bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Cow Dung and Urban Waste Compost in Reducing the Accumulation of Cadmium (Cd) and Lead (Pb) in Amaranth Grown in Contaminated Soil
Authors: Nadège Zerbo Rockia Marie , Paul Savadogo Windinpsidi , Cathérine Sawadogo/ Ilboudo Tinkoudougou , Alice Naré Rayim Wendé , Alidou Sanou
Published: July 2024

Aims: The effect of cow dung and urban waste compost on the capacity of amaranth to absorb cadmium and lead was studied in contaminated soil.
Study Design:  Amaranth was cultivated in pot trials randomized blocks with five treatments and four replications for each treatment: control; contaminated soil; contaminated soil with cow dung; contaminated soil with compost and contaminated soil with cow dung and compost.
Place and Duration of Study: The trial was carried out in laboratory conditions in the Research Institute for Applied Sciences and Technologies in Ouagadougou from march to April 2022.
Methodology: Lead and cadmium concentrations in amaranth leaves and stems was determined using atomic emission spectrometry (MP-AES) after acid digestion.
Results: The results showed that contaminated soil with 5 mg kg-1 of lead and 0.2 mg kg-1 of cadmium had no significant effect on amaranth growth. In the dried leaves, mean cadmium levels were 93.5 mg kg-1 in the absence of cow dung and 4.14 mg kg-1 in the presence of cow dung. Mean cadmium levels in dry stems were 64 mg kg-1 and 2.1 mg kg-1 respectively in the absence and presence of cow dung. Lead uptake did not vary significantly in the presence of amendments (0.44 mg kg-1) or in absence of amendments (0.75 mg kg-1) in the stems. The cow dung treatment was more effective than the compost treatment. However, our results showed that the two amendments reduced cadmium transfer by 90% and lead transfer by 70% to amaranth.
Performance of Different Hybrids of Bitter Gourd (Momordica charantia L.) in Terms of Growth, Yield and Quality in Prayagraj Agro-climatic Condition
Authors: Sahoo Abineet , Topno Samir E. , Kerketta Anita
Published: July 2024

Bitter gourd botanically known as Momordica charantia (L.) is an important commercial cucurbitaceous vegetable belonging to the family Cucurbitaceae, with a diploid chromosome number, 2n=22. It is variously known as balsam pear, bitter melon, bitter gourd, and African bitter gourd. Therefore, the present investigation was carried out at the Department of Horticulture, Naini Agricultural Institute, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh during the Zaid season 2023 with a view to check performance of different genotypes of bitter gourd under Prayagraj agro climatic conditions. The experiment was laid in Randomized block design with 12 hybrids with 3 replications. The results concluded that growth parameters viz. Vine length at last harvest (3.45 m), and yield attributes viz. individual fruit weight (53.13 g) was highest in H6 fruit diameter (40.67 mm) was highest in H5 and fruit length (13.57 cm) was highest in H3 and weight of fruit per plant(kg) (1.38) in H6 and yield of frits per hectare(q/h) (122.48) was recorded highest in H6. Growth Parameters viz. TSS brix (4.30) was recorded highest in H9 and Ascorbic acid (%) (1.67) in H1. Highest gross returns (4,89,920 Rs/ha), net return (3,44,706 Rs/ha) and Benefit cost ratio (3.37) was also recorded in highest in H6.
Effect of Integrated Nutrient Management in China Aster cv. Arka Poornima Under Mid Hills of Himalayas
Authors: Sandhu Shakshita , Parmar Shilpa , Saurabh Amit , Ahir Megha , Kamboj Akashdeep , Rawat Anand Singh , Ardeep
Published: July 2024

The present investigation was conducted to investigate the effect of integrated nutrient management on vegetative parameters of China aster cv. Arka Poornima under the mid hills of Himachal Pradesh. The experiment was laid out in simple randomized design (RBD) with eighteen treatments. The experiment was conducted at the Kakhali research farm of Dr. Khem Singh Gill Akal College of Agriculture, Eternal University, Baru Sahib, Himachal Pradesh during kharif season in 2023. For integrated nutrient management eighteen treatments were constituted with three levels of recommend dose of inorganic fertilizers (50, 75 and 100 %) and three biofertilizers viz., Azotobacter, PSB and KSB along with control. The observations for the vegetative parameters plant height (cm) at maturity, numbers of leaves, number of primary branches, number of secondary branches, leaf area per plant, leaf area index and plant spread were recorded and analyzed. The plant height (91.40 cm), No. of leaves (356.13), No. of primary branches (12.40) and secondary branches (33.70) were found maximum in treatment T12 (RDF@75% + Azotobacter + PSB + KSB), while the lowest values were observed in T0 (control). The highest leaf area (27.49 cm2) was found in T8 (RDF@75% + Azotobacter), while the leaf area index (12.02) and plant spread (16.57 cm) were found in treatment T11 (RDF@75% + Azotobacter + PSB). The lowest values for leaf area (17.77 cm2), leaf area index (5.48) and plant spread (11.82 cm) were found in treatments T14 (RDF@100% + Azotobacter), T16 (RDF@100% + KSB) and T10 (RDF@75% + KSB), respectively. Therefore, it can be concluded that, application of T12 (RDF@75% + Azotobacter + PSB + KSB) is best for the getting higher production in China aster followed by T11 (RDF@75% + Azotobacter + PSB). This study will reduce the use of inorganic fertilizer without polluting the soil and environment.
Aktuelles zu Bildung und Sport in der Umsatzsteuer – Teil 2
Authors: Esteves Gomes Cristian
Published: July 2024

