Changes In Dry Mass Research Articles

Therapeutic action of ketogenic enteral nutrition in obese and overweight patients: a retrospective interventional study.

Ketogenic enteral nutrition (KEN™) is a modification of Blackburn's protein-sparing modified fast, using a hypocaloric, ketogenic liquid diet. The study is about ketogenic enteral nutrition (KEN) in overweight and obese patients receiving a short treatment of the nutritional solution as a 24-h infusion. It is a retrospective analysis that examines safety, weight loss and body composition changes after three sequential 10-day cycles of KEN therapy. Anthropometric and bio-impedance data from 629 patients who underwent KEN were collected before and after completing a 10-day cycle. The study focuses on the change in outcomes from the first cycle to the second cycle and from the first cycle to the third cycle. The following outcomes were explored: weight, waist circumference, BMI, fat mass, lean mass, dry lean mass, phase angle, wellness marker, water mass as a percentage of total body weight. Statistical tests were used to test for significant differences between paired cycle 1 and cycle 2 outcomes and also between paired cycle 1 and cycle 3 outcomes. Where changes in outcomes between timepoints were found to be normally distributed, the paired t test was used, whereas where the changes in outcomes had skewed distributions, the Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used. Linear regression was used to examine associations between changes in both phase angle and BMR/weight with percentage weight change. Initially the simple relationship between variables was examined, and subsequently multiple linear regression was used to re-examine the relationships after adjusting for two pre-specified confounding variables. The results suggested significant changes for all analyzed parameters. There were significant decreases in weight, waist circumference, BMI, fat mass, lean mass, dry lean mass and phase angle. Quantitative changes in lean mass and dry lean mass were minor changes with respect to changes in fat mass. When considering the change from cycle 1 to cycle 3, there was a significant association between change in BMR/weight and change in weight, which remained significant after adjusting for changes in phase angle, fat mass and waist circumference. A one-unit increase in BMR/weight was associated with a 2.4% reduction in weight. There was no significant association between change in phase angle from cycle 1 to cycle 3 in the simple analysis. However, after adjustments greater change in phase angle was associated with a greater weight loss. KEN treatment was overall well tolerated. Results might be restricted to a British cohort only and should not be universally applied. Long-term results need to be explored in controlled studies. KEN treatment is safe, well tolerated and results in rapid fat loss without detriment to dry lean mass.

Geometric-Phase Microscopy for Quantitative Phase Imaging of Isotropic, Birefringent and Space-Variant Polarization Samples

We present geometric-phase microscopy allowing a multipurpose quantitative phase imaging in which the ground-truth phase is restored by quantifying the phase retardance. The method uses broadband spatially incoherent light that is polarization sensitively controlled through the geometric (Pancharatnam-Berry) phase. The assessed retardance possibly originates either in dynamic or geometric phase and measurements are customized for quantitative mapping of isotropic and birefringent samples or multi-functional geometric-phase elements. The phase restoration is based on the self-interference of polarization distinguished waves carrying sample information and providing pure reference phase, while passing through an inherently stable common-path setup. The experimental configuration allows an instantaneous (single-shot) phase restoration with guaranteed subnanometer precision and excellent ground-truth accuracy (well below 5 nm). The optical performance is demonstrated in advanced yet routinely feasible noninvasive biophotonic imaging executed in the automated manner and predestined for supervised machine learning. The experiments demonstrate measurement of cell dry mass density, cell classification based on the morphological parameters and visualization of dynamic dry mass changes. The multipurpose use of the method was demonstrated by restoring variations in the dynamic phase originating from the electrically induced birefringence of liquid crystals and by mapping the geometric phase of a space-variant polarization directed lens.

Various Nucleolar Stress Inducers Result in Highly Distinct Changes in Water, Dry Mass and Elemental Content in Cancerous Cell Compartments: Investigation Using a Nano-Analytical Approach.

