Influence of mating on surface nutrient exchange in schistosomes

In schistosomes, the mating process influences male-female transfer and gender-specific exchange of nutrients. The paired male schistosome provides glucose to the female partner. Male-to-female intertegumental transfer of¹⁴C-labeled glucose,¹⁴C-labeled 3-O-methylglucose, [¹⁴C]2-deoxyglucose and 2-fluorodeoxyglucose has been demonstrated in schistosomes. This phenomenon has been studied extensively inSchistosoma mansoni, and confirmed inSchistosoma japonicum, as well asS. haematobium, using radioactive pulsing methods. Male schistosomes contain significantly greater quantities (nmol/mg worm water) of glucose than do females. The transfer of glucose is apparently not an energy-dependent process, but occurs along this concentration gradient. Most, if not all, of the glucose utilized by the female is transferred from the male partner via tegumentary-facilitated diffusion mechanisms, free diffusion, or some combination of these two components. Unpaired male schistosomes contain greater quantities of glycogen than do comparable paired schistosomes, indicating that the presence of a female in the gynecophoral canal depletes the reserves of the male partner; this is additional indirect evidence for male-to-female transfer of glucose. Tegumentary surface uptake of acidic amino acids has been compared in paired and separated male and female schistosomes. InS. mansoni, a saturable carrier-mediated mechanism has been defined which operates only in unpaired male and unpaired female teguments. In contrast, the uptake of aspartate and glutamate is not seen in paired worms of this species. Tegumental uptake of acidic amino acids is not observed in paired or unpaired male or femaleS. japonicum. However, inS. haematobium, significant quantities of aspartate are taken up by both paired and unpaired male schistosomes. Measurable aspartate uptake is seen in paired femaleS. haematobium, but in the separated female, there is minimal uptake of this acidic amino acid. Thus the permeability of the teguments of human schistosome species to acidic amino acids is modified in response to the paired state inS. mansoni andS. haematobium, but these characteristics are not shared byS. japonicum.     

Chemical communication in adult schistosomes

Lipids released bySchistosoma mansoni adult males attract females in vitro. Lipid release is modulated by the presence of other worms. AlthoughS. mansoni males release lipid when paired with females, the release is enhanced when they are separated.S. japonicum adults release more free sterols when incubated individually than when incubated together. Similarly, individually incubatedS. haematobium males release more free sterols than when incubated in groups. However,S. haematobium females incubated in groups release more free fatty acids than do equal numbers of males or pairs incubated in groups. There is evidence thatS. mansoni adult females concomitantly accumulate and release cholesterol in the absence of an exogenous supply, although de novo synthesis of cholesterol in schistosomes has not yet been demonstrated. Schistosomula and adult schistosomes incorporate exogenous lipids. Lipids are incorporated chiefly through the tegument. Cholesterol is transferred between males and females.     

Schistosome behavior in vitro

Schistosome adults attract each other in vitro and the attraction is chemically mediated. InSchistosoma mansoni adults, excretory-secretory (ES) products of worms of one sex attract worms of the opposite sex, and at least the lipophilic fraction is attractive. Intra- and interspecific attraction occurs inSchistosoma mansoni, S. japonicum, andS. haematobium adults. Current knowledge of schistosome behavior in vitro is reviewed.     

Bimodal X‐ray and Infrared Imaging of an Organometallic Derivative of Praziquantel in Schistosoma mansoni

An organometallic derivative of praziquantel was studied directly in worms by using inductively coupled plasma‐mass spectrometry (ICP‐MS) for quantification and synchrotron‐based imaging. X‐ray fluorescence (XRF) and IR absorption spectromicroscopy were used for the first time in combination to directly locate this organometallic drug candidate in schistosomes. The detection of both CO (IR) and Cr (XRF) signatures proved that the Cr(CO)₃ core remained intact in the worms. Images showed a preferential accumulation at the worm's tegument, consistent with a possible targeting of the calcium channel but not excluding other biological targets inside the worm.     

Biology of tegument associated IgG-Fc and C3 receptors inSchistosoma mansoni

Mechanisms by which schistosomes escape host immune responses are reviewed, with particular emphasis regarding the possible contributions of host or host-like Fc and C3 receptors on adult parasites.     

