What are the effects of phellinus linteus?5 answersPhellinus linteus has various effects based on the abstracts provided. It has been shown to have hepatoprotective effects and can alleviate acute liver injury by reducing liver enzyme levels and oxidative stress. Phellinus linteus also exhibits anticancer activity by affecting migratory/invasive markers and decreasing proinvasive proteins in cancer cells. Additionally, it has immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory effects by suppressing the production of inflammatory markers and promoting the production of immune-related markers. Phellinus linteus has selective anticancer effects, causing morphological changes and apoptosis in cancer cells while having low toxicity on normal cells. Furthermore, it induces vasodilation in mesenteric arteries by activating potassium channels and causing hyperpolarization of vascular smooth muscle cells.
What is ACOLITE?4 answersACOLITE is an atmospheric correction processor developed for the Sentinel-2 satellite imagery. It is specifically designed for coastal and inland waters and is part of the EC-FP7 HIGHROC project. ACOLITE utilizes the MultiSpectral Imager (MSI) on board the Sentinel-2 satellite, which has various bands with different spatial and spectral resolutions. One of the advantages of ACOLITE is its ability to perform image-based atmospheric correction, even over extremely turbid waters, using the SWIR bands at 1.6 and 2.2 μm. Additionally, ACOLITE can determine chlorophyll a absorption in turbid and productive waters using the red-edge band at around 705 nm. It also allows for the retrieval of turbidity or suspended particulate matter concentration using the red and NIR bands at 10 m spatial resolution. ACOLITE is a valuable tool for studying aquatic environments and can be used to track phenomena such as cyanobacterial blooms.
What is vinculin?5 answersVinculin is a mechanosensitive adapter protein that links the actin network to cell-extracellular matrix adhesions and cell-cell adhesions. It acts as a force-dependent molecular switch and a mechanotransducer, recruiting partners in response to force. Vinculin plays a critical role in bearing and dissipating force experienced by cells onto the cytoskeleton. It modulates the recruitment of ligands and affects cell proliferation, migration, focal adhesion size, and contractility. Vinculin is involved in the reinforcement of nascent adhesions during cell contact with the extracellular matrix. It is dispensable for adhesion initiation but crucial for adhesion strength and traction development. Vinculin undergoes tension-dependent conformational changes and acts as a tension buffering structure and a mechanosensor. In endothelial cells, vinculin promotes endothelial barrier function and prevents vascular leakage in developing blood vessels.
What is lycopene?3 answersLycopene is a plant-derived carotenoid pigment that is found in fruits and vegetables, particularly in tomatoes and tomato-based products. It is known for its distinctive chemical and structural features that contribute to its biological properties. Lycopene is a powerful antioxidant that helps prevent damage to cells and tissues caused by free radicals or singlet oxygen. It has been studied for its potential health benefits in preventing chronic diseases such as diabetes, cancer, asthma, metabolic syndrome, arthritis, and cardiovascular diseases. Lycopene has also been recognized for its potential anticancer activity, with research showing its effectiveness against various types of cancers and its ability to inhibit cancer cell growth and metastasis. Additionally, lycopene has been linked to other health benefits, including protection against neurodegenerative diseases, sunburns, and myocardial infarction. Furthermore, lycopene has been suggested to have immunological and anti-inflammatory effects, making it a potential candidate for bolstering physiological defenses against infections like COVID-19. Overall, lycopene is a phytochemical with promising nutraceutical implications and various potential applications in the food industry.
What is tarpaulin?5 answersTarpaulin is a multilayered textile fabric that is resistant to cutting and is commonly used for goods vehicles, tents, and other applications. It is made of various materials such as aramid and gel spun polyethylene fibers, or a blend of these, and has a weight ranging from 200-1000 g/m. Tarpaulins are treated with coatings or prints on one or both sides to enhance their properties, such as waterproofing, resistance to UV rays, and protection against microbe degradation. They can also be designed with specific features, such as ridge joint sections and skirt joint sections, to connect to tents and improve appearance and safety. Additionally, there are tarpaulin racks available that facilitate the covering of lorry tarpaulins, providing convenience, ease, and safety for drivers. Tarpaulins can be tensioned to mounting structures using side tarpaulin tighteners, which consist of tension lever-hook modules and adjustment units.
What are lignans?5 answersLignans are complex diphenolic compounds that are widely found across the plant kingdom. They are secondary metabolites belonging to the phenyl-propanoid biosynthetic pathway and can have different molecular structures, such as aryltetralin, arylnaphtalene, or dibenzylbutyrolactone. Lignans are mainly accumulated in seeds but can also be present in other plant tissues. They have been of interest due to their potential biological activities, including antioxidant, antitumor, anti-inflammatory, and antiviral properties. Lignans have been used in both ethnic and conventional medicine. The production of lignans can be stimulated by using elicitors. Linum species, particularly Linum usitatissimum, are well-known as major producers of lignans.