Der Beitrag behandelt die geplanten Gesetzesänderungen durch das Jahressteuergesetz (JStG) 2024 in der Fassung des Regierungsentwurfs vom 5.6.2024 sowie aktuelle BMF-Schreiben jeweils zu Bildung und Sport: im ersten Teil (UR 2024, 477 ff.) die Neuerungen zum Ort der Leistung und zur Medienneutralität; im hiesigen zweiten Teil die Steuerbefreiungen und die E-Rechnung.
Structured adaptive attitude control of a satellite
Authors: Luzi Alexandru‐Razvan , Peaucelle Dimitri , Biannic Jean‐Marc , Pittet Christelle , Mignot Jean
Published: May 2013

This paper introduces a method for designing structured adaptive laws for ‘almost stable’ systems (systems for which a static output feedback gain is known). Structuring the adaptation law allows the designer to specify different evolutions for each component of the controller. Formulated as linear matrix inequalities, the stability conditions are flexible and can fit the applications specifications. The proposed synthesis procedure is applied on 1‐axis linear models of the detection of electromagnetic emissions transmitted from earthquake regions satellite, and the adaptive control law is successfully tested on a complete 3‐axis simulation benchmark. Results show that the use of the σ‐modification allows solving the problem of dynamics change between coarse and fine pointing situations. The adaptive law provides a fully continuous control, which is compared with an existing hybrid control. Results are shown to be satisfactory.Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Robust observer‐based control design for uncertain singular systems with time‐delay
Authors: Kchaou Mourad , Gassara Hamdi , El‐Hajjaji Ahmed
Published: May 2013

This paper is concerned with the stability analysis and robust dynamic output feedback controller synthesis for uncertain continuous singular systems with time‐delay. First, on the basis of the Lyapunov functional method and by resorting to the delay‐partition technique, improved delay‐dependent sufficient conditions are presented to ensure the nominal unforced system to be admissible (i.e., to be regular, impulse‐free, and stable). Second, with the help of the obtained admissibility criterion, an observer‐based controller is designed by solving a set of LMIs. Finally, the validity and applicability of the proposed approach is shown by examples. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Capturing the aversive state of cephalic pain preclinically
Authors: De Felice Milena , Eyde Nathan , Dodick David , Dussor Gregory O. , Ossipov Michael H. , Fields Howard L. , Porreca Frank
Published: May 2013

Objective

Preclinical evaluation of headache by behavioral assessment of reward from pain relief.

Methods

Inflammatory mediators (IMs) or control solution were applied to the rat dura mater to elicit a presumed state of cephalic pain. Hind paw incision was used in separate groups of animals to model noncephalic postsurgical pain. Drugs were given systemically or microinjected within the rostral ventromedial medulla (RVM), nucleus accumbens (NAc), or rostral anterior cingulate cortex (rACC). Peripheral nerve block was produced at the level of the popliteal fossa, and behavior was assessed using evoked sensory stimuli or conditioned place preference (CPP). Immunohistochemistry and brain microdialysis measurements were performed.

Results

Dural IMs produced long‐lasting generalized cutaneous allodynia. RVM lidocaine produced CPP, increased NAc c‐Fos, and dopamine release selectively in rats receiving dural IMs; CPP was blocked by intra‐NAc α‐flupenthixol, a dopaminergic antagonist. Intravenous α‐calcitonin gene‐related peptide (αCGRP)(8–37)produced CPP and elicited NAc dopamine release selectively in rats treated with dural IMs. Prior lesion of the rACC or treatment with systemic sumatriptan or αCGRP(8–37)abolished RVM lidocaine‐induced CPP in IM‐treated rats. Sumatriptan treatment blocked NAc dopamine release in IM‐treated rats receiving RVM lidocaine. Systemic sumatriptan did not alter pain relief‐induced CPP in rats with incisional injury.

Interpretation

Cephalic pain was unmasked in rats by assessment of motivated behavior to seek relief. Relief of pain activates the dopaminergic reward pathway to elicit negative reinforcement of behavior. Medications clinically effective for migraine headache selectively elicit relief of ongoing cephalic, but not postsurgical, noncephalic pain. These studies provide a platform for exploring migraine pathophysiology and for the discovery of new headache therapies. Ann Neurol 2013;74:257–265
A liquid‐like multiwalled carbon nanotube derivative and its epoxy nanocomposites
Authors: Wu Fei , Zheng Yaping , Qu Ping , Wang Nan , Chen Lixin
Published: May 2013

Multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) with liquid‐like behavior at room temperature were prepared with sulfonic acid terminated organosilanes as corona and tertiary amine as canopy. The liquid‐like MWCNT derivative had low viscosity at room temperature (3.89 Pa s at 20°C) and exhibited non‐Newtonian shear‐thinning behavior. The weight fraction of MWCNT in the derivative was 16.72%. The MWCNT derivative showed very good dispersion in organic solvents, such as ethanol and acetone. The liquid‐like MWCNT derivative was incorporated into epoxy matrix to investigate the mechanical performance of the nanocomposites and the distribution of MWCNTs in the matrix. When the liquid‐like MWCNT derivative content was up to 1 wt %, the flexural strength and impact toughness of composites were 12.1 and 124% higher than the pure epoxy matrix, respectively. Transmission electron microscope (TEM) confirmed the very good dispersion of the liquid‐like MWCNT derivative in epoxy matrix. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 130: 2217–2224, 2013
Synthesis and characterization of a conducting polyaniline/TiO2−SiO2 composites
Authors: Liu Fuwei , Liu Zhi , Gu Yanhong , Chen Zhe , Fang Pengfei
Published: May 2013