Intra- and Interspecific Aggregation Responses of Locusta migratoria migratorioides and Schistocerca gregaria and a Comparison of Their Pheromone Emissions

Gregarious nymphs of Schistocerca gregaria and Locusta migratoria migratorioides are often seen to march together in common bands in the field. In the present study, the intraspecific aggregation responses of nymphal and older stages of the two insects were compared with their interspecific responses. Unlike S. gregaria, L. m. migratorioides shows a lesser pattern of stage and sex differentiation in its aggregation pheromone biology. Thus, although fifth-instar nymphs did not respond significantly to the adult pheromone, adults responded significantly to the nymph pheromone. No cross-stage aggregative responses occur in S. gregaria. In the adults of S. gregaria, production of the pheromone is male-specific; in L. m. migratorioides both sexes induced a significant level of aggregation from conspecifics. Aggregation assays between corresponding stages of the two species showed stronger interaction between the nymphal stages than between the adults and account for the frequent occurrence of mixed hopper bands in the field. GC-EAD studies of volatiles of nymphal and adult stages by using antennal preparations from both species also showed significant interspecies reactivities. GC-MS analyses showed that of S. gregaria nymphal pheromone components (C₆ and C₈ to C₁₀ straight-chained aldehydes and acids and the fecal phenols, guaiacol and phenol), the acids and phenols constitute the common components of nymphal stages. Phenylacetonitrile, the major component of S. gregaria adult aggregation pheromone, is present in L. m. migratorioides nymphal volatiles, albeit at a lower level. Unlike S. gregaria adult pheromone blend, which is made up wholly of benzene derivatives, the volatile emissions of L. m. migratorioides adults is dominated by aliphatic aldehydes and alcohols. The possible role of cross-aggregation effects in mutually facilitating phase transformation of the two species is discussed.     

Microstructure of tricalcium silicate and Portland cement systems at middle periods of hydration-development of Hadley grains

The development of the microstructure of C₃S paste and a Portland cement paste was studied between 7 and 24 h by means of backscattered electrons in a field-emission SEM. The course of hydration was measured by isothermal calorimetry. While the abundant occurrence of Hadley grains (hollow-shells) in Portland cement systems is well documented from a number of SEM and other microscopy studies, some earlier reports have noted that Hadley grains do not form in C₃S or alite paste alone. This report shows evidence of Hadley grains in C₃S paste, and follows their development from middle to late hydration stages. At around 10 h the microstructure with respect to Hadley grains were seen to develop in a very similar manner in C₃S and cement. In both systems, a narrow gap often developed between the receding anhydrous cores and layer of reaction product enveloping the cores. By 1 day, Hadley grains had continued to develop only in the cement paste, where they became a prominent feature. Only small ‘hollowed-out’ hydration shells were observed in the C₃S paste by 1 day. These were presumably reminiscences of the small gapped Hadley grains seen at the earlier hydration stages.     

Effect of Carbon‐Based Materials on the Early Hydration of Tricalcium Silicate

Two types of carbon‐based materials, i.e., mesoporous carbon and HNO₃‐oxidized carbon nanotubes, with nearly the same specific surface area and abundant in surface oxygen‐containing functional groups were selected in order to examine their effect on the hydration of tricalcium silicate (C₃S), the main portland cement component, in early stages. Different methods, including XPS and TG‐MS analyses, electrokinetic potential measurements, as well as determination of adsorption capacity for calcium ions from aqueous solutions, were used to investigate the physicochemical surface properties of the selected carbon‐based materials. It was found that the carbon‐based materials with high specific surface area and rich in oxygen‐containing functional groups on their surfaces have a catalytic effect on early C₃S hydration. It was observed that the modification of C₃S paste with the selected materials added in high concentrations (1 wt% and higher) led to an increase in the rate and degree of C₃S hydration in the early stages. The mechanism of early C₃S hydration accelerated by carbon‐based materials rich in surface functional groups was clarified by the example of the mesoporous carbon. It was found that the oxygen‐containing functional groups present on the carbon surface have both an influence on the content of calcium ions in the aqueous phase of the C₃S paste and an indirect positive effect in relation to the specific surface of C₃S.     

高硫煤加氢热解脱硫研究

在常压固定床上,温度450—750℃,氢气流速300—900 mL/m in和升温速度15℃/m in的实验条件下,对沟底高硫煤加氢热解脱硫的影响因素进行了研究。实验结果表明,适当增加氢气的流速,提高反应最终温度和延长停留时间,对高硫煤加氢热解脱硫效率的提高和降低残留物中的硫质量分数都是有利的;利用气相色谱研究了硫化氢气体的逸出规律,随着热解温度的提高,硫化氢气体逸出曲线表现为2个峰。研究认为,高温峰源于硫铁矿和噻吩类含硫化合物中硫的脱除,而低温峰源于脂肪族含硫化合物硫的脱除。煤脱硫反应的热力学也表明,随热解温度升高煤加氢热解脱硫分为2段。     

Application of the shrinking core model to the kinetics of zinc oxide desulfurization

The kinetics of H_2S removal by zinc oxide desulfurizer was studied through thermogravimetricanalysis.The experimental results show that desulfurization rate was controlled,at high temperatureand low conversion,by the chemical reaction rate,and at low temperature and high conversion by thegrain diffusion rate.The reaction is first order with respect to H_2S concentration in the differentcontrolled stages.The kinetic behavior can be modeled through the employment of the shrinking coremodel.The values of the model parameters were determined.The variation tendencies with temperatureand concentration of H_2S at the controlled stages were discussed.     

