Molecular dynamics study on the biophysical interactions of seven green tea catechins with lipid bilayers of cell membranes

Molecular dynamics simulations were performed to study the interactions of bioactive catechins (flavonoids) commonly found in green tea with lipid bilayers, as a model for cell membranes. Previously, multiple experimental studies rationalized catechin's anticarcinogenic, antibacterial, and other beneficial effects in terms of physicochemical molecular interactions with the cell membranes. To contribute toward understanding the molecular role of catechins on the structure of cell membranes, we present simulation results for seven green tea catechins in lipid bilayer systems representative of HepG2 cancer cells. Our simulations show that the seven tea catechins evaluated have a strong affinity for the lipid bilayer via hydrogen bonding to the bilayer surface, with some of the smaller catechins able to penetrate underneath the surface. Epigallocatechin-gallate (EGCG) showed the strongest interaction with the lipid bilayer based on the number of hydrogen bonds formed with lipid headgroups. The simulations also provide insight into the functional characteristics of the catechins that distinguish them as effective compounds to potentially alter the lipid bilayer properties. The results on the hydrogen-bonding effects, described here for the first time, may contribute to a better understanding of proposed multiple molecular mechanisms of the action of catechins in microorganisms, cancer cells, and tissues.     

Stir bar sorptive extraction combined with GC-MS analysis and chemometric methods for the classification of South African Wines according to the volatile composition

A simple method for the analysis of major wine volatiles and semivolatiles by stir bar sorptive extraction in combination with thermal desorption and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (SBSE-TD-GC-MS) was developed. Significant experimental parameters such as extraction time, temperature, salt addition, pH, and thermal desorption parameters were optimized to provide a sensitive and robust analytical method. The method provided good repeatability (%RSD < 10%) for 38 major wine volatile compounds, including alcohols, acids, esters, phenols, aldehydes, ketones, and lactones. Quantitative data for 62 South African red and white wines were used to study the suitability of major volatile data for the differentiation of wine samples according to grape variety or cultivar. Principal component analysis (PCA) and cluster analysis (CA) showed that most of the variation in volatile composition between wine samples could be ascribed to differences in wine age, wood contact, and fermentation practices. Despite the contribution of these factors, discriminant analysis (DA) was successfully applied to the classification of red and white wine samples according to cultivar.     

Soil phosphorus status and turnover in central-European beech forest ecosystems with differing tree species diversity

Problems in phosphorus (P) nutrition of forest trees raise questions concerning the soil P concentrations, pools and turnover in forests. In addition, it is not clear if, and to what extent, tree species diversity has an influence on the soil P status and turnover. The aim of this study was to investigate the P status and turnover in beech ( Fagus sylvatica L.) -dominated forest ecosystems on loess over limestone and to elucidate what role heterogeneities in tree species diversity would play. The soils of mixed species stands contained more organically bound P (710–772 kg ha⁻¹) than those of pure beech stands (378 kg ha⁻¹), whereas the inorganic P content differed little between the stand types. A large proportion (44–55%) of the total soil P was organically bound. This fraction was mainly dependent on the clay content of the soils and not on the tree diversity. The P input with leaf litter (1.4–2.1 kg ha⁻¹ year⁻¹) showed a tendency to increase with increasing diversity. The apparent P turnover times in the organic surface layers differed, with shorter turnover times in mixed species stands (2–3 years) than in pure beech stands (10 years). Possible explanations for the different turnover times were differences in the litter quality, interactions in mixed species litters and the soil pH and base saturation. Hence, the tree species mainly influence the apparent P turnover time in the organic surface layer, whereas the P concentrations and pools in the mineral soil are determined by the soil properties, particularly the clay content.     

Simulating site-specific impacts of climate change on soil erosion and surface hydrology in southern Loess Plateau of China

Proper spatial and temporal treatments of climate change scenarios projected by General Circulation Models (GCMs) are critical to accurate assessment of climatic impacts on natural resources and ecosystems. The objective of this study was to evaluate the site-specific impacts of climate change on soil erosion and surface hydrology at the Changwu station of Shaanxi, China using a new spatiotemporal downscaling method. The Water Erosion Prediction Project (WEPP) model and climate change scenarios projected by the U.K. Hadley Centre's GCM (HadCM3) under the A2, B2, and GGa emissions scenarios were used in this study. The monthly precipitation and temperature projections were downloaded for the periods of 1900–1999 and 2010–2039 for the grid box containing the Changwu station. Univariate transfer functions were derived by matching probability distributions between station-measured and GCM-projected monthly precipitation and temperature for the 1950–1999 period. The derived functions were used to spatially downscale the GCM monthly projections of 2010–2039 in the grid box to the Changwu station. The downscaled monthly data were further disaggregated to daily weather series using a stochastic weather generator (CLIGEN). The HadCM3 projected that average annual precipitation during 2010–2039 would increase by 4 to 18% at Changwu and that frequency and intensity of large storms would also increase. Under the conventional tillage, simulated percent increases during 2010–2039, compared with the present climate, would be 49–112% for runoff and 31–167% for soil loss. However, simulated soil losses under the conservation tillage during 2010–2039 would be reduced by 39–51% compared with those under the conventional tillage in the present climate. The considerable reduction in soil loss in the conservation tillage indicates the importance of adopting conservation tillage in the region to control soil erosion under climate change.     

