bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Demography of short-tailed shrew populations living on polychlorinated biphenyl—contaminated sites
Authors: Boonstra Rudy , Bowman Lanna
Published: March 2010

In ecological risk assessment, a key necessity is to understand how contaminants known to have negative impact on laboratory mammals affect the population demography of mammals living in their natural environment. We examined the demography of six local populations of the short-tailed shrew (Blarina brevicauda) living in eastern deciduous forest palustrine habitat along the Housatonic River (MA, USA) on soils contaminated with a range of polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) concentrations (1.5–38.3 ppm). The objective of the study was to assess whether PCBs adversely affect the population demography of these small mammals living in their natural environment. Blarina were selected for study because they would be expected to readily bioaccumulate PCBs from the soil. Populations were intensively live trapped on 1-ha grids from spring to autumn 2001. There was no relationship between any demographic parameter and PCB soil concentrations. Densities were high (usually exceeding 20/ha, and on two grids exceeded 60/ha in summer); survival was good (typically 60–75% per 30 d); and sex ratio, reproduction rates, growth rates, and body mass were within the ranges reported in the literature. Thus, these shrew populations showed no detectable impact on their population demography from living on PCB-contaminated sites.
Complexity in multimedia mass balance models: When are simple models adequate and when are more complex models necessary?
Authors: Cahill Thomas M. , Mackay Donald
Published: March 2010

Three environmental multimedia models of varying degrees of complexity are compared to assess when simple models are adequate and when more complex models are advantageous. The simplest model, the level II (L-II) model, assumes all environmental media are at chemical equilibrium, whereas the more complex models treat chemical disequilibrium between well-mixed media (standard level IV [L-IV] model) or the major media are subdivided into separate layers to simulate heterogeneity (high-resolution level IV [HR-IV] model). The three models are compared for their performance in predicting steady-state, regional concentrations; dynamic, local-scale concentrations; and chemical persistence in the environment. The results indicate that the L-IV model often provides adequate regional simulations when chemical emission occurs to air or water. This model also is useful for assessing chemical persistence in both steady-state and dynamic scenarios. More complex models, such as the HR-IV model, are suggested for local-scale, dynamic simulations or when the chemical emission occurs to soil because they better characterize rates of intramedia transport, which can greatly affect the model predictions. The simplest L-II model predicts environmental concentrations that can differ significantly from those of more complex models, but it is useful for establishing partitioning tendencies and for ranking chemicals for their relative persistence in steady-state situations.
Degradation and formation of polycyclic aromatic compounds during bioslurry treatment of an aged gasworks soil
Authors: Lundstedt Staffan , Haglund Peter , Öberg Lars
Published: March 2010

The goals of this study were to investigate the relative degradation rates of polycyclic aromatic compounds (PACs) in contaminated soil, and to assess whether persistent oxidation products are formed during their degradation. Samples were taken on five occasions during a pilot-scale bioslurry treatment of soil from a former gasworks site. More than 100 PACs were identified in the soil, including unsubstituted polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), alkylated PAHs (alkyl-PAHs), heterocyclic PACs, and oxygenated PAHs (oxy-PAHs), such as ketones, quinones, and coumarins. During the treatment, the low molecular weight PAHs and heterocyclics were degraded faster than the high molecular weight compounds. The unsubstituted PAHs also appear to have degraded more quickly than the corresponding alkyl-PAHs and nitrogen-containing heterocyclics. No new oxidation products that were not present in the untreated soil were identified after the soil treatment. However, oxy-PAHs that were present in the untreated soil were generally degraded more slowly than the parent compounds, suggesting that they were formed during the treatment or that they are more persistent. Two oxidation products, 1-acenaphthenone and 4-oxapyrene-5-one, were found at significantly higher concentrations at the end of the study. Because oxy-PAHs can be acutely toxic, mutagenic, or carcinogenic, we suggest that this group of compounds should also be monitored during the treatment of PAH-contaminated soil.
Variations in α-Hexachlorocyclohexane enantiomer ratios in relation to microbial activity in a temperate estuary
Authors: Padma Tiruponithura V. , Dickhut Rebecca M. , Ducklow Hugh
Published: March 2010

Changes in the enantiomer ratios (ERs) of chiral pollutants in the environment are often considered evidence of biological alteration despite the lack of data on causal or mechanistic relationships between microbial parameters and ER values. Enantiomer ratios that deviate from 1:1 in the environment provide evidence for the preferential microbial degradation of one enantiomer, whereas ER values equal to 1 provide no evidence for microbial degradation and may mistakenly be interpreted as evidence that biodegradation is not important. In an attempt to link biological and geochemical information related to enantioselective processes, we measured the ERs of the chiral pesticide α-hexachlorocyclohexane (α-HCH) and bacterial activity (normalized to abundance) in surface waters of the York River (VA, USA) bimonthly throughout one year. Despite lower overall α-HCH concentrations, α-HCH ER values were unexpectedly close to 1:1 in the freshwater region of the estuary with the highest bacterial activity. In contrast, ER values were nonracemic (ER ≠ 1) and α-HCH concentrations were significantly higher in the higher salinity region of the estuary, where bacterial activity was lower. Examination of these data may indicate that racemic environmental ER values are not necessarily reflective of a lack of biodegradation or recent input into the environment, and that nonenantioselective biodegradation may be important in certain areas.
Quantifying copper and cadmium impacts on intrinsic rate of population increase in the terrestrial oligochaete Lumbricus rubellus
Authors: Spurgeon David J. , Svendsen Claus , Weeks Jason M. , Hankard Peter K. , Stubberud Hege E. , Kammenga Jan E.
Published: March 2010