Rationale: Numerous chemotherapeutic drugs that affect ribosome biogenesis in the nucleolus induce nucleolar stress. Improving our understanding of the effects of these drugs will require uncovering and comparing their impact on several biophysical parameters of the major cell compartments. Here, we quantified the water content and dry mass of cancerous cells treated with CX-5461, DRB or DAM to calculate macromolecular crowding and the volume occupied by free water, as well as elemental content.Methods: HeLa-H2B-GFP cells were treated with CX-5461, DRB or DAM. Water content and dry mass were measured in numerous regions of interest of ultrathin cryo-sections by quantitative scanning transmission electron microscope dark-field imaging and the elements quantified by energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry. The data were used to calculate macromolecular crowding and the volume occupied by free water in all cell compartments of control and treated cells. Hydrophobic and unfolded proteins were revealed by 8-Anilinonaphtalene-1-sulfonic acid (ANS) staining and imaging by two-photon microscopy. Immunolabeling of UBF, pNBS1 and pNF-κB was carried out and the images acquired with a confocal microscope for 3D imaging to address whether the localization of these proteins changes in treated cells.Results: Treatment with CX-5461, DRB or DAM induced completely different changes in macromolecular crowding and elemental content. Macromolecular crowding and elemental content were much higher in CX-5461-treated, moderately higher in DRB-treated, and much lower in DAM-treated cells than control cells. None of the drugs alone induced nucleolar ANS staining but it was induced by heat-shock of control cells and cells previously treated with DAM. UBF and pNBS1 were systematically co-localized in the nucleolus of CX-5461- and DAM-treated cells. pNF-κB only localized to the nucleolar caps of pre-apoptotic DAM-treated cells.Conclusion: We directly quantified water and ion content in cell compartments using cryo-correlative electron microscopy. We show that different chemotherapeutic nucleolar stress inducers result in distinctive, thus far-unrecognized changes in macromolecular crowding and elemental content which are known to modify cell metabolism. Moreover we were able to correlate these changes to the sensitivity of treated cells to heat-shock and the behavior of nucleolar pNBS1 and pNF-κB.

Properties of magnesium oxide boards used as sheathing in exterior walls

Sheathing boards based on magnesium oxide (MgO) became very popular in the Danish market around the year 2010. However, it was realized a few years later that they condensed humidity from ambient air. The leakage from the boards led to severe problems with corrosion of metallic components and moisture uptake and degradation of wooden members. The boards have been banned from use in the Danish market since 2015, while damage cases valuing around 370 million EUR still need to be reconciled [1]. The binder in MgO board is formed by a chemical reaction between MgO and MgCl2. However, MgSO4 is a possible alternative to MgCl2, and such boards may have smaller moisture uptake, to reduce this issue. This paper gives an account of recent activities to compare properties of MgO boards, based on chlorides or sulphates. The investigations comprise: (1) Analysis of elemental composition and crystalline components, (2) Examination in optical microscope and scanning electron microscope, (3) Determination of moisture retention and water vapour permeability, (4) Analysis of chemical composition of leaked salt water from boards, and (5) Visual observation of decomposition and determination of dry mass change after exposure to high humidity.

Fish invasion alters ecosystem function in a small heterotrophic stream

The strength of trophic cascade effects in aquatic ecosystems depend, in part, on the identity of the top predator involved. We examined whether an invasive benthic fish (round goby, Neogobius melanostomus) altered the strength of cascade effects in a heterotrophic stream and in a controlled mesocosm experiment relative to the effects of a functionally similar, native fish. In the stream, the introduced fish had a direct effect on grazer and shredder abundance which led to a significant increase in periphyton chlorophyll a, a significant reduction in leaf breakdown rate, an increase in leaf biomass remaining, but no change in periphyton ash-free dry mass. In mesocosms, native and introduced fish similarly reduced shredder abundance, but this did not lead to an indirect effect on leaf breakdown rates or biomass remaining at the end of the experiment. Indirect effects of introduced fish on periphyton biomass and chlorophyll a in mesocosms were both significant and were stronger than in the field, but were the result of grazer behavioral modification and not reduced grazer abundance. Collectively, these results suggest non-native fish have the ability to initiate trophic cascades in heterotrophic streams, and that both fish identity and environmental context are important in determining the strength of cascades.

