The Marine Dynamics and Changing Trend off the Modern Yellow River Mouth

Topography around the Yellow River mouth has changed greatly in recent years, but studies on the current state of ma- rine dynamics off the Yellow River mouth are relatively scarce. This paper uses a two-dimension numerical model （MIKE 21） to reveal the tidal and wave dynamics in 2012, and conducts comparative analysis of the changes from 1996 to 2012. The results show that M2 amphidromic point moved southeastward by 11 kin. It further reveals that the tides around the Yellow River mouth are relatively stable due to the small variations in the tidal constituents. Over the study period, there is no noticeable change in the distribution of tidal types and tidal range, and the mean tidal range off the river mouth during the period studied is 0.5-1.1 m. However, the tidal currents changed greatly due to large change in topography. It is observed that the area with strong tidal currents shifted from the old river mouth （1976-1996） to the modem river mouth （1996-present）. While the tidal current speeds decreased continually off the old river mouth, they increased off the modem river mouth. The Maximum Tidal Current Speed （MTCS） reached 1.4 m s-1, and the maximum current speed of 50-year return period reached 2.8 m s-1. Waves also changed greatly due to change in topography. The significant wave height （H1/3） of 50-year return period changed proportionately with the water depth, and the ratio of Hi/3 to depth being 0.4-0.6. H1/3 of the 50-year return period in erosion zone increased continually with increasing water depth, and the rate of change varied between 0.06 and 0.07myr-1. Based on the results of this study, we infer that in the future, the modem river mouth will protrude gradually northward, while the erosion zone, comprising the old river mouth and area between the modern river mouth and the old river mouth （Intermediate region） will continue to erode. As the modem river mouth protrudes towards the sea, there will be a gradual increase in the current speed and decrease in wave height. Conversely, the old river mouth will retreat, with gradual decrease in current speed and increase in wave height. As more coastal constructions spring up around the Yellow River mouth in the future, we recommend that variation in hydrodynamics over time should be taken into consideration when designing such coastal constructions.

Geochemistry of the Rare Earth Elements (REE) Distribution in Terengganu Coastal Waters: A Study Case from Redang Island Marine Sediment

A study on the rare earth elements (REEs) of Redang Island marine sediments was conducted in August 2011 during the premonsoon season. Bottom sediments were collected from 27 sampling stations on board UMT Discovery II vessel using a Smith McIntyre grab and analyzed for rare earth elements (REEs) using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Results showed that the REEs patterns in sediments reflected the source rock patterns with an overall order of abundance such as: light rare earth elements (LREE) > middle rare earth element (MREE) > high rare earth elements (HREE). The chondrite normalized patterns of REEs showed enrichment of LREEs over HREEs with La/Yb of 13.6 while the chondrite normalized value showed low (Gd/Yb)N ratios (2.12) which was illustrated in the flat HREE pattern. The chondrite normalized REE patterns of sediments showed the enrichment of LREE and depletion of HREE. From our findings, REEs concentrations in the study area were found to be of geogenic origins and the distributions were not influenced by anthropogenic sources.

Characterization and analysis of ribosomal proteins in two marine calanoid copepods

Copepods are among the most abundant and successful metazoans in the marine ecosystem. However, genomic resources related to fundamental cellular processes are still limited in this particular group of crustaceans. Ribosomal proteins are the building blocks of ribosomes, the primary site for protein synthesis. In this study, we characterized and analyzed the c DNAs of cytoplasmic ribosomal proteins(c RPs) of two calanoid copepods, P seudodiaptomus poplesia and A cartia pacifi ca. We obtained 79 c RP c DNAs from P. poplesia and 67 from A. pacifi ca by c DNA library construction/sequencing and rapid amplifi cation of c DNA ends. Analysis of the nucleic acid composition showed that the copepod c RP-encoding genes had higher GC content in the protein-coding regions(CDSs) than in the untranslated regions(UTRs), and single nucleotide repeats(>3 repeats) were common, with "A" repeats being the most frequent, especially in the CDSs. The 3′-UTRs of the c RP genes were signifi cantly longer than the 5′-UTRs. Codon usage analysis showed that the third positions of the codons were dominated by C or G. The deduced amino acid sequences of the c RPs contained high proportions of positively charged residues and had high p I values. This is the fi rst report of a complete set of c RP-encoding genes from copepods. Our results shed light on the characteristics of c RPs in copepods, and provide fundamental data for further studies of protein synthesis in copepods. The copepod c RP information revealed in this study indicates that additional comparisons and analysis should be performed on different taxonomic categories such as orders and families.