Polyaniline/TiO2−SiO2 composites were prepared by an in situ chemical oxidation polymerization approach in the presence of hybrid TiO2−SiO2 fillers. The obtained polyaniline/TiO2−SiO2 composites were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier transform infrared spectrometer (FTIR), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetry (TG), and current−voltage (I−V) measurements. SEM picture shows a variation in morphology of polyaniline (PANI) from fiber shape to relatively regular particle shape with increasing TiO2−SiO2 contents in the composites. The floccule‐like structures were observed by high resolution TEM, which may help improve the efficiency of conductive network. SEM, XRD, TG, and FTIR spectra all reveal that a relatively strong interaction exist between TiO2−SiO2 and PANI. The I−V characteristics in such composites indicate that the charge transport is mainly governed by the space charge effects, which occurs at the interface between the conducting PANI and TiO2−SiO2. Meanwhile, PANI/TiO2−SiO2 composites exhibit significant increase in conductivity than PANI/TiO2 or PANI/SiO2. The reasons about high conductivity of PANI/TiO2−SiO2 have also been discussed. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 130: 2288–2295, 2013
Regulating the physical and biological performances of poly(p‐dioxanone) by copolymerization with L‐phenylalanine
Authors: Wang Bing , Ma Chi , Xiong Zuo‐Chun , Xiong Cheng‐Dong , Zhou Hong‐Wei , Zhou Quan‐hua , Chen Dong‐Liang
Published: May 2013

The high crystallinity, low solubility in normal solvents, and low hydrophilicity of poly(p‐dioxanone) (PPDO) are unsuitable for the expansion of its biomedical applications. In order to circumvent these problems and induce biological properties, a series of poly(ester amide)s based on p‐(dioxanone) and l‐phenylalanine were synthesized by copolymerization of p‐dioxanone with l‐phenylalanine N‐carboxyanhydride monomers. The structures of the copolymers were confirmed by 1H NMR. The crystallinity of the copolymers was investigated by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and polarized optical microscopy (POM). Increasing contents of phenylalanine resulted in decreased crystallinity owing to the rigid phenyl groups of phenylalanine, which disrupted the regularities of the chains, thus confining their movement. The synthesized copolymers were more soluble in chloroform than PPDO. Moreover, the copolymers were more hydrophilic and hydrolyzed more slowly than PPDO, as indicated by water angle contact measurements and in vitro hydrolysis studies. Especially, the copolymers showed inhibition on cell proliferation of L929 mouse fibroblasts by MTT assay, suggesting that the polymers might be useful in the areas where cell proliferation need to be inhabited such as adhesion prevention. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 130: 2311–2319, 2013
Enhanced stability of newly isolated trimeric l‐methionine‐N‐carbamoylase from Brevibacillus reuszeri HSN1 by covalent immobilization
Authors: Nandanwar Hemraj S. , Vohra Rakesh M. , Hoondal Gurinder S.
Published: May 2013

Newly isolated and partially purified trimeric l‐methionine‐N‐carbamoylase from Brevibacillus reuszeri HSN1 was immobilized by covalent coupling to a well‐known support material, Eupergit® C. Approximately 80% enzyme activity yield was achieved with ≈61% binding of a soluble protein from a solution containing 5 mg/mL protein. The immobilized preparation was found to be quite unstable due to a poor multisubunit covalent interaction of trimeric enzyme. Additional cross‐linking with polyaldehyde–dextran was done to sustain the biotechnological application of immobilized enzyme. The temperature and pH optima of immobilized enzyme were increased by 10°C and 0.5 unit, respectively. The enzyme was significantly stabilized and retained ≈93% enzyme activity when incubated at 60°C for 60 Min, whereas free enzyme lost ≈50% activity. It was recycled nine times with ≈100% conversion efficiency when batch experiments were carried out at 35°C, pH 7.5, for the 180 Min cycle, using 5% N‐carbamoyl‐l‐methionine as the substrate. The half‐life of the immobilized preparation was determined as 23 cycles and is significant. Approximately 50% of enzyme activity was retained even after 5 months of storage at 4°C, whereas free enzyme lost complete enzyme activity. Hence, we could enhance the stability of l‐methionine‐N‐carbamoylase to make it a potential biocatalyst for biotechnological production of α‐amino acids.
Cross‐linked gelatin microspheres with continuously tunable degradation profiles for renal tissue regeneration
Authors: Serban Monica A. , Knight Toyin , Payne Richard G. , Basu Joydeep , Rivera Elias A. , Robbins Neil , McCoy Darell , Halberstadt Craig , Jain Deepak , Bertram Timothy A.
Published: May 2013

