Concentrations Of Magnesium Chloride Research Articles

Abstract A023: RNA secondary structures mediate circular RNA stability and function

Abstract Our group recently discovered that the circular RNA (circRNA), CDR1as, promotes lung cancer metastasis in part through the stabilization of the coding gene, CDR1. The purpose of this study was to identify intramolecular RNA secondary structures of CDR1as and determine whether there is a functional relationship between the CDR1as secondary structure and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) metastasis. We employed the chemical probing approach selective 2’- hydroxyl acylation analyzed by primer extension and mutational profiling (SHAPE-MaP) to experimentally inform structure predictions of CDR1as. The SHAPE-MaP profiling experiments revealed that CDR1as is remarkably unstructured overall, with an exception of a highly probable and consistent stem-loop structure embedding the CDR1as backsplice junction (BSJ). Additionally, BSJ-embedding secondary structures were identified in all other mammalian circRNAs studied in a similar chemical probing experiment. To evaluate the role of the BSJ structure on CDR1as expression, we sterically disrupted the BSJ structure using a chemically modified, inert antisense oligonucleotide (BSJ-ASO) lacking a gapmer in order to block RNAse H activity. After transfection of the structure disrupting BSJ-ASO into several cell lines, we observed a 90-95% reduction of CDR1as expression by the BSJ-ASO by 24 hours. Furthermore, the BSJ-ASO significantly inhibited cancer cell proliferation and spheroid formation in several NSCLC models. Strikingly, using RNA stability assays we observed that the BSJ-ASO caused dramatic reductions in CDR1as levels within 5 minutes of transfection, suggesting a possibly hydrolytic process. A functional screen of silencing curated CDR1as RNA-binding proteins failed to rescue the loss of CDR1as expression following BSJ-ASO treatment. We next tested whether an RNA-catalyzed mechanism of action is possible. By incubating total RNA with the BSJ-ASO in buffers of varying magnesium chloride concentrations in vitro, we observed a dramatic decrease in CDR1as levels similar to that of the BSJ-ASO cellular transfection experiments, suggestive of ribozyme-like activity. Interestingly, use of a primer mapping approach indicated two putative cut sites within CDR1as. Further chemical probing following treatment with the BSJ-ASO revealed a new, highly probable secondary structure upstream of the BSJ, which appears similar to a hairpin ribozyme when modeled two-dimensionally. Taken together, our work reveals that intramolecular RNA secondary structures can have critical roles in maintaining circRNA cellular stability and function, and strategic steric disruption of these structures may induce circRNA self-cleavage. Citation Format: Aaron C Chack, Emily B Harrison, Caroline J Aufgebauer, Mark A Boerneke, Patrick S Irving, Edgar M Faison, Jingyu Zhao, Qi Zhang, Kevin M Weeks, Chad V Pecot. RNA secondary structures mediate circular RNA stability and function [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference in Cancer Research: RNAs as Drivers, Targets, and Therapeutics in Cancer; 2024 Nov 14-17; Bellevue, Washington. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Mol Cancer Ther 2024;23(11_Suppl):Abstract nr A023.

Anesthetic sampling and the tissue regeneration potential of oysters: A study with Crassostrea hongkongensis

The use of an appropriate amount of anesthetic can prevent the sacrifice of oysters during experimental sampling or seedling rearing. In this study, we assessed the effects of air exposure and three concentrations of magnesium chloride (10, 40, and 70 g L–1) on the anesthetic efficiency for Crassostrea hongkongensis. We examined the recuperative capacity of the oysters post-tissue sampling. The results indicated that 36 h of air exposure could significantly enhance the anesthetic efficiency of C. hongkongensis while ensuring the oysters’ survival. A 40 g L–1 solution of magnesium chloride had the optimal anesthetic effect on C. hongkongensis across all oyster sizes. In addition, smaller oysters (119.10 g) had a higher relaxation rate than larger oysters (191.00 g). The oysters anesthetized with 40 g L–1 magnesium chloride also demonstrated the best recovery. No deaths were observed among the non-anesthetized oysters, anesthetized-recovered oysters, or non-recovered oysters during a seven-day post-farming period. In terms of live sampling, the control group (100 %), gonad group (100 %), mantle group (98.67 %), gill group (89.33 %), and adductor muscle group (97.33 %) all showed high survival rates after anesthesia. Observation of tissue growth post-sampling revealed the presence of focal green areas in tissues between days 7 and 14. By day 30, the adductor muscle and mantle tissues had fully healed, and the regrown tissue in the gills had approached its original length. A 40 g L–1 magnesium chloride solution had no significant effects on gametes in terms of fertilization rate, growth rate, and attachment rate. The present findings indicated that C. hongkongensis could be effectively anesthetized using a 40 g L–1 magnesium chloride solution following 36 h of aerial exposure. Post-anesthesia tissue and gamete sampling did not result in significant mortality, and the tissues had fully recovered within 30 days post-sampling. The anesthesia did not have any adverse effects on the progeny.