Demographic methods can translate toxicant effects on individuals into consequences for populations. To date few such studies have been conducted with longer-lived invertebrates. This is because full life-cycle experiments are difficult with such species. Here we report the effects of copper and cadmium on the key demographic parameter intrinsic rate of population increase (r) in a long-lived invertebrate (an earthworm). The approach used to derive r was based on robust measurement of effects on life-cycle traits in three specifically designed toxicity tests and integration of this data within a demographic model. The three laboratory tests used to generate values for specific life-cycle parameters under copper and cadmium exposure were suited to the task. Significant effects on a range of separate adult and juvenile life-cycle parameters were seen. Integration of parameter values within the demographic equation indicated that for copper, r was reduced only at a concentration that also caused adult mortality. For cadmium, a more graded exposure-dependent effect on fitness was seen, with r reduced at sublethal concentrations. The concentration response patterns for r found for the two metals suggest significantly different consequences for earthworm populations exposed to sublethal levels of copper and cadmium.
Lead accumulation in feathers of nestling black-crowned night herons (Nycticorax nycticorax) experimentally treated in the field
Authors: Golden Nancy H. , Rattner Barnett A. , Cohen Jonathan B. , Hoffman David J. , Russek-Cohen Estelle , Ottinger Mary Ann
Published: March 2010

Although lead can attain high concentrations in feathers, interpretation of the biological significance of this phenomenon is difficult. As part of an effort to develop and validate noninvasive methods to monitor contaminant exposure in free-ranging birds, lead uptake by feathers of nestling black-crowned night herons (Nycticorax nycticorax) was evaluated in a controlled exposure study. Four- to 6-d-old heron nestlings (one/nest) at Chincoteague Bay, Virginia (USA), received a single intraperitoneal injection of dosing vehicle (control, n = 7) or a dose of lead nitrate in water (0.01, 0.05, or 0.25 mg Pb/g body wt of nestling; n = 6 or 7/dose) chosen to yield feather lead concentrations found at low- to moderately polluted sites. Nestlings were euthanized at 15 d of age. Lead accumulation in feathers was associated with concentrations in bone, kidney, and liver (r = 0.32–0.74, p < 0.02) but exhibited only modest dose dependence. Blood delta-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase activity was inhibited by lead, although effects on other biochemical endpoints were marginal. Tarsus growth rate was inversely related to feather lead concentration. Culmen growth rate was depressed in nestlings treated with the highest dose of lead but not correlated with feather lead concentration. These findings provide evidence that feathers of nestling herons are a sensitive indicator of lead exposure and have potential application for the extrapolation of lead concentrations in other tissues and the estimation of environmental lead exposure in birds.
The effects of ultraviolet-b radiation on the toxicity of fire-fighting chemicals
Authors: Calfee Robin D. , Little Edward E.
Published: March 2010

The interactive effects of ultraviolet (UV) and fire-retardant chemicals were evaluated by exposing rainbow trout (Oncorhyncus mykiss) juveniles and tadpoles of southern leopard frogs (Rana sphenocephala) to six fire-retardant formulations with and without sodium ferrocyanide (yellow prussiate of soda [YPS]) and to YPS alone under three simulated UV light treatments. Yellow prussiate of soda is used as a corrosion inhibitor in some of the fire-retardant chemical formulations. The underwater UV intensities measured were about 2 to 10% of surface irradiance measured in various aquatic habitats and were within tolerance limits for the species tested. Mortality of trout and tadpoles exposed to Fire-Trolr̀ GTS-R, Fire-Trol 300-F, Fire-Trol LCA-R, and Fire-Trol LCA-F was significantly increased in the presence of UV radiation when YPS was present in the formulation. The boreal toad (Bufo boreas), listed as endangered by the state of Colorado (USA), and southern leopard frog were similar in their sensitivity to these chemicals. Photoenhancement of fire-retardant chemicals can occur in a range of aquatic habitats and may be of concern even when optical clarity of water is low; however, other habitat characteristics can also reduce fire retardant toxicity.
Metallothionein concentrations in natural populations of gudgeon (Gobio gobio): Relationship with metal concentrations in tissues and environment
Authors: Van Campenhout Karen , Bervoets Lieven , Blust Ronny
Published: March 2010