Surface studies of hydrated β-C2S

ESCA (electron spectroscopy for chemical analysis) studies of β-C₂S in the early stages of hydration have yielded valuable information on the chemical changes on the hydrating surface. These changes are less pronounced than, but very similar to, those noted for C₃S. The data indicate that, although β-C₂S hydrates more slowly than C₃S, the same hydration mechanism applies to both. The studies also suggest surface hydroxylation as a first step in the hydration process.     

Production of low calorie Malay apples by dual stage sugar substitution with Stevia-based sweetener

The present study describes a new process denominated dual stage sugar substitution (D3S). This process aims to substitute high calorie sugars of Malay apples for a low calorie natural sweetener. In a first stage, high calorie sugars (sucrose, fructose and glucose) are partially removed from the fruit samples and in a second stage, low calorie sugars (stevioside and rebaudioside) are incorporated to the fruit to maintain its sweetness. The use of ultrasound was evaluated on both stages of the D3S process. Best performance of the process was obtained by subjecting the fruit samples to ultrasound in the sugar removal stage followed by immersion of the samples in Stevia-based solution with application of ultrasound in the sweetener incorporation stage. These operating conditions resulted in the highest sugar removal during the first stage, highest water loss during the process and highest sweetener incorporation during the second stage of the D3S process.     

Characteristics of the degradation and improvement of the thermal stability of poly(siloxane urethane) copolymers

This work investigates the characteristics of the thermal degradation of poly(ether urethane) (E‐PU) and poly(siloxane urethane) (S‐PU) copolymers by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and thermogravimetric analysis/Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (TG–FTIR). The stage of initial degradation for E‐PU was demonstrated as a urethane‐B segment consisting of 4,4′‐diphenylmethane diisocyanate (MDI) and 1,4‐butanediol. Moreover, the urethane‐B segment in the copolymers had the lowest temperature of degradation (ca. 200°C). The degradation of E‐PU was determined by TGA and TG–FTIR analyses and had three stages including seven steps. Although the soft segment of S‐PU possessed the thermal stability of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), the unstable urethane‐B segment existed in S‐PU. Therefore, the initial degradation of S‐PU appeared around 210°C. The four stages of degradation of S‐PU involved eight steps, as revealed by TG–FTIR, which identified the main decomposition products: CO₂, tetrahydrofuran, and siloxane decomposition products. The imide group with high thermal stability was to replace the urethane‐B segment of S‐PU, which had the lowest thermal stability herein. The poly(siloxane urethane imide) (I‐PU) copolymer around 285°C exhibited a high initial temperature of degradation, and the initial degradation occurred at the urethane‐S segment consisting of MDI and PDMS. The degradation of I‐PU was similar to that of S‐PU and had four stages including six steps. Moreover, the degradation region of the imide group between 468 and 625°C was merged into the degradation stage of the siloxane decomposed products. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010     

Factors affecting oil extraction/water adsorption in sequential extraction processing of corn

The sequential extraction process (SEP) uses ethanol to extract oil and protein from cracked, flaked, and dried corn, and the dried corn simultaneously dehydrates the ethanol. Value-added co-products are possible, potentially making production of fuel ethanol more economical. The effects of solvent-to-corn (S/C) ratio, corn moisture content (MC), and number of extraction stages on ethanol drying, oil recovery, and protein loss during the simultaneous oil extraction/water adsorption step of SEP were evaluated. Extractions were carried out by using both aqueous ethanol and ethanol/hexane blends at 56°C. The S/C ratios tested were 3∶1, 2∶1 (control), 1.5∶1, and 1∶1 (w/w). More anhydrous ethanol, greater oil yields, and less co-extracted protein were obtained with higher S/C ratios. Less anhydrous ethanol and lower moisture adsorption capacities were obtained when the corn MC was ≥1.12%. Oil yields gradually decreased with drier corn, whereas protein loss increased when corn MC was <1.12%. Reducing the number of extraction stages from seven (original SEP) to five did not affect ethanol drying capability, oil yields, and protein co-extracted with oil. Using ethanol/hexane blends resulted in more anhydrous ethanol, higher oil yields, and less protein co-extracted with oil.     

