Long term effects of temperature and substrate level on BNR with an external nitrification reactor.

This study was conducted with a BNR (biological nutrient removal) process with an external nitrification and switching arrangement of anoxic and oxic stages. It was observed that the SPRR (specific phosphorus release rate) and SDNR (specific denitrification rate) were greatly affected by the organic loads, and SDNR had a higher temperature effect than other kinetic rates including nitrification. It was further observed that the stoichiometric values like PHA (poly hydroxyalkanoate) stored for P release and PHA consumed for P uptake also varied. Variations of % Px (phosphorus content) and PHA as intracellular matter suggest the PAOs were more active at lower temperatures with this process configuration, where more than 70% of NH4-N and phosphorus were removed at temperatures below 10 degrees.

4-Hydroxybenzaldehyde from Gastrodia elata B1. is active in the antioxidation and GABAergic neuromodulation of the rat brain.

Ether fraction of G. elata methanol extract significantly inhibited the recovery time and severity induced by pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) treatment. Pretreatment of ether fraction of G. elata methanol extract successfully prevented diminution of brain GABA level in subconvulsive dose of PTZ-treated rats. 4-Hydroxybenzaldehyde, an analogue of p-hydroxybenzyl alcohol, showed an inhibitory effect on the GABA transaminase, and its inhibitory activity was higher than that of valproic acid, a known anticonvulsant. In the brain of PTZ-treated rats, brain lipid peroxidation was significantly increased, while it recovered to the control level after treatment with 4-hydroxybenzaldehyde. It may be concluded that antioxidation and positive modulation of GABAergic neuromodulation of 4-hydroxybenzaldehyde partially contribute to an antiepileptic and anticonvulsive activity of G. elata B1.