A field monitoring campaign investigating the suitability of (Cd, Zn)-metallothionein concentrations (MTs) in different tissues of the gudgeon as a biomarker for metal contamination in the aquatic environment was conducted. Gudgeons were captured at 10 sampling sites on a river system in Flanders (Belgium). Nine sampling sites were situated along a Cd and Zn gradient with a nearby tributary as the reference site. Cadmium, Cu, and Zn concentrations were measured in the water and sediments. Concentrations of (Cd, Zn)-MT were measured in different organs (gill, liver, kidney) of gudgeon (Gobio gobio). The hepatic and gill Cd and Zn concentrations, as well as the hepatic (Cd, Zn)-MT concentrations, reflected the polymetallic contamination gradient. Moreover, the hepatic Cd and Zn concentrations could describe 72% of the variance in the (Cd, Zn)-MT concentrations in the liver, illustrating the possible use of hepatic MT concentrations as a biomarker for environmental metal contamination. In this way a dose-response relationship could be established under natural conditions. However, a poor negative relation between the Cd and Zn concentrations in the gills and the corresponding (Cd, Zn)-MT concentrations was found. No relation between the Cd and Zn concentrations in the kidney tissue and the corresponding (Cd, Zn)-MT concentrations could be established. These results clearly illustrate the tissue-specificity of the MT concentrations, thus for monitoring purposes MT concentrations should be measured in liver tissues, rather than in kidney or gill tissues.
Use of receiver operating characteristic curves to evaluate sediment quality guidelines for metals
Authors: Shine James P. , Trapp Crista J. , Coull Brent A.
Published: March 2010

Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves are commonly used in the biomedical field to assess the quality of a diagnostic test. The area under an ROC curve, which ranges from 0.5 to 1.0, is a measure of the overall effectiveness of a diagnostic test. These curves can be used to elucidate compromises in sensitivity (ability to correctly classify a toxic sample as toxic) and specificity (ability to correctly classify a nontoxic sample as nontoxic) associated with a given threshold. In this study, ROC curves were used to evaluate methods for estimating acute toxicity of metals in marine sediments. Differences in the effectiveness of speciation (comparisons of labile sulfides with simultaneously extracted metals) and total sediment concentration (such as the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration Guidelines, Washington, DC) approaches were assessed by using a database of field and laboratory spiked sediments. Despite uncertainties associated with these methods, the areas under the ROC curves ranged from 0.84 to 0.89 for all approaches tested, with no significant differences between speciation and whole sediment approaches. Thresholds commonly used by environmental managers, although yielding high sensitivity, came at the expense of low specificity. Thresholds providing desirable trade-offs in sensitivity and specificity generally are higher than commonly used thresholds.
Sequential bio- and phototransformation of the herbicide methabenzthiazuron in water
Authors: Malouki Moulay Abderrahmane , Giry Géraldine , Besse Pascale , Combourieu Bruno , Sancelme Martine , Bonnemoy Frédérique , Richard Claire , Delort Anne-Marie
Published: March 2010

We investigated the transformation of methabenzthiazuron in water by microorganisms and solar light. This compound was very slowly phototransformed when irradiated at λ > 290 nm, but it could be successfully oxidized into 6-hydroxymethabenzthiazuron by Aspergillus niger, as shown by nuclear magnetic resonance experiments. The toxicity of this metabolite, as determined by the standardized Microtox® test, was sixfold lower than that of the parent molecule. The 6-hydroxymethabenzthiazuron was not further metabolized by A. niger but was photooxidized with ring cleavage of the aromatic ring and photodimerized on irradiation at λ > 290 nm. In the presence of humic substances, the photodegradation was slower. We demonstrate that the transformations of methabenzthiazuron, observed either with the fungus A. niger or by the action of solar light, do not proceed via the urea chain N-dealkylation, as usually reported, but only via hydroxylation or cleavage of the benzene ring. This work shows the complementarity of both approaches, photo- and biodegradation, to study the fate of herbicides in the environment.
Monitoring in situ biodegradation of benzene and toluene by stable carbon isotope fractionation
Authors: Vieth Andrea , Kästner Matthias , Schirmer Mario , Weiß Holger , Gödeke Stefan , Meckenstock Rainer U. , Richnow Hans H.
Published: March 2010

Intrinsic biodegradation of benzene and toluene in a heavily contaminated aquifer at the site of a former hydrogenation plant was investigated by means of isotope fractionation processes. The carbon isotope compositions of benzene and toluene were monitored in two campaigns within a time period of 12 months to assess the extent of the in situ biodegradation and the stability of the plume over time. The Rayleigh model, applied to calculate the extent of biodegradation and residual theoretical concentrations of toluene, showed that in situ biodegradation was a relevant attenuation process. The biodegradation rate constant for toluene was estimated to be k = 5.7 ± 0.5 μM/d in the groundwater flow path downstream of the source area. The spatial distribution of the carbon isotope composition of benzene indicated that in situ biodegradation occurred at marginal zones of the plume where concentrations were lower than 30 mg/L. The vertical structure of the benzene plume provided evidence for in situ degradation processes at the upper and lower fringes of the plume. The results show that isotope fractionation can be used to quantify the extent of microbial in situ degradation in contaminated aquifers and to develop conceptual models for natural attenuation approaches.
Comparative toxicity of fluoranthene and pentachlorobenzene to three freshwater invertebrates
Authors: Schuler Lance J. , Landrum Peter F. , Lydy Michael J.
Published: March 2010