Development of a consistent geochemical model of the Mg(OH)2–MgCl2–H2O system from 25°C to 120°C

The formation of magnesium chloride-hydroxide salts (magnesium hydroxychlorides) has implications for many geochemical processes and technical applications. For this reason, a thermodynamic database for evaluating the Mg(OH)2–MgCl2–H2O ternary system from 0 °C–120 °C has been developed based on extensive experimental solubility data. Internally consistent sets of standard thermodynamic parameters (ΔGf°, ΔHf°, S°, and CP) were derived for several solid phases: 3 Mg(OH)2:MgCl2:8H2O, 9 Mg(OH)2:MgCl2:4H2O, 2 Mg(OH)2:MgCl2:4H2O, 2 Mg(OH)2:MgCl2: 2H2O(s), brucite (Mg(OH)2), bischofite (MgCl2:6H2O), and MgCl2:4H2O. First, estimated values for the thermodynamic parameters were derived using a component addition method. These parameters were combined with standard thermodynamic data for Mg2+(aq) consistent with CODATA (Cox et al., 1989) to generate temperature-dependent Gibbs energies for the dissolution reactions of the solid phases. These data, in combination with values for MgOH+(aq) updated to be consistent with Mg2+-CODATA, were used to compute equilibrium constants and incorporated into a Pitzer thermodynamic database for concentrated electrolyte solutions. Phase solubility diagrams were constructed as a function of temperature and magnesium chloride concentration for comparisons with available experimental data. To improve the fits to the experimental data, reaction equilibrium constants for the Mg-bearing mineral phases, the binary Pitzer parameters for the MgOH+ — Cl− interaction, and the temperature-dependent coefficients for those Pitzer parameters were constrained by experimental phase boundaries and to match phase solubilities. These parameter adjustments resulted in an updated set of standard thermodynamic data and associated temperature-dependent functions. The resulting database has direct applications to investigations of magnesia cement formation and leaching, chemical barrier interactions related to disposition of heat-generating nuclear waste, and evaluation of magnesium-rich salt and brine stabilities at elevated temperatures.

Investigations on magnesium ion conducting gellan gum-based biopolymer blend electrolytes for energy storage applications

The economical and ecological polymer electrolytes are essential for energy storage devices. The key problem we are trying to resolve is how to improve ionic conductivity and safety in polymer electrolytes, which are essential for energy storage devices to operate effectively. We have prepared biopolymer blend electrolytes with different concentrations of magnesium chloride (MgCl2) by solution casting technique and the prepared electrolytes are investigated. Increase of amorphous nature of the polymer membranes is confirmed by X-ray diffraction analysis. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy used to define complex formation between salt and polymers. Thermal properties of the electrolytes are confirmed by differential scanning calorimetry technique. The higher ionic conductivity of 1.04 × 10−5 S/cm has been achieved for 8 wt.% MgCl2 mixed gellan gum: polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) polymer blend at the room temperature. The present work highlights the preparation and characterization of gellan gum: PVA: MgCl2 polymer blend electrolytes with enhanced ionic conductivity and safety. The optimized polymer electrolyte is applied for energy storage devices.

Effects of environmental factors on mechanical properties of biomimetic mineralized mortar

This study proposes a biomimetic mineralized mortar based on biomimetic-chemically induced carbonate precipitation (BCICP) method with boric acid as a crystal modifier. In particular, the reaction between calcium ions and carbonate ions is directly regulated by the modifier to achieve effective cementation and reinforcement of sand particles with high concentration cementing solution. Effects of key environmental factors on the BCICP method were investigated, including the particle sizes of cementing matrix, cementing solution pH, and magnesium ions. The results show that with the addition of smaller particle size, a more effective crystal precipitation mode could be obtained, which results in a higher calcium carbonate reinforcement efficiency. Then, the acidic environment presents a slight effect on the reinforcement efficiency of BCICP method with boric acid as the crystal modifier. However, the alkaline environment, boric acid molecules could be severely consumed, and the reinforcement efficiency significantly decreases. Moreover, with the participation of boric acid, biomimetic mineralized mortar can use a high concentration of magnesium chloride as the cementing solution to effectively reinforce sand samples, which is attributed to bridges formed by magnesium carbonate precipitation at the interparticle contacts.

