Shoot and root biomass production in semi-arid shrublands exposed to long-term experimental N input.

Anthropogenic nitrogen (N) deposition has affected the primary production of terrestrial ecosystems worldwide; however, ecosystem responses often vary over time because of transient responses, interactions between N, precipitation, and/or other nutrients, and changes in plant species composition. Here we report N-induced changes in above- and below-ground standing crop and production over an 11-year period for two semi-arid shrublands, chaparral and coastal sage scrub (CSS), of Southern California. Shrubs were exposed to 50 kgN ha in the fall of each year to simulate the accumulation of dry N deposition, and shoot and root biomass and leaf area index (LAI) were measured every 3 months to assess how biomass production responded to chronic, dry N inputs.

Effects of Insecticidal Ketones Present in Mint Plants on GABA Receptor from Mammalian Neurons.

Background: The genus , an important member of the family, is represented by many species commonly known as mint. The insecticidal activity of oil and its main components has been tested and established against various insects/pests. Among these, the ketone monoterpenes that are most common in different species demonstrated insect toxicity, with pulegone being the most active, followed by carvone and menthone.

Comparative antioxidant properties of some GABAergic phenols and related compounds, determined for homogeneous and membrane systems.

Some phenols, like propofol, thymol and related compounds, have been shown to act on the GABA(A) receptor. Several compounds with GABAergic activity have displayed neuroprotective effects attributed mainly to the potentiation of GABA(A)-mediated inhibition of synaptic transmission. It has also been found that compounds containing a phenolic OH group can scavenge reactive oxygen species, as in the case of propofol, among others.