Provenance and depositional setting of the Late MiocenePleistocene clastic sediments in the eastern Arabian Peninsula and western Iraq using rare earth elements geochemistry

The sandstones of the Late miocene–Pliocene Dibdibba Formation in the Najaf–Karbala Plateau and Basra were examined to determine their source rocks and origin. The rare earth elements(REE) and trace elements(Sc, Co, V, and Th) concentrations in these sandstones revealed that they likely derived from a single source. The steep light rare earth elements(LREE) and flat, heavy rare earth element(HREE) patterns, negative Eu anomaly, and high ΣREE contents in sandstones suggest its derivation from a suggests that a passive continental margin environment and originated from felsic source rocks. The average concentration of ΣREE is 93.5 ppm, which is lower than that of the average crustal compositions like Upper Continental Crust and Post Archean Australian Shale. The higher proportion of LREE compared to HREE implies that these sandstones were recycled and derived from a distal source. The Th/Co, Th/Sc, La/Sc, La/Co, Eu/Eu*and(La/Lu)cn elemental ratios indicated that these Late Miocene–Pliocene sandstones were derived from felsic rocks located in the marginal region of the Arabian Shield.

Antibacterial activity of marine bacteria isolated from sponge Xestospongia testudinaria from Sorong,Papua

Objective:To explore secondary metabolite of bacteria-associated Xestospongia testudinaria from Tanjung Kasuari,Sorong,Papua.Methods:The antimicrobial activities of extracts against two Gram-positive bacteria(Staphylococcus aureus) and three Gram-negative bacteria(Pseudomonas aeruginosa,Eschericia coli and Salmonella typhi) were determined by disk diffusion dilution method.Results:The test showed that of 15 isolates of symbiont bacteria,6 isolates were successfully isolated and coded,namely,Xp 4.1,Xp 4.2,Xp 4.3,Xp 4.4,Xp 4.5 and Xp 4.6.Of the six bacterial isolates,isolated Xp 4.2 was found to have more powerful antibacterial activity than any other isolates of symbiont bacteria.Antibacterial activity assay for the n-hexane soluble fractions,ethyl-acetate soluble fractions,and n-buthanol soluble fractions revealed more powerful anti-bacterial activity than any other soluble fractions.Phytochemical screening showed alkaloid and steroid/triterpenoid,while identification for isolate of Xp 4.2 bacterial showed bacteria.Conclusions:Metabolites of bacterial associated with marine sponge Xestospongia testudinaria promise to be developed into antibacterial agents.

An Assessment of the Marine Mammal Abundance and Population Density within the Ghanaian Offshore Construction Areas

The Gulf of Guinea region enjoined with the unique characteristics of the Guinea surface and underwater currents driving the upwelling season, besets the ecological importance of the area amidst growing offshore development. Though several attempts are being made to identify the various cetacean species inhabiting the area, little to no progress is made to under the animal population, their behaviour and distribution in the face of the growing threat. The study hence attempts to develop cetacean population and distribution estimation within Ghana’s offshore construction sites in the time frame of field development while emphasizing the effects of operations on animal behaviour and habitats, purpose at providing an understanding with the general behaviour of these mammals peculiar to the area and too what level the impact of change is having on distribution trends. The study finds the upwelling tends to suggest, strong animal presence in the area during feeding. Short-fin pilot whales were a dominant cetacean feature within the observed cetacean population estimated to have 160 (CV = 0.3728) presence. Findings suggest the strong biological importance, BIA (habitat, feeding and breeding), as well as operations drawing on animal curiosity, heightened animal vulnerability. Further studies are required to understand the temporal and spatial distributions patterns, while efforts are needed to ensure protected areas are established, animal surveillance and conservative attitudes are encouraged.