Beneficial effects of adding magnesium to desalinated drinking water on metabolic and insulin resistance parameters among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a randomized controlled clinical trial

There is evidence that increasing the consumption of water containing magnesium can improve glucose metabolism and insulin resistance in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). This trial was undertaken with the objective of evaluating the effect of adding different concentrations of magnesium chloride to the desalinated drinking water on the glycemic, metabolic, and insulin resistance parameters among patients with T2DM. A randomized cross-sectional controlled clinical trial was conducted to evaluate the effects of adding magnesium chloride supplement to desalinated drinking water consumed by patients with T2DM on the glycemic and metabolic parameters and indicators of insulin sensitivity. The total number of patients with T2DM who successfully completed the trial is 102. Patients were randomly allocated into three groups: the first group received bottled water without added magnesium (0 mg/L) (Group A, n = 37); the second group received bottled water with a low level of magnesium (20 mg/L) (Group B, n = 33); and the third group received drinking water with a high level of magnesium (50 mg/L) (Group C, n = 32). The daily consumption of elemental magnesium for a period of 3 months resulted in significant improvement in HbA1C (8.0 vs 8.2%, p = 0.04), insulin level (7.5 vs 9.9 μIU/mL, p = 0.03), and homeostasis model assessment-estimated insulin resistance (HOMA.IR) (2.5 vs 2.9, p = 0.002) in group C. However, there was no significant improvement in fasting blood glucose (FBS) level or lipid profile. The results of this study suggest that oral magnesium supplementation at the given dose of 50 mg/L daily added to drinking water could improve long-term glycemic control indicators and reduce insulin resistance in patients with T2DM.

The Effects of Sulfate on the Parameters for Maximum Pit Size Calculations on Stainless Steel 316L

Dry storage canisters that contain radioactive waste containers in the United States are typically made of stainless steel such as 316L. The longevity of such canisters put into service around forty years ago is a primary concern to the United States Department of Energy. Due to their location, many of these canisters undergo fluctuations in relative humidity and temperature, as well as an accumulation of deliquescent salts on their surface. The nature of the anions present in these salts establishes whether or not proper conditions for pit propagation exist. In order to predict these canisters’ maximum pit size, computational models that employ input parameters on the pit kinetics can be utilized. Such kinetic parameters are the critical pit stability product (i·x)crit and the repassivation potential (Erp), as they are key to the anodic current demand in a pit and the cathodic current supply outside a pit, respectively. Previous models that focused on the effect of chloride concentrations on the maximum observed pit size have shown to be overly conservative. Therefore, to increase the accuracy of the model, a more complex solution that contains inhibiting ions, such as sulfates, should be considered. In this study, artificial 1-D pit electrochemical experiments were carried out in a 50.8μm diameter SS316L wire exposed to solutions containing different concentrations of magnesium chloride (MgCl2) and magnesium sulfate (MgSO4). Maximum pit size calculations were performed utilizing the kinetic parameters obtained from these experiments. A theoretical model that seeks to describe the formation and growth of a complex salt film precipitate at the bottom of the pit is presented as well.

A pilot investigation of the efficacy and safety of magnesium chloride and ethanol as anesthetics in Loligo vulgaris embryos.