This study examined the temporal component of pentachlorobenzene lethal body residues among three freshwater invertebrates. Also, using previous fluoranthene data allowed a more detailed examination of the role of biotransformation in lethal body residues and comparisons of lethal residues across chemical classes. Time-dependent toxicity of fluoranthene and pentachlorobenzene were compared among Hyalella azteca, Chironomus tentans, and Diporeia spp. Lethal body residues required for 50% mortality (LR50) were not constant and decreased with exposure time for all species. Fluoranthene was most toxic to C. tentans with LR50 values of 0.38 μmol·g−1 at 2 d to 0.15 μmol·g−1 at 10 d and least toxic to Diporeia spp. with values of 9.97 μmol·g−1 at 10 d to 3.67 μmol·g−1 at 28 d. The LR50 values for H. azteca were intermediate and ranged from 2.25 μmol·g−1 at 5 d to 0.56 μmol·g−1 at 28 d. Pentachlorobenzene LR50 values were less variable among species and ranged from 1.20 μmol·g−1 at 4 d to 0.81 μmol·g−1 at 10 d for C. tentans, 5.0 μmol·g−1 at 20 d and 2.75 μmol·g−1 at 28 d for Diporeia spp., and 1.51 μmol·g−1 at 4 d and 0.71 μmol·g−1 at 28 d for H. azteca. When LR50 values for fluoranthene and pentachlorobenzene were compared at steady state, the lethal residues for the amphipod species were within the range expected for nonpolar narcotic chemicals (anesthetics); however, C. tentans was more sensitive to fluoranthene than pentachlorobenzene, confirming our previous hypothesis that biotransformation of fluoranthene likely produces a metabolite(s) acting by some specific mechanism of action. The information collected from this study allows a greater understanding of residue-response relationships, specifically relative species sensitivities.
Determination of polychlorinated biphenyl and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon elimination rates in adult green and leopard frogs
Authors: Leney Jocelyn L. , Balkwill Karen C. , Drouillard Ken G. , Haffner G. Douglas
Published: March 2010

The purpose of the present study was to quantify elimination kinetics of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in adult green frogs (Rana clamitans) and leopard frogs (Rana pipiens). Three experiments were conducted: PCB elimination rate constants were determined for both frog species, and PAH elimination rate constants were determined for leopard frogs only. In green frogs, significant PCB elimination rate constants ranged from 0.013 to 0.04 d−1 (time for frogs to achieve 90% steady state with water [t90] = 57.8-178.2 d). In leopard frogs, significant PCB elimination rate constants ranged from 0.004 to 0.047 d−1 (t90 = 48.8-657.9 d). Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon elimination in leopard frogs was faster than PCB elimination in either frog species: Significant PAH rate constants ranged from 0.069 to 0.188 d−1 (t90 = 12.2-33.5 d). In both species, and for both PCBs and PAHs, a significant inverse relationship was found between the chemical elimination rate constant and Kow. These results show that adult anurans have relatively low elimination rates of PCBs but exhibit a small capacity for metabolic biotransformation of PAHs that is comparable to that of invertebrates but lower than that of fish. These findings suggest that adult amphibians have the potential to be used as biomonitors for persistent organic chemicals.
Commercially manufactured engineered nanomaterials for environmental and health studies: Important insights provided by independent characterization
Authors: Park Heaweon , Grassian Vicki H.
Published: March 2010

Environmental and health studies on nanomaterials are appearing in the literature at a rapid pace. These studies will address important issues related to the environmental health and safety (EHS) of nanomaterials. As noted in many recent workshop and agency reports, studies devoted toward the environmental fate and transport, nanomaterial–biological interactions, toxicity, and overall risk assessment of nanomaterials should have nanomaterial characterization as a central component of the study design. This aspect of the study design is necessary so that risks associated with nanomaterials can be fully understood and related to specific material properties. For studies that use commercially manufactured nanomaterials, the company often provides characterization data (e.g., chemical composition, phase, and size) of the purchased materials. One question is, how good are these data? Another is, what methods of analysis are used to characterize the properties of commercial nanomaterials? In the present study, some examples are presented that show marked differences between independent characterization of commercially manufactured nanomaterials and that provided by the company. Furthermore, information provided by the manufacturer may be incomplete and nonrepresentative of the entire sample and, in some cases, the information can, in fact, be wrong. Thus, the current study demonstrates an important need for independent characterization data in EHS studies of purchased materials. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2010;29:715–721. © 2009 SETAC
Acute toxicity of a mixture of copper and single-walled carbon nanotubes to Daphnia magna
Authors: Kim Ki T. , Klaine Stephen J. , Lin Sijie , Ke Pu C. , Kim Sang D.
Published: March 2010

Nanomaterials released into the environment will interact with many materials including other contaminants. This may influence bioavailability and fate of both the nanoparticles and the other contaminants. The present study examined the effect of a combination of soluble copper and surface-modified single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) on Daphnia magna. Lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC) was used to modify the surface of SWNTs, reducing the surface hydrophobicity of the tubes and thereby producing a stable aqueous nanoparticle suspension. The toxicity of the nanoparticle–copper (Cu) mixture was determined to be additive. The addition of nontoxic concentration of LPC-SWNTs enhanced the uptake and toxicity of copper. Greater amounts of Cu were shown to accumulate in D. magna upon addition of 0.5 and 1.0 mg/L LPC-SWNTs. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2010;29:122–126. © 2009 SETAC
Liver, gills, and skin histopathology and heavy metal content of the Danube sterlet (Acipenser ruthenus Linnaeus, 1758)
Authors: Poleksic Vesna , Lenhardt Mirjana , Jaric Ivan , Djordjevic Dragana , Gacic Zoran , Cvijanovic Gorcin , Raskovic Bozidar
Published: March 2010