Assessing the Potential of Mangrove Educotourism to Marine Protected Area: A Case of Tioman and Tulai Islands, Pahang, Malaysia

Mangroves composition and species are richly diverse in Tioman and Tulai Island. A total of 23 mangrove species have been found consisting of exclusive and non-exclusive species in Kg. Juara, Kg. Nipah, Kg. Paya, Kg. Genting and Tulai Island. The abundance mangrove species are Rhizophora X lamarckii, Rhizophora apiculata, Rhizophora mucronata and Brugueira gymnorrhiza. From supervised classification, total of 59.90 hectares mangrove covers have been identified in both islands, with 86.49% in Tioman Island (52.76 hectares) and 13.51% in Tulai Island (7.14 hectares). A new hybrid species has been found (Rhizophora X lamarckii) dominated in Tulai Island, combination between Rhizophora stylosa and Rhizophora apiculata. At the mean time only mangrove area in Teluk Bakau, Tulai Island is considered as the focal destination of tourists to the area. However, other mangrove areas in Tioman Island are also potential to be promoted as tourist destination areas. Although the mangrove area is only a part of the scenery, its presence obviously enhances tourist attraction. The basic facilities such as information counter, walking trails, garbage boxes and toilets are considered necessary. The main information panel and site map should be provided on the mangrove sites. Boardwalks may be constructed for visitor to access the mangrove area without destroying the root system and stand. The actual site of these facilities and on-site information guides should be strategically placed in order to provide beneficial information and as well as to sustain the biophysical stability of the sites. Since mangroves provide various important functions in nature, it hopes that the mangrove educotourism activity will influence the people and community’s attitudes to the environment, conservation and sustainable development in a very positive way.

The Ecotoxicological Effects of Microplastics on Primary Producers in the Marine Environment

Plastic debris is an emerging environmental threat all over the world.But its effect and distribution in the marine ecosystem is barely known.Microplastics abundance in the marine vegetated area is about 2 to 3 times higher than the bare site in the ocean.Although seagrass meadows trap huge amount of microplastics over the ocean floor,a considerable amount of microplastics are also sink incorporating with the marine aggregates from the epipelagic zone of the ocean.Scavenging of microplastics by diatom aggregation decreases the sinking rate of them rather than cryptophyte.As we know,marine snow is the leading carbon source for zoobenthos,but the ubiquitous presence of microplastics damages cell of different microalgae which may alter the food webs of marine ecosystems.Additionally,microplastics releases immense amount of dissolved organic carbons(DOC)in the surrounding seawater that stimulates the growth of heterotrophic microorganisms as well as their functional activity.Plastic debris result in outbreaks of disease in the marine environment and coral reefs are highly affected by it.When coral reef comes in contact with microplastics,the disease infestation rate of the reef increases massively.Three major disease viz.,skeletal eroding band,white syndrome and black band of coral reef causes approximately 46%of reef mortality due to microplastics consumption.Due to complex structure and size,the corals accumulates huge amount of microplastics that increases growth of pathogens by hampering the coral immune system.Existing scientific evidence presents that exposure of microplastics in aquatic environments triggers a wide variety of toxic insult from feeding disruption to reproductive performance,disturbances in energy metabolism throughout the ocean.The present review focused on the ecotoxicological effect of microplastics on primary producers of ocean,its uptake,accumulation,and excretion,and its probable toxicity with risk assessment approaches.