Genetic variation among pines and spruces in assimilation efficiencies and photosynthetic regulation under elevated CO2

Key message After 3 years of elevated CO2 treatments, spruce P n regulation from aCO2 to eCO2 was strongly related to total dry mass change (%), whereas pines displayed the same trend, but the relationship was not statistically significant.

Zinc Inhibits Collagenolysis by Cathepsin K and Matrix Metalloproteinases in Demineralized Dentin Matrix

The enzymatic degradation of dentin organic matrix occurs via both the action of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and cysteine cathepsins (CCs). Zinc can prevent collagen hydrolysis by MMPs. However, its effect on the activity of dentin-bound CCs is not known. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of zinc on matrix-bound cathepsin K and MMP activity in dentin. Completely demineralized dentin beams were divided into test groups (n = 9) and incubated at 37°C in an incubation media (1 mL) containing ZnCl₂ of 0.02 (physiological level, control), 0.2, 0.5, 1, 5, 10, 20, 30, or 40 m<smlcap>M</smlcap>. The dry mass changes of the beams were determined, and incubation media were analyzed for cathepsin K- and MMP-specific collagen degradation end products - CTX (C-terminal cross-linked telopeptide of type I collagen) and ICTP (cross-linked carboxy-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen) - at 1, 3, and 7 days of incubation. The mass loss of the beams decreased when the zinc level in the incubation media was ≥5 m<smlcap>M</smlcap> (p < 0.05). The release of liberated collagen degradation telopeptides decreased in accordance with the decrease in the mass loss rates of the beams. Cathepsin K-induced dentin collagen degradation can be strongly inhibited by zinc. Zinc levels of ≥5 m<smlcap>M</smlcap> can be considered as a reliable threshold for the stabilization of dentin matrices.

The effect of NDGA-modified etchant on the enzymatic degradation resistance and mechanical properties of collagen matrix

Enzymatic degradation of demineralized collagen matrix seriously impairs durable resin-dentin bonding. In this study, we evaluated the effect of nordihydroguaiaretic acid (NDGA)-modified etchant on the resistance to enzymatic degradation and mechanical properties of demineralized collagen matrix. Dentin beams were randomly demineralized by following solutions: 1) 10% phosphoric acid (PhA) solution, 2) 10% dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO)-PhA solution, 3) NDGA-modified etchant, and 4) proanthocyanidins (PA)-modified etchant. The demineralized dentin collagen was then digested by type I collagenase solution. The collagenase degradation resistance was evaluated by measuring loss of dry mass, hydroxyproline release, and elastic modulus change. The degradation rate and hydroxyproline release of dentin collagen treated with NDGA-modified etchant were significantly lower than those in the other groups (P<0.001). The elastic modulus of dentin beams treated with NDGA-modified etchant did not increase significantly. However, after 48h of collagenase degradation, the loss of elastic modulus of dentin beams treated with NDGA-modified etchant was significantly lower than that of the control group (P<0.001). The NDGA-modified etchant could improve the resistance to enzymatic degradation of type I collagenase degradation, and the stability of the mechanical properties of dentin collagen. This proof-of-concept study validates the etch-and-crosslink technique that improves durability of dentin bonding through simultaneous dentin etching and collagen crosslinking.