The sterlet (Acipenser ruthenus L.) is a bottom-feeding fish species with a direct exposure to contaminants from water and sediments. Although heavy metal pollution is believed to be one of the main threats to the sterlet population in the Danube River basin, there is a lack of knowledge of the exact impact of heavy metals on their survival. In the present study, effects of heavy metal pollution on sterlet in the Danube basin were assessed as well as the utility of different sterlet organs and tissues as indicators of heavy metal contamination. The sterlet were sampled at three different sites in the Danube basin, in Hungary and Serbia, isolated from each other by dams. Heavy metal analysis included measurement of Cd, As, Pb, Cr, Hg, Cu, Ni, Fe, Mn, and Zn concentrations in sterlet gills, muscle, liver, and intestine, and histopathological analyses comprised assessment and scoring of the extent and intensity of alterations in skin, gills, and liver tissue. Analysis revealed a significant presence of sublethal histopathological changes that were most pronounced in the liver and skin and increased accumulation of heavy metals, with the highest concentrations in the liver. Canonical discriminant analysis showed significant differentiation among the three studied localities, suggesting that the heavy metal concentrations in sterlet populations were site specific. The present study concludes that the accumulation of heavy metals is a response to the presence of these pollutants in the environment, and, together with other pollutants, it affects the vital organs of natural sterlet populations. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2010;29:515–521. © 2009 SETAC
Nonlinear multiple regression methods: a survey and extensions
Authors: Cogger Kenneth O.
Published: March 2010

This paper reviews some nonlinear statistical procedures useful in function approximation, classification, regression and time‐series analysis. Primary emphasis is on piecewise linear models such as multivariate adaptive regression splines, adaptive logic networks, hinging hyperplanes and their conceptual differences. Potential and actual applications of these methods are cited. Software for implementation is discussed, and practical suggestions are given for improvement. Examples show the relative capabilities of the various methods, including their ability for universal approximation. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Using Cs‐137 fingerprinting technique to estimate sediment deposition and erosion rates from Yongkang depression in the karst region of Southwest China
Authors: Bai X.‐Y. , Zhang X.‐B. , Chen H. , He Y.‐B.
Published: March 2010

Understanding the erosion and deposition rates is very important for designing soil and water conservation measures. However, existing methods of assessing the rates of soil loss present many limitations and are difficult to apply to in karst areas, and there is still very little data in this areas. Karst depressions comprise geomorphologically important sources and sinks for sediments and can provide the long‐term history records of environmental changes. But there have been few similar studies focused on its sediments in the world. In this paper, the Cs‐137 technique was employed to estimate the sediment deposition rate of karst depression to assess the surface erosion. The results indicate that the average deposition rate, deposition amount and specific deposit yield for the Yongkang catchments since 1963 were estimated to be 4·32 mm y−1, 3·16 t y−1and 20·53 t km−2 y−1, respectively. The results obtained were consistent with the actual monitoring data of local runoff plots, and confirm the validity of the overall approach. So it was suggested that the mean specific sediment yields of 20 t km−2 y−1 can be representative of the soil loss rates in the regions. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The desire for shared decision making among patients with solid and hematological cancer
Authors: Ernst Jochen , Kuhnt Susanne , Schwarzer Andreas , Aldaoud Ali , Niederwieser Dietger , Mantovani‐Löffler Luisa , Kuchenbecker Doris , Schröder Christina
Published: March 2010

Goal: The desire for shared decision making arises especially for frequently occurring cases of solid cancer. For hematological cancer conditions, there are no analogous results. This study compares the participation patients' desires concerning medical decisions dealing with their solid and hematological tumors.

Patients and Methods: The 533 inpatients with solid cancer (age<65: 61.0%; female: 39.6 %) and 177 patients with hematological cancer (inpatient: 62.1%, outpatient: 37.9%; age<65: 63.3%; female: 42.4%) were given a questionnaire after admission to a hospital or medical practice. The dependent variable was patient preference for control in decision making for eight different medical areas of decision.

Results: Descriptive results showed that patients with solid cancer had a stronger desire to participate in the decisions in six of a total of eight survey fields (p<0.01). When considering medical and socio‐demographic control variables, the multivariate regression shows that the differences between the patient groups remain in all areas (p<0.01). Further predictor variables are educational background and age (p<0.05). No influence resulted from the factors of gender, medical or treatment characteristics.

Conclusion: The results show differences between patients with hematological cancer and patients with solid tumors, and these differences concern the preference to participate in medical decisions. Hemato–oncological patients desire less active participation and prefer a more dominant role of the physician in the various areas requiring decisions. Physicians should respect this in the course of the treatment. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Impact of cancer patients' disease awareness on their family members' health‐related quality of life: a cross‐sectional survey
Authors: Papadopoulos A. , Vrettos I. , Kamposioras K. , Anagnostopoulos F. , Giannopoulos G. , Pectasides D. , Niakas D. , Economopoulos T.
Published: March 2010

Background: Conflicting results exist concerning disease knowledge and patients' quality of life (QOL) while there is very limited information concerning the impact of awareness on caregivers' health‐related quality of life. The aim of this study was to explore the influence of disease awareness on both cancer patients and their caregivers during the period of chemotherapy.