An Inventory of Some Relatively Large Marine Mammals, Reptiles, and Fishes Sighted, Caught, By-Caught, or Stranded in the Mediterranean Coast of the Gaza Strip-Palestine

The Mediterranean Sea is home to an interesting biodiversity. The current cumulative and descriptive study aims to enumerate some relatively large marine mammals, reptiles, and fishes that have been spotted, caught, by-caught, or stranded on the coast of the Gaza Strip, Palestine, which extends about 42 km along the Mediterranean Sea. This 20-year study from 2003 to 2022 relied much on frequent field visits, meetings, and discussions with stakeholders, following local media sites and social media pages, and photography. The study recorded at least 26 giants or relatively large marine organisms on the Mediterranean coast of the Gaza Strip, Palestine. Certainly, the coming years may bring other marine organisms of relatively large sizes. Marine mammals included three species of cetaceans with the Fin Whale (Balaenoptera physalus) being the largest mammal and even the largest animal ever recorded in this study. Marine reptiles included three species of sea turtles, the largest of which is the Leatherback Sea Turtle (Dermochelys coriacea), which is in fact the world’s largest sea turtle. The bony fishes were represented by ten species, the largest of which was the Ocean Sunfish (Mola mola), which is the largest bony fish in the world. The cartilaginous fishes included ten species with the largest specimens encountered were the Shortfin Shark (Isurus oxyrinchus), Bluntnose Sixgill Shark (Hexanchus griseus), Scalloped Hammerhead Shark (Sphyrna lewini), and Giant Devil Ray (Mobula mobular). Seabirds were not included in the study. The Alexandria Pompano (Alectis alexandrinus) and the Silver-Cheeked Toadfish (Lagocephalus sceleratus), which are bony fishes, appear to be the relatively smallest marine organisms recorded here. In conclusion, the role of the various parties must be coordinated to ensure the sustainability of human activities and their compatibility with the task of conserving local marine biota, including the gigantic or relatively large ones.

Epiphytic zooplankton community profiles in a typical urban wetland as revealed by DNA metabarcoding

Zooplankton,a crucial component of urban wetland,are one of the effective bioindicators for monitoring the feeding stocks of organisms at higher trophic levels and assessing the ecological quality of ecosystems.However,information about the characteristics of epiphytic zooplankton community structure resulted from traditional methods is limited and hindered by the large amount of detritus and sludge attached to the macrophytes.We investigated the epiphytic zooplankton communities associated with macrophytes(Vallisneria,Nymphaea,and Thalia dealbata)in a subtropical wetland using as DNA markers of the 18 S rRNA gene and the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I(COI)gene.A total of 241 OTUs of zooplankton were obtained from COI amplicons,including 194 OTUs of Rotifera,22 of Cladocera,and 25 of Copepoda,while only 62 OTUs of zooplankton were obtained from 18 S rDNA amplicons including 34 OTUs of Rotifera and 28 of Copepoda.The zooplankton communities associated with the three macrophytes were similar,but they differed significantly from those in the open waters.However,there were no significant temporal differences among the zooplankton communities.Epiphytic zooplankton communities were dominated by littoral zooplankton such as Testudinella,Lecane,and Philodina.Microzooplankton,especially littoral species,utilize macrophytes as food sources and as refuges against predation.This further led to an increase inαandβdiversity of zooplankton communities in urban wetlands.Our result suggests that the joint use of multiple molecular markers could improve the taxonomic resolution and generate a comprehensive biodiversity profile of zooplankton.

Anti-melanogenic properties of FBCC-EP850 derived from Carex pumila Thunb

Objective:To elucidate the anti-melanogenic potential of Carex pumila Thunb.extract(FBCC-EP850).Methods:A collection of 180 plant extracts was tested for inhibition of mushroom tyrosinase activity using an in vitro assay.Among them,FBCC-EP850 exhibited the most promising inhibitory activity.Further analysis was conducted to investigate its mechanisms and therapeutic potential in reducing melanogenesis in B16F10 melanoma cells and zebrafish larvae.Results:FBCC-EP850 inhibited mushroom tyrosinase activity in a dose-dependent manner,with a half-maximal inhibitory concentration of 45.83μg/mL.FBCC-EP850 at concentrations up to 50μg/mL demonstrated minimal cytotoxicity against B16F10 melanoma cells and no adverse effects on zebrafish larvae.Treatment with 50μg/mL of FBCC-EP850 significantly reducedα-melanocyte stimulating hormone-induced melanin production and suppressed cellular tyrosinase activity in B16F10 melanoma cells.Additionally,FBCC-EP850 at 25 and 50μg/mL effectively diminished hyperpigmentation inα-melanocyte stimulating hormone-stimulated zebrafish larvae.Its anti-melanogenic action could be attributed to modulation of the cAMP-CREB-MITF signaling pathway.Conclusions:Carex pumila extract can inhibit melanogenesis by modulating the cAMP-CREB-MITF signaling pathway,which can be used as a promising candidate for treating hyperpigmentation disorders.