Linking habitat suitability and seed dispersal models in order to analyse the effectiveness of hydrological fen restoration strategies

The effectiveness of measures targeted at the restoration of populations of endangered species in anthropogenically dominated regions is often limited by a combination of insufficient restoration of habitat quality and dispersal failure. Therefore, the joint prediction of suitable habitat and seed dispersal in dependency of management actions is required for effective nature management. Here we demonstrate an approach, which links a habitat suitability and a seed dispersal model. The linked model describes potential species distribution as a function of current species distribution, species-specific dispersal traits, the number of successful dispersal events, dispersal infrastructure and habitat configuration. The last two variables were related to water management actions. We demonstrate the applicability of the model in a strategy analysis of hydrological restoration measures for a large fen area in which still numerous endangered plant species grow.With the aid of the linked model, we were able to optimise the spatial planning of restoration measures, taking into account both the constraints of water management practices on abiotic restoration and the effects of habitat fragmentation on dispersal. Moreover, we could demonstrate that stand-alone habitat suitability models, which assume unlimited dispersal, may considerably overestimate restoration prospects. For these reasons, we conclude that linked habitat suitability and dispersal models can provide useful insights into spatially differentiated potentials and constraints of nature restoration measures targeted at the sustainable conservation of endangered plant populations whose habitats have been deteriorated due to undesirable effects of land and water management on abiotic conditions. These insights may contribute to the design of cost-effective nature restoration and conservation measures.     

Integrated evaluation of different electromagnetic impacts on biological properties of soils in southern Russia

An integral estimation of the effect of γ radiation at doses of 1, 5, 10, and 20 kGy, microwave radiation of 800 W, and an alternating magnetic field of industrial frequency (50 Hz) on biological properties of soils in southern Russia was performed on the basis of the integral index of the biological soil status (IIBSS). By the degree of resistance to an alternating magnetic field estimated from the IIBSS value, the soils of southern Russia formed the following series: brown forest soil > chernozem ≥ soddy-calcareous soil ≥ gray sandy soil. By the resistance to microwave radiation estimated from the IIBSS value, the soils formed the following series: gray sandy soil > chernozem > chestnut soil ≥ brown forest soil.     

Solute movement in an intact soil core under different ponding heights

Contaminant transport to groundwater systems through the unsaturated zone follows, in most cases, preferential pathways. The understanding and assessment of this preferential flow mechanism is important to the prevention and solution of resulting problems. A column study was carried out where a NaCl-tracer solution (33 to 37 mmohs/cm of conductivity) was passed through an intact soil core under saturated conditions and three different ponding heights ranging from 5 to 30 mm. Outflow rates varied from 13 to 103 ml/min during the three tests performed. A subsequent dye tracing and slicing of the soil column was performed. Electrical conductivity measurements assessed indirectly the chloride content of the water outflow. Breakthrough curves (BTCs) showed short threshold times (less than 20% pore volume time) and asymmetry with respect to the point defined by C/Co = 0.5 and pore volume time. The BTCs successfully represent the flow measurements through the soil column, this fact is supported by the subsequent horizontal slicing (5 cm thick) of the intact core.     

耕作方式对Brookston粘壤土团聚体中有机碳分布及矿化的影响

以加拿大安大略省西南部的Brookston粘壤土为研究对象,测定免耕(NT)、秋翻(MP)和牧草连作(BG)管理下特定团聚体(0.25～0.5 mm,1～2 mm)中土壤有机碳(SOC)的分布与动态变化.探索耕作方式对团聚体中SOC数量与稳定性的影响.结果表明:与MP和NT土壤相比,BG土壤团聚体SOC含量较高,且较为活跃;与MP相比,NT方式下团聚体的SOC含量较高,且随着团聚体粒径增大SOC含量增加; NT方式下团聚体中的SOC更加活跃;两种团聚体中SOC的稳定性随耕作方式变化而不同,长期NT下没有显著差别,长期MP下1～2mm团聚体较0.25～0.5 mm团聚体稳定.     

Using composted wheat residue as a growth medium in culture of tomato

A greenhouse experiment was carried out to investigate the effects of different growing media on some properties of tomato (Lycopersicom esculentum L. cv. Falcato). Four growing media including wheat residue, composted wheat residue, coco peat + perlite, and coco peat + soil were applied in pot experiment with completely randomized design with three replications. The results showed that fruit yield, chlorophyll, and vitamin C contents of tomatoes grown in the composted wheat residue and coco peat + perlite treatments were significantly greater than the other growth media. Fresh weight of root and inflorescence were higher in the tomatoes cultivated in the composted wheat residue pots than the other media. Higher internode length and nutrient concentrations in leaf and fruit at the coco peat + perlite treatment were obtained as compared to the other growth media treatments. According to the results, it can be concluded that the coco peat + perlite can be substituted for by composted wheat residue for the cultivation of tomato.