Materials and Methods: Two hundred and twelve cancer patient–caregiver dyads completed the QOL SF‐36 instrument on the day of chemotherapy. Hierarchical multiple linear regression analysis was performed.

Results: Physical component parameters were significantly higher in the family members (p<0.001), while their mental component was lower than cancer patients. Younger patients, females, and of higher educational status were more frequently aware of their disease status while patients with gastrointestinal cancer were more likely to be unaware. Disease knowledge seems to exert a negative influence on patients' physical and mental parameters while lack of awareness affects adversely caregivers' vitality, social function, emotional role, and mental health. Multiple regression analysis confirmed disease awareness affected reversely patients' and caregivers' mental QOL while the counter‐influence of the dyad was revealed.

Conclusions: A holistic approach to cancer management should be followed. Patient's treatment is the major medical concern, but health system and professionals should be involved in the mental and physical support of caregivers as well. Tailored interventions that focus on the support of the dyad patient–caregiver should be developed. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A qualitative analysis of acute skin toxicity among breast cancer radiotherapy patients
Authors: Schnur Julie B. , Ouellette Suzanne C. , DiLorenzo Terry A. , Green Sheryl , Montgomery Guy H.
Published: March 2010

Objectives: One of the most common acute side effects of breast cancer radiotherapy is treatment‐induced skin changes, referred to as skin toxicity. Yet no research to date has focused expressly on skin toxicity‐related quality of life (QOL) in breast cancer radiotherapy patients. Therefore, our aim was to use qualitative approaches to better understand the impact of skin toxicity on QOL.

Methods: Semistructured interviews were conducted with 20 women (Stage 0–III breast cancer), during their last week of external beam radiotherapy. Each interview was transcribed verbatim, and thematic analysis was performed.

Results: Three themes were identified based on the interview responses: First, skin changes affect multiple dimensions of QOL. They cause physical discomfort, body image disturbance, emotional distress, and impair both day‐to‐day functioning and satisfaction with radiation treatment. Second, individual differences affect women's experiences. Generally African American women, younger women, women who are not currently in a relationship, women who are being treated during the summer, and women who are more invested in their appearance are more distressed by skin toxicity. Third, women use a variety of symptom management strategies including self‐medication, complementary/alternative medicine approaches, and psychological strategies.

Conclusions: Implications of results are as follows: (1) skin toxicity affects numerous dimensions of QOL, and assessment approaches and psychosocial interventions should address this; (2) individual differences may affect the experience of skin toxicity and should be considered in treatment and education approaches; and (3) participants' own creativity and problem‐solving should be used to improve the treatment experience. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Simultaneous detection of cyanide and heavy metals for environmental analysis by means of µISEs
Authors: Turek Monika , Heiden Wolfgang , Guo Sharon , Riesen Alfred , Schubert Jürgen , Zander Willi , Krüger Peter , Keusgen Michael , Schöning Michael J.
Published: March 2010

In environmental analysis, cyanide and heavy metals play an important role, because these substances are highly toxic for biological systems. They can lead to chronic and acute diseases. Due to the chemical properties of cyanide it is frequently used for industrial processes such as extraction of silver and gold. Heavy metals can be found as trace elements in nature and are often applied in industries e.g., galvanization processes. Up to now, cyanide and heavy metals can be detected by several sensors separately and their detection is often limited to laboratory investigations. In this publication, with regard to an in situ analysis, a new miniaturized silicon‐based sensor system for the simultaneous detection of cyanide and heavy metals in aqueous solutions is presented that is based on chalcogenide glass‐based micro ion‐selective electrodes (µISEs). The µISEs are incorporated into a specially designed measuring system for the simultaneous detection of heavy metals and cyanide in solutions and validated by simultaneous measurements of Cu2+‐ and CN−‐ions, Cd2+‐ and CN−‐ ions and Pb2+‐ and CN−‐ions. The particular sensor system has shown good sensor properties in the µ‐molar ion‐concentration range. For simultaneous measurements in complex heavy metal and cyanide solutions an intelligent software using fuzzy logic is discussed.
Remote‐controlled vascular interventional surgery robot
Authors: Wang Tianmiao , Zhang Dapeng , Da Liu
Published: March 2010

Background

Conventional vascular interventional surgery (VIS) is manually performed under fluoroscopic guidance, requiring lead protection for the surgeons. A remote‐control vascular interventional surgery robot (VISR) which can remotely, safely and precisely perform VIS would have clear advantages.

Methods

Our robot adopts a master–slave structure. The surgeon sits at the master site, sending controlling instructions to the robot fixed at the slave site, then the robot translates these instructions into catheter motion. The robotic mechanism consists of a supporting manipulator and a catheter navigator; the former adjusts the robot's spatial position, while the latter controls the translation and rotation of the catheter. A 3D vascular model is reconstructed so that the surgeon can perform surgical planning easily. In addition, the tactile force between catheter tip and blood vessel is measured, which prevents the surgeon damaging delicate vessels. In glass model and animal experiments, the surgeon remotely controlled VISR, which inserted a catheter into predefined targets, and the robotic surgery time was measured.