Effects of low molecular weight polysaccharide from Sargassum thunbergii against palmitic acid-induced intracellular lipid accumulation in 3T3-L1 adipocyte and HepG2 cells

Low molecular weight polysaccharides can be isolated from Sargassum thunbergii(LMPST)and in vitro experiments were conducted to evaluate the inhibitory effects on lipids.Two natures of LMPST were attained from S.thunbergii and appraised their LMPST on palmitic acid(PA)induced lipid accretion in Hep G2,and 3T3-L1 cells.LMPST treatment lessened lipid deposition and intracellular free fatty acid and triglyceride intensities in PA-treated above mentioned cells.The mechanistic study publicized that LMPST2 significantly suppressed adipogenesis and stimulated the PA-treated 3T3-L1 cells occupied in the lipolysis pathway.Furthermore,in PA-treated Hep G2 cells,the free fatty acid oxidation was significantly increased by LMPST2.Given these constructive properties of LMPST2 from S.thunbergii,is a potential candidate for diminishing the intracellular lipids,and for a therapeutic agent in those conditions.

Anti-obesity effects of fucoidan from Sargassum thunbergii in adipocytes and high fat diet induced obese mice through inhibiting adipogenic specific transcription factor

The prevalence of obesity has increased and is a health concern worldwide.Due to the concerns regarding synthetic anti-obesity treatments,nowadays natural products become a trend.Previous studies proved that there is a potential to use marine algae as anti-obesity agents.Therefore,in this study,the lipid inhibitory effect of crude polysaccharide of amyloglucosidase-assisted hydrolysate from Sargassum thunbergii(STAC)and its fucoidan fractions(STAFs)on 3T3-L1 cells and high-fat diet(HFD)-induced obese mice were investigated.According to the results,the STAF3,showed the highest xylose content and exhibited significant inhibitory effects on lipid accumulation by downregulating adipogenic and lipogenic proteins in 3T3-L1 cells.Furthermore,oral supplementation with STAC significantly declined gain in body weight and fat weight,and serum lipid contents in an HFD-induced obesity mouse model.Structural and chemical characterizations demonstrated that puritied STAF3 has consistent surface morphology and small particle size,with similar structural characteristics as commercial fucoidan.Together,these results indicate that STAC and purified STAF3 from Sargassum thunbergia is a potent source to develop as ananti-obesity agents or functional food products to counter obesity.

Theoretical Study of Benzothiazole and Its Derivatives: Molecular Structure, Spectroscopic Properties, NBO, MEP and TD-DFT Analyses

Benzothiazole (BTH) and its derivatives are organic molecules with biologic actions. Because of their many applications, they are produced on a massive scale and used in a number of environmental compartments. Their discharge into water produces environmental problems, exposing our environment to public health problems. A solution that can contribute to their deterioration is becoming a necessity. For this reason, a conceptual analysis of the reactivity of benzothiazole and four of its compounds was undertaken in order to investigate certain aspects of their biodegradability. A theoretical investigations of the compounds studied were conducted in the gas and water phases with the most widely used density functional theory method, Becke-3-Parameter-Lee-Yang-Parr (B3LYP) with 6-31G+ (d, p) basis. Reactivity study calculated global indices of reactivity revealed that 2-SCH3_BTH is the most reactive. Dipole moment values analysis reveals that 2-NH2_BTH is the most soluble in water, while the lipophilicity shows that 2-NH2_BTH is the most hydrophilic compound. Thermodynamic parameters values reflect that reactions are respectively exothermic and spontaneous. By analyzing an Electrostatic Molecular Potential (EMP) map, researchers can pinpoint reactive sites on a molecule and anticipate its reactivity. This assessment is further enhanced by incorporating global and local reactivity descriptors. Additionally, an exploration of frontier molecular orbitals offers valuable insights into the molecule’s charge transfer characteristics. Moreover, a combined examination of internal and external molecular interactions unveils hyperconjugative interactions arising from charge delocalization, as elucidated through natural bond orbital (NBO) analysis.