Collagen and gelatin‐based biomaterials are widely used in tissue engineering applications. Various methods have been reported for the cross‐linking of these macromolecules for the purpose of delaying their biodegradation to prolong their in vivo residence (in tissue engineering applications) or tailoring their drug releasing capacity (when used as drug carriers). In this study, a carbodiimide‐based cross‐linking method, also used in the production of United States Food and Drug Administration‐approved products, was employed to obtain differentially cross‐linked gelatin beads. The colorimetric determination of the in vitro enzymatic susceptibility of the beads indicated that the resistance to degradation linearly correlated with the concentration of carbodiimide used for the cross‐linking reaction. This result was also confirmed in vivo by the histological evaluation of the residence time of orthotopically injected cell‐seeded beads. These data would indicate that the production of gelatin‐based microbeads with tunable degradation profiles might be applicable toward the development of products that catalyze regeneration of kidney and other solid organs.
Digital microfabrication of user‐defined 3D microstructures in cell‐laden hydrogels
Authors: Soman Pranav , Chung Peter H. , Zhang A. Ping , Chen Shaochen
Published: May 2013

Complex 3D interfacial arrangements of cells are found in several in vivo biosystems such as blood vasculature, renal glomeruli, and intestinal villi. Current tissue engineering techniques fail to develop suitable 3D microenvironments to evaluate the concurrent effects of complex topography and cell encapsulation. There is a need to develop new fabrication approaches that control cell density and distribution within complex 3D features. In this work, we present a dynamic projection printing process that allows rapid construction of complex 3D structures using custom‐defined computer‐aided‐design (CAD) files. Gelatin‐methacrylate (GelMA) constructs featuring user‐defined spiral, pyramid, flower, and dome micro‐geometries were fabricated with and without encapsulated cells. Encapsulated cells demonstrate good cell viability across all geometries both on the scaffold surface and internal to the structures. Cells respond to geometric cues individually as well as collectively throughout the larger‐scale patterns. Time‐lapse observations also reveal the dynamic nature of mechanical interactions between cells and micro‐geometry. When compared to conventional cell‐seeding, cell encapsulation within complex 3D patterned scaffolds provides long‐term control over proliferation, cell morphology, and geometric guidance. Overall, this biofabrication technique offers a flexible platform to evaluate cell interactions with complex 3D micro‐features, with the ability to scale‐up towards high‐throughput screening platforms. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2013;110: 3038–3047. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Informal caregiving for cancer patients
Authors: Romito Francesca , Goldzweig Gil , Cormio Claudia , Hagedoorn Mariët , Andersen Barbara L.
Published: May 2013

According to the recent worldwide estimation by the GLOBOCAN project, in total, 12.7 million new cancer cases and 7.6 million cancer deaths occurred in 2008. The worldwide number of cancer survivors within 5 years of diagnosis has been estimated at be almost 28.8 million. Informal caregivers, such as family members and close friends, provide essential support to cancer patients. The authors of this report provide an overview of issues in the study of informal caregivers for cancer patients and long‐term survivors in the United States and Europe, characterizing the caregivers commonly studied; the resources currently available to them; and their unmet needs, their psychosocial outcomes, and the psychosocial interventions tailored to their special circumstances. A broad overview of the state of research and knowledge, both in Europe and the United States, and observations on the directions for future research are provided. Cancer 2013;119(11 suppl):2160‐9. © 2013 American Cancer Society.
Cancer‐related fatigue and its impact on functioning
Authors: Minton Ollie , Berger Ann , Barsevick Andrea , Cramp Fiona , Goedendorp Martine , Mitchell Sandra A. , Stone Patrick C.
Published: May 2013

This article presents the contrasting European and American perspectives on cancer‐related fatigue (CRF) and its impact on functioning in cancer survivors. The content is presented in 3 sections: state of the art, intervention studies, and future areas of research, followed by a discussion. Gaps identified include a lack of understanding of the etiology, definition, and measurement of CRF. Models to guide the study of CRF, selection of biomarkers, and design of interventions are needed. There is overlap between Europe and the United States concerning the future directions for research and collaboration related to CRF. The authors suggest the need for international consensus regarding the defining features of CRF in cancer survivors to identify phenotypes, a harmonized measurement of CRF outcomes using instruments that have demonstrated measurement equivalence across languages and cultures, and interventions (including exercise, rehabilitation, and psychoeducational) that have been manualized to permit intervention fidelity across diverse contexts. Coordinated intercontinental efforts would increase understanding of the biological, psychological, and social mechanisms underlying CRF and assist in the design of future intervention studies as well as revisions to clinical guidelines. Cancer 2013;119(11 suppl):2124‐30. © 2013 American Cancer Society.
Health care policy and cancer survivorship
Authors: Virgo Katherine S. , Bromberek Julia L. , Glaser Adam , Horgan Denis , Maher Jane , Brawley Otis W.
Published: May 2013

The United States and the European Union (EU) vary widely in approaches to ensuring affordable health care coverage for our respective populations. Such variations stem from differences in the political systems and beliefs regarding social welfare. These variations are also reflected in past and future initiatives to provide high quality cancer survivorship care. The United States spends considerably more on health care compared to most European countries, often with no proven benefit. In the United States, individuals with chronic illnesses, such as cancer survivors, often experience difficulties affording insurance and maintaining coverage, a problem unknown to EU countries with national health insurance. This article reviews health policy development over time for the United States and EU and the impact for cancer survivors. For the United States, the impact of the Affordable Care Act on improving access to affordable care for cancer survivors is highlighted. For the EU, the importance of multiple‐morbidity disease management, cancer plan development, and pan‐European data collection for monitoring cancer outcomes is addressed. Given predicted workforce shortages and ever‐increasing numbers of aging cancer survivors on both sides of the Atlantic, sharing lessons learned will be critical. Cancer 2013;119(11 suppl):2187‐99. © 2013 American Cancer Society.
An age–size reaction norm yields insight into environmental interactions affecting life‐history traits: a factorial study of larval development in the malaria mosquito Anopheles gambiae sensu stricto
Authors: Phelan Conan , Rotiberg Bernard D.
Published: May 2013