Results

The robot was initially tested on a transparent glass vascular model. Under robotic manipulation, the catheter can enter an arbitrary branch of the vascular model and catheter motion can meet the requirements of clinical VIS. Then robotic surgery was performed successfully in an adult dog. Surgery time to access each of the five targets, viz. renal artery, left atrium, right atrium, left ventricle and right ventricle, was measured. Compared with conventional manual surgery, robotic surgery time is a little longer.

Conclusions

The experiments show the feasibility and safety of the VISR to facilitate navigation, position precisely and control catheters to specific regions. The VISR system offers surgeon radiation safety and minimizes surgeon‐based error. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Silicate‐based post‐anodic treatment for lithographic application
Authors: Gaggiano R. , Moriamé P. , Vandendael I. , de Graeve I. , Terryn H.
Published: March 2010

Sodium silicate solutions are widely used chemicals for a variety of applications. In particular, they are commonly used in pre‐treatments of aluminium alloys as cleaners and corrosion inhibitors. Another application is found in offset printing, where after graining and anodising, a silicate‐based post‐anodic treatment (PAT) is considered to optimise the aluminium plate characteristics. It is, however, not clear what type of interaction takes place between the oxide‐covered aluminium and the silicate solution. In this work, silicate‐based PAT is studied. Different barrier‐type and porous‐type aluminium oxides are silicate‐treated by dipping in a water‐based sodium silicate solution and the effect of time on the deposition is studied. Particular attention is given to the role of rinsing when the alumina surface is washed in water after the silicate treatment. A good understanding of the role of rinsing allows us to obtain information on the characteristics of the silicate layer which is formed after dipping. The surface modifications induced by the silicate treatment on the aluminium oxides were monitored by means of field emission scanning electron microscopy and infrared spectroscopic ellipsometry. Quantitative measurements on the amount of deposited silicate were taken by X‐ray fluorescence, and relative comparisons between different oxides are shown. Auger electron spectroscopy was used to study the in‐depth composition of the silicate deposition. Experiments show a high affinity of the silicate to the anodic oxide film. A thin nanometric chemisorbed (alumino)silicate layer is present on the surface after rinsing, while the physisorbed part of the layer is washed away. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Water‐based ZrO2 pretreatment for AA2024 aluminum alloy
Authors: Andreatta F. , Paussa L. , Aldighieri P. , Lanzutti A. , Ondratschek D. , Fedrizzi L.
Published: March 2010

Design, development and scale‐up of environmentally friendly coatings are very important in order to replace chromate‐based coatings for aluminum alloys. Sol–gel materials are candidates for use in protective coating applications, as it is possible to form highly adherent and chemically inert oxide films on metal substrates. ZrO2 pretreatments were developed by means of sol–gel technology. An inorganic salt was employed as Zr precursor in an aqueous solution. The deposition was initially carried out on AA2024 by means of dip and spray technology at laboratory scale. Corrosion inhibitors were introduced to improve corrosion behavior of the films. At a later stage, coating deposition was carried out with a robot‐controlled air‐pressure gun in spraying cabins in order to evaluate industrial production of the pretreatments. Film morphology and composition were investigated by means of SEM‐EDXS and GDOES. The electrochemical behavior of the ZrO2 pretreatments was investigated by means of potentiodynamic polarization. The water‐based ZrO2 pretreatment investigated in this work is thin and well adherent on the substrate. Barrier properties are similar to those of chromate conversion coating. Results on samples produced with robot‐controlled air‐pressure gun indicate that ZrO2 pretreatments are suitable for industrial application. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Validation of a fast scanning technique for corrosion inhibitor selection: influence of cross‐contamination on AA2024‐T3
Authors: Garcia S. J. , Muster T. H. , Hughes A. E. , White P. A. , Lau D. , Markley T. , Harvey T. , Sherman N. , Hardin S. , Corrigan P. , Glenn M. , Mardel J. , Terryn H. , de Wit J. H. W. , Mol J. M. C.
Published: March 2010

Aiming the assessment of novel, environmentally friendly corrosion inhibitors that can substitute chromate‐based ones, this work describes and validates a method for the rapid screening of water‐soluble inhibitors. The technique involves a fixed potential being applied between identical electrodes while immersed in an inhibitive solution and with the absence of a reference electrode. The current flowing between the electrodes is measured and the combined electrochemical response of the anodic and cathodic reactions, with and without the inhibitor, is then characterized. The incorporation of nine pairs of different metallic wires into a single assembly enables the effect of inhibitors on different metals to be assessed rapidly. The methodology presented allows approximately 30 electrochemical experiments to be performed per hour. In order to prove the usefulness of the proposed rapid screening technique (multielectrode), results obtained with the multielectrode are validated by comparison to the results obtained with a single electrode using only AA2024‐T3. The accuracy, reproducibility and parameter dependence has been assessed with the variation of inhibitor type and solution pH. Low absolute errors are found when studying inhibitors with good performance, giving confidence that no good inhibitors would be missed by this rapid screening method. The effect of cross‐contamination has been assessed and found to be negligible for almost all the pH range. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Electrodeposition and the properties of composite Zn + Ni coatings
Authors: Panek Joanna , Bierska‐Piech Bożena , Ła̧giewka Eugeniusz , Budniok Antoni
Published: March 2010