Antidiabetic effects of chitooligosaccharides on pancreatic islet cells in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

AIM: To investigate the effect of chitooligosaccharides on proliferation of pancreatic islet cells, release of insulin and 2 h plasma glucose in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.METHODS: In vitro, the effect of chitooligosaccharides on proliferation of pancreatic islet cells and release of insulin was detected with optical microscopy, colorimetric assay, and radioimmunoassay respectively. In vivo, the general clinical symptoms, 2 h plasma glucose, urine glucose, oral glucose tolerance were examined after sixty days of feeding study to determine the effect of chitooligosaccharides in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. RESULTS: Chitooligosaccharides could effectively accelerate the proliferation of pancreatic islet cells. Chitooligosaccharides (100 mg/L) had direct and prominent effect on pancreastic β cells and insulin release from islet cells. All concentrations of chitooligosaccharides could improve the general clinical symptoms of diabetic rats, decrease the 2 h plasma glucose and urine glucose, and normalize the disorders of glucose tolerance.CONCLUSION: Chitooligosaccharides possess various biological activities and can be used in the treatment of diabetes mellitus.

Cold event at 5500 a BP recorded in mud sediments on the inner shelf of the East China Sea

A 700-year record （1.0-1.5 a resolution） of the East Asian winter monsoon （EAWM）, based on grain-size analysis and AMSI4C dating of Core EC2005 from the inner-shelf mud wedge of the East China Sea （ECS）, was compared with the Dongge stalagmite 8180 record during the mid-Holocene. The upper muddy section of Core EC2005 has been formed mainly by suspended sediments derived from the Changjiang （Yangtze） River mouth since 7.3 ka BP. High precipitation and a strengthened EAWM might have played key roles in the high sedimentation rate （1 324-1 986 crn/ka） between 5.9-5.2 ka BP. The EAWM strengthened when the Asian summer monsoon weakened, especially around 5 500 a BE which corresponded to a worldwide cold event. The EAWM during the mid-Holocene shows statistically significant solar periodicities at 62 and 11 a. The 5 500 a BP cold event might be resulted from orbital forcing and changes in solar activity.

Roasting and chlorine leaching of gold-bearing refractory concentrate:Experimental and process analysis

This paper deals with gold extraction from a refractory concentrate by chlorine leaching.The process considers a pre-treatment of refractory materials by low temperature oxidation carried out with low oxygen concentration.The oxidized material is treated by leaching with brine.After gold adsorption/reduction onto activated carbon,iron and base metals can be precipitated by NaOH.Roasting tests show the necessity to carry out a thermal pre-treatment at least at 550°C to obtain a reduction of sulfur and mercury in the material(50%and 90%,respectively).Highest gold extraction yield(around 93%)is obtained in the leaching test performed with material sample treated at 650°C.This result confrms the necessity to optimize the thermal pre-treatment to improve Au recovery and to reduce chlorine consumption.A comparison with conventional cyanidation confrms that chlorination could be an useful alternative:in fact,gold extraction yield is quite low:57%in non-pre-treated material and 25%in pre-treatment material.