Growth and nutrient dynamics of Betula alnoides seedlings under exponential fertilization

Betula alnoides is a fast-growing hardwood species grown in large plantations in Southeast Asia and South China. Nitrogen requirements for producing robust seedlings, growth and nutrient dynamics were investigated using exponential fertilization treatments. Root collar diameter, height, dry mass and nutrient contents of seedlings increased exponentially in all fertilization treatments as time progressed. Moreover, with water soluble fertilizer (Plant Products plus microelements N–P2O5–K2O: 20–20–20), 300 mg N seedling−1 was adequate. Vector analysis revealed that P was the most responsive nutrient element, followed by N and K. Dilutions of N and K were evident in the plants without N addition, which induced initial P sufficiency and then luxury consumption probably due to the antagonistic interaction between N and P. However, deficiencies of N, P and K were mostly observed in all exponential regimes during the experiment because seedling growth rate exceeded nutrient uptake rate, inferring that further study on improving the nutrient uptake efficiency is needed. Analysis of relationships among nutrient supply, dry mass, N content and N concentration demonstrated that 100–400 mg N seedling−1 induced sufficiency to luxury consumption of nitrogen without significant change in dry mass, and 400 mg N seedling−1 is recommended to apply for nutrient loading of seedlings before outplanting. The findings will help improve seedling quality and enhance the production of robust seedlings for plantation forestry of this species.

Effect of agricultural management on N2O emissions in the Brazilian sugarcane yield

The expansion of sugarcane cultivation in Brazil for sugar and bioethanol production has led to increased N-fertilizer use. Today, sugarcane is harvested mechanically and resulting crop residues are retained as a mulch on the soil surface. We hypothesized that the combination of these activities (topdressing N-fertilization applied on the mulching) promotes soil conditions that modify the microbiota involved in the soil N cycle, and consequently raise N2O emissions. We investigated a commercial sugarcane crop to determine whether a topdressing of N-fertilizer (100 kg N ha−1 as ammonium nitrate) combined with sugarcane straw mulch (14 Mg ha−1 dry mass) change soil attributes (pH, total C and N, microbial biomass C and N, inorganic-N and WFPS%), and the copy numbers of genes (nirS, nirK, norB and nosZ) involved in soil N-transformation with consequent increases in N2O emissions. The 3 × 2 factorial treatments were: three soil surface treatments: i) bare soil (no-straw); ii) sugarcane straw and, iii) synthetic straw (polypropylene strips) and with or without an application of N-fertilizer. The mulch treatments (sugarcane or synthetic) produced the highest emissions, which occurred at two ‘N2O hot moments’ within 10 days after fertilization. Regarding fertilizer treatments, cumulative N2O emissions did not differ between the straw treatments (∼99 mg m−2) but were higher than those of the no-straw treatments (51 mg m−2). Similar behavior was found in the no-fertilizer treatments where the highest emissions were found in the straw treatments (∼30 mg m−2) and lowest in the no-straw treatments (6 mg m−2). The copy numbers of the nirS, nirK, norB and nosZ genes were equal in the straw treatments, but were significantly lower in the no-straw. While high copy numbers of the norB gene were associated with the ‘N2O hot moments,’ the same was not observed for the other genes. Redundancy analysis (RDA) indicated that N2O emissions were higher in relation to microbial biomass and WFPS% than they were in relation to the norB gene and inorganic-N. Our findings show that N-fertilization combined with sugarcane-straw mulching raised N2O emissions by promoting a chain of interactions between soil attributes and microorganisms involved in N-transformation.