Composite Zn + Ni coatings were obtained by electrodeposition of Zn with Ni particles on a steel substrate from a zinc chloride based electrolyte in which metallic Ni powder was suspended by mechanical stirring. The deposition was carried out under galvanostatic conditions. The effect of the metal powder amount in the bath, as well as the deposition current density, on the content of incorporated Ni particles in the coatings was investigated. The deposits have been characterized by the presence of Ni particles embedded into the crystalline Zn matrix. The mechanism of metallic particles' embedding was explained on the base of Zn2+ ions adsorption process. The surface morphology of the obtained coatings was investigated by SEM method.

The deposited composite coatings were subjected to the thermal treatment in order to carry out the reaction in the solid state between the zinc matrix and incorporated Ni particles and to reach the better homogeneity of the examined material.

The corrosion resistance properties of Zn and Zn + Ni coatings in 5% NaCl solution were compared by examining the results acquired through Stern method and electrochemical scanning methods. The corrosion potential Ecorr, corrosion current density icorr and polarization resistance Rp have been determined, as a measure of corrosion resistance. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
AES of thin oxide layers on a duplex stainless steel surface
Authors: Mandrino Djordje , Donik Črtomir , Jenko Monika
Published: March 2010

Thin oxide layers were produced by exposing polished and ion‐sputtered duplex stainless steel surfaces to ambient conditions for 24 h. Another type of oxide layer was produced in a plasma passivation chamber. These layers were then studied using SEM and high‐resolution Auger electron spectroscopy (AES) profiling. The exposure under ambient conditions and the plasma passivation procedure produced broadly similar layers with thicknesses up to several nanometers. A stratified structure was observed for the Fe‐oxide/Cr‐oxide layers. The results were compared with those obtained in an x‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) study of the same system. Linear least‐squares fitting was used to resolve the partially overlapping O and Cr Auger peaks at 510 and 530 eV, thus improving the accuracy of the AES depth profile. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Amine species on self‐assembled monolayers of ω‐aminothiolates on gold as identified by XPS and NEXAFS spectroscopy
Authors: Dietrich Paul M. , Graf Nora , Gross Thomas , Lippitz Andreas , Krakert Simone , Schüpbach Björn , Terfort Andreas , Unger Wolfgang E. S.
Published: March 2010

Functionalised surfaces are of interest in many fields, e.g. in biomedicine, materials science and molecular electronics. In this study a series of self‐assembled aliphatic and aromatic monolayers on gold substrates with terminal amino groups was investigated. Four different thiol molecules were used: aliphatic 11‐aminoundecane‐1‐thiol (AUDT), aromatic 4‐aminobenzenethiol (ABT) and aromatic ω‐amino thiols with an alkyl spacer as 4‐aminophenylbutane‐1‐thiol (APBT) and 3‐(4″‐amino‐1,1′:4′,1″‐terphenyl‐4‐yl)propane‐1‐thiol (ATPT). Evaluation of N 1s XPS data revealed that on the aromatic self‐assembled monolayers (SAMs) amino groups exist preferentially as primary amines, whereas on the aliphatic SAM protonated and/or hydrogen‐bonded amines are the major species. This result is crosschecked by N K edge near edge X‐ray absorption fine structure (NEXAFS) spectroscopy and can be rationalised by the different basicity of aliphatic and aromatic amines. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Preparation of HDTMA‐bentonite: Characterization studies and its adsorption behavior toward dibenzofuran
Authors: Erdem Bilge , Özcan A. Safa , Özcan Adnan
Published: March 2010

Bentonite is one of the most commonly used raw materials in the water treatment processes because of its low cost, easily availability and high mechanical and chemical stability. In this study, natural bentonite was modified with a large organic surfactant, which is hexadecyltrimethyl ammonium (HDTMA) bromide. The modified bentonite was called organobentonite. The surface characterization of natural bentonite and HDTMA‐bentonite was examined by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, X‐ray diffractometry (XRD), Brunauer‐Emmett‐Teller (BET) and thermogravimetric (TG) analysis. FTIR spectroscopy showed the existence of HDTMA functional groups on bentonite surface. XRD results revealed randomly lateral‐monolayer arrangements of the intercalated alkylammonium cation. The BET surface area significantly decreased after the modification due to the coverage of the pores of natural bentonite. Differences in the differential thermogravimetric (DTG) peaks for natural‐ and HDTMA‐bentonite were observed and interpreted. HDTMA‐bentonite was then tested as an adsorbent for the removal of organic compounds such as dibenzofuran (DBF) from aqueous solutions. The amount of adsorption for HDTMA‐bentonite was found to be around 20 times higher than that of natural bentonite in 10 mg dm−3 DBF solution at 20 °C. The adsorption kinetics of DBF onto HDTMA‐bentonite was also studied at 20, 30 and 40 °C and thermodynamic parameters were calculated. The overall adsorption process was exothermic and physical in nature. The results indicate that HDTMA‐bentonite is an effective and a low‐cost adsorbent for the removal of heterocyclic aromatic compounds such as DBF. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.