal depletion of DFe inventories from July to February, while DIN inventories decrease from July to January with no concomitant changes between January and February. This suggests that in addition to biological uptake in the sunlit layer, the observed decrease in DFe inventories below this (relative to DIN) is driven by aggregation and incorporation of iron particles into larger “marine snow” sinking particles, while nutrient recycling is driving the observed continuation of primary productivity during late summer. Our results provide insight into seasonal change of DFe availability in different reservoirs where interplay between removal and supply processes are controlling its distributions and bioavailability to support upper surface primary production.
Key Points
We report the first seasonal changes of the upper surface dissolved iron concentrations of four occupations from late winter to late summer
Euphotic zone dissolved iron decreases due to biological uptake, while aphotic iron decreases due to colloidal aggregation and scavenging
Recycling of nutrients might be responsible for sustaining the observed seasonal primary production in late January to early February
The kinetics of oxide formation in the presence of water vapour are discussed and compared with oxidation in dry atmospheres. The main protective oxide systems are considered, i.e. alumina, chromia, ...silica, titania and iron and nickel oxides, and with the possible exceptions of alumina and nickel oxide, oxidation rates are increased by the presence of water vapour. Scale morphology is also influenced by water vapour, and an important observation is that whisker formation is encouraged; this is believed to be due to the more rapid dissociation of water vapour compared to oxygen. In general, water vapour promotes the formation of a more porous scale. This is related to an increase in cation diffusion and consequent vacancy condensation, thereby developing a porous structure. The thermochemistry of oxide formation is discussed, and here oxide stability and hydroxide formation are considered. A significant observation is that where hydroxides or oxyhydroxides form, they generally have higher volatility than the corresponding oxide, and this leads to loss of protection.
The effect of water vapour on oxide growth processes is considered. It is demonstrated that all aspects of oxide growth including adsorption, dissociation and diffusion of reactants are altered in the presence of water vapour compared with similar processes in dry conditions. The important first stages of the reaction involving adsorption and dissociation are controlled by the catalytic activity and acid base nature of oxides. For oxides formed at high temperatures very limited information is available, but, in general, data obtained at room temperature is confirmed and strongly suggests that dissociation of any gas molecule is favoured by defects in the surface. Dissociation of water seems to be more rapid at lower temperatures than, for example, oxygen, but this difference may be less pronounced at higher temperatures. Fast diffusion of water in oxides is possible due to “proton hopping”, in which protons localised at oxide ions move by transfer from one oxygen to another. Since the OH
− ion concentration is increased there is a resultant increase in cation vacancies, and this, in part, is responsible for the observed increase in oxidation rates. A further factor to consider is the possibility of molecular diffusion, and it has been demonstrated that where pores or voids are present in the scale, and the void contains both hydrogen and water vapour, oxidation of the surface nearest the metal will occur by reaction with water to form new oxide and the reaction product hydrogen, while a reduction reaction occurs at the surface of the void nearest the gas phase to produce water vapour. Thus it can be seen that this process provides for rapid inward diffusion of oxygen while the void gradually moves outwards from the metal/oxide interface to the oxide/gas interface.
Finally, the review considers the effect of water vapour on the mechanical properties of the scale. Scale adhesion can be improved (iron oxides) or made worse (alumina and chromia) by the presence of water vapour. It is shown that while there is experimental evidence for altered mechanical behaviour, there is very little data on relevant mechanical properties. It is possible, therefore, that water vapour either alters mechanical properties of some oxides, or, as has been demonstrated, the oxide growth process has been changed. Alternatively, at least for the cases where increased oxidation rates were caused by the presence of water vapour, the observed differences between wet and dry behaviour may simply be a function of the greater scale thickness. A significant effort has been made to develop models that can be used to predict the onset scale spallation observed in industrial boilers using process steam. The further development of these models is strongly dependent upon obtaining relevant input data, and this is considered a major challenge for materials scientists.
Some areas for future research are proposed.