The inclusion of cephalopods in the legislation related to the use of animals for experimental purposes has been based on the precautionary principle that these animals have the capacity to experience pain, suffering, distress, and lasting harm. Recent studies have expanded this view and supported it. Handling cephalopod mollusks in research is challenging and whenever more invasive procedures are required, sedation and/or anesthesia becomes necessary. Therefore, finding adequate, safe, and effective anesthetics appears mandatory. Several substances have been considered in sedating cephalopods, in some instances applying those utilized for fish. However, species-specific variability requires more detailed studies. Despite long-lasting experience being linked to classic studies on squid giant axons, evidence of action on putative anesthetic substances is scarce for Loligo vulgaris and particularly for their embryos. The aim of the current study was to evaluate effects elicited by immersion of squid embryos in anesthetic solutions and examine whether these forms display a similar reaction to anesthetics as adults do. Different concentrations of ethanol (EtOH; 2, 2.5, and 3%) and magnesium chloride (MgCl2; 1, 1.5, and 1.8%) were tested by adopting a set of indicators aimed at exploring the physiological responses of squid embryos. Forty-two embryos of the common squid Loligo vulgaris (stages 27-28) were assigned to three conditions (EtOH, MgCl2, and controls) and video recorded for 15min (5min before, 5min during, and 5min after immersion in the anesthetic solutions). In each group, the heart rate, respiratory rate, buoyancy, chromatophore activity, and tentacles/arms responses were assessed to evaluate the embryos' vitality and responsiveness to stimulation. Both substances provoked a decrease in heart and respiratory rates and inhibited buoyancy, chromatophores, and tentacles/arms responses; no adverse effects were observed. EtOH had a faster onset of action and faster recovery than MgCl2, being potentially more adequate as an anesthetic for shorter procedures. Even though MgCl2 caused a longer muscle relaxation, the reversibility was not confirmed for the 1.8% concentration; however, lower concentrations triggered similar results as the ones obtained with the highest EtOH concentrations. We have shown that the late developmental stages of Loligo vulgaris embryos could represent a good model to evaluate anesthetics for cephalopods since they can display similar reactions to anesthetics as adults animals do.

Effect of magnesium salt contamination on the microstructures and properties of metakaolinite-based geopolymer: the role of MgCl2 and MgSO4

Ion contamination considerably influences the properties of geopolymers. This study investigated the effects of magnesium chloride (MgCl2) and magnesium sulfate (MgSO4) concentrations on the microstructure and properties of metakaolinite-based geopolymers with Si/Al ratios of 1.3 (adding NaOH) and 1.6 (adding NaOH and Na2SiO3). The chemical structures and compositions of as-obtained geopolymers formed through the alkali activation of kaolinite were characterized through X-ray diffraction, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, while the microstructure was characterised via scanning electron microscopy and mercury intrusion porosimetry.The salt-free geopolymer with a Si/Al ratio of 1.3 exhibited a loose microstructure and hence poor 28-day compressive strength (9.4 MPa). The addition of magnesium salt to the geopolymer did not considerably influence its microstructure and mechanical properties. Comparatively, the geopolymer with a Si/Al ratio of 1.6 exhibited a compact microstructure and high 28-day compressive strength (43.0 MPa). The geopolymer compressive strength gradually decreased with increasing salt concentration. MgCl2 addition induced halite formation, increased pore diameter and pore volume, and reduced Si incorporated into the geopolymer matrix. In contrast, MgSO4 addition resulted in relatively less change in the pore diameter and pore volume and based on NMR result, more Si was incorporated into the geopolymer matrix. Thus, MgCl2 was more detrimental to the mechanical properties of the kaolinite-based geopolymers than MgSO4.Overall, the results indicate that salt contamination considerably affects the chemical compositions, microstructural characteristics, and compressive strength of metakaolinite-based geopolymers at high Si/Al ratio (adding NaOH and Na2SiO3) and those chlorine ions are more detrimental to the properties of metakaolinite-based geopolymer than sulfate ions.

Mixture design applied to the rheology of clay gel mixtures

We used mixture design to predict rheological parameters, namely the storage and loss modulus G' and G'' and the critical stress sigma _{c}, of mixtures of Laponite EP and bentonite clay. Laponite EP is an organically coated laponite displaying unusual rheological behaviour compared to its unmodified form. We examined the effect of salt (magnesium chloride) and of surfactant (Tween 20) varying the pH between 4 and 9. We found reliable complex models with significant higher order terms showing that the rheological behaviour of the gels was not a function of each single compound, but instead the result of multiple interactions. Such interactions had an antagonistic effect on G' and G''. Stronger gels were found at low concentrations of magnesium chloride and Tween 20. The gel stability in response to stress increased with the amount of Tween 20, but decreased with magnesium chloride. Such distinct behaviour may be the result of interactions between the platelet charges and the different components, as well as salting in versus salting out effects. We identified the conditions for which the values of G' were suitable for agrochemical products. The method presented here is a quick and reliable approach to formulate products with targeted rheological properties.