Effect of a novel quaternary ammonium silane on dentin protease activities

ObjectivesDemineralized dentin collagen release C-terminal cross-linked telopeptide (ICTP) and C-terminal peptide (CTX) during degradation. The present study evaluated the effects of dentin pre-treatment with K21, a quaternary ammonium silane (QAS), on matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) and cathepsin K-mediated collagen degradation. MethodsDentin beams were demineralized with 10% H3PO4 for 24h. After baseline dry mass measurements, the beams were divided into 5 groups (N=10) according to protease inhibitors. The beams were pre-treated for 2min with 2% chlorhexidine (CHX), 2%, 5% or 10% QAS; no pre-treatment was performed for the control group. The beams were subsequently incubated in calcium- and zinc-containing medium for 3, 7 or 14days, after which changes in dry mass were measured and incubation media were examined for ICTP and CTX release. The MMP-2 and cathepsin K activities in QAS-treated dentin powder were also quantified using ELISA. ResultsThe two factors (disinfectants and time) had a significant effect on dry mass loss, ICTP and CTX release (p<0.001). The percentage of dry mass loss increased with time and was significantly lower in all experimental groups when compared to the control at 14days (p<0.001). Conversely, the rate of ICTP and CTX release was significantly lower in the experimental groups, compared to the uninhibited control at 7 and 14days (p<0.001). Dentinal MMP-2 and cathepsin K activities were significantly reduced after demineralized dentin was pre-treated with QAS. ConclusionThe experimental QAS is a good inhibitor of MMP and cathepsin K activities in demineralized dentin. Clinical significanceThe newly developed antibacterial quaternary ammonium silane increases the resistance of dentin collagen to degradation by inhibiting endogenous matrix metalloproteinases and cysteine cathepsins. The quaternary ammonium silane cavity disinfectant is promising for use as a protease inhibitor to improve durability of resin-dentin bonds.

Evaluation of a chitosan-polyethylene glycol paste as a local antibiotic delivery device

AIMTo investigate the efficacy of a chitosan/polyethylene glycol blended paste as a local antibiotic delivery device, particularly in musculoskeletal wounds.METHODSAcidic (A) chitosan sponges and neutralized (N) chitosan/polyethylene glycol (PEG) blended sponges were combined in ratios of 3A:2N, 1A:1N, and 2A:3N; then hydrated with phosphate buffered saline to form a chitosan/PEG paste (CPP). Both in vitro and in vivo studies were conducted to determine the potential CPP has as a local antibiotic delivery device. In vitro biocompatibility was assessed by the cytotoxic response of fibroblast cells exposed to the experimental groups. Degradation rate was measured as the change in dry mass due to lysozyme based degradation over a 10-d period. The antibiotic elution profiles and eluate activity of CPP were evaluated over a 72-h period. To assess the in vivo antimicrobial efficacy of the CPP, antibiotic-loaded paste samples were exposed to subcutaneously implanted murine catheters inoculated with Staphylococcus aureus. Material properties of the experimental paste groups were evaluated by testing the ejection force from a syringe, as well as the adhesion to representative musculoskeletal tissue samples.RESULTSThe highly acidic CPP group, 3A:2N, displayed significantly lower cell viability than the control sponge group. The equally distributed group, 1A:1N, and the highly neutral group, 2A:3N, displayed similar cell viability to the control sponge group and are deemed biocompatible. The degradation studies revealed CPP is more readily degradable than the chitosan sponge control group. The antibiotic activity studies indicated the CPP groups released antibiotics at a constant rate and remained above the minimum inhibitory concentrations of the respective test bacteria for a longer time period than the control chitosan sponges, as well as displaying a minimized burst release. The in vivo functional model resulted in complete bacterial infection prevention in all catheters treated with the antibiotic loaded CPP samples. All experimental paste groups exhibited injectability and adhesive qualities that could be advantageous material properties for drug delivery to musculoskeletal injuries.CONCLUSIONCPP is an injectable, bioadhesive, biodegradable, and biocompatible material with potential to allow variable antibiotic loading and active, local antibiotic release to prevent bacterial contamination.