Hypovitaminosis D has been identified as a possible new cardiovascular risk factor. However, the results of studies correlating serum vitamin D levels with markers of subclinical atherosclerosis have ...been conflicting. The aim of this study was to correlate serum levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D 25(OH)D with carotid intima-media thickness (C-IMT) and conventional cardiovascular risk factors in Afro-descendants. A cross-sectional analysis was performed on a sample of 382 individuals from a cohort of descendants of African slaves, inhabitants of "Quilombola" communities, with a mean age of 57.79 ±15.3 years, 54.5% of whom were women. Socio-demographic and clinical data were collected and biochemical tests were performed, including serum levels of 25(OH)D by electrochemiluminescence and urinary albumin excretion, evaluated by the albumin/creatinine ratio (ACR) in a spot urine sample. All participants underwent high-resolution ultrasonography for C-IMT measurement. Hypovitaminosis D was defined as serum 25(OH)D levels <30 ng/mL. The mean serum 25(OH)D levels were 50.4±13.5 ng/mL, with a low prevalence of hypovitaminosis D (4.86%). By simple linear correlation, a significant inverse association between 25(OH)D levels and C-IMT (r=-0.174, P=0.001) was observed. However, after multiple linear regression analysis, the significance of the association between serum levels of 25(OH)D and C-IMT measurement was lost (β=-0.039, P=0.318) and only male gender, age, smoking, systolic blood pressure, glucose and low density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol remained significantly associated with C-IMT. Levels of 25(OH)D were independently and positively associated with HDL-cholesterol and inversely associated with age and ACR. In conclusion, no independent association between 25(OH)D levels and C-IMT was observed in this population. On the other hand, there was an inverse association with albuminuria, a marker of endothelial lesion.
Envenomation caused by Bothrops alternatus is common in Southern Brazil. Acute Kidney Injury occurs after Bothrops snakebite and more information is necessaryrequired to understand its mechanism.
The ...objective was to evaluate the effect of Bothrops alternatus venom (BaV) on renal cells and rat isolated kidney function.
Wistar rats (n = 6, weighing 260-320 g) were perfused with a Krebs-Henseleit solution containing 6 g 100 mL-1 of bovine serum albumin. After 30 minutes, the kidneys were perfused with BaV to a final concentration of 1 and 3 μgmL-1; and subsequently were evaluated for Perfusion Pressure (PP), Renal Vascular Resistance (RVR), Urinary Flow (UF), Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR), and percentage of electrolyte tubular transport. Renal histological analysis, cytokine release, oxidative stress and cytotoxicity in renal proximal tubular cells were assessed.
BaV reduced PP, RVR, GFR, UF, total and proximal sodium transport (%TNa+), and chloride (%TCl-) in the isolated kidney perfusion model. Histological analysis of perfused kidneys disclosed the presence of proteinaceous material in the glomeruli and renal tubules, vacuolar tubular epithelial cell degeneration, Bowman's capsule degeneration, swelling of glomerular epithelial cells, glomerular atrophy and degeneration, and the presence of intratubular protein. Cytokine release (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-10) and oxidative stress were increased in the kidneys. The viability of LLC-MK2 cells (IC50: 221.3 μg/mL) was decreased by BaV and necrosis was involved in cell death.
These findings indicate that BaV modifies functional parameters in an isolated perfused kidney model and has cytotoxic effects on renal lineage cells.
There is currently exponential growth in the electric vehicle market, which will require an increase in the electrical grid capacity to meet the associated charging demand. If, on the one hand, the ...introduction of energy generation from renewable energy sources can be used to meet that requirement, the intermittent nature of some of these sources will challenge the mandatory real-time equilibrium between generation and consumption. In order to use most of the energy generated via these sources, mechanisms are required to manage the charging of batteries in electric vehicles, according to the levels of generation. An effective smart charging process requires communication and/or control mechanisms between the supply equipment and the electric vehicle, enabling the adjustment of the energy transfer according to the generation levels. At this level, the ISO 15118 standard supports high-level communication mechanisms, far beyond the basic control solutions offered through the IEC 61851-1 specification. It is, thus, relevant to evaluate it in smart charging scenarios. In this context, this paper presents the development of a charge emulation system using the ISO 15118 communication protocol, and it discusses its application for demand response purposes. The system comprises several modules developed at both ends, supply equipment and electric vehicles, and allows the exchange of data during an emulated charging process. The system also includes human interfaces to facilitate interactions with users at both ends. Tests performed using the implemented system have shown that it supports a demand response when integrated with a photovoltaic renewable energy source. The dynamic adjustment to charging parameters, based on real-time energy availability, ensures efficient and sustainable charging processes, reducing the reliance on the grid and promoting the use of renewable energy.