Environmental factors frequently act nonindependently to determine growth and development of insects. Because age and size at maturity strongly influence population dynamics, interaction effects among environmental variables complicate the task of predicting dynamics of insect populations under novel conditions. We reared larvae of the African malaria mosquito Anopheles gambiae sensu stricto (s.s.) under three factors relevant to changes in climate and land use: food level, water depth, and temperature. Each factor was held at two levels in a fully crossed design, for eight experimental treatments. Larval survival, larval development time, and adult size (wing length) were measured to indicate the importance of interaction effects upon population‐level processes. For age and size at emergence, but not survival, significant interaction effects were detected for all three factors, in addition to sex. Some of these interaction effects can be understood as consequences of how the different factors influence energy usage in the context of a nonindependent relationship between age and size. Experimentally assessing interaction effects for all potential future sets of conditions is intractable. However, considering how different factors affect energy usage within the context of an insect's evolved developmental program can provide insight into the causes of complex environmental effects on populations.
Blocking of integrins inhibits HIV‐1 infection of human cervical mucosa immune cells with free and complement‐opsonized virions
Authors: Tjomsland Veronica , Ellegård Rada , Kjölhede Preben , Wodlin Ninni Borendal , Hinkula Jorma , Lifson Jeffrey D. , Larsson Marie
Published: May 2013

The initial interaction between HIV‐1 and the host occurs at the mucosa during sexual intercourse. In cervical mucosa, HIV‐1 exists both as free and opsonized virions and this might influence initial infection. We used cervical explants to study HIV‐1 transmission, the effects of opsonization on infectivity, and how infection can be prevented. Complement opsonization enhanced HIV‐1 infection of dendritic cells (DCs) compared with that by free HIV‐1, but this increased infection was not observed with CD4+ T cells. Blockage of the α4‐, β7‐, and β1‐integrins significantly inhibited HIV‐1 infection of both DCs and CD4+ T cells. We found a greater impairment of HIV‐1 infection in DCs for complement‐opsonized virions compared with that of free virions when αM/β2‐ and α4‐integrins were blocked. Blocking the C‐type lectin receptor macrophage mannose receptor (MMR) inhibited infection of emigrating DCs but had no effect on CD4+ T‐cell infection. We show that blocking of integrins decreases the HIV‐1 infection of both mucosal DCs and CD4+ T cells emigrating from the cervical tissues. These findings may provide the basis of novel microbicidal strategies that may help limit or prevent initial infection of the cervical mucosa, thereby reducing or averting systemic HIV‐1 infection.
Links between wave forcing, offshore islands and a macro‐tidal headland‐bound bay beach
Authors: Thomas Tony , Phillips Michael R. , Williams Allan T. , Jenkins Rhian E.
Published: May 2013

Profiles were analysed in conjunction with wave climate to assess offshore island influences on an embayed beach at Tenby, Wales. Time series analyses showed medium and short‐term beach oscillation, with volume exchanges between zones lagging by up to six months. Dominant southerly and southwesterly waves caused sub and low tidal longshore drift from south towards north, while less frequent southeasterly waves generated counter drift. Modelled inshore breaking waves had less energy than offshore ones and the former behaved differently between the low and high tidal zones (spring tidal range of 7 · 5 m). Variations in wave direction from directly behind the islands resulted in reduced wave heights and statistical analyses agreed with wave model results. These were correlated to morphological change and it was concluded that offshore islands change wave dynamics and modify the morphology of embayed beaches in their lee. Consequently, this work provides significant new insights into offshore island influences, shoreline behaviour and especially tidal setting Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The use of tetragnathid spiders as bioindicators of metal exposure at a coal ASH spill site
Authors: Otter Ryan R. , Hayden Mary , Mathews Teresa , Fortner Allison , Bailey Frank C.
Published: May 2013

On 22 December 2008, a dike containing coal fly ash from the Tennessee Valley Authority Kingston Fossil Fuel Plant (TN, USA) failed, resulting in the largest coal ash spill in US history. The present study was designed to determine sediment metal concentrations at multiple site locations and to determine whether site-specific bioaccumulation of metals existed in tetragnathid spiders. Selenium and nickel were the only 2 metals to exceed the US Environmental Protection Agency sediment screening levels. Selenium concentrations in spiders were significantly higher at ash-affected sites than in those from reference sites. The ratio of methylmercury to total mercury in spiders was found to be similar to that in other organisms (65–75%), which highlights the potential use of tetragnathid spiders as an indicator species for tracing contaminant transfer between the aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. Environ Toxicol Chem 2013;32:2065–2068. © 2013 SETAC
Comparing the effects of nanosilver size and coating variations on bioavailability, internalization, and elimination, using Lumbriculus variegatus
Authors: Coleman Jessica G. , Kennedy Alan J. , Bednar Anthony J. , Ranville James F. , Laird Jennifer G. , Harmon Ashley R. , Hayes Charolett A. , Gray Evan P. , Higgins Christopher P. , Lotufo Guilherme , Steevens Jeffery A.
Published: May 2013