Seasonal variations in red pine (Pinus resinosa) and jack pine (Pinus banksiana) foliar physio-chemistry and their potential influence on stand-scale wildland fire behavior

The ‘Spring Dip’ in conifer live foliar moisture content (LFMC) has been well documented but the actual drivers of these variations have not been fully investigated. Here we span this knowledge gap by measuring LFMC, foliar chemistry, foliar density and foliar flammability on new and old foliage for an entire year from both Pinus resinosa (red pine) and Pinus banksiana (jack pine) at a site in Central Wisconsin. We found that needle dry mass increased by up to 70% in just three weeks and these increases were manifested as strong seasonal variations in foliar moisture content and foliar density. These needle dry mass changes were driven by an accumulation of starch in old foliage, likely resulting from springtime photosynthesis onset, and also by accumulations of sugar and crude fat in new needles as they fully matured. Foliar starch, sugar and crude fat content accounted for 84% of the variation in foliar density across both species. Flammability differences were also strongly related to changes in foliar density, where density accounted for 39% and 25% of the variations in foliar time-to-ignition of jack pine and red pine respectively. Finally, we use the computational fluid dynamics-based wildland fire model FIRETEC to examine how these foliar physio-chemical changes may influence wildland fire behavior. Under the lowest canopy density and windspeed, simulated fires in dormant condition stands did not propagate as crown fires while spring dip stands successfully spread as crown fires as a result of the higher potential energy content of the canopy. Simulated wildland fire spread rates increased by as much as 63%, nominal fireline width increased by as much as 89% and active fire area more than doubled relative to dormant season fuel conditions and the most significant changes occurred in areas with low canopy cover and low within-tree bulk density. Our results challenge the assumption that live conifer foliage flammability is limited only by its water content; this study suggests a new theory and an expanded view of the factors that dominate live fuel flammability and that subsequently influence larger scale wildland fire behavior.

Aerosol optical properties in the southeastern United States in summer – Part 2: Sensitivity of aerosol optical depth to relative humidity and aerosol parameters

Abstract. Aircraft observations of meteorological, trace gas, and aerosol properties were made between May and September 2013 in the southeastern United States (US). Regionally representative aggregate vertical profiles of median and interdecile ranges of the measured parameters were constructed from 37 individual aircraft profiles made in the afternoon when a well-mixed boundary layer with typical fair-weather cumulus was present (Wagner et al., 2015). We use these 0–4 km aggregate profiles and a simple model to calculate the sensitivity of aerosol optical depth (AOD) to changes in dry aerosol mass, relative humidity, mixed-layer height, the central diameter and width of the particle size distribution, hygroscopicity, and dry and wet refractive index, while holding the other parameters constant. The calculated sensitivity is a result of both the intrinsic sensitivity and the observed range of variation in these parameters. These observationally based sensitivity studies indicate that the relationship between AOD and dry aerosol mass in these conditions in the southeastern US can be highly variable and is especially sensitive to relative humidity (RH). For example, calculated AOD ranged from 0.137 to 0.305 as the RH was varied between the 10th and 90th percentile profiles with dry aerosol mass held constant. Calculated AOD was somewhat less sensitive to aerosol hygroscopicity, mean size, and geometric standard deviation, σg. However, some chemistry–climate models prescribe values of σg substantially larger than we or others observe, leading to potential high biases in model-calculated AOD of ∼ 25 %. Finally, AOD was least sensitive to observed variations in dry and wet aerosol refractive index and to changes in the height of the well-mixed surface layer. We expect these findings to be applicable to other moderately polluted and background continental air masses in which an accumulation mode between 0.1–0.5 µm diameter dominates aerosol extinction.