Geographical distribution of red and green Noctiluca scintillans

The dinoflagellate Noctiluca scintillans is one of the most important and abundant red tide organisms and it is distributed world-wide. It occurs in two forms. Red Noctiluca is heterotrophic and fills the role of one of the microzooplankton grazers in the foodweb. In contrast, green Noctiluca contains a photosynthetic symbiont Pedinomonas noctilucae （a prasinophyte）, but it also feeds on other plankton when the food supply is abundant. In this review, we document the global distribution of these two forms and include the first maps of their global distribution. Red Noctiluca occurs widely in the temperate to sub-tropical coastal regions of the world. It occurs over a wide temperature range of about 10℃ to 25℃ and at higher salinities （generally not in estuaries）. It is particularly abundant in high productivity areas such as upwelling or eutrophic areas where diatoms dominate since they are its preferred food source. Green Noctiluca is much more restricted to a temperature range of 25℃-30℃ and mainly occurs in tropical waters of Southeast Asia, Bay of Bengal （east coast of India）, in the eastern, western and northern Arabian Sea, the Red Sea, and recently it has become very abundant in the Gulf of Oman. Red and green Noctiluca do overlap in their distribution in the eastern, northern and western Arabian Sea with a seasonal shift from green Noctiluca in the cooler winter convective mixing, higher productivity season, to red Noctiluca in the more oligotrophic warmer summer season.

Inhibitory activities of microalgal fucoxanthin againstα-amylase,α-glucosidase, and glucose oxidase in 3T3-L1cells linked to type 2 diabetes

Postprandial hyperglycemia is an early indication of type 2 diabetes and the target of many anti-diabetic and anti-obesity studies.α-Glucosidase and α-amylase are the crucial factors in regulating starch digestion and glucose absorption,making them key targets for many studies to treat postprandial hyperglycemia.We studied the inhibitory activities of microalgal fucoxanthin against rat-intestinalα-glucosidase and pancreaticα-amylase along with the antidiabetic eff ect to induce diff erentiation in 3T3-L1 pre-adipocytes using Oil Red-O staining.Fucoxanthin displayed strong hindrance activities towardα-amylase in a concentration-dependent manner,with an IC50 value of 0.68mmol/L,whereas weak inhibitory activity against α-glucosidase,with an IC 50 value of 4.75 mmol/L.Fucoxanthin also considerably elevated glucose oxidase activity in 3T3-L1 cells by 31.3%at 5μmol/L.During adipocyte differentiation,fucoxanthin showed lipid accumulation in 3T3-L1 cells with no cytotoxicity up to 20μmol/L.However,fucoxanthin had no inhibitory activity on glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase.These results suggest that fucoxanthin might be useful for the prevention of obesity or diabetes by inhibiting carbohydrate-hydrolyzing enzymes and lipid accumulation and be utilized as an ingredient for a functional food or dietary supplement.

Sediment records of environmental changes in the south end of the Zhejiang-Fujian coastal mud area during the past 100 years

Previous studies carried out in the East China Sea （ECS） mud area focused on long-term environmental changes in sedimentary records during the Holoeene, especially during the mid-Holocene high-stand water levels period. These results indicate that sensitive grain size groups can be used as a sedimentary proxy to reconstruct the evolution of the East Asian Winter Monsoon （EAWM）. The studies have been carried out mainly in the northern and middle portions of the Zhejiang-Fujian coastal mud, however, similar research in the southern portion and the comparison between sedimentary proxy and modern measured data of EAWM are lacking. In this paper, we focused on a sedimentary record of the past 100 years with an enhanced resolution of 1.8 years. Investigations of the southern end of the Zhejiang-Fujian coastal mud area were conducted on the basis of 21~Pb chronology, grain-size analysis and chemical element analysis. The correspondence between the mean grain size （Mz） of sediment sensitive grain size and the measured EAWM was confirmed for the first time. We found that during the recent 100 years, the variation of the mean grain size of the sensitive population in the southern portion of the Zhejiang-Fujian mud was mainly controlled by the EAWM intensity changes; and not directly related to changes in the sediment discharge from Datong station of the Changjiang River （DTSD）. Finally, recent changes in the content of heavy metals in study area reflect the impact of human activities on the environment.