As the production and applications of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) increase, it is essential to characterize fate and effects in environmental systems. Nanosilver materials may settle from suspension; therefore, the authors' objective was to utilize environmentally relevant bioassays and study the impact, bioaccumulation, tissue distribution, uptake, and depuration of AgNPs on a sediment-dwelling invertebrate, Lumbriculus variegatus. Hydrodynamic diameters of uncoated 30-nm, 80-nm, and 1500-nm AgNP powders and a polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP) AgNP suspension were measured utilizing dynamic light scattering in freshwater media (0–280 µS/cm). Aggregation for 30 nm, 80 nm, and 1500 nm silver increased with conductivity but was minimal for PVP silver. Lumbriculus variegatus were exposed to AgNPs or silver nitrate (AgNO3) spiked into sediment (nominally 100 mg/kg) and water (PVP 30 nm and 70 nm Ag, nominally 5 mg/L). Uptake was assessed through inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy (ICP-MS) and hyperspectral imaging. Particle sizes were examined through field flow fractionation–ICP-MS (FFF-ICP-MS) and ICP-MS in single particle mode (SP-ICP-MS). Lumbriculus variegatus were also depurated for 6 h, 8 h, 24 h, and 48 h to determine gut clearance. Bioaccumulation factors of sediment-exposed L. variegatus were similar regardless of particle size or coatings. The FFF-ICP-MS and SP-ICP-MS detected AgNPs for up to 48 h post depuration. The present study provides information on bioaccumulation and interactions of AgNPs within biological systems. Environ Toxicol Chem 2013;32:2069–2077. © 2013 SETAC
Lethal and sublethal effects of three insecticides on two developmental stages of xenopus laevis and comparison with other amphibians
Authors: Yu Shuangying , Wages Mike R. , Cai Qingsong , Maul Jonathan D. , Cobb George P.
Published: May 2013

It has been suggested that Xenopus laevis is less sensitive than other amphibians to some chemicals, and therefore, that the Frog Embryo Teratogenesis Assay—Xenopus (FETAX) may have limited use in risk assessments for other amphibians. However, comparisons are based mostly on results of FETAX, which emphasizes embryos. Larval X. laevis may be more sensitive to chemicals than embryos and may serve as a better life stage in risk assessments. The present study was conducted to determine the lethal and sublethal effects of 3 insecticides (malathion, endosulfan, and α-cypermethrin) on X. laevis embryos and larvae and to compare toxicity of X. laevis with that of other amphibians. All 3 insecticides have different modes of action, and they caused mortality, malformations, and growth inhibition in both developmental stages. Compared with embryos, larvae were more sensitive to endosulfan and α-cypermethrin but not to malathion. Xenopus laevis larvae had low sensitivity to endosulfan, median sensitivity to malathion, and high sensitivity to α-cypermethrin/cypermethrin relative to other larval amphibians. Our results suggest that X. laevis larvae may generate more protective toxicity estimates in risk assessments than embryos. Xenopus laevis may have limited use in evaluating risk of organochlorine insecticides to other amphibians but may provide useful toxicity thresholds for pyrethroid and perhaps organophosphorus insecticides. Environ Toxicol Chem 2013;32:2056–2064. © 2013 SETAC
The Importance of Chert in Central Anatolia: Lessons from the Neolithic Assemblage at Çatalhöyük, Turkey
Authors: Nazaroff Adam Joseph , Baysal Adnan , Çiftçi Yahya
Published: May 2013

This paper is a presentation of three sources of artifact‐quality chert inCentralAnatolia. A previous dearth of research focused on locating and characterizing such raw material sources has incorrectly colored our view of prehistoric economic practices. To remedy this situation, we have conducted a survey of various locales withinCentralAnatolia to test for the presence of artifact‐quality materials. We make use ofIndividualAttributeAnalysis (IAA) andEnergyDispersiveX‐rayFluorescence (EDXRF) analysis to discriminate among these materials, and suggest their use by theNeolithic occupants ofÇatalhöyük through similar analyses of artifactual materials. We argue that the presence and characterization of these new sources allows us to better understand the intricacies ofNeolithic practices by illustrating the ways in which the consumption of these materials was variably entwined with the exploitation of other resources, as well as embedded within social relations outside ofCentralAnatolia. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Separation and location of microseism sources
Authors: Moni Aishwarya , Craig David , Bean Christopher J
Published: May 2013

Microseisms are ground vibrations caused largely by ocean gravity waves. Multiple spatially separate noise sources may be coincidentally active. A method for source separation and individual wavefield retrieval of microseisms using a single pair of seismic stations is introduced, and a method of back azimuth estimation assuming Rayleigh‐wave arrivals of microseisms is described. These methods are combined to separate and locate sources of microseisms in a synthetic model and then applied to field microseismic recordings from Ireland in the Northeast Atlantic. It is shown that source separation is an important step prior to location for both accurate microseism locations and microseisms wavefield studies.
Linear contrail and contrail cirrus properties determined from satellite data
Authors: Minnis Patrick , Bedka Sarah T. , Duda David P. , Bedka Kristopher M. , Chee Thad , Ayers J. Kirk , Palikonda Rabindra , Spangenberg Douglas A. , Khlopenkov Konstantin V. , Boeke Robyn
Published: May 2013