Photosynthetic characteristics of leaves and fruits of Hickory (Carya cathayensis Sarg.) and Pecan (Carya illinoensis K.Koch) during fruit development stages

Fruit photosynthesis in both hickory and pecan significantly contribute to the carbon requirements of late growth stage (corresponding to seed development). Plant parts other than leaves can perform photosynthesis and contribute to carbon acquisition for fruit development. To determine the role of fruit photosynthesis in fruit carbon acquisition in hickory (Carya cathayensis Sarg.) and pecan (Carya illinoensis K.Koch), we studied changes in dry mass, surface area and CO2 exchange rate in these fruits during fruit development. Fruit development was divided into two phases: phase one involves the rapid increase of fruit size (from 0 to 59 days after pollination (DAP) for hickory; from 0 to 88 DAP for pecan); phase two involves seed development (from 59 to 121 DAP for hickory; from 88 to 155 DAP for pecan). The net photosynthetic rate (P n) in hickory leaves decreased by 48.5 % from 76 to 88 DAP, while the P n in pecan leaves decreased by 32.3 % from 88 to 123 DAP. The gross photosynthetic rate (P g) in hickory fruit was significantly greater than that of the leaf during the late stage (88 to 121 DAP) of fruit development. Pecan fruit had a significantly higher P g than leaves during ontogeny. The contribution of fruit photosynthesis to fruit carbon requirements increased during fruit development, which was estimated by the gross fruit photosynthesis divided by respiration and increased dry mass. The contribution of fruit photosynthesis to pecan carbon requirements was significantly greater than that of hickory. Fruit photosynthesis in both hickory and pecan significantly contribute to the carbon requirements of late growth stage.

Elevated temperature is more effective than elevated [CO2 ] in exposing genotypic variation in Telopea speciosissima growth plasticity: implications for woody plant populations under climate change.

Intraspecific variation in phenotypic plasticity is a critical determinant of plant species capacity to cope with climate change. A long-standing hypothesis states that greater levels of environmental variability will select for genotypes with greater phenotypic plasticity. However, few studies have examined how genotypes of woody species originating from contrasting environments respond to multiple climate change factors. Here, we investigated the main and interactive effects of elevated [CO2 ] (CE ) and elevated temperature (TE ) on growth and physiology of Coastal (warmer, less variable temperature environment) and Upland (cooler, more variable temperature environment) genotypes of an Australian woody species Telopea speciosissima. Both genotypes were positively responsive to CE (35% and 29% increase in whole-plant dry mass and leaf area, respectively), but only the Coastal genotype exhibited positive growth responses to TE . We found that the Coastal genotype exhibited greater growth response to TE (47% and 85% increase in whole-plant dry mass and leaf area, respectively) when compared with the Upland genotype (no change in dry mass or leaf area). No intraspecific variation in physiological plasticity was detected under CE or TE , and the interactive effects of CE and TE on intraspecific variation in phenotypic plasticity were also largely absent. Overall, TE was a more effective climate factor than CE in exposing genotypic variation in our woody species. Our results contradict the paradigm that genotypes from more variable climates will exhibit greater phenotypic plasticity in future climate regimes.

Effect of solvents on inhibition of collagen-bound proteases by chlorhexidine

Chlorhexidine (CHX) incorporation during dentine bonding with dental adhesives enhances bond durability. Choosing an appropriate solvent for CHX to enhance resin–dentine bond durability is important. This study was conducted to examine the effect of solvents on the inhibition of dentine collagen-bound proteases by chlorhexidine. The inhibitory effects of CHX (0.2% and 2%) incorporated in three different solvents (water/ethanol/acetone) on the inhibition of dentine matrix-bound proteases were investigated by assessing the change in dry mass of demineralized dentine beams and the release of solubilized collagen peptides after 30 days. Solvents without CHX were used as controls. The beams treated with 2% CHX exhibited significantly lesser loss of dry mass and hydroxyproline release when incorporated in ethanol than in water (p<0.05). No significant difference in the inhibitory effect on dentine matrix-bound proteases was found between 0.2% and 2% CHX (p>0.05). The incorporation of 2% chlorhexidine in ethanol showed greater inhibitory effect on dentine matrix-bound proteases than in water.