Water contamination of As is a big issue in many areas around the globe. Therefore, cheap and efficient techniques are essential facing traditional treatment methods. Then, biochars (BC) emerged ...recently as material that can be used for As removal. However, research about efficiency of BC produced from local feedstock is still needed. The purpose of this study is to assess the efficiency of BC produced from sugarcane bagasse (SB) together with corncob husk (CH) with and without Fe(III) (BCFe) modification to be used for removal of As(III) from waters. The BC and BCFe produced at different pyrolysis temperatures were characterised using FTIR and SEM/EDS. Adsorption capacities of BC and BCFe were evaluated via batch adsorption, desorption and column tests and their performance was compared with adsorption using activated carbon. The results showed that Fe modification improve substantially the As(III) adsorption in a way that both BCFe-SB and BCFe-CH removed from 85% to 99.9% from 1000 µg/L As(III) solutions. Both materials fitted well in Langmuir model and the maximum adsorption capacity was 20 mg/g for BCFe-SB and 50 mg/g for BCFe-CH. The adsorption kinetics of BCFe was fast (≤ 30 min) and it had a better performance than activated carbon. The column tests showed that the process is efficient even at high As(III) concentrations. The fast removal process and good removal results make the BCFe-SB and BCFe-CH attractive for in situ and commercial (filters) use, since time and efficiency are required in new technologies.
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•Biochars were produced from corncob husk and sugarcane bagasse to remove As(III).•Fe(III)-coated biochars were more efficient for As(III) removal.•Adsorption capacity is dependent on type of biomass and pyrolysis temperature.•BCFe is a promising material for As remediation using filters.
Mo-CBP3 is a chitin-binding protein from M. oleifera seeds that inhibits the germination and mycelial growth of phytopathogenic fungi. This protein is highly thermostable and resistant to pH changes, ...and therefore may be useful in the development of new antifungal drugs. However, the relationship of MoCBP3 with the known families of carbohydrate-binding domains has not been established. In the present study, full-length cDNAs encoding 4 isoforms of Mo-CBP3 (Mo-CBP3-1, Mo-CBP3-2, Mo-CBP3-3 and Mo-CBP3-4) were cloned from developing seeds. The polypeptides encoded by the Mo-CBP3 cDNAs were predicted to contain 160 (Mo-CBP3-3) and 163 amino acid residues (Mo-CBP3-1, Mo-CBP3-2 and Mo-CBP3-4) with a signal peptide of 20-residues at the N-terminal region. A comparative analysis of the deduced amino acid sequences revealed that Mo-CBP3 is a typical member of the 2S albumin family, as shown by the presence of an eight-cysteine motif, which is a characteristic feature of the prolamin superfamily. Furthermore, mass spectrometry analysis demonstrated that Mo-CBP3 is a mixture of isoforms that correspond to different mRNA products. The identification of Mo-CBP3 as a genuine member of the 2S albumin family reinforces the hypothesis that these seed storage proteins are involved in plant defense. Moreover, the chitin-binding ability of Mo-CBP3 reveals a novel functionality for a typical 2S albumin.
Celotno besedilo
Dostopno za:
DOBA, IZUM, KILJ, NUK, PILJ, PNG, SAZU, SIK, UILJ, UKNU, UL, UM, UPUK
The objective of this trial was to characterize the assemblage structure of fruit flies (Diptera: Tephritidae) by determining the diversity and faunal indices. Fruit flies were collected for ten ...years between 2003 and 2015 in six municipalities of the Metropolitan Region of Curitiba, Paraná. The orchards were divided into three crop protection strategies: organic, conventional, and integrated pest management. The characteristic of each community was determined using the Shannon-Wiener, Margalef, and Pielou's indexes. The frequency, constancy, and dominance indexes were also determined. Biological material was analyzed using the explanatory variables: site, crop, plant protection strategy, and susceptibility period. A total of 8,089 fruit flies were collected, of which 4,681 were females. The species Anastrepha daciformis Bezzi, A. dissimilis Stone, A. distincta Greene and A. pickeli Lima were recorded for the first time in Paraná State, the occurrence of three other species was recorded for the first time in the Metropolitan Region of Curitiba (A. montei Lima, A. obliqua Macquart, and A. sororcula Zucchi), in addition A. fraterculus (Wiedemann), A. grandis (Macquart) and Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann). A. fraterculus accounted for 98.5% of the collected species. Only A. fraterculus and A. sororcula were found in fruits. Fruit flies occurred predominantly in peach trees cultivated under organic conditions. The Shannon index indicated that the municipality of Cerro Azul had the highest diversity and richness whereas apple orchards had the lowest diversity. Crops cultivated under organic conditions exhibited the highest diversity whereas those cultivated under conventional conditions had the highest evenness index. The largest specimens number was collected during the period of crop susceptibility.