The properties of contrail cirrus clouds are retrieved through analysis of Terra and Aqua Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer data for 21 cases of spreading linear contrails. For these cases, contrail cirrus enhanced the linear contrail coverage by factors of 2.4–7.6 depending on the contrail mask sensitivity. In dense air traffic areas, linear contrail detection sensitivity is apparently reduced when older contrails overlap and thus is likely diminished during the afternoon. The mean optical depths and effective particle sizes of the contrail cirrus were 2–3 times and 20% greater, respectively, than the corresponding values retrieved for the adjacent linear contrails. When contrails form below, in, or above existing cirrus clouds, the column cloud optical depth is increased and particle size is decreased. Thus, even without increased cirrus coverage, contrails will affect the radiation balance. These results should be valuable for refining model characterizations of contrail cirrus needed to fully assess the climate impacts of contrails.
Deforestation causes different subregional effects on the Amazon bioclimatic equilibrium
Authors: Pires Gabrielle Ferreira , Costa Marcos Heil
Published: May 2013

Deforestation on Amazonia and central Brazil Cerrado could change regional climate, possibly shifting forest equilibrium into a bioclimatic envelope typical of savannas. Although impacts of climate change induced by deforestation are likely to vary subregionally, the potential geographic variation of these effects and the thresholds of rainforest and Cerrado removal that will affect Amazonian bioclimatic equilibrium remain unknown. We evaluate the effects of deforestation scenarios of increasing severity on the bioclimatic equilibrium of Amazon subregions. Results indicate that subregional precipitation responds in three distinct ways to progressive deforestation: a near‐constant rate of reduction, a rapid drop for low deforestation levels, and a decrease after intermediate deforestation levels. Additionally, while inner forest regions remain inside rainforest bioclimatic envelope, outer forest regions may cross forest‐savanna bioclimatic threshold even at low deforestation levels. We argue that at least 90% of Amazonia and 40% of Cerrado should be sustained to avoid subregional bioclimatic savannization.
The Pacific Meridional Mode as a trigger for ENSO in a high‐resolution coupled model
Authors: Larson Sarah , Kirtman Ben
Published: May 2013

This study investigates El Niño precursors in a high‐resolution version of CCSM3.5. First, using an Empirical Orthogonal Function analysis of all non‐ENSO tropical Pacific variability, we find that the Pacific Meridional Mode (PMM) acts as an ENSO trigger 7–9 months prior to large El Niño events in the model, which is consistent with previous model and observational studies. However, because not every PMM event triggers an ENSO event, we also find that PMM appears to be an effective trigger when the western‐to‐central Pacific is preconditioned (i.e., anomalously high sea surface heights or heat content). Second, this study looks at the contribution of western Pacific variability, namely westerly wind bursts (WWBs), as well as all other non‐ENSO variability in the tropical Pacific. We find that the relative importance of low‐frequency climate variability associated with PMM dominates over other non‐ENSO variability between 15°N and 15°S, including high‐frequency atmospheric variability and WWBs, in acting as a precursor to El Niño events.
The effect of carbon‐nitrogen coupling on the reduced land carbon sink caused by tropospheric ozone
Authors: Kvalevåg Maria Malene , Myhre Gunnar
Published: May 2013

Tropospheric ozone is known to have a damaging effect on carbon uptake in the terrestrial biosphere. We show that limitations of available nitrogen for sufficient plant growth reduce the negative impact of tropospheric ozone on carbon uptake in plants, leading to a smaller indirect change in radiative forcing than previously calculated. Transient climate simulations between 1900 and 2004 where plant growth is affected by tropospheric ozone have been performed by the National Center for Atmospheric Research Community Land Model with and without a coupling to the nitrogen cycle. When the land model includes nitrogen limitation on plant growth, the negative effect from tropospheric ozone on carbon uptake in plants is reduced by up to a factor of four compared to model simulation without nitrogen limitation. Only 2–5% of the radiative forcing from CO2 between 1900 and 2004 can be attributed to the indirect effect of tropospheric ozone which is a factor of six lower than results from previous studies.
Diurnal variations of land surface wind speed probability distributions under clear‐sky and low‐cloud conditions
Authors: He Yanping , Monahan Adam H. , McFarlane Norman A.
Published: May 2013

Long‐term 10 min wind tower data and ceilometer backscatter data at Cabauw in the Netherlands provide quantitative information on the influence of low clouds on the diurnal evolution of the near‐surface wind speed (NSWS) probability distribution (probability density function), the wind power density (WPD), and their vertical structure in the bottom 200 m of the atmosphere. Under clear‐sky conditions, pronounced diurnal cycles are identified in the leading three moments of NSWS as well as WPD and the boundary layer thermal structure in all seasons. When low clouds are present, weaker diurnal cycles with a different vertical structure are observed. Under clear skies, skewness at night is positive within the stable air near the surface but negative above 100 m. In the presence of low clouds, wind speeds are positively skewed and the probability of strong winds is higher associated with a larger geostrophic wind speed.
Cytotoxicity, cytocompatibility, cell‐labeling efficiency, and in vitro cellular magnetic resonance imaging of gadolinium‐catalyzed single‐walled carbon nanotubes
Authors: Avti Pramod K. , Caparelli Elisabeth D. , Sitharaman Balaji
Published: May 2013