Distribution profile of stomatal conductance and its interrelations to transpiration rate and water dynamics in young maize laminas under sulfate deprivation

Seven-day-old maize (Zea mays) plants were grown hydroponically for 10 days in S-deprived nutrient solution. The distribution profiles according to the position on the stem of the S-deprived laminas’ stomatal conductance, transpiration rate, photosynthetic rate, dry mass, water content, and specific surface area were monitored relative to control among others. Photochemical efficiency of photosystem II remained unaffected by the deprivation, as well as the specific surface area of all but the embryonic laminas after d2. In S-deficient plants, the embryonic (L0) and the uppermost lamina or the one below it presented mostly significant changes. The response ratios (Rr) of the L0 stomatal conductance oscillated; the oscillation started with an increase at d2. The corresponding Rr values of L0 transpiration and photosynthetic rates started oscillating at d4 in the same fashion. At d8, an increasing gradient appeared in water-content Rr values from L1 to the uppermost lamina. At d10, all but the embryonic laminas presented significantly reduced Rr values in water content. Changes in dry mass and surface area of laminas were synchronized. In control, the transpiration rate expressed per DM unit remained constant during the examined period, while under the deprivation it followed a power function of surface area.

Heavy metal leaching and environmental risk from the use of compost-like output as an energy crop growth substrate

Conversion of productive agricultural land towards growth of energy crops has become increasingly controversial. Closed landfill sites represent significant areas of brownfield land, which have potential for the establishment of energy crops. Increasingly composts are now being produced from the degradable fraction of mixed municipal solid waste (MSW) and are commonly referred to as Compost-Like-Output (CLO). However, leaching of heavy metal and other elements due to the use of CLO as soil amendment has the potential to pose a risk to the wider environment as a diffuse pollution source if not managed correctly. Salix viminalis and Eucalyptus nitens were grown at 5 different CLO application rates (equivalent to 250, 1000, 3000, 6000, 10000kgN/Ha) with weekly leachate analysis to assess the solubility of heavy metals and the potential release into the environment. The change in plant total dry mass suggested 3000kgN/Ha as the optimum application rate for both species. Weekly leachate analysis identified excess soluble ions within the first 4weeks, with heavy metals concentrations exceeding water quality limits at the higher application rates (>3000kgN/Ha). Heavy metal uptake and accumulation within each species was also investigated; S. viminalis accumulated greater levels of heavy metals than E. nitens with a general trend of metal accumulation in root>stem>leaf material. Heavy metal leaching from soils amended with CLO has the potential to occur at neutral and slightly alkaline pH levels as a result of the high buffering capacity of CLO. The use of CLO at application rates of greater than 250kgN/Ha may be limited to sites with leachate collection and containment systems, not solely for the heavy metal leaching but also excess nitrogen leaching. Alternatively lower application rates are required but will also limit biomass production.

Effects of planting method and nitrogen addition on Sphagnum growth in microcosm wetlands

In this study, we propose a method to create a Sphagnum wetland in an urban ecosystem by collecting basic information about Sphagnum growth and decomposition. We constructed six groups of Sphagnum microcosms (1 m × 1 m) with three replicates. A factorial design with two planting methods (capitulum without stem and capitulum with stem) and three levels of nitrogen addition (0, 2, and 6 g N m−2 year−1) were prepared. Changes in length, dry mass, and decomposition rates of Sphagnum were monitored over a growing season. The effect of N concentration on production varied for the different planting methods. Production of Sphagnum increased with N concentration in the capitulum without the stem treatment (−D) than in the with stem treatment (+D). Adding N affected the decomposition rate in both with and without stem treatments. Decomposition rate increased with added nitrogen. Planting without stems (–D) was an effective design for a high production and low decomposition of Sphagnum. Net primary production was 187–260 g m−2 year−1 for dry mass and 15.5– 26.5 mm year−1 for length, whereas decomposition rates were 10.9–14.7 % mass loss per year. These values are comparable to those from natural bogs. The overall results indicate that constructing Sphagnum wetlands can be successfully employed as a greening technology in urban ecosystems, even in mid-latitudes.