Effect of additive concentration on water solution under vacuum ambient: A molecular dynamics simulation study

In order to explore the effect of different concentrations of additives on aqueous solution in vacuum ambient, this paper uses molecular dynamics simulation method to study different concentrations of magnesium chloride (MgCl2) aqueous solution, ethylene glycol aqueous solution and nano iron oxide (nano-Fe3O4) aqueous solution. The radial distribution function of atoms, the water molecules’ self-diffusion coefficient and the type and number of hydrogen bonds are analyzed in detail. The dynamic behavior between water molecules and chloride and alcohol molecules in the solution is revealed. The results show that the additives affect the crystallization of the solution by inhibiting the self-diffusion rate of water molecules, and the iron oxide nanoclusters exhibit the most obvious behavior. Meanwhile, the added additives can also restrain the formation of hydrogen bonds between water molecules in solution. This suppresses the hydrogen bonds between two water molecules. At the same time, it reduces the diffusivity of water molecules. These effects weaken the tendency of water molecules to migrate to the nucleus, and can curb the nucleation and growth of ice crystals in the aqueous solution to a certain extent. This research will provide reference value in the selection of ice-making working fluid. Nano-iron oxide has better performance than MgCl2, and glycol solution is not conducive to vacuum ice making.

Effect of magnesium chloride concentration on soymilk coagulation mechanism

Brine tofu has been in use in China for more than two thousand years now; however, the underlying soymilk coagulation mechanism is not yet clear. In this study, we aimed to systematically investigate the effect of magnesium chloride on the mechanism of tofu preparation using the methods of composition-performance-micro-mechanism analysis, combined with droplet experiment and mercury intrusion method. With increasing magnesium chloride concentration, soymilk went through five stages, viz. no coagulation stage (0–3 mmol/L), coagulation formation stage (3–8 mmol/L), coagulation stability stage (8–50 mmol/L), coagulation dissociation stage (50–210 mmol/L), and no coagulation stage again (≥210 mmol/L). The soymilk follows a trend of diffusion, diffusion/fixation, fixation, growth, and dissolution in the droplets with increasing magnesium chloride concentration. In the coagulation stability stage, the microstructure of tofu (coagulated soymilk) alternated between loose and dense structures. In the coagulation dissociation stage, with increasing magnesium chloride concentration, the sequence of coagulation dissociation was as follows: dissociation of small pores, dissociation of macropores, dissociation of skeletons into clusters, and finally dissociation of clusters. The current study provided theoretical guidance for parameter selection and problem solving in brine tofu production process.

Polymer gel containing N,N′-methylene-bis-acrylamide (BIS) as a single monomer for radiotherapy dosimetry

In this study, the first polymer gel that contains N,N′-methylene-bis-acrylamide (BIS) crosslinker without the need of adding another radiosensitive monomer has been introduced as a new low toxic polymer gel dosimeter. Various concentrations (0–0.9 M) of magnesium chloride (MgCl2) were added to BIS gel to improve the dose-response of the gel dosimeter. The gel samples were irradiated in a water phantom to different doses using 6 MV Linac X-ray beams with 200 cGy/min dose rate. The samples were read out using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy to measure the relaxation rates (R2) of the scanned samples by a standard Multi-Spin-Echo sequence. The optimum formulation gels were irradiated to different dose-rates (200 and 500 cGy/min) with a fixed radiation-energy of 6 MV, while other samples were irradiated to different radiation-energy (6 and15 MV) with a fixed dose rate of 200 cGy/min to investigate the influence of these important parameters on the performance of gel dosimeters. The dose sensitivity of the composition containing BIS, gelatin and antioxidant agent (BISGAT) polymer gel was very small (0.07 Gy−1s−1) compared to the available normoxic polymer gels such as NIMPAGAT. A significant increase in dose sensitivity (0.33 Gy−1s−1) of BISGAT dosimeter was achieved after adding 0.9 M MgCl2 to the gel which is greater than the standard composition of NIPAMGAT (i.e. BIS and NIPAM monomer) polymer gel with dose sensitivity of 0.16 Gy−1 s−1.The temporal stability of irradiated samples to different doses changed insignificantly (0.07%) in the period up to 6 days. The BISGAT gel with MgCl2 was independent of dose-rate (200 and 500 cGy/min) as well as radiation energy (6 and 15 MV). Additionally, the gel is water equivalent and has theoretical energy-independent response from 0.1 to 20 MeV for the optimum composition. The gel dosimetry accuracy was evaluated in this study by calculating the overall uncertainty and found to be 7.04% (2σ, 95% confidence level).