Effects of maturation and storage on solubility,emulsion stability and gelation properties of isolated soy proteins

Solubility, emulsion stability and gelation of isolated soy proteins and their 7S and 11S fractions from three stages of seed maturity were studied. The pH-solubility profile was similar irrespective of maturation and six-month storage. The 11S protein was more soluble in the acidic pH range than the 7S protein. Oil-in-water emulsion stability of isolated soy protein from mature soybeans was higher than that from the immature ones. This is due to the fact that there was more 7S fraction in the mature soybeans, and 7S protein was found to form a more stable emulsion than that formed from 11S protein. The result suggests that isolated soy protein from mature soybeans would serve as a better emulsifying agent. Heat-induced soy protein gels became weaker as the soybeans became more mature. This can be attributed to the higher content in the immature soybeans of 11S fraction which gives a stronger gel than 7S fraction in the protein from immature soybeans.     

Electrochemical behaviour of chalcopyrite in the presence of silver and Sulfolobus bacteria

The electrochemical behaviour of massive chalcopyrite electrodes has been studied in an acid medium (pH1.5) containing silver ions (0.02gdm?3Ag+) and thermophilic bacteria (68°C). Preliminary tests on particulate electrodes made from graphite, elemental sulfur and Ag2S were included to determine the electrochemical response of reactants (Ag+) and products (S° and Ag2S) associated with the dissolution of chalcopyrite in the presence of silver. Massive chalcopyrite electrodes under potential scan showed a dependence on the dissolution of the Ag2S film with both the time of contact with the silver solution and [Ag+]. As well as Ag2S, metallic silver was detected on the chalcopyrite surface. It has been demonstrated that Fe3+ and bacteria play an important role in the regeneration of the Ag2S film. The breakdown of this film is a requirement for the further dissolution of chalcopyrite. The bioleaching of chalcopyrite with thermophilic microorganisms in the presence of silver decreased the decomposition potential of the electrode and favoured its electrodissolution. Bioleaching treatment in the presence of silver ions for periods of time longer than two weeks did not improve the surface reactivity. However, in the initial stages of the process, the lower reactivity of the bioleached electrodes was probably related to a toxic effect of silver on the microorganisms.     

Electrochemical behaviour of chalcopyrite in the presence of silver and Sulfolobus bacteria

The electrochemical behaviour of massive chalcopyrite electrodes has been studied in an acid medium (pH1.5) containing silver ions (0.02gdm–3Ag+) and thermophilic bacteria (68°C). Preliminary tests on particulate electrodes made from graphite, elemental sulfur and Ag2S were included to determine the electrochemical response of reactants (Ag+) and products (S° and Ag2S) associated with the dissolution of chalcopyrite in the presence of silver. Massive chalcopyrite electrodes under potential scan showed a dependence on the dissolution of the Ag2S film with both the time of contact with the silver solution and [Ag+]. As well as Ag2S, metallic silver was detected on the chalcopyrite surface. It has been demonstrated that Fe3+ and bacteria play an important role in the regeneration of the Ag2S film. The breakdown of this film is a requirement for the further dissolution of chalcopyrite. The bioleaching of chalcopyrite with thermophilic microorganisms in the presence of silver decreased the decomposition potential of the electrode and favoured its electrodissolution. Bioleaching treatment in the presence of silver ions for periods of time longer than two weeks did not improve the surface reactivity. However, in the initial stages of the process, the lower reactivity of the bioleached electrodes was probably related to a toxic effect of silver on the microorganisms.     

A comparison of plant and grain wax from two varieties of sorghum

Summary A study was made of the wax from a forage and a grain type of sorghum taken at different stages in plant growth in order to compare the amount and the chemical composition of the wax laid down at different stages in the development of the plant. The sorghum leaf, grain, and stalk waxes were compared to each other and to carnauba and corn wax. It was found that the grain and plant waxes of both types of sorghum were laid down throughout the growth of the plant. A constant level was reached about the time that the grain heads became apparent. There appeared to be definite chemical changes in the wax during the growth period studied. These changes were not necessarily similar from one part of the plant to another or from one variety to another. The waxes laid down on the leaf, grain, and stalk differed from each other in quantity and in chemical composition. Submitted by Cynthia Cannon as partial fulfillment for the M.S. degree in chemistry while an assistant at Kansas State College, Manhattan, Kans. Contribution No. 388.