Cell tracking by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is an emerging technique that typically requires the use of MRI contrast agents (CAs). A MRI CA for cellular imaging should label cells efficiently at potentially safe concentrations, have high relaxivity, and not affect the cellular machinery. In this article, we report the cytotoxicity, cytocompatibility, and cell labeling efficiency in NIH/3T3 fibroblasts of novel, single‐walled carbon nanotubes synthesized using gadolinium nanoparticles as catalysts (Gd‐SWCNTs). Cells incubated with the Gd‐SWCNT showed a dose‐ (50–100 µg/mL nanotube concentration) and time‐ (12–48 h) dependent decrease in viability. 30% cell death was observed for cells incubated with Gd‐SWCNTs at the maximum dose of 100 µg/mL for 48 h. Cells incubated with the Gd‐SWCNTs at concentrations between 1–10 μg/mL for 48 h showed no change in viability or proliferation compared to untreated controls. Additionally, at these potentially safe concentrations, up to 48 h, the cells showed no phosphatidyl serine externalization (pre‐apoptotic condition), caspase‐3 activity (point of no return for apoptosis), genetic damage, or changes in their division cycle. Localization of Gd‐SWCNTs within the cells was confirmed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and Raman microscopy, and these results show 100% cell labeling efficiency. Elemental analysis also indicates significant uptake of Gd‐SWCNTs by the cells (108–109 Gd3+ ions per cell). Finally, T1‐weighted MRI at 3 T of Gd‐SWCNT‐labelled cells show up to a four‐fold increase in MR signal intensities as compared to untreated cells. These results indicate that Gd‐SWCNTs label cells efficiently at potentially safe concentrations, and enhance MRI contrast without any structural damage to the cells. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 101A: 3580–3591, 2013.
Responses of the Antioxidant System in QGY‐7701 Cells to the Cytotoxicity and Apoptosis Induced by 1‐Octyl‐3‐methylimidazolium Chloride
Authors: Jing Changqin , Li Xiaoyu , Zhang Jihong , Wang Jianji
Published: May 2013

This study aims to evaluate the cytotoxicity and responses of the cellular antioxidant system of 1‐octyl‐3‐methylimidazolium chloride ([C8mim][Cl]) on human hepatocarcinoma QGY‐7701 cells. The results show that [C8mim][Cl] can inhibit QGY‐7701 cell growth and decrease their viabilities in a dose‐dependent manner. The results also reveal that [C8mim][Cl] exposure can induce apoptosis in the [C8mim][Cl]‐treated QGY‐7701 cells. In addition, the results of biochemical assays show that [C8mim][Cl] exposure causes overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS), inhibits superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities, decreases reduced glutathione (GSH) content, and increases the cellular malondialdehyde (MDA) level. These results suggest that ROS‐mediated oxidative stress may be responsible for the apoptosis induced by [C8mim][Cl] in QGY‐7701 cells. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J BiochemMol Toxicol 27:330‐336, 2013; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/jbt.21495
OVATION‐SM: A model of auroral precipitation based on SuperMAG generalized auroral electrojet and substorm onset times
Authors: Mitchell E. J. , Newell P. T. , Gjerloev J. W. , Liou K.
Published: May 2013

OVATION‐SM, an empirical model for different types of auroral energy flux, has been developed. OVATION‐SM is a linear combination of the SME index (or square root of SME index for monoenergetic auroras), time since the last substorm onset, and time until the next substorm onset. Because OVATION‐SM is based on ground magnetometer data and products of that data, it is possible to calculate continuous auroral power at a 1 min cadence for 30+ years. OVATION‐SM captures the gross auroral morphology, including onsets and other brightening and dimming events. The detailed spatial auroral morphology is beyond the scope of the current version of OVATION‐SM. OVATION‐SM explains more than 70% of the variance in Polar UV Imager nightside auroral power, which makes it a better predictor of nightside auroral power than any other model currently available.
Trends in the F2 layer parameters at the end of the 1990s and the beginning of the 2000s
Authors: Danilov A. D. , Konstantinova A. V.
Published: May 2013

The behavior of the critical frequency foF2 of the ionospheric F2 layer is considered for the period 1990–2010. Various available databanks of ionospheric vertical sounding data are described and compared. The analysis is performed in terms of comparison of the foF2 data for the period 1958–1980 to the data for 1990–2010. Two moments of the day (14:00 LT and the after‐sunset moment) and two seasons (winter and summer) are considered for 12 stations for which the necessary data were available. The scatter of the foF2 values (in terms of the standard deviation, SD) relative to the dependence on the solar activity index F10.7 is considered. It is demonstrated that the values of SD for the period 1998–2010 are much higher than for the period 1958–1979. This increase in the SD includes two factors: real increase in the foF2 scatter and systematic decrease (negative trend) in foF2. This systematic decrease makes it possible to provide an independent evaluation of the trend in foF2: −0.03 MHz per year. Analysis of foF2 behavior for each of all 12 stations is performed. The obtained linear trends are negative for all stations, but the trend magnitude varies from one station to another. The trends for two moments of time are found of the same order of magnitude: −0.024 and −0.054 MHz per year for the summer and winter seasons, respectively. Some conclusions on the behavior of the hmF2 trends for the same period are presented. Possible causes of the changes in the trends in the F2 layer parameters are discussed.