Formulasi dan Evaluasi Lotion Kombinasi Magnesium Oil dan Minyak Biji Kelor (Moringa Seed Oil)

Magnesium plays a role in nearly 600 important metabolic and enzymatic reactions in the body. In developing countries, 10-30% of people have a magnesium deficiency. Magnesium deficiency can result in migraines, insomnia, leg cramps, anxiety, arrhythmias, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, etc. Transdermal magnesium supplementation has been shown to be useful as a muscle relaxant in treating leg cramps. Moringa Oleifera Seed Oil contains antioxidants, anti-aging, amino acids, collagen, omega 3,6 and 9, complete vitamins and minerals that are widely used in cosmetics. This experimental study aims to obtain a combination lotion formula of magnesium oil and moringa seed oil that meets the requirements and functions as an intake of magnesium and antioxidants. The data obtained were compared with the standard requirements for topical lotion preparations. The formula is designed with a magnesium chloride concentration of 250 mg / 5 ml, with four concentrations of moringa seed oil F1 (3%), F2 (6%), F3 (9%), and F4 (12%). Based on the results of the study, it was obtained that the dosage data was white, the semi-solid texture was easy to pour with a lavender aroma. All the formulas meet the requirements of pH (5,0-5,5) and some of the formulas meet the requirements of dispersion, specific gravity, viscosity. The Antioxidant activity of all formulas is very weak. Only one formula (F4) meets all the requirements for the lotion preparation.

Preparation and displacement performance of HAPC copolymer suitable for ultra-high saline reservoirs

The modified polyacrylamide (HAPC) based on a benzene ring and an ethoxy chain that can bind metal ions was successfully prepared by micellar polymerization. The structure of HAPC was characterized by Fourier infrared spectroscopy and hydrogen nuclear magnetic spectroscopy. Some properties of the polymer were evaluated, and the temperature resistance, salt resistance, rheological properties, aging resistance and oil displacement physical simulation experiments of HAPC were studied. The experimental results show that the introduction of benzene ring and ethoxy chain greatly improved the salt resistance of the polymer. Among them, the maximum viscosity can be increased by about 5 times in the calcium chloride and magnesium chloride divalent ion solution. When the concentration was 12000 mg/L and the concentration of magnesium chloride was 16000 mg/L, the viscosity retention rate was 63.5% and 90% respectively; The physical simulation experiment of oil displacement shows that HAPC can increase the oil recovery rate by 19.85% at 80 °C and high salt concentration (1.0 × 105 mg/L simulated brine).

Current state of athalassohaline deep-sea hypersaline anoxic basin research-recommendations for future work and relevance to astrobiology.

Deep-sea hypersaline anoxic basins (DHABs) are uniquely stratified polyextreme environments generally found in enclosed seas. These environments select for elusive and widely uncharacterized microbes that may be living below the currently recognized window of life on Earth. Still, there is strong evidence of highly specialized active microbial communities in the Kryos, Discovery, and Hephaestus basins located in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea; the only known athalassohaline DHABs. Life is further constrained in these DHABs as near-saturated concentrations of magnesium chloride significantly reduces water activity (aw ) and exerts extreme chaotropic stress, the tendency of a solution to disorder biomolecules. In this review, we provide an overview of microbial adaptations to polyextremes focusing primarily on chaotropicity, summarize current evidence of microbial life within athalassohaline DHABs and describe the difficulties of life detection approaches and sampling within these environments. We also reveal inconsistent measurements of chaotropic activity in the literature highlighting the need for a new methodology. Finally, we generate recommendations for future investigations and discuss the importance of athalassohaline DHAB research to help inform extraterrestrial life detection missions.

Isolation of Nucleoli for Characterization of Nucleolar Contents to Uncover Clues to Metastatic Progression.

Nucleolar isolation is a crucial technique for the study of nucleolar contents and regulation of ribosome biogenesis. Lysed cells are spun through various concentrations of sucrose and magnesium chloride to separate the notoriously dense nucleoli from the rest of the cell. Here we describe isolation of nucleoli from the breast cancer cell line MDA-MB-468. The resulting nucleolar fraction is subjected to immunoblotting to confirm the purity of the nucleolar fraction.

Effect of various salt concentrations on the ruminal parameters of goats

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of various concentrations of sodium chloride (NaCl), magnesium chloride (MgCl2), and calcium chloride (CaCl2) on the growth and in vitro fermentation of cellulolytic, glycolytic, and amylolytic microorganisms from the rumen of a goat. Six concentrations of each salt were tested separately, namely 0 mg/dL, 100 mg/dL, 200 mg/dL, 400 mg/dL, 800 mg/dL, and 1600 mg/dL in the culture medium. The experiments were conducted in a completely randomized design, in a 6 x 3 factorial arrangement of salt concentration and substrate (starch, cellulose, and glucose) with three replications of each treatment combination. Concentrations of microbial protein, ammonia (NH3-N), and volatile fatty acids (acetate, propionate, and butyrate) were measured. A quadratic effect of CaCl2 concentration on the production of microbial protein was observed in the cellulose medium. The effect of MgCl2 on NH3-N production in the cellulose medium decreased linearly. Propionate concentration decreased linearly with increasing levels of NaCl and MgCl2 in the media containing starch. There was a decreasing linear effect of MgCl2 on the concentration of butyrate in the media containing glucose. In conclusion, concentrations of NaCl and CaCl2 up to 1,600 mg/dL did not affect the microbial activity of starch, cellulose, and glucose-fermenting organisms. However, the microbial activity of starch-fermenting microbes was inhibited at salt concentrations above 800 mg/dL. Thus, brackish water could be used by goats in semiarid regions, but its use should be managed carefully so that it does not have a negative impact on rumen microbial populations.Keywords: cellulose, glucose, saline water, starch, ruminants

Biochemical and Molecular Characteristics of Pc1 Virulent Phage Isolate Infecting Pectobacterium carotovorum.

Pectobacterium carotovorum subsp. carotovorum is a plant-pathogenic bacterium. It is a post-harvest pathogen and causes soft rot diseases in infected plants. Different virulent bacteriophages have been isolated from different regions in the world. These bacteriophages were tolerant to high concentrations of calcium chloride and magnesium chloride. Whereas, the high concentrations of zinc chloride and aluminum chloride decreased the activity and stability of phages. Therefore, the present research aimed to study the biology of P. carotovorum phage (Pc1) by using a one-step growth experiment, its stability to different concentrations of some chemicals and molecular characteristics of this phage isolate. One step growth experiment, chemical stability, and molecular characteristics by using RAPD-PCR of P. carotovorum phage (Pc1) were studied. The P. carotovorum phage (Pc1) isolate was found to have a latent period of 20 min and its burst size is about 92 pfu cell-1. Calcium chloride, magnesium chloride, and copper sulphate (from 0.1-0.5 mM) increased the infectivity of Pc1 phage, while, zinc chloride in the same concentrations reduced its infectivity. RAPD-PCR amplification was indicated that the total amplified products were 32 bands with size ranged from 0.179-2.365 Kbp. Since, zinc chloride (at concentrations of 0.1-0.5 mM) reduced infectivity of Pc1 phage isolate, therefore, any chemical compounds containing zinc must be avoided in designing biocontrol strategy by using phages against soft rot bacterium (P. carotovorum) in potatoes.

Effect of Magnesium Ion Concentration on the Scale Inhibition of Heat Exchanger in Circulating Cooling Water under Alternating Electric Field

This work investigated the effect of magnesium ion concentration on the formation of mineral scale in circulating cooling water under alternating electric field treatment (AEFT) by using a self-made power plant circulating cooling water simulator. In this experiment, the circulating cooling water used was artificial hard water. Three experimental groups with different magnesium ion concentrations and three corresponding control groups were studied. Scale inhibition rate, fouling resistance, calcium ion concentration, crystal phase, and crystal morphology were discussed. Results showed that 4 mmol/L magnesium chloride promoted the formation of scale on the copper tube wall, and the average scale inhibition rate was −107.86%. When the magnesium chloride concentration was 6 mmol/L, the situation was reversed, and the average scale inhibition rate reached 59.11%. The changes in calcium ion concentration supported the scale inhibition rate. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) photos showed the change in the composition of calcium carbonate crystals. The results showed that the effect of AEFT on fouling resistance is nonlinearly related to the concentration of magnesium ions